Leila by the Bay
| Address: | 1991 Railroad Ave, Hercules, CA 94547, USA |
| Phone: | +1 510-741-5580 |
| Site: | leilabythebay.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 9AM–2:30PM 9AM–2:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 6
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Leesa Helmlinger
Im giving this place an extra star only because the food is delicious and I have a sneaky suspicion the guys in the kitchen are busting their asses - which is less than I can say for the service. Here we go... Made a reservation for 6 people online. Arrive at Leilas. Table was not ready. Had to stand in the doorway waiting for someone to help us. At least four people said "Ill be right with you." No clue who was actually helping us. No designated host/hostess. Finally we told them we had a reservation and we would like to sit outside - which they wouldve known already if they looked at their iPad with the reservation. Had to wait for them to set up the table. Table was set up without an umbrella so two people in our party had to sit in direct sunlight. Waited forever for someone to take our order. Someone came by and offered us a refill on our non existent mimosas, when we said no he responded: "are you that hungover?" Pretty professional considering we had 2 kids in our group. By the time they came by we were ready to order everything. It took forever to get our drinks. In fact, I thought our food would come out first. When we finally did get our drinks, one of them was wrong, one was forgotten all together and no spoons to stir our coffee. We stirred our coffee with our forks. By this time we were pretty much roasting in the sun. We requested an umbrella, but were told there was no base on our table so we couldnt have one. So we requested to move inside. Moved inside. Place was busy and customers being ignored. Two servers were sitting at the table right by the front door rolling up silverware while another two were behind the bar doing SHOTS! Right in full view of the customers. Real nice, Leilas. When the food came, it was delicious and everyone enjoyed, so that is worth something. We were satisfied with that aspect of the experience. When the bill came, an automatic 18% gratuity was already applied. Nice. Considering we had the crappiest service ever provided by drunk servers taking shots behind the bar. We will not be back and neither should you.
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Elaine Almeida
I really had hopes for this restaurant.... beautiful view .... menu that had some of my favorite items. Unfortunately was very disappointed. Arrived at the end of "happy hour" and ordered a craft beer on tap and the fried calamari. Both fine. For dinner I had the braised lamb shank(very generous portion) which was under-seasoned and on top of a bed of also under-seasoned whipped potatoes that were extremely loose. I hadnt finished the calamari when the lamb shank arrived so the server just set it to the side of the table. My plate sat there on the side until I was done with the appetizer. I asked for some bread and the server asked if I wanted sour dough or sliced. I asked if they had sweet french since I have never been a fan of sour dough. She said yes ...... and then brought me sour dough ..... ???? Didnt order dessert but asked if they had espressos. I was told yes and asked for a double. I was given a double espresso which was lukewarm and tasted like it was filled with grounds. There wasnt any foam that usually accompanies a well served espresso ..... no spoon .... no sugar ... nor was I asked if I needed any sugar. Then to top it off I was charged for 2 espressos because of it being a double. I know a double espresso costs more than a single but have never paid 2 times a single. When the server brought the espresso she told me she would bring the check which also struck me as odd and then immediately placed the check on the table. Leilas by the bay could be so much better .... its really too bad since I so wanted to like it.
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Sue Odah
It was our 34th wedding anniversary and didnt want to go to HS Lordship or Trader Vics because of traffic and what if we wanted an extra drink!! We chose Leila by the Bay instead, well upon arrival, the owners dog in the terrace leashed up, hmmm not a good view or first impression, but Crystal was pleasant and knew her business, we asked about few suggestions and she complied.. However, the table was not clean, it was sticky wooden table, the Mediterranean salad was so-so because you dont dress it with cumin at all, must be red wine vinegar, lemon and olive oil. The blackened fish was over dressed with spices on one side (semi burned), cumin again, but it was tender, mash potatoes; seemed that were made out of can or instant box, the lamb shank was not whats expected, a restaurant in that menu caliber should serve their meat with baked potato for dinner, to say the least. Baked potatoes and / or rice Crystal said they were out of or dont serve them today!! 3 drinks, 2 appetizers, 2 entree $114.... not sure if Id go back again.. Furthermore, lighting outside were blinking green then white while people walking down the stairs!! Dont recommend doing so.
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James Miller
The decor is nice, the regulars are quiet, and the menu overall is of good quality and variety. All of that is besides the point though. This place gets and absolutely deserves 5 Stars for the following two reasons: their Burger & View. I dont know which to talk about first, they are both so exciting. Lets get to the food first. The burger is now my favorite all-around burger in the East Bay. The meat is exceptional, the proportion is perfect. A nice big patty without making it so thick it overrides the sandwich. The cheese was real and tasty cheddar, and they use real butchers bacon cooked to perfection. Absolutely delicious. I would rather wait two weeks for this, than sully my taste buds with anything inferior. To go with the burger is an amazing view of the Bay. Please look at my pictures. Instead of straining for poetry to befit the beauty of a Leilas sunset, I will just say it is an apt companion for such an amazing culinary treat. Other notables include a decently stocked bar, very friendly wait staff, and a quiet atmosphere. Overall, they provide great American if unassuming fare, and a more than fair price.
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Roman S
My wife and I wanted to try Leila by the Bay. We normally go to either the Powder Keg, one our favorite places in Concord or Walnut Creek. After looking at Leilas menu outside the entrance, we decided to go for it. This is where everything went south. The lady greets us at the door "do you have reservations?" Not even a "hello". We said "we didnt make any" and she gives us a look like we must be out of our minds to even attempt to get a table. She goes to seat us and at this point the experience is so bad, that after being seated, my wife and I look at each other, get up and leave. As we get up to leave the waiter comes over and I said "we changed our minds" and we get an "oookaaaaay?". We head to Powder Keg where we dont need reservations and are always warmly greeted and treated". By the way, the restaurant was 70% empty.
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Brandon Sanders
Love this place. Its my go to spot in Hercules. The wings are definitely one of my favorite items that they offer. The BBQ wings will make your beak wet. They are lathered with BBQ sauce and come with tons of meat. You got to try them. Ive come here so frequently that I have tasted every appetizer. I can say they are all appetixing. I especially love the Mac and cheese bites. The steak dinner here is amazing. They also come with mashed potatoes and asparagus and they are to die for. You will leave here crying in joy after eating here.
