Michael C.

This is the first time I have ever been to downtown Hayward...I must say I was very impressed. From my personal experience I haven't heard too may positive/good things about the East Bay. This particular visit changed my preconception of Hayward...well downtown anyways. I picked up a Groupon and was curious to try this place... Getting here was tough, Warriors were playing! So one con only imagine the traffic we had to sit in. It took about an hour and a half from Redwood City crossing the Dumbarton Bridge. Very nice swanky venue. As soon as you enter there is a bar on the left side. The restaurant part is to the right. We opted to sit in the booth, as they were more spacious and comfortable. The is no sound barrier separating the bar and the restaurant...so if you happen to be blessed with a loud patron that is having a conversation...well move or drink more! The Groupon was for a three-course dinner for two with champagne GREAT VALUE! We started off with the Champagne. Not really missing anything if you skip it or if you don't get it. It was more like a "Sparkling Wine" from California, along the sweet varietal, similar to a Prosecco instead of a Champagne. I could personally pass on it. First Course: - Baby back ribs marinated in a pineapple puree, lemon grass, ginger ,and thai chili. The ribs were tender and soft, had a good amount of flavor, but I felt were on the sweeter side...quite sugary. I didn't get enough of ginger or lemorgrass, but tons of pineapple...sweet. Not really my style. Although they were good, I personally can't eat a lot...a little on the sweet side for me. - Beef carpaccio: thinly sliced raw beef served with pesto, olive oil, lemon juice vinaigrette. I always look forward to Carpaccio. I don't think I have ever had a bad one. The slices of beef were different here...seemed hefty unrefined, rougher...like roast beef slices. However when combined with the pesto, olive oil and the lemon juice...bingo! We got a winner! Second Course - Beef bourguignon: bacon, pearl onions, button mushrooms, carrots served with garlic mashed potatoes. The Bourguignon here was amazing! Great flavor, the onions and mushrooms were cooked perfectly and the Bacon only added to the flavor. The Garlic mashed potatoes were done perfectly, not too heavy on the garlic, neither too mushy or dry. This was my favorite dish of the night. - Scallop beurre rouge: pan-seared day boat scallops served with asparagus risotto. The Scallops were done to perfection...lightly seared on the outside, juicy and mist on the inside, neither overcooked nor undercooked. Only downside - there were only 2 scallops, albeit 2 large scallops. I could easily eat a dozen of these. The Scallops sat on the risotto which was also very, very good. pieces of asparagus chopped up, nice creamy texture, without being overpowering. Third Course - Croissant pudding vanilla bean custard baked with a croissant and topped with Nutella and vanilla ice cream. My friend was adamant about trying the pudding. Well, it wasn't disappointing. The warm pudding itself was good, not outstanding by any means. However when consumed with the Ice Cream and the melted Nutella (which I thought was Chocolate sauce) it was amazing. Great combo. - CrÃ¨me brulÃ©e: creamy, light custard topped with caramelized sugar. YUM! One of the best CrÃ¨me BrulÃ©es I had the pleasure of eating. The custard was delightful and creamy, not too sweet...perfect consistency and the caramelized sugar was melted on top to form a layer providing the burnt look...delicious! The staff was friendly and the service was good. They attended all our needs, water, new plates etc...checked up on us frequently without being overbearing. We also opted to bring a bottle of wine and pay the corking fee of $15. I chose a Famille Portet ChÃ¢teau Tayac, Margaux, which complemented our meal rather superbly. (Pat on the back). A very good wine to begin with. I had a great experience here, I wish this place success and will visit it again if I am in downtown Hayward. Next time I will try the specialty drinks.
(4)
Paula O.

This is a review for dinner only. I went here with an old friend as she suggested this placy. We ordered a variety of Tapas and all were pretty good. We had the jalapeno couquettes (yummy), brie (eh ok), pineapple glaze ribs (yummy), tuna tartare (yummy), fries potatoe & sweet potato (yummy). I think this place is a tad pricey but we were able to order a bunch of mini dishes to try out. My friend had a special request for the purple haze to drink and they were able to make it for her. She said it was pretty good. I will probably try and come back and check the place out on a weekend when the DJ is spinning.
(4)
Priscilla V.

Buy the Groupon deal! It's $39 for a prix fixe menu for two (2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 desserts and 2 glasses of champagne). This is an awesome deal and is a great introductory meal for this under-recognized Asian fusion restaurant. We ordered the following items: appetizers - baby back ribs and ahi tuna tartare, entrees - salmon and scallops...or maybe tiger prawns, dessert - crepes and bread pudding. We even ordered the wings from the bar menu since we arrived earlier than our reservation time. Everything was spectacular and even better than we expected. Overall presentation was beautiful and was representative of each dish's taste. This restaurant is also conveniently located in downtown Hayward right across the street from Century Theaters. Great place for movie and a dinner date! I still see a lot of this prix fixe menu deal on other promotional coupon sites and will probably buy another one just to try other choices. It's a classy, yet casual restaurant with modern decor and provides a great experience for any diner.
(4)
Rachel S.

I went here for a friend's birthday dinner on a Saturday night. It is a very nice restaurant. I was surprised that it wasn't more filled for a Saturday night though. I didn't know if it was/is too fancy for Hayward or what. But a restaurant like this in Downtown Pleasanton would be packed on a weekend night! My friend and I didn't order any of the food, though the people's food that did come looked delicious! We did order drinks from the bar. The bartender was very nice. Did some trick with throwing a cherry in the air and catching it on a toothpick or something. The drinks were strong and reasonably priced. I've heard that they play music or what-not on some nights. I could see it doing really well. I would go back again, to hang out with friends and get some drinks AND dine there. I really want to try some items on their food menu.
(4)
Thuyvi M.

Grabbed a drink before the movies. Bartender was very nice and friendly. I had the sangria and i must say its one of my fav sangrias ever! the place was dark but it had a nice feel to it would return to try the restaurant out.
(4)
Dominic S.

This place was somewhere I always wanted to try out because of the reviews I have read. However, once I get my chance to have at this place, I am utterly and completely disappointed. First of all, they don't have the best standards for cleanliness. I mean how are you going to wipe the table to clean it but end up just pushing the crumbs and gunk from one side of the table to the other? Their waiters need to learn to groom themselves before coming to work because my waiter was just ratchet looking and not professional at all with his appearance. The food was of all the biggest turn off. Totally under portioned and under priced, and entirely bland, like literally no taste at all. So if you like to eat a piece of a small chicken leg for one dish, pay more than what it's worth for it's bad and or no taste, look and feel fancy, then you will feel right at home. To me, I'd be better off eating at McDonald's.
(1)
Roxy E.

Very BAD Customer Service. My parents went there for my mom's birthday and she felt like it was the worst birthday dinner she had. They had the gift card special (as a birthday gift) that starts on a certain time ( I think it was 7pm). They were there early and was told to wait until then. The greeter did not even greet them nor looked at them. The servers were also picky. My parents were told they were a little busy and understaffed that night so they thought it was a little acceptable. BUT! They noticed that the servers were serving the table next to them (a group drinking wine) first even though my parents were seated first and ordered before them. The restaurant staff made them feel discriminated. That is a big statement coming from my parents! Anyway, Im writing this review for them since they dont have yelp. I say, I will never go there nor my family... ever.
(1)
Razel M.

This review is just for the club/lounge aspect. There are not many nice late night places to hang out in Hayward; most spots are more like dive bars. Bijou finds a niche in that sense. It is not too big a place so it can get pretty crowded. However, bartenders are fairly fast, if not entirely excellent. I ordered the same drink from two different bartenders; the first one was great but the second one rather less so. Then again it is not too common a mix and everyone gives me a weird look when I ask for it... but hey I was trying it out on a friend's recommendation so don't judge too much! (It was Disaronno and cranberry, for the curious out there.) The music is not bad; usually top 40. Nothing too unusual or remarkable. Solid 3 stars.
(3)
mike l.

This place was average in my opinion. We came here for dinner for two at 8pm on a Saturday night and it was pretty slow considering it was a weekend. Only about 1/4 of the restaurant was occupied. Atmosphere and ambiance off the place was nice. A little dark, but cozy. I didn't feel like we were in Hayward while we were inside. It had almost a downtown SF or SJ vibe going on. Service was ok, not horrible, but not great. Our hostess didn't seem too friendly or happy to be working on a saturday night. Our waitress was nice, but seemed a little timid. The food was a disappointment considering the prices and portion sizes. We ordered... Frites- French fries and sweet potato fries with a spicy orange dipping sauce. This was my favorite dish of the night. How can you go wrong with fries?! Chicken Drumettes- 5 fried chicken wings glazed with a sweet tangy sauce. I've tasted better wings at wingstop for half the price. Nothing special. Mussels- Decent portion size, but the gf ordered these. I tried one and didn't like it. I'm not a huge fan of mussels or shellfish so I can't fairly rate this. 8 oz. Ribeye steak- for $20, I expected a lot more flavor and taste. It came with a two triangle potato wedge thingys. The steak was a bit fatty for my liking. Strawberry lemonade- very sour and tart! Not sweet at all. Our bill came out to around $67.00 with tip. Although my experience here was not horrible, I would not go back.
(2)
Athena L.

Seems like everyone who's been here before and was there on the evening I was, had a groupon/livingsocial deal! Mine was 3-course, with a glass of "Champagne". Hey, all for $39 plus tip? Can't say no to that! I had beef carpaccio, lobster pot pie, and the croissant pudding. I can't remember the name, but I got another drink--berry flavored vodka cocktail with sparkling wine. It was different and very refreshing! He ordered tuna tartare, oven-roasted sea bass, and double-chocolate mousse. Beef carpaccio had a little too much pesto..but was easily fixable and still good. Tuna tartare was ..tuna tartare. It came with a black sesame crisp which was different.. but harder to take a bite out of. Lobster pot pie was good! Very rich and creamy. I wasn't too hungry, so I was only able to take a few bites out of it. Sea Bass came with yummy risotto..but I have no idea how the seabass was. He seemed to enjoy it! Croissant pudding definitely was the highlight of our meal! Flakey crust with eggy pudding underneath...I wanted seconds of this! We tipped according to original price and after everything, the entire meal was about $80-90. With THAT in mind, I'd definitely come again if they had these prix fixe meals on the regular...but if I had to pay the original cost...I wouldn't recommend it. It's good, but not THAT good!!!! Although, I have to say, the service was perfect and the location and ambiance was perfect. The interior was clean and nicely decorated. They played music, but it was quiet enough for conversations. I didn't hear the tables next to us. Servers kept checking on us to make sure glasses are filled and food was okay. I have no complaints! But it is kinda strange and out of place...just randomly in the middle of nowhere. But maybe I'm just used to San Francisco neighborhoods.
(4)
Myra R.

Food: Sea Bass and Risotto= YUM Lobster Pot Pie= Disappointing Croissant Pudding = Delicious! Service: Didn't quite match the quality of their food....Felt forgotten at times. Needed to ask for utensils and the drinks ordered.
(3)
Cj L.

The one star is for ambiance!!!! The food is fab,prices OK. But the noise LOUD!!!! if you like eating great food at a BART station this is the place.
(1)
Arlene G.

Very classy restaurant. We went here for Valentine's Day dinner and at that time they have a set 4 course dinner menu only for Valentine's Day which cost $49 per person including a glass of champagne. Not bad for the price for a special occasion. The ambiance is very classy, the food serving is small but "Top Chef" quality. I had the scallop over risotto for the main course and it was cooked in perfection. My husband also loved his pan seared salmon. After we got our bill, I was given a stem of rose for Valentine's Day (I was the only one given a rose of all customers in the restaurant) I think as a thank you for being a Yelper since I made the reservation through Yelp. In summary, it was a pleasant experience and will definitely go back. Four stars from me Bijou!
(4)
Jenn D.

I bought the Groupon deal and we decided to use it the weekend before Valentine's. I've lived in Union City all my life and I never heard of this restaurant. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant. The restaurant seems way too nice to be in downtown Hayward. The restaurant is what you would expect to find in San Francisco. The decor was nice and you can hear music in the background. I didn't make a reservation so when we got there, one of the hostess said that she could seat us but she needed the table back by 7:15pm. We were there at 6:30pm. It wasn't that crowded in the first place but they were expecting a big party to come later. Our waitress brought us the Groupon deal menu which consisted of appetizer, entree and dessert. I got the Asian Pear Salad, Pan Seared Pork Chop and Crepes Chantilly. My husband got the Baby Spinach Salad, Pan Seared Al antic Salmon and Double Chocolate Mousse. Also, with our deal, you get sparking wine. My husband and I enjoyed our appetizer and entree. I was surprised that I got a nice big pork chop (which I had to bring home). My husband wasn't too fond of the dessert. He thought the dessert didn't come to par as the first two courses. The crepe was full of whipping cream and several slices of strawberries. Other then the dessert, the service, appetizer and entree was good. For the big party that was suppose to come, I saw that they were setting up a long table but the party still wasn't there when we had our meal. We were done before they even showed up and this was after 7:15pm. We may come back here for another date night.
(3)
Chris L.

We've been here a few times. Their appetizers and desserts never disappoint us. I've tried their salmon a few times and it's hit or miss. The servers aren't very attentive. However, Manny makes excellent drinks. It was a nice lounge to meet up with friends and have a couple of drinks a couple of years ago; but, they don't do that anymore. We like that there's a little "gem" in downtown Hayward where we can go out on a date night that isn't too far from home.
(4)
Jenn H.

Went here for my 22nd birthday. The ambiance reminds me of those trendy clubs in SF minus all the noise. Our server was very nice, I asked her if she could make me a specific drink and she said she didn't know how but that she'll look it up for me. How nice. I didn't have any thing negative (except that it's a bit pricy) to say about this place and if I was back in the bay, I'd visit this hole-in-the-wall again just to chill here.
(4)
Ivy H.

Service was good food was.....so so!! My pasta was way too salty!!
(2)
Al S.

Love this place. Good food, good people, what more could u ask for. The lamb chops, I could eat like fifty of those. The french merlot wine is one of the best wines I have ever had. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
George A.

Very friendly and attentive staff. Courteous bartenders and servers will take care of you in very timely manners. The food is absolutely amazing. I was suggested to try the sea bass and being a seafood junkie, I couldnt say no. From the first bite that melted in my mouth to the last, I had to stop and just savor the deliciousness. Trivia night on Thursday nights is a new addition so be sure to check that out!
(4)
Shanthi G.

Wow...the service here is TERRIBLE. We had a Living Social, so they didn't even bother giving us the regular menu (missing a good chance to upsell us on stuff). I had to ask to see it. It was not clear who our server was, and (I'm not joking), we had to ask about 4 or 5 different staff people before we were able to order. We started with the chicken pesto pizza and the potato frites. The fries were great, and the aioli they come with is amazing. The pizza had a great texture on the crust, and the presentation was really nice, but the flavors themselves were a little uninspired. When we were finally able to order our food, I got caesar salad, chicken thighs and crossaint bread pudding. My friend got tuna tartare, lobster pot pie, and chocolate mousse cake. The presentation on the tuna was nice, and she said the flavors were good. I was not impressed with my salad. The dressing was bland and there was nothing special about the salad whatsoever. The chicken thighs were really good, and the color and texture on the skin were nice, as was the sauce. The mashed potatoes, however, were from a box, I SWEAR. Awful texture, bland, terrible. Her lobster pot pie was okay, a little underseasoned. It didn't come with ANYTHING; not even a salad or veggies. The crossaint bread pudding was beautiful and tasty, if a bit heavy. She liked the mousse cake, but I thought the cake was a little dry. My biggest complaints are about service, however. It took forever to order, no one seemed to know who our server was, and we had to ask for napkins and silverware. I don't know if all customers are treated so poorly, or just those with deals like Living Socials. It is also really loud there. Would not go again.
(3)
Sierra A.

I just don't know where to start, the food or the service. My husband and I went to Bijou Sunday night and we are still sick from something we ate. I suppose I will start with the food. We ordered the pear salad, sea bass, mussels, and ahi tuna. We shared everything; therefore, we can't pinpoint what made us sick. However, the moment we got home we started filling sick to our stomach, the following day we were still sick with stronger stomach pains, and today the stomach problems are still lingering. It had to be the restaurant because we didn't eat anything and felt just fine prior to stepping foot into this establishment. Okay, now for the service. Everyone was nice; however, the service was slow and not executed well. The hostess sat us down right away and we were served water by a busboy right away. We sat for 15-20 minutes before we were approached by our server for a drink order. Since we waited so long, we decided to order our food at the same time. We ordered an appetizer, salad, and entrÃ©e. We waited another half an hour and a couple of busboys delivered everything at our table at the same time, appetizer, salad, and entrÃ©e. We were shocked; we still didn't get our drinks. Our server then followed with our drinks a minute later. This restaurant needs a new training session or different management. This restaurant shows lack of organization and lack of quality control of their food. I will not return. I disagree with all of the Hayward residents; this is not a good restaurant! Get out more. You are not too far from other great restaurants in the area.
(1)
Ali B.

The service was AWESOME!!! Our server was Andrea and she was on point the whole night, and it was pretty busy the whole time were were there (we were surprised since it was Sunday night). When we got there they said it would be a 5-10 minute wait but then they seated us right away, which was great. The champagne was delicious (included in our Living Social voucher). We had a Living Social voucher, so we chose from a separate menu. The appetizer options were great, though the main dish options were more limited--only fish or chicken. We loved the appetizers & 1 of the desserts, but the main meals seemed like they were done cheaply. Neither of our main dishes had any vegetables, not on the side or incorporated into the meal--didn't like that. I got the cod with mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce, and the cod wasn't crispy at all--I think it should be seared a little. It was kind of mushy, maybe like it had been frozen. My husband got the seafood pasta, and it was pretty basic...nothing to write home about (especially for the usual price they charge!) And the crepe dessert was pretty sad...a banana wrapped with a crepe and canned whipped cream. That one needs work for sure. The creme brulee was great though. The atmosphere was really nice. I think it's a perfect place to get a drink and an appetizer, though I don't know if I would go back for a full meal. If they work on making their food a little nicer & with higher quality ingredients I would give it a 5 out of 5!
(3)
Chris M.

Food was amazing and service was excellent. Young people's hangout, can get very loud, but we went early today and it was fine.
(5)
Mocha G.

Wow, a very trendy restaurant and I did not have to drive into San Francisco. Free parking in the back of the restaurant in a public parking lot. Restaurant has outdoor seating and sliding glass doors opening up the restaurant for the warm evenings. Lots of back lighting and a very modern feel. We purchased a $39 Living social coupon for 2 glasses of champagne, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and 2 desserts. . We had the ahi tuna appetizer accompanied by a monstrously huge shrimp chip embedded with black sesame seeds and a generous sized Caesar salad. Our entrees included a sea bass PERFECTLY pan seared over a bed of risotto. There were 2 beautiful touches of sauces on each side of the plate. A wasabi sauce and a ? orange sauce. Second entree was a lobster pot pie, which presented itself with a delicious sheet of puff pastry covering a cup of lobster pieces in a thick cream bisque. The signature dessert is the chocolate croissant bread pudding. They bring the warmed Nutella chocolate sauce and pour it on top of the pudding and then place the ice cream on top for you. Our other dessert was a Chantilly creamed crepe with a fresh strawberries.
(4)
T V.

Bought the living social deal. Absolutely love their prie fixe dinner choices. Delicious and good portion. Servers were polite too. Would definitely come back again.
(4)
Jessica K.

The atmosphere was nice, clean, and relaxing. The interior design was very modern. The steak salad was delicious. I got a Manhattan which was a little strong but good. The bartender was quick to modify my drink to suit me. We were taken care of by the owner, Ben who offered excellent service. My fiance runs a lounge, therefore I place high standards and expectations on all others and Bijou passed the test! I will be back for sure
(5)
Michelle W.

Happy hour at it's not so finest. Sad to say, I've had much much better elsewhere. With a super limited drink and food menu from 4-7pm, I was not impressed with the options provided. Grabbing a seat in a nearly empty plush cushioned lounge, I ended up settling with a glass of peach bellini for $4 (not a bad price for HH). Though the seasonal holiday drinks looked appealing, I wanted to play it safe with the more traditional cocktails. The bellini was nothing to write home about. A bit heavy and flat, I've had better. Officially my first bellini that didn't have a piece of fruit sunk at the bottom of the glass. For a spot that specializes in creative drinks, it was disappointing to see the lack of presentation in even garnishing the drinks. And then there's the food. It's true what they say: "happy hour prices pay for happy hour portions". The prawns panee sounded delish (panko breaded prawns w/ paprika & garlic salt w/ lime aioli), but $6 for a measly 3 pieces was not what I was expecting. The prawns were better off without the aioli, which left an unpleasant bitter aftertaste in my mouth. The chicken drummettes weren't that bad (chicken sauteed in garlic, plum sauce, & red chili flakes). The plum sauce added a nice touch of sweetness to each bite. Since the scallops prosciutto and ahi tuna tartare were such a big hit during my last visit, I couldn't resist leaving Bijou without imbibing on these again. Once again, the chefs here sear up the most perfectly cooked scallops in the Bay Area! But where was the sauce?? I distinctly remember going ape-sh*t about the balsamic reduction last time, and there was barely any flavor this time around. Luckily, the ahi tuna tartare kept my hopes for Bijou alive. Not sure if they upped their portions on this one because they just did or because I said I was sharing, but it came with 6 chips instead of 4. All in all, it was probably the best of the worst happy hour experiences I've had in a while. (Perhaps I'm slightly bitter since the waitress totally forgot my second drink order.) Not sure I'd come back unless the menu steps it up a notch. Though, I'm still curious about the nightlife here.
(3)
Trish M.

I had the salmon he had the braised ribs and they were both phenomenal. I usually don't order seafood outside of SF or a Seafood restaurant but I took a gamble and hoped for the best. (Plus I figured if it was fishy or overcooked I would make him eat it and I'd take the ribs.) We were pleasantly surpised at how perfect the salmon was seared and how tender and flavorful the ribs were. Our starters were ok- pear salad and a flatbread pizza but the main courses were really worth the price of admission. The service was great but then again we were one of 2 tables in the main dining area. It was happy hour so the crowd was in the bar.
(4)
Tiffany D.

I have eaten here a few times and the food is delicious!! I decided to throw my mom a surprise 50 and fabulous birthday party here. Ben, the owner was so accommodating. The entire event went off without a single hiccup. The waitstaff were amazing, and all of my demanding event planning needs were met :) All of our guest were impressed with the 3 course meal that was served, not one complaint! The wine was constantly flowing, laughter filled the air and not a spec of food left on one single dish.... i will definitely recommend coming here for a nice dinner, or an after work cocktail.
(5)
Romain C.

Arrived to my hotel late and was hoping to find a decent place in Hayward. SF was too far and I found this place downtown. Wasn't sure what to expect since there was nothing by my hotel. I got to downtown and it wasn't bad. Got to this place and it was nice. A bit noisy due to the basketball game but understandable. I ordered the soup of the day which was a tomato soup which was ok. Then I was brave to order the bijou sliders since it has a sunnyside up quail egg. I'm not quite fond of eggs especially sunnyside up. It was really close to bangin'. The sauce was very good and the burger was cooked just right and juicy. It was only two pieces and it was just enough. I didn't care for the beer I had which was a black IPA. I hate IPAs and I thought a dark brew would help since I love dark beers, but not this one. The dessert I had was a mouse cake which was good.
(4)
Andrew C.

This place has a very modern hip atmosphere. I liked the "chain-mail" curtain separating the lounge from the dining area allowing a frosted glass kind of view to the other side. This was, I must admit, my first Hayward dining experience and I was pleasantly surprised. We got a variety of small plates. Steamed mussels with a l'ardennaise sauce: This came out at barely above room temperature. The sauce/broth was very tasty, but it would have been nicer if it was steaming hot. Warm brie, breaded and baked: The unadvertised balsalmic reduction was a nice touch. The grilled quarter of radicchio not so much. Filo pastry filled with goat cheese and figs: Another nice dish. This also was drizzled with balsalmic reduction. Ahi tuna tartare: Delicious. The corn added a nice sweetness and the presentation in the shrimp chip cups was great. What's that sauce around the plate . . . ahh, more balsalmic reduction. They must have hit a fire sale on balsamic vinegar earlier in the week. We split a chocolate fondant for dessert which was moist, rich, and delightfully chocolate-y. The cocktails we got with dinner were all very good, but the Hot Buttered Rum I got for an after dinner drink was not. They said it was made with a house made batter of butter and spices. I tasted no spices :( Why just 3 stars? The service was not as good as the food. The waiter came and introduced himself and says he'll be back to take our order in a few minutes ". . . and you're all OK with water, right?" as he turns to walk away. I think we all shouted "No!" at the same time and made him take a drink order. Usually that's the first thing out of a waiter's mouth after "Today's specials are . . ." and "Do you have any questions?" And then when we needed more water later he was no where to be found. In fact we couldn't find any servers to help us (I went to the service area to grab a pitcher). At the end of the meal it took forever to get the check and then he disappeared for 10-15 minutes with our cards . . . 3.5-4 stars for the food and drinks. bringing it down to 3 stars because of the lackluster service.
(3)
H Jerry W.

Went there yesterday and found everything to be great. Starters were delicious but the main course a little bit too salty. Also, they should increase the number of choices for the fixed price menu for the entrees from a sad four! For the price of the $39 Groupon it was a steal! Full retail value of the meal was listed to be a whopping $105! Is it worth the full price? No way! But for $39 I can't complain. The other thing is.... The restaurant is moderately upscale. Better than your average place but I wouldn't consider it high end dining, even though the prices scream hi end! My bigger wonder is why the owner decided to open this place in Hayward!? This place can do so well in a better area. Left me wondering....
(3)
Manuela R.

Bought the Travelzoo for dinner for 4, what a deal! Dines with some friends there last night, started at the bar with excellent happy hour cocktails and prices. We were seated promptly and had the most awesome waiter. The Prix fix menu was perfect for everyone. I had the ahi tuna salad, seared scallops with asparagus risotto and Chantilly crepe. All were delicious but my husbands croissant pudding knocked my sox off. Dinner was great, the price was awesome and the staff was amazing!! We will totally be back :)
(5)
Wendy M.

Walked through the doors on a quiet Wednesday at 730pm. We had made reservations, but none were needed because the dining area had only 5 to 6 occupied tables the whole night. My friends were stuck in traffic and I was sitting there alone *sad face*. Regardless, the server greeted me and started me off with a drink. 10 minutes in, still no friends...she came back and offered to bring me bread. 10 more minutes in, I decided to order some frites and ribs. She said, "oh, ok" in a way that sounded like she felt sad that I was stood up by my friends. ha. good to know the servers have empathy! My friends got there - yay! The menu is mostly small plates, but there are a few larger dishes. The small plates aren't cheap at all. We had 4 drinks (total), a little pizza, 2 small sliders w/ a quail egg, 3 ribs, frites, and a diet coke = $97!!!!! eek! Beware: The kitchen closes at 8:45pm on weekdays!!! One young fellow was turned away from ordering dinner at 9pm.
(3)
Chad S.

Bijou's is an "upper-scale" restaurant by day, and a club by night. Although I haven't eaten here, yet, the menu is pretty upscale which is nice. The prices reflect that. Alcoholic drinks are about average in price. And the decor of the establishment itself is really nice. If you're going for the club aspect, get there early because their capacity isn't too much and they will NOT let anyone in past capacity. Believe that.
(3)
Frank E.

Price Fixe menu-voucher from LivingSocial. Ahi Tartare and Beef Carpaccio appetizers; both were very good. Carpaccio had too much parmesan;shaved would have been better than grated. Ahi was wonderful, two different sauces-one wasabi, one red pepper, both very tasty and added just enough zing. lobster pot pie was FAR better than sea bass entrÃ©e, however both had good balance of flavors. Sea Bass served on top of mushroom risotto and creamy mushroom sauce. Lobster pot pie was creamy and rich with puff pastry crust. Could have had more lobster, but I've never had a lobster dish were I didn't say the same thing. vanilla croissant tart with lemon gelatto and nutella sauce; better than the double chocolate mousse and I'm a chocoholic.++service
(4)
M G.

Solid 4-stars! Using a TravelZoo deal ($39 for 3-courses each; for 2), we dined scrumptiously! We both chose the ahi-tartare as our first course - decadent housemade shrimp chip and ahi tartare served with two different aiolis. Entrees - lobster pot pie and oven roasted sea bass (both highly recommended!). The sea bass was perfectly roasted. My one critique is that entrees do not seem to consistently include veggies. Some automatically include it, while it's a $3 side dish for others. My friend wanted the croissant pudding with ice cream/nutella for dessert. The contrast of warm/cold really teased the tastebuds. However, I felt meh about my choice - chocolate mousse. Could be that I'm not a dessert person - send me a cheese plate and you'd probably get a completely different reaction! The environment/music bordered on the clubby side. However, service was efficient and timely without being intrusive. Another bonus - 3oz. and 6 oz. pours from the wine list. Overall, I'll definitely return!
(4)
Jennifer G.

Wow! We keep coming back... The service, food and drink improve each time. The severs and bartenders are so attentive and engaging! Love the mussels with French fries! Will surely be back soon!
(5)
Angela K.

OMIGOSH!! This restaurant is AMAZING and CHIC too!! I finally went here last night with one of my good friend and boy did we get fucked up. =p hehe...lol! The ambiance of this restaurant is very modern and sexy too!! Here are the details: We were greeted by 3 bouncers/guards in front of the restaurant. Boy were they big and nice!! =) We decided to go sit the tables because the bar area was hella packed and the time was about 9:45 PM. Anywho, we took our time deciding what kind of cocktails to drink. There was so many to choose from. Well, I decided to get the Red Passion drink, a signature drink from Peru and my friend decided to a fruit drink which I don't remember the name. Then we ordered the Chicken Lollipops which was very tasty and too cute to eat. Our waiter was very attentive and very helpful because we told her it was our first time here. The prices is a bit on the expensive side, but I think it's worth every penny. The menu is very interesting and exciting!! I guess it was 10 PM because the waiters was putting away tables and chairs from the dining area, to make room for the customers to dance on. There was a live DJ that night and he was very good at it too! =) Overall, this is a great place to kick it with your friends after work and on the weekends!! On my next visit, I'm gonna sit in the bar area. Cocktails here I come!!!
(5)
Mable H.

I celebrated my 21st birthday here! Friendly service & Trendy ambiance
(5)
Mike M.

Bijou is AWESOME! Great food, drinks and people. Definitely my go to spot to grab a beer.
(5)
Susan N.

My go to place for dinner in downtown Hayward. It is a bit noisy and service can be slow at times but, I don't mind a leisurely meal. Love, Love, Love their Lemon drops.
(4)
Johnny W.

The food was good. Actually pretty darn good for a place out in Hayward. Well prepared and seasoned, and great service despite going for the Living Social deal. Honestly, for what I paid, I shouldn't complain, but I'm conflicted. I wish I didn't have to give a rating, because I don't think I had a taste of what this restaurant really has to offer. The appetizer was ok - the Beef Carpaccio was smothered to death with grated parmesean, too much cheese in my opinion, but still tasty nevertheless. The second course comes out and I noticed that I had fallen for a bait and switch. The prix fixe menu stated "Seared Cod with Creamy Morel Sauce and Mashed Potatoes" for the second course. Out came a cheap Basa Fillet with a sauce made with Crimini/Baby Bella mushrooms. It was very good. Portions were just right too. But I can't get over the fact that I was tricked =/ with lesser quality items than promised. I don't know, I understand that this was an online deal. I guess I'm naive. The dessert course was great, and I enjoyed the warm welcomes and the service. 3.5 stars, I may be back soon to try their real menu.
(3)
Jen T.

Hands down to the croissant pudding! And the salmon pesto.. Wow! Service was excellent too! Definitely coming back! :)
(5)
Jennifer D.

Great menu, great service, loungey ambiance. I came here as a group of 5, and we had a great time trying (pretty much) the whole tapas menu. We agreed to each order 2 dishes, so we ended up trying: flat bread pizza, beef carpaccio, warm brie w/bread, wings, tuna tartare, mac & cheese, potato puff pastry, and white sangria. I would say that the flat bread, mac & cheese, tuna tartare, and warm brie were my favorites. We spent about $30/person-ish, so I would say that this is a great date place or place to gather up some friends (vs a casual drop in meal).
(4)
Chrissy M.

Bijou is ok. We ordered small plates and had the flat bread pizza, mussels, beef carpaccio, frites, shepherd's pie, and the jalapeÃ±o croquettes. The food wasn't too bad and it's definitely a hipster place for Hayward. If I were to go again, I'd order the flat bread pizza and skip the rest. The beef carpaccio had a ton of cheese and pesto on it. I wasn't why they would ruin a good piece of meat by putting so much cheese on it. The mussels were cooked in a cream sauce, but it probably would've tasted better prepared in white wine. The shepherds pie doesn't have very much meat, it's all potatoes.
(3)
David B.

Food: We had the ahi tartare appetizer, which was fun, tasty, and well executed. I had the skirt steak with frites. (Fries were great, but could have used a dip, steak was OK, sauce a smidge watery) My wife had the Pizza Margherita, which was fine. Service & Ambience: Service was good, but we were there during a Raiders game, where the sports-bar-attached-to-upscale-restaurant becomes a bit jarring; we could barely hear each other talk sitting right next to each other. Value: A bit pricey for Hayward, but not bad for the Upscale Comfort Food angle they're shooting for. The extra star is for being a decent option for downtown.
(4)
Gina W.

Waling in, the interior looked trendy and cute with the decor. The place wasn't packed, maybe 3 tables of customers and some at the bar. We were given menus and water right away but after that the server didn't come back for awhile. I flagged down a busboy to call our waiter over and we were able to order. We got cocktails, 2 salads, fries and some sliders. For some reason, there was something wrong with each order. One cocktail glass came with a lipstick stain on it. A salad was missing chicken and the sliders came with cheese when asked to not have cheese on it. Kinda odd since the place was almost empty but with plenty of servers walking around. Then when we were done, we were given a bill but never asked if we wanted dessert when the table next to us was being served dessert that looked good. Either way, don't think I"ll be giving this place another try.
(2)
Yousef R.

