Namu

Namu offers an extensive menu of Thai, Korean and Japanese flavors complemented by Asian beers and wines and a full bar. The atmosphere and food presentation will impress your date, and the generous portions will leave you more than satisfied. 

When to Go: If you don't mind parking far away and walking through the snow, Namu is great for a weekend date. Because of its cozy size, you might have to wait for a table at peak times. But you could grab a drink at the bar or check out the funky clothes at nearby Urban Outfitters while you wait. Namu is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 3 p.m to 9 p.m. It is closed on Monday. The bottom line: Go whenever you're craving Asian food, but wait until about 8 p.m. if you want a seat right away.

On Tap: If you haven't already, now is your chance to try the traditional Japanese rice alcohol, sake. Namu offers several sake options, which you can have chilled or hot. For $4 you get about four shots of sake. Beer lovers have about a dozen choices, all of which are Asian. Wine is served by the glass or bottle. There is also a full bar but if you are looking for a signature cocktail or drink special, you'll have to look elsewhere - Namu no longer has a bartender, so keep your drink orders on the simple side. If non-alcoholic drinks are more your speed, you might want to try one of their Asian sodas or a hot tea. The bottom line: The perfect place to taste the Orient, one shot or sip at a time.  

Blue Plate Special: Whether you are a sushi connoisseur or a casual Asian-food observer, the lengthly menu at Namu is sure to offer something you'll like. Dinner entrees average $16, but portions are healthy. Thai food lovers will find the pad thai to be familiar yet refreshing; it is chock full of vegetables like mushrooms and broccoli, so mom would be proud. Sushi comes straight from the chefs at next-door Sakana-Ya, with rolls ranging from the $6 California roll to the special roll of the day for about $20. Whatever you order, be sure to add a miso soup ($3) and a house salad ($3) topped with freshly made ginger dressing. The bottom line: Asian food lovers will have to return multiple times to try everything that looks good.  

The Scene: Wood floors and walls surround this small but upscale dining room. Beer and wine bottles glow in the low light from the hanging lamps. Snow falling outside makes the perfect complement to the romantic atmosphere inside. On a Saturday night, couples are the norm, but some online reviews say the waitstaff is family friendly as well. The bottom line: Bring whomever you want, but you risk falling in love.  

The Crew: Wait staff are friendly and attentive enough. The bottom line: The food is the main attraction here.

The Crowd: Young professionals and well-dressed students.The bottom line: The button-down crowd will feel right at home.

The Deets: Namu is wheelchair accessible. Wi-Fi is not available. All major credit cards and cash are accepted. The bottom line: Delicious food in a cozy, hip setting.

Profile by Jessica Palombo