Lobster & Beer — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Hello guys, Here’s a little funny story for you

I visited the restaurant alone today at lunch time and ordered three dishes, totaling $62. The ordering process works at the bar, so I paid upfront and, as prompted, chose one of the three tip options—opting for the lowest, 18%, which came out to $11.

The woman who took my order was a white, blonde server with a ponytail. I took a seat outside, enjoyed my food quietly, and wasn’t checked on once during the meal. Honestly, I had no issue with that—sometimes solitude is exactly what you need.

But then I realized I hadn’t received any water. So I got up and walked back to the bar to ask. The server was laughing and chatting with two male customers, looking at something funny on a phone. Not wanting to interrupt the moment, I waited… and waited. As I stood there for over two minutes, just a few feet away, two middle-aged women seated nearby noticed me waiting. They glanced over with what felt like a mix of sympathy and subtle apology in their expressions—as if they, too, sensed something wasn’t quite right.

Eventually, the server turned to me and asked if I needed anything.

When I asked for some water, she casually pointed to a small side table and told me I could help myself. I was a bit surprised—maybe even mildly confused—but I went over, poured myself a glass from the pitcher, No ice, just room-temp hydration.

Now, I’ve been here several times before, and not once have I ever had to serve myself water. Usually, the standard is a cup of ice water brought to the table. Curious, I looked around—and sure enough, every other table had their water served with ice by the staff. It seemed I was the only one given the DIY option today.

So there I stood, sipping my lukewarm water by the bar, watching the server return to her cheerful conversation. And I started to wonder: Was this because I’m Asian? Or was it because I selected the lowest of the three preset tip options—that infamous 18%?

Today’s visit left me with a truly unexpected new experience—one that made me reflect, question, and honestly, feel a little...

While the food was good. Have to give it a low rating because I had a pretty strange experience, and it was because of the kitchen staff, and NOT the girl at the front who was awesome, or the food which was great.

I had ordered the Maine Lobster roll, unfortunately when I eating it, I felt a chewy piece which when I took out was a thick red rubber band! Probably used to keep the claws of the lobster closed. If you see the picture being red it blends in with the lobster.

I showed it to girl at the cash counter and she was shocked and apologized, and said that she would get me a new roll to go. I told her that was not what I am looking for, and I just wanted to point it out to her.

I went back to my table and was putting my stuff together to leave, and she comes back to me saying - I’m sorry the kitchen says that they don’t use rubber bands, so they don’t agree.

This annoyed me - don’t agree to what? I didn’t want another roll… ! They don’t agree that there was a rubber band that I got in the food - which she took back to the kitchen?

I had not asked for anything! The restaurant staff needs to acknowledge when something is wrong!, which the girl at the cash counter originally did.

The kitchen staff’s attitude of saying they don’t use rubber bands annoyed me - No sorry about that!

Dude! I don’t use rubber bands either! but here we are, with the rubber band in food that I got from you!

BTW, All of the interaction was friendly, and normal - no confrontation, no raised voices, I tipped as well, but just 15%, you can’t expect me to tip more in such circumstances.

Anyway, nothing more to be said…. Attitude like this is what kills...

I'm not a beer drinker so I can't speak on that part. However, what my wife and I were searching for, we found it here! The lobster roll and it was excellent. It all starts with the bread which was like a buttery pillow that held in the lobster meat which was front and center. I also ordered the cheese fries and the lobster tacos from their Happy Hour menu which runs for several hours (until 7pm I believe). I did order the HH mimosas for us as well but we weren't satisfied with them. We drank them since I paid for them really, but I will not take off a star on here for that. They tasted like inexpensive champagne with a hint of beer and OJ. I just wouldn't order them. Back to these lobster rolls though! My wife ordered the Connecticut style which is served warm and I actually ordered the shrimp roll for some variety and I got my lobster fix with the tacos. All the food items were excellent. The fries were fresh, hot, crispy and had the right amount of seasonings and cheese. The tacos weren't overpowered or buried under a bunch of unnecessary lettuce and all the meats were tasty and juicy.

Also, our daughter had the short rib nachos, which I tried, and they were good. Her boyfriend had the coconut shrimp which he said he liked. The service was good and the food came out quickly and hot. We even ordered another lobster roll to go and I had a taco and most of my roll to take home for the next day. I'd definitely recommend and will be looking forward to going back here while I'm...