Hook Restaurant — Restaurant in Vancouver

If google allows me to write review without giving a star, I would. The reason being: Last night, I was humanliated at this restaurant when I was asked to give a tip forcefully by a waitress. Her reason was we got a 15% discount, so we have to pay her tips. When we clearly said we wouldn't give her a tip, she called us rude people, and she said she has to pay $9 for our table from her pocket. Since when has a tip been mandatory? Is this a new rule implemented in BC that I am not aware of? With over 20 years living experience in Canada and travelling all across the world, I have never experienced this situation... The 15% discount we got was because their brown rice was under cooked, and we finished our meal without enjoying it. Tips should be given voluntarily to reward good service, which we didn't get. The most important part that set me off was the manager's attitude towards us. He didn't act as mediator and try de-escalate the issue, on the other hand, he ignored very upset customers and defended his employee's bad behaviour... I wonder where is the golden rules of customer service, how customers are always right. My understanding of the concept of "tip culture" is that it should be voluntary, it's kind of appreciation of the service, and I believe that applies anywhere in the world. I remember I gave a tip to a hairdresser in Japan, she was very confused why I give her money in person, I asked my friend to translate that because I appreciated her service, even in Turkey, the samiler situation happened........ But here in Vancouver, a waitress asked for tips forcefully, it's unbelievable, I am still in shock until now........ Shame of that waitress and her manager....... I start to wonder because we are visitor, and that why they took advantage of us or there is hidden racism towards us because we aren't white? If this is case then it's really not acceptable in our society......... "The most beautiful part of Canada is colourful and multiculturalism and diverse " so this is no way to treat customers, no...

Last week, my friends and I stopped into Hook and were absolutely delighted with the service, drinks, and ceviche we shared. On our previous visit, we had a different server and enjoyed a sunny patio day with the drinks flowing an experience we were excited to repeat.

So when I arrived about 25 minutes before my friends this time, I was looking forward to the same great vibe. I ordered ceviche and two drinks while waiting, the three of us were planning to order lunch once they arrived. We were all in the mood for flowing drinks and a relaxing patio lunch.

However, this visit was disappointing because of our server. I don’t know his name, but he was young, good-looking and i think had a nose ring. Unlike the amazing server we previously had, he didn’t seem happy to be at work, which was a noticeable difference. I understand everyone can have an off day, so i decided not to be salty about this....

The main issue was that my ceviche arrived missing cilantro and avocado. When I brought this to the server’s attention, there was no apology he just said the dish “doesn’t have avocado.” I told him it definitely does. He returned with the ceviche and only a few tiny pieces of avocado. When I asked about the cilantro, he brought some.

Given the price of the food, I expected a much better presentation and quality. Is ceviche just cucumber and shrimp with a random garnish? Also, the chips were stale, but I didn’t want to complain more.

When my friends arrived, they each ordered a drink, and I suggested we eat elsewhere, which they agreed with. The vibe was wrecked with no acknowledgement.

While paying, a different server helped us, and he was incredibly nice and gave us the friendly vibe we were hoping for.

I can’t say if the missing avocado was intentional maybe they were running low but the lack of communication was disappointing.

I hope you address these issues with the kitchen and server so people can have a better experience...

Be aware: If you decide not tip for any reason or tip less than 18%, you will be harassed by the waiters/waitresses. You can find several reviews about this.

Read my review:

The only thing good about this place is the view. Their food was average quality and in much smaller portions compared to the similar restaurants in downtown. Their salad was so small for a main dish that I was shocked. With the similar price you can enjoy a big portion of salad with much more ingredients at Earls.

Also our drink was too sour for a pineapple and coconut summery cocktail. We paid $16 for the drink.

The worst part of our experience however was the rude behaviour of the waiter. We waited for a long time for the waiter to show up and take our orders. After we received our food we did not see the waiter until the very end. Nobody came to see if we needed anything or if we were happy with the food. I needed napkins and could not find anyone to ask for it. I decided not to pay tips since I didn’t received a good service, only a poor one. The waiter who was a very young man however was very bold and I may say rude and asked me if I was not happy with the service. I was shocked when he asked me that and said excuse me? He laughed and repeated his question!

To the owner of this restaurant: tipping is not mandatory in Canada and is based off the decision of the customer. Even if a customer received a good service, which we did not, it is not mandatory for customers to pay tip. Being asked by a rude waiter of why we did not tip is the worst customer service. Please either pay enough to your employees so they do not harass people or train them to do their job properly and in good manners. I have never seen such a behaviour and will...