I went to Makai last weekend on a first date. I haven't been in about a year, so I thought this would be a good place to check out again since I had such a blast on my last experience. I made a reservation prior to sit in the dinner section around 8, and as I sat down for dinner I noticed that I was sat within arms reach of another couple which is kind of uncomfortable to have an intimate dinner with random people listening to your every word. After sharing the creamy rock shrimp as an appetizer which was totally dry and disgusting. I ordered the pacific soba which was a pretty bland and my date ordered the sea bass which she couldn't even finish because it was flaky and tasted like rubber. Afterwards we decided to go over to the lounge section and grab some drinks and listen to the dj. It was pretty vacant, and we waited 10 minutes for a cocktail server to even notice us. Then we waited 10 more minutes to get our drinks - a mojito which was 10 bucks and tasted like it didn't even have alcohol in it, and my date decided to order pomegranate martini which was 13 bucks and tasted like cough syrup. This place is totally not like what it used to be. They used to have a hot, very friendly staff, and a very awesome nightlife. I'll never go there again. I feel sorry for whoever manages this place because they turned something very good into a hollywood wannabe club. This is Santa Monica and I'm sure nobody from Hollywood would be willing to drive here to have fun. My advice to you, don't go. It's a has been.
Pros: no pros
Cons: unfriendly staff, disgusting food, ugly decor
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