Halulu — Restaurant in Byram Township

It is not usually my practice to write a poor review on my first outing to a restaurant- I generally like to experience more than once to determine whether my experience was normal or abnormal. Unfortunately, I do feel compelled to write a poor review based on my first experience here tonight- so much so that this is the first thing I am doing upon my return home from the restaurant.

I was excited to try this restaurant with my boyfriend as we often like to go to AYCE sushi, but it is usually farther away in places like Denville or further east. This restaurant, being close to home, would be much more convenient.

Upon walking in, we noticed that the restaurant was in need of some major TLC- it was dingy, falling apart, and overall a poor atmosphere. We were sat in the back of the restaurant for AYCE sushi. When we arrived the tables were all full. Our server did not come to greet us or take drink/initial orders for several minutes- this was not a huge deal as there were several tables at that time. When she did arrive, it took quite a while for our first round of sushi to come to the table. You can tell that they cater more to the hibachi clientele than those who go for sushi - out of sight out of mind. The experience deteriorated from there.

We ate through the plate fairly quickly but did not have a menu from which we could order our second round of sushi. We sat for approximately 15 minutes, empty plates, waiting on a server to even notice us, let alone take our order. When we were finally able to order, the food took another 20 minutes or so to arrive. Total between courses was approximately 35 minutes. After we finished, we waited for another 15 minutes to get our check. We may have considered a third round of food but it was taking far too long to even place orders, let alone receive the actual food.

Our server on more than one occasion was unsure if we received everything that we ordered (we did not) and food would randomly show up after the fact (if at all). By the time we were done, there were only two other tables- the poor service at that point was no longer excusable. Even the fact that we had to wait for our check for so long was inexcusable- we only received it once we grew tired of waiting and had to go find someone who would be able to get it to us. We felt abandoned, shoved into a back corner of the restaurant wondering if we would be able to leave at a reasonable hour.

Overall, the food was ok, nothing special, but unfortunately the poor service and the poor atmosphere makes this restaurant a one and...

I was going to give 1 star but I threw in an extra just for the hibachi chef - he was great & entertaining. I had called to make a reservation for a surprise birthday lunch 4 days in advance from the day it was scheduled for. It was for a Friday at 1:30pm so I had called Monday to reserve a table (plenty of time in advance). Because of time conflicts with a few of our guests who were invited, I had to change the time to 1:45/2:00. I had called 2 days before the lunch (Wednesday) & told the man who had answered the phone that I had to change the time slightly. He said it was fine & didn't mention at all that they plan on CLOSING the restaurant entirely from 2:30pm - 4:00pm...

When some of my guests arrived, nobody in the restaurant spoke to them or offered water/drinks. When I got there, the hostess came up to our table & asked if this was everybody in which I replied yes. She then stated that they close at 2:30pm & we had to be out by then. I looked at my phone & said "well it's 2:00, so you're telling me we have to eat in 30 minutes & leave? Why did nobody tell me this when I had called not once, but twice to schedule our reservation?" in which she just blankly stared at me & smiled as if she didn't quite understand. So I continue & ask "so does that mean you don't let anybody in past 2:30 or we have to physically get out by 2:30?" & she responds with "you have to leave by 2:30." Literally, no words. The unprofessional-ism of this astounded me & at that point I was just ready to leave & go have lunch at the diner down the road. Why wouldn't the manager or employee answering the phone warn somebody scheduling a 2:00 reservation, "oh by the way we close at 2:30 incase you wanted to make your reservation earlier or later." If I was informed about this prior I 100% would have rescheduled for another day or time. Instead I had to be rushed during a birthday lunch to scarf down my meal & leave in 30 minutes. Beyond rude, unprofessional, and definitely not customer-friendly. Will definitely not return. I do however thank the hibachi chef for at least being nice & entertaining, even if we barely had time to...

Update to the person who commented on my review: you are misunderstanding me. We were 3 separate parties, NOT 1 party. The coupons explicitly state "1 coupon per party" not per table or per group. Therefore, each party is entitled to use 1 coupon as they see fit. What if we were all random strangers sitting together? Only 1 party would get the coupon and everyone else would not? I am well aware of how coupon policies work; they were not. The language barrier did not help either. Went with 2 other parties and tried asking when we sat down for 3 separate checks. They had no clue what we meant but agreed anyway. Food was very good, cook was friendly and great. Then came the check. Not 3 checks but 1. We had coupons to use and they said we could only use 1 since we were 1 group with 1 check. Well after almost getting into a fight because they didn't honor our wishes for separate checks they finally agreed and took care of it. The ladies' room was filthy from what I was told and the men's room was no better. Nevermind trying to use the toilet in a dimly lit bathroom because so many lights were out. Sorry but as good as the food was, the service issues and other stuff is too much to overlook. We will not be returning,...