Apparently this is the spot to go to in Hayward. I'm not from here so after asking around, this really is the only place for clubbing. They have alot going on: nice lighting and decor. Best of all good mix of sexy ladies! I had no problem having fun here. They have some good cocktails that do the trick for $11. Don't be fooled by the plastic cups or the fruity looking marachino cherry. Didn't like getting draft beer in plastic cups however. They serve a bottled beer called Carelous (don't remember spelling) that is not for the faint of heart. Area feels safe, albeit a little too quiet for a downtown on a Saturday. Police drive by regularly. Liked the music, which is new/old hip-hop hits that spanned the past 20 years, accompanied with videos at the bar. Expect some top 40 with old hits. Coolio: "Fantastic Voyage." With video. I'm pleased. The bouncers were good in that they weren't too pushy or in the way. I thought there was a dress code, but I guess flannel, tennis shoes and jeans are OK for clubbing now? My two dislikes are from the no smoking policy (which I found out Hayward is to blame for). They should section off a side area like everyone else does. My second dislike, biggest problem, is the venue is WAY too small. I understand space is expensive but it got crowded quick. The bouncer said "no in-and-outs" but kept letting people come in until people were standing where staff should. So you have to make your calls in the bathroom hallway. The dance floor is enough for maybe 20 people or so.
(3)
Linda H.

I wish I could give it 1.5 stars but since that's not an option and I didn't have the heart to pop my yelp cherry by giving it 1 star, Bijou got lucky! Food was decent but service was seriously lacking! We get there a little after 8 and order our drinks which took forever even though we were 1 of 3 tables in the whole restaurant. We ordered our food and it came out quickly which is nice but for some reason they kept trying to take our plates even though we weren't done with our food. Fast forward 10 minutes, cue the waitress who comes up to us and says "I know you're not done with your food and I'd hate to be rude but I have a really big midterm in the morning and I was wondering if you guys could close out your tab." Wtf, did that just happen? Why yes it did! Being the nice girls we are, we said sure. You'd think we overstayed our welcome but my friend looks at her watch as the waitress walks away and it only 9pm!! Aside from service, bijou is overpriced and a wannabe hip restaurant/bar in the wrong location.
(2)
Jennifer L.

everything was fine. went here with friends to celebrate a birthday. I went to pay my bar tab that came out to be $70.00 and that was fine. The drinks were very expensive but I'm not complaining about that. I pay my tab, sign the slip and even leave a decent tip. As I go back to say good bye to my friends I am manhandled by bouncers who drag me to the corner of the bar. The are insisting that I didn't pay my tab or sign my slip or something, at this point I am really confused because I just did that. They were really mean and aggressive to me and left a bruise on my arm. While all of this was going on the bartender comes over and admits that he just found the signed slip. I am offered no apologize for the abusive behavior of the bouncers that even left a bruise on my arm. So I ask to speak with a manager who also offers me almost no apology and calls me "drunk", I was a bit tipsy but it is a bar and that does not give them the right to treat someone that way. The manager ignores all of this and wont even really look at me. Obviously did not care. I am royally pissed off at the staff here. unprofessional and abusive. Drinks are overpriced and it gets really ghetto regardless of the nice decor don't fall for that. Bad service, mean people.
(1)
Kristle R.

My favorite thing about this place is the tall, black bartender (sorry, I can't remember his name). He's super friendly, is happy to make a recommendation and knows how to make you feel welcome. And he's pretty easy on the eyes as well. The drinks here are inventive and tasty, as is the food. I just wonder if Hayward is really ready for this place. Every time I've been in, there have only been a few other patrons, which is nice, because that means you basically get all of the goodness all to your self! Hoorah!
(4)
Steffi R.

My favorite Restaurant in Hayward so far. I've been in the area just for a couple of months and never found a nice and neat place like this. Drinks in the bar are very good and they have very good service. Prices are not high at all. I'm definitely coming over more often.
(5)
Miss M.

At first Bijou was the local free joint that let my bf come in with sneakers from and played hip hop but after a while they changed the dress code to requiring dress shoes! WTF? In Hayward? But I guess I could understand because they wanted to steer clear of the crowd they attracted. Just recently I visited for dinner and found that the food is actually great! Great quality and even greater ambiance. You would really forget you were in Hayward with the contemporary design filling the restaurant. They offer small plates[I felt it was somewhat tapas style :) ] that range from about $7-17 or so and had large plates that were a but more pricey. The mussels were cooked in a creamy bacon sauce and were def a must have. Come here all because of the great food and atmosphere but also to support the local businesses!
(5)
Ross H.

Been here 3 times now and every dinner has been excellent. Food is great and the restaurant is very busy, but has professional staff. Drink menu and craft beer list is a real hit.
(4)
Michelle D.

I like this place. I mean, cute bartenders, nice waitresses, cool atmosphere, and eye candy.... what more could you want? 4 stars: -free parking -really nice ambiance -drinks were strong and not too pricey -dj -outdoor patio -1 star: *really loud music. i mean i know it's a bar... but its not a club. my friend and I couldn't have a converstation to save our life! we literally had to go in the bathroom to talk. even the waitress who brought us our drinks thought it was too loud. instead of her telling me the drink i wanted was not available, she wrote it on a piece of paper! lol *seating wasn't ample - had to get a table ($20 drink min. just to sit down) Other than that, I'm a fan. The spot was pretty cool to party at, especially if you don't want to go to Oakland or Frisco.
(4)
Claire Y.

I purchased a Groupon deal for a 3 course prix fixe dinner with champagne for 2 and boy, did we enjoy the dinner! The service was great and because they had 2 specials running at the same time (Groupon and Living Social) we were able to order from Living Social's prix fixe menu too! :) The food was great, from appetizers to main entrees to deserts (2 extra thumbs up for their desserts!!) We really enjoyed our dinner and will visit the restaurant again soon.
(5)
grey h.

First of all, I wouldn't call this a French restaurant based on what we ordered... Came here with a Travelzoo voucher and with it there comes a separate menu. I wasn't really wOwed with the food, but the service here rocks! The champagne that came with the meal was quite tasty and bubbly. For appetizer I tried the beef carpaccio, and i have to agree with most other yelpers that have tried this and said "What's up with the grated cheese surrounding the whole thing??" It just adds a weird texture and flavor to the whole thing. I think if they want to put cheese, they should shred something a little more pungent, or just stronger. With it comes a lemon wedge which you'd squeeze on this pesto-ey green sauce. Really really weak sauce. Put the chimichurri that comes with your complimentary bread, now THAT will give the carpaccio the kick it needs!!! Also would advise on using lime instead of lemon, or maybe even a lemon/pepper mixed sauce.. Main course: Braised Shortribs. No flavor. The wine reduction that it came in was quite good though, so we asked for more! Also tasted some of the seabass on mushroom risotto, which was alright.. The risotto was flavorful but the seabass was a bit on the dry side... Dessert: Had to try the Croissant pudding since people raved about it, and it didn't dissapoint! Was wayyy too big for one person if you plan to have a heavy entree and appetizer.
(3)
Christina M.

Our server was Arwin and she was fabulous...prompt, efficient, and friendly. My husband and I went on a Friday night (yesterday) with a Living Social deal. We had the Asian pear salad and ribs as the appetizer. We had the salmon and shrimp as our entree and the bread pudding and crepe for desert. Despite the other reviews on yelp, I thought the portions were perfect and filling, after all, it is a three course meal. We ordered drinks from the bar which were delicious and our server offered to take care of a round because of a slight delay in the kitchen. I thought that was a nice touch although the delay was no "biggie". At the end of it all my husband chatted with another server and the server brought him a sample of another drink on the house because of his curiosity as to what was in the drink. What a nice gesture. We will definitely return.
(5)
Cath M.

The boy and I finally managed to pick a spot to celebrate our anniversary (big 3) and since we're all about exploring the new spots in the East Bay -- it was a good excuse to splurge a little. It was a Monday - and the place was dead. I was a bit worried but just reminded myself that not a lot people eat out on a Monday night. We got seated right away (servers were really friendly!) and we decided to opt for the "small plates" b/c the "large plates" didn't really seem appetizing to us at that moment. We ordered the following (excuse me for not remembering the proper entree names): * mussels: it was delicious! it was a coconut-ty broth(?) with bacon and the mussels were just cooked right -- good hefty portions! * chicken lollipop: it good as well, a bit spicy (yes can't take spice at all) but I managed (just drank more of their $5 sangria) but I liked it enough that I think we'll order it again. * cheese plate: kinda ordinary but good portions. * meat plate: boy devoured. he liked all of them...I tried the prosciutto - that was ok. * scallops with prosciutto: we weren't a big fan of this dish - very salty and it was just ok. * marinated olives: boy loved again - really huge portion! * frites: I thought it was all going to be sweet potato but it was mixed. Next time we'll probably just order the sweet potato. I ordered their recession drink, $5 sangria and man, good portion once again. I had two of them (it was filled with ice but not so sure of the alcohol portion). Last, we received a complimentary "g-cake" (our server said it wasn't in the menu and it was only for special occasion and that it was hard to pronounce the proper name so she calls it the G cake) but man oh man, the cake was freaking delicious! Overall, the cost of the food plus 4 drinks came under $100 with tip...$125. The boy and I both agree on this place...Bijou has the ambiance + menu of an SF joint BUT the portion + prices of East Bay! Can't beat that! We'll probably check out their lounge section one of this weekends with our friends.
(4)
Jennifer A.

Really had high hopes for this place. Been here before and it did not disappoint..Why oh Why on NYE?? We came in for the prefix 4 course meal and it all started on a high note. They greeted us promptly, sat us, gave us the menu, gave us our complimentary champagne glass and off we were..First course, leek soup..creamy, buttery just the right amount of leek flavoring. Second course I ordered the asian ribs (this wasn't as tender, and missing flavor). Third course I selected the Beef Bourgignon which came with mashed potatoes. The beef was not tender, the potatoes were overcooked. I honestly did not even the touch my meal. This was probably the biggest miss for me. My last course was a croissant pudding which was really good. So what started out strong at least ended okay. I really wish I could have enjoyed my meal as this place has a great ambiance, vibe and it's in Hayward! Unfortunately vibe and ambiance isn't enough when you are a hungry girl. Hopefully it was just an off night.
(2)
D. S.

Awsome food, great service and drinks where evn better couldnt have asked for more on our anniversary, he had to carry me out :)
(5)
Jessica P.

The staff was nice and the food was delish. I had a mojito that was perfect, and the ribs with this sweet and spicy sauce where my fav. The place has a cool vibe, it would be a cool date night place. I would definitely go back again. Just make sure you have $$$
(4)
Roni R.

I am greatly disappointed with my experience at Bijou a few weeks ago. During the summer I would dine in the patio with my dog and enjoy the food and good service. Tonight was a complete shock. I arrived with my friend around 7pm. The short brunette hostess was a bit snotty, after we arrived without a reservation. However, we were seated shortly, as there wasn't such a huge crowd. We got our glasses of water and menu and that was all. While guests just a few feet away from us were wined and dined, our waiter never showed. We witness a newly arrived couple, being greeted and waited on a few minutes after their arrival! I began to turn my iPhone timer on, just for kicks. Turns out that we were seated about 15 minutes without anyone coming over. It was ridiculous. We left. See yah, Bijou. Never again.
(1)
Richard W.

Love this place!!! I wish I lived closer. Its unassuming exterior really makes the interior ambiance and decorations stand out that much more. Being in Hayward seems to be a pretty easy place to excel in class and elegance. Came here for the elite event and can't say that I was disappointed. The place is separated into the restaurant side and the bar with a metal chainlink drape (pretty cool actually). Drinks were SUPERB - some were strong, some were delicious, and served in diverse glassware (no plastic cups here!) Foodwise, the appetizers were also somewhat exotic and tasty. Bacon-wrapped scallops and salmon (smoked or raw? couldn't tell) on bread was amazing. I'm not much of a sweets guy, but this bakery provided the desserts for the happy hour and I really enjoyed the cornbread and SPICY cornbread. Some friends absolutely dug the blueberry cheesecake but I wasn't too big of a fan. All in all, great place with great people, 4 stars.
(4)
Fred C.

Used a $39 groupon that is a "$118 value" worth of food! NO it is NOT! You have to choose off the fix price menu, which would cost you $30/person, including the cheap California sparkling wine they pass off as "Champagne". So in actuality, you are paying $39 for $60 worth of food. The quality of the food was so-so. Then groupon wants you to tip on the "full $118 value". What a scam.
(2)
Aivy C.

I totally lied when I said Bijou's strength was their desserts. It's actually their drinks. I was lucky enough to be able to come here twice in the same week. I celebrated my 28th birthday here Saturday, and I was here for a Yelp Elite event on Monday, and both times I was able to snag the end table in the bar lounge area. The wait staff is extremely helpful, they have the best bartenders, and did I mention the drinks? LOVE. The Pineapple Cilantro Margarita is love in a glass, and I know I could probably get chilled grey goose anywhere, but it feels special coming from here. I also would like to add that I had no trouble securing reservations for my little party of 9 on Saturday. The contact information is right on their website. They're very accommodating - if you work with them, they will most definitely work with you. =)
(5)
Laney S.

For a while there were rumors that they had lost their privelage to have a DJ and that the place was going under. About a month ago we went in there and what do you know, there was no longer a DJ. However, Bijou is still fun and a place I would recommend for people to hang out in! Drinks are average priced and Bartenders are always friendly. A big plus now is that the crowd has mellowed out a bit and it is more mellow than before. Where they used to take down all of the restaraunt tables for a dance floor, they no longer do. They keep the tables up and I believe they serve food later. Yes they dont have a DJ, but they still play good music and you can still have a great night here.
(4)
Kia M.

I was really disappointed with service. I had been to Bijou before and liked the food. Although I still enjoyed the food, the waitress could have done a better job. First, we were seated without the drink menu and it took several minutes for the waitress to come to our table. She didn't notice that there was no drink menu. Once we finished out meal, we declined to see the dessert menu and then waited 35 minutes to request our check. Yes, the waitress did not even come to our table for 30 minutes. She rushed by several times. An otherwise nice dinner was tarnished by bad service.
(3)
Jaunda V.

Went for my fiance bday dinner and we had awesome foods. We even had food that wasn't on the menu. Chef came out and had shots with us. We had a party of 6. After 9pm or 10pm it turn into a lounge, no live DJ, just an ipod playing (i think). The only happening business open that late there that I notice. Drinks were good too
(5)
Scott B.

A very worthwhile investment of time & money! Nice atmosphere, friendly and prompt staff. We were using a Living Social voucher for a Prix-fixe dinner for two. We tried the ribs (delicious!) & beef carpaccio (also tasty but not as flavorful as the ribs). Our entrees were the salmon & prawns. Portions were nicely suited and loved the use of spices. My companion commented that the chef must be confident since no seasonings (salt & pepper) were on the table and I must agree, they were not needed. Finished our meal with the croissant pudding and it was great...ordered another one to take home!
(4)
Kizmath H.

Our service was great went for happy hour. They were a little busy not sure if there was a full staff in kitchen our appetizers took Forever. But the food was good and the drinks as well.
(4)
H J.

Finally came here after a long time of wanting to. Our reservation was for 9 on a Saturday, but we got there at 8:20 and were seated right away. I had a LivingSocial deal that was a really good deal. The pesto sauce that came with the bread was amazing. The baby back ribs were good, but sticky. We had to wash our hands after, so a warm, moist hand towel to go with it would have been appreciated. We also had the caprese salad, scallops, tiger prawns, and crepes for dessert. The food was very good, service was pretty good, and I liked the atmosphere a lot. There really isn't anyplace like it in Hayward.
(4)
Kenny L.

The good: Food, Drinks, Ambiance and the fact Hayward finally has a classy place to eat and drink. The bad: The service sucked royally. My girlfriend and I came here for dinner when the DYL was in Hayward, I got reservation and at the beginning, things were good. A server promptly came and took out order. We told him we were splitting a lot of small plates, like the couple at the table next to us. Not soon after than, our food, save one dish was unceremoniously plopped on our table. The server said "I'll be back with some plates and a bowl for you mussel shells." He never came. We ended up "strategically eating" our food. Meaning we devoured our fries as fast as we can so we could use the fry dish for the mussel shells. The we passed the salad plate around to eat half of the salad. It was very uncivilized and it shouldn't have happened at a so called classy place like this. When the lamb chops came, we asked again for small plates but it took damn near forever for the plates to show. Everything was very slow and minimally polite, but they promptly took my credit card and charged. I felt that we were ignored, the restaurant was half empty. There is no excuse for such shoddy service when the restaurant is half empty. The service was so bad I was actually contemplating not leaving a tip at all. In the end, I left a way too small of a tip for a $70 meal, but hey, I vote with my money. In the end, the food was phenomenal, the drinks were pretty good and the place was nice. But with service so wretched, do I really want to come back?
(3)
Carrie P.

Nice little semi-upscaleish place in Hayward. A good choice when you want something nicer than Buffalo Bills (which is right down the street) but won't cost more than $40. Unless you're a lush, in which case maybe you should think about cutting back...really. It will do wonders for your belly. Atmosphere: Anyway - this is really two restaurants in one (like that layered Trident gum!) - you have a loungy bar thing going on, which is separated from the restaurant by a mesh screen. The Thursday night atmosphere is realxing and pleasant - I have a feeling it gets a little rowdy on the weekend. Food: Food is very tasty (or muy bueno for my bi-lingual friends). Salad portions are generous. The soup "shots" are a nice way to get a taste of the soup without having to comit. (So it's is a great choice for all the 20 something males in the room). Pizza crust is perfect - very thin with a little crunch. Cooked in a wood burning oven with great presentation. Braised short ribs were tender and flavorful despite a little gristle. Croissant pudding (i.e. bread pudding for us down to earth folks) was stupendous. Really. Like whoa.
(4)
Susan C.

Bar: LOVE! Cucumber Cosmos are to DIE for. It's pretty much as classy a bar as you can get in Hayward and it well worth the more pricey drinks compared to other places in the area. Dinner: If you are familiar with simiar types of food for simiar prices around the Bay Area, I think you will agree with me that the food is beautifully presented. But taste wise, not worth it at all. I had the lamb which was supposed to be medium rare. I'm pretty sure that they threw it in a campfire, had a few drinks at their awesome bar and then took it out and spent an hour making it pretty. The saving grace of this restaurant is the Bar.
(3)
Penandra P.

Excellent service. Food was delicious. Would have given it five stars except that it was so loud, it was challenging to hold a conversation with the others at the table. I had the Tiger Prawns and would highly recommend them. If you've already finished off the freshly baked bread that they brought when you first sat down, ask for more for the sauce with the prawns! Delicious. Every review that I read before going here recommended to NOT pass up the Croissant pudding --- so glad that I followed that recommendation! If you have nothing else at this restaurant, if this is the only thing you come here to taste, have the croissant pudding! (Next time I will keep the ice cream and chocolate sauce on the side and have the pudding by itself). Amazing. Delicious. Almost makes up for the loud patrons at a nearby table (but apparently not since this is still at four stars ;-D). I'm off to Google recipes!
(4)
Erika G.

Since my first visit here I have been back twice and both times have been awesome! These last two times I had my dog Fiona with me and they allowed her to sit with me at one of the patio tables outside. I'm divorced, my family and friends are in LA so it's just me and her up here now and I like to be able to take her with me as often as possible. There are not many places where you can enjoy a dinner out with your dog but this is one of those places! Last time my server Robert was so attentive and nice. I ordered the prix fix meal for $37 which included a fresh caesar salad. The main course was fresh salmon and veggies in a delicious sauce and braised short ribs with mashed potatoes. Lastly was a vanilla bean creme brulee it was all heaven. Today my car was getting worked on a few blocks away so I came back. Dave was my server this time and he was awesome too! I had not been there for their happy hour before but they have some great specials between 4-7. I had not planned on ordering anything from the bar but when Dave showed me the happy hour menu they had quite a few delicious sounding drinks for only 5 dollars. I decided on a pear bellini. It was made with champagne, freshly pureed pear juice and peach liqueur. It was so refreshing. There was also a great happy hour menu for appetizers between 4-6 dollars. But instead I decided on the caesar salad again since its so good and I had a bowl of their housemade soup of the day which was a leek soup and totally delish. There are not many choices for good dining in the small vicinity of what would be considered "downtown" Hayward and practically NO choices for dining with a pet but Bijou is an awesome find with amazing food and top notch service that I can come to and unwind with my little furry friend. I can't wait to bring my mom here when she visits me from Southern California. One of our favorite things to do is patio dine with a few cocktails and people watch. Wish I could rate Bijou more than 5 stars, I will be back again and again and will be recommending to friends!
(5)
Shrabbit A.

Terrible Experience. We went there for French food, they only had French bread. All foods we ordered were nothing, but salty. Even the Sea Bass, tasted fishy and salty only. We will never go back again.
(1)
Dave D.

We've seen Bijou each time we've eaten at Buffalo Bill's and decided to give it a try. We were curious to see how Hayward's haute couture efforts were going to fare. Bijou has done a great job projecting an image that will get people in the door - it looks like it could be up in SOMA or in Palo Alto from it's modern decor which is visible from the outside. Bijou definitely lived up to it's image in terms of being as pricey as SOMA or Palo Alto. The food was presented beautifully and the staff was professional. Unfortunately, we did not feel that the French-inspired fusion food was served in portions that would justify those prices. The flavors were nearly perfect on the short ribs and salmon, but missed on the Caesar salad and crab salad, which were curiously missing any fresh lemon juice. More disturbing was the 2-inch short rib (singular) which provided about five bites when you consider cutting off the fat. The salmon filet was a 3-inch chunk, separated by a large mound of mashed potatoes. This was an obvious under-portioning, by any standards. I believe that Bijous pricing was high for what you got, and that goes for the drink menu as well. That's understandable as I'm sure they are trying to stay afloat in a dead economy. I believe with a few tweaks, including a more appealing fixed-priced menu under $30, they could really drive some traffic. The atmosphere was great, and a nice change from Hayward standard faire. We hope to give Bijou another chance in the future. I think that their chef is pretty good and they just need to market their menu better.
(2)
Joseph A.

My first experience here was on a date. I was impressed and surprised to find a restaurant like this in downtown Hayward. The presentation was nice, but the prices were outrageous for the food. As a restaurant, it's a decent change of scene for the area. Fast forward a few months and I came back here again for the Friday night parties. I was happy that there was a place to go drink and listen/dance to DJs that was nearby. The turnout was pretty diverse and it got full pretty quickly. Eventually, the turnout thinned out more and more, due to the expensive, dare I say "watered-down", drinks and regulations. It used to be a casual place, but then a dress code started being enforced, turning away patrons, including me. Also, the local law against smoking outside surprised me. I haven't been here since last year and don't anticipate coming back any time soon.
(2)
Rodney S.

Great Customer service, so glad I got to experienced it. A highly reccomended restaurant for a date.
(4)
ELAINE R.

THIS UPDATE IS BASED ON BAR AREA ONLY. Got drunk here for my sister's b-day last Friday. We were a loud bunch of six. Thank god this place exists in Hayward cause we didn't want to drive too far in either direction of 880. Anyway, the dining room was basically dead and the bar area was busy but not ridiculous. The drinks are great, appetizers are ok but the service is excellent. They never stopped coming by to see if we needed anything else. We did each time and they happily accomodated us. I don't remember if it was complimentary but my sister ordered a coffee and they gave all of us one lol. Guess we needed it. I'm coming back.
(5)
Lydia W.

Came here for an evening out with my friend and was very excited about the prospect of a chic institution in nearby Hayward! We got there a little before Happy Hour ended, but were first seated in the dining area. S. had heard about happy hour, we inquired and were promptly moved to the bar where we could enjoy happy hour prices on drinks and appetizers. The cocktail list for happy hour is much smaller, and everything on there looks a lot less appealing after having seen the full list. Nevertheless, I was determined to get a drink from there. Ended up with the coconut-ty one which reminded me of an alcoholic beverage from the pristine beaches of the Dominican Republic. Not bad. S. had a Hemingway, which was quite strong but I think she liked it fine. As for appetizers, we ordered the Sweet Potato Fries (a repeat from the real menu), Scallops (there was also something similar on the real menu), Shrimp (or was it Prawns...), and Pork Tenderloin (this might have been from the actual menu). None of the food was particularly delicious. The scallops, though gigantic, were served on a long plate that was about one foot in length. I'm not sure what the aesthetic effect was supposed to be, but it took up a lot of table space. Also they weren't very flavorful, and parts of the scallop were quite dry. Sigh. The shrimp- not memorable. It was so not memorable that we left one on the plate in the end because neither of us were jumping to eat it. The pork was odd. The pieces of meat were the size of Legos. They were served on cabbage or lettuce with a sweet, almost teriyaki-like sauce. It was cold. And just weird. The sweet potato fries were good though. And they are a good couple of bucks cheaper than ordering non-Happy Hour. When we were there, there was a soccer-- excuse me, football-- game on one of the tv screens and it got kind of rowdy for a little while. Sports bar?? Anyways I am not jumping at the chance to return, but also am not averse to it. I think we need more institutions like this in the area.
(3)
Curri K.

I have only dined here with my groupons, because I am cheap. But this is one of my favorites! I am never disappointed by the service nor the food. The bread pudding (mind you, I hate bread pudding) their is TO DIE FOR!!! Love it. It's a must try...even if the only way you can enjoy it is via a Groupon deal. I also would like to add, love how the changed the menu for those who dine with Groupon savings. Before they would have a big menu that read "GROUPON" so it was like they were calling you out for getting a deal. But last night I noticed this had changed. I was definitely pleased.
(4)
Derek N.

Very nice as a lounge and slightly hood as a club (after 10). Not sure if they are used to it but we had bottle service and seemed like they were unsure what to bring us... Not sure how the food is but judging by the ambiance, i would come back for dinner.
(3)
Shelly V.

Eric V. and I went in for dinner last weekend with some friends We had a reservation at 8pm. Our table was ready for us. Our server, Frankie was charming and attentive. Drinks are still out-of-this world!!! They have added more cocktails to their menu since I've been there last, but I stuck with the Lemon Drop (I missed you little lemon drop). For my meal I tried the pan seared lamb chops. WOW....really, WOW. Make sure you let the chef cook him the way he thinks, medium rare. The meat was tender and juicy. The chops were a decent size too. Fresh vegetables (fresh, i.e. from Hayward's farmer's market that morning) and mashed potatoes. Our table had the Green Tea Creme Brulee, the cheese cake (which is more like a traditional cake and less like a traditional cheese cake) and the chocolaty cake for dessert. Everything was amazing. I don't know what we did to deserve Bijou but I'm not going to think about it too much. Hayward -- you BETTER keep supporting this wonderful place. I need them! Finally, a great place -- near my house to enjoy an amazing meal, fabulous cocktails, good service and a sleek and welcoming decor.
(5)
Vanilla P.

I feel a three is a very fair rating. One visit was a 4, one visit was a 2. The 4 star came on the night that my grandfather died, and I asked for a Manhattan. Not the newfangled Manhattan recipe they've created on their menu, but a plain old Manhattan with no frills. It was very good, but the cherry was a weird candied creation. Either way, the mix was right on, and I sat in my booth and thought about my grandfather with a full heart.
(3)
Kim R.

We came here on a slow rainy night. Service was a-okay. There's street parking right along the one way street in front of the restaurant, but very limited. Parking was easy, but would be very difficult on a busy weekend. The ambiance is nice, modern interior with dim lighting. On the left side of the restaurant is the bar and lounge sofa chairs and to the right are the dining tables. We had the potato and sweet potato fries- nothing special or great about it, sprinkled with parsely and was pretty pricey for $7-8. So we started off with the beef carpaccio- was pretty good, raw thinly sliced beef with pesto, parmesan and 3 slices of crusty baguette. Chicken lollipops- had a nice tangy dressing, but it didn't make up for how dry and stale the chicken tasted, not good Steamed mussels- very tasty! 1 of the 2 favorites. It was creamy had bits of noodle and mushroom/bacon? Bijou sliders- not the best we've had, their buns kind of remind me of white castle, and they were mushy. So far sino does it better. Scallops prosciutto- were pretty bad, literally tasted like I was eating burnt squid jerky. Maybe we should've went with the large plates because it was only the two of us dining, pretty pricey for these small plates. So far 2 out of the 6 dishes that we ordered were good. I don't think I'll be coming here on a regular basis, but I might be back to try their large plates, maybe....
(3)
Rayfil W.

Just like their creative fusion French dishes, Bijou stands on the leafy streets on B street. With its modern interior, a sense of sexiness arrives. High ceiling awaken the senses as upbeat music increase jolts the heart beat. Our server Frankie was above par. Introducing dishes with enthusiasm, his knowledge of each dish helped make ordering a walk through the park. Being so attentive to details, I like the fact that he knelt down and made eye contact as he introduced the dishes. Engaging the customers, it is key.This itself affirms great training in hospitality. Attempting to whet my appetite, the French onion ($6) is a great starter. From nutty notes from the burnt gruyere cheese, the light stock balances out the meal. Unlike French onion soups I have had in Paris, the stock is less full bodied. The main reason stems from the chicken/veal stock as oppose to a beef. A sprinkle of salt would have rounded out the dish. For those who enjoy light dishes, patrons will appreciate that most dishes are under seasoned with salt. Stealing the show, the terrine foie gras ($15) reached the fifth sense -umami. Their foie gras comes from the same distributor as famed French Laundry. Notes of wine glide through the palate enriched by rich liver. Spread the foie gras on toast along with the sweet lychee chutney, and you have arrived at delicious zone. The salmon tarte ($8) continued our French fusion excursion. Oval mounds of chopped Atlantic farm salmon mixed with rich mayonnaise served on toast. With its heavy texture, the mayonnaise over powered the salmon but a squeeze of lemon lightened the dish. In this rendition, I would prefer a tarte with just salmon, red onions for crush, and chopped basil. With six pieces fanned out on the plate, the seared duck breast ($17) is a sweet and savory dish worth ordering. Thinly sliced, the savory duck breast was cooked medium rare. The tender pieces paired well with the sweet syrupy champagne grape sauce. Oven roasted sea bass danced around in its soft flaky meat ($22) bathing in a mushroom sauce. Honorable sides include pommes frites (homemade string fires-$5) with crunch effects that pair well in a harisa mayo. Ending the meal on a sweet note, the chocolate fondant takes me to sweet tooth heaven ($7). The lively loud ambiance is a great place to revive the senses but not a great place to close a business deal. The sexy dÃ©cor and solid food presentation made this meal worthwhile.
(4)
Lesley M.

This place stole $200 from my account for bottle service that I didn't even buy. I'd rather spend my next birthday at the Grand in SF. Food is overly priced and it is not even that great. This place is garbage. In addition, their plates were dirty, seemed like they didn't even wash them. Yuck! Never coming back here again.
(1)
Deanna H.

The service is excellent and the food is usually really good. We were there on a Friday night and the bar was full and it was very very loud. The tuna tartare and the cerviche appetizers were excellent. I had the cod and my husband had the pork. Unfortunately the pork was a little tough and the cod had a nice mushroom sauce but there wasn't enough of the sauce and only two small sliced mushrooms. This made the dish almost tasteless. The food is overpriced but you can always get coupons from Groupon or Living Social so then it makes it reasonable.
(3)
Samira S.

We went in with a travelzoo voucher and a reservation at 8 and we left happier than a bird with a french fry -- 'cause we got our complete friench fix! The ambiance is modern casual, and yet has a cozy, intimiate touch. She seated us right away and gave some time to look over our special three course menu, meanwhile we got our glasses of bubbly...perfect for a warm summery evening! So once we decided what wanted for all 3 courses, there was no break. Asian Pear Salad, followed by Seabass, finished off with Crepes along with a glass of Bordeaux. Creamy, flavorful, and exquisite French joy. Loved the plating of all of the dishes, $39 for all the yummy dishes for two, steal!
(4)
Anna G.

I dunno about this place. I came here for the first time for my cousins Bday and upon arrival of course at 10pm it was already packed but not packed enough where you couldnt even walk. A friend orders me a drink and along with hers she pais 20 buckz and I thought that was much for a drink that wasnt even strong at all. The music was of good taste but it got soooo crowded you couldnt even dance on that LIL dance floor. Id only go back if Fams or friends decided to go for their Bday other than that Im not going back.
(2)
Chris H.

We went there for dinner. The food is good, although it comes out pretty slow. We ordered the price fixe meal and I left kinda hungry. At 10 o'clock they started with loud thumping music. It was a Friday, so I guess they transform into a club at that hour. The interior is very beautiful. Don't take the three stars as a negative. The place is good, it's A-OK.
(3)
Angela K.

Came here as part of the Hayward's Restaurant Walk and I must say...this was one of the best things I ate as well as best presentation. The voucher redeemed for Jalapeno Croquettes - Jalapeno, provolone and potatoes, fried with panko bread crumbs and served with a jalapeno aioli. The food arrived quick, hot, and fresh. This appetizer goes for about $9...considering we got the entire booklet for $20 - it was a good trade! Good service, welcomed us, seated us, offered us drinks, even thou we only wanted to redeem the voucher.
(3)
Natalie M.

Great tapas! Creative specialty drinks. Good service. This is a gem in struggling-not-to-suck Hayward!
(4)
Myka W.

The vibe is cool, the food is delicious, they have a new affordable bar menu, the bartender knows how to make a good French 75, AND we may have walked out of there with a free shot. I only frequent Hayward once a year and it looks like this will become an annual visit.
(4)
Susan R.

