Hai Ky — Restaurant in Austin

Not what it used to be! I used to love coming here in the mid 2000s for vermicelli, spring or summer rolls, and bubble tea. The place was very cute, with amazing, friendly service, extremely reasonable prices, and art from local artists for sale on the walls. The whole place was decorated with great, unpretentious taste, it went perfectly with the type of restaurant they were. I moved away and here I am visiting back about 14 yrs later, thinking it would be the same or better. Not only are the cute decor and atmosphere gone (the place was dark, the whole place has a grey-green lighting atmosphere that doesn't feel very inviting), the menu is completely different, the pho I had was nothing to write home about, the prices do not reflect the quality of the food (too high), but the worst part of it all was the waiter. When we were ordering drinks, I asked for jasmine bubble tea, and he told me immediately that they had no bubble tea and that they had never served it. I told him that they used to serve different types back in the day and he started arguing about how I was wrong, because they had never, ever served bubble tea. This waiter had an attitude the rest of the time he was waiting on us. I won't go back whenever I'm back in Austin, I am sure there are other newer and better places for vermicelli, rolls and bubble...

My husband was gaa-gaa over this place as a lunch choice. I didn't quite get it. (+)Service was quick and responsive. After a long all-day bike ride I was covered in sweat and mopping myself off. I 'm sure not the easiest of customers as I re-hydrated and got myself to level normal. The waiter was patient and helpful. When I am in a new restaurant, I will normally whittle down to two or three menu choices I will ask for server input on which would be the best choice. I ended up with a lemongrass stir fry. (+)The serving was definitely ample, with lots of healthy vegetables that tasted fresh, not processed. (-)The beef was somewhat tough and chewy. Lemongrass tasted more like lemon pepper. Only one bite seemed to hint at lemongrass while the rest of the dish tasted more like the tangy seasoning available in HEB spice aisle from a jar. (+/-)Upon leaving, I noticed signage in various places throughout the restaurant touting $2 Happy Hour every day from 4-7 with an impressive list of beers that included Shapiro and Fireman's 4. My bad for not noticing what was in front of my face, waiter's bad for not bringing it to my attention. As a past server, I get it. You can't always be on top of your game and upping your sales. I would not make a special trip to visit this place again, but I wouldn't kick it out of...

I love Hai Ky! Always fresh and fast. But I'm not sure that I will be back. Went in yesterday and was surprised to discover at the end that there is now a "12% service & maintenance" fee. And they took away the tip line on charge receipt. I was told if I want to tip, I have to use cash. I didn't have cash and the service charge line replaced the tip line, so I couldn't write in a better tip than 12%. I don't carry cash and 12% aint much tip. So now, on top of the regular menu price, tax & "cash" tip there is now a Service & Maintenance fee. I'm all for making more money but adding an additional line item is just the wrong way of going about it. Please raise the prices of the dishes or the drinks instead but don't add some arbitrary line charge to the receipt. That feels insulting to the customer and discourages directly tipping the service staff. Additionally, the blow could've been soften if there was something written somewhere or if the staff told me about the additional charge. Instead, was blindsided at the end of the meal when the check was presented. Please get rid of that charge! I love you Hai Ky!! I don't want to discourage anyone from going and enjoying some delicious Vietnamese cuisine, but that charge is definitely...