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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

EXP Restaurant + Bar

EXP restaurant + bar opened last summer with the goal of being a restaurant where you could play games while you dine and drink, and generally just have a merry time. However, with certain laws, they couldn't implement the whole dining/drinking + gaming thing (*shakes fist at government*). But, fret not, this is still an excellent place to dine and drink! (And also a little bit of gaming, more on that later)

The interior of the restaurant is great; the walls are decorated with video game characters, there is video game paraphernalia scattered around, and televisions everywhere showing gameplay footage. A large projector screen at the back of the restaurant (and also several of the televisions) are hooked up to display input from an xbox at the front of the restaurant. Yes, there is a game console, and yes, you can play it! (It's not technically in the dining area, which is probably why it's allowed.) They have Capcom VS. Marvel, Streetfighter IV, and other games as well.

The menus (food and drinks) are also a delight to read. Without further delay, lets get on to the food reviews!

First, the Chrono Chicken Bites (with Frank's Red Hot):



This was the only disappointing dish. The chicken was not crispy as the menu claimed, it was slightly tough to chew, the dip lacked flavor, and the veggies tasted slightly burnt. It wasn't bad, but I likely won't be getting it again.

Next up, some EXP Gourmet Popcorn (caramel corn)!



This was sooo good, the popcorn had just the right amount of crunch and just the right amount of caramel. It came nice and warm, and in a fairly large bucket for just $2.50. Definitely will be getting this again!

Now for the burgers. First up, the Chocobo Chicken Burger:


Crunchy garlic chicken breast with bacon, honey mustard, mayo, and lettuce

Absolutely delicious. The chicken was so crispy on the outside but tender on the inside, and the honey mustard complemented it perfectly. The fries were good as well, kind of McDonalds-ish, but I do like McDonalds fries.

Next burger was the Raging Demon Spicy Chicken Sandwich:


Grilled Cajun chicken breast, jalapeno jack cheese, fried jalapeno and garlic with fresh avocado

This. Was. Awesome. If you like spicy, you'll love this. If you're like me, then you'll pick out the jalapenos after burning your mouth biting into one. But no matter, I could still tell that this was delicious! Sooo incredibly flavorful, the chicken was seasoned perfectly and the jalapenos added an incredible flavor (even after picking them off). The salad was also really good (greens with tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette - it's supposed to come with beets but I asked for tomatoes instead).

Now, onto the drinks! Yes, I tried a lot of them, but they're just so hard to resist! First, the Phoenix Down shot:


Raspberry sourpuss, Bols Banana Liqeur, Triple Sec

This was very sweet and very banana-y. Tasted slightly syrupy and was hard for me to throw down (because of the sweetness), but if you like really sweet things, then this would be a great shot for you.

Second, Megalixir:


Frangelico, Chambord, strawberry juice, berry mixture

The taste of Franglico and Chambord in this drink were waaay overpowering, I couldn't taste any of the strawberry juice or berry mixture, it tasted kind of like those horrible chocolates with the cherry filling that nobody wants to eat. Do not recommend.

Third, the Thundara:


Smirnoff Citrus, Blue Curacao, Peach Schnapps, 7UP, soda, rimmed with Pop Rocks

I quite liked this - it had a slightly sweet, refreshing kind of taste, and I loved the Pop Rocks!

Lastly, Most Wanted:


Barefoot Pino Grigio, Peach Schnapps, orange juice, pineapple juice, 7UP

I liked this as well. It tasted kind of just like an alcoholic pineapple juice with a tiny dab of other flavors, but it was still quite good.

The service at EXP is excellent, the staff is very friendly and the food arrives at the table in a timely manner. There is also a points card you can get (for free!) to accumulate points with every visit, and redeem them for discounts on food and drinks.

EXP also has special events now and then, and also themed nights, check their Facebook page for more info!

EXP Restaurant + Bar on Urbanspoon

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