Hamaru Ramen and Handroll — Restaurant in Killeen

I've gone too this place two different times. Both have not been well, the first time was during the grand opening and I was willing too give it another chance because it was the grand opening.

My first time; there was multiple mix ups with the orders, miscommunications, and overall no service, explanations of the food, introductions, anything.

My second time was today, it was lacking in the same ways. But the experience was somehow worse. Firstly, they are extremely stingy, there are no refills, no free sides, no free miso soup or salad. Along with that it was very very overpriced. For example their miso soup is I believe 2-3$ for the small cup. Miso soup isn't costly too make, I've made it multiple times. The takoyaki is not good, there isn't any chunks of squid and it's not golden crunchy. Just a mushy ball. The karaage bowl is decent and the sushi. I also had a small mix up with our waitress when I asked for an extra side of sauce. The food came and there was no sauce on the food and only on the side, I wanted sauce still on the food. But this wasn't a big deal at all I just asked for sauce on the bowl. I did also ask for another side of sauce though as the amount they gave me in the side dish wasn't that much at all. We then proceeded too listen to the owner yell at the waitress, raise his voice, and an argument happening over the simple request. It was embarrassing for me as I'm not a very social person and I don't like to cause issues or be the reason for issues. They continued too argue till a family member stepped in and asked why it was such an issue? In which the female owner (I'm assuming) said they were joking, when the waitress was clearly upset at the situation. I would feel bad and embarrassed if I was her too as it's terrible to be berated infront of your customer and very loudly at that.

In total our check was around 85$ which was not at all worth it. We will not be coming again. I don't suggest you go here either. I refuse too support businesses that treat their workers poorly and lack empathy and communication.

And too the waitress if you read this (or anybody looking too work here) I promise there are better places out there.

(As you can see the owner replied.)

I'm not butt hurt over not being hired I don't want too be there after seeing this. And no, time was not taken too explain any of food, most of our time was correcting orders. But that was the first time, I didn't expect much as it's the grand opening and their just starting up. This visit all 3 of the guests at my table (including me) heard them yelling in back and the sauce. And with the miso soup. You have too buy a roll for each person at the table. (We were told this.) In order to get miso soup. The miso soup on its own is 3-4$. No refills on anything on the menu. I know there wasn't a charge that because we...

This restaurant is new, and I do plan to come back, in which case I will update this review. I hope this review is taken as a way to improve.

The food is good. I feel like a small piece of pork in the ramen isn’t enough, but, it was good nonetheless.

Now, let’s talk about the service. I came in at 1pm on a Wednesday. 2 tables currently dining, 2 servers on the floor. I sat down and was brought a menu by the manager.

I sat long enough to consider getting up and leaving before I was finally approached again by the manager to get my drink order and food order.

I was brought my drink by the manager.

I was brought my lunch by a female server.

My drink went empty.

I finished my food.

I sat for a while before a cook came up and asked to take the food bowl and plate that I had sitting on the opposite corner of the table. I said yes and asked for my check.

The manager brought my check.

The male server cashed me out.

I tipped $0 because quite frankly, no one did anything. I don’t even know who my server was!

As a former service manager, I leave these tips:

Establish a buddy system. Every table should be greeted within 1-2 minutes by the server, the servers “server buddy” (another server working the floor), or a manager and the party offered drinks.

As soon as possible, the server of the table should make contact (even if drinks are ordered/delivered) and apologize for taking so long to get to them and introduce themselves.

After food delivered, you should revisit the table shortly after you notice everyone has had a bite of their food, usually 1-2 minutes, sometimes longer! Offer refills and other sides (UPSELLING! $$$).

Constantly keep an eye on drinks!

For lunch time, deliver the check about halfway through the dining process and ask “do we think we are going to be ordering any desert?” And if they say “no”, advise them you are leaving the check for their convenience since it is lunch time, and that there is no rush!

Everyone was very nice, the service just needs work! Good luck and I look forward to better service next...

The atmosphere was crisp and clear with warm notes of dark wood and vibrant decor. Korean dance music filled the room, and the air was clean. Our waitress came forward to serve with a smile and gracious attitude. Ordered: seaweed salad, potato korokke, karaage bowl, shrimp tempura roll (with complimentary miso soup), Tonkotsu ramen x2 spicy garlic and customized ingredients, sweet black tea, and yuzu lemonade. Seaweed salad was served on a bed of the crispest and freshest salad mix I’ve ever had, which was drizzled with a ginger dressing. Loved it. Might recommend specifying if you desire only seaweed salad by itself, as the ginger dressing will change the taste of nutty sesame you might be used to. Potato korokke was two cakes cut in half, perfectly crunchy outside, soft as a cloud within, tasty sauce, loved it. Karaage bowl perfectly crisp chicken meat, mostly thighs I believe, hot, fresh, atop fresh cabbage mix and seasoned rice, drizzled all over with yummy sauce, loved it. Shrimp tempura was as expected, straightforward tasty roll with perfectly ripe avocado, loved it. Miso soup was delicate and tasty, on par with fine establishments’ versions, loved it. Yuzu lemonade loved it! Just perfect guys, please be aware there are pieces of softened lemon rind that are palate cleansing and delicious to eat. Sweet tea was black tea, sweetened, with earthy tones and depth of flavor. Tonkatsu ramen, loved it, there isn’t much to say about it but “mmmmmmmm”. Rich, creamy broth, Al dente perfect noodles, best Ajitsuke Tamago (marinated egg) I’ve had at ANY ramen shop, fresh add ins. Added spice, which was somewhat heavy on chili seeds unfortunately. Pork was good, though very faint taste of refrigeration, and just a bit thin. Worth the trip, hands down the best ramen within forty miles. In general, now one of my top three restaurants within forty miles as well. Satisfied, warm, happy....