08/02/09

Great food and great service

by bigalm

My husband searched for dim sum or just dumplings in brooklyn on his i-phone and found Chance. It was a Saturday afternoon and we did not feel like going into manhattan so we gave Chance a chance. Our party of 3 was seating quickly, but the place was empty so that's no biggie. The waiter was pleasant and polite and answered all of our questions. The dumplings were hot and delicious, especially the shrimp and crabmeat dumpling that contained a warm broth and had to be eaten with a spoon. My husband enjoyed the hot and sour soup so much that he ordered a second cup. Lastly, I left my reading glasses on the table. Another waiter ran after me on Smith to return them to me.

I'm thinking of going back for my birthday in a few weeks with friends. However, after reading some of the reviews, I will give it another try one evening to make sure what we experience was not a fluke. All in all, we left this meal extremely happy!

• Pros: Great dumplings

02/18/09

Worst Service EVER

by 246mag

i stopped in with a couple friends for drinks & apps at the bar, it was horrendous. The place was empty, the bartender kept looking at us & nodding, so we thought he was coming over...10 minutes, still no menu, no water...got up asked for menus...nod...5 minutes later, menus. our other friends showed up, we waved, because clearly patience was not the key to service in this place...tried to order drinks, bartender at this point, was in 'deep' conversation with a server. I've been working in rest. for a long time, & eating out for longer, i have a high tolerance for bad service, but never in my life have i experienced something like this. We ended up leaving after 20 + minutes w/out having had or odered 1 drink in an empty bar.

Worst part is we decided to give it another 'chance' & the food wasn't all that bad for the 'hood...to bad i'll never step foot in there again!

• Pros: none
• Cons: SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE

09/14/08

Avoid.

by cubbynewyork79

The food was disgusting. I ordered the crab appetizer because it had been recommended in a magazine review. It tasted like old, dirty sea water on a stale cracker... Then, after the waiter's rec, I ordered a sea scallop dish. It, too, was inedible. I expected just a handful of scallops, but it arrived packed with two dozen small and gooey bites. Normally, I can eat pretty much anything, but this was pathetic especially given the price.

08/04/08

Most Underrated Restaurant on Smith Street!!!

by elaine675

My girlfriends and I LOVE Smith Street and have been hanging out at the bars and restaurants there for years now. It was only this summer that we stumbled upon Chance...and we can't get enough of it! During the week, we come by after work for their happy hour special at the bar. $5 mojitos!!! I usually spend 9 or MORE at other places and they don't even make them right...these mojitos are the best I've had AND cheap! Their non-happy-hour-drinks are a few dollars more but well worth it. I love their lychee martini and pomegranate mojitos - yummy. And if you like asian cuisine, this place has everything. Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and more. Weekends they get pretty busy, so it's good to make reservations when coming in groups. They have outdoor seating which is really nice when the weather permits (and if it's not already full!), but the inside is just as nice though...cute decor, great music, candles, etc. The service here is ALWAYS good, they are friendly and accommodating. I've never had a problem. My only wish is that we would have discovered this place sooner!!!

• Pros: Great food, great drinks, great service, great prices!
• Cons: Busy on weekends, make reservations!

07/06/08

Disappointed!

by AlbertoConnell

Service is inconsistent and inattentive.

The food is also inconsistent.

A few dollars more than it should be.

Better elsewhere. Disappointed

05/11/08

Great place, doesn't have to be pricy

by mrsdalloway

This is one of my go-to spots in the neighborhood for just plain good food. The service is friendly and there are enough low price options that it doesn't have to be a lot to get a good meal.

02/16/08

Good food, didn't disappoint

by member005

Went here for my 1st anniversary. Food was pretty good, service was alright. It was pretty romantic, tables were kind of close together though. I had fish & the chocolate souffle which was awesome. It was good for the price. Hard to find though, the address wasn't in order when we went down the street, it's actually a block up from the street numbers... and kind of hidden. BUT worth it.

• Pros: good food, great ambiance
• Cons: close tables

02/11/08

Great cuisine and service-

by bedsutyboogie

I really like going to Chance and it always makes a great impression on my friends or co-workers. I love to order the crusted salmon which is a treat, and the Chicken Satay. The drinks are mixed well and the service is terrific. I enjoy dining with friends but must say it's hard to resist a warm smile and hello I always get when sitting at the bar. I find the food and staff much to my personal liking and would recommend using this place for any social occassion.

• Pros: ambience, parking, service,

01/09/08

Great Bartender and food

by traciesm

Ignore the bad reviews...they must have been from days of different staff. I have been going to Chance for over 5 months and it is one of the best restaurants on Smith St. The Chilean Sea Bass with spicy miso sauce is fresh, delicious and the best on the menu. Their dim-sum selection is large and of course, tasty. Veggie fried rice is full of fresh veggies, not the "squared veggie nuggets" found in other places and it is CHEAP, filling and the best I have eaten anywhere. Every dish is cooked to order and worth the quick wait. The staff is friendly and helpful, and will take care of you. Dining alone? Pull up to the bar to get a drink and dinner from the best bartender on Smith. Frank knows how to pour a "mean" martini, "mash" a fresh mojito or "mix and shake" anything else you can think of. He is also great with menu suggestions, likes to hold a conversation and will take care of your needs. There is also "Happy Hour" at the bar on Sunday - Thursday - great way to try new wines or drinks. If you are looking for "bistro" Asian food - CHANCE is worth your time.

• Pros: Bartender, Tasty Food, Delightful Drinks
• Cons: Can be loud if really busy

09/27/07

Nice staff, good drinks

by seraphina31

Love their coconut cosmos -- I also thought the appetizers (we didn't eat a whole meal) were pretty good too. The staff was really nice and friendly, and were totally on top of the ball. I'm definitely going back...

• Pros: Drinks, staff
• Cons: A little loud with the windows open