Eureka! — Restaurant in Hawthorne

Updating again from 5.20.22 I'm posting an update because the general manager Loren's customer service resolving an issue I had at a once favorite place made all the difference. His customer service and personality truly shines through and I can honestly say his energy is reflecting through his newer fleet of staff. My previous experience left me with a sour taste and never stepping foot here again. The professionalism of someone who was empathetic and just very well rounded in customer service from the moment we met had me leaving on a positive note. It was a delight to see him again and his amazing personality. Our server for today's visit was Xavier. My goodness his personality was outstanding. He was so bubbly and offered personalized suggestions and just a bundle of joy. I can't praise him enough. The reality of this place. Yes it is very small, and yes you will wait a while for assistance. When we arrived there were several large parties, every table was filled with people. 2 bar tenders 4 wait staff plus a gm running around assisting tables on a Friday night with sports playing can be overwhelming. I get it an understand. I watched our server assist one family for what seemed like an eternity. He came over and apologized for the delay and you know what it's OK I saw him working hard and even if he was stressed we couldn't tell. He came over with a big smile and full of energy . Once we got our food order everything arrived rather quickly while we waited on our cocktails still. My only draw back were my truffle fries were a bit too salty for my liking but everything was delicious. I do still wish they had fried pickles on the menu tho hahah. Overall being invited back by an amazing general manager who you can honestly see is trying hard to turn this place around with a new fleet of staff is paying off. There are still some kinks with wait times with placing orders but I truly see an improvement for the best. The newer staff is incredible compared to the pandemic staff. One suggestion I would make would be if staffing is possible having the host take drink orders while we sit an wait for our server to be available to assist us, that way by the time we order our apps or meals we will be at least two drinks in and it helps flow better. I wouldn't mind waiting with a cocktail in hand. For ada accessibility I was able to park in the one handicap spot and had space to sit my cane without it falling on anyone and still had room to comfortably move on a crowded night. A special Thank-you again to both Loren and Xavier for turning my negative experience around to a positive and showing the growth your making with this establishment.

As of 2.16.21 I will never be returning to a restaurant that has employees who are rude and unaccomodating to people with disabilities. When I arrived your host greeted us I asked for a low table indoors. You had several tables available however your host suggested a high top table. I informed her I am disabled and unable to sit high top. At the mention of that she looked me HEAD to toe. Not everyone's disability I'd visible. I suffer periodic partial paralysis. Some days I am able to walk for periods of times without the need of my wheelchair. The way she looked at me the minute I stated I am handicap did not sit well with me. As tho she was looking for my disability. She suggested a booth however again I explained I am handicap I struggle with booths. She says well you can sit outside. It is cold outside so I declined. Why should I be forced to sit outside when you have several empty regular tables indoors that you are refusing to allow me to sit at. I asked if I may bring a chair to the booth and she said no its a fire safety. She failed to even be empathetic or accommodating for someone with disabilities. I have never had a problem sitting at one of the larger tables before and I'm a regular. I live up the street and am often here for happy hour and sundy brunch but after this experience will...

I decided to try this restaurant for the first time, and from the very start, the red flags began to show. The parking lot that’s far too small for a restaurant that runs at full capacity—was already packed. I had no choice but to fork over money for a paid lot nearby. A small annoyance, but little did I know it was only the beginning.

We were seated in the outdoor section, greeted by a polite waiter who, unfortunately, vanished like a ghost for most of the night. Our drinks and appetizers took an eternity to arrive, and when they finally did, the kitchen bungled the order so badly that another server appeared later, confused, carrying the exact same dish as if we hadn’t already been served. That should have been a warning sign.

When the entrées finally arrived, my pastrami reuben with truffle fries was lukewarm, lifeless, and shockingly bland. Food is subjective, but this plate felt more like an afterthought than a crafted meal, especially after the marathon wait.

Then came the chaos. A couple suddenly shouted as a cockroach darted across the floor. Someone stepped on it. I kid you not: ten minutes later, laughter turned into panic when another couple spotted a rat slinking behind their table. Chairs scraped, glasses rattled, and nearly the entire patio emptied as diners stood on chairs or rushed toward the exit. At that point, my appetite was gone. I just wanted the check, which ironically also took far too long.

By the end of the night, I wasn’t just disappointed; I was stunned. Between the cramped parking, the endless waits, the uninspired food, and the live vermin show, this was less a dinner and more a disaster. To anyone considering it: if you go, skip the outdoor seating, brace yourself for long delays, and bring an extra $5 for parking. As for me? I...

Definitely... met my expectations, and then some. Just had finished a blood donation and needed a refuel.

Escorted in, seated almost immediately, and served by Karen. (The kool and nice one. She was amazing. Conscientious. Hospitable. Spanish. Awesome. Impressive. Probably gave new meaning to the name Karen to be honest haha even searched up that name actually😅)

Food is up to par and then some. I was fortunate enough to try the Bison and Fresno Fig burgers. The Bison has to be one of the better burgers I've ever had. The Fresno Fig... it's only if you have that taste. Goat cheese is not for everyone, definitely had a finer taste to it. Not for everyone, but delectable and scrumptious in my books.

Sides.

Macaroni and cheese balls, standard, can't go wrong, delicious.

Sweet Potatoe Fries though... on another level. Must try if you like sweet potato fries. I would have never thought of adding cinnamon and honey. Compliments to the chef.

Truffle corn brought me back to my grandma's hometown in Puebla, quaint.

Rounded it off with the Lava Cake, definitely gourmet, rich and decadent, but not overpowering. It will definitely take you somewhere else though if you know what I mean.

The atmosphere is cool and laid back. There's a patio, which is nice. Or you can chill inside and have like, dinner and a show watching jets fly.

If you're traveling through, definitely, definitely, a stop by.

(P.S. had a torta right before getting here, so... it's not like I was hungry or anything when we arrived. I just stopped by for my buds. I guess I had a bigger appetite than I...