uWink050

To call uWink unique verges on understatement. The restaurant was created by the founder of Atari, and it takes just as different an approach to dining as Atari did to using the family TV set.

The menu is similar to many SoCal restaurants (interesting salads, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, and larger entrees, as well as kids' menu) except that it is presented on a computer screen, with photos and all ingredients available to customers. Each table is equipped with a touchscreen, allowing guests to order the meal exactly as they want it - no server required.

Once ordering is out of the way, the terminal becomes the source of entertainment for the rest of the visit. A large variety of computer games is available, including several kids' games and a selection of edutainment. Games can be played solo, with others at the table, or with people at other tables, too.

uWink is definitely popular with the happy hour set (there is a full bar), but kids and teens love it, too. Be prepared for lots of visual and aural stimulation - and lots of novelty value, too.