We were celebrating a friends birthday and we wanted something a bit different. The atmosphere and decor is very nice and the overall ambiance impressive. Spacious area for dining and separated from the bar and lounge area. Their menu is small but we still found something we liked. The pork chops were yummy and my order of the pork belly was delicious. It was one of the small plates so it didn't feel me up as much as I'd like so I got the warm brie and it was pretty good too. We ordered some desserts and wine as well. As it was my friends birthday they brought us another cake with a candle lit and a free drink with the cake. Both were really good. We also opted for the creme brulee and that was also completely satisfying. Actually, I would say that's an understatement, our dessert was awesome! Their service was great. Their staff was very friendly, but as it was a random Tuesday night I suppose they really don't have an excuse to be anything but. Our food was slow coming so they brought us a free salad; but our food did arrive all at the same time. Presentation was good and the large plates were filling. It is not a cheap place, but it isn't unfair either. It's located at a nice strip for Hayward so not to sketch either. We had a really good time here and will most likely make another trip there again.
(4)
My C.

Where do I begin. For a place with an owner who promised for a bustling Friday night, there sure weren't any problems getting tables. Even when I arrived at 8, prime dinner time. We were seated by the wall at the half booths. Mm yes... fly infestation in this area. Nice. Our server was really nice though, very personable and attentive. On to the food. We ordered a bunch of small plates to share, but soon regret that decision when we saw how nonexistent the portions were. Each small plate ran from $7-17. Small Plates -- The Bijou Frites $7: The dipping sauce REALLY didn't go with the fries. And they were a little too greasy for me. Grilled Back Back Ribs $8: Dry and cold. Ugh. Beef Carpaccio $10: The only thing that went well. But it might have been that it was the first dish that came out. Potato Medaliions $8: tasted like potato skins Scallops Proscuitto $12: Nothing spectacular at all. But for the large plate and only 2 pieces, not cool Pecan Crusted Prawns: $12: It was a little too drenched in honey, but still good, but not worth it for only 2 small pieces. Large Plates-- Grilled Skirt Steak $19: Overcooked, dry. Chicken Au Jus $17: If you like e-coli, order this, chicken was still bloody red. Drinks were good, but again, pricy. The sangria was delicious, but it tasted a bit watered down. Didn't know things like this happened outside of casinos with the free drink service. What I really mean to say after this winded review is, stay away, save that hard earned money and go elsewhere. If this is the "BEST" place in Hayward, maybe you should go to another city to eat, because this place is boo-boo.
(1)
Kevin D.

Wow, 4 stars? From me? nice job. If I'm honest, part of the reason this place gets 5 stars is because the places around it are such a s**t hole! (Have you ever heard of "The Funky Monkey" its where Hayward comes to get stabbed) We came here to take out a friend who just came back from the Navy. Beer pong was awesome. The place was clean and flawless. Very modern-y which I like. The patrons here were not ghetto and all very cool. Cute girls here too. Also, the Dj was KILLIN' IT! Very modern bar with cool people. Classy but not TOO classy. Definitely a winner.
(4)
Anna Y.

My friends and I went here because I bought a groupon for a three course tasting menu for four with a glass of champagne each. When we got there, we noticed it was really hot inside the restaurant. My husband commented that it was cooler outside. Not sure if their a/c doesn't work, or if they are being cheap and not running it, but it was pretty uncomfortable. Not a good start. There was only one server on the floor, but had help from bussers and such. Our server was good, but when we got our entrees she didn't check on us for about 10 minutes, and my husband needed another cocktail. We noticed the cocktails were pretty good but pretty weak as well. My major complaint is that the beef bourguignon that the three other people at the table ordered had THREE bite-size pieces of beef, with raw diced carrots and small mushrooms. They were still hungry after they finished their plate, and on a course menu, that ain't right. In the end I felt like the owner tried to pull the wool over my eyes. They lure you in with groupon and then they give you the bare minimum. Not cool. If its not cost effective to serve that dish on the groupon/living social menu, don't serve it at all! I also thought they should announce that the dipping sauce for the bread is spicy when they drop it off, might be good to know since I don't eat spicy food! Also the bathrooms, both men & women's both smelled awful. Needs to be bleached and upkept daily. My 2 stars are 1, for the server who was pretty good despite being pretty busy, and the last star is for the macaron ice cream sandwich which is seriously amazing. This place has some decent potential, but the owner has to work out the little details seperating this place from being great. Probably won't be back, I was pretty embarassed that I treated my friends to this dinner and they were still hungry afterwards. This was also my first time, not a good look Bijou. A better tactic for groupon would be to use it to get people to see the value in your restaurant, therefore getting them to come back. I don't know if they switched owners but i'm pretty sure the last one took more pride in this place, as I used to hear great things years ago. Bummer.
(2)
Alan Q.

My wife and I had dinner here for the first time last night. We ordered three "small plate" dishes. The first was their grilled baby back ribs. There were three ribs plus some vegetable (perhaps a seasoned sliced red cabbage) on the plate. The ribs and the veggie were very tasty, but I thought the ribs weren't tender enough. The second dish was a braised short rib shepherd's pie - short ribs, diced carrots, and mashed potatoes baked together. It was good, but there was a lot of potato and not a lot of meat. This worked out OK for us because we didn't order any other starches with our meal. The third dish was scallops in puff pastry. This dish was also very good, but there were only two scallops. It only emphasizes the restaurant's heading of "small plates." When we had finished all three dishes I was going to give the restaurant 4 stars for their food, but I was also going to subtract 1 star for their slow kitchen. On a night when there were only three other tables occupied in the place, we ended up waiting 30 minutes for our food to arrive. I was going to give Bijou 3 stars. However, at that point the waitress came over and told us that the kitchen would like to apologize for their slow service and that dessert would be complimentary! My wife and I ordered the Bananas FlambÃ© with a side dish (the waitress' suggestion) of vanilla bean ice cream. This dish was the highlight of the night! Sliced bananas rolled in a type of dough, deep fried, then dipped in granulated sugar. Then the dessert was brought to our table, where the waitress took a shot of rum and poured it into the dish, then lit the alcohol. Divine! Bijou went back to being 4 stars at that point. We'll go back, and we hope the Bananas FlambÃ© are on the dessert menu!
(4)
David P.

So we finally found a house in Hayward. Not very familiar with the neighborhood so we came to Bijou, but this time for dinner. We had the escargot for appetizer, stuffed quail and lamb chops for entree. The escargot was ok in flavor. I would of loved some buttery toast points to go with this appetizer. The garlic, parsley, and butter where lost in this dish. Our entrees where both under seasoned. My lamb chops where over cooked. Even with the sauce on the plate and the garlic mashed potatoes it did not bring any flavors. The dish fell flat. The stuffed quail was the same story no taste even with drizzled sauce. I now see why they have salt and pepper shakers on the table. I always say if salt and pepper are displayed then the chef is not confident in his food and seasonings. Maybe the chef had an off night? I do not know but I am sure to give this place another try. I will keep my 5 stars and give them the benefit of the doubt.
(5)
Ryan M.

This place was truly an interesting joint to go to. Unfortunately I procrastinated on this place so it isn't as clear on my memory, and they modified their menu since I last visit so a re-visit should be in order in the future. I was curious to see what new restaurants popped up in the East Bay that Yelpers (and non-Yelpers) may have caught onto, and this spot came up into the search directory within the Castro Valley/Hayward area. It was myself and the ATGNAT family (Brian M. and Chris D.) with Jake the Snake in tow, after catching up here and there I suggested to try this new and "hip spot" that several of the East Bay Yelpers have caught on. At first Chris was a bit adamant but with little persuasion everyone decided to follow through. We were seated by hostess (who looked vaguely familiar from somewhere), and we were served by James and one other server (cannot recall his name my apologies). Well they gave us some time to scour the menu and after a little bit of indecisiveness it was time to put this place to the test. We ordered the following: Small Plates (Appetizers): -1 order of Salmon Tartare w/ mini toasted baguette bites -1 order of Terrine Fois Gras- Consists of: Lychee chutney, fig chutney and toasted baguette bites Big Plates (Entrees'): -2 orders of Pan Seared Salmon- Consists of: Lemon eurre blanc sauce and served with basmati rice -1 order of Grilled Filet Mignon- Consists of: A bordeux sauce, garlic mashed potatoes w/ asparagus wrapped in bacon (additional side to the dish, when I attended) This last order I'm trying to remember by memory since they took it off (perhaps due to unpopularity and so forth): -1 order of Baby Veal w/assortment of vegetables and grilled potatoes (it might be inaccurate due to lack of knowledge as forwarned) Desserts: -1 order of Creme BrulÃ©e with a Hint of Green Tea- Consists of: Creamy, light custard topped with caramelized brown sugar -1 order of Hazelnut Mousse- Consists of: Hazelnut mousse over chocolate hazelnut crunch sponge cake Let's start with the Tartare and Fois Gras, initially I tried them seperately in very small portions (they were about teaspoon size), and I could hardly taste anything. So, with innovation and grace myself and our companions decided to combine it all into a mini baguette sandwich that way we can really have a mouthful (perverts don't get me started) of the flavor. It was tart and slightly creamy, with a hint of pasty texture due to the fois gras, but nevertheless appealing in presentation. However in terms of appetite, I wish they were a bit more generous considering the amount we got for a group of four. Then came, our entrees', the ATGNAT folks tried their Salmon and it turned out alright with a hint of slight disinterest. I got a piece, and it was a bit creamy, the surface of the fish was well cooked, however the Basmati rice, I just couldn't get around the purpose of it. Hell I think a Risotto, or even simple white rice could have done the job (maybe its because I'm Asian who knows)? Next, Jake's Filet Mignon (can't get enough of steak). You know, as much as I hate to say it but I should have went with this dish. It was simple, and it was fulfilling (even with the addition of bacon wrapped asparagus, which is becoming a norm in many Asian fusion restaurants, outside the Japanese BBQ Izakaya spectrum). Needless to say, he had no complaints and was quite pleased with his order as he finished to the last bite. Then at last, came the veal, and my oh my, I should have left it to the hot dog specialists to provide instead. It was another dish, very creamy and rich in substance. There's something about milk and eggs, with this type of meat that doesn't really appeal to my palette. I thought the dog I tried in Sparks (Emeryville, Ca.) should have been a sign of things to come, but I reasoned with the idea of, "Its decent in a hot dog, why not in regular veal form?" I was wrong, although the vegetables and grilled potatoes, made amends with my disappointment of the outcome. Probably another reason why, the dish was taken off the menu now (as currently posted online). So what made me really stick to my four star rating of this spot? Two things...the dessert and the service. Let's go into the service, from beginning to end the employees were very hospitable, and constantly checked with us, however the food was delayed a bit. But with James, he swayed us into the full experience (which is what I usually aim for with the money and opportunity of dining anywhere). Therefore, as a group we decided to split between the Creme' Brulee and Hazelnut Mousse. The Creme' Brulee exemplified wonders, with the blow torch (both as a reminder, that it can enhance sashimi). The Mousse' was magnificent, the slight crunch and hint of chocolate wafer made my mouth yearn for more. Overall, we spent $140.00 with tax and tip embedded. Was it worth it? Sure, but I hope the portions and time efficiency will be better in the future. Cheers!
(4)
elita n.

Got the groupon and it was probably my best groupon experience at a restaurant to date! probably best (non asian) restaurant in the SL/Hayward/Union City area.
(4)
natalie n.

This is a review for the dining experience. Bijou sits in stark contrast to its neighbors, which includes shops now out of business. The interior is nicely designed, classy yet chic. My hopes were high that we found a neat restaurant near my granduncle's place. But the food simply left a lot to be desired. I ordered a simple spinach salad, which was way overdressed. Each leaf radiated a sheen of dressing and my mouth tingled with balsamic vinegar overdose. Tuna tartare was also just too aggressively seasoned. Shepherd's pie was forgettable as well. The service was excellent, but the food (especially at those prices) didn't leave me wanting to come back. Probably more fun for drinks and small bites, but not for dinner.
(2)
David M.

Closed dining room at 8:40 PM on Monday. Website and Yelp information says 9:30 PM. Open Table reservations available until 8:45 PM. No explanation on why the dining room was closed and food was unavailable so 1 star for now. Drove from Oakland down to Hayward on recommendation from friend. Had to give that friend some heat for the BS. And, no, I don't expect to call every restaurant to verify if their business hours are listed correctly on their own website.
(1)
Candice B.

Came here for a girlfriend's bday dinner. Been to Bijou plenty of times for the lounge scene, so the atmosphere for dinner is completely different, it was dead. We were the only diners but that was ok. We had pitchers of sangria, it was alright (my bf can make it better) and the food was a hit or miss I guess. While everyone complained that their dishes were not good, me and my other girlfriend really liked ours. Maybe they just do fish better since I had the halibut and she had the salmon. Everyone else ordered some type of meat dishes, so I'm glad I chose one of the hits. Feel bad for those who chose misses because they seemed to not have enjoyed their meals as much as we did.
(3)
Chris M.

Four stars for cocktails and the bar menu. The happy hour really makes this place shine as otherwise the prices can be prohibitive. Especially pricey are the full course meals, which, while tasting good, do not seem worth the price.
(4)
Atif K.

I came here for Happy Hour to see some old co-workers to catch up. I came in after waiting an hour in a traffic jam, so the first thing I did after saying hi to everyone was look at the drink menu. The place itself was pretty laid back, and definitely had a chill vibe to it. The ambiance and lighting inside was good, and the seats were all pretty comfortable. I just happened to grab myself a Lagunitas IPA (which was pretty good), and kicked back and relaxed. The Happy Hour food menu had some pretty interesting things, like some flatbreads among other things. I got myself some Onion Rings. These were a lot different than other onion rings I've had. These were not soggy, but REAL crunchy and the sauce was real zesty too. Cool beans.
(4)
Reva R.

This is only for the "lounge/club" perspective. A group of friends and I decided to spot by here for some fun after eating at Buffalo Bill's at around 10pm. The guy checking ID's was very nice & helpful. After he gave us our stamps we proceeded to what next? Of course the bar. After standing around, not being able to find a stool, we were able to order our beverages while watching the GSW game. My drink was yummy and strong, and the bartender was cool. As we anticipated meeting new people and dancing the night away, we couldn't help but notice the crowd was a little bit older than us (we had a group ranging from 21-25) and a lot of not-so-pretty people. There was a birthday or party of some sort happening on the side opposite the bar and I'm not sure if it was blocked off but it seemed like only the people in the party were on that side. That was lame just because that's where the dance floor (bigger space) is. After only 30 minutes of lounging and people watching we decided to cut out to another place down the street. For the most part, it was an okay time. I had good company so it wasn't a complete bore. I'm thinking I'll give it another shot, maybe I'll come on a better night.
(2)
Mariel F.

Out of all the restaurants / lounges in Hayward, I frequent Bijou the most. The service and the atmosphere are good. Below are my recommendations.... Alcoholic Beverages: Mocha-tini - Patron XO Cafe, Godiva Liqueur, Frangelico, Absolut Vanilla Vodka, & Cream Grasshopper - A delicious blend of Green Creme De Menthe, Creme De Cocoa, & light creme. A mint sprig sits atop a chilled chocolate syrup laced cocktail glass. Pitcher of Sangria - A blend of red & white wines, seasonal fresh fruits, and fresh pressed citrus juices. Lychee Bliss - Kai Lychee Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lychee syrup, & fresh pressed orange and lemon juices Salads: Crab Avocado Salad - Fresh dungeness crab served with a variety of seasonal citrus fruits & topped with a sherry walnut vinaigrette Asian Pear Salad - Spring mix topped with Asian pear, feta cheese, candied pecans & dressed with a pear vinaigrette Small Plates: Dungeness Crab Dip - Dungeness crab, aioli, crÃ¨me fraiche, shallots, parmesan & gruyere cheese Scallops Prosciutto - Pan seared sea scallops wrapped in prosciutto topped with balsamic reduction sauce Potato Medallions - Baked Yukon potatoes slices topped with crÃ¨me fraiche, bacon, melted cheddar & gruyere Bijou Frites - Potato & sweet potato fries served with samurai aioli Large Plates: Oven Roasted Sea Bass - Served with a morel mushroom sauce, sauteed wild mushrooms over risotto Pan Seared Sea Scallops - Served over a bed of sauteed spinach & risotto and topped with a champagne reduction Desserts: CrÃ¨me BrulÃ©e with a Hint of Green Tea - Creamy, light custard topped with caramelized brown sugar Croissant Pudding - Vanilla bean custard baked with a croissant and topped with Nutella & vanilla ice creme Pear Tarte Tatin - Caramelized pear tart & Chantilly .... I definitely recommend going to Bijou.
(4)
Robin R.

Bijou has all the makings of an amazing restaurant. It's located on the up-and-coming B St. in Hayward, the vibe and decor is on-trend and noteworthy, and the food is spectacular. It can definitely use some refinement in the service department and little details like cleaning the entry windows occasionally. I went here with a group of 10+ and every person was more than satisfied with their drinks, appetizers, and entrees. Very impressed. However, the service was slow, forgetful, scattered, and simply unrefined. I think that's a relatively easy aspect to fix and I will definitely be going back and recommending Bijou. Definitely worth trying and supporting a great local business!
(3)
Dada L.

I tried this restaurant several times a few years ago. It was better back then. I went there with a bunch of girls last Sunday. The lamb chop was not on the menu anymore. I ordered a salmon dish, it comes with a cup of white steam rice. The other three girlfriends ordered lobster pot pie. It was a bowl of seafood in white sauce and top with a crispy sheet. That sheet was just put on top of the bowl. My salmon was just okay. The restaurant's recipes became Asian style (it used to be Italian fusion). I won't go back again.
(2)
katie k.

Finally! Hayward has a great little restaurant! Pretty much, the only thing holding down the lively social scene was Buffalo, and now we have Bijou! Both on B street. A coincidence? I think not. Cocktails are decadent and strong. Tasty in fact. The dishes are quite sophisticated and I highly recommend the steamed mussels for starters. The lamb was impressive--good to the bone. And the Bijou Sliders were not only pleasurable for the palate but adorable! For the usual Hayward faire, some dishes might be "pricey" but trust, they're worth every morsel. For having been open for only 6 weeks the service was great although they did try to persuade us to move our larger than expected group outside. Not cool. Also, the music--if you call t-pain and 94.9 inspired tunes music--it needs a facelift. C'mon play us something jazzy and sweet. So negative .5 stars for those two. This really is as good as it gets in Hayward, so I'm more than a fan!! Ahh, a Renaissance for my home town beings.
(5)
Vi L.

Bijou wasn't exactly the type of restaurant I imagined. Originally, I had thought it'd be more of a nice romantic type of scene, but I ended up finding out it was more a lounge type of place. I'd recommend this place for a pre-drinking event or an all-girls/group hangout since the atmosphere was very vibrant. Food (mainly tapas style): - Baby Spinach Salad: The presentation of this salad was nice, but I felt the dressing was a little off. There was a strong taste of soy sauce? in the dressing, which made the flavor very bold. For those who like their salad with lots of dressing, you might find this salad idyylic. -Chicken Pesto Flat Bread Pizza: I thought the way the pizza was presented was interesting. The dough was good, but this pizza was a little dry. Ahi Tuna Tartare: This was by far my favorite dish of the night. The texture and mix was great and they gave a good amount of tuna. Steamed Mussels: Another decent dish with a good amount of mussels. Overall, the cocktails were great, the food was okay, but this place was pretty mediocre.
(2)
Samuel V.

My cousin and I decided to try Bijou a since Buffalo bills was too over crowded... What a bad choice. First of all , this place has the appearance of a high end restaurant but with crappy and slow service. The reason I am writing this, is because they brought us water served in dirty glasses. Not only that, after i called the waiter and told him of the situation, i ordered a beer hoping It would be delivered in a clean glass. To my surprise, I was greeted with a glass that had a red fucking lipstick stain on the rim.... Uhhh you would think that after i pointed my concern out to the waiter he would make sure to look at the damn cup before he pours anything on it, right?!?!? I was so upset , i called the waiter again and pointed at the problem... He brought back another beer which tasted horrible... Long story short, i would not recommend this place to anyone. Theses waiters don't care about great customer service. I also noticed that they would pick and choose people that looked like they would tip good to give fast service. Our food arrived semi cold and about 45 mins late... The party next to us arrived after us and received their food quickly... Well thats what i got for trying this boogie restaurant...ghetto ass restaurant.
(1)
Tiff P.

I've been here a few times during the lounge hours, and on one occasion they were passing out hor'dourves which were delish! So I finally made it in for dinner, but was a little disappointed. The atmosphere here is great and the layout is great. The servers and bartenders are nice too and they pour strong drinks - but for $10-12 they'd better be pretty strong! I will not be coming here again for their food. We tried the following: - Advocado & crab salad: tons of mayonnaise, very little crab, no flavor, poor presentation. - Margherite pizza: I could make this at home with sausages from Costco and store bought pizza dough. Another disappointment. - Peppercorn steak strips: Absolutely NO flavor It wasn't that busy of a night so I'm not sure what happened. The great service made up for the poor food plates, and the drinks were good. I'll definitely go here again, but not to eat.
(2)
Susie O.

Tsk tsk tsk. I was hoping with all of my heart that Bijou would be an upscale restaurant for poor deprived Hayward. They are..for their interior design. The food? Disappointing. What an illusion this place has created. The decor and name baited me. After starting with the Baby Spinich Salad, I tried a bunch of small plates (@$7-11 ea) including: - Warm brie: Good - Baby back ribs: ok flavor but tough - Chicken Lollipops: Cilantro and ginger flavoring (odd combo). dry - Pecan-crusted prawns: Bland - Potato medallions: Horrible Something was off in each of these dishes. I also ordered a seasonal cocktail (The Blacksidecar) and it was so saturated with sugar that I could taste but not enjoy the alcohol. Service was wonderful and the 2 stars I'm rating this restaurant goes to the staff. Experimenting with ingredients and putting a twist on traditional foods is always a risk and when it works, paying $11.00 for a tiny portion of food is not only justified but it also seems meager. We want to reward a chef for his/her skill & creativity...applauding their genius by graciously opening up our wallets. In this case I left feeling cheated.
(2)
Lynda L.

Heard about this place so decided to try it out with my friend and daughter on a Friday night. Yes, I like to take my 4 year old with me to try new places to test how kid-friendly they are. It's cool when typical non-kid-friendly places try to please/accommodate kids. The crab cones are YUMMMY! Gotta be my fav there. We called ahead to place a reservation (which we totally didnt need to since the place wasnt that busy). We were warned by my friend's husband (who's a chef) that this place serves small portions, so we ordered drinks and 2 appetizers. I ordered the sea bass as my entree. Drinks were definitely too weak...i could barely taste any alcohol in the "strawberry fields" drink. And the husband was right, portions were definitely tiny. I think the only reason why were full at the end of the meal was due to the drinks+bread+appetizers. Service was great. Setting is very nice and intimate. Kid-friendly? No kid's menu. Enough said
(3)
Ivy W.

Went out on a weekend night- it wasnt busy, I was surprised. The place next to it was hoppin. I really enjoyed my meal, we split a mushroom pastry small plate & the skirt steak. It was very yummy. My dink...eh. I got the ginger pear- tasted exactly like a lemon drop..How do those 2 things even sound close? theyre not. So between the drink & the bill- it was a little bit of a shocker so it wont be a regular thing but we enjoyed our evening. Our waitress was very nice & attentive also.
(4)
Nancy W.

Asian pear salad: yummy Large plate short ribs: bland croissant pudding: yummy Wycliff champagne yummy I gave one star because the price was outrageous for mediocre food. I will not be coming back unless I have a travelzoo voucher.
(1)
Elizabeth F.

I find it hard to believe some of the bad reviews for this place. We recently had dinner here with a Groupon deal for the prix fixe meal. This restaurant is a classy place for Hayward which lacks a lot of quality restaurants, and we were impressed. Often when we go to restaurants, they serve too much food. Our meal was just the right amount, prepared very nicely, and delicious. Also, the service was extremely good. We had very little wait for any of the courses that we ordered. If I were to complain about anything, it would be the noise level. We look forward to dining here again.
(5)
Marisela R.

OK... the dining rating still stands.... But the night life sucks. I went to eat with my boyfriend and as we were finishing up, they were clearing out the tables so we felt a little rushed. The venue is very nice - but the night crowd... ghettooooo. Dont do it.
(3)
Hendra T.

Finally got a chance to visit Bijou during lunch time and the place doesn't disappoints me at all. The inside was nicely decorated to create a calm yet hip atmosphere. I ordered Croque Madame for my lunch and while was waiting has a chance to speak with the owner. Pretty laid back and very friendly guy; He shared his vision of his restaurant during our conversation. The sandwich is huge and the price is very reasonable. I 'm a big eater and I barely finish the sandwich with the fries. I will definitely come back again to try other foods; but they won their place in my favorite place to visit on the weekend.
(4)
Terrie R.

Hubby and I went on a Wednesday night. Very few people there. Techno beat in the background. It could have been the same song all night, I'm not sure. I had a glass of french merlot ($10 for 6 oz). It was NOT good. Hubby's Manhattan seemed to satisfy him. We shared the pomme frittes, which were fine, but the dipping sauce was not that good. We'd have been happier with catsup. My lobster tail was just nasty. Dry, stringy. Ugh. The lemon aioli sauce on it was tasty enough, , but it didn't help the lobster's texture at all. On top it all was caviar. I figured out I don't like cavier. (Not the restaurant's fault.) Hubby had the duck confit shepherd's pie, which he gave lukewarm praise. We dropped $60, with tip. We won't be back. Too bad, I really wanted to love Bijou. By the way, the service was great.
(2)
Marie K.

Although I enjoyed my first meal here very much, why does it still seem like the most interesting part of this restaurant is that it is in Hayward. It's just hard to get over that. Really. This certainly isn't your mother's Hayward. I met an old friend there on a recent warm Friday night and was, like many reviewers pleasantly surprised with the ambiance, menu, prices, and friendliness of the staff. Although I am older than the bar crowd for this place and was decidedly underdressed for the after work, early evening crowd, the hostess and bartenders were outgoing and genuinely friendly. I ordered a mixed-to-order lemonade at the bar that was seriously good, not overly sweet, that packed a yummy refreshing punch. The menu had many good choices and the prices were, to me, decidedly lower than Oakland/Berkeley and San Francisco. My friend had the prix fix surf and turf which was reasonably priced at $28 for a lovely salad, a piece of salmon and steak and a sampler of sorbet. I enjoyed my steak frites and the caramelized pear tart for dessert. Our waiter was great - funny and attentive although there were a few minor glitches -like getting dessert without a fork - but they certainly didn't mar the meal and the lovely setting. We took our time with dinner as we had a lot of catching up to do and we were never rushed. My only complaint: the bathroom had some of the funkiest odor I have ever experienced in a restroom - and I have been to some of the backwaters of the world- but this was as if the sewer were backing up or they were storing dead skunks on the premises. What's up with that? I hope this was just an off night but seriously something should be done about that. My advice: pee before you go.
(3)
Cliff X.

Heard so much good stuff about this joint so I had to check it out.. Walked in and never expected sooo,many people on a thursday night. Me and my four friend literally doubled the crowd. :( Drinks - wasnt expensive Bartender - cool Dj - cool, spins vinyl records. Bought me a drink, not sure why. But COOL! Beer pong - almost felt like I was playing in my garage. Cause hoe dead it was. Overall experience 4 stars. Crowd was 2 stars equal to the people there prior to my arrival.
(3)
D C.

This place is a recent discovery thanks to the recommendation from a co-worker. On a Friday night during dinner, this place is really chill and a great lounge for taking in a cocktail. The staff is really attentive and the bartenders are great, they know how to mix a good drink. I had the Midnight Manhattan because of my recent obsession with whiskey/bourbon and the Basil Hayden bourbon served "neat." The Manhattan was well balanced and served with a orange slice and brandied cherry, which I definitely prefer over the Maraschino Cherry. The "neat" bourbon is served in a sniffer glass, which is definitely a step-up from the usual rocks glass. My cousin ordered a blueberry drink with cherry liqueur, it looked very fruity but she said it tasted great. As we relaxed and checked out the atmosphere, we could see everybody was ordering the Bijou sliders, which looked very impressive and based on reactions everybody seemed to enjoy. I was really impressed with the consistence of service b/c every slider that passed us looked perfect, we would have tried them but already had dinner at Alameda's Sushi House. But we definitely couldn't pass up a chance to try their desserts, the croissant bread pudding w/ Nutella sauce was awesome. It was served hot with a side of molten Nutella sauce and a nice icy vanilla ice cream. We both agree this is a place we will revisit, most likely in two weeks for my cousin's big blow-out before she moves to the east coast. It's a great place to chill.
(4)
William L.

I wouldn't recommend this restaurant at all, definitely not the best French restaurant I've been to. Many of my favorite French dishes (commonly offered by most French restaurants) are off the menu. Salmon is completely tasteless, nothing much to say about it. Dessert is way too sugary. Service is fine, though it seems a bit weird to see only two waiter/waitress working at night shift (bartender aside), which makes it hard to get their attentions when they are chitchatting with other customers :( BUT, that's NOT the reason why I gave this place a 1 star review. What's the worst thing that can happen after dining at a restaurant? A devastated stomachache. Unfortunately, it happened to my girlfriend and me 20 mins after we left the restaurant, can't be coincidence, their foods have problem. Previous Yelper review had pointed out a food poison experience after dining at Bijou, alas, I should have listened to their advices.
(1)
Beatriz C.

this place gets poppin on a friday or saturday night. I've never eaten the food here, and to be honest I've never been to interested in trying. I only come to have a drink and dance. Though to be honest the drinks here will put a dent in your pocket.. 10 dollars a pop! holy cow! can we say Pre-Game!! The upside is that there is no cover and they play good tunes :) Definitely worth a shot if youve never been, especially with the nightlife that Hayward has to offer (not much).
(4)
Angie K.

Using the $39.90 dinner coupon, we thought this would be a great deal to sample Bijou's French California dinner on Oct. 25, 2013. We had champagne with our appetizers which were all served promptly. We were disappointed with our dinner and dessert. My husband and I both ordered bouillabaisse and waited 15 minutes only to discover that the portion was that of an APPETIZER size. Then we waited patiently for another 20 minutes for dessert thinking that the crepes were being prepared only after it was ordered. To our dismay, each of crepes were ice cold and topped simply with more cold banana slices. I could have done the crepes at home myself. In addition, the place was so loud that we had to converse with one another at the top of our voices. My husband concluded that we should never ever return here for dinner. I'm giving it 2 stars because the bar seems to be okay for happy hour as long as you are not served by the short Asian guy behind the counter who can be abrupt.
(2)
Mike M.

Full disclosure my review is ONLY on the bar, since I didn't eat here. Now that I got that out of the way, this place is AWESOME!!!! The drinks were fantastic, a little pricey at $10-11 per drink, but well worth it. This place is great for happy hour or fine dining spot for Hayweird :) The layout was very stylish, service was spot on (very attentive and upbeat), and plenty of free parking in front (but this could vary depending on the night). Overall, I dug the place and will definitely be back.
(5)
Adrian G.

Overcrowded! Too hectic inside, can't even walk around without getting bumped into. Drinks are overpriced, even though there is no cover. Felt unsafe, crowd is aggressive, security is a joke!!! They have a power trip. Would never go back. I would rather drive to SF for nightlife, NOT BIJOU!!!
(1)
david l.

I wish I could give this place 3.5 stars. because it's a good restaurant, especially for downtown Hayward. Great Ambiance, good food, good service, great bar selection. I was impressed by the quality of their cocktails and the selection of their beers. But in complete honesty, this isn't a place I'd go out of my way for. I'm grew up in Hayward, so Hayward has a special place in my heart. If you live in the East Bay, it's well worth your time and money, but don't cross a bridge for it.
(3)
ARIeL P.

It's a place for cocktails. It is a nice place for Hayward. It is modern for Hayward specially where the surrounding business are still old age. The food is just okay. I would give it another try. I went with a friend for dinner who is like a food critic and had to return a dish which was the tuna tar tar. They should have called it Corn Tar Tar with all the Corn Filling! I think the chef tries too hard to focus on the presentation more than the actual flavor. The risotto we had was on two different dish but tasted the same way which made the dish taste the same. The price is average but the quality of the food still needs to live up to the price. Over all, the drinks are good. They have good bar tenders and appetizers. Never been there long enough for the restaurant to turn into a club/lounge but I don't think I would like to be there because of the clienteles I see in there at late nights. Has a lot of potential they just need to know their demographics.
(2)
Matt E.

Had my 10 year high school reunion here and to be honest, I didn't think I was going to like this place at all. Things I heard about this place...Bijou, a sheik upscale lounge and restaurant in...DOWNTOWN HAYWARD??? WTF??? Seriously, I grew up playing darts a few doors down at Buffalo Bill's Brewery with my old man...until it become a magnet for yuppies when they changed their establishment from being a "pub" to a "pub and restaurant". I've witnessed what steps other D.T. Hayward establishments took to lift their business to that upscale mark...and in my opinion failed big time... but amazingly I like what Bijou has going for them. From the looks outside, you would swear this place was a lot bigger than it actually is. On the right side is the bar...on the left, is the seating for the restaurant. I do dig the feel of the place...it's swank...it's lounge-y. The bar service I received on this particular evening was awesome. The bartenders didn't leave me standing there drink-free for more than 30 seconds before attending to my alcoholic needs. They were fast, friendly and competent...bravo guys! Food-wise, I enjoyed the piece of salmon I had...the Asian-Pear salad...not so much. Just didn't dig the flavor of the dressing and the salad as a whole. I found the staff to be pleasant and attentive to our (my graduating class) needs. So I hope this 4 star review is not an example of a yelp review through beer goggles, giving it a star or two too many...it might be and I'm ok with that for now. But as it stands, Bijou's a rare gem in the rough that is Downtown Hayward.
(4)
Carissa M.

