Elephant Bar Restaurant
24177 Southland Dr, Hayward, CA 94545, United States
As a couple every experience that we have ever had at the elephant bar relative to food has always been a positive one. We decided to come by here for our anniversary as one of the restaurants we both enjoyed and knew that it would be a good choice to celebrate our special day on. As before the food was not a disappointment having ordered see pistachio-crusted arugula salmon salad and the Mongolian beef dishes. the one comment I would make on the Mongolian beef which comes over rice is that if you are accustomed to the traditional Jasmine sticky rice the white rice that is served with the dish is not that kind of rice. it is much more of a dry possibly calrose style rice and not the traditional Asian style rice that you may have at home with your family and I would recommend the brown rice which will have a consistency that shouldnt surprise those who are familiar with brown rice. The waiter was super friendly and helpful when we challenged what we expected the white rice to be and gave us several variations trying to get it right. Good customer service. The Mongolian beef use nice thick cuts of beef that seemed to be of higher quality then you may get from your typical Chinese fast food takeout restaurant. The pistachio crusted salmon was good as always, but in all transparency the Mandarin oranges that came with the arugula salad were still a bit frozen and surprised my wife when she bit into one as she was not expecting it to be so chilled. We followed up the dinner with a favorite of mine, which was the mocha mud pie which is an ice cream pie with Oreo crust topped with whipped cream and it did not fail to satisfy. I find it unfortunate that the Elephant Bar as a chain is becoming a bit of a scarcity. As long as one can be found I would not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family.
Top other services in Hayward:
Veggie Lee Restaurant
1169 W A St, Hayward, CA 94541, United States
It's not often I can go to a restaurant and order everything on the menu. I usually have to scan the menu for something plant-based or at least pescatarian. At Veggie Lee, a vegan Chinese restaurant, the sky's the limit. The restaurant also accommodates the practice of some Buddhists who eschew garlic and onions. Those ingredients are not included in any of Veggie Lee's dishes and that fact is clearly marked on the menus.I have ordered Veggie Lee offerings through delivery service many times. I have only eaten in the restaurant twice. On this visit, I ordered from the lunch menu. My rating is more a reflection of the limited wheelchair access within the restaurant than the food or the service.My dining partner and I ordered pot stickers as an appetizer. The filling was wonderfully textured and flavorful. The outer shell was soft and crisp. I could have made a meal of potstickers and may do so in the future. We had hot tea with the meal and I heartily recommend the citron honey tea, a cold drink I've had with many Veggie Lee delivery orders. My entree was preceded by hot and sour soup. The spicy soup with small tofu chunks was an unexpected delight and prepared my palate for the entree, vegan sesame chicken.I ordered the vegan chicken with brown rice. It was so tasty. The flavor and texture made me want to be more adventurous and try more items on Veggie Lee's menu in the future. The sesame chicken entree came with broccoli. My years of plant-based eating have led me beyond broccoli. It was well-prepared, but I'm not in love with broccoli any more. Sorry, broccoli. It's me, not you. We also ordered green beans. The crispy green beans were packed with flavor, but were salty in spots.The disappointing part of my dining experience occurred when I had to use the restroom. The spaces between tables and booths are narrow. As long as waitstaff wasn't taking someone's order, I could clear the pathways in a small manual wheelchair. The barriers started when I left the dining area and approached the hallway to the restrooms. There were high chairs for children stacked at the beginning of the hallway. I could barely scrape (and I did scrape) by. With a larger wheelchair or mobility device, I wouldn't have been able to access the restroom without asking for help. Asking for help to the restroom is not something adults enjoy doing. The sink in the ladies room is far, far away from the counter edge. I had to lean far, far forward to reach it. That isn't something I can do all the time. The thought of having to leave the restroom without washing my hands is not a good thought.My recommendations to the restaurant to improve accessibility (because I'd like to come back) are to 1) consider replacing the sink and counter with something that isn't set so far back or, at least, give customers the option of using hand sanitizer in an accessible location within the restroom; 2) consider replacing restroom doors with ones that aren't so heavy; and 3) please, please, please move the high chairs.
Hippies Brew Express
888 C St, Hayward, CA 94541, United States
Ive been going here off and on for the last couple of years. Yes their food and drinks are amazing. I would love to give them five stars for that alone but what Ive noticed is a general decline in customer service over the time that I have been going to HB.If you decide to go, make sure you have time to spare. THIS IS NOT IN-N-OUT. Especially if there are a handful of people there in line ahead of you. Expect a minimum 30min just to get your drink.We were there yesterday and 5-6 drinks were ordered ahead of us and I literally watched the barista wait for two tea drinks to steep before starting any others. Pretty sure she could have made 2 more iced drinks while those teas were going but Im no barista so I could be absolutely wrong.On top of that the workers generally seemed to be in hangout mode since the people who ordered ahead of us were their friends.Like I said, the food and drinks are great. Just dont expect speed or too much customer service.
