E&O Kitchen’s chalkboard street sign advertises dumplings, but the real draw here for the GF crowd is the extensive menu of Asian-fusion favorites like Pad Thai noodles, Bibimbap, and even an Asian-inspired burger served on a brown rice-flour bun. Conveniently located near Union Square, E&O spans three floors, with private dining areas perfect for corporate events and a super spacious bar area that’s great for after-work cocktails and small plates …
The GF menu here clearly lists the many items that are prepared without gluten; no special requests necessary. The ahi tuna tartare is a great place to start, served with black sesame crackers (crackers are subject to cross-contamination; request lettuce wraps in lieu of crackers if necessary). The prawn salad was also a great starter, achieving the sweet and salty flavor combo with lychees, cashews, lemon oil, and loads of fresh herbs (thai basil, cilantro, mint). Next we tried the Japanese “Bop,” which comes with a sunny-side egg atop rice with pickled veggies and a sweet plum sauce. The Pad Thai was rich and flavorful with gulf prawns, plenty of fish sauce, and a generous topping of fresh herbs and bean sprouts. The Shaking Beef, my favorite dish of the bunch, was a nice cut of beef filet, cooked medium rare and served with red onions, tomatoes, chillies and watercress, making it a well balanced dish. A side of dry fried green beans rounded out the meal. Items we didn’t get to try but that stand out as future contenders, include the coconut curry ceviche, shrimp satay, papaya and cucumber salad, and Indonesian fried rice.
With it’s convenient location, abundant bar space, and a menu full of shareable items, E&O is as great an option as any for your weekday happy hour drinks.