Happy Endings don't always make for Happy Houring

The Happy Ending Bar & Restaurant

7038 W. Sunset Blvd. 

Los Angeles, CA 90028

323-469-7038

Food - 5
Prices - 8 for food, 5 for drinks, 6.5 average
Service - 5
Bonus points: none
Total - 16.5 out of 30

For as long as I live, I will never understand a business establishment taking the opportunity to introduce itself to new customers by putting its worst foot forward. Anyone who has been to the tasting room at Sterling Winery in Napa, or partaken in the prix fixe offerings during Restaurant Week in LA knows what I am taking about. If you are using a gimmick to get me in the door (such as happy hour), then give me the best you have to offer so that I want to come back and spend real bucks at some later date. (If you're not sure how it's done, go visit Barefoot Bar & Grill someday.)

Happy Endings is a good place to eat. I know, I've had lunch there on a few occasions and the sliders are not to be missed. But the happy hour tonight could not have been more disappointing. What is the point of having great food if none of it is on your happy hour menu? And what is the point of cheap food if none of it tastes good?

For two people having a beer, an iced ted, a plate of nachos (canned, velveeta-ish cheese sauce, and not much of it), chicken satay (perfectly cooked and generous portions, but not much flavor) and stuffed mushrooms, the total was $24... $30 after tip.  The only bar specials at happy hour are $5 well drinks and cheap pitchers. For two people who want wine or beer, there's no discount.

Come on, Management. Find the five best appetizers on your menu and sell them for half price. That's what makes for a good happy hour. And at least knock a buck off the draft beer. Sheesh.

Service was mediocre. We were never asked if we wanted anything else, or even if what we had was okay. Parking was free, but we got there at 4:30. It looks like valet starts at 5:00 and that's $4.25 (which is ridiculous when you have that big a parking lot and it's empty on a Tuesday night).

As my companion said, "I know you think this place is good, but based on this, I would never eat here again." Sad to say, I agree. Maybe I'll check it out again if their approach changes, but for now, this was an ending that was anything but happy.