Bonsai Bar & Lounge

For starter, we had a reservation at 6:45. Walk in- Order drinks- which were good, but in stainless steel Martini "Glasses." The drinks weren't bad, but when we walked there was only one table in there with us. We ordered, and sat around, and then the server/bartender informs they're out of ingredients for the starter, so we chose a fried rice instead, which was overcooked. Our food took an hour to come out, and the excuse we were given was that a lot of orders came in at the same time. Methinks no. The other tables came 20-30 after we arrived, and the table before actually all sent back their entree, and then our food came out. The meat wasn't that great, and the food was bland and overall overpriced.  I think this place need to rethink its concept, and probably stick to being a bar, and shut down their "restaurant."

It was an honor and a treat to be among the first to experience Bonsai's brand new Sunday brunch. $25 includes unlimited mimosas, with a martini or saki flight, and a wide array of starters, entrees and sides from which to choose.

  We walked into a large, open space dining area, with comfortable seating and a perfect music mix! The friendly, beautiful staff catered to our every whim, and not even picky food requests frazzled them. Linden and Kyra danced their way to our hearts as they brought us drinks and food with professional, warm friendliness. Chad and Steve, the perfect bartender hosts, kept our glasses as full and smiles on our faces.

  The food was surprisingly well prepared. Asian flair with a western kick, the culinary ideas are new, not obvious, and expertly prepared. Pick from starters, entrees and sides. I had the vegetarian scrambled egg fried rice and my date had the wontons. Delicious, well-sized servings, with just enough spice to make our tongues dance. And the hash (that's right, hash) was creamy and flavorful (great way to calm that hangover).

  And let's talk about that drink menu! The expansive list featured creative selections for every taste, you get to pick three to complete your martini or saki flight. It's hard to decide with all the mouth-watering options (and constant mimosa distractions).
It was the first day and, even with the kinks, the experience was well worth it. We can't wait to go back! Bonsai's brunch is sure to become one of the main Lakeview brunch events.

We dined here on a Groupon, I think the only other people in the place were friends with the bartenders that were drinking for free.  The server recommended a cucumber martini but they were out of cucumbers.  They were also out of ingredients for 2 of the small plates we tried to order.  

The atmosphere lacks any kind of identity- the furniture is an awkward arrangement of cheap looking plush couches, high tables, and ottomans and the place is lofty and loud.  

I'm not sure the menu is what I'd consider "bar food" but the food that we ordered was actually better than I expected.  We got a cashew pepper chicken dish that was pretty good.  

The martini menu was pretty limited for anyone who wants something other than vodka, and at $10+ per martini, I'd rather go 2 doors down to Taverna 750 where you can get a real drink.  Sadly, I don't think this place will last long.