Disappointing 21st Birthday Celebration -- Dirty, Overpriced, and Not Worth Returning!…read more
We visited this restaurant for the first time to celebrate a special 21st birthday with six adults and one child. Unfortunately, what should have been a memorable evening turned into an incredibly disappointing experience.
The first red flag should have been our last.
Before even entering, we noticed that the handicap-accessible ramp was blocked with caution tape, leaving stairs as the only apparent entrance. Anyone requiring accessible entry should call ahead.
We were pleasantly greeted and promptly seated at our reserved table. However, the moment we reached our table, I noticed something absolutely disgusting: the CARPET was so sticky that our shoes were literally sticking to it!
Yes, CARPET! Not tile, not hardwood, but carpeting so filthy and sticky that you could feel it with every step. This wasn't one isolated spot; it surrounded our entire table. I cannot imagine what had accumulated in that carpeting to make it that way. For a restaurant charging these prices, that level of neglect is unacceptable.
I should have trusted my instincts and walked out right then.
To make matters worse, a heating element or fixture was protruding near our table. I tripped over it and sustained a small cut on my foot. I didn't make a scene, but it was another concerning maintenance and safety issue.
Now, credit where credit is due.
Our server, J, was wonderful! He was attentive, professional, personable, and genuinely tried to make our evening enjoyable. He deserves recognition.
The restaurant also made an effort to accommodate the birthday girl's gluten-free dietary needs by preparing her food separately in the kitchen. Unfortunately, her meals consistently arrived after everyone else's, but we appreciated the accommodation.
The sushi was actually good! It was one of the few things I genuinely enjoyed.
The hibachi, however, was an entirely different story.
Greasy, flavorless, and completely underwhelming. The food lacked seasoning and was excessively oily. For the prices charged, I expected considerably better.
The hibachi chef was equally disappointing. He dropped his utensils several times, and the performance lacked the excitement, personality, and entertainment that make hibachi dining special, especially for a milestone birthday.
Unfortunately, I became physically sick and vomited shortly after leaving. I cannot say whether it was the sushi, the greasy hibachi, or something unrelated. I certainly hope it wasn't the sushi because that was actually enjoyable! Regardless, it was a miserable ending to an already disappointing evening.
The restaurant itself needs serious attention.
The interior appeared dated, worn, and poorly maintained. The women's restroom door was propped completely open with a trash can, and the facilities reflected the same general neglect as the dining area.
The atmosphere was loud, unpleasant, and lacking any warmth or excitement. Nothing about this establishment felt special or justified its pricing.
Then came the uncomfortable tipping situation.
Our party split the bill, and my portion alone exceeded $170. Other members of our group generously tipped the hibachi chef in cash, while I wanted to recognize Jason separately for his excellent service.
However, Jason appeared concerned that accepting an individual cash tip might get him in trouble with management because, according to what we were told, the chef and server are expected to split gratuities 50/50.
I found that disappointing. In my opinion, Jason provided significantly better service and deserved to be recognized accordingly. I did not personally tip the chef because other members of our party had already done so generously, and I did not feel his performance warranted an additional gratuity.
The bottom line?
Perhaps this restaurant was wonderful in its heyday, but based on our experience, those days appear to be long gone.
Between the disgustingly sticky carpeting, questionable maintenance, disappointing hibachi, worn facilities, uncomfortable tipping situation, and excessive prices, there was very little to justify the cost.
The sushi was good, the gluten-free accommodation was appreciated, and Jason was excellent. Unfortunately, those positives couldn't overcome the rest of the experience.
Would I return? Absolutely not. Would I recommend it? No. Even a complimentary voucher wouldn't convince me to go back.
When you're celebrating someone's 21st birthday, you expect good food, a clean and safe environment, and a memorable experience. Sadly, this restaurant failed to deliver.
My biggest regret? Not walking out the moment my shoes stuck to that filthy carpet. Instead, I stayed, spent a considerable amount of money, and ended my evening vomiting outside.
Save your money and celebrate somewhere else.
And J, thank you for being the one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing evening.
