Hap's Grill — Restaurant in Salisbury

I was ubering one day and ended up in Salisbury and decided to check Hap's Grill out. I had passed it a few months prior when I had gone to the transportation museum with the family. I was lucky enough to be passing by this time when there was no line. Entering the establishment, you're met with a small room (standing room only, literally) to order and eat, local and vintage decor on the walls and a small menu of choices that are All you need to get a great meal. The husband and wife team (and an additional employee, definitely had a family member vibe) are great for conversation. I was lucky enough that it wasn't crazy busy to be able to talk to them as I am sure a lot of people don't get the chance to really talk a long time because of how busy it is.

Since it was my first time I ordered a cheeseburger and hotdog and told them to make it however way is their speciality. She told me that was "all the way", which is onion, mustard and chili.

Buns are moist (steamed) Onion and mustard are standard House made chili, which is a meat based chili, had a touch of heat that almost seemed to be from black pepper. 10/10 Meat for both burger and hotdog were quality. Burger was thick and while it was cooked all the way through still maintained moistness and had plenty of flavor. There was also a "Lexington" style hot sauce as well that is housemade that was great. I was thoroughly satisfied with my entire experience at Hap's Grill.

I wanted to address a few of the "complaints". Seating- There is a thin counter that goes down one of the walls where you can choose to eat at if you wish. You have to stand because there are no chairs/stools. I can imagine what a mess it would he if there were chairs or stools to sit at. So eat there or don't. If it helps, pretend you're at an espresso bar in Italy. Long line- yeah... there is often a line because their food is good. They do serve fast because everything is ready. The few people I did see were served quickly. "ThEy DoN't HaVe SLaW"- yeah they don't have slaw nor many other toppings I enjoy on hotdogs and hamburgers. They have what they have for the menu...

While exploring what was apparently an old civil war prison camp, I ran into the owner of the property, a man named Clyde. We chatted a bit while I took pics, and he recommended Hap's, saying it was where to get "the best hot dog in the state". (He also recommended the Rowan Museum, which unfortunately was closed that day). As I love hole in the wall local places, I walked down the street, and saw this little place almost hiding in the middle of the block. I ordered a hot dog with everything, a cheese dog with everything, and, of course, a bottle of Salisbury's own, Cheerwine. While ordering, I asked if they knew a fellow named Clyde, and the grill master directed my attention to a caricature drawing to my left, depicting the crew, and the local I'd talked with. The service was incredibly friendly, and fast and the food was delicious! They have a limited menu, including burgers, chips, and drink selections, but what they have will satisfy for sure. It's a small place with a wrap around counter inside for dining in, or two wooden tables outside on the sidewalk (no seating, this is a quintessential grab joint style eatery). During the ordering process, I even ended up talking to a few other locals who told me that usually there's a line halfway down the block (guess I got lucky on a slow day, I only had a couple people in front of me when I'd arrived), and the four of us struck up a conversation while we ate. Everything about the experience was incredible, I highly recommend a visit to Hap's, and to...

We have been loyal customers here for a long time and always loved the food, but unfortunately my experience with the owner today has completely changed how I feel about this establishment. Normally when I visit, I leave my 2-year-old at home or in the vehicle with someone, but today I was alone and she came in with me. She was acting like a typical toddler—entertaining the room and overall well-behaved—and any time she did something that wasn’t appropriate, I was quick to correct her.

The one time I didn’t immediately notice her tapping the window to get someone’s attention outside, the owner very harshly yelled at me in front of a room full of people. It was uncalled for, embarrassing, and incredibly uncomfortable. A simple, respectful conversation would have gone a long way. Kindness and good communication will always go further than being harsh, especially toward parents doing their best.

This isn’t the first time I’ve felt a negative vibe or gotten unpleasant looks from him when I’ve had one of my children with me, but today made it clear that families with kids that they don’t personally know are not welcomed here with open arms. Please don’t blame children who are learning and mostly well-behaved in public spaces. This experience has left me feeling very unwelcome, and sadly, I won’t...