108238 Wed Dec 22 13:07:13 -0800 2004 8 24 Canada 0 584800 For only the second time in my life, I left a restaurant before even ordering a meal. My husband and I arrived on time last night for an 8:30 reservation at Hapa Izakaya. We were seated and given menus within 5 minutes, and 2 or 3 minutes later asked if we were ready to order. We ordered edamame, a beer and a cocktail to start. The edamame arrived 5 minutes later. But 30 minutes later, we still had not received our drinks. Our server stopped by to say our drinks were on their way....10 minutes later the beer appeared, and 5 few minutes later as we were getting our coats on to leave, the half-filled cocktail glass appeared. A manager did stop by as we were leaving, and if it had appeared that they had just forgotten about us, we might have stayed. But having had lots of time to observe the room, there was clearly a problem with getting drinks and food to any table. The party of three beside us tried valiantly to flag down the server and order more food and drink, but in the 45 minutes we were there they managed to get one beer and a bowl of kimchee. Too bad, because the little food we did see people eating looked good. Happily the evening was redeemed by something completely different -- warm service, a fine veal chop and and excellent bottle of 2001 Clos de Betz at CinCin. Wed Dec 22 13:07:13 -0800 2004 0 Chilanga 1 584805 This is really unfortunate as I have always had a great time at Hapa. I have to admit however, that I am not particularly surprised to hear that the service was bad. Sometimes it feels like the atmosphere is a liitle too relaxed and that a diner could easily get forgotten. I have never experienced anything as bad as you have, but I have suffered through some pretty slow service to have the wonderful food. Quick question: I noticed that Hapa looks to be expanding in to the old Italian place that used to be next door to it. Was that already completed when you were there, or are they still working on it? It looks like the place is going to be huge when all is said and done. Cheers. Wed Dec 22 14:58:05 -0800 2004 584800 0 Jerry_A 2 584807 The renovation is complete - and yes it is much bigger - but the service is that much slower...... Wed Dec 22 15:02:17 -0800 2004 584805 0 JWh 3 585159 Not only is the service that much slower, but hearing from the owner several times per evening that he is in fact of japanese decent had bcome not only tiring, but irritating to me and several other diners. We will not be coming back to this establishment for anything in the future. The food was sub-standard and the service bad. It mainly a diner for hakujin at this point. Sat Feb 12 07:37:13 -0800 2005 584807 0 FRED 1 584806 I agree 100% with you - we have been both to the old Happa and the new one and the service was not only bad it was aweful. We not only waited 45 for one of the 5 dishes we ordered but they completely forgot one dish and gave us a dish we didn;t even order. Needless to say we won't be back - next time give one of the GUU's a try - they strive on fast service (but the wait to get in can be painfully long - so call ahead and make a reservation) We are also back on GYOZA KING - across the srteet from Hapa (we stayed away for awhile) but they seem to have their shit together again - the food does take a bit longer but relax and enjot the atmosphere, the wait is worth it - the food is great!!!! Wed Dec 22 15:01:05 -0800 2004 584800 0 JWh 1 584812 I don't think it's fair to compare Hapa with Cin Cin. Different price points, different intended dining experience, different ambiance...coming in with the same expectations is unrealistic and you're only going to set yourself up for disappointment. I have yet to experience the "new", or rather the expanded room of Hapa yet, but last time I went I didn't even notice the time because I was having too much fun with my friends and enjoying my company. Give that a try, you might find it enjoyable. We've been to places that took over 40 minutes inbetween our appys and main dishes, and sure we complained, but again - be aware of the forum that you're in. This is NOT West, or Cin Cin. read: don't expect an amuse bouche to be offered. Thu Dec 23 01:09:41 -0800 2004 584800 0 lurker v.2 2 584815 I could be sitting with the Queen of England and I would still be pissed if my drink order took a half an hour. When I go out to eat I expect a certain level of service, sure I adjust those expectations depending on where I am (I don't expect French Laundry service at Gyoza King), but there is a minimum level that I think needs to met anywhere. It was not met in this case. Thu Dec 23 09:58:57 -0800 2004 584812 0 Jerry_A 1 585040 Well it's good to back in North America again. The land that chill forgot. I've been to Hapa innumerable times and loved the experience, the food and the people. I've never managed to get out of the place in under three hours, not because of the service, but rather I was having too much fun enjoying the company of friends, the vibe of the restaurant and the unbelievably good food. If you're looking for the speedy expidited service which seems to be a presumed birth right here, then perhaps the timely experience of Mcdonalds might be more to your liking. If however a meal is not just about how quick you recieve your food and eat it then Hapa is probably a place you should go. Sun Jan 30 18:42:47 -0800 2005 584800 0 andre 1 585140 Yes, this place is becoming a fast moving joke around town. The service on most night is brutal to terrible at best, and the white owner constantly letting you know about 7 times a night that he's "the owner' really gets on people's nerves. One of the reason i chose to abandon Vij's. Vikram can drive you nuts!. The food at Hapa is medicore, cold, and has a 1 in 5 chance of not being what you ordered. Avoid this place like the plague and go across the street to Gyoza King or down the street to Guu w/garlic. Believe me..you'll thank me. Thu Feb 10 11:39:31 -0800 2005 584800 0 Yuko