We sat at the bar at A.O.C. and had a great time. Our bartender was very helpful and friendly, the food was good (didn't knock me sideways, but certainly worth a return trip), and despite the crowded conditions, I found this to be a great place and I'll certainly recommend it.
If you haven't been here before, this place is teeny tiny. In the downstairs dining room, there can't even be 10 tables, so definitely make a reservation if you can't go really early.
I think the key here is to go early, when it's not so packed and the staff aren't so busy.
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