As a SoCal native, I decided to finally give AhbA in Laguna Beach a try this past weekend with a friend who’d had good experiences there before. We ordered the AhbA Burger.
Here’s the issue: I have a cheese allergy, so I ordered the AhbA Burger, not the AhbA cheeseburger. The menu did not list “cheese” anywhere in the burger description. After two bites, I realized the burger contained cheese. I double-checked the menu and confirmed it wasn’t listed. My friend flagged it to the waitress, who was kind and understanding, but then another male server abruptly approached our table and, instead of greeting us, demanded: “WHERE ON THE MENU DO YOU SEE NO CHEESE?” His tone was rude and dismissive.
When I showed him that “cheese” was not listed, he pointed out that “American” was included as an ingredient. Honestly, I assumed that was describing the onions or some other prep style, it wasn’t clear. Nowhere does it say American cheese. That’s a marketing failure, not a customer mistake.
At this point, I already felt uncomfortable and unwelcome. On top of that, the table was rusted and dirty, the couch seating was stained and covered in flies, and the whole atmosphere felt neglected.
Later, a third staff member came over, this time much more professional. He asked about my allergy and tried to problem solve, but the solutions offered didn’t really feel like customer service more like they were doing me a favor. I was told I couldn’t have a regular bun because of dairy, then offered a lettuce wrap instead. By then, the experience was already ruined, and all I wanted was a refund. They declined, so I ended up paying full price ($7 sparkling water + the burger) for food I couldn’t eat.
Overall, the lack of clarity on the menu, the rude attitude from one server, and the unsanitary seating left me disappointed. My friend wanted me to experience the “best of AhbA,” but instead I left frustrated and without a meal. Never returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
chris assault
Delicious burgers, would highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Janet Callahan
Drive by all the time and decided to give it a try. Don’t know if it I was because they were crazy busy but, honestly, our food was awful. Called in a to go order and arrived at the 20 minute point of their estimated 25 minutes and they were putting it into the bag as I walked in so figured it was hot and fresh. Two burgers ($18/each). Ordered a side Caesar but the gave us a whole. No big deal. Drove home, literally a 3 minute drive, and we were so disappointed. Burger dry and lukewarm. Fries limp and cold. Salad was good though. Super disappointing after spending over $60. I doubt we will go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Desiree G
Bought a coke bottle and we mentioned it was warm and flat after we bought the food. The lady at the register said just ask for ice?? Ordered two burgers and fries. One of the orders came out 25-30 mins before the other. They forgot about our order. The other plate was cold already. Not only that, I don’t see the hype. In my opinion, the burger was mediocre at best. I feel like we were invisible to them and not treated well. Now after reading other reviews, I do think it might be due to race. That was just our experience and it seems like others as well.
Dr.Jacob Paredes
Best food in south OC
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Lemarcheur
This would be one of the place I wouldn't want to share about ...( to keep it the way it is ...) kinda keep it for myself...!!! ( the less people know , the better ) 😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Paul McDonough
Fries came in a pool of oil, but otherwise were good. Service was good. It's rather crowded and can be hard to find a table, especially at peak times.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Georgette Hasiotis
Stopped for a late lunch and apparently got the leftovers. Dry burger and stale fries. This place is uneven at best with a limited menu. The best part of it is the vibe but you cannot eat that.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Whipped Feta
Mike Radford
Best hamburgers and very friendly staff 👌
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Benjamin Goldfarb
Great ambiance and music, very eclectic setting. Beautiful place to grab lunch with friends, and the GM is super attentive and hospitable. Definitely recommend!
As a SoCal native, I decided to finally give AhbA in Laguna Beach a try this past weekend with a friend who’d had good experiences there before. We ordered the AhbA Burger.
Here’s the issue: I have a cheese allergy, so I ordered the AhbA Burger, not the AhbA cheeseburger. The menu did not list “cheese” anywhere in the burger description. After two bites, I realized the burger contained cheese. I double-checked the menu and confirmed it wasn’t listed. My friend flagged it to the waitress, who was kind and understanding, but then another male server abruptly approached our table and, instead of greeting us, demanded: “WHERE ON THE MENU DO YOU SEE NO CHEESE?” His tone was rude and dismissive.
When I showed him that “cheese” was not listed, he pointed out that “American” was included as an ingredient. Honestly, I assumed that was describing the onions or some other prep style, it wasn’t clear. Nowhere does it say American cheese. That’s a marketing failure, not a customer mistake.
At this point, I already felt uncomfortable and unwelcome. On top of that, the table was rusted and dirty, the couch seating was stained and covered in flies, and the whole atmosphere felt neglected.
Later, a third staff member came over, this time much more professional. He asked about my allergy and tried to problem solve, but the solutions offered didn’t really feel like customer service more like they were doing me a favor. I was told I couldn’t have a regular bun because of dairy, then offered a lettuce wrap instead. By then, the experience was already ruined, and all I wanted was a refund. They declined, so I ended up paying full price ($7 sparkling water + the burger) for food I couldn’t eat.
Overall, the lack of clarity on the menu, the rude attitude from one server, and the unsanitary seating left me disappointed. My friend wanted me to experience the “best of AhbA,” but instead I left frustrated and without a meal. Never returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Delicious burgers, would highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Drive by all the time and decided to give it a try. Don’t know if it I was because they were crazy busy but, honestly, our food was awful. Called in a to go order and arrived at the 20 minute point of their estimated 25 minutes and they were putting it into the bag as I walked in so figured it was hot and fresh. Two burgers ($18/each). Ordered a side Caesar but the gave us a whole. No big deal. Drove home, literally a 3 minute drive, and we were so disappointed. Burger dry and lukewarm. Fries limp and cold. Salad was good though. Super disappointing after spending over $60. I doubt we will go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Bought a coke bottle and we mentioned it was warm and flat after we bought the food. The lady at the register said just ask for ice?? Ordered two burgers and fries. One of the orders came out 25-30 mins before the other. They forgot about our order. The other plate was cold already. Not only that, I don’t see the hype. In my opinion, the burger was mediocre at best. I feel like we were invisible to them and not treated well. Now after reading other reviews, I do think it might be due to race. That was just our experience and it seems like others as well.
Best food in south OC
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This would be one of the place I wouldn't want to share about ...( to keep it the way it is ...) kinda keep it for myself...!!! ( the less people know , the better ) 😁
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Fries came in a pool of oil, but otherwise were good. Service was good. It's rather crowded and can be hard to find a table, especially at peak times.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Stopped for a late lunch and apparently got the leftovers. Dry burger and stale fries. This place is uneven at best with a limited menu. The best part of it is the vibe but you cannot eat that.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Whipped Feta
Best hamburgers and very friendly staff 👌
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great ambiance and music, very eclectic setting. Beautiful place to grab lunch with friends, and the GM is super attentive and hospitable. Definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great spot! I need to know the scent they have in the lounge rooms. 10/10
Loved the whole experience at AHBA
Kaia and Vann go above and beyond! You can tell they love where they work
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love Ahba! Amazing Food! Amazing service! Kaia and Vann two of our favorites who go above and beyond!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The vibe out performs the food. Burger, fries, drinks were good but not wait in a line good. The vibe? Super cool place to hang out.
@ahba has reached offering a redo on the food. Always down to give another go...might be editing this review further..stay tuned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Great vibes! Lol. I was the oldest one in here by about 30 years. Good food though. My daughter found it on TikTok and it did not disappoint!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
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