If Korean restaurant Jin Ju were a Radiohead song, it would be "Packt like sardines in a crushd tin box." This, for those of you who don't speak "music nerd," means that it's pretty crowded and small. But no worries, as it's the service and food that truly stand out. The fauxhawked maitre'd said that our wait would be 25 minutes. When the wait turned out to be longer (like I said, the place was hoppin' like Kermit the Frog), one of the waiters brought us waters and a free appetizer; I was genuinely impressed.

The interior goes a little heavy on the mellow techno music and mood lighting, which seems to be the only kind; my companion wondered aloud whether or not they would provide us a candle, lest we be unable to read the menu. But even if we actually couldn't read the menu, the friendly, courteous and overall outstanding waitstaff would be more than happy to help. The food itself is in the $12-$18 dollar range, but worth every penny. Try the Bi Bim Bop or the Bulgogi. Both are beef dishes, but vegetarian options are available upon request. Bring some extra money for cocktails, as the crowd was drinking martinis like they were going out of style.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jon Graef