Taqueria Los Gallos 2
31081 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544, United States
Title: A Decade of Deliciousness at Taqueria Los GallosReview:Ever since I first discovered Taqueria Los Gallos in Hayward over a decade ago, my taste buds have been on a non-stop ride through Mexicos rich and varied culinary traditions.Visiting this local hotspot is like being transported into a colorful, vibrant Mexican marketplace - an experience that only grows richer over time. The ambiance, friendly staff, and the constant hum of satisfied customers make this eatery an inviting and warm place. Its truly a little slice of Mexico in the heart of Hayward.The food here is something that has consistently delighted me for more than ten years. The chefs at Taqueria Los Gallos exhibit a kind of culinary magic, creating dishes that are not just authentically Mexican but deliciously so. Its clear that the ingredients are fresh and the recipes have been honed to perfection over years.Now, lets talk about their chips and salsa. This seemingly simple appetizer is truly a game-changer. The chips are always perfectly crisp, providing that satisfying crunch with every bite, and are generously served. And then theres the salsa - oh, the salsa! It has just the right amount of heat, balanced with a refreshing tanginess, making it a delightful precursor to any meal. I can guarantee youll be reaching for chip after chip until your main course arrives.Each meal at Taqueria Los Gallos is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of its staff, from the well-marinated meats to the perfectly balanced sauces, and the vibrant, fresh vegetables. And the consistency is impressive - every visit guarantees a meal just as good, if not better, than the last.If youre in Hayward and craving a truly authentic and satisfying Mexican meal, I would wholeheartedly recommend Taqueria Los Gallos. It has been my go-to place for over a decade, and I can say without a doubt that it will continue to be for many more years to come.Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
House of Pho
20500 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94541, United States
We've been coming to/ordering food at House of Pho (located on the corner of Hesperian blvd. and A street) for the last 2 years but today we encountered a problem and were very disappointed at the way an employee at House of Pho handled the situation. I called in earlier today to order 1 food and 1 drink. When my husband came to pick up the food, he was told they didn't see the food. So I sent the names of the food and drink I ordered. Later on my husband called and said they tried to charge twice but transactions didn't go through and asked if I could check the balance. I checked and saw that the card had been charged twice with different amounts. I asked my husband to turn on the speaker mode so I could speak to the lady at the counter. I told her that on the bank transactions, it shows that the card was charged 2x. She raised her voice and said “If you don't believe me turn on the video chat, I can show you my machine.” I calmly told her “Before we do that, I'm going to send a picture of the bank transactions showing that the card had been charged 2x.” She kept assisting that there was not enough money on the card, which I told her that it was not that. Later I was told that at that moment, she removed the food from the counter and put in the back as if she was afraid my husband would take the food and run. To me that was unprofessional and disrespectful to customers. I sent the picture but video chat never happened because she was busy assisting other customers. Then she demanded my husband to swipe the card a 3rd time which of course my husband refused to do. My husband ended up cancelling the order and asked them to void the other transactions so he could get his money back.Now could it be the bank pausing the transaction? Possibly! But the employee's gesture was not acceptable. I understand it's a difficult time but customer's service is still important even if you're only opened for take-out and/or delivery. I don't think we'd come back to that restaurant again nor recommend them for anyone.
Bamboo Steamer
24297 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545, United States
Wow, great reviews but unfortunately it was a meh for me. We arrived at 10:30am right when they opened.We were seated quickly and informed the worker that I made reservations via Yelp. We looked at the menu and its not huge and placed our orders.Due to COVID they still serve their food on foam plates and other restaurants are already serving their dishes on regular plates. My visit was on 6/12/2021.Food:Steamed Spareribs with Black Bean SauceGolden Crunchy Shrimp BallsCrispy Fried Salt & Pepper TofuSteamed Pork BunsXiao Long BaoPork ShumaiPork DumplingThe Pork Buns were served cold on the inside that I had to return it and ask for another one. :( The spareribs was okay and the highlight was the shrimp balls. The XLB, shumai and dumplings were also okay. Nothing really stood out. They did not have hot mustard which is a bummer cause I love hot mustard with all of my Dim Sum Dishes.Overall, this is not a place I would return to. The food was lacking and the service was meh and we were the only ones in there
Burger Road
2010 American Ave, Hayward, CA 94545, United States
My review is for breakfast, which comes often enough since I work in this area of Hayward. Its a good spot to get a quick bite to eat. During the week, the ladies behind the counter are working hard, slinging eggs, hash browns and meat. Order at the counter and then take your number and wait in the dining room. Unless its crazy busy (which can happen between 8 AM - 9 AM), food comes out in a few minutes.My standard order is the bacon and eggs plate, which comes with hash browns and toast. Lots of potatoes, 4 slices of bacon, 3 eggs and 2 slices of bread. The bacon is cooked well (a little bit of fat, not burnt crispy) and the eggs are fluffy. A nice way to start the morning. Eventually, Ill make it for lunch.
