06/07/09

It's Hard to be a Girl at Hal's and Get Good Service

by ginny76

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.

• Pros: Dennis the Bartender
• Cons: Everyone Else

03/19/09

Carry-out Tip, Fishy Tofu, and Black Hair "Surprise," oh my!

by EntertainmentEater

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......

09/02/08

Don't talk too loud while Hal's having dinner!

by krunoslav

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.

• Cons: Parking, Too Loud to hear the person next to you, Having the owner insult your group

06/29/08

nice atmosphere, poor food

by 4frankie

I have been to Hal's several times after work- parking is usually a pain on abbot kinney at night. I like the atmosphere at Hals- especially when they have live music. Just to go there for a drink is fine, but if you are looking for a dining experience I would not recommend Hals. The food has nothing special to write about, it's just a blah experience.

• Pros: single scene, live music
• Cons: food

04/19/08

Great Bar, Delicious Food, Terrific Atmosphere

by unclemitch

I'm surprised by some recent reviews. My first time there was last week based on a friend's recommendation. I had a Thurs, 7:30 reservation. I arrived early and had a drink with my date at the bar. Crowded, but friendly. Bartenders were FANTASTIC - very friendly, whatever they are paid it's not enough! We were seated right on time. The waiter was just right - not pushy and he never rushed us. The food was terrific. We loved the sweat potatoe ravioli and the calimari was outstanding! We shared dessert over coffee and even though we held the table for 2 hrs, we never were rushed to finish. The place was crowded, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. I don't always write reviews, but I had to in this case. I will return. I will recommend to others.

• Pros: Great location, great service, great food, can't say enough great things
• Cons: a bit loud when crowded

04/12/08

salad was good!

by nevereatalone

lazy table service, food is decent but not worth the wait, had reservation waited 40 min. can't hear yourself think. Long evening with no pony Nice bar

• Pros: food
• Cons: service

02/27/08

Long wait on Saturday Night

by DebbieDiner

Cocktails are good but if it is food you are after, avoid this place on Saturdays between 7 and 9pm. We have been twice in the past months and, despite a reservation, have had to wait an hour for a table and another hour for mediocre food.

• Pros: Great bar
• Cons: Terrible service

02/03/08

sweet surprise

by brownbrownie

so went to meet some friends at Hals and was a little surprised. what i thought was going to be a snotty bar and uppity restaurant turned out to be a really great place. The burger was awesome and the staff was really cool. dont let the pricey art and atmosphere fool you. its hip and fun with alot of cool locals. i cant wait to make it one of my regular haunts.

• Pros: everything was a pro
• Cons: parking but there was valet

09/15/07

Surprisingly good

by phillyboy2431

Had dinner there a few nights ago and was shocked by how good it was. I'm new to the L.A. scene, but I come from a food town (yeah, philly's a work in progress, but it's got some world class restaurants). This is the second spot in Venice I went to and both were shockingly good. I guess I figured Venice for a surfer town, but I'm finding out quickly that it's got some things going on.

Three of us ate at Hals. We had the steak with blue cheese butter, the salmon with a balssamic glaze and the halibut (I think). All three were great. And the service was great. And the martinis were great.

I really can't find a negative about the place, maybe except for it's expensive. But I'm used to paying for a good meal, so I can't really thump my chest at that one.

Worth the visit.

• Pros: Pretty much everything
• Cons: A bit expensive

02/07/07

Great vibe

by monkeyboyrit

This is a great place to eat or just wind down with some good friends. It has a positive atmosphere and the food is equally as good. However, I couldn't believe they didn't have filet mignon on their menu but the waiter said it changes often. The margaritas are good (but not as good as mine ;) and the food presentation is first-rate. It may be a little too noisy for those looking for a quiet dinner, but overall, I highly recommend this place.