Two Bit Club: Creative Vietnamese Food
The Two Bit Club is in the new Hotel Richemont and bills itself as ‘creative Vietnamese.’
The ‘Two Bit Club’ name came from the members of the SC Society in the 1730s, who made a decision to contribute ‘two bits’ a week to help the less fortunate.
Two Bit Club has a dark, inviting feel, with cozy booths, wood-slat walls with hanging live plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows on the street side. You’ll see the restored bank vault, a nod to the former bank building’s history.
It was rainy when we were there, or I would have liked to sit on the pretty covered patio. The two-top table where we were seated was close to the table next to us, and it felt crowded with the several dishes served tapas-style.
I love Vietnamese food, and this was no exception, although the prices are reflected in the gorgeous interior. You're paying for both delicious food and an elegant ambiance. This is no strip mall Vietnamese restaurant (although I like those too.)
The water service is offered with a choice of citrus or cucumber, which is a nice touch. Start with a cocktail or mocktail, of course. The Two Bit Club has a nice selection of cocktails and zero proof drinks that pair well with Asian flavors.
If you are a sake lover, be sure to have the Two Bit Club sake flight, which includes the Akabu, Abe Shuzo, and Heiwa Shuzo. I have no idea what those are, but they were delicious.
I tried the ‘Elixir of Life’, which is made with green tea-infused Bacardi, yellowgrass chartreuse, lemongrass, honey, Yuzu, and lavender bitters. The Two Bit Club also has excellent wines by the glass and in bottles, as well as craft beers.
I always like shareable plates because you get to try a lot of different flavors. Start with the shrimp summer rolls to share. They are accompanied by the traditional peanut sauce for dipping.
Two Bit Club's tuna tartare is some of the best I’ve tasted. It was very fresh and minced into tiny pieces. It’s served with a crispy sesame cracker, which tasted like it had been quickly fried in-house.
We liked Two Bit Club's miso roasted salmon with a turmeric miso glaze, baby bok choy, and pickled mushrooms. It was fresh and cooked perfectly. The glaze was a little sweet, but still delicious. Order a side of crispy Brussels sprouts with fish sauce and sesame seeds.
Two Bit Club also offers a happy hour with a limited menu and discounts on cocktails daily from 2:30 - 6. My next visit to The Two Bit Club will be for lunch, so I can enjoy my favorites—a bahn mi sandwich or pho.
