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The new 7,300-square-foot Hollywood & Highland location of uWink (its first location is in Woodland Hills) opens to the general public tonight at 5pm. But last night we were able to take a sneak peek of the high-tech interactive restaurant at the media party where we had free reign over the food menu and extensive cocktail list and could order directly through a touchscreen at our tables instead of going through a waiter. Dangerous for the wallet and the liver, considering how easy they make it to ask for another drink.
And yes, it was a bit overwhelming pouring over the cocktail list, the specialty cocktail list, the different liquor types, and the beer list. Our "entertainment director" (read: waiter) came over several times as we tried to decide what we wanted to drink. And once we picked our cocktail we considered the different ways to customize it. "Umm, Hollywood Nights Martini on the rocks with no maraschino cherry, please."
Even though we took forever coming to a decision, the drinks and food were served quickly. Most of our interaction was with the touchscreen but we had no shortage of attentive staff filling our orders, clearing our plates and answering our questions.
And yes, you can also play games via the touchscreen, either with the people at your table or with other tables on special nights. No word yet on where they are on developing technology so you can buy a drink for that cute guy or gal at the next table.
The 199-seat restaurant's soft opening to the public is tonight but the grand opening party will be on June 27 and 28 where diners can play games for prizes.
By the way, our friends in the Bay Area can look forward to a uWink opening up near them in Mountain View in summer of this year.
uWink Hollywood
Hollywood & Highland
6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Fourth Floor
Los Angeles, California 90028 (map)
(323) 466-1800
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dude, i was there too!
Funny! Where were you sitting? We were sitting by the windows. Did you like the restaurant?
I can't wait to check this out tonight!
I can't wait to check this out tonight!
Sounds sooo cool. It's probably going to be pretty crowded for the next month or so. Do they take reservations?
im the one sitting next to the guy with the mohawk in the 18th picture. we liked the food allright but ended up ordering about $150 worth of drinks and shots. we also managed to crash our console. it was cool though!
I wish I could have ordered that many drinks but I was the driver. Just as well as I probably would have gotten really sick. I liked it, too, and would definitely go back to see what it's like when you have to pay.
This may sound cliche, but my friend and I thought of this type of restaurant when the Microsoft Surface came out. I am glad someone got it to work! It looks like a ton o fun.
Neither fish nor fowl. Restaurant? Arcade?
I don't know about this place. Maybe good for people who are dining alone. Or for teenagers out with their friends. Or for a large corporate event. But if I'm out to dinner, I don't want to play video games while eating. I want to focus on the quality of the food and the conversation. This seems like a good idea in an airport. Am I being a food snob or just a contrarian? I must say, the elimination of wait staff (having just runners or "entertainment coordinators" wtf?) is a nice innovation at a chain restaurant / bar.
Sorry, this just doesn't look appealing as a dining experience. Is LA getting a second city-complex about Tokyo? This place looks like a Gen-Xer in the 90s wet dream. But to each their own.