The drinks are overpriced. The music is pretty good. All the seating was reserved. Not as top-notch as it appears to be. Don't let this place fool you into thinking its some sexy lounge. It's kind of lame and not worthy of it's projected sexiness.
(2)
Whitney W.

Went here with my sweetie for Valentines and had so much fun! The service was great, even though we were late for our reservation. They were super accomodating. The lobster pot pie was soooo good!!
(4)
Yeng C.

Bijou is a treasure in Hayward when it comes to night life. Me and my wife used to come here often and always left satisfied with customer service, ambiance, and food. We also have been here on a Friday night where they have a DJ and dancing beginning at 10:00 p.m. As a former DJ I may not be a fair critique but the mixing is average at best and the crowd has changed so much and can get rowdy when it used to be more on the classy side but i do understand that they have to cater to a wider range of clientele plus it is in Hayward. No matter what it is worth checking out and I am sure you will find many positive things going to this place.
(4)
Eric N.

The Bijou is a nice restaurant... my only complaint is that whenever we 'pop-in' for dinner, the hostess always acts as if she will barely be able to accommodate us but the place never seems to fill up. So it's kinda running joke between my wife and I... It's an expensive place to eat but the food is good, the chef is obviously trained in French cooking. The drinks are all made from scratch and they are fantastic. If you are looking for a deal - go during happy hour. It may sound ridiculous to get macaroni and cheese at this place - but it's the best I've ever had.
(4)
Patricia L.

I was expecting more out of this restaurant. Given that there aren't many classy restaurants, I thought Bijou would be different. I would like to say the service seriously sucked. Yes, we had the Groupon, but that doesn't mean service should be bad. My fiance and I walked in and it seemed like there were 2 other parties that were also waiting for a hostess to come. After 10 minutes of waiting around, she finally comes. We had to wait another 10 minutes to be seated. Granted, I made a reservation for 8:45. We got seated finally and the waiter didn't come around for another 10 minutes. We told him our order from the prix fixe menu. We got the ahi tuna tartare. It was okay. Wish there was more of the chips to eat it with. He got the beef carpaccio which was overpowered by Parmesan cheese. My main course was the cod with mashed potatoes. Uh, seriously tasted like they just steamed it and put it on the plate. Had no flavors at all. My fiance got the bouillabaisse. He also complained like it was just boiled fish with no seasoning. We also ordered the steam mussels which were not on the prix fixe menu, but did we get them? Nooooo. For dessert, I got the banana crepe that said it was supposed to come with Chantilly cream, but it didn't and the crepe tasted premade. He got the macaroon ice cream sandwich which he said was the best thing he had all night. We were definitely still hungry afterwards. First and last time coming here.
(2)
Wendy V.

A true gem in downtown Hayward. I saw several deals through Groupon or Living Social for this place over the last year, and was intrigued, but didn't take the plunge until earlier this week. We had a reservation for 6:30 on a Friday night. By the time we left (8ish), the place was packed. The Living Social deal is a prix fixe menu, which was perfect. I had the ribs for an appetizer, the scallops for my main course, and the croissant pudding for dessert. Everything was awesome. The glass of champagne was a nice touch, too. For $39, my mom and I enjoyed ourselves and would definitely come back....but only if I had another one of those deals. The place is great, but I would not be happy to pay the $105 price tag that the meals were supposedly originally priced at. My scallop dish was delicious, but small for a main course. Also, the restrooms weren't in good condition for a nice restaurant. Overall, a good find and I forgot I was in Hayward!
(4)
Mark A.

Nice establishment coo spot to watch the game after work had the baugette formagge, French 57 and my homies had the pizza n chicken wings all bomb will come back shout out to the bartender #scorpioshit
(4)
Kenny C.

This place is probably the best spot to go out in Hayward. It is always chill with a great mix of people. On Thursdays they have beef pong which is always fun and Friday and Sat its more of a club atmsphere when the resturant closes. The bartenders are great and the owner is always there making sure everyone is having a good time. They play a great mix of hip hop and R&B so be ready to get your boogie on. They have a soft dress code, but I wouldnt suggest trying to go during the weekend wearing baggy cloths and tennis shoes. All in all its a real cool spot and a great alternative for going out in SF or San Jose.
(4)
Manda G.

Last night was my 3rd visit there and it definitely was NOT a charm. I met up with some family friends and we decided to start at the bar because we weren't quite hungry yet. At first the both the bartenders were nice, but they clearly play favorites once someone "more attractive" (i guess) walks in. I tried to pay for the 1st round and an extra mojito and one of the bartenders gave me the blankest look. I'm not sure what about "Can I get a mojito, and pay for it as well as our first round?" is so hard to understand. 45 minutes later- still no mojito, still no bill. One of the chicks who was next to me at the bar (the previously mentioned "more attractive" party) actually pulled the menu out from right in front of me! SO rude. Not a very classy crowd if that's what Bijou is trying to attract. It's too bad, because for Hayward, it's a pretty good modern spot in a good location thats come a long way from my childhood days. Also, their fries are really good, and I'd had the mojito before and liked it so I was disappointed not to enjoy it again. But the bartenders didn't communicate with each other, seemed confused trying to figure out our tab and they definitely lost my usually generous tips. Maybe they're nicer on the weekends? Maybe not, looks like a few other reviews agree with me on the not so top-notch service.
(1)
Cece E.

I think everything here is over priced considering that downtown Hayward is still building. If you're trying to attract customers, may want to rethink your pricing. Service was slow when I came here and there were only a handful of customers. There were enough servers to cover every table that had patrons yet still slow service. That's a shame. The restaurant has potential. Aside from service, they may want to think about other things like keeping the front windows clean (that makes a bigger impression than you think).
(2)
Tisha G.

Went here recently with the boyfriend to sit at the bar! We got some appetizers that were good but def small proportions as compared to their price at a parallel restaurant. To be honest, those fries with their scarce meat toppings weren't even that tasty. Bleh. POM-tini's are pretty good here, but the basil/grey goose vodka/strawberry smoothie drink is horrendous. I don't think basil and strawberry mix very well in my opinion, but that's me. Overall, I'd come here if I had cash to burn for no apparent reason. Restaurant seemed quite empty. Sad how they turned had to turn it into a club atmosphere but it's the only thing saving the business.
(3)
Wayne J.

It's difficult to find an American style restaurant in this neighborhood. Not knowing the area (we were just passing through) a goodly amount of time was spent on the Internet searching various sites. Bijou Restaurant and Bar met our needs. We made our early evening reservation on line effortlessly and arrived on time (quite a feat considering the Friday afternoon commute traffic). Why the hostess wanted to seat us next to the waiters' station in a near empty dining room stymied us (we got a different table). Our waitress, Rachael, was attentive, better than what we've recently experienced in other places. We shared Salad Caprese; while enjoying it our Beef Carpaccio and Mussels arrived too soon. All three plates were enjoyed and Rachael kept checking on us (how rare now a days). We felt the interior was a bit tired, but such is a minor issue. We found the prices to be very reasonable. The next time we are traveling down the 880 corridor Bijou will be on our short list.
(4)
Chi N.

This review is solely based on Happy Hour Last night a group of my girlfriends and I hit up Bijou for our friend's birthday. We've heard plenty about this place, and it's literally so local, we had go see what the fuss was about. Atmosphere: The place itself is pretty nice. A lot nicer than what you'd expect in Hayward. Half of it was a sit down restaurant; the other half was a bar, as well as comfy lounge seating. We opted for lounge seating as we were planning on taking full advantage of their happy hour menu! The dÃ©cor is very sleek, modern, but also very inviting. It wasn't packed or anything, we got there around 6, by the time we left there a few groups of people, but nothing too crazy. Food/Drinks: We ordered (off the happy hour menu only) rounds upon rounds of Sangria $5 (over 15 glasses), some Mai Tais $5, and Peach Bellinis $5. For appetizers, they ranged from $5-$8. We ordered, 3 orders of the Beef Carpaccio: with a delicious pesto/olive oil spread and grated parmesan, with toasted baguette slices 3 orders of the French Fries: it was a mix of normal fries, and sweet potato fries with a nice tangy dipping sauce 3 orders of the Chicken Drumettes: 5 per order, nice sweet glaze, but still crispy, but a little too much cilantro sprinkled on 2 orders of the Baguette Fromage: bread with melted cheese and slices of tomato, very refreshing 2 orders of the Breaded Shrimp: there was only 3 or so shrimp in the bowl, but it was good, and the dipping sauce was yum Overall the food was good, small-ish portions, but expected at this type of lounge, and still good for under $10 a plate. The 8 of us with food, drinks and gratuity spent $170 total. Not bad. A little over $20 a person. Service/Staff: Very nice hostess and servers. They checked on us often, and even let us know when happy hour was ending. We continuously ordered through out the night and they were quick to take our orders, and the food came out very fast. They weren't even irritated with us, or at least, didn't show it. Even the bartender walked around and gave us our drinks when the wait staff was helping another table, so that was nice. All in all, great service. I would definitely like to go back and try their dinner menu.
(4)
Katy C.

Cool atmosphere and super close to the movie theater. Makes for a fun night out. The food was good! We had the crab avocado salad (just alright...proportions were off and presentation made eating awkward) followed by ahi tuna tartare (pretty darn good) and finished up with the jalapeÃ±o croquettes (really tasty). One thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the sangria. It was creative, but too spicy (as in: overpowering cinnamon/nutmeg flavor). Our waitress was nice and really helpful. It's a good idea to get a reservation on a weekend. We went on a rainy Sunday night and it was DEAD, but once before we stopped in on a Saturday night and there was an hour's wait.
(4)
Krista T.

Came here for the 1st time after a night at the movies. Was very impressed, could this place really be in Hayward?? Found out the happening nights are on Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays. Very modern decor, friendly staff, prices aren't bad. Good food & drinks. I found my new spot in Hayward, who would of guessed!
(4)
BriannSandy W.

It was one of our friend's birthday yesterday and she planned a nice little dinner for about 15 of us at Bijou. Having only really experienced the bar aspect of Bijou, I was eager to try the food. Being a Wednesday, the restaurant was really slow and we had a really nice table in the far back. The wait staff was very attentive and took our drink order. We opted for a few pitchers of sangria to start the night. The sangria was really tasty and we finished off the pitchers in no time. Soon thereafter, our waiter took our order. I opted for the roast chicken thighs and asked if I could substitute the potatoes for the French beans. She said that would be fine, then cautioned me as if it were a bad thing that they "wrap their beans in bacon" to which I happily replied, "even better". Sandy ordered the braised ribs with mashed potatoes. After we ordered, the wait for the food was fairly long. However, knowing they would take longer than normal, they sent out a free appetizer to everyone. Unfortunately, the appetizer was not all that appetizing. We were all provided a jalapeno "croquette" which apparently is French for "popper". The poppers were your standard jalapeno popper you may sample at your local chain restaurant. But the price was great seeing as they were free. Our food arrived not at the same time but staggered over about 15 minutes. As fate would allow, my food arrived last but looked rather good. Sandy dove into her braised short ribs. They looked yummy and had a nice presentation. Sadly, she did not like the flavor and thought the sauce was too sweet. My chicken looked yummy and while it was cooked well, the sauce for the chicken was also too sweet and sauced too heavily. The French beans wrapped in bacon were pretty good as is anything usually when it's wrapped in bacon. The other guests provided a mixed bag on their food. The sea bass and salmon got high marks specifically. The girls ended up sliding over to the bar for birthday shots and the Don Julio received the highest marks of the night. The service was pleasant, but they should try and get the meals plated and delivered all at the same time, but based on how many folks are cooking at one time, that must have been a challenge. Overall, the service was pleasant, the drinks tasty and the food left a little to be desired. I must give them 2 stars Knowing the birthday girl's boyfriend picked up the tab for us, made it all the more better and I gave him 5 stars.
(2)
Stephanie W.

B Street was an interesting location to situate this particular restaurant, as it's got the typical Asian fusion, black table, dim yellow green lighting, as well as lounges and booths galore. As itself, the food was pretty good. We ordered several appetizers: French and Sweet Potato Fries with garlic aioli and a spicy chipotle sauce (delicious! Sweet potato fries were bomb), Chicken Lollipops (please cut off fat. now. Also, not crispy enough, but delish sauce-- it is "sauteed in hoisin sauce, shallots, lime juice, thai basil, and sesame seeds"), cheese and beef on top of fries (strange, I spit out the beef), and a croque monsieur (DELICIOUS, cheesy with ham insides, so good!). However, awesome service (refills everytime I'm out, bread with cilantro and lime, too!), although it might have been the lack of occupants in the restaurant, since it was a Sunday evening. Next time I'm here, I'll most likely order drinks and try some a main course too.
(3)
Gavin L.

Great service, poor food quality. We bought a 3 course meal for two on Groupon and will never go back to this place. Appetizers: 1. beef carpaccio- mediocre quality beef, no fat marble what so ever with shaved parm, instead of sliced. 2. scallop/mango ceviche: no scallop taste, over powered by lime juice and parsley. 3. main course-pan seared cod with mushroom sauce - no sign of pan sear, likely due to fish being frozen when cooked on pan thus steaming fish, instead of getting a good crust. mash potatoes were a joke with no texture as if it's from a box. My wife and looked at each other and simultaneously said aloud, mushroom sauce is from a can...as in Campbell's soup. best dish, was dessert...sliced banana/nutella crepe and classic creme brulee. Food was not horrible, but very disappointing. The decor is great and with a better chef, this could be a really good spot. Our server was very friendly and I do wish her the very best.
(1)
Birdgan B.

I've been to Bijou many times in the last couple of years. I am from Hayward and have tried to support Bijou as often as i can. Today my mom and dad wanted to take my wife and I out to Bijou because they had the Groupon special. The Groupon special is a 3 course meal with a glass of champagne for all guest. For the 4 of us this was a nice little dinner for appetizer i ordered the Tuna tar tar my mom ordered the same as me. My wife ordered the risotto balls and my dad ordered the fluffy Lobster something. That one looked awesome my dad loved it. it looked like a chicken pot pie with a flaky crust with big lobster pieces. The Risotto balls were amazing. I always get the Tuna tartar here for appetizer and it never fails. the Tuna was fresh and tasted great. For our entree I ordered the Cod, My wife ordered the Sea Food dish with the prawn mussells cod and scallops that was very good. my dad had the braised pork chops which i usually get and love and my mom ordered the salmon. For deresert my mom and dad and I ordered the crepes and my wife ordered the creme brule. We actually get this deal off Groupon and living social quite often and are never disappointed. I love the Ambiance the Service and the food. and will continue to support Bijou. it is a gem in Hayward and hope they stay successful.We all had a great time and enjoyed our champagne. The food is always great that location is a plus.
(5)
Kathy P.

Wow this place is excellent. Decor: Very modern, nice warm brown colors and very stylish. Loved it. Food: omg...so yummy. We had the dungeness crab dip, mussels, and skirt steak. The dip was on my gosh, is this for reals? Full of real dungeness crab but wasn't overly heavy like some dips. Skirt steak dish was cooked just right with a wonderful cream sauce that wasn't heavy but very flavorful. And the mussels were AWESOME. The sauce, mushrooms and bacon was a perfect balance. As for the dessert...we had the hazelnut mousse...very light, slight crunchy texture and wasn't to sweet. And to top it off...the drinks are great! Long Island is perfect...not too bitter, not too sweet, just right! Shocker: I really can't believe this place is in Hayward...seriously. Only bad thing is that it took awhile for the food to come out. But we had a very nice waitress. We came back later and heard some of the DJ music...wow it's pretty good. DJ VTEK is the bomb. LOVE THIS PLACE. Hayward isn't so bad anymore.
(4)
Linh P.

The bf and I got the coupon after thinking it was a sweet deal for French food. We did check the reviews before coming so we were confident it would not turn out as bad as most of the Groupon deals. We were WRONG!!!! I did not join Yelp before this and it was so BAD that the bf asked me to write this review. We made a reservation at 8.45 and was seated right away near the neon lights but the bf started to get uncomfortable with all the gnats flying around so we asked to be moved to the booth. I also found something red with a jelly like texture on the chair we were on. They brought out sparkling wine which was different from the champagne indicated in the deal so I thought it was a red flag. We ordered the suggested items on the limited menu: - Ribs: We both got ribs as our appetizers. It tasted decent but bf thought it tasted like food from a cheap Chinese restaurant. The sesame seeds on top seemed to overwhelm the ribs though. - Salmon (with no pesto though): Was not overcooked but I was expecting more for the side instead of just plain avocado and cherry tomatoes - Seafood pasta: The bf got this and thought it was just like any other normal pastas with cream sauce. He was not happy that the portion for the entree is really small We waited about 15 minutes for our appetizers, half an hour for the entrees. Our waitress got my order wrong so we had to wait for another 15 minutes. By now, they were starting to clean out the tables and chairs to set up a dance area (that was what we thought ) so it was hard to flag anybody to take our dessert orders. By the time we were able to order, they ran out of the macaron icecream. We did not see any pudding on the menu so we got the creme brulee. The sugar on top was hard like metal and make the dessert too sweet for my liking. In total, we took 2 hours to finish our meal. Will not be back and I completely lost my faith in Groupon restaurant deals.
(1)
Jose C.

2.5 stars may be more accurate. Nothing about our experience was wrong, but worst......nothing was particularly great. Everything was pretty ho hum. Maybe Sunday is not a good day to go to Bijou. We had a reservation for 3 on Sunday. We got seated right away and helped by the friendly host and waitress. The menus looked interesting and the prices varied. We were looking for a lighter dinner. We liked that they had small plates, as well as full plates available. To be honest I don't remember much, other than our dinner conversation and the bananas flambe. And even the bananas flambe, were just OK, after the cool presentation. We did notice that it was really dark and facing the windows, made it difficult to see much of anything. Really, just turn up the lights. Unfortunately, it just wasn't memorable. I think they need to take it up a notch. They have a nice place, in a good location, and they need to take full advantage of that. I have gone to Buffalo Bill's next door, spent more money, and had a much better time. Maybe the bar is the better option at Bijou. I'll have to give it another try on a Friday or Saturday to give them another chance, and really make my mind up.
(3)
Marie P.

I finally got around to using my Travelzoo voucher at Bijou for dinner last night. This was my first time at this restaurant. My first impression was that it was loud. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on that one, though, because our reservation was for 6:00pm and there were some "happy hour" folks in the bar area. There were only 2 couples in the restaurant area, so I can only imagine the noise level when it gets busy. My next comment is about the bathrooms. They open at 4pm, and by 6 the bathroom already needed attention, so someone should've attended to it. Other than those, the restaurant itself was fine. Our server was Hannah, and she was great - very personable and gracious. For starters we ordered the Caprese salad, which, sadly, Hannah mispronounced. Someone should tell her it's not pronounced "Ca-PREECE". It's not really a big thing, but for a restaurant that's trying to establish itself as a somewhat high-end place, the servers should be trained on such things. The salad itself was just fine. There was nothing to rave nor complain about. The other starter was the tuna tartare. This one, unfortunately, was a massive disappointment and was by far, the least successful item in our dinner. We couldn't taste the tuna at all. The delicate flavor of tuna was completely drowned out by everything else that they mixed in with it. In fact, the whole thing tasted like a mold of chopped raw onions, unless you add the wasabi sauce, in which case, it became an onion and wasabi hash. The entrees were an improvement from the starters. We ordered the scallops with asparagus risotto and the salmon with pesto sauce. The scallops (the dish came with 2 big ones) were done right, as well as the risotto. The salmon was cooked well, albeit just a touch too long (I would've prefered mine taken off the heat a bit sooner because some areas on the outside had already developed a crust). The salmon also came with, according to the menu, garlic mashed potatoes, although I couldn't taste any garlic, so I'm not sure if they forgot about it, didn't have enough, or my taste buds were still reeling from the onion-wasabi hash from the earlier course. No matter, the mashed potatoes were good, and I really prefer plain to any other flavored types, anyway. But the star of the plate was the pesto sauce. It was divine creamy yumminess on a plate! For dessert we both chose the croissant pudding. The pudding itself was presented in what appeared to be the same crock that it was baked in. My daughter commented that it may not have been the best way to present it because the crock kept sliding around on the dish that it was placed on, and you couldn't hold the crock to scoop out its contents because it was too hot, but you really need to hold the crock to get to the crispy goodness that was stuck on the sides. The pudding also came with 2 sides: one of vanilla ice cream and 1 of nutella sauce. We were told, when the dishes were served, that the restaurant recommends the ice cream on top of the pudding followed by the nutella sauce. I didn't want my ice cream to melt right away so for the first few bites, I ate the croissant pudding by itself. I have to say that I enjoyed it better that way because I could really taste the buttery richness of the croissant baked in custard. After I added the accompaniments, it just tasted like any old bread pudding with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Overall I'm glad I tried it. The meal was probably worth the value of the voucher, but definitely not the listed prices on the menu.
(3)
Judie H.

Came here to celebrate my graduation and had an awesome time. We had dinner and then stayed afterward. The sweet potato fries and the sauce that comes with it was right on. You MUST get the lamb...mmm...loved it! We stayed after for the nightlife. The chef came out to hang out with people. How cool is that? Who gets to say, I hung out with the chef who prepared my dinner? The bottle service was awesome. The staff was quick and efficient replenishing as soon as they saw that half of the water or soda was gone. The crowd was not as bad as I was expecting. Though it started to get crowded after a while, everyone was very nice and respectful of each other. I was extremely impressed. Late into the night the hallway to the bathroom became a runway/soul train line. It was delightful and hilarious to see random people dancing out and hanging so much fun. The only down side to the night would be the bathrooms. Why did the men's bathroom have an attendant and the women's didn't? Don't we need it more? Or am I being a brat?
(4)
M R.

We had the price fix deal, so I'm glad I read other yelp reviews and skipped the ceviche. The asian pear salad and the ahi tuna tartare were both very good. I had the salmon, which came out with rice instead of mashed potatoes, thankfully. The chicken was good too. For desert we had the creme brule and the crepe. I thought it was a decent meal, but no way was it worth what was advertised on the groupon. I agree, the portions were small. Our service was nice, though, and the regular menu looked good. I might go back here if I found myself in Hayward. The specialty drinks were good, but also expensive.
(4)
Rachel L.

I had a great experience here and it is weird to have such a decent restaurant in Hayward. I felt like I was in Walnut Creek. Anyway, I came here with 3 other people and my 2 year old. It's always a plus when a restaurant has a high chair. ;) Anyway, I found a LivingSocial deal for a 3-course meal for $39. So we used it and it was the best $39 I have ever spent. The deal comes with 2 glasses of champagne, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts. You just have to pick from a prix fixe menu. I ordered the ahi tuna tartare as my appetizer and it was so good that I didn't want to share. It had wasabi sauce and some other sauce I couldn't really identify, but it was so delicious. For my entree, I had the oven roasted sea bass. That was also very delicious. The risotto was perfect with the fish and cooked perfectly. It seemed the risotto was a little salty, but the dish was still very good. For dessert, I had the croissant pudding and coffee. I'm not a big fan of bread pudding, but I love croissants and nutella. I also did not want to share this. The food was absolutely delicious to my surprise and for such a good deal. I only tried one cocktail and it was the gingered pear. It was pretty good too. The ambiance was so nice. There was music playing, but low enough that you can hear your own conversation. It was a little dim for me, but I really loved the environment. I especially loved our service. Our waitress was so bubbly and really good at what she does. She always refilled our water, asked about other refreshments, made sure we enjoyed our food and was always accommodating to our needs. Overall, I had a wonderful experience. The food was really good and the service was on point!
(5)
Damon Z.

A little sliver of life in the ghost town, i.e. Downtown Hayward. I found myself in last minute need of finding a place for a small birthday dinner gathering, at the last minute, on a beautiful Sunday evening. After desperately foraging through the reviews of my fellow Yelpers, I decided on Bijou. Having never been to downtown Hayward before, I initially felt as if I'd made a big ole mistake, when I pulled up, and saw empty storefronts, and the occasional drunken citizen on the sidewalk. Walking inside of Bijou, I felt as if I'd been teleported to a chic establishment in trendy area. The dark wood floors and walls, accented by fuchsia lighting, and accompanied by the smell of grilled steak, was rather inviting. A number of mouth watering signature cocktails topped the beverage menu. It was hard to choose between a drink which had lychee vodka and elderflower liqueur, a drink with pear vodka and orange liqueur, or drink with tequila and ginger liqueur. Truth is, I don't drink anymore, but it was nice to peak at the cocktails and fantasize! For eats, I had the portabello mushroom and sausage flatbread pizza. It was the perfect size for one person. It's served with extra shaved cheese, red pepper flakes, and julienned basil, on the side, so that you may tailor it to your own desire. Piqued with a hint of fennel, this flatbread was satisfying, without weighing me down. My dining partners, who are a bit more carnivorous than I, had skirt steak, pork chops, and short ribs. Though I didn't have any of the other dishes, each smelled great, and were presented beautifully. Our server was a patient, and helpful, with my dining partners, who had don't eat fare outside of the Asian realm very often. In addition to her pleasant demeanor, she was pleased to furnish us with plates and cutting knives for our self-supplied dessert. Though we didn't order dessert from the restaurant, she continued to be attentive to us, refilling our waters, while we enjoyed our outside-brought confection, until we were ready to depart. Walking back outside, I was faced with the reality that I was in uneventful downtown Hayward, but good to know that if stranded in the dessert, it is possible to find water!
(4)
Cheryll R.

Customer service was good, the place is cozy and nice, the food was good as well.
(3)
Lisa H.

I got the $39 Groupon Deal for the 3-course meal. I think it was totally worth the $39 dollars, probably not the normal price though. I think the atmosphere is really interesting because the design is very upscale but the hostesses are dressed very casually, as are a lot of the guests. I didn't really like that. The food came out in a very timely manner and the servers and waitresses were very attentive. We had: 1) Beef Carpaccio 2) Ahi Tuna Tartare 3) Bouillabaisse 4) Roasted pork loin with champagne sauce and garlic mashed potatoes 5) CrÃ¨me brÃ»lÃ©e 6) Macaron ice-cream sandwich I really enjoyed this meal, especially the crÃ¨me brÃ»lÃ©e! The caramelized sugar on top was just so good...with a crunch! yum! Get the groupon deal when it comes back :D
(4)
Julie C.

The boyfriend and I finally hit up Hayward's hot spot for a pre-birthday dinner date(thank you, Groupon) and we enjoyed a pricey three-course meal for a $20 bill. I had the baby spinach salad, the pan-seared salmon, and the Crepes Chantilly. He had the creme of carrot soup, the pan-seared pork chop, and the Crepes Chantilly. We were pleased with the entire meal and the glasses of champagne. The decor was chic, the vibe was mellow, the staff was friendly and attentive. The prices are steep and it's no place for a toddler so we likely wouldn't be back without a discount. But a very nice place in my hometown.
(3)
Julie H.

Solid 3 stars for Hayward, especially with a deal from LivingSocial or Groupon. With it, you have to choose from a limited menu, but hopefully the croissant bread pudding is there, and you get a glass of bubbly. Seems like half the restaurant had the coupon, so don't be shy. Otherwise, I think it is a tad pricey for Hayward.
(3)
Bobby C.

It was very reasonable with the Groupon deal. It would have been quite expensive if I came here without it; probably would be out of my price range to come dine here without the deal. I would only go back if they have that Groupon deal again.
(5)
Brandi W.

I'ts probably the nicest restuarant in Haywward that I've ever been to. A group of 17 came and celebrated my mom's surprise dinner here. The atmosphere was great, the lighting dim, the decor modern and food presention delightful. I ordered the short ribs which were accompanied by mashed potatoes and broccolini, I enjoyed them extremely. Mom loved the atmosphere and the customer service. It's so hard to find a decent "modern" restaurant in San Leandro, Hayward, or Union City so I'm glad I was told about this one. We will be back. Thanks for making my mom's bday special Bisou! The downfall: Since we had such a large party, they messed up 2 orders, but that's all I can think of!
(4)
Danielle W.

We bought the 3-course meal + champagne meal from Groupon. I'd planned on using it as an affordable anniversary weekend meal for the husband and I. He was worried because Bijou is in downtown Hayward. Sadly, our experiences in Hayward haven't always been the greatest. I convinced him to relax, give it a try, and enjoy a night out with me. I saw that reservations are highly recommended, so I made one. That was pretty easy. We found easy parking in the nearby parking garage - it was basically across the street from Bijou. We walked in and a confused looking hostess greeted us. When we said that we had a reservation, she continued to look confused as she clicked slowly on her computer. She said that it would be about 15 minutes. We saw 4 or 5 open tables, but OK, maybe she knew something we didn't know. We sat and waited the 15 minutes and watched as she fearfully told walk-ins that it would be at least an hour wait because there were so many reservations. The bartender smiled a friendly smile at us as he passed by the waiting area to drop off some drinks. He definitely had some hustle. We were finally seated at one of the open tables we spied earlier. Of course, it was bench seating close enough to our neighbors that we were able to read their menus and converse freely with them. After waiting for another 15 minutes, someone brought us water. We were disappointed that it wasn't our server. Someone else brought us bread and a chimichurri sauce - again, not our server. A different server stopped by to say that someone would be right with us. I was amused to find out that our server was the same woman I'd been watching stare absently at a computer screen, tap her lips and talk to coworkers. I ordered the pear salad, salmon in a burre blanc sauce, and mousse cake. He ordered the soup of the day (cream of carrot), pork chops in fig sauce, and chantilly crepes. We added a beer on to the meal because it sounded awesome. The first course took FOREVER to come, and when it did come, it kinda sucked. The soup was very salty. The salad had way too much dressing. Nobody came to clear our plates when we were finished. The second course wasn't any better. The pork chop didn't go well with the fig sauce. My husband said that the fig sauce was gross. The sauce on my salmon was oily. It was on EVERYTHING. I couldn't eat my vegetables because they were covered in oily gross-ness. The salmon was salty which would have been edible if it wasn't covered in oil. Even the rice was contaminated with oil. Ugh. The beer came out towards the end of the meal... even though we ordered it at the beginning. Our desserts were awful. The crepe was rubbery and flavorless. My mousse was frozen. Seriously - who freezes mousse? I tried cutting into it with my fork and almost shot across the table! I ate a couple of bites to see if was worth waiting for it to defrost. Sadly, I decided to give up on this travesty they attempted to call chocolate mousse cake. Somehow this all took an hour and a half. At one point we pulled out our cell phones and showed each other funny pictures because it was too loud to talk. We gave Bijou (and Hayward) a chance, but it failed. My husband likened it to cheering on the old, dying horse in a race. Don't eat here. It's not good.
(2)
Japen G.

I have to give it to Dave the Bartender!!! That guy knows how to treat customers and put on a nice show while making the drinks. Made us some washington apple shots topped with Crown and does this trick with pouring multiple shots at one pour... quite entertaining and the shot was magnificent!!! Smooth and tasty but give you a kick after a few minutes. I have tried some of their food before and they were delicious but the portions are very small for the price. I haven't tried doing a sit down dinner here so I can't fully judge the food. Mostly go here with the locals to relax and chill out and have a few drinks. They turn this place into a club scene on most evenings especially on weekends. So come prepared for live dj and loud music.
(4)
NY TODZANO B.

Not impressed with security at the door. I was asked to remove my hat, but clearly saw 5 other patrons wearing hats inside. I asked to be treated with the same respect as those already wearing hats inside, and was told to remove my hat. I asked to talk to management and they told me management was not present. I didn't think I had to "Politic" with security to get them to see that they had double standards . I was ready to spend more than my fair on drinks celebrating a birthday and New Years, but I just felt like it was one of those places with stupid rules like no hats, sneakers, and you can't get in unless you come wearing micro fiber slacks :-B
(1)
o o.

Used a Groupon (thank God or Groupon or my SO would never leave the house). WHERE'S THE SCALLOPS?? WHERE'S THE CROISSANT?? WHERE'S THE BREAD AND PESTO??? :o( The menu changed for the prix fixe - bummmmmed. But we still enjoyed the food, the waiter was fabulous and overall a fabulous date night. The beef bourguignon was so-so, the ribs were quite chewy and tasty. Take the macaroon off the menu (too trendy, it's over), the ice cream rocks - reallllly fresh. Seafood pasta was quite tasty. ONE DRAFT BEER? Only thing worse would've been if it was a Bud light lol. The Sauvignon Blanc ROCKED - New Zealand, not the starfish one I keep forgetting the name. Again, the wait staff - water guy everyone, really really fabulous for such a busy restaurant. Look forward to going back but BRING BACK THE SCALLOPS AND RISOTTTTOOOOO!!! (oh and think about changing the industrial disco music that plays over and over - pretty 1990's spa)
(3)
Fayla J.

Very good food and service. I've been here 3 times. Each time was great and I will happliy return. 1st visit: My parents and I went to try the food as I was elected to plan the company holiday party. We went to try the food to be sure that's where I wanted to have the party at. We had a array of entrees and appetizers (some were not on the menu as they were for parties/gatherings). 2nd visit: The holiday party. I'm not going to go into detail but this is definitely a place I'd recommend for a party or gathering. They have different packages and what not and alot to choose from. Ben the GM was very helpful especially because it was such short notice from our side. 3rd visit: I was with the boo and we had a nice dinner and drinks. We had the sauteed shrimp (so good!) , ceaser salad (you can pass on that, nothing special), jalapeno croquettes (yummy) and I had a coconut drop which was sooooooo good! I also had the blueberry smash in the past which was good as well. I've gone and had so many entrees so I can't list it all but it is good and I do recommend going at least to just try it. :)!
(4)
Jessica W.

