ninamazing’s food & booze recommendations.

You can check out the rest of my glorious reviews over at Yelp—the best place to find reviews on just about anything! But here’s a quick taste…

1. Grand: what can I say? This is my go-to bar and the best place to experience a black-out. It’s a bi-level resto housed in an old department store. The bartenders are good at getting you drunk-y. The people in here are all over the charts; 30something cougars, meatheads, sluts, preppy jerks, a mélange and I think that’s what makes it a good time. The music…well I never remember hearing music but I know it’s playing. BONUS: the food is phenomenal.

2. Twenty: I’ve eaten here on several occasions [because I wanted to make sure they weren't pushing the same diner nonsense that they served when it was Park] and I’ve never had a bad meal.
Their burger may be one of the best burgers I’ve had in Stamford–but I haven’t had many burgers in Stamford so…
Grand is the only other competition for Twenty and for me, it’s nice to have another ‘go-to’ place to drink [Turtle and Hula just don't do it for me anymore].
It’s always packed on Fridays and Saturday and for all the nights that I’ve ended up here [from what I can piece together]; it’s been a good time.

3. Fiesta: The ceviche here is insane. I order it “medium” and I expected it to be somewhat spicy but it was fierrrry-hot. The chilled, lime acidity really offset the spiciness quite well.
I also ordered the garlic shrimp, which was really good…it was almost too saucey but still muy bueno.
I had 2 or 3 or 5 glasses of cheap-o sangria with canned fruit tossed in the mix.
A bit ‘pricey’ but whatever, it’s good.

4. Mitchell’s Fish Market: I’ve been here for both lunch and dinner and the service is always excellent.
Each day they offer about a dozen varieties of fish; all of which can be prepared in a few different ways, including their ’signature’ preparation which reflects an Asian-influence.
Lots of starters, including classics like Colossal Shrimp Cocktail and Oysters Rockefeller.
There’s a decent raw bar for those looking for fresh oysters.
Also, all their fish is available for take-away [so you can prepare it at home the way you prefer].
They have lots of specialty cocktails including a strong, C.E.O martini that includes olives stuffed with blue cheese, anchovies, garlic and bread crumbs.
This place is good for groups, corporate dinners, and anyone looking for their seafood fix.

5. Kona: Good—cheap happy hour drinks and sushi specials. Bad—cheap happy hour drinks and sushi specials. Do NOT, I repeat, do not order the Chicken Satay, you’re stomach will thank me. Their happy hour is off-the-charts with their Sake Bomb only 5 bucks! Their rolls are consistent, not phenomenal but for $2.75 a roll, well worth it for that sushi fix.

6. Duo: I HEART DUO! They have the most innovative sushi rolls in Stamford. Me and Sauce took a sushi class with Johnny Angry face and it was a good time and a great deal. Its expensive, unless you come during happy hour, so be prepared to drop your load when the bill comes. Try the Sake-tini—so freakin’ delicious.

7. Market: I like Market because it’s the belle gourmand food I crave. They aren’t as fabulous as Match [their sister restaurant in Norwalk] but they are pretty close. Expect small portions, and BIG prices. Their School of Tuna deserves an order. Everything on the menu is plated beautifully with an equally beautiful taste.

8. Dragonfly: Unfortunately, Dragonfly is considered by most off-the-beaten-path. But it’s only a hop/skip/jump down the road from ‘downtown’. The place feels luxurious, with the red suede and dark cherry oak interior. Upstairs is mostly for dining—they offer a tapas menu with funky takes on classic American cuisines. Downstairs houses another bar that gets wild with hip-hop “dancers” and whatnot. P.S., ladies, check out the downstairs bathroom that has its own personal sink and recessed lighting; good for reapplying your face.

9. Bistro 122: This bar/resto is located next to McDonald’s and has solid Italian food. I always order the Mozzarella Corraza. The bar atmosphere can be a little wonky and crowded at times but don’t let that deter you from pulling up a chair.

10. Remo’s: Although I’m not a fan of pizza, Sauce swears by this place. They serve up thin crust pizza with fresh Mozzarella di Buffalo [classy], shredded basil and homemade sauce. The calamari isn’t bad either.

11. Daskhin: The go-to Indian place. You can’t go wrong with their Lamb Curry, Naan, Basmati rice, and raita.