BL
Brian Laakso
Sep 18, 2025
My partner and I dined at Andina's in recognition of our four year Anniversary last night. We were eager to indulge in what we hoped would be a memorable meal. The food, without question, was exceptional, flavorful, expertly prepared, and clearly crafted with care. Unfortunately, the experience was marred from the outset by a series of frustrating and overwhelming factors that rendered our visit far from pleasurable.
First and foremost, the noise level was utterly intolerable. The restaurant's lack of sound baffling or acoustic treatment meant that the noise level was deafening. Despite the quality of the cuisine, my partner and I found ourselves unable to savor, or enjoy the potential of our food, as the relentless decibel torture also made conversation impossible. We opted to not order a second round of drinks, or desserts in order to minimize our distress and exit sooner.
Adding to our discomfort was the tiny two-person table we were assigned. Every time we placed our forearms or elbows on the table, our drinks would spill due to its detached, warped, copper surface. To make matters worse, our table was awkwardly positioned right next to the service station, at the intersection of two, heavily trafficked aisles. We were perpetually besieged by bussers, food runners, and servers rushing past. The constant congestion created a stressful environment. The hostess must have seated us at the worst table in the entire dining area, which was totally unnecessary given there were five vacant tables surrounding us the entire time. It felt like a deliberate choice to maximize discomfort, rather than an oversight.
In summary, while the culinary offerings at Andina are undeniably top-notch, the overall experience was overshadowed by excessive noise, poor seating choices, and a chaotic atmosphere. If the management invests in better acoustics, more thoughtful seating arrangements, and a calmer ambiance, this establishment could truly shine. As it stands, my partner and I will not be returning.