The food at Bijou isn't too bad, but it's overpriced for what you get and how much you get. You're paying more for the atmosphere than for the food. I got the ham and pineapple flatbread pizza. The crust was nice and thin and the flavors weren't too bad. They also put jalapenos on there, which was an added surprise but complimented the pizza well. The menu is relatively limited as well. They have one 3 set meal, appetizers, small plates, and large plates. The entire menu fit on one page. I probably wouldn't come for the food again, but I would come back for the drinks. I've had the mojito before and the atherton kiwi, both of which were delicious. My friends and I have also shared a pitcher of the white sangria, but it tasted like it diluted down. The restaurant is separated into bar and restaurant, so it's a place where you can just stop by and get drinks. It's also located right across the street from the movie theaters, and parking is relatively easy.
(3)
Evelyn S.

Came here with a Google Offers coupon that was $25 for $50 worth of food. Since I came with my roommate, we decided to get a little bit of everything and just share so we can taste-test more food. Here's what we got: 1. Asian Pear Salad - Ick. Everything was bland, and the best part was the freshness of the pear. 2. Broccolini, Pancetta and Tomato Pizza - I liked the presentation of the pizza - it was spread across a wooden board with three spices in individual heaps at the end (argula, mozzarella, and red peppers). Pizza itself was wayyy too oily; it dripped oil with each bite! 3. Bijou Frites - Both regular & sweet potato fries. NOT worth it at all! Sweet potato fries were mushy and soggy, and fries were really salty. 4. Jalapeno Croquettes - Got this after reading a lot of Yelp reviews. The croquette was perfectly fried, the inside consisted of smooth potatoes. and the jalapeno aioli had a nice kick to it! 5. Croissant pudding - EASILY their best dish! YUM. Not advocating this because I'm a desserts kind of person, but because the presentation AND the product itself was amazing! They served the croissant pudding with ice cream on top, and then pour the hot NUTELLA on it. The coldness of the ice cream and the warmness of the nutella and pudding made it so heavenly! The inside was not too mushy either, and the croissant is definitely a new twist to a souffle! Service, was TERRIBLE. We came on a Sunday so you would think we would get decent service right? WRONG. There was practically NO ONE at the restaurant, and we spent a total of 2.5 hours at the place. TWO.AND.A.HALF. Yes, for one dinner! The servers were really slow and inattentive - I asked for water and the check twice and failed to get it until I walked from my table to find them. Horrible! Definitely would never come back again, and I'm sad to say that Google has failed me in offering me this coupon for this poor quality restaurant ):
(2)
Stephanie L.

I bought the livingsocial's deal for a prix fixe for two to take my friend out whose leaving for school. We went on a Thursday night and was quite busy to our surprise. Our reservation was at 8, which is pretty late for dinner. The prix fixe came with 2 glasses of champagne, appetizers, entrees, and desserts all for $39 excluding tip and tax, which was a great deal! We ordered the tuna tartare which was delicious. We really enjoyed the chip it came with, not the typical tortilla chips or wonton chips, but the asian shrimp chip. We also got the steak carpaccio, which didn't meet my expectations. They covered the steak with parmesan cheese and pesto the point you couldn't even taste the meat. I definitely wouldn't order the steak carpaccio again. For entrees and dessert, we both got the sea bass with mushroom risotto. The sea bass was delicious, however, the risotto was quite disappointing. Other reviewers said they loved the risotto and when we got it, I expected it to be melt in my mouth creamy. But the risotto was undercooked and very al dente. It was almost grainy and very chewy. The sauce for the risotto, in my opinion, was very tasty. I was just let down by the texture of the risotto. My friend however, isn't a big fan of thyme, which they did have quite of bit of. But I wasn't complaining. Now, dessert was the best. We got the croissant pudding. Now that was AMAZING! I would definitely go back just to get the dessert. It's a huge portion as well. Both of us could have just split one. It's ingenious. The croissant is crunchy, light, and flaky on top and piping hot and moist on the bottom. Plus the ice cream and melted nutella on top. DELICIOUS! What I really liked about the food was that it came out steaming hot. Not the usual luke warm cause you know it's been sitting on the counter waiting to be brought out. The ambiance is very lounge like. Dim, kind of noisy, and music playing in the background. The later you go, the busier the bar gets. At one point, when we were almost done, they brought out a speaker and the music was turned up. I would come back to try their happy hour and get their croissant pudding. However, without the livingsocial deal, we would have paid about $130 in total, which is quite pricey for two people. The entrees are about $23 average and the appetizers around $13. Not sure if I would come back for dinner. But happy hour a possibility.
(3)
Delilah B.

Bijou was pretty good for being in Hayward. I think it's one of the better restaurants in the tri-city area. We went on a Friday. Made reservations, but didn't really need one as there were plenty of seatings. They have a large drink menu. I don't usually like getting mixed drinks because 80% of the time, the chances of it being TOO sweet and disappointing are really high. But this time, I asked our waitress which of two she thought was the least sweet and I opted for that one and even asked to make it even less sweet than that. Man, my mistake. My perspective of sweet compared to others is so far off. It was like drinking syrup. Anyway, if you like sweet, you'll like any drink on their menu. BUT, I have to say that I told her I still thought it was extremely sweet and she went ahead and changed it to a dirty martini for me. :) So that was nice of her. Had a bunch of small plates: Pan Seared Goat Cheese Salad Bijou Sliders Steamed Mussels Jalapeno Croquettes Ahi Tuna Tartare Crispy Pork Belly (don't worry there were 3 of us) Bijou Frites Everything was pretty good. Would I go back? Sure. I'm just glad that there is a restaurant that's "almost" SF quality in Hayward. :)
(4)
Denice D.

I have only been here for their nightlife. If you don't have anything else to do and want to pretend that you went out the last night you can go here. It's a waste of time to go here. The first time I came here was for Halloween, not our first choice or second choice. But it was the only place that didn't charge us an expensive cover . Then again we got in free because the guy at the door thought we were cute. The second time I came here was a mistake for the beginning. There was almost nobody there. Also the dj was just playing rap music the entire time. Which not to hate I like rap music but a variety wold have been nice. Anyways, not very big space to dance. More for to hang out, have bad tasting drinks, listen to boring music, and not have a good time. I would say only come here to eat, though I can't attest to the quality since I haven't eaten here. DON'T YOU DARE COME HERE FOR NIGHTLIFE!
(2)
Denise H.

I can only give this place three stars for the outstanding delicious macaroon ice cream sandwich and the lobster pastries puff. As for the entree I had, I could not even eat it at all. I had the Bouillabaisse which smelt like the bottom of the ocean. I took one bite and could not even eat the rest of it... The worse part is the waitress was never found. Also I drank all my water during the bread and pesto dip and it never got refilled until after I finished my dessert. I would never go to this place for dinner without a groupon and also would second guess my self when buying one because of the poorly made entree I received. I might grab a drink and desserts but that is all...
(3)
Pacita D.

One of the things my friends dislike about French food is that there doesn't seem to be enough on a plate --- visually, that is. But when one finishes a three-course meal, it proves to be just right. None of us were stuffed, but we were all quite satisfied. This is the case with Bijou. We went to celebrate a birthday, and fortunately we snagged a Groupon deal, and were able to get reservations on Friday night. It started out perfectly, with a nice chilled glass of sparkling wine. The flavorful dip for the bread had us asking for more --- olive oil with a bit of tartness, perhaps with cilantro? Every single one of us a different appetizer --- for some reason none of us shared, which is unusual for this group. Maybe because we all liked what we ordered that there was not enough to share --- scallop ceviche, lobster puff pastry, seared tuna, and cream of tomato soup. The entrees were fabulous as well --- I had bouillabaise, someone had cod, another had salmon. Same deal --- the servings looked small (not supersized), but they were truly scrumptious. Desserts -- only one had the crepes with chantilly sauce, the others had creme brulee. Very satisfying food. The only reason why I am not giving this the 5-star treatment: inattentive waiter who relied on others to bring us bread, refill our glasses. He didn't come once to find out how our meal was or if we needed something. I had to summon him a couple of times, once to ask him for pepper (strange that there are no salt and pepper shakers on the table), the second time for a spoon for my bouillabaise. I don't even remember if there was any kind of music in the background. The noise din was at a bearable level--- perhaps it's part of the ambiance the owners want to show that it's a vibrant place. Kudos to the chef ----- excellent meal! Note to the staff ----- pay attention to your diners; your tip depends on it!
(4)
Tim H.

Not as impressed as I would like. The appetizers were quite good. We had the carpaccio, which I felt a tad lacking, and the tuna tartar, which I found excellent. The entrees were a similar set. The salmon was good, but didn't quite work... the ingredients were good, the cooking well executed, but the flavors didn't blend well. The cod on the other hand was excellent and highly recommended. Very subtle, very yummy. Finally desert of creme brÃ»lÃ©e and a vanilla berry something or other. They were both meh. Top all that off with pale green hue shining on my date's face (though it does fit the current zombie trend) and the maddeningly present fruit flies (again fitting to the zombie theme...) and it didn't add up to my best meal.
(3)
Frank T.

My wife and I were Living Social guests. What a nice surprise! We said that we are definitely coming back. The food was very good. The LS deal came with champagne that we didn't know about until the server called it out. I had the tuna Tartare and my wife had the Beef carpacio. Mine was a 5 star item. It came with wasabi aioli and a chili pepper aioli. The portion size was generous, tuna with avocado, red onions and scallion and a tapioca crisp, which was a great way to serve it. I could make 2-3 orders of this dinner. The carpacio was very thin with pesto sauce and Parmesan. I had the sea bass and my wife had the chicken thighs. I think the chicken was the better option. It was deboned and the skin seemed like it had been confit style. The sea bass was a little dried out served with a mushroom risotto that was very good. Dessert was mousse white and dark with chocolate cake an whipped cream. I definite winner. This would have been 4 stars had it not been for the uneven service. We sat outside and initially our wait person took cre of us. Then it seemed he got pre-occupied by the inside tables. It would have been understandable but other wait staff and even the receptionist never paid any attention to us. I had to go get someone to ask for the bill after 10 minutes of no attention. That being said, we'll be back, The food is definitely worth it. Hopefully the service will get better.
(3)
Laurina S.

This place serves delicious, high quality ingredients. This is why the portions aren't as big as they would be at an American restaurant. This food is French people! It is on the fancy side. The bar has yummy small plates for reasonable prices. If you want more food with lower prices then McDonald's or red lobster might be a better option for you. It's not a fast good joint...the servers are attentive but busy. They may want to hire another waitress for the dinner rush.
(5)
Eegnam A.

Got a same day reservation on open table. Very convenient! The drink menu has some good cocktails on it. The food is basic. Nice place in downtown Hayward to catch up with friends.
(3)
Jennie P.

*STRICTLY FOR THEIR COCKTAILS* Bijou has a handful of specialty cocktails made carefully with fresh ingredients. It's actually pretty amusing to watch them make your drinks.. time consuming, but it shows they take pride their work. Each drink runs about $10-11 (??). We tried a few of them last night and all were pretty good. The POM drink was a little too sour and the Midnight Manhattan was BRUTAL. The Kiwi & Gingered Pear are refreshing and fruity. The Black Sidecar was surprising sweet but still very good! A good place to sit and try out their creations.
(4)
Angela A.

This place has a very nice atmosphere and good service. The presentation of the food is nice and appealing, but the taste of the food is no good. I had the pan seared goat cheese salad, small plate ribs, warm Brie and the Chilean Seabass. I did not enjoy any of it. The food didn't taste of good quality to me for the price. The goat cheese I did not enjoy and the Brie I did not enjoy. It seemed like they were covered with panko. The Sea bass had no flavor. Just buy a piece, throw some salt on it and you've made the Sea bass they serve. I decided to try a dessert also. I was thinking about the crossant pudding, but after all the other plates didn't think that would be a good choice for me. I went with a simple crepe with vanilla whip cream and strawberries. It was not good. I think the crepe is store bought. I have had a way better crepe in one of the hotels in Las Vegas.
(3)
Nora F.

Their specialty drinks are a bit pricey but totally worth it. I've only actually eaten here twice but everything I've tried has been amazing. Good service and friendly staff.
(5)
Kenneth T.

I came here for brunch on a sunday early afternoon and the place was only half full. Despite having 3-5 servers for maybe 8 tables, the service was extremely s...l...o...w... The food was also horrible - I compare it to my level of cooking and I'm damn near the worst cook I know. Here are the reasons why this place deserves the lowest rating: 1. Service is extremely slow and incompetent. Exhibit A: Ordered the crepe and asked if they can add spinach to it; the server said she'll check and will let us know before she puts in the order... 30 minutes later another server brings out the crepe and says they couldn't add spinach to it. Whatever happened to letting us know before putting in the order? No contact between "taking" our order and getting food in a half empty restaurant. Exhibit B: Asked for a 2nd glass of mimosa, server took order, took 15 minutes (half empty restaurant in which servers were just chit-chatting by the register), and came back with wrong mimosa. There are only TWO kinds of mimosa offerings... and he managed to get it wrong. Overall, servers were just extremely slow and spent more time chit-chatting at the register than to pay ANY attention to the guests. 2. Food is HORRIBLE! Crepes were these two tiny half-a**ed attempts of cooking, and the waffle I ordered was soggier than undercooked pancakes - maybe I'm unreasonable to expect crispy waffles? And finally, mimosas were subpar... What a waste of time and money... this place is horrible even for Hayward standards.
(1)
Kris B.

I've been here many, many times as a local and have never had as poor a service as I did the other night. When my friend and I were seated, a gentleman came over and took our drink order, then 15 mins later...we finally got our drinks. 15 mins after that someone else finally came over to take our order (food arrived fairly quickly after that). After our meal, someone else came over to take our plates, and then disappeared for at least 30 mins. No one came by, no one asked if we needed anything--meanwhile both tables on the sides of us got their dessert orders taken and dessert! Both tables actually finished their dessert in the time it took someone to come back to us and bring us the check (we weren't even offered dessert)! This was "old faithful" in terms of good places to go in Hayward, but if this service is any indication, I'm going to have to start looking for an alternative.
(3)
Joyce Z.

I was so glad they had a Living Social deal to introduce us to this gem as it can be a bit hard sometimes to find a place in the Hayward area. They do have a set menu for the prix-fixe deals so am not sure if the portion size is different when ordering from the regular menu. With that said, the following is what we got for a party of 4. 1. Appetizers - 3 of us go the baby back ribs which comes with 3 ribs that was on the sweeter side vs. the spicy which is perfect for us. 1 got the ahi tartare which I had a bite of and was also delicious and a good appetizer sized portion. Be careful that the chip does crumble easily. 2. Entrees - We each tried a different entrÃ©e so we were able to sample all 4. The portion size is small for entrees so am not sure if it's different for non prix-fixe so you may want to double check when ordering - Pan seared scallops - came with 2 dayboat scallops which we requested to be cooked more medium well and it was still tender and flavorful over an asparagus risotto. - Pan seared shrimp - came with 5 shrimps which we also requested to be a bit more cooked. This one came with rice and spinach which I think would be nice to have paired with the risotto as well. - Beef bourgignon - I wanted to try this since it's French and I expected nice braised beef. This one was a big disappointment as the beef which I could barely find wasn't tender and it was pretty much a plate of gravy with mashed potatos. If the regular menu portion is the same, I would recommend skipping this one. - Pesto salmon - I personally didn't try this one but the one who ordered it did enjoy it. 3. Desserts - We tried the 3 desserts with 2 of us getting the croissant pudding - Croissant pudding - Think bread pudding using croissants and baked and served right out of the dish it was baked in. I love how they have the ice cream and nutella on the side so you can put as much on as little as you want or just dip each place into the nutella so you don't have to worry about parts being too soggy and others without and the ice cream on the side prevents a big soggy melted mess. This one is a must try but save room in your stomach for it as it's filling!! - Chocolate mousse cake - Good for the chocolate lover and is lighter than the croissant pudding but richer than the crepe. - Crepe with Chantilly - Crepe with chopped strawberries and whipped cream. This is the one for you if you're full after your meal as it's nice and light. The sparkling wine is a nice touch to add a little extra to a nice dinner. Personally I wouldn't pay $105 for 2 people for this menu but with the Living Social deal of $40 for 2, it was so worth it as it came out to a little over $30 per person including tax and tip on the full amount and service was excellent!
(4)
Camille R.

We ordered almost all of the tapas on the menu. They only offer a few are veggie-friendly items; the jalapeno croquettes were loaded with massive chunks of pickled jalapenos that overpowered the other ingredients and is so simply and offensively made, tuna tartare wasn't fresh, and the mac n cheese was decent. The only thing I really liked was the stale bread with the spicy oil. The prices suck for the quality of food.
(2)
Vee S.

Was here 3 nights ago with a groupon voucher. Thanks for all the reviews so we did not come with high expectation, i even told my teenagers that i will cook something later for them if in case they are not full after the meal. Got there 5 minutes before reservation, promptly seated, servers (all of them) were friendly and nice. They offer to substitute champagne with juice for the boys, of course. I could to tell if the champagne was cheap or bad, it tasted OK to me. I had the ahi tuna tartare, it was very decent, both presentation and taste, i did taste a bit more wasabi than I would like, but it's still acceptable. One son had crab salad and another had Beef Carpaccio, both are good according to them. I had a taste of Beef Carpaccio, i was very pleased with the taste. For main course, three of us ordered Mahi Mahi, the presentation was plain compared to the appetizers, but the taste was fine. If I must pick on something, I would wish the rice at side being a little warmer. The portion was good. It was not small like I would had expected. One son had the chicken leg, it was bone-in quarter, but it was juicy and delicious, either we were lucky or the chef had read other reviews. Desert was good! Two of us had cream brulee and boys had Macaron ice cream sandwich. Cream brulee is very creamy, better taste than most ones I had have, it would be perfect if the caramel is a bit crisppier. Boys were happy with the Macaron, i did not get to taste it because it was small. But at the end, all four of us feel full, even my 2 teenage boys, they usually eats a lot! On our way home, I mentioned about the reviews I read before going and my boys laughed out loud. They want to back the four stars ratings with their experienced taste buds. They want anyone reading this reviews to know they had been to 16 countries, major metropolitan cities including Tokyo, Paris, Barcelona, New York and Rome, and tasted in three stars Michelin restaurants, they think this is a decent restaurant and they want to compliment the chef for good job. There, Bijou, good job.
(4)
Kris Y.

Definitely HAYWARDS FINEST!!! I've been coming here a few years now, never got around to writing a Yelp. Bijou definitely deserves it, they always have outstanding and very welcoming service. Food here is immaculate (something you wouldn't expect to find in the middle of Hayward), and their bartenders are TOP OF THE LINE! If you don't know what to order they can easily figure it out by just by asking a few of your preferences (I highly recommend an "OLD CUBAN") ACTUALLY I RECOMMEND IT ALL, MY TASTE BUDS HAVE NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED HERE!
(5)
Karl B.

Came here after purchasing a Living Social voucher and was very impressed by the service from every employee as well as the prix frixe menu selections. I had tasty raw ahi, moist pork tenderloin, and a decent bread pudding dessert. The fiance had a delicious scallop dish, chicken thighs, and great creme brulee. I mentioned it was my birthday and they also gave a little extra. Great experience on a Friday night with great service and well displayed food. Will visit again if I'm in the area. Recommend!
(5)
Jenna Z.

Like the other yelps, the bf and I tried this place because of a Groupon we bought. We've had dreadful experiences with restaurants from Groupon, but we had to use this since it was expiring. So going in with very low standards, I am delighted to share we were very happy with the service and food. This is what we got: ~baby back ribs: very sweet but good. They had a bbq glazed and the meat fell off the bones. This was a great start especially since we did not have high hopes for any Groupon restaurants after a few bad experiences. ~raw beef thinly sliced: very refreshing. I never knew slices of raw beef would be this good. I liked it with bread. If you're not a meat kinda gal, then this is definitely not your dish. ~the salmon: the salmon wasn't too flavorful, but at least it wasn't dry. Dried/overcooked fish is the biggest turnoff! I liked the sides and the sauce was okay. ~beef bourguignon: this was dense and strongly flavored. Good for a bourguignon. The bf ordered this and he really liked it. Funny they didn't give him a spoon. ~croissant pudding: this was my favorite! I really appreciate the ice cream coming on the side so it doesn't melt. The topping was the best sine it was flakey and the inside was gooy. Definitely my favorite dessert. ~chocolate mousse cake: this was good as well. I appreciate they did not use milk chocolate or very sweet chocolate. However, I could not finish this maybe because the entrees we ordered were heavy or I ate too much pudding... Overall, a solid 4 stars are in order! I would definitely go back if I'm hungry in the area. I am very happy the staff and servers were nice. Even though I used a Groupon, I had great service and very happy we decided to go rather than letting it expire. If you bought a Groupon, don't forget to TIP the full meal price! Cheers!
(4)
Kun L.

We used a coupon ($35 for $105 value fixed dinner for two ), absolutely the No.1 worthwhile coupon I've ever bought ! We started with two appetizers (raw beef and salmon salad), the raw beef is sooooo delicious. Then we had lobster soup and seabass for entree, the seabass tastes very young:) The coupon also included two desserts and two glasses of wine, isn't this perfect? I saw the same kind of coupon on sale just two weeks later and immediately bought it, hopefully the restaurant won't bankrupt for being too generous. Will try their cocktail next time I go!
(5)
Catey S.

I love it here! All of the staff is so nice and the food is expertly prepared. I am never disappointed when I eat here!
(5)
ElleDee R.

Four years later nod I'm STILL loving this place! Delicious food: check Beautiful environment: check Cocktails so good makes you want to smack yo' mama: check Attentive service: check So thankful to have this place in Hayward. Fight the good fight and class up the neighborhood, Bijou! You're amazing.
(5)
Wels M.

More misses than hits at this restaurant. Needless to say, it was disappointing. I would agree with another reviewer in that this place would be "worth" the price of admission only if the diner had a Groupon/Living Social Voucher. I can't find justification for charging $59 for 1/4-cup of tuna tartar, chicken leg quarters and cheesecake. I'm just glad I didn't bother with the wine menu...if food prices were any indication, I'd hate to think how much margin they making on them... FOOD: C I'll only review my dishes though I should note that mine were better than what DH had. The best part of my 3-course prix fixe menu was the appetizer of tuna tartar. Though a skimpy offering, the dish was well-composed and had a fresh tuna taste. Lovely salt levels and just the right amount of veges to ligthen it up. The chicken hind quarters were a poor excuse for a main course. Sitting atop a scant 1/3-cup of mashed potatoes, this portion was lacking not just in size but in flavors as well. Lastly, the cheesecake dessert was adequately satisfying. Enough to keep me from needing to stop by elsewhere to round out my "meal." SERVICE: B Adequate in levels of professionalism and attentiveness. No issues for me on this front. Also, I liked that they asked for any coupons to be used for the meal before we sat down, thereby taking away any awkwardness of dealing with the Groupon later. ATMOSPHERE: B Modern decor setting. Darkly lit. The chainmail curtain between the bar and the dining room seems silly as it provided neither privacy nor noise reduction between the spaces.
(2)
Nikki S.

Service started out ok. Host was nice & the server seemed cool and whatnot but throughout the service, it seemed like our server was only there to socialize. We had to flag down 2 different waiters just to get a refill on our drinks, and he never checked up on us during the meal. The server with the red/ pink hair picked up the slack for our server which was nice considering she had a full set of tables. The groupon menu changed from the last time I was here. The only thing I really love is the croissant bread pudding.
(3)
Jennifer S.

one word about this place = LOUD. I must be getting old....? once our order was taken - i think our server went on break because he never returned. i had to ask a few other staff members to help me with a refill on my drink as well as the tab. overall the food was pretty tasty. had several items off the menu. i enjoyed the small plates we ordered but the braised beef main dish was nothing to write home about. i loved my mai tai. again - place is way too loud. spent 100.00 but got service like it was a fast food joint. bummer -
(2)
Jessica P.

I've been here a few times because its close to home and has a decent atmosphere. However, it's in HAYWARD. The prices and portion sizes are for a far nicer area than that of Downtown Hayward. The food is pretty good and I've enjoyed it every time I've gone, the service has always been just ok, but again... not for the price... not for the area.
(2)
Gina N.

Yelp eats week: shrimp for appetizers , scallops for entree & creme brÃ»lÃ©e for desert = bomb! go check it out. They even have a live DJ there on the weekends.
(4)
p c.

I love the ambiance, but tonight was the last straw. Although I've been there for happy hour drinks, I'll never eat there again as I've had three bad experiences in the dinning room. I must say that the servers and staff are excellent. However, tonight I went with 3 other friends and one had a cold entrÃ©e, the other two loved their dishes, but I ordered mussels and the bowl that is used to top the plate had 5 chips around the edges. I didn't make a fuss but I didn't want to eat glass in my food. I showed it to my server and he was so kind and embarrassed by the obvious broken plate that he took the meal off my bill. The kitchen needs fixing. I want to know who put the bowl on my plate? Wasn't it obvious? The other two times I 've eaten there: my entire table got cold entrees and the other time the bottom of my plate had grit from the dishwasher not working properly. I really wanted to like the place, but I'll just go for the drinks. Sorry Bijou, can't trust you anymore, I'm moving on.
(1)
Sunil R.

One of the finest in Hayward, love the staff and ambiance. Our waiter had messed up our wine and was willing to take the price off of the bill but we insisted we paid, it was not that bad wine anyway. Sometimes it is hard to get a table but definitely worth the wait.
(5)
Luke L.

They try to turn mediocrity into something special but the taste isnt there.
(2)
Nancy T.

Love this place!!! Love the food!! Great customer service, clean and pretty people! Def recommend checking this place out!
(5)
Barbie C.

My family and I had an amazing time here the other night! We came with two living social certificates which are for their own prix fixe menu with a choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert. My usual experiences with prix fixe menues are that the options are decent but not amazing. But lo and behold - our appetizer options included ahi tuna tar tar, beef carpaccio, and ribs among others! And they were all very generous portions and absolutely delicious! Our scallops, prawns, and beef bourguignon for our entrees were absolutely delicious! Desserts were just a perfect ending. Our waitress, forget her name, but she was a brunette, was very pleasant, attentive, and contributed to a really great experience. I live in Los Angeles and have patronized as well as worked in many Hollywood restaurants and bars and Bijou could stand up to all of them in terms of ambiance and quality of food. Really truly, a gem in Hayward, where you usually don't expect anything above ordinary. Definitely take advantage of their groupon and living social deals before they get so popular that they don't need them anymore!
(5)
Sim U.

Went to this restaurant very first time and loved it...service is good and fast.
(4)
Tikisha O.

The food has gotten sooo much better since they first opened. Went with a friend that knew what to order and what to stay away from. We had the sliders, prawns, and the bread pudding was out of this world good but didn't come with enough ice cream. The bartender is phenomenal!!!
(3)
Greydon U.

Everyone remembers their first time Frenching... Some share it with a special someone, some with someone they just met. Me? I did it with my 8 closest friends. My first time Frenching was confusing. What do I do with this once it's in my mouth? Do I chew on it? Do I suck the flavor off and then spit it back out? Or do I just swallow the snail whole? My first time Frenching made me want more! I want to French anywhere and everywhere I can. Where is the best place to French? Who Frenchs best? Can I French at home by myself? Bottom Line: I'm ready to French again, maybe in a city near you... So, who wants to French with me!?
(4)
julia z.

Really bad experience. It started on a good note, with their speciality BOOZE, That was the best in our dinner. We went there with my boyfriend for our 2 years anniversary and were really disapointed with the food. Ordered a bunch of small plate Onion soup was sweet and they were no broth French fry and sweet potatoes fry FROZEN Flat bread pretty cold, cheese not melted and spoiled mussel, that was so stinky... I don't know how the chef did not smell that. Overall BAD BAD BAD, don't spend your money there, it's not worth it.
(1)
Jenny K.

Came here yesterday with a Living Social deal and I'm impressed :) We were able to pick an appetizer, entree, and dessert (per person). There's a pre-fix menu of a few items that you can choose from. We ordered: - Bread and olive oil mixture (they bring this out in the beginning) - Ahi Tuna Tartare - yummy!!! even though I'm not a big fan of avocado I still enjoyed it. The shrimp chip was an added plus as I'm use to having chips with it. - Beef Carpaccio - my favorite of the night ... literately just melts in your mouth - Beef bourguignon - beef was a little on the dry side but basically a beef stew with mashed potatoes - Scallop Beurre Rouge - yummy! - Croissant pudding (we both order this) - love it! they put the ice cream and chocolate in little containers so you can choose to eat it together or not - 2 glasses of champagne The one thing that I noticed is that everything came out pretty quick! HAHahaa stuffing myself way to fast.
(4)
Tam F.

Please read at 3.5 stars: I finally made it to Bijou, thanks to my date with Linda M. We came here for an after dinner drink (and dessert) after our wonderful meal (and terrible dessert) at Buon Appetito. I had wanted to come to Bijou since the wonderful Shelly had her going away party here that I was unable to attend, so of course I thought of her while we were indulging in a cocktail and what turned out to be some pretty fierce desserts. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful and since Linda is well aware of my over ordering, under-eating ways, she was very kind in letting me order the 2 desserts that sounded the best-a bread pudding of sorts with ice cream and Nutella and a banana flambe' type thing done at the table. The drinks were good and the desserts were tasty but they each lacked something so the combining of bites from each really hit the spot. I am looking forward to another time with Linda-and spending some more time in the Hayward area. Now I know there are more places for yummy stuff besides Val's!
(3)
Arturo L.

TRASH
(1)
Nkechi N.

Hood!
(2)
Laurence L.

I took my date here and we had a really wonderful time. The atmosphere and decor is great, the waitress was very friendly, and best of all was the food! It was upscale, beautifully presented, and delicious. We had the tuna tar tar, scallop pastry puff, pork chops with chimichurri and mashed potatoes, sole with couscous, topped off with double scoops of vanilla ice cream, caramel, and brownie bits for dessert. I would definitely come here again! I just wish it wasn't located in Hayward. Bijou would definitely do well in San Mateo or San Francisco.
(5)
Lynners C.

We had a living social deal for a prix fix dinner for two. Short summary the shrimp dish was too salty and my boyfriend's beef burgenion portion was barely enough. Service was ok, but we won't be buying any special prix fix dinner again Any time soon, sorry.
(2)
Julie B.

Went to check this place out with a couple of friends. We made a reservation for 6PM on a Sunday - the place was packed - I guess there were some coupons out there that overwhelmed them. So we stood around the bar (all seats were taken) for an hour - but the hostess kept us informed and we got drinks and it was Sunday so whose in a hurry?? Finally got a table they seated us in a booth - the staff is wonderful really friendly and the food came out of the kitchen fast and hot! To start we ordered the small plate of ribs - 4 ribs so every one got one - they are really good - just fall off the bone spicy and sweet. Mac and Cheese - I am not in general a fan of mac and cheese but the others loved it! Pizza - very thin crust which is a good thing for my east coast pizza snob husband. I had steamed mussels, my favorite - the broth was good and I certainly scarfed them all down without hesitation - but I have had better broths. The boeuf bourguignon was good - but Julia Child's recipe is so much better! Make it yourself! Salmon was cooked perfectly - nice plate. We will return - hopefully it's not an hour wait for a reserved table - maybe the coupons have run out?????
(3)
Laura C.

Had to use my Travelzoo voucher before it expires at the end of this month. Paid a discounted rate for a 4 person, 3 course meal. Meal included a glass of bubbly, soup or salad, entree, and dessert. As other reviewers have said, Bijou provides a separate menu for the voucher holders - selection is limited, but it makes ordering your meal quick and easy. I don't think it was a huge deal that the top of the menu said Groupon/Travelzoo - didn't feel tacky at all. I was pleasantly surprised that we could also choose one of the small plates instead of strictly a soup/salad. I went for the beef carpaccio (appetizer), salmon (main course), and we ordered one of each of the desserts to share. The beef carpaccio was good. Salmon was OK - neither disappointed or impressed. Like other "fancy" restaurants, the portions are on the smaller side. However, you'll leave feeling just right and not too full. For dessert, we tried the croissant pudding, the mousse cake (hazelnut mousse?), and the crepes chantilly. I would probably pass on the crepes chantilly - wasn't anything to write home about. Both the croissant pudding and mousse cake were decent. As for service, it wasn't terrible, but there's definitely room for improvement. The staff could have been a little more attentive considering Bijou is supposed to be a nicer establishment. We went on a Saturday night - the restaurant was full, but not crazy busy. Perhaps they've gotten tired of Travelzoo/Groupon people coming in and stiffing on the tip? I don't know.... Overall, the food at Bijou is decent to good. Service can be improved a bit, especially when you're trying to be a $$/$$$ place. I was OK paying the voucher price, but if I had paid full retail, that would have been a bit much.
(3)
Courtney K.

My review is for the time Bijou is open as a lounge. I've Been here a few times but it's definitely not my fave place. It's really small inside, there's one bar and a tiny dance floor between tables in what is used for regular dining during the day when it's open as a restaurant. I wanted to like this place because it's so close to home, oh well.
(2)
Adam and Stacey W.