Buon Appetito
917 A St, Hayward, CA 94541, United States
So I have seen this place busy in the evenings. We went close to 3pm and it was not busy. I was excited to try their food and also went for a birthday dinner. First off my little boy noticed that the cups were dirty and the plates werent washed well either. The lady mentioned that cups looked like that because maybe the water wasnt change which I guess would explain why the cups were greasy. She then took the cups to switch them out supposedly. When she came back she filled the glasses quickly. My husband noticed lip marks on the glass before he even drank out of it and thankfully he noticed. That drew the line. When we walked out the waitress didnt care to ask why and said have a nice day with a smirk on her face.I am really bummed out that it didnt work out and I really hope this review will help so that this does not happen to someone else.Also, a word of advice for the host.. you should always go pressed and polished to work. First impressions are very important!
Tins Teapot Bistro
320 Jackson St, Hayward, CA 94544, United States
My Dad and I were on the hunt for spots in or close to Union City to fulfill our dim sum cravings. This was the closest spot to us with positive feedback. The restaurant is a little hard to see from the street, but after circling around a bit, we made it alive and well!The restaurant was packed. Fortunately we got seated pretty quickly. I actually would give Tins Teapot Bistro 4 stars, but because of their discriminatory service they lost a star and respect.The server was super nice and welcoming when taking our order. Until she saw me using sign language with my Deaf dad. Her face and body language changed entirely. In Chinese culture, the Deaf are looked down upon and severely oppressed. And since this happened to my family, I was able to immediately recognize the signs. She immediately became cold, rude and not welcoming with us. And while we should have just walked out at this point, we didnt let it ruin our meal. But this is not something anyone should have to deal with, especially in the states. We arent in China. And The Bay Area has a large Deaf community.We ordered A LOT of food.Steamed Beef BallsSteamed Shrimp DumplingsSticky Rice & Chicken in Lotus LeafPea Sprouts & Shrimp DumplingsPan Fried Shrimp & Chive DumplingsRice Noodle Roll w/ Beef & CilantroChinese Broccoil with Oyster SauceSteamed Beef TripeSteamed Chicken Feet in Black Bean SauceSesame BallsChiu Chau DumplingsShrimp Stuffed EggplantAll the dumplings were good, but they were oversteamed. As a result, the dumpling skin was sticking to the steamers and so it made it really hard to eat. But they were tasty. Im not anti-MSG but if I eat too much, I do get headaches. And I could tell they dont put too much in their food, so that was good.Prices are a little high. There is definitely better dim sum in the Bay Area that is more reasonably priced.Parking is easy and plentiful.Good but not worth the BAD SERVICE.
Red Chili Thai Vietnamese Restaurant
29583 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544, United States
This is my first visit to Red Chili Thai. I ordered green curry (med spice), brown rice, and pad thai. The only reason I am giving 1 star is because I waited less than 10mins from the time I ordered to the time the food arrived on my table. Very fast! However if youre expecting customer service with a smile or the wait staff to acknowledge youre there, this is not the place for you. No one ever smiled or thanked me or asked how my meal was or tended to me beyond taking my order and bringing my food. The food was mediocre, nothing special. The atmosphere was annoying and loud. The patrons let their kids be loud and misbehave which led me to believe they have little respect for this place. When I was first seated, the waitress sloppily cleared a table for me, leaving food on the table and a used napkin and fork on the floor by my feet. Luckily, the other waitress that brought my silverware and water picked them up. As I waited for my food and observed the rest of the restaurant, it was obvious why the staff had very little time for customer service. The waitresses are multi-tasking, acting as the hostess, bussing tables, taking orders, and taking payment. I used the bathroom and it was very run down and dingy. There didnt seem to be any pride or cleanliness of ownership in this place. The food was averagely priced and the parking was convenient but Im grasping at straws to find any other positives. Needless to say, I will not be returning.