Tin Drum Asia Cafe
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 881-1368
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Spring Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am-9pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-3pm, 5pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Tin Drum Asia Cafe – by Patricia-Anne Tom
The Scene
Much like the newly revitalized Technology Square, this Americanized noodle shop is infused with energy. Casually dressed Georgia Tech students and professionals automatically line up to place counter orders and then wait for their food to arrive at the tables. The buzz of conversation bounces off the concrete floors, industrial steel ductwork and lime green and apricot walls. Service is decent, sometimes friendly.
The Food
Large bowls of Asian noodle and rice dishes are geared toward the budget-conscious. For only $1 each, create your own sample platter of surprisingly light and crispy vegetable, crab and Vietnamese spring rolls with sweet and spicy dipping sauces. With its mild coconut milk sauce, the Japanese curry katsu has more Thai influences than traditional Japanese. Extra jalapenos successfully spice up basil fried rice. The BBQ steak drum roll wraps up slivers of pickled vegetables and teriyaki-steeped beef into a flavorful meal.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingWorried about finding a space? Tech students should consider taking the Tech Trolley, which passes right by the restaurant.
Know Before You GoThe restaurant is located next to the Georgia Tech Hotel, across the street from Centergy.
Where to SitIf you want a beer to go with your meal, you need to sit inside. Diners are not allowed to take alcohol outside to the patio tables.
User Reviews for Tin Drum Asia Cafe
09/28/2008 Posted by bryanjh
Maybe I was spoiled by the fact that there were eight pho restaurants within walking distance of my undergrad university, but I am very unhappy with my Pho experience at Tin Drum. The broth was fine, although the extra garnishes were not on the side; lime, sprouts, bay leaves, etc. were already in the soup. For some of my fellow pho fans, who hate any one of those, this may have been a deal breaker, but it didn't bother me. I just removed the lime and began my meal. Service was fast, but Pho is always fast to make. There were no "Asian broth spoons" (just extremely shallow western spoons) or hoisin sauce, but at least there was sriracha, which goes great with the soup. What really ruined the meal for me, was the choice of meat in the Pho. The menu said roast beef, but I had hoped that they just used that term for those unfamiliar with eye round steak. My worst fears came true, the meat was just roast beef from a pack of presliced lunch meat. It did not absorb any of the flavors of the soup and just did not fit with the broth. Thinking of the resulting taste actually makes me naseous. Since the meat is such a key part of the soup, the Pho was ruined. I actually wish I would have asked for a refund, but I'm too non-confrontational. I was excited at the prospect of having a restaurant close to campus with Pho, but I guess I expected too much. I hate to write off a restaurant after one bad meal. but this was so egregious that I don't think I will ever go there again.
Pros: Fast Service
Cons: Disgusting Pho, overpriced for portions
09/03/2008 Posted by VaHiLocal
I work downtown and am thrilled about Tin Drum's new location opening on Broad Street. It's a great place to grab lunch. The food is absolutely wonderful, and the service was great - with one exception: the cashier at the front has a major attitude problem. It's almost humorous how rude she is! It's apparent she hates her job and people in general, so be prepared. I really love this place, so hopefully the ownership will replace her soon.
Pros: Great lunch spot
Cons: Rude cashier
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