04/22/08

Poor Manager Performance

by JackR413

My wife and I love to eat at Hamburger Hamlet in Pasadena. This is one of our favorite restaurants for atmosphere and a really good hamburger. So, when we received an email coupon for my wife?s birthday we thought it would be an easy decision to visit for a nice meal. We decided to invite my parents since we always enjoy their company. So we had four excited people at our table to have a good meal with good company. We ordered and presented the coupon for a free meal (with the purchase of another entree equal or higher in price). After our meal we received the check and noticed they took off the cost of my dad?s hamburger ($9.95). We asked why they didn?t take off the cost of my wife?s salmon ($16.95) since I had ordered a meal which was higher in price. The waitress went straight to the manager on duty that night (Bob). Bob came over with our coupon and read it to us while emphasizing the part where it states, ?free with purchase of equal or higher priced entree.? I simply told him I had ordered exactly that?a higher priced item. After two more loud reiterations of the same sentence from Bob I told him that we will pay the bill as is but would just like him to know we disagree with the fine print of the offer since I had ordered a meal for the same or higher in price. Bob said, ?I agree? and left the table for us to pay the bill. Unfortunately, I really enjoy the food at Hamburger Hamlet, so I cannot swear off of the place all together. But I certainly will not go back for a long time because I am very upset with how a so-called manager treated us in front of other patrons. There are too many other places in town with good hamburgers.

• Pros: Good Hamburgers
• Cons: Extremely Poor Management Service

Somewhere between fine dining and fast food lies this upscale burger chain.

by Contributor

The Scene
The first Hamlet opened on the Sunset Strip in 1950. After gaining success within the Hollywood community, the thriving burger joint opened franchises across the Southland. In recent years, the chain's popularity has ebbed, but thanks to friendly service and an old-school atmosphere, the remaining spots see a steady flow of families and locals.

The Food
The chain updates its traditional Americana menu with Cajun and Mexican trimmings, but the hearty ground-beef delights are the Hamlet's mainstay. The Just Plain and Delicious burger is exactly what the name implies--six ounces of juicy beef garnished with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion. Other burger concoctions come with decadent toppings--ham, bacon, sour cream--but why clutter charbroiled perfection with anything more than a slice of cheese? Beyond burgers, there's creamy lobster bisque soup, loaded Cobb salads, and roasted chicken. Desserts lean toward the basics--chocolate cake, ice cream--and easily serve two or more.

09/27/07

Don't waste your time and money!

by clsam

Server was uncaring and ignored repeated requests to get drink order correct. We were nervous that he wasn't going to get our food order right, his attitude was nonchalant at best. Thankfully he did get the order correct but checked on us once and then disappeared. We never got refills on our drinks and it took 10 minutes for us to find him to get our check. Good food but very disappointing service. Server had a very poor attitude and should not be in the restaurant business. I don't know how they stay open in Pasadena when there's so much competition around and much better options out there. I definitely DON'T recommend this place and would advise you to seek another establishment to spend your time and money.

• Pros: Good tasty food
• Cons: Horrible service, dated interior/ambiance

12/19/06

Much improved Service and Food. Highly Reccomend.

by ssamra

I have been going to Hamlet on and off for years. They have improved significantly over the past year . I spoke with the GM on my last visit, and he had told me the company was under new ownershipand senior managment as well. It's apparent when you walk in there. Take a look at their new menu. Last time I had the California Market Salad and the Pan roasted chicken. Nothing like either of them. The food is sooo much better, with all their new menu items. They definitley have something for everyone. I highly reccomend it. Great place for family and kids, as I take mine there around twice per month.

• Pros: New Menu, Better Service, Private Parties
• Cons: Tables look a little old

11/29/06

Greatest Hamburger #11, anyone?

by ittybittyp

truly has the best burger...and the mudslide dessert is great too.... some locations are better than others.

10/30/06

Enjoyed it very much for the category

by nojeag

I am an avid foodie and know a good meal vs. a bad one and the hamlet was great! I wasn't sure what to expect because people either love it or hate it for some reason. We had the yummiest dinner and the service was efficient and cordial. I checked the pasadena city website - they have this handy restaurant database where you can look up health ratings from the city..I checked the Hamlet and they had a high A. I checked others, and they were one of the only ones in the city with that high of score. This is my new neighborhood restaurant when I need good value, good food and a vintage, fun atmosphere and and a clean kitchen!

08/13/06

Don't Bother

by windella

I think people go here for the name.The service is slooooooooooooow! The burger was dry and tasteless a poor excuse for a hamburger joint,a better burger could be had anywhere else esp at this location

• Pros: Are they're any?
• Cons: free but always crowed parking, loud &crowded(the chairs are too close together)

04/12/05

Not the same ol' hamburger

by jaykayday

Love this place, especially if you sit in the bar or by the fireplace. The back of the restaurant is very "clubby" but not too into the front (whenever someone comes in the front door, there is a big, cold burst of wind. My husband loves the schooner of beer and a blue cheese burger. I like getting a martini and the chateaubriand burger. My friend adores the fish & chips.

• Pros: free parking, usually no wait, dependable service
• Cons: chicken pot pie

03/24/05

A rose is a rose...

by netter1

A Hamburger Hamlet is a Hamburger Hamlet. From one to the other, they're generally all the same. Large hamburgers, mediocre french fries, and slow service. There are so many other places these days to get great hamburgers in Pasadena...and if you're going to the Hamlet for other food items, there are better choices within a square of two blocks. Open your eyes and look around.

03/09/05

Horrible Service

by meadowsidhe

It doesn't matter which Hamlet you go to, you never get good service. If you call to order a pick up you get hung up on or you are told (not asked) to call back. If you want to speak to a manager, you get talked down to.

I would never, ever, ever patronize Hambuger Hamlet again.