Happy Salmon — Restaurant in Safety Harbor

We went here last night and the women working was easily the rudest service women working in the industry I have ever encountered. We were quoted a 1 1/4 hr and to 1 1/2 hour wait. We were told to came back in 45 minutes to check our place. I set an alarm for 40 minutes and from when we were told this to when I re-entered the restaurant 42 minutes later we were told our table was gone.

I understand the policy of not being in the restaurant and not receiving a table but the women working proceeded to berate us. I stated we returned in under 45 minutes which is 30 minutes before what you quoted us and before the time you specifically told us to be back. She then said "what do you want me to do this is your fault. You weren't here, you weren't here." Then said she'd put us back on the bottom of the list for another 45 minute to hour wait. Our party declined and she again said "ok well this is your fault, what do you want me to do."

The food looked good, the ambiance was nice, but I will never support a place where the staff is incapable of writing down a quoted time or following their own time lines then blatantly rude. If we missed the reservation (which we didn't) just say that and say sorry it's the restaurant policy. No need to repeatedly say it's the customers fault after they followed your guidelines and requests exactly...

My wife has dietary restrictions. She keeps it simple. Avocado Rolls, Miso soup, edamame. I decided to try the teriyaki chicken special. Our server started to argue with my wife about the menu which clearly states rice and soy paper available for up charge. Server agreed and she ordered two rolls, one rice, one soy. About 40 minutes, and patience is gone….i asked why my chicken was taking so long. 3 minutes later it showed up. It looked like a half portion and the chicken was not fresh or of any quality. Small plate…half with entree other half salad. Wife’s rolls arrived one soy one seaweed. Again, more conflict with server about menu and she did make her another roll. Hard to enjoy anything when you’re upset. Our bill was $40 dollars and we left unsatisfied….still hungry…and no apology was given for the poor service, slow service, and just poor execution all around. Roll the dice and take your chances at the Happy Salmon. The T shirt was cute which is why it got 2 stars for atmosphere. Simple meal….rude server….poor execution. We spend about the same amount at tons of other sushi places and we are satisfied and happy campers. Weird is all I can say here. The lack of apology was unacceptable. I’ve never not tipped in my 52 year life….but there is a first for...

Place was great! Other than the fact that you might have to wait a while for your sushi, it’s a fantastic spot for sushi made with love.

I’ve been to Japan a few times, and I can confidently say this is my favorite spot for sushi when I don’t feel like making it at home.

I don’t mind waiting a bit longer—personally, I think it’s well worth it. I remind myself that it’s a family-owned business making some damn good sushi.

There was one time during a busy evening when I waited quite a bit longer than I’m normally comfortable with. That said, I understand the sushi-making might all fall on one person’s shoulders. It might help if someone could assist the sushi master during peak hours or maybe even develop a more efficient system in the kitchen to ease the workload and improve turnaround time—whatever the pain point might be behind the scenes.

Still, despite the occasional wait, the quality and care that goes into the food keep me coming back....