We were drawn here because of a TravelZoo deal. At first, the service was really good - but as the place filled up service went downhill, fast. They were sadly understaffed for the amount of tables that filled up by the time we left. Amazingly the kitchen never got behind - they were pushing dishes quite efficiently the whole time - but looked around and saw many waiting to order or waiting for their bill. We finished our entrees and our plates weren't cleared by the time our dessert arrived. The runner gave us the desserts and then asked if he could take our empty entree plates. Overall the food made a good impression. Started with a butternut soup (soup of the day) and beef carpaccio. Note that the waitress told us the soup of the day and that they were out of sorbet dessert before we even asked - quite nice. The soup was well balanced - texture, spice, flavor, heat all hit the spot. The carpaccio was a bit over-dressed but still good. It came covered in pesto, shaved parmesan, a lemon wedge and bread slices. I could barely taste the beef - but the overall flavor combination was quite nice nonetheless. (Photo on here from 2/2010 shows carpaccio with much less pesto. Would like to have seen it like that instead). For mains, my wife got the pork chop with fig reduction and mashed potatoes. The pork chop was a little overcooked, fig sauce was very sparingly applied (especially considering the dry pork chop), and the potatoes were average. I got the oven-roasted sea bass with morel mushroom sauce and mushroom risotto. WOW - It stole the whole show. Bass was cooked perfectly - I mean literally perfectly. The risotto was well flavored and the sauce brought it all together. A+ on that dish - highly recommended, assuming they cook the sea bass that well with regularity. Nice note - the included glass of sparkling wine was actually a nice sparkling wine - not Totts or Andre or even Korbel. It was a great aperitif. Do NOT order the J. Lohr chardonnay with the sea bass entree. Whatever the opposite of a wine-pairing is... that is it. Ick! Desert was another highlight - as everyone else mentions, the croissant bread pudding is a must-have. I won't bother describing it, as everyone else on Yelp already has - just order it. You won't be disappointed. Overall - for what we paid (with the Travelzoo discount) it was a great deal. I think we would have been a little disappointed if we had paid full price, considering the other meals we've had recently around $110 to $130 for the two of us. Restrooms started out quite clean - but by the end of the evening they were in desperate need of attention. Also - there were many burnt-out light bulbs throughout the dining room and bathroom. Small touch but it implies a lack of attention to detail that normally comes with restaurants of this level. The multicolored wall lights were beautiful - but definitely interrupted by the 10% of fixtures with dead bulbs. One last negative on the service (unrelated to business) - when we made our reservation, we mentioned it was for a birthday. Either the hostess didn't mention it to the waitress, or they just don't do anything for birthdays. Could have at least used a candle in the desert - or a small taste of desert wine on the house. Nothing big - but definitely a difference maker at that price range. Would definitely come back for drinks - their cocktails were outstanding, and their wines by the glass were well priced and well selected.
(3)
Katy J.

I was hoping to really like this place. We had a Living Social voucher and ordered off the the pre fixe menu that comes with that. When we sat, the hostess placed 2 pre fixe menus, a regular dinner menu and a wine list on the table and left, not explaining anything. Menus were food stained. We sat for several minutes before being greeted by our server, who was very nice once he came over. I asked why we had different menus and he explained that we were to order off the pre fixe menu, which is fine, but why give us the other menu? We asked if we could add an order of chili garlic wings wings from the regular menu, I was guessing they would like to sell more food so maybe that's why they gave us the regular menu. He said he'd "sneak" that order in for us. Apparently that didn't work out as they never showed up. Its very loud, hard to carry on a conversation. They have high ceilings and nothing to absorb the noise. The bar is separated from the dining room by just a thin chain mail like curtain so the bar noise flows right in to the dining room. I noticed several places on the wall with paint peeling. They kind of seem to be going for an upscale sort of vibe, but all the servers were wearing "Bijou" t shirts. On to the actual meal. I had both of our glasses of complimentary sparkling wine, my boyfriend had 2 glasses of meritage (or meritaahhge as our server pronounced it, I guess he didn't get my hint when I said "yes, the meritage" and pronounced it like heritage). Wine list left a lot to be desired, not many options available either by the glass or bottle. They brought out bread with a really nice pesto dipping sauce, but no bread plates, so there were crumbs all over our table which had no table cloth. We both got the crab crostini appetizer, it was nice enough. I had the talapia in citrus caper sauce. It was more of a butter sauce with capers (no citrus detected), it definitely could have used a pop of acid that citrus would have provided. The fish itself was cooked nicely, but over all underwhelming. My boyfriend said the chicken was "alright", but the portion was very small. Dessert was creme brulee and coffee cheesecake. The creme brulee was pretty cold, but the cheesecake was really good. When the bill came it noted out voucher and valued it at $118, which I think is the groupon deal, but the living social deal was $35 for $70 in meals. The only reason I note this is that I think this could pass for a $35/person pre fixe. No way was this meal worth $118. You can order pre fixe off the menu for $25, only you don't get to choose your courses, but they are taken from the same items on the menu we ordered from. All in all, not terrible, but not great. Just fine for the coupon price we paid. I think it could be good if they made a few tweaks.
(2)
Nancy L.

Came here with a Groupon deal. My scallops with asparagus risotto was wonderful, perfectly cooked. My dinner partner was accommodated with a switcheroo when we saw there wasn't a vegetarian choice on the menu. Super friendly staff. Would not hesitate to dine here again with or without a groupon. Thanks folks!
(4)
Peter S.

Everything is VERY Tasty at Bijou. The Main Bartender is one of the best in the East bay. Really takes time to make a great drink. It can be a little pricey it is there but at least the quality is solid. I used to love when it became a club at night time and I'm not sure if that is back or not. Gave us someplace to go at night in Hayward. Signature cocktails are real solid there. Usually sit in the bar because we have had slow service in the dinning room.
(3)
Sindy Y.

My husband & I got a Groupon of it and think it is a good deal of a three-course dinner. We went there to celebrate our anniversary. Before we go, I looked up reviews here at Yelp. People say that it is noisy there in the restaurant. Then when we arrived, I fully understood and it is really really noisy! It is not a typical French restaurant or fine dining setting. The salad tastes good. I like the goat cheese in the salad has very mild goat-flavor. The entrees we picked from the prix fixe menu were beef cube and grilled chicken, which were okay but a little bit salty though. They were at a good size. As for the desserts, we specially ordered a croissant bread pudding which is not in our prix fixe menu. It came up so good! We liked the way they have vanilla ice-cream and hot-fudge on the side. They blended in every well together. Overall, I'd say if I go back, there is probably one reason - just because of its bread pudding. I kept thinking about the bread pudding for a week after the dinner. We also tried the green tea cream brulee, yet not impressive and it is on a pretty sweet side. I give it three stars, because of its area, setting, and not impressive with its original price with the quality. But if we see another Groupon later, we may just get it again.
(3)
Bryan Y.

Ive been going here for years for various parties , events , and happy hours. After a few years I recently discovered how good the food is there too . Skirt steak salad, Jalapeno style poppers, baked brie, and the poutines are the way to go if you're having a couple drinks with friends. The food took a little longer than I expected but it was worth the wait. Bijou is one of the nicer places in a otherwise city falling apart business-wise. If you're checking out a movie down the block or you need somewhere cool to go after work check it out. On the weekends they've started having dj's again too !
(4)
Big D.

Wanted to try out this place because of all the good reviews I read. So I saw I groupon deal going on. End up buying it. Went there to use the coupon with my fiancÃ© for dinner. I had a three course meal. She did also. I wasn't satisfied with any plates. Food was really bland! I wanted to ask for salt because I couldn't taste anything. Oh well. The only thing I enjoy there was my beer. Most likely won't come back. Also our deal was suppose to include a two glasses of champagne but never got it. Horrible!
(2)
Kathy J.

Came with the hubby on a rare date night but didn't plan that the 49er game would be on in the bar. So much for a romantic intimate dinner. There was no way ignoring the playoff game was on...it was loud and the bar folk would errupt into loud cheers when the 49ers would score or have a good play. Add that to the crying children that were scared by the noise from the bar folks and it made for a very noisy date night. We started dinner with mussels and the mushroom pastry. I LOVED the mussels! They were fresh and perfectly looked with generous amounts of bacon. I love bacon. The mushroom pastry was good but nothing special. I probably could make it at home (and plan to). It was a nice touch to put it atop a bed of mixed greens. For our main entrees I ordered the Beef Bourguignon. Unlike other yelpers, I was extremely disappointed with this dish. It was overcooked, mushy and way too salty for my liking. The hubby's skirt steak was a better choice. It was cooked perfectly (medium rare) and paired with chinese brocolli. It was fantastic. I would definately get that if we return. For dessert we shared the crepes. Again, I was disappointed with my choice. The crepes tasted good, but they were extremely skimpy with the strawberries. A better choice probably would have been the creme brulee. I think we definately need another visit to Bijou on a night that a big game isn't on.
(3)
Christine S.

I don't know why there are some really bad reviews for Bijou. My husband and I thought it was pretty great! We just went there for dinner tonight and we used a groupon voucher that gave us a preset menu to choose from. Bijou actually has a printed menu specifically for us voucher users (I guess it's pretty common). The food was pretty good. The Lobster puff pastry, Pork Loin and Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwich were AWESOME! We also ordered the Angus Beef appetizer, Seafood stew, and creme brulee which were not amazing but still quite good. The service was great- they gave us water and bread right away and took away our plates as soon as we were done, while also giving us the next course. If I had to think of any complaint, it would be the noise from the bar. There was a loud group of guys watching Monday night football. Not a big deal, but every once in a while it was super loud. I would've preferred a nice quiet, romantic setting. Other than that it was pretty great :)
(4)
KevMo G.

The Food is Delish! Get the ribs! Get the salmon with pesto! mm mmm mmmmm The bread pudding was really good this time. Not like the one I had last time. They should really have it down by now. But I don't know. Last time I had it - it was wet, and mushy. Then I went again, and my friend ordered it - it was delicious! *shrug We ordered an ahi and the sesame chips they were served with had a piece of hair on it. Server took it away and came back and said the chef insists it was part of the chips. Whatevs. It's still loud. They had gnats flying around too - which I noticed last time I was there. The glass doors and surrounding glass walls were nasty. They looked like they could use a good cleaning. I mean, it's the first thing people see for crying out loud! The service was really friendly. Seems like all the people working there were really attractive. I'd like to try their brunch.
(3)
Earlene C.

You know how there are places out there that try to be fancy gourmet, but just can't pull it off? Well that's not Bijou! Bijou reaks sophisticated class and gourmet food. It's at places like this that my Fiancee and I like to pretend to be professional food critics and mimic all the words used by judges on Top Chef. Words like, "texture and amuse-bouche" Fiancee treated me to a nice dinner here and we opted for the Small Plates, to be able to try a few dishes and flavors. Everything was amazing and expensive! But you can taste the freshness and of it all. We shared: *Ahi Tuna Tartare - Ono! Tasted like Ahi Tuna from Hawaii and it was all set up in one bite on top of a fried Shrimp chip. *Bijou Sliders - Loved the quail egg on top and the fancy french fries were crispy and delicious. *Scallops Prosciutto - I didn't care for the Balsamic Reduction Sauce, but the scallops were cooked perfectly and juicy! Service was great, the ambiance was romantically trendy with trance music not too loud, so we were able to still carry on conversation. It's really nice to have a spot like this locally. We don't have to go all the way to the City for a nice dinner out. I take away one star because it's pretty expensive, but you do get what you pay for.
(4)
Miko T.

This review is for Sunday brunch. Came here with a group of 9. We had reservations, were seated right away. SERVICE - It took a while for the server to take our order, bring is all water and mimosas (we all had bottomless mimosas). Periodically, it took a while to get the attention of the server to follow up on little things (needing a refill, an extra napkin, etc.), but as we kept plowing through the mimosas, instead of filling our glasses individually they brought out a pitcher so we could refill our own glasses. Good choice! FOOD - I had the french toast, which was good. Tasted amazing, but when does french toast NOT taste amazing? Right? Also had a side of red potatoes, which was well-seasoned and slightly crispy too (mmmMmmM). If you order a side, it can definitely be enough for 2 people to share. I enjoyed brunch with my group, they let us sit for quite a while (and we were sort of loud), and the food/drink was fine. I would consider coming back for brunch.
(3)
JD L.

A friend wanted to go here and had some Groupon deal. We arrived at 8:30 on a Saturday night. We were seated near a table of about 8 with one or two kids who screamed for more than hour and a half before they finally left. The pork loin might have been just OK had it not been over cooked. I had to get up to track down the waiter to get dessert we had ordered 15 minutes earlier. At that point we just wanted to get out of there as we had enough of screaming kids. After we finally got the dessert I had to get up to find him again to pay the bill. This was supposedly a $200.00 + dinner for 2 for about $40.00 with Groupon! I would have had a stroke if this stuff had cost $200.00! I wasn't expecting the French Laundry but I don't think we'll be going back.
(1)
Vivien C.

Got a Groupon deal, so came here for dinner to try out this place. Service was good but for sure had experience better. The side that we were at seems like every couples had the same deal. However, they totally forgot to bring us bread. As for the menu: It is a bit annoying that the actual menu reads "GROUPON MENU"! We ordered the following: Appetizers: Steak Salad and Caprese Salad Entrees: Salmon Pesto and Scallop Desserts: Croissant pudding and chocolate mousse They were all very tasty and must try the croissant pudding! With the deal it was a good dinner but I doesn't worth the full price. I don't think the "groupon menu" items are offer at their regular menu, so hopefully the regular menu is better. However, I am not saying it was not a good dinner. It was pretty good with things to improve. It is more like a causal French dinning. TVs were on with sport Channels, music were louder then most of French restaurant but again it is just causal. It is a good place to go with a deal or you want to enjoy French cuisine without the cost.
(4)
Ash P.

This place doesn't disappoint!!! I brought my husband here for his birthday this weekend and we enjoyed a 3 course meal thanks to a Groupon deal. I ordered the steak salad (which was amazing!!!) and he ordered the caprese salad (which didn't turn out to be what he expected). We both ordered pesto salmon and it was unbelievably good! We both agreed that it was done perfectly because the pesto flavor wasn't overbearing. And for desert we both ordered bread pudding...which we could barely finish because we were so stuffed. I'm not sure if they are playing around with new menu items but I sure hope they add the steak salad and the pesto salmon because they were so amazing that I want to come back for more!!!!! :)
(5)
Sherri J.

Came here tonight for dinner. Made reservations for 7:15pm...arrived EARLY about 6:45pm and was seated right away. The hostess and the servers were very nice and answered all the questions myself and my friend had about the different dishes. To drink, we started with a pitcher of White Sangria. Very tasty. We started the meal with the Pear Salad - which we shared. (it was BIG enough for 2 regular servings) My friend had the Salmon and asked to sub the risotto for the rice. She was accomodated. I had the Roasted Chicken Thighs - DELICIOUS! Let's talk about dessert...I had the Croissant Pudding: Vanilla bean custard baked with a croissant and topped with Nutella and vanilla ice creme. I am not a fan of bread puddings..but this dessert right here..was so decadent, rich and creamy...I may just go back for that. My friend had the Double Chocolate Mousse: dark & white chocolate mousse on a slice of thin chocolate cake..she said it was YUMMY!!!! I look forward to going again with my sweetie. :)
(4)
Philip W.

Came here for my friends dinner party. Food was good fresh and tasty. I had the salad to start off with than had the fish and veggie for entree it was. Delicious!Cant wait to come back and try other selection service was fast and attentive.
(5)
Edlyn C.

Never a disappointing visit! I've been coming here for a couple years now, and service was always attentive and the kitchen works fast. The environment is great for dinner before a night out. They recently opened began serving Sunday brunch, and I highly recommend the french toast.
(5)
Vi T.

LOUNGE REVIEW: This place used to be a lot better and has quickly gone downhill. First off, the door guy was excessively rude on not just one occasion, but two. The first time, we brushed it off, but if there's a second time, it's all bad. Here's the scoop: three girls walk in for an impromptu evening of drinks and dancing. Two girls walk out shortly after to go put jackets and purses away (that probably shouldn't have been brought in in the first place, but I digress), making sure to mention to the door guy that they were leaving while the third watches drinks. One would assume a reunion of the three girls would be quick and painless. Not so. Having seen us just moments earlier, when we walked up to be readmitted, he barely even looked at us and said, "I've never seen you guys and if I did, it must have been hours ago. You need to get back in line." WTF?! So his other security friend looks at us and remembers us. He attempt's to tell the door guy this for five whole minutes before the door guy even acknowledges him! Finally, without offering a single apology, he turns to the security guard and says, "Oh you remember them? Okay" and let's us pass. But if if that was my only gripe, this wouldn't be a one star review. The drinks are expensive and whack. Teensy tinsy little plastic cups for ten to 11 bucks a piece. I remember when they were at least worth the money, but seriously, this time around.... rip off. Finally, the crowd. Just not my kind of vibe. Someone had said it was a good mix of people, and I would have to politely disagree. If you don't believe me, check out this horrible excuse for a lounge out and see for yourself. As for me, I'm going to have to pass.
(1)
marlene s.

This place is ok. Food was good but it was the atmosphere that killed it for us. We were here on a Sunday early evening, very few tables had diners sitting at them. Liked the lounge area on the bar side of the place. Unfortunately, the bar crowd were noisy and there was nothing in the way of carpets, curtains, etc to attempt to help the acoustics. At one point, I remember someone briefly banging on a pot like a wanna-be drummer boy. No hassles with using our travelzoo voucher, food was good but not memorable, customer service was ok, the space/decor had a lot of potential. I wouldn't come all the way back out here again any time soon
(2)
Aneida G.

Great food, and I love the ambience of this restaurant. The bartenders are really nice and make awesome drinks, the purple daze is one of my favorites. Bijou is definitely a diamond in the rough. Hayward needs more restaurants like this one.
(5)
Thomas G.

Great mushroom soup... Food over priced!!! Small portions: ordered Prawns... Hello got only four prawns What??? Great service and atmosphere!!!
(3)
Sau y.

We came here on a groupon... only got what was included on said groupon but was still charged at the end of the meal for idk what... I didn't care as it wasn't much but just find it annoying. All in all, the food was really underwhelming. It might be them giving you groupon status food... like when a place discounts in price, they also discount in quality, quantity, etc. Overall value was not there even at groupon price. My boullibase had 1 small "tiger prawn" and tiny scallops that are the equivalent to the little muscle stuck on the scallop shell when you eat the actual scallop... and the mussels were just as tiny. They made it look edible by adding some fish. The roasted pork loin was nearly non existent and was accompanied by subpar mashed potatoes... The tuna tartar had a tad too much fillers and the scallop ceviche was not to expectations. Overall it was quite sad. The creme brulee was decent but they should have topped it with berries or something... and the crepe was bananas and chocolate. Why so cheap? :( The server was being shady with bread of all things! I asked for some because the one chunk that came with my entree was rock hard and old so I wanted proper bread to soak up my seafoody tomato sauce, except I really didnt after I tasted it... I think Bijou could be great, but maybe they shouldn't ve doing groupons half off with food at half par.
(2)
Elaine Y.

we came here with a groupon and had the prix fix menu. had the salmon (a little dry) sitting on top of mashed potatoes and the fish stew (tasty). the portions are small, the servers were nice but could have been more a little more attentive (ask if we would like more drinks or something). the creme brulee didn't have a consistent temperature throughout. it was room temp in some bites and cold in others. would come back and try it again with a groupon. i wouldn't pay regular price for what we got. nice decor but hard to find parking. get here a little early to find a good spot to park.
(3)
Shane C.

I don't usually write bad reviews, but here goes. We went her on a Groupon Tuesday night. The service was fantastic but the food and decor were so so. For appetizers, my wife had the risotto cakes which were very good and I had the lobster puff pastry. The pastry was very good, but the lobster was too salty to eat. For entree's my wife had the salmon which was cooked perfectly but with tasteless mashed potato's that had the consistency of reconstituted powder. I had the pork loin which had one good piece of loin and one piece as tough as shoe leather paired with the same tasteless mashed potato's. For dessert my wife had the creme brulee which see liked and I had the macaroon ice cream sandwich that was too sweet to eat and the chewy cookie stuck to my teeth like cement. The decor was very plain and the noise level even with only about 20 people in the restaurant was too loud. The bar should be separated from the restaurant by more than a metal chain screen. I'm glad we went here on a Groupon and didn't pay full price. I never send bad food back to the kitchen, I just don't return. Sorry for the bad review Bijou, but it needed to be said.
(2)
Jamie V.

Too many fruit flies
(2)
Jenna L.

This is for the lounge portion. I went here on Saturday, May 14. It had a pretty diverse mix of people! :)) I totally had fun. It's located in Hayward downtown. Plenty of parking spaces! You can even hide your umbrella in the club (in case it's raining and it was!) The bartenders are really fast and recommend you the best drinks! I totally loved mine. It tasted like a Starburst but was a creeper. I would say it draws in a crowd of people in their late 20's to early 30's. Dress code is enforced. BUT you can wear nice jordans if they're clean. LOL We danced until they kicked us out at 1am. Only because someone accidentally knocked the speaker down and it almost hit the DJ. LOL My friend got his phone stolen by a cougar supposedly BUT security got it back from him. IT WAS A WIN WIN NIGHT :) Plenty of old school jams. Not that much of mainstream hip hop, which is perfect.
(4)
Helena V.

Came here using a $40 groupon for two for a full 3-course meal and left satisfied! Food was excellent and the servers were attentive and courteous.
(4)
Leslie B.

Definitely deserves 5 stars! We have never been here before but thanks to living social we found our new go to place for our little celebrations! We started with the tuna tar tare and beef carpaccio...both were excellent, fresh, and flavorful! I could tell the tuna was fresh and sushi grade! No fishy taste at all! The beef carpaccio was seasoned well and sliced to perfection. Next my son and I both had the sea bass...again it was excellent! The risotto comes with a mushroom sauce with the sea bass on top. It was a bit small but the flavor more than made up for the size. I can't say enough about the mushroom sauce, creamy and it just infused the flavors of the sea bass and risotto so well. For the finale we had the crepes chantilly and the bread pudding. Both were delish but the bread pudding hands down wins. The bread pudding came with vanilla ice cream with melted nutella chocolate poured all over the bread pudding. It's by far one of the best bread puddings I've ever had and I've had many. The service was fantastic! Our drinks were never empty and our waiter was very friendly. He was there when we needed him but didn't hover over us while we ate either. To sum it up: fantastic and flavorful food, every single dish was an orgasmic experience in my mouth, nice ambiance, and attentive waiters...what more could you ask for! I'm a new fan of this place and I highly recommend it to everyone. Without a doubt we will be back!!
(5)
Alyssa B.

The rating or this place is accurate. Food is good, but doesn't match to the elegance the place. Waiters never came by to refill waters, nor did they ask how our dinner was. It's allright..
(3)
Jo S.

The small plates are small, but the flat breads are large and it's all delicious. Bijou has a very nice atmosphere I very much enjoyed the service and would definitely go again.
(4)
Nate B.

Used the LivingSocial deal for ~$45 for three course meal for two. Gotta say it was a pleasant dining experience. Looking forward to going back again soon.
(4)
Joyce C.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! My hubby and I went when we were first dating and it is definitely a gem in Hayward. It's located in "downtown" hayward and while there's a lot of construction in the nearby area, this is definitely a kudos to the city for finding some really nice establishments to set up in that part of town. I recently went back for a surprise birthday party that my hubby threw for me. I've also been back for drinks so I've experienced almost every menu this place has to offer :) Some items I would recommend: Flatbread Pizzas: Chicken pesto pizza - bombdotcom Portello Mushroom and Sausage Small Plates: Bijou Sliders Ahi Tuna Tartare Mac and Cheese Steamed Mussels Large Plates: Pan Seared Salmon Grilled Skirt Steak Oven Roasted Sea Bass Cocktails: Sangria - MUST GET, IT IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!! Lychee Bliss is good but really sweet Caipirinha - really refreshing Mojito The service is always great when we go and usually if you have a reservation, they seat you fairly quickly. I've never gone without a reservation, but the times I have gone, I'm pretty sure if you didn't have one, it wouldn't be too long of a wait. Just as long as you don't go during a Friday or Saturday night. I'd imagine those to be their busy nights.
(5)
Vijay P.

We came here on a slow night, so the place was quite. The service was nothing to write home about, but was okay. Bijou does market itself as a lounge, and all along the left side wall is a huge sofa, which we decided to sit and enjoy our meal. We ordered several small plates, and were priced from $7-15 per plate ...The Good Steamed mussels - simply excellent and tasty Beef capriccio - equally as good as the mussels, but could use more than three slices of bread. ...The Bad Chicken lollipops - sweet, sour, and dry Bijou sliders - over cooked, and no quail egg to top of the sliders Sweet potato fries - nothing really special ...The Ugly Scallop prosciutto - over cooked, dry, salty, and left a bad after taste I would have expected better on a slow night here, and not sure if I want to come back to try the large plates entrees...maybe
(3)
Julie O.

Pleasantly surprised as had read good and bad reviews of this place. I had a Living Social Deal and there was a special menu for this purpose. We were seated almost immediately (I had a reservation which I definitely needed as, even though it was a Wed at nearly 8pm, it was pretty full). Had caeser salad, sea bass and vanilla croissant - all food was excellent. I had never eaten sea bass before and really enjoyed it. Came with mushroom sauce and wild rice. The dessert had nutella poured over vanilla ice cream on a flaky croissant base. My Living Social deal was $39 and when the bill came it said the meal was $105 usually. That does seem a bit excessive I have to say - but that is not what I paid so not complaining! There is a separate bar and the ambiance is okay - could be a good date night place or family place I guess as there were some kids there. The ambiance is not really one of romance but it is probably the nicest date venue in the area!
(4)
Alice T.

I came here on a Friday night for the night life and I have to say I enjoyed myself. Staff was very nice and the bouncers were nice as well. There is no cover and the place was packed. They play good music like hip pop and R and B and I just like how everyone was nice there. It is a good crowd. Very diverse and not just one race. I really like clubs that have a diverse crowd. I will be going there again for sure! I have not yet tried there food. I will be doing that next week and will update my review on their food after I try it! Can't wait. I had a blast. =) Parking is also pretty good, there is always street parking, and if you are worried there is also a parking garage that is free and near by as well. This area of Hayward has been remodeled so it is really nice. Worth to try it! After all there is not cover so you can spend all your money on the drinks!
(5)
argie v.

Husband and children took me here for mother's day dinner. The ahi tuna tartare was delicious! Chilean seabass and risotto was good. Flatbread pizza was average. Prime rib was a little on the dry side for medium. Overall experience was good... but overpriced for the portion sizes provided. Server was helpful and easily accessible. May come back again, sans children.
(3)
Jojo O.

My wife treated me to dinner for our 20th wedding anniversary at Bijou Restaurant and Bar in Hayward.. It was a wonderful surprise... The food was great and service was exceptional.. A hidden gem.. We will be back again... I will tell all of my friends and family about this place...
(5)
Michael C.

Yummy and tasty blend of Asian fusion and French cuisine. From the finger-licking good honey-roasted baby back ribs over spring greens to the braised scallops over a savory risotto to the bread pudding made of croissants. Yes, you got that right. Not bread, not English muffins. But real rich buttery croissants. AND topped with a thick decadent chocolate syrup. Definitely one of the best French/European/Asian fusion places in the East Bay.
(4)
Marc M.

Was fortunate enough to get a groupon for dinner at this place. It was an amazing deal. Dinner for two which includes: (2) Glasses of champagne (2) Appetizers - You can never go wrong with the ribs. They are tender and quite delicious. (2) Entrees - The salmon option here is very good and very well seasoned. (2) Dessert options - I have tried the crepes before and will say that this is pretty good as well. Great deal and great value. All for $39 + tip of course.
(4)
Regina C.

I have been here several times but my visit last night totally changed my opinion about the place. A group of 7 met for a birthday dinner. We started in the bar area, which was great; however once we were seated it was all downhill from there! In a nutshell, for a Thursday night we expected more attentive service than we received. Especially since the dining area was NOT crowded. It took us forever to place our orders (which should have been the first sign). After placing the orders it took even longer for them to come out. Although the food was decent, the slow service overshadowed our meals. We wanted to surprise the birthday girl with a cake we asked the kitchen to hold, but they took too long to bring it out after asking several times. Finally, we asked several of the wait staff for our server (our waiter was no where to be found) so we could get the check and THAT even took a long time. Once our patience ran out, one of my friends got up from the table to find our waiter. She stood at the waiters station for about 15minutes discussing our displeasure with their service. From what I understand, our waiter was not very apologetic and offered us a round of champagne to accommodate. By that point we were past receiving a round of drinks (which would have taken a long time I'm sure) to pacify their poor service. I'm truly sorry the birthday girl had to experience such poor service on her first visit to Bijou. I have to say that my future visits will no longer include dining in the dining area. I will skip Groupon promotions and continue to occupy a barstool where the bartender has his/her stuff together!
(2)
Derya A.

I've always wanted to go here for dinner but haven't yet, so my review is not about the food. I've only been to it in 'club' mode.... regrettably. First off, why on earth were we waiting in a line outside for a club in HAYWARD.... it was empty when we got in. Secondly, let's just say, it was not my 'scene'.... there were a number of 'fights' that broke out on the dance floor throughout the night, we were mildly stalked by some crazy lady that eventually got kicked out.... if I wanted reality TV shenanigans I would have stayed home to watch vH1. My one pro is it's a really pretty club, too bad it couldn't be a bit classier.
(1)
Miss H K.

Returned to Bijou Friday night for dinner. I also used a Travelzoo voucher so had a special menu that had plenty of options for the deal. The deal was a 3 course meal for 2 (for $39). First course I had the Asian Pear salad, not bad and liked the candied walnuts on top. Second course I had the chicken thighs mash potatoes, overall tasty but the mash potatoes were a bit bland. For dessert I had the chocolate mousse cake that was also not bad. I liked the atmosphere at Bijou, its still a bit trendy/upscale especially for the downtown Hayward area but still makes you feel like you're dining in the city. The food is not bad but I agree with many others that the price is a bit high for what you are getting. Without the voucher our meal would have cost over $100 for 2. I saw some people just munching on appetizers which might be cheaper. Service here overall was very friendly and we left satisfied. Would return again but most likely with another deal.
(4)
Mary J.

Recently revisited Bijou this past St. Patrick's Day with a G*PON deal! yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ Overall BF-J & I give them 3.5 stars. G*PON DEAL: $75 Deal for 4-ppl, up to $210 value. Used on Saturday 3/17/12, around 5pm. GP Advisory to please consider tip on "full" G*PON value ;-) LOCATION: On B St with Foothill Blvd as main intersection. Across the street from Century Theater & public parking garage. AMBIANCE: Romantic, hip, contemporary, & adult scene. Bar area & dinning area has a see through drapery separating the areas, but still keeps a sophisticated feel. Large screen TVs at the bar area. Good for couples & large groups; friendly for handicap & ppl all shapes/sizes. Not really the place for babies/kids. Booth seating up to 4ppl, & table seating w/ armless chairs. CUST SVC: Excellent! BF & I visited the 1st time Feb 2011, excellent service. Returned this March & same excellent service. Very attentive staff throughout dinning experience, knowledgeable on their menus (always helpful), & great cooking/bar staff putting out great eats & drinks. DINNER: Dinner eats here have been good. Our definite recommendation is their Braised Short Ribs! Boneless, super tender, juicy, & complimented perfect w/ sauce & scoops of mashed potatoes & vegs! Our pass is their small plates; although tasty, just a bit too pricey. Salads were very enjoyable! 2011 EATS ** Small Plate: $12 Prawns yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** Large Plate: $18 Pan Seared Salmon yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ 2012 EATS ** $5 Dublin Irish Cocktail for St Paddy's yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** $9 "overpriced" Jalapeno Croquettes yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** Broccoli Soup of the Day for St Paddy's yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** Baby Spinach Salad yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** Asian Pear Salad yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon (2012 update) yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** Braised Short Ribs w/ glass of champagne yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** Double Chocolate Mousse yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** Trio Sorbet (strawberry, lemon, & mango) yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ ** Crepes Chantilly (filled w/ chopped strawberries & whipped cream) yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ FINAL TAB: Overall great ambiance/scene, location, & customer service; food is good, but definitely pricy. I'd strongly say menu prices consider not just the good quality food, but definitely all the extras I mentioned. You can say BF & I was A-OK with the final tab ^_^ yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦ Additional out of pocket was $55.75 mainly to drinks & 1 small plate (app) If no $75 G*PON Deal, final tab would've been $277.31 (wooowza!) yelp.com/biz_photos/9_BKâ€¦
(3)
Margaret L.

Nested in Hayward foothill, Bijou is the hidden treasure. To be honest, I have never been too crazy about Hayward as a hagngout place for a Saturday night. But to my surprise, this place has a nice decor, (nice chic appeal), decent bar, lively music, and most importantly delicious food! To start off, we had Asian Pear Salad and Ahi Tartare. Both were freshly prepared. The ahi Tartare had a bit more soy glaze to my taste. However, when tasted with the wasabi dressing, it was just right! For the main course, we had the Roasted Sea Bass and Short Rib. I had to compliment the chef to the delicate taste of the Sea Bass. It was roasted to the precise balance of tenderness that it literally melted in my mouth. The beef short rib nicely done as well, very flavorful. Finally, for dessert, we had the croissant pudding and sorbet trio. I have to say, I was totally taken away by the caramelized, buttery taste of this dessert, topped by vanilla Ice Cream and Nutella chocolate fudge. Simply Divine. Concluding the meal with an exclamation mark! We'll definitely be repeat customers!
(4)
Rachel G.

On my second visit to Bijou since it opened, I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I had come when they first opened a few years back, and was so disappointed by lack of quality, poor execution and the ridiculously small portion sizes that I vowed that I'd never go back. Well, never say never... I guess. Reluctantly I found myself dining here on a Saturday night for a birthday celebration. We'd actually just gone to sit at the bar and have a fe drinks, but one thing led to another and we ended up grabbing a table. We ordered quite a bit and shared everything. The fried brie came first and was beautiful! It sat upon a balsamic reduction and it really gave me a glimmer of hope for the rest of the dishes yet to come. Next out was the pear salad, also thoughtful and fairly good, but the croutons were clearly doused in rancid oil which turned me away from what would have been a nice plate. We also enjoyed the potato croquettes with aioli, a lovely shrimp appetizer, and two decent, but not fantastic desserts which were the creme brulee and strawberry crepes. All in all, it was good, but not great. Service was perfect and efficient. The noise level was maddening with a thumping beat looped, and playing in the background during the entire two hour meal.
(3)
Allyssa B.

