Hidden Tiger

Now the secert behind Cafe joah is the amazing Speakeasy know as hidden tiger. Literally one of my favorite spots to visit when down in NYC LES, quick fun fact how I learned about hidden tiger was the legendary Keith Shocklee of Public Enemy ans Bomb squad took RDF and myself there to meet his producer Studdah man and we just feel in love with the vibez, the music and the food OMG the wings are a must have and the bao buns and to start it off right have the mango mochi before the wings cause as RDF says we big kids here, plus who don't like dessert before food. Most nights there is a live dj and on the weekend you never know who you will see there just chilling and enjoying the iconic vibez that Fat Buddha has paved for hidden tiger to keep alive.

Rina was amazing, even though the place was packed and she was by herself she managed to serve us in a timely fashion and her hospitality was unmatched. Truly a 10/10

I was searching for someplace different, and I read the description of Hidden Tiger, it seemed very interesting and fun...major disappointment. You walk thru an ice cream or cookie shop. Into the restaurant. Right away, the waiter listed about 9 cocktails they did not have. My date ordered a margarita. It came with the posted picture, brown lime. I asked the service nicely not to serve my date with a brown lime again. He did it twice more. The chicken wings were unseasoned before frying, and the sauce that was included was missing from quite a few pieces. The filling of the bao was decent, and the roll itself was served cold. The duck spring rolls were okay. As it got later, it started to draw a crowd. The music turned up so loud at one point, we couldn't hear each other. I was really disappointed. What a waste of money, but more importantly, a waste of time.

It's definitely not Fat Buddha anymore. I was asked by the bouncer to put my coat back on because a customer claimed to be upset by my solid black tank top. Weird explanation - either ignore customers who are scandalized by a tank top or just explain that you are dress coding me. Never thought I'd see the day where I get dress coded in the East Village, on Ave A no less. I've walked into some fancy cocktail joints in this neighborhood in Homer Simpson pajamas and chanclas. Bartender was wearing a Tshirt and the other a hoodie. I'm supposed to be dressed more formal than them? Lame. Then the bouncer, seemingly trying to buy a tip, awkwardly offers to buy drinks, but only gives my wife a shot, rather than both of us. Menu is decent. Cocktail menu could be a lil more daring, but is good 'nuff.

Hidden Tiger - Frozen Dragon. I showed up shortly after 7PM and was curious as to why no one was there, not even a staff member. After a few minute the bar tender appeared and told me and a friend to sit wherever we wanted. It quickly dawned on me that there was essentially no heat in this restaurant on a frigid January night. That coupled with loud music, a disco ball, and Christmas lights, makes for jarring experience in a completely empty restaurant. Despite the menu looking intriguing, I could not compel myself to stay for more than one round of drinks and an immediate audible to another restaurant. What a strange place.

Hosted my bday party here back in October 🙂 Really cute speakeasy vibe - great vibes, music, and drinks. Shoutout Ethan Kim for hooking me up!

Overall rating: 4.998 Omg I’m obsessed with this place. I never heard of it before and so happy my date introduced me to it. First, true speakeasy 🥹 Second, the bao buns are sooo good. Like I’m surprised, good. We went in the early hours after work, so it was pretty empty. But that didn’t change the vibe at all. The bartender was so nice. We just had one round of drinks. The old fashioned was stronngggg. I really liked my cocktail. Very tasteful. Also the seats were so comfortable! Will definitely be coming back soon, highly recommend.