Hula's Island Grill — Restaurant in Monterey

Not stroller friendly / No tolerance for car seats either with unclear communication Overcharged us Served the main course before the appetizer Lied to us / Rude Manager Staff is courteous and food is good but nothing beyond expectations

We were 6 adults and a 2 months baby for dinner on 07/28/2024. At the arrival the Manager told us strollers were not accepted at the table and they could store it for us or we would have to take wheels off. I explained this was a special car seat-stroller with wheels we couldn't take off but we could fold these up (Evenflo dual shift). The manager said OK and let us in, and we respectfully folded the wheels when we arrived at the table (Commercial picture attached for the example). We thought it would be smart to ask if we could change table to be seated to the table behind where we would place the baby car seat in the corner so it would not bother other customers or the staff but the Manager told us the other table was reserved. After we left the restaurant, we realized so many things went wrong in this place so we decided to call them to ask if we could reserve a table. Over the phone, the Manager said no table could be reserved. After we told her we just had dinner there and she lied to us, she ended up saying she remembered us with the stroller and we didn't respect their policy, then she hung up on us. If you do not tolerate the wheels of a stroller running into the aisle before we folded these up at the table, then please be clear in your communication and ask to fold these up before you take us to the table. Also stop lying to customers regarding table reservation...

They overcharged us for an ingredient in the Big Sur burger. Their Menu clearly shows ''cheese of your choice'' amongst the list of included ingredients. No extra fee is listed for the Big Sur burger in the current menu but they still charged us (Picture of menu attached). Another burger on the menu is actually listed with 'extra ingredients' and prices to add those extras. If you charge extra fees, make sure you mention it for all related items into your written menu. This doesn't make it a honest business. Well, we substracred that fee off the tip...

We first ordered an appetizer but the main course was served first. We realized the waitress gave the same appetizer to another table that ordered food after us (but was given the appetizer before us) and we assumed it was given to them by mistake. They briefly apologized but did not charge us for the appetizer. We appreciated it but a free basket of fries is not that amazing after the overall...

I stumbled upon Hula's Island Grill in Monterey, California, and it was a delightful adventure from start to finish. Our journey began in the super-secret speakeasy side of the restaurant, where we were pleasantly surprised to have the bar all to ourselves. The atmosphere was cozy, and a kind blonde bartender entertained my wife and me with great conversation before sending us off to dinner in the main restaurant.

Now, let me rave about the food! The pork plate was a true taste of Hawaiian cuisine, and it felt like we were transported to the islands with each bite. The flavors were spot on, and the pork was incredibly tender. But that's not all; the pan-seared ahi tuna, macadamia crusted and perfectly cooked, was simply to die for. It was a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that left us craving more.

The tiki drinks were top-notch, and their presentation was as enchanting as you'd expect from a place with such island vibes. The friendly staff, from the bartender to the waitstaff, made us feel right at home. Their warm and welcoming attitude added to the overall positive experience.

We enjoyed our time at Hula's so much that we wanted to take a piece of it home with us in the form of merchandise. Unfortunately, they didn't have my size shirt, which we jokingly attributed to the fantastic meal we had just devoured. In fact, we were so impressed with Hula's Island Grill that we couldn't resist the temptation to return the very next day to sample their enticing lunch menu. It's safe to say that Hula's has become our go-to spot for a taste of the islands in Monterey, and we can't wait to indulge in their culinary delights...

On the rainy day of 02.03.24 at 5:22pm, I reserved a table via walk in for a party of 6.

Total of 5 immediately was seated and the remaining guest arrived late due to being unfamiliar with the area and lack of parking due to the nearby tourist attractions.

The tardiness of the remaining guest clearly bothered staff via passive aggressive attitude. Also, the waitress threatened to relocate the party to a different location of the restaurant with the reasoning that the back patio was closed due to the rain.

Once the final guest arrived, the passive aggressive attitude from the waitress started to simmer but the attitude was still present.

Upon the issuance, of the final tab (pictured in this review) a total of $14 gratuities was signed for the waitress.

Several days after the transaction has fully processed, an additional $25.90 was charged without my consent and without explanation.

Myself and Jr (who accompanied myself on 02.03.24 & left a brief review on 2.6.24 regarding this visit) are regular customers that visit at least monthly to enjoy the food and the atmosphere.

While the poor weather on that day has limited the occupancy of the business, this does not justify the poor attitude of staff whatsoever.

This unfortunate situation has left us feeling unwelcomed and taken advantaged...