Funny thing is this trendy Hayward restaurant didn't spark my attention until I had their croissant bread pudding. It wasn't too sweet; the custard had a smooth finish and not too "eggy", and the crunch from the toasted croissant just made the entire dessert just divine. Before then, the food was just mediocre at best but they definitely have redeemed themselves. My girlfriend and I purchased the $39 Groupon for a 3-course pre-fixe menu for 2 and were pleasantly surprised by the offerings.To start, we ordered the pear salad and the spinach salad. Both were perfectly dressed with just enough dressing (pear - pear dressing and the spinach had a balsamic) and fixings which included nuts and bleu cheese or feta. The mains we had the salmon (citrus dressing and summer vegetables- perfectly seared) and the beef short-ribs were just delectable. The meat was tender and fell right off the bone and the sauce was sweet and hearty. My dish came with buttery mashed potatoes and green beans tied with bacon (maybe prosciutto?) Is your mouth watering yet? Service has always been good, bread and this spicy chimichurri sauce to start you right off and a full bar? Who can complain? Great little restaurant in this little city.
(4)
Natsu Y.

It was one of the date night w/ my husband. I enjoyed their atmosphere and full of champagne! The food was so-so. I would not pay full price. I am so happy with Groupon deal tho.
(3)
J L.

I've been a few times and didnt like it too much. But now that I've heard of the bad experience that several of my family members and friends have had there...I will NEVER go back. Careful of the employees there...and careful of who cooks your food too.
(1)
Sana S.

Horrible service and my salmon came out raw and took over thirty mins to get me a new one. Ugh never going there again
(2)
Sheila M.

I recently dined at Bijou on a nice Saturday evening following a friend's graduation at Cal State East Bay. I have to admit, I was really expecting great food and service, because I was very hopeful of finding a great affordable French restaurant in the East Bay. However, my experience at Bijou was a little bit of a let down. The FOOD: For appetizers, I ordered the Bijou Frites (regular & sweet potato fries) and the Chicken Drumettes (basically chicken wings). For Entrees, I had the Pan Seared Salmon (with a lemon beurre blanc sauce) and had a chance to taste the Braised Short Ribs. The food was not a horrible experience. It was actually fairly decent and reasonably priced. The Salmon was cooked nicely-although a little more well than I would like since, I usually prefer my salmon to be cooked a little closer to medium. It had a nice sear to it which I really enjoyed. The beurre blanc sauce added a nice taste to the salmon, but if you wanted to get a little technical, I'd have to add that the sauce was broken(as noted by my culinary school student sister). The vegetables (zucchini and yellow squash) and rice were good. The Short ribs were only OK, they had a really nice texture--that sort of "fall of the bone" tenderness, but most of the taste came from the "five spice glaze" that took over. I wish the meat was a little more seasoned, but instead it relied on the glaze too much. The Fries were good. The Chicken Drumettes had a nice sweet sauce, though much like the Short ribs, the actual meat lacked seasoning and the chicken which was a little dry relied mostly on the sauce that it was covered in. The RESTAURANT & SERVICE: The interior of the restaurant is OK. It kind of seems like they focused more on decorating the bar/lounge area than the actual dining room. The dining area was pretty small. The service was not great. They seemed to have plenty of servers; there were always at least a couple of servers running around, but they were not very attentive. Our drinks were empty most of the time and trying to make eye contact or get a server's attention was almost impossible. Our entree orders were not taken at least 40 minutes of us being seated. The appetizers took forever to come out, though our entrees came out surprisingly swift. Overall, it was an OK experience. Food was alright, though has room for improvement. The Service has much more room for improvement. I might-maybe come back to give it another shot.
(3)
Theo K.

I give it 3 stars because the food cost hella much and the place has a dress code if you come after 10 which is stupid because no dress code before 9 pm.. DJ is very cool with great up to date hip hop music....
(3)
Sheena C.

Went there for dinner. The service was great but the food was ok. Although it was flavorful, it could have definitely been better.
(3)
Alan T.

Nice atmosphere but I expect a better food in this price range, soup bowl is chipped, table is shaky, hard to find our waiter, and fries are frying around. Will not recommend to my friends.
(2)
Cheryl M.

This place has great potential and i'm glad Downtown Hayward is being revitalized...the atmosphere is hip, loungy and has a great feel to it. Came here for lunch @ around 11:30 and we were the 1st of a few people so we had our choice of tables. All the menu items looked great so it was hard to decide what to order..my girlfriend ordered the Crab Sandwich with the pomme frites and i had the croque madame with the same...we also split a pan seared goat cheese salad. The salad came out with beautiful presentation but i thought the dressing was lacking in an acid of some sort...kind of plain but overal the salad was good. The goat was covered with a panko crust and pan fried which was tasty but the odd shaped made my girlfriend think it was a chicken nugget...funny. Nevertheless, my girlfriend liked the salad a lot but wasn't impressed with her crab salad sandwich and said it was a little dry...it didn't have much crab filling. I had the croque madame with an egg on top which was very flavorful. I'd definitely order it again. Overall, i think this place has great potential...the staff is attentive, the place modern and a great change for Hayward. So for NOW, i give it 3 stars until i've had the chance to try something from the dinner menu and dessert! Looking forward to it
(3)
Akasha D.

Wasn't impressed. I so wanted to like this place since its not too far from home. Was hoping to make it an occasional spot for a date night. But the food left much to be desired. Went with a friend. We both started off with salads. She had the Asian Pear salad and I had the Seared Goat Cheese salad. As we were both eating, she asked how was my salad. I turned up my nose and said not too good. The batter over the goat cheese tasted like it was deep fried in old chicken grease. She uttered similar sentiments about her salad, claiming it was tasteless. When we got out main dishes, they both again were disappointing. She's a vegetarian and since they do not offer many options, she ordered mashed potatoes with a side of asparagus. As soon as she took her first bite of the potatoes, she immediately had a look of disgust on her face. I tried them as well, and I immediately knew what the look meant. The potatoes tasted like box potatoes that they mixed/made with straight tap water. Utterly tasteless and impossible to eat. I don't think I've ever had mashed potatoes that bad. I didn't try her asparagus, but she said they weren't too bad. I had the tiger prawn small plate. They were okay except for the fact they and the bed of spinach they were lying on we're swimming in oil. I had to season them with salt and pepper just to bring a bit of the flavor out of the dish. For dessert, my friend ordered the only dessert wine they had on the menu. What did they bring her instead??? A glass of Riesling--NOT the dessert wine. When she brought this up to the waiter that the 'dessert wine' tasted like Riesling, he immediately said "oh, because it is..." Did he think we were stupid? He ended up changing out her wine to the dessert wine she originally ordered and comped us for it. Overall all, the dining experience left much to be desired. My friend said the best part of the meal was the starter bread they brought out. I felt the same, but again the sauce that came with it was just a bit off. I really wanted to like this place, because I still have an unused groupon for it sitting in my stash. Guess after I use it, I doubt I'll ever come back (waste not want not). Other than the food, the ambiance of the restaurant was decent. Maybe I'll just opt to hang out at the bar instead for a social evening rather than a dining one.
(2)
Stacy P.

I swear I wrote a review for Bijou but I may have forgot to publish! Anyways, I came here with a classmate after our final on St. Patrick's Day. We were originally going to go to Buffalo Bill's but forgot how crazy the line was going to be. Anyways, we needed food and we needed a drink so we stopped in. I guess Bijou didn't account for St. Patrick's Day because there was one server and one hostess, neither of which were very attentive. My friend and I stood at the door until a large group came in which got their attention... After we got seated they forgot out flatware, napkins, and plates. :( Also they forgot to come get our orders! The whole time we sat in the back pretty neglected. We each ordered a $10 drink, think I had a cosmo, which took the edge of finals and being ignored off and were having a pretty good time chatting. I think we ordered 3 appetizers the crab dip was delicious, the jalapeno croquettes were alright and the steamed mussels were pretty good. I had come to Bijou when they first opened and liked the atmosphere and service a lot more. It happened to be a Thursday which was "College Night" and by the time we were leaving they were setting up for the beer pong tournaments. There had also been a time a few months ago a friend tried to get me to come to Bijou on a Friday night and I must say Hayward has definitely had an effect of the type of establishment Bijou has become. The food is pretty good, a little overpriced for what you get but I used to like Bijou for its ambiance. I guess business wasn't doing too great and they have to resort to gimmicks such as college night and having rude and crazy crowds here on the weekend. I really wish it would have remained what I know the owners were imagining when they opened the place.
(2)
Shiki W.

I'm writing to review the nightlife at Bijou ~ only been here twice. First of all, it's on B Street in Hayward ~ WTF?! To me, it's a super dead and un-glam area of the East Bay. But we drove by and saw thru the glass windows that it was sooooo jam packed with folks and noise in there and OMG blue lighting!!! I love blue lighting!!! It's a small club, the size of a big restaurant. Both times I went, the crowds were super Hayward...as in Philippinos and Latinos. 70% of them sexy, 85% were men, 50% looked like they just turned 21 and 90% of the crowd was drunk. Mixed attires. Fun, right? The drinks were made quickly by the cast of all-male bartenders. Yum! By the bar is a loungey area and behind it was the dance floor, separated by a curtain of very pretty metal chains. You should touch it...oooh so touchable! The dance floor was packed both times. We were spilling our drinks everywhere, to the popular beats of Pitbull and Chris Brown. I loved that people were so down to dance! It was a madhouse! The first time I went my crazy girls and I got kicked out around 1am for being "too crazy" ...which could only mean that they have tight security! To sum it all up: - People with great energy, good dancers! - Love the blue lighting and metal chain curtain! - Very good popular beats - Yum drinks but pricey - Funfunfun!!! So gogogo! Check this place out! Maybe the popularity of Bijou will bring the area back to life!
(4)
Ruby L.

I took advantage of a local deal for a three course dinner a price for two; which I enjoyed. The restaurant is spacious and comfortable; the food was well presented and the service is okay. For some reason I don't find the theme of the restaurant, which includes the food, the ambience and the services work cohesively that I feel wonderful. Example: the food could use a little more seasoning; the waiter could give a bit more attention to the customers; the table setup could be more completed with all the stone & glassware; etc. Basically, there are rooms for improvement and can get better if the restaurant pays attention to refine the details. Overall, still a good experience eating at the restaurant for the price I paid.
(3)
Fabian S.

Bijou, what can I say about this place? It has a nice look to it. Ate here only once and didn't really buy much so I can't really rate the food but the prices are a little high I'd say. Second, the nightlife in this place is ridiculous. At first it wasn't such a bad place to go to dance, drink, and chill then Bijous decides you need dress shoes to come in the joint...really dress shoes or you can't come in??!! That and it's a freaking sausage fest most of the time in there. Overall I rated it 3 stars because it's free and it's the only lounge I am willing to step into here at Hayward...
(3)
Shirley Y.

I came here after lots of good reviews on the drinks being organic. I tried spring leap (?) and it was good. It was pretty relax atmosphere. For the food I ordered a tuna appetizer, salmon and pizza. I wanted mussels but they were out! For the pizza it was not bad and I loved the thin crust. The salmon lacked flavor and a bit dry. the tuna dish was ok. I didn't like their service. My friends made reservation and made use get there at 6 because we had to leave by 7:30. The restaurant was still empty by the time we left so I had no idea why they were rushing us to get there... although we left after 7:30. The waiters were nice and attentive. For the price, I was expecting more interesting dishes. I will probably go again for drinks only
(3)
Naomi K.

Sadly, even on a non-crowded Tuesday night, service failed miserably. I really want to like this place. The ambiance is perfect, chef Christian is friendly (wish he'd chat more with the customers on the slower nights)... but the rest of the staff needs to pick up the slack. The hostess was incredible immature. She looked bored out of her mind, and showed it. We were sitting in the bar section for about 15 minutes, trying to catch her attention so we could get some service. She looked at us, obviously noting our predicament, and went back to sighing and picking at her nails. There seemed to be several servers on the floor, but only one guy running the bar. He seemed to be trying really hard, but didn't seem like he had much support. He also seemed a bit nervous, maybe intimidated by three strongly independent women? The sliders and melted brie were quite tasty. Can't go wrong with Hanger One vodka in the Pear Ginger, rimmed nicely with a nutmeg sugar. The POM spring was a little more cliche, light and girlie.Hostess helped carry a drink over to our table, but she didn't even know what it was when she set it down. Bartender (Vinny?) sat down and shaved off a twist of rind for each of our drinks with a twist. Nice display. May I suggest flaming the zest to caramelize the flavor? Whoever the GM is, needs to step it up. This place has so much potential. I'll be back, because I'm a Hayward supporter.
(3)
Liana W.

I think the people giving this place 5 stars should qualify that their reviews are just for the after DJ arrives, because there is no way this place could get 5 stars for the food. Me Dee Oh Cur Seriously. The drinks, however, were awesome. I would not go back because of the service and the food isn't good enough to deal with crap service. Maybe it was just the one server. Even though they say their names at the beginning of the meal, I just can't remember. Alejandra? Alexandra? Ameriasiana? Did it even start with an A? She wore her long hair in a side braid. She basically ignored us, even though there were only like 4 or 5 tables in the dining area, and it took way too long (45+ minutes?) to get our entrees; no explanation or apology, what with all the ignoring. We would have stayed longer for 2-4 more drinks a piece had she not been terrible. Enough about her, we got better service from the water boys. Maybe this place is awesome as a club/lounge in the evening. It always looks packed in the evening.
(2)
M D.

Disclaimer - I love small plates and sharing a dozen things with people around the table. It's a way of eating I enjoy - the social atmosphere, the variety! Love it! That being said - I love Bijou! The bartenders are social and talented and fun. The small plates are great! Favorites include: Ahi Tuna Tartare - well seasoned and the accompaniments were perfect! The carpaccio - I'm a sucker for a good carpaccio and order it all the time! Warm Brie - Yum! Jalopeno Croquettes - I think I ate them all - sorry to my friends. Chicken lollipops - Awesome! Dessert... one word... croissant bread pudding. OMG! Drinks? The menu is substantial. Try the Pear Lemon Drop or the Cucumber Elixir or the Pom-Tini! I love to try new drinks and this place gives energy to boring cocktails. I would give it five stars - but the prices are a bit high - otherwise, I love this place and will be back - often. Since I'm not hip anymore - I leave before the Dj gets started. So - that's fine by me.
(4)
Steven F.

Nighttime: ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS DOUCHEBAGS AND DOUCHEBAGERY!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is all.
(1)
Gzel B.

The best restaurant in Hayward! Love that they have a mixology expert at the bar. The drinks are a little pricey but so totally worth it! The food is just so amazingly prepared. The taste is wonderful and presentation is very pleasing. I would recommend everything on the menu. The decor here is so cool, contemporary and very artsy. The wait staff is prompt, courteous and very professional. Totally worth every penny you. Spend.
(5)
Bernadette A.

I've only eaten here once and the food was just ok. It came out lukewarm like it had been sitting out on a counter for a while. I told the server the fries were cold and asked him to bring freshly cooked ones for me, which he was nice enough to do. The steak I didn't mind so much since I ordered it medium rare but who likes to eat lukewarm food? The bacon wrapped green beans weren't much to write home about either. The bacon was chewy, not crispy. I may have come on an off night but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here again.
(2)
Drew P.

Went here for lunch today around 1PM, the place was empty. FREEZING INSIDE - I was wearing a sweater and I put on my gloves, I even saw the waitress shiver! Service was excellent, very attentive, water always full, coffees refilled regularly. Food - Decent, Very small portions for the price, and the food was nothing to write home about, especially considering the price point and "style" of the restaurant. What we had: Calamari - OK, no tentacles? not chewy which was a plus. Prawns - 3 prawns, sauteed spinach and sauce - tasted good, bad value. Entrees: Crab Melt - Bland! spice it up a bit. (How bout some pear chutney or avocado or something to liven it up) Crab, cheese, sourdough pretty bland to me. Salmon - Wow a properly made burre blanc very nice. Again VALUE hurt on this one. Small portion of vegetables, and how much did that rice cost with no saffron, currents, or anything. Duck Breast: Med- Rare PERFECT THANK YOU! The grape sauce was nice, paired well. Nicely seasoned vegetables. This was the most expensive thing so again it should be able to blow me away, but again it was good, but nothing special. Dessert: Tried the Mouse Block - Two types of mouse and then a spongecake, and enclosed with a chocolate Glaze. Very good, again portion size guys? Hazelnut Suzette; Tastes exactly like ferrero rocher. PORTION SIZE. Still pondering weather the raspberry sauce was house made or bought, I am leaning towards outsourced. In Conclusion, The food was just okay. For this price it should be amazing. Three people w/ just 3 coffees to drink came to 98$. I will probably not go here again, unless I am coming for a drink, Nice Looking Bar.
(3)
Michael C.

Man!! this place is like a BEACON for all of HAYWARD to be enlightened by. the ambiance is awesome, similar to a trendy SOMA restaurant, and way above and beyond anyones expectations for Hayward. Ive been there twice and the service has always been awesome, I usually go in a large group, the chef has given us a special treat or appetizer on the house each time, and each time came out to greet us and see how our dining experience was going. This type of service and care for a customer really stands out to me. The servers, hostess, bus boys, bar tenders etc are all top notch and make you feel welcomed. THE FOOD... French Fusion...very tasty, and new to my palate. Im used to all the thai/asian/malaysian/singapore fusion restaurants, this one is a breath of fresh air compared to the rest. My fav was the mini burger sliders...i can't get enough of those things. Everything else we ordered D-LISH as well. I enjoy coming her for drinks with friends and clients, its a cool atmosphere with a nice crowd. For a fusion style place, especially when compared to straits/sinos/etc....i pick BIJOU overall.
(5)
J M.

It's expensive but the food is delicious and the atmosphere is great. Bartenders are super friendly (ask for Manny) and its a pretty unique place unlike anywhere else you'd find in Hayward. Love it!
(5)
Trish C.

Wow, you walk in here and forget for a minute that you're not across the street from a pawn shop and a bail bonds place (I'm sort of kidding, I just know when you look outside the window the places across are run down and old). The ambiance is something you'd find in downtown SF and my husband commented that this place would be crowded at 9PM on a Friday night (not 1/2 full like it was). Food was for the most part, superb. Started off with the pan seared large sea scallops with sauteed spinach that was in a browned butterish sauce, YUM! I tried the chicken thigh with gratin potatoes (chicken was most, potatoes creamy and flavorful) and my husband had the skirt steak that came with small bundles of a bacon or proscuitto-wrapped baby asparagus (not sure, he ate them so fast I didn't get a chance to try :) ) and a garlic mashed potatoes (only disappointment in this entire meal). Dessert was the creme brulee and it's as good as they get. I didn't come with a big appetite as prior Yelpers warned, but my husband was pretty hungry and we both left really full, and more importantly, very satisfied. Good service, although I admit we weren't in a hurry and were lucky enough to just enjoy. Hayward, if you're looking at changing your image PLEASE keep this place!!
(4)
Randy N.

In terms of Hayward this is the IT spot. Cuties everywhere. Bartenders were very fast and efficient and apparently one of them is pretty cute according my one of my girl friends. Great service all around. Restaurant turned lounge with a dance floor. DJ of the night started with old club jams progressed to top 40 and ended with old school. The flow was great not epic but great. The bouncers, servers, and busboys were all helpful in making sure everyone went home safely, they even help with getting water for my watsed friend and even a bucket! They didnt kick us out but let us sober up.. i feel sorry for the person cleaning up the boo boo my friend left.. Nice place! FYI small restrooms, sorry ladies
(4)
Judy C.

Four of us went for their prix fix menu off a recent Groupon promo. I thought that the meal was already prepaid and we would simply pay a tip to the waitstaff. Boy, was I wrong. We had to pay tax on the meal which apparently the Groupon offer never mentioned. Worse, we had to pay tax off the original price and not the Groupon price. Does this sound like shady business to you? It does to me. Yeah, maybe they made some more money off us that night, but they didn't earn a repeat customer.
(1)
Dina Z.

We were quite disappointed more with the atmosphere of this place. it smelled like a dirty public bathroom when we walked in, which made it very hard to enjoy the time we had. The food was decent, better than fast food and a step above Red Robin and the like, but the price of the bill was higher than an off the charts meal we have had in Napa. The dessert was not that great at all and both of our dishes were flooded with whipped cream that appeared to come from a can. I'm quite certain we would not return to eat there unless it was a social function. Very sad and disappointed.
(2)
Vana C.

I've always liked this place! Awesome modern atmosphere, tasty food. Don't miss their sangrias! For a while their sangrias were kept off menu (I felt special that they were like a little secret), but now they list both the red and white sangrias. I really like the decor, at night on the weekends the place becomes a club/lounge! The only time I was disappointed (ok, just slightly disappointed since other visits were fantastic) was when I ordered a lobster main course. For the price I expected something a little more, it seemed slightly overcooked (tough). Edible, but nonetheless a bit of a disappointment. Another time our server got our appetizer order mixed up and we ended up with our main courses and appetizers coming out at the same time. She was really nice and comped us dessert.
(4)
Kim W.

Boo hoo...they no longer offer patio service. Scratch this off the list, o' dog friendly people.
(1)
Karen C.

Great place to liven up Hayward! The decor is like stepping into a San Francisco club. Very minimalistic and modern... I've been here many times and have tried almost everything on their menu. I think my favorite was actually the escargot! I The garlic butter sauce was to die for and the little snails melt in your mouth! I also enjoy the salmon plate and crab salad with fresh fruits. I've sat in both the dining area and the bar area and I actually prefer the bar area. The bartenders can be entertaining as they mix up their fresh elixirs...There are so many tasty drinks on the menu it is hard to choose. Usually, I pick something with vodka...It has fresh strawberries and is not too sweet or tart...When seated at the bar, you can also eat dinner, which is a bonus! You can watch a game on their flat screens while also entertained by one of the funny and creative bartenders. I also appreciate the fact that the owners are usually there making sure everything is just right! Bathrooms are plush! Very clean and spacious with a few stalls....another bonus! I will definitely be returning again and again! I
(4)
Mel D.

I want to LOVE this place. Downtown Hayward needs some creative food/ chic atmosphere options. Bijou has this potential, but even though I keep trying it, it just fails to impress. The service has been consistently mediocre, sometimes down-right snotty. The acoustics are awful - super noisy! Last time I was there, there were several broken cabinets and the patio was in a sad state of neglect. They do make some delicious specialty cocktails, but they stop serving them late night (so go early for those). The menu gets credit for being innovative and mostly well-prepared. A couple more veggie options would be nice, but I can't judge based on that. Improve the service and do something to make the dining atmosphere a bit more intimate/ polished, and it would be more of a 3-4 star experience.
(2)
Ligaya T.

Give the bartenders anything, be it a slab of bacon, stray bean sprout or scoop of durian and a overview of your taste palate, and they'll create a cocktail that will have your eyes rolling to the back of your head. Here were my criteria: no clear liquor bases egg whites rye whiskey refreshing ... and I got an aviator with a cassis twist, proving that this swanky Hayward gem offered more than just trendy eye candy with fancy LED lights. And yeah, maybe they're ushering in a new era of gentrification for the city, but if it's executed honorably, you can slap me silly and call me a believer. So praise be to their exemplary staff (winning the fifth lucky star). Their cocktail list has tremendous verve and pizazz too, and that promises great things for their eats!
(5)
Genghis Q.

Decent food. I wouldn't go here everyday. Luckily because of my groupon, I was able to eat a discounted price. I probably saved $50. I'd recommend giving it a try once.
(3)
Jason B.

Being someone that goes out quite a bit & spends ridiculous amounts of money on food & drinks, I find myself writing my first ever Yelp review on this great spot I've been finding myself going to over & over again.. With Bijou's ultra chic, modern decor.. it sets an upscale vibe that puts all nearby businesses to shame.. I have never come across a spot that comes anywhere near the service like theirs.. Owners Ben & Executive Chef Chris always take the time to chop it up & make sure to acknowledge their customers.. Their bartenders Manny, Jay, Alfred & Khoi are dope & always make for good conversation. I usually find myself here at least once or twice every other week or so to have a couple drinks after work.. perfect place to mingle.. meet up w/ friends.. & the beautiful crowd of people that this spot attracts is always a plus.. They've got a cool little lounge area right behind the bar & an outside patio where smokers can support their habit.. During Fri & Sat night, their bar & lounge area is pretty much always crackin, but never takes too long to order or get your drinks.. I can't really speak on the food piece since I come here for the drinks & conversation rather than the food.. but I have tried the oven roasted sea bass which was off the hook.. a bit pricey for the normal person but still hit the spot.. Whatever drink you order, they are never stingy with their liquor.. This spot definitely is the chillest, hottest spot that can be found for miles in any direction from Hayward.. Spots like this are hard to find in the East Bay & is definitely worth hitting up..
(5)
Tramy V.

Everytime I return, I am hoping things have gotten better since I really do want to support local restaurants. This time the food was even worse. The new dish we tried this time was the duck confit on steamed buns... the buns did not taste fresh at all! ...and accompanied by mediocre duck. What a dissapointment...I can't believe they charge $13 for it also! Also, for a 'nice' restaurant, the service could be way better too!
(2)
Lauren Q.

Is this place really in Hayward? No really is it, because as soon as I walked in I felt like I was in downtown San Francisco. The ambiance is perfect. The service was almost excellent. The food was beyond my wildest expectations, I had the lobster tail and it came covered in Caviar. It was perfectly done and serve with a perfect aioli sauce. By far the best part, and the part that will keep me coming back is the drinks. My hubby is a gourmet bartender and these drinks are better than anything he has ever made. The cucumber martini was cool and refreshing, and the ginger brew martini was mind-blowing with all of the different flavors. I just wish the place stayed open later.
(5)
Debbie L.

This was our first time at this restaurant. We had the Prix Fixed Dinner for Two for $39 through Livingsocial We thought the food was very good for the price that we paid. It included 2 glasses of champagne, along with a 3-course dinner. We enjoyed the ahi tuna appetizer, the pan seared Chilean sea bass with mushroom risotto, and the croissant bread pudding with chocolate sauce . The service was wonderful and our waitress was very attentive.
(4)
Menard L.

Review based on drinks and overall experience. The drinks are mixed perfectly and they offer seasonal options as well. By now, Bijou is no secret. The friday we went was pretty packed as the dj starts spinning after 10 pm. Dress code enforced on the weekends. No cover, but the bar tab we rang up pretty much made up for it. We got there before the rush and were able to get a table. The service was great. We never waited for our next round and our server never mixed up our orders. Bijou makes Hayward relevant again. I hope it introduces people from outside of Hayward to other places nearby like buon apetito and neumanali. I guess it's a good thing they opened up after I had moved away. I'd be spending way too much money here. I'd love to try their dinner menu and small plates. I'm making room on my review for another star.
(4)
Linda P.

Reasons why Bijou deserves 5 full stars: -Its in Hayward -Plenty of Parking -Parking is FREE -Grilled Salmon -You can drink at their street patio under heat lamps -DJ spinning after 10pm
(5)
Kathryn F.

Went late with the hubby...called and made reservations. Due to being slow, they were closing that bar before 9pm. We begged and got one drink each. The drinks were great. Food was good, but we both thought it was a tad over priced. For being so slow, service was slacking...was hoping for a great experieinced based on friends reviews, but it didn't add up...Bijou was Be-bust for us!
(3)
Jeff H.

One of my favorite happy hour spots to hit up. Great appetizers, drink and ambiance. Nice "pre-night-on-the-town" hang. Two thumbs up.
(4)
Gily J.

I had to do a double take when I saw this place....on B Street. Yes, B st., in Hayward. Yes, in Hayward. I had to leave the restaurant, walk back to my car, get back into my car, get back out and walk back into the restaurant again. Did this place really exist, or had I walked into a weird travel portal to Santana Row? Was I being punked, what's really going on? This place is...chic. Chic, modern and in Hayward. Pop quiz hot shot, which word does not belong in the previous sentence. Bijou is reminiscent of Sanyo on Santana Row, outside seating, wide open entry, bar on one side and restaurant on the other. Dark brown and green seem to be the color scheme, very trendy and in Hayward. Alright onto the food. We started off with fresh warm bread from La Brea Bakery and I had a cocktail called "The Flash", Thai basil, pineapple chunks, lemon, vodka, how could you go wrong. So good. They've got a great selection of cocktails and I would've tried all of them if I wasn't such a wienie and a lightweight. Appetizers, terrine foie gras, beef carpaccio and crab panfried and stuffed into little cone shapes. Foie gras was good, it came with lychee chutney, super sweet but complimented it. I for one prefer my foie gras seared, so it didn't really satiate my craving but whatev. Beef carpaccio, wasn't sliced thinly enough for me and it was all red meat. Acquarello sliced it a lot thinner and there was marbling on the meat which gave it an excellent taste/texture. I preferred it done the Acquarello way. The crab, was, old. It tasted fishy and anything from the sea that tastes fishy is not fresh, it's old. It seemed like it had been pre-made, stuffed in the freezer and fried off. The inside was all mushy and gross, not good, no flavor. Supposedly it's a favorite, so maybe we caught the kitchen on the wrong day, but it was pretty gnar. Dinner, pan seared lamb chops and pomme frites which i substituted for the masher taters and oven roasted sea bass over veggies. I was feeling kinda' saucy and decided to try the lamb even though I've been a hardcore lamb hater, since birth. Forbes Mill Steakhouse in Danville has been the only restaurant that has cooked lamb and made it taste palatable for me, so I thought Bijou might do the same. It was still too gamey for me but for lamb lovers it would've been perfect, tender, cooked perfectly and tastey. The sea bass was very moist, not bad. Dessert, Chocolate Fondant and Monterossa Cheese Cake which was not really a standard cheese cake. It was made with sponge cake, a mixture of ricotta and marscapone cheese topped with berries and red currants. Very Good, light, fluffy, not too sweet and won't put you over the edge. The Chocolate cake was like Hawaiian dobache cake, the frosting was like pudding, what a great surprise. Coffee was good. Oh, and our server was super cute. I think Bijou rounded up all of the good looking people within a 20 mile radius and put them to work as wait staff. Overall, not bad, for Hayward, not a place I'd frequent but a good place to escape to if your a local.
(3)
Steve C.

Wow, when did Hayward become cool? The new "B Street Area" in Hayward is great and the Bijou Restaurant is leading the way. I had their Scallops with Caviar, Bacon and Green Apples it was fantastic. The scallops were NOT over cooked which happens in even the best of seafood restaurants and the service was swift. The bartender was nice and friendly and made a really good Gin & Tonic. The prices were fair and I was lucky to go on a Wed. night because the waitress said they get very busy on the weekends. I will be back.
(5)
Linda N.

This place is wicked for its location. In Hayward no way yes way. In Downtown on B Street. Hayward is trying to change its image its taking time. But with the right people who want to invest in Hayward I see the changes in a positvie way. So on Dec 12th of 2009 I went there for my Birthday. The service is what I expect at a upscale like business. They weren't ghetto like most people would think. When it comes down to going into Hayward. The staff is very professional including the dress code that they had to wear for work. The females wore classy clothes same as the males. I dig the modern hip decor of the place. It doesn't look like its from Hayward more like Santana Row in San Jose. When you are seated they bring over water and a basket of bread with this green dipping sauce that was gnarly itself. I ordered the Braised short ribs it had carrots and mashed potatoes thats was very good. The price points start at $6.00-$25.00. It is not bad for food like this. It is a french and california cuisine with a hint of asian mixed in. What a good fusion is that. The salads were ok but they needed little more dressing on it. It was a a bit dry on the salad part. The food is gnarly though. I will come back to eat more often. I guess my friend said something to the staff at the very end of the meal. The waitress came out with a cake with a candle in it. As far as drinks. It was ok but my cranberry and vodka should have used less ice. I like the wine selection that they have. I was able to pick out a wine that I like to drink from the menu. They also sell by the glass or by the bottle. They have a beer list also. Since it was getting near 10PM. There was a club promoter company that came out. The place turns into a night club. So I got my wrist stamped ready to party down. I wish that the D.J company would play better music instead of hip hop and R&B all night. How about some dance like trance and deep house Thank You very much. My experience here is good. I will come back again. Thank You Bijou
(4)
isabella o.

Food is great but a bit pricey for so little, so don't go there starving. The night time club scene has been great. Just don't go at the point where they are in the process of setting up from restaurant to bar/club, had terrible service at that time. Other than that one particular incident, all was well and dandy. Drinks weren't bad at all. LOVE My Bijous!
(4)
Will S.

After hours is crowded and can get hot and sweaty. Hard to manuever to the bar also with so many people in the way. There's also a line to get in on most of the nights. You are also not allowed to smoke outside in the city of Hayward. Weak!
(2)
Charlene B.

There's not that many places to go to in Hayward that's classy, has music, AND BEER PONG =) Went here on a Thursday night with some friends and had a blast. They had a dj playing great music, the crowd was chill and of course the beer pong tables were entertaining. As far as food, i've eaten here once and it was really good. Wish they had a happy hour. (if they don't yet) it is a fairly new restaurant. TRY IT!
(4)
Radha X.

I went here for the bar/lounge/club time on a Saturday night. DJ - good mix Croud - mixed Bar - 1 Big bar with like 4 bartenders. Reasonably priced drinks. Parking - Shopping plaza parking is right behind it. There is no guest list, but after a while, they wont let ppl in becuase capacity is met.
(3)
Gracie B.

