Betty's Wok and Noodle Diner

250 HUNTINGTON AVE., BOSTON. 617.424.1950. BETTYSWOKANDNOODLE.COM

By KEITH HOWARD | Photo By Alison Klein

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The discrete splashes of crimson on the menu, carpet and napkins (along with the indiscriminately infused '50s and Asian motifs) compose a posh ambiance that hints at a blow to the wallet. But since the Dig's buying, I plop down onto a mock-diner barstool and scan the drink list. "Are you guys being overlooked? And I'm sitting over there drinking a Sierra Nevada," says bartender Evan Sutton, while readjusting his Dolce and Gabbana glasses. Sutton explains that Betty's only has a wine and beer license. And because of their license—or so Sutton says—patrons must buy food if they want to be served alcohol. He abruptly suggests the cheapest thing on the menu: Won Ton Strips (three bucks).

Drink 1: Sak-it-to-me Punch ($7). After Sutton brings out a fruity concoction, which tastes like a Capri Sun I had in the 8th grade that left me just as bored and hyperactive, Jeanette Butler, a 43-year-old server with a muddled Spanish accent takes over, suggesting a sparkling wine and passion fruit drink for my next round. "I don't like drama, [but] I'm not afraid to give the finger," she warns, promptly flipping me the bird with a Cheshire smile.

Drink 2: Champassion ($9). Butler, who earns the "So Saucy" title written on the back of each server's T-shirt, continues with antics to let me know this part of the evening (at least) will be memorable. According to her, the restaurant started the sake cocktail trend in Boston, when she began working there in 1999. And ever since she's been cutting rugs to retro hits while serving food and drink to a plethora of twentysomethings.

Drink 3: Sake Mojito ($9). As I'm sipping my third spirits-less cocktail, the strongest thus far, the general manager steps in for some well-timed schmoozing. "I created the sake cocktails," boasts Carlos Portal, who also says he's working on a recipe book deal. When asked how he makes his triple sec for the Mojito, he replies, "You want the recipe? You kidding me? You almost got me. It's the smile."

Drink 4: Ginsa Martini ($9). In spite of the fact that it's 30 minutes past closing, waiters are still bringing out food and the stove is still spitting 4-foot flames. Portal insists that I stay for grub. After drinking the jalapeno and cucumber martini (seriously), my palate begs for anything flavorful. As the Dim-Sum Dumplings, Cool 'Cus' and Weed and Good Luck Luna come to the table, "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 booms on the speakers.

Drink 5: Samuel Adams + sake shot ($6). "I always thought it was a dive [from the outside]," laughs Samantha Cotton, a 24-year-old Northeastern student. "Can [you] just write 'Amazing place DOT-DOT-DOT? Come here often DOT-DOT-DOT?'" When I come back to my stool, Butler has a warm shot of sake and a Sam Adams waiting. My final drink was hot and cold; Eastern and Western; but it all goes down as easily as this place's penchant for mischief.