Hal's Bar & Grill
(310) 396-3105
1349 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice,
CA
90291
33.9909
-118.4666
Neighborhoods: Venice, West LA
What People Are Saying About Hal's Bar & Grill
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Whitewashed, high ceilings, an inviting 40-foot bar and frequently revolving artwork by artists such as Peter Alexander and Joni Mitchell contribute to the restaurant's hip, contemporary ambience. A mixed bag of diners--from casual beachcombers and trendy young professionals to more mature singles--relax in cozy booths with cool stone tabletops.
The Food
The menu changes seasonally, but always features traditional American dishes with California flair. Ahi, Pacific yellowtail and salmon sushi hand rolls are fresh and prepared in generous portions, and served with a nuclear wasabi-soy diping sauce. Main-course winners include the crisp-skinned duck breast in blood orange-sesame oil, served over creamy polenta; sauteed sweet parsnips add zing to the tender filet mignon with port-wine reduction. Dessert is a must-have: crispy-outside, creamy-inside pear-cranberry bread pudding is the house favorite, and arrives warm atop a velvety, raspberry-swirled creme Anglaise.
User Reviews
ginny76
June 07, 2009
I am happy to report that Hal's is doing so well during this economic downturn that it does not need its longstanding female customers. I love Hal's and as in line with some of the other reviews, I probably love Dennis the bartender more. That said, other staff members, particularly James the bartender and management have a lot to learn about customer service. After going there to watch a playoff game, being promised that we would get to see the game, and ordering drinks and food based on that promise, James proceeded to turn the channel for customers that arrived after us and when asked about it, responded that we should stop yelling at him. (This was after he had already been rude and disrepsectful to us, which I had politely asked my guest to ignore as he would be off-shift in an hour.) When we we reported this behavior to management, the only response was that the TV was a "hard issue" for the bartenders. I still fail to see what the issue is, we asked first, were there first, and ordered our drinks and food based on the promise that we would get to see the game. Moreover, when I told the manager that I had been coming there for years and had never experienced anything similar, she actually had the gall to say that she had never seen me. Perhaps best for both of us, it will remain that way.
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EntertainmentEater
March 19, 2009
I USED to LOVE Hal's... but, the events over the past week has recently altered my entire view. I realized that I don't LOVE Hal's as a place to eat; I love Hal's as a Saturday night bar... more so, I love Dennis, the heavy handed, friendly bartender! This is why I no longer enjoy Hal's during the day... Last week, I ordered a take-out lunch for my production team prepping a commercial down the road. Within 20 minutes, my food was ready for pick-up..awesome. As I went to pay the bill, there was an $18 gratuity charge included... not awesome. I asked how this could be on a CARRY-OUT order?! The woman responded and said on "orders over $100, we charge gratuity because the guys work so hard in the back." My order was a single bag; 5 items; minimal packaging. Ironically, my meal WASNT OVER $100. It was $90.. and the woman said, "Oh, well $90 is close enough to $100." I said I'd pay it, but that I was NOT happy. After speaking with one of the manager's, he credited me my $18 tip, but he was NOT happy about the whole situation. I asked if this "18%" gratuity for take-out, was mentioned on the website. He said "it should be." Alas, it is not. Ok, end of story. Today, I received a MUCH friendlier reception from the wait staff. Very nice young man at the bar... sweet hostess. Yet, upon returning back to the office, my producer mentioned that his tofu tasted "fishy." But, he is good people, so he didn't insist on me taking back the food. I, however, discovered a 2 inch, dark black hair, within my grilled tuna salad. My hair is blonde. My producer's hair is blonde. My PM's hair is red. And, the "$18 gratuity packaging" involves sealing the container shut with tinfoil.... meaning, the only access to my food, is by the kitchen, then me. Here is a synopsis of why I don't recommend Hal's for lunch... or any meal, for that matter: *Your take-out gratuity (you know, that fee that doesn't pertain to ANY OTHER RESTAURANT) will cost far more than a single dish you order. *If you're vegan, DO NOT EAT ANYTHING HERE, because it could be infused with fish matter/juices ***If you order a salad thinking you're going to be healthy, just prepare for a little extra "protein," if you will. I'm not really a fan of thick black hair, so I'm gonna skip out on the next meal at Hal's. The only thing I DO recommend, is late Friday/Saturday nights @ Hal's. Ask Dennis for his "specialty drink." Dennis is one of the few bartenders on the Westside, who I trust to make me something delicious AND strong. Just dont order any food......
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krunoslav
September 02, 2008
I have never written a restaurant review but this was a must. Went to Hal's a little early on a Friday night and were seated quickly to a great booth in the back. Enjoyed the evening with good friends, atmosphere was fun but extremely loud. It forced us to speak louder than normal. Unknown to us, Hal was sitting directly behind us. He came to our table of women, announced who he was, apologized for poor acoustics and then preceded to tell us to lower our voices. I surely thought he was joking. When asked if he was he very seriously pointed is finger at a friend and said "ask her"! UNBELIEVABLE! We have never been so insulted and spoken down to like that before in our lives. He then sat back down at his table leaving us in shock over what was just said to us. We then quickly finished our meal, skipped coffee & dessert and paid our bill. Upon leaving this LOUD, cement cave I went to Hal's table to let him know that he was RUDE and that we were no louder than any other table in his restaurant and how dare he "shush us" like schoolgirls. He stood up and said to us "you women do not know how loud you are". He then began to walk us towards the door. I explained his table was directly behind us that is why we may have sounded a little louder. I also told him their acoustics were not our problem they were his. He started to scold me again, saying I was very loud. Hey Hal, take some "people skills classes" maybe "restaurant management 101". A bar setting for the entire restaurant is a bad cocktail. Needless to say the other 4 women and I were all in shock and embarassed at how we were spoken to that evening. We will NEVER return to that place. My suggestion to you is if you have to go to Hal's just don't sit by him if you want to have a nice evening. Better yet, go somewhere else where you can get much better food and the owner won?t insult you.
read full reviewThe Details on Hal's Bar & Grill
Where to Sit:
On packed weekend nights, ask for a table in the quieter, upstairs dining room, which may also be entirely rented out for private dinners of up to 40 people.
What to Drink:
Created by a Hal's bartender, the cantaloupe martini is a house specialty, with a fresh melon flavor and potent vodka kick.
The Extras:
Local and world-renowned musicians play live jazz on Sunday from 8pm till 11pm and Monday nights from 9pm till midnight; there is no cover charge.
Category:
Restaurants, Bars & Clubs, Bars & Pubs, Taverns
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Celeb Hangout, Private Rooms, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Live Music, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
