"Firstly, let me say that I’m originally from Haguenau, now live in the US, and that my parents still live nearby. I first went here with my uncle a few years back when the place first opened up (after it had been renovated and the place was packed and the experience was decent. Last night we went back for dinner with my parents, wife and three kids. We were walking through the Christmas market, and given the central location, figured we would eat here at around 6ish. As most readers will know, in France we eat late...so the thought that we would need a reservation for what was an empty restaurant at 6pm never crossed our minds yet upon arriving that was the first question that was asked? Mate, have you seen your restaurant? You’re empty and we have three kids (10 and 12 yr olds and a 2 yr old ...we’re not here for the night...in and out thank you. After the gracious welcome we were ushered to the covered patio area and plopped right next to the waiter’s station where they keep extra cutlery and napkins which meant no mobility for the kids (since we were squashed between the table and the station and also lots of foot traffic (maybe good, we might get some decent service... . Unfortunately, the service experience was also a disaster which was soon to be followed by even worse food. We hardly saw the waitress and had to spend most of our time flagging down another waitress serving the few seated tables across from us. In my typical experience at restaurants in Alsace, people will always come by and ask how things are, how they can help, but here...nope, you’re on your own. Since we’re Alsatian and we aren’t here for long we figured we would order some Tarte Flambee, my wife preferred a Salade Poulailler... two varying but bad experiences were to follow. Firstly, let me say that for me, size of portions is NEVER an indicator of quality and I find reviews implying as much to be insulting. With that said, when one pays for a tarte and one knows what portions are served at other locations for the same price...you know you’re getting taken for a ride when you see what this place serves. Naturally, they do this to push consumption. What? You’re still hungry? Well have another why don’t you, oh, and thank you very much for the order... My wife’s experience though ended up with a washing machine and a porcelain god... yep per and let me explain... Upon ordering said salad at 6:15 (yes we checked and you’ll see why we were told “I’m sorry but is it okay if I bring it after 6:30, we don’t serve salads until after 6:30 wait what?! Sure, no worries...we’re not in any rush. Not 5 minutes later we happened to glance at the table seated next to us (who happened to arrive after us and low and behold the famous invisible salad that shall not arrive until after 6:30 is miraculously already making it’s way to another table. What, before 6:30 you say? Yes, we were shocked too! We must be confused because of the time zone change... Anyhow, after eating about 1/4 of her salad and commenting that the after taste was one of a “mushroom bouillon cube” we all decided to call it a night at around 7ish. Surely the restaurant was packed and people were clamoring for our unreserved table you say...? Be prepared for another M Night Shyamaln twist... you guessed it? Yep, place not packed, people only just starting to creep in... Once back home that bouillon cube salad really started to take effect and, yep, the missus was praying to the porcelain god until 3AMish. It this point you’re all wonder if her prayers were answered I’m sure...well they were, we’re never coming back to this pretentious hole... and neither should you."
Haguenau
