Forbidden City

05/22/08

Great food, fun atmosphere

by desieclipse at Citysearch

I've been to this place several times in the evening & once for a concert by a local band "Happy Fun Smile". I love coming here, but I especially loved it when HFS played because it was Japanese eclectic pop fusion & the energy was great. Food & drinks here are excellent as well as friendly service. It's a little tough to get their attention sometimes when you are at the bar because it's an immense bar space (considering the place is tiny). I definitely recommend sitting at the bar, as the tables are in the back and there's more energy up front. A great place to have a drink or an app or pre-game before going out. I recommend the dumplings and the sake menu.

• Pros: upscale bar food, reasonably priced, neighborhood
• Cons: small space, only 2 bartenders for immense oval bar

01/07/08

Great Birthday Spot!

by holleratanerd at Citysearch

I had my 30th Bday party here in Dec. It was between Forbidden City and another asian influenced restaurant/lounge venue. The reason I chose FC, and so glad I did, was for 2 reasons:

1. Cost - great dinner and many drinks, $60 pp

2. Manager - Ron

As most of you are aware, birthday dinners get expensive. Not just the dinner, but primarily the drinking. And at most of these venues with fun cocktails the cocktails are $10 a pop or more... FC not withstanding... BUT... Ron (night mgr) worked with me on a HAPPY HOUR RATE on the cocktails for a few hours - $7 Stoli cocktails rather than $10!!! He was very accomodating and just reassured me that we would have a great time. And we absolutely did!

Plus the food was inexpensive and delish. And its the perfect food for a bday party that was going to continue all night since they have mostly light dishes and a great selection of dumplings & apps. MUST GET THE CALAMARI!

The venue itself is more restaurant/bar then restaurant/lounge with a casual fun asian decor and bar nightlife. They allowed us to have fun without being all pretenious and stuffy like I knew the other more upscale venue would be.

So that is why I'm SOOO GLAD we went with FC and I had an GREAT BDAY!

• Pros: Price and Friendly Staff
• Cons: Only 2 bathrooms and weekends are busy

11/17/07

great staff

by iris_sky at Citysearch

first time coming there ,looked it up on the net ,great reviues ,wanted to try it..My friend loved the music as soon as we got in,had reservation so were seated promtly. I guess they are short on staff , it took a lil while for the food to come but it was delicious( the smoked duck,friend had a chicken salad ,!!!! i had the short ribs (liked it a lot ), just as someone mentioned ,portions are small but yummy).They had my faivorite beer which gets me soooooooooo drunk :ASAHI, huge bottles .They have it by my house in these huge cans too ,so i was extra happy). Very nice waitreses(one with highlights, and the taller one too), when we had a lil problem with our order , they brought out these shots of apple tequila, without question to make up for the problem ,plus eventually they took the drinks of the tab, great people that really know how to run a business( i want to say thank you guys!). Music was really good , a bit loud and thats exactly how i like it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. atmosphere rocks ,small portions but goes well with liquoer .More of a bar than a restaurant and if you look at it like that be prepared to drink ~! good times.

• Pros: everything
• Cons: short on staff,but its ok

10/19/07

don't let the asian crowd intimidate you...must try the food.

by eastvillfoodcritic at Citysearch

don't let the asian crowd intimidate you. the decor is warm yet sleek. mission was to drink on a wednesday night however, we ended up getting some late-night appetizers. surprisingly the food was delish! you can't really mess up on edamane and they cook it just right! try the pork and shrimp steamed shumai and smoked salmon box. richness in flavor yet not greasy. they give generous portions! ribeye steak was good but i'm not much of a meat eater. i can't wait to try other appetizers and entrees on the menu!

• Pros: sit by the bar and enjoy drinks, appetizers & dj
• Cons: can be a bit loud in there

01/08/07

Great place to be in Alphabet city

by oh_holden at Citysearch

If you're looking to get away from other areas of Manhattan then this is the place to be. The food is great although it's more appropriate for snacking more than anything else. They have great beers on tap along with an extensive cocktail list. Prices are reasonable and service is quick.

• Pros: Good music, service, food and drinks
• Cons: It might get kind of cramped if you go with a large group

11/12/06

good for singles

by thinkecommerce at Citysearch

don't ever go during the weekend prime hours. it is absolutely uncomfortably crowded. it's an asian singles hangout. don't bring your girlfriend or boyfriend, unless you want drama. the drinks are good, but the fact it's so crowded you can't really enjoy it. go if your single, don't go if you're not.

• Pros: good looking asian people, fun environment
• Cons: too crowded

08/02/06

Late Night Dim Sum

by maxamillionthegreat at Citysearch

Had a great time here last night after the Yanks game. The food was great, the beer was cold, and the service was prompt. As always, Forbidden City doesn't dissapoint.

• Pros: Open Late
• Cons: None in Philadelphia

08/01/06

great food and great people

by rancheta at Citysearch

Looking for a good date place or spot to have weekend fun. I went here twice in one week and had a blast on both occassions. My girl and I heard from a friend about forbidden city. This almost hidden spot has asian fusion food and my girl loved the cocktails........ the dumpling sampler, black cod, and salt and pepper squid were amazing. The employees were friendly and fun. They recommended we come on the weekend to see their nightlife. Second visit, they had a Dj and the place was packed. Great music, great food, great cocktails, and great service. This place is a must for a date!!!! Night life????? I going again friday!

• Pros: dumplings, cocktails, service
• Cons: none

08/01/06

great mixed crowd and atmosphere

by sachan at Citysearch

went there on both friday and saturday nights this past weekend. the dj was playing great music the whole night and the crowd was really into it. good looking girls and lively staff. my date and i had the dumpling tasting which was of chinatown authenticity. try the green tea and lychee martinis when you're there

• Pros: good crowd, good music, original drinks
• Cons: tough to get a seat during the weekend

12/01/05

Great Bar!

by suebeelin at Citysearch

I love this place-- it's a great bar-- fun, accomodating, and open till 4am!! Not too upscale, but nice enough that it isn't grungy... and very fun!

• Pros: sake, reasonable price