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Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood
8.7
Old-school, downtown steakhouse known for prime cuts, classic sides, and a deep wine list. Locals book it for milestone dinners where polished service and consistent execution matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Filet mignon, Lobster tail
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Classic New York–style steakhouse dining with an acclaimed wine program.
Who should go: Anniversaries and steak-loving couples
When to visit: Tue–Thu 5–7pm for easier reservations
What to order: Bone-in ribeye, filet mignon, lobster tail
Insider tip: Ask the sommelier for by-the-glass vintages that rotate seasonally.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available after 5pm, free street parking on Main Street and side streets before 6pm, nearby public lot one block south on Angela Street.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—jackets or dress shirts for men, dresses or polished separates for women; jeans acceptable if paired with dress shoes.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—bar area can get energetic, but booth seating allows for comfortable date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without reservation; bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; easy to walk in before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—grilled vegetables, salads, and sides can be combined for a full meal.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to call ahead; most sides use butter or cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and seafood can be prepared gluten-free on request; separate prep attention noted by staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its dim lighting, attentive service, and classic ambiance make it ideal for a confident, upscale first impression. Expect a quieter tone suited for conversation rather than a casual hangout.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights or early in the evening, but reservations are highly recommended, especially Fridays and Saturdays. Bar seating often fills first but can be a good backup option.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—it's designed for adults and special occasions. Older teens may fit in fine, but younger children are uncommon and there’s no kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Polished, traditional steakhouse service and high-end wine pairings—better for anniversaries and business dinners than trendier newcomers.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual, quick steak dinner or lighter modern cuisine—try a contemporary grill or gastropub instead.
Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood
8.5
Classic downtown steakhouse that treats ribs with the same care as its chops—slow-cooked baby backs finished to a lacquered sheen. Locals lean on the polished service and deep wine list when they want ribs in a white-tablecloth setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Full Slab Pork Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Bone-In Ribeye, Prime Rib (weekend cut)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Steakhouse-grade baby backs with attentive, old-school hospitality.
Who should go: Rib fans wanting a polished dining room
When to visit: Weeknights 5–6:30pm for easier reservations
What to order: Full slab ribs, wedge salad, baked potato
Insider tip: Ask for extra warm sauce on the side to finish the ribs at the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available in the rear lot after 5pm; limited street parking on Main Street fills by 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; collared shirts and dark denim or slacks fit in well—avoid athletic wear.
Noise level: Moderate; lively bar area but dining room allows comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes opens sooner.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief 5–10 minute hold for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but possible—salads and vegetable sides can be combined for a meal.
Vegan options: Very limited; request off-menu vegetable plates or modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several entrées including ribs and steaks can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, crisp service, and a quiet dining room make it ideal for conversation and a polished first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at the bar or patio on weeknights; weekends are reservation-only for prime hours after 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially; while well-behaved older kids are fine, the atmosphere leans toward adult dining and business gatherings.
Best For
Better for: Refined service, classic presentation, and upscale ambiance—best for when you want steakhouse-level ribs and wine pairing.
Skip if: You’re looking for casual or messy BBQ joints with outdoor picnic tables and paper-lined trays.
Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood
8.5
Classic New York–style steakhouse in downtown Pleasanton serving dry-aged Certified Angus cuts, prime rib, and an old-school martini-and-steak experience. Locals come for polished service, a deep wine list, and consistently well-executed steaks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In Ribeye (22 oz), Center-Cut Filet Mignon, Signature Prime Rib
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Dry-aged Certified Angus steaks with an old-school service ethos.
Who should go: Steak traditionalists and wine-list hunters
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for easier reservations
What to order: Prime rib, bone-in ribeye, filet mignon
Insider tip: Add brandy peppercorn or Roquefort sauce—classic pairings here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along Main and Neal Streets, plus a small private lot behind the restaurant. Arrive early on weekends as downtown spaces fill quickly.
Dress code: Business casual to semi-formal. Jackets aren’t required, but collared shirts and dress shoes fit the room’s polished vibe.
Noise level: Moderate – lively bar buzz up front but quiet enough in the dining room for easy conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though larger business groups should book ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful options such as salads, sides, and pasta specials upon request.
Vegan options: Minimal – can request vegetable plates or custom modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes – staff can adapt most steak and seafood dishes with gluten-free preparation on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s one of Pleasanton’s most classic romantic settings, with candlelit tables and professional service that sets an elevated tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins can sometimes find seats at the bar or early in the evening, but dinner reservations are essential after 6:30pm on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids; it’s a fine-dining space best suited for adults or older teens on special occasions.
Best For
Better for: Polished service, classic steakhouse ambiance, and consistency across cuts and sauces make it the top choice for traditionalists.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual or budget-friendly steak night — go elsewhere for that.
Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood
8.3
Classic downtown steakhouse where hand-cut steaks meet old-school sides, including proper house fries. It’s a white-tablecloth setting when you want fries with a martini and a ribeye.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Fries, Thick-Cut Onion Rings, Prime Steak + Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Steakhouse-style fries in a polished, old-school dining room.
Who should go: Steak-and-martini traditionalists
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7 for smoother reservations
What to order: House fries, ribeye + fries, onion rings
Insider tip: Order fries extra-crisp and pair with peppercorn sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot directly behind the restaurant and limited street parking along W Neal St; valet available on weekends.
Dress code: Business casual to dressy—collared shirts and slacks or dresses fit the setting; jeans acceptable if paired smartly.
Noise level: Moderate to low—conversation-friendly even on busy nights, with a soft buzz from the bar area.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, though limited lunch hours mean best to call ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—house salad, vegetable sides, and truffle fries available.
Vegan options: Minimal—can request off-menu vegetable plate; fries are cooked in shared oil.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many grilled items and sides can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, attentive service, and classic steakhouse ambiance make it ideal for an elevated first date or anniversary.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early on weeknights; weekends and holidays require reservations. The bar offers limited walk-in dining.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older teens or special family occasions—no kids’ menu, but the staff is accommodating if notified in advance.
Best For
Better for: Polished service, consistent steakhouse classics, and refined sides like the house fries that stand above local competition.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual or quick dining—pricing and formality suit celebrations or client dinners more than everyday meals.
Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Luxury Dining Elite
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Classic downtown steak-and-seafood house with an award-winning wine list and old-school service. Seafood preparations like cedar-plank salmon and oysters Rockefeller make it a downtown special-occasion staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cedar-Plank King Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller, New England Lump Crab Cakes
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running downtown institution with serious seafood and wine program.
Who should go: Anniversary and client-dinner planners
When to visit: Prime tables book weekends—reserve 1–2 weeks ahead
What to order: Cedar-plank salmon, oysters Rockefeller, crab cakes
Insider tip: Bar seats offer full menu with a quieter, walk-in friendly experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking and a small shared lot behind the building; fills quickly on weekends, but nearby public lots on Angela Street are reliable backups.
Dress code: Business casual to dressy; jackets and dresses fit the room’s classic steakhouse vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner service; quieter at the bar and early evenings—conversation-friendly for two-tops.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; prime tables are booked well in advance.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated right away except during business lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pasta, and vegetable sides can be ordered as main courses.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides can be customized, but this is not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free menu options available on request; staff are attentive to dietary restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic lighting, attentive service, and a relaxed upscale setting make it ideal for a classic first date or anniversary dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins can often find seats at the bar or lounge area, which serves the full menu, but main dining reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—better suited to adults, though well-behaved older children are welcome for family celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Formal dinners, wine pairings, and seafood lovers seeking classic service and refined presentation.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual or fast-paced seafood spot; this is more of a white-tablecloth experience.
Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Classic New York–style steakhouse with dry-aged cuts, martinis, and a deep wine list. A long-running downtown institution for anniversaries, business dinners, and old-school service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Prime rib (select nights), Seafood tower
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Dry-aged steaks and white-tablecloth hospitality downtown.
Who should go: Steak fans and celebratory groups
When to visit: Reserve prime weekend slots 1–2 weeks ahead
What to order: Bone-in ribeye, seafood tower, classic martini
Insider tip: Snag a bar seat for the full menu without a reservation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Main Street and nearby public lots are available; weekends can fill up fast after 6pm. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual — collared shirts, blazers, and dress shoes fit the room’s classic vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — lively bar area but conversation-friendly in the main dining room.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but solid — salads, sides, and pasta options can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Minimal — may accommodate with modified vegetable sides or salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes — steaks and many sides are naturally gluten-free, and gluten-free bread is available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a sophisticated, classic steakhouse that sets a polished tone for a first date. Candlelight and a strong cocktail program make it intimate without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at the bar or early evening before 6pm, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and holidays.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — more of an adult-oriented setting, though older teens are fine for family celebrations or milestone dinners.
Best For
Better for: Classic steakhouse atmosphere, service polish, and aged beef — ideal for dates, business dinners, and celebrations.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual or modern setting, or need a broad range of vegan or light fare options.