If you didn't already know it, I'm a snob. I like nice things, good food, and great service. And I'm of the opinion that these things don't exist outside of most large city limits. So when everyone had been raving about Bijou, I was skeptical. Really, a good restaurant in Hayward? Hmmmm As a Certain Someone and I approached Bijou, I was admittedly impressed, it looked quite chic and cosmopolitan. Were we really in Hayward? And soon the restaurant proved that we were indeed in the Haystack. We were seated promptly...well not really. We were told we could sit anywhere...not good on a Friday night. We got water (in white wine glasses...don't think that I didn't notice) quickly, but had enough time to think about what we wanted before the waiter came. We settled on a salad, mussels, fries, and the lamb chop entree - all to split. Our drinks arrived quickly - my "Pom Springs" was ok - very smooth, but not great - kinda like bland kool-aid. As he's already said, all 3 of our "small plates" arrived at once. The waiter said that he'd come back with share plates and a bowl for the shells - neither arrived. We polished off our fries (which were great - a mix of white and sweet potatoes, and moved to the mussels, that had become lukewarm at that point. Who knows how they;d been hot. The broth would had also been yummy with the bread that it seemed that other tables had, but we didn't. Our goat cheese salad was decent - the greens were over dressed, but the toast was good. So our lamb chops arrived - and I asked for share plates - which still took a minute to arrive. The lamb chops were pretty good, but at that point I was annoyed. The mashed potatoes were a little thin and the steamed carrots and zucchini that were tossed on top (prettily, though), weren't impressive. We had to wait a bit for the waiter to come with the dessert menu - had we not heard really really good things about dessert, we probably would have called it a night. We ordered the boite du chocolat - chocolate box. It was good. Rich, but obviously not made with the best chocolate because the chocolate flavor wasn't all there. Finally we paid - more quickly than anything else that night. And I just was not impressed. Bijou is a "french" restaurant in Hayward - and everything that that could mean. If you're in Hayward - then it will do, but if you're expecting it to match up with the better restaurants in the area - it's not going to.
(3)
Ryan S.

In an area hit pretty hard by the economic downfall, this place flourishes. As a lower priced option to the fancy Oakland and Berkeley restaurants, it definitely has a niche. Last time I was there I was completely wasted off of a delicious and well planned Yelp Eilte Event. The nice, upbeat staff greeted us with drinks at the door for the event, and kept that same pleasant attitude in the dining room afterward. Good sized portions...seared duck was excellent, but the pigeon was a little dry...but good nonetheless. Could have used a little more seasoning... Or maybe I needed a few more drinks!
(4)
Allison T.

Ok so by now I am a few months late on the review. This is a lovely place hidden in Hayward...I live in SF and rarely travel too too far to eat. But having met one of their bartenders (David) I went out here to try it. I came on a sat afternoon so it was relatively quiet...which was great because my gf and I got to chat with the owners and all the staff.....great people here. And not to mention the entire place is customed designed. Very trendy. The drinks here were absolutely delicious....I had quite a few of them. I loved all the fresh ingredients. The cucumber one was totally awesone....very refreshing on a hot day. They definitely knew what they were doing when they had the drink menu designed. I wished we had a place like this in SF. As for food here I ordered like half the menu here. I had to try as much as I can. All the food here weas presented very nicely. Crab cones-I thought they were ok Lobster salad-I loved it but there were melons in it and I'm allergic so I only ate the lobster. Crab and avocado salad-I loved this one....my 2 favorites put together and I didn't have shells on my crab...the dressing was yummy too. Foie Gras-now this one was just heavenly.....I absolytely loved it....very tasty and prepared very well....loved the starfruit that I had with mine. Beef carpaccio....I really liked this one...and it was nice that my lunch companion was a foie gras girl so more for me. Crab melt-did I mention that I like crab...mmm delicious. Lambchops-this was the first time I ever ate lamb and was mighty good....just slightly overcooked. Duck-I like the flavor...very tasty but also slightly over cooked. Overall almost every dish was great. And in case if you were wondering we did take some to go. Did you really think we would finish all this? I of course had to have my dessert....no meal is complete without one. We had the Monterosa Cheese Cake and omg it was so good. My mouth is watering just thinking about this. Also their hazelnut mousse is a must try. It was so delicious..just heavenly. I am due back for another visit soon as they have a new menu. just give this place a try in your in the area....you definitely won't be disappointed.
(4)
Elaine H.

**THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE LOUNGE/BAR** So I guess once this place opened everybody been doing their birthdays/kick it spot here and the popularity level keep rising.. I've been to bijous a couple of times prior but I was never feeling it. I had no choice to go this past weekend because it was my close friend bday. We were actually having fun at bijou, which was suprising. However, a fight broke out in the middle of the dance floor and next thing you know, bottles start breaking and securities started running. My initial reaction is, 'ohhh crap, there's a fight! need to get my friend's shoes on' (because of the broken glass and she was heel-less). I ran back to check to see if more people were OK and suddenly, I couldn't breathe and started choking! YES! that's right! Apparently the securities starting pepper spraying everyone to clear out bijou! HOW COWARDLY! out of my entire partying career, I have never experience this! maannn.. I'm glad I didn't get directly sprayed but my friends sure did.. and they WERE NOT even apart of the fight! That was crap! I can't believe they think it was necessary to even do that! Obviously, their securities can't break up a fight so they pulled a b***ch move. Overall, Bijou is overrated!
(1)
Deborah G.

5 stars for the courage and effort to make an effort to open this kind of restaurant in Hayward (why must Haywardites be doomed to donuts and drive-thrus??). We've eaten there multiple times, and partner and I have both been there with larger parties. The staff is young, but willing and pleasant, glad to see you (unlike some pricier/snootier places we could mention). Some of the earlier glitches seem to have been ironed out. Their Sangria is superb. The food has been consistently good. The salmon is wonderful - positively the best I've ever eaten (and I'm a picky cuss). Would wish for slightly larger variety on starters/first course. Prices are mid-range, and no, the dishes aren't overflowing, but it is enough for an enjoyable meal. If you insist on stuffing yourself, go to Val's and order a chili burger. Not too fancy; just "grown up" and trying for a level of sophistication previously unknown in the area. Can elegance and Hayward co-exist? We can only hope. Keep up the good work, Bijou!
(5)
Jon B.

Anyone considering dinner disreguard the amazing feedback this place is getting about its dinner, the portions are smallest I have seen between San Francisco, Manhattan, or even in the french riviera!!! Nice lights; however, the ambiance is SO short lived when they have NO a/c (or a fan in sight) and its pushing 90F. On top of that this place was disappointing for BOTH food and drinks. To start a foie gras pate for 15 dollars came with 2 pieces smaller and thinner than my glasses lenses, which are small; tasted very good but the portion was LESS than a tease. For dinner duck confit 19 dollars? Roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli were flavorless and duck confit looked prebought also had NO seasoning! The duck was smaller and had less taste than COSTCO bought confit I pick up for 5 a pop. Single glass of Sauvignon Blanc sparkling wine (cheapest champaigne) was also 8 dollars, not horrible but i love a good old fashioned POP 2 glass bottle of champagne for 10 bucks. Half price coctails are limited to the bar do not be fooled into planning a meal around drink prices, they are 10 -12 a piece... no exceptions! Went with 5 friends, left... And had to get more food immediatley following a 200 dollar meal. French is glamorous you know that portions are small going into it but they really left me and 5 others hanging hanging... ... And Where's the chocolate soufle?
(1)
Charliena B.

This restaurant was not impressing at all. It smells like they didn't do a very good job cleaning up after the club last night. Caesar Salad was disgusting!! They told me that they would have to charge me 12 dollars extra to add chicken. I guess if you just went here for the drinks, it's ok.... but then again... Why wouldn't you just go to Buffalo BIlls for their beer?
(2)
Cindy J.

Me and my husband went there for dinner after read the mixed reviews on yelp. The food and drink are both reasonably priced and very tasty. This is a contemporary french restaurant, not a traditional type, so set your expectation right. With the October menu, I ordered the 3 course fix menu to share. My husband ordered 2 small plates. We both left the restaurant very full. The 3 course fix menu ($48) comes with the small plate asian pear salad, the seafood mix and a green tea creme brulee. It is really a good deal for 3 course meal. The pear salad is not small at all. The seafood mix comes with lobster tail, sea bass, mushroom risoto and 2 big scallop. My husband ordered scallop prosciutto and Chicken lollipops. Both are good. If you are in the area, it is a restaurant worth trying.
(4)
Marie M.

Wonderful experience! The service and food is excellent. We were seated right away, and our glasses were always kept full. Love, LOVE the pork belly, mussels and sea bass. The salads are very tasty and large enough to share I'm a big chicken wing fan and I always hate it when a restaurant over cooks the wings and tries to compensate with too much sauce. But at Bijou, the chicken lollipops were cooked perfectly and had a delicate Asian garlic sauce that really complimented the crispy and juicy meat. The menu is diverse enough so that everyone can find something they will enjoy. The modern decor and ambiance is comparable to high end boutique restaurants in SF, LA, Chicago or NY. I love the fact that I can get this experience so close to home. I don't have to fight traffic, a bridge or look for parking. I'll be back again for sure, and this time I'll save more room for dessert so I can order the croissant bread pudding all for myself...it's that good!
(5)
Lori B.

Great food and great service. I got a coupon from living social, otherwise I would probably never tried it. But I'm so glad I did. We had the prix fare menu and the choices were wonderful. If our group of 4 we had salmon, scallops, and beef. Everything was out of this world yummy!
(4)
Christian C.

wow! this place exists.......in hayward....the stack?!?! went for the yelp elite event. i was pleasantly surprised. service: prompt and attentive. the were cordial and nice. i had drink as soon as i walked in the door. bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable. decor: uber, uber tres chic! color palette is nice and the space is divided up well. it has high ceilings and modern appointments throughout. i felt comfortable here. drinks: amazing! the best drink was the one with the fancy gin, lemon juice and rosemary. it was incredibly refreshing. i honestly dont remember the rest of the drinks, but they were all delicious. the mixologist definitely knows whats up when it comes to making tasty beverages. food: the bacon wrapped scallops were good. i felt they should have been a little smaller to get the most flavor, but they were cooked well and tasty none the less. someone thought on here said they thought they were undercooked, but i thought they were fine. my friend had the salmon tartar and thought there were good, although i did not try them myself. their desserts were very delicous. my fave was the coffee cheesecake thing that they had. very creamy with robust flavors. i would definitely recommend if you live near hayward. there is nothing else like it for miles around. i dont know if i would trek all the way from alameda for it (since we have options nearby that are just as good), but i would definitely go back if i was in the area.
(4)
Laura Y.

Haven't tried the food yet but I went there with a few friends to try the drinks. The service was very friendly and even got to meet one of the owners. I'd recommend the Anjou Elixir. Try out their specialty drinks and talk to the servers about what they would recommend. I would definitely say that ordering your old favorites is not as good as trying out their specialty drinks!
(5)
Christine C.

Good stuff! Not bad Hayward, not bad at all. Dinner: My boyfriend and I started with a french onion soup and he loved it! It wasn't as salty as typical french onion soups, but sadly that's what I like about french onion soup. So alas, I did not enjoy the soup as much as my counterpart who enjoyed the sweetness in the soup. Next, boyfriend decided on the pan seared salmon while I opted for the grilled flank steak. I have had a problem in the past when flank steak was improperly cooked turning it into a charred jerky that leaves me gnawing with the hope of tenderizing the abused piece of meat. Thankfully bijou cooked it medium rare and kept it tender, just the way I like it. Drinkies! The Cucumber Cosmos are awesome! I have to say that it has been the most refreshing cocktail I've ever had and I've had alot in my time. Sadly the Anjou Elixir was too sweet for my taste, which left me disappointed because I had high hopes for this drink. So, in short, come for the food...but stay and return for the COSMO!
(4)
Davie J.

The ambiance is great, the food is a delight, and the price is very reasonable. I write short for great reviews, but, BIJOU was such a great experience for me that I have to yelp much about it. The customer service was "right-on," and the manager even spent sometime on the floor greeting people. Overall, a perfect night for good eats, comfortable seats, and great drinks.
(4)
Derrick M.

Ok Yelpers so my wife and I checked out Bijou over the weekend. After reading the reviews we didn't know what to expect so we went in totally open minded. Afterall, a French place in Hayward didn't seem typical for the neighborhood. We started off with the Asian Pear salad which was average...it was missing the acidity you would associate with a vinaigrette. Next was the Pan seared sea scallops wrapped in prosciutto topped with balsamic reduction sauce. The scallops were a bit fishy and I couldn't taste any of the balsamic sauce so I was underwhelmed with this dish. The Bijou Frittes was next on the line-up and were very good. The last item on our list was Beef Carpaccio, thinly sliced raw filet mignon served with pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, and vinaigrette. Unfortunately, the Chef's unique spin on Carpaccio had the pesto sauce overwhelming the flavor of the meat and was topped off with way to much grated parmessan. Traditionally this dish would have the meat being topped off with a drizzle of olive oil, salt & pepper, capers and shaved parmessan (a reserved portion). Sorry Chef Nam-Hee, but in this case simple is better. We gave the waiter our feedback on the Carpaccio so hopefully it get's back to the Chef. The best part of this meal was the Bijou Frittes. On another note, the place has a nice atmosphere and the wait staff is friendly and attentive.
(2)
Tiffany H.

Well, very good service. Didn't experience very slow service, probably because they've been reading all of your reviews. But the food was disappointing. French onion soup--sadly the chain store Buckhorn Grill makes better. There was not enough flavor. The calamari was ok, nothing special. The mushroom puff was too intense, and the lobster salad was just ok. The duck breast was fairly good, the bass was cold when it was brought to the table however it was decent, as much as it could be when it's cold. And everything was overcharged for mediocre food. Maybe I'm just spoiled by the food in Berkeley and SF ;) Oh I will say the drink I had was pretty tasty, but still, not enough to entice me back.
(2)
Molly G.

I wanted this place to be better! It's so cute and swanky. The food is not at all worth the price! Three veggie rolls for 9 bucks? It was the only vegan thing on the menu. What? The cocktails are always good, I like the mark miller gin w/tonic. Wine selection is better than I expected. It is kinda swanky and cute for Hayward but not really worth hitting up for anything not liquid.
(3)
Frances S.

So we were at the Hayward Street Party last night (fun) but we wanted to see the last half of the Laker/Celtics game, so we stopped at Bijou. This was my first visit and I was very pleasantly surprised. Very nice ambiance and down to earth crowd. I loved the flaring bartender and he made me the absolute best mai tai I have ever had! Because of the street party, it was very crowded, so I'm looking forward to returning on a slower night, maybe for happy hour.
(5)
Michelle C.

Fantastic ! I have been wanting to try it for a while and finally got a chance to go to the lounge. Bijou has a big city vibe in boring Hayward. We have been needing a posh grown up spot to chill at for a while now We had a few drinks and they were delish. Looking forward to going for dinner sometime soon. Bravo Bijou!
(4)
Briggitte L.

Wow! This is Hayward?! I feel like you are dining in San Francisco when I dine at Bijou. It has a great atmosphere. The wait staff is consistently friendly and attentive. The food is fantastic. My husband loves their drinks. I am a huge fan of their desserts! The food is exceptional as well. I highly recommend making a trip to Hayward to see (and taste) for yourself this little piece of San Francisco in the East Bay.
(5)
Ali H.

Living in the NOW...OK, I loved, yes loved, to go and have cocktails until they raised their prices $1 a month! I went with some girlfriends and I felt like I was buying a used car. I get the whole cross selling idea, but come on!!! Just not that into it anymore! David and Koi are rarely there anymore and they made the place fun!!! Also I have been in there mutiple times and depending on how good looking my friends are, depends on our service. Guess it is like being in The City, But it's not! Back in Dec....I love to have cocktails at this Classy Spot in Hayward. Yes, Hayward! I feel like I am in a swanky hot spot in The City! The drinks are dangerously delicious and "The Flare" is fun to watch too! Koi and David are super Bartenders and I only go for cocktails if they are working! I love the Gingered Pear and the Grapes of Wrath is incredibly light and refreshing! I have found my new favourite spot! And you can catch Football on too!
(3)
Lewis F.

Bijou is a new (as of this writing) French/American fusion restaurant in downtown Hayward. I checked it out with my partner and two other friends. There are nice, huge windows at the front, and the interior is colored in deep shades of brown with splashes of bright colors here and there. There's a long bar near the check-in desk; kinda sports bar-ish with the flat panel TVs and the boisterous crowd cheering on the game. I really like the bright, lime green chain wall separating the bar from the dining area. The place was pretty busy, which is pretty much a survival requirement for a new restaurant on a Friday night, particularly in this economy. We had reservations, and our table was ready as soon as we arrived. We were seated at a booth right next to the busy bar. A bit noisy and hard to hear table conversation cuz of the sports fans across the bead wall, but we dealt with it. The drink menu had some fun choices; most of them seemed on the sweet and fruity side. We got the calamari and quiche for appetizers. The squid was very good, and served with 3 different dipping sauces. The quiche was all right, but the portions were quite small relative to the price. Unfortunately, this theme was repeated throughout the evening. My entree, seared salmon, was quite good, and normally served with rice, but I asked the waitress if I could have garlic mashed potatoes as my side instead. My dining companions' meals were on the small side: the lambchop wasn't that big, and he finished his meal quite quickly. Our friends' orders also left the stomach growling: the amount of pork chop and potatoes they received still left them hungry. This might have been part of the management's plan to make us order something from the dessert menu (coupled with the fact that they didn't serve bread or some other free starch at our table gives more evidence towards my theory). Anyway, I got the chocolate fondant, which was a heavenly slice of chocolate cake with more cacao cream goodness inside. Quite decadent and guilt-provoking. My partner got the macarones plate. He was expecting a big, coconut dessert ball macaroon (ala Max's diner style); instead, he got 7 little hamburger-looking things, each in a different color (and flavor). Our friends did the smart thing and shared one dessert, thus avoiding the "Ughhh...I had too much sugar at dinner" syndrome we sometimes get. The wait staff was friendly, positive, and attentive. They filled our water glasses readily without being asked, and inquired to our satisfaction on a regular basis. All in all, a very good place to celebrate something, or just get together with friends. However, be aware that the amount of food you receive may be less than you'd expect from a regular Hayward restaurant. The best part is, once you step into the place, you feel like you're in downtown San Francisco or some other cosmopolitan city. Unfortunately, once you complete your dining experience and leave the restaurant, you realize you're back in Hayward. ; ) Hopefully this place, along with the theater about to open, will raise the profile of our city and make it a destination spot rather than a drive-through town.
(4)
S N.

This restaurant has been here quite sometime now. As we all know food service goes down hill after openings. But not this place. Right across the street from the Hayward Cinema. We popped in with reservations @5:30pm. We were greeted by the bartender & seated right away. As we looked over the menu, we were confused over "large plates & small plates" but our waiter Robert was very courteous & willing to answer our questions. Menu is set up depending on how hungry you are & how much you want to pay. If your really hungry an appetizer, large plate might do. But if you want to try the array of eats on the menu try the small plates. We did & found we were not disappointed. First off, we ordered a Raspberry Mojito very well blended & not overpowered by the mint. Then we set out our food order. On this order we stayed with the small plates. Starting off with Potatoe Fries, sweet potatoes & regular slim cut fries served with alioli sauce. GREAT! not greasy, not overcooked. Could not get enough of these! Shortly starting the fries, came Ahi Tartare served with corn & avocado & a smear of wasabi & alioli, decorated with a large black sesame seed shrimp chip. THIS WAS AWESOME! Even flavors, nothing overpowered. Just enjoy as it is. Beef Carpaccio was next very thin slices of beef with freshly grated parmesan cheese, freshly made bruschetta. Another excellent plate. Our last plate was the pizza, portabello, sausage pizza served to us on oak board with freshly grated parmesan cheese, basil (thinly sliced), pepper flakes. Though is dish was not our favorite, sauce had no taste, we took home. We felt we had a honest good meal. Would definitely suggest others to try. We will be coming back.
(4)
Jimmi G.

My wife and I saw this renovation take place and we were very interested in a new restaurant in our little city. We waited a bit after it opened to let them get in their groove. Service - We were greeted by a very friendly hostess with a big warm smile. We were early for our 9:30 reservation but we were seated right away. I balked at the teeny tiny two seat table and we were placed at a table that had been set for four. Our server was very friendly and quite efficient. Ambiance - Very chic. A nice thing to see in downtown Hayward! The decor, lighting and openness of the floor plan all work together to make a very nice visual experience. The acoustics are a bit annoying. The east wall looks great with the colored lights but the design is similar to an orchestra shell directing any sound back out into the room. Not as loud as Buffalo Bill's but a bit on the noisy side. Some soft materials and decor that diffuses sound would make a huge difference. Food - The French Onion Soup was fantastic! The Buffalo Sliders were delicious. I wish they had a buffalo main course consisting of a nice cut of buffalo meat as opposed to the ground version found in the sliders. My wife enjoyed the Salmon very much. I was impressed with the quality of the Lamb Chops but they were cooked a little too much for my taste. The quality of the cut of lamp saved the day even with the over done cooking. My wife had the cheesecake, which I tasted and we were not really impressed by it. The CrÃ¨me Brule, on the other hand was delicious. I would wave the torch over the sugar on top a bit longer to get the individual granules of sugar to melt together a bit more and bring out a nice browner crust on top. Price - The cost for our dinner was reasonable considering the food and the nice ambiance. A decent cost -vs- experience ratio. Overall - A nice change to the downtown Hayward scene. We will return a number of times I'm sure. I am looking forward to watching this new restaurant evolve and click into it's groove in Hayward. Try it. You'll like it.
(4)
JEFFREY R.

A nice dining in Hayward? Wow. Bijou restaurant is moderately price for the area and food that is comparable to that of an american-french restaurant. I would consider Bijou restaurant as an "Asian Fusion" restaurant. I don't think you can compare Bijou restaurant to a French restraurant. We had the salmon and rack of lamb- large plate. I was impress. Nice restaurant for simple dining. Asian Fusion restaurant instead of French and they will definitely attract more customer.
(4)
Jessica Y.

great drinks and yummy small plates and salads.
(4)
Loren John B.

Came here last night for a friend's birthday dinner. Its nice to see donwtown Hayward getting a major facelift, but it was kinda weird to see this kind of restaurant in a not-so-classy area. Yeah I said it. Inside, it looked like it could easily be turned into a nightclub, but it was just a really nice and intimate bar and restaurant. Our service was pretty good, considering some of the people I went with knew our waiter, and the other waitress who was helping us out talked about wine with one of my buddies who works at a winery. Our group started off with the fried calamari. Not too oily, and the batter was pretty flavorful. The dipping sauces were a good compliment with it as well. Since I ate dinner before coming here (I wasn't sure if we were gonna go out for dinner at all), I aimed for a small plate. Since I'm a fan of scallops, I went with the pan seared sea scallops. To my surprise, the platter came out with only two thick scallops topped on a bed of steamed spinach. Although the portions were small, I have to say that the scallops were pretty damn good. Cooked just right, and without looking overcooked from the outside. My friends tried the sliders, and I think that platter gives you the most for your money. I'll look into trying that next time I go. For some reason you can't go wrong with an egg in a burger. Its a good place for a fine dining experience, especially if you're on a date and you're willing to spend a little more. Let's hope downtown Hayward continues revitalizing itself. Cheerio.
(4)
Chingy K.

had dinner here friday night with my boo ..nice location in hayward, the server was friendly and answered all our questions. the ambiance & decor is a bit modernized,,the place is just right not too big nor too small. parking is not so hard since beside it is a big parking lot though it tends to be full sometimes. food tastes good but a bit pricey..i remember paying $10 for 5 pcs of chicken lollipops,, i tried Poutine or proutne..its like fries wd meat on it. dat was good,, drinks are $10 too..kinda pricey snce u can get those for $6 from other clubs. the dj starts playing music arnd 10ish,, music is loud but its ok, arnd 11ish the crowds seems to build up..one thing though why are they playing OLD HITS ..WE STAYED TIL 12 HOPPING THAT THEY WOULD PLAY RECENT MUSIC HITS BUT TO NO AVAIL. i dnt know maybe they're gonna pla it around 1 or sumthing..but its too bad though cos th music is so old.
(3)
Michelle V.

Don't go here for the food anymore, mainly for the nightlife since it's so close to home. The crowd seems more ghetto than before and enforced a dress code. A friend came all the way from the city, not knowing about the dress code and had to go to Walmart to buy a pair of slacks. Apparently they banned smoking outside in Hayward too, which I don't mind since I don't smoke but I'm sure doesn't please my friends who do.
(2)
Ken L.

I've tried this place out 5 or 6 times in the last year, the first time was when they first opened and last time was just a few days ago. This is a very elegant and classy establishment. The place is extremely clean and the decor is totally 21st century. Surprisingly the dress is casual and I never needed any reservations. Drinks are kind of steep, but I don't really mind because where else are you going to get a Basil Gimlet or a Blood and Sand? The women love the Blood and Sand!!! Guys, trust me on this. Do not let her order her drink, order it for her. I love their food, the prosciutto wrapped scallop appetizer is to die for. I also really enjoy the Oven Roasted Sea Bass and the Pan seared Lamb Chops. This place rocks, I like all their waiters and staff. This is a great place to go if you're waiting to go see a movie at the Hayward Century 21 or even after the movie. Single Guys; if you have a hot date and you want to stay in the area instead of driving into the city (SF) and you want to impress your date, try this place out. Dinner, drinks, movie and a local Motel won't cost you more than $150.00 unless she's a total glutton. But don't forget, she must have at least two Blood and Sands to make it happen. Trust me......................
(4)
arielle c.

This review is strictly for the bartender DAVE. He will take care of you. Such an awesome Guy! He's the reason why I continue to go here. Ask for him if you grab a drink at the bar. If you're lucky, you may catch him putting on a show by doing tricks while making drinks!
(5)
Samikat W.

Was in Hayward on business and stopped by the Bijou to check it out. The windows were so dirty (with stuff running down them) that I couldn't see inside. How do they expect to get SF prices with Hayward dirt?? Walked down the street to Buffalo Bill's and was impressed by the cleanliness AND the prices :-)
(1)
Adam S.

I, like other residents of Hayward, was thrilled to see Bijou open. It provides a glimmer of hope of good things to come to downtown Hayward. It's popular with the 25-35 crowd, so you'll hear upbeat ambient music and frequent laughter and clinking of drink glasses I've dined here twice in the last few months and had similar, mostly positive experiences: good food, enthusiastic and knowledgeable wait staff and a somewhat lengthy wait to receive my orders. I think some of the comments about the wait or it being cold inside are likely teething pains that a lot of new restaurants experience.
(4)
gEe C.

DAMN. . . Since, when did the hood start comin' up? So long ago, I had a vision. That the city of Hayward would actually go and do something about the Downtown area 'cause it's pretty busted. Now over the years, I have definitely seen some progress and B ST. seems to be the epi-center of it. Anyway, what Im tryin' to say is. . . Im glad that Bijou exists. I ain't gonna lie, I had my hesitations when I first decided to throw my birthday dinner here last weekend. But really, I was quite surprised with how classy this place was and how ridiculously BIG it was for a lounge. And the crowd here was NOT GHETTO. I repeat NOT GHETTO. Bijou don't play. They like to maintain a mature and grown clientele, which is all good by me. Anyway, so my birthday dinner was pretty bomb. Can't complain. The Skirt Steak I ordered was delish and the Strawberry Fields Martini I decided to wash it down with, definitely kept me buzzin'. It was FEEL GOOD. My party was pleased with the food. Although, a few negatives was service was a little on the slow side and they TOOK my plate away, when I wasn't even done with (oh hell no) so they can prepare for the lounge it turns into right after. OH! and it was kinda on the expensive side. Like, hella not Hayward. But, I guess it keeps the ghetto crowd away. As far as the nightlife. . . It was EH. We came on a Saturday and it was 80s night. I really was hoping that they were gonna play more Hip Hop. Because honestly, we are in the HOOD. Therefore, you should play HOOD music. I wanted to see this place get all super hyphy-hyphy-hyphy. But, alas, it just wasn't my luck. Overall it was a pretty good experience. I'd definitely come back, since its local and easy to get to. FYI: this place seems to produce long lines, so if you want to secure a spot here, I would, FOR SURE, come here at around 9 pm. 9 30 ish is when they start the line outside, so if you want to save yourself the hassle, come early and get yo dranky-drank on. :)
(4)
Meisha M.

Bijou is great. The owner and employees are fantastic and really do care about your satisfaction. The place looks amazing, the drinks are delish. I'm really happy that there is a place in Hayward you can go to AND enjoy yourself and the atmosphere. 5 stars to Bijou for making a cool hangout for locals. Def will swing by again
(5)
Key D.

Love this place and only 3 mins from home, especially the Ginger Pearl cocktail from the bar. Great ambiance, service and atmosphere. Drink prices lil steep though.
(4)
prisilla s.

They have the best drinks ever... n their food is so good! yyyuummmm and the owners talk to everyone which is really rare I love it
(5)
Irene S.

I came here the first time Friday night with my husband. We wanted to see a movie and this place was not only close but had good reviews. It was also on Opentable so reservations was a breeze. It's a good place for a date night. Service was enthusiastic, friendly, and prompt. I ordered the Surf and Turf, which was salmon and beef, and found the surf to be a bit on the bland and dry side while the turf part of the dish was quite excellent. My husband and I quite enjoyed the smaller plates, and I think I might order from the small plates more in the future. It's a great place in downtown Hayward.
(4)
Vicki Y.

First time to this restaurant because discount deal thru Travelzoo. We had an amazing experience. Not only for the cost of the meal but most important was the food quality and also the service. The people will not treat you differently whether you use discount coupon or not order wine. People work there have very friendly manner. Honestly, I will visit this restaurant again even without the discount deal. It is pretty good in this area.
(5)
Michele O.

Went back for drinks and apps afer the visit described below. Still stand by eveything said below. Hayward needs a restaurant like this but this is not it - bad quality regardless of the high prices. I don't know how this place stays open. Second time here tonight after waiting over a year to try again. Will only go back for drinks and snacks. Will NOT eat dinner here again. I don't think the prices are too high for what they're trying to serve, the prices are too high for the quality of the food they serve. Risotto tasted like it was made with Lipton's French Onion Soup mix, the scallops were gritty (hello??? rinse them first!) The spinach side dish was in the shape of someones hand that had squeezed it into a turd like shape and it tasted very bad and strange, couldn't even tell you what they seasoned it with but it did not go with the risotto and scallops at all. husband loved his sea bass but to me it had an ammonia aftertaste that ruined it. please note my husband will eat anything and say it's good. Drinks were good and at a standard $10 average; french fries were awesome, service was initially good but tapered off as the restaurant began to morph into a 'Haystack' meat market dance club ala San Jose. Plan to be finished with your dinner before 9:30 pm on the weekends unless you're into slow service or the nightclub scene. Hayward needs an upscale modern restaurant like this is trying to be, but they need to get better with their service and quality of food or they'll be gone.
(2)
Joy S.

I heard some good things about this place thru a friend a figured it was worth a shot so I go to try out the food on a saturday nite at around 9:30 i think and did not know it was a night lounge after so i said what the hell all these ghetto kids starts coming in throwin up their turf so i threw up mines but im from pleasanton and they ask me where i was from and i said pleasanton and they laugh at me so i threw a right cross hit homeboy square in the nose he was out like james toney in a mma fight and then his boys rush me and i gave him a ryu ayyduuuken !!!!! and then the security maced me and i went to jail damn u bijou damn u i had to pay 500 to bail myself out and their food was not good and was skimppy dislike for a fat fuck like me i need nice size portion but to those ghetto kids i got some heat for they ass like celly cell !!!!!
(1)
Erica S.

haven't experienced the restaurant, but attended the lounge last night. Nice venue, good music, drinks were a bit watered down, mixed atmosphere, age group: every one who just turned 21
(2)
Eric F.

Great place. You get the vibe of being in the city at a nice restaurant/lounge but in . . . Hayward. This place just saved me $5 on toll. I've been here a few times and pretty sampled a good portion of the menu, tried most all their small dishes as well as their main entree's. I can't say I every left unsatisfied. Great desserts, you gotta try the crossant pudding. Good selection of beers and I dont mean they have a lot of selection but the the selection they have is on point. And cocktails that'll knock you out. To sum it up in a word, Good!
(5)
Christine P.

My husband and I decided to eat here on a Wednesday night so the place was not that busy. We decided to order escargot to start off with. It was both our first time to eat snails. The texture of it is quite interesting. It was in some kind of pesto sauce so it tasted pretty good, my husband liked it. i thought it was a little salty though. For our main course I had the pan seared salmon which was delicious. My husband tried the lamb chops. He said it was ok, I tasted it and I didn't like it, I'm just not a big fan of lamb. For dessert I couldnt decide between the hazelnut mousse or chocolate fondant. We ended up picking the chocolate fondant. Oh my goodness that was so good!!! I was in chocolate heaven! The waiter was a bit slow and I had to ask for bread, he didn't bring us some automatically. Overall, we enjoyed our experience there. Would definitely go back when we get a chance.
(4)
Yuan Ting L.

First time ever tried a restaurant in Hayward, and it was a good experience. Its decoration is nice, food is delicious, especially the steak and desserts. Good to give a try!
(4)
Greg L.

well... I've been to Bijou about 4 times and come away each time with mixed feelings and experiences... the good: the bar and cocktails are fantastic. I will say that they make a pretty decent Sazerac and Manhattan. the bartenders are great..knowledgeable and friendly. overall, the dinner selections are fairly standard but done with some creativity and flair. personally, I like their appetizers which I think they do really well as far as presentation and taste goes. the decor is nice...not something you'd expect for downtown Hayward. I'd expect something more like Bronco Billy's for Hayward.. the not so good: the service in general I found sub-par for the type of establishment they are striving to be. I may be asking for a bit too much but if I order a cheese plate...I'd like the the server to at least be able to tell me what cheeses are on the plate and short explanation of the condiments. no, they just stick the plate of food in front of you and walk away. the food (entrees)when good is just good, not great...not extraordinary. I've had the scallops on two separate occasions and had overcooked rubbery and gritty scallops twice. not a pleasant experience. lastly, for as nice of a bar as they have...the wine selection can be improved. for a restaurant of the caliber they are trying to be, that needs to be enhanced. overall, a good but not great dining experience. I've found that the best way to enjoy my meal is to forgo the entrees and order small plates...which ARE for the most part, excellent. if the service were a bit better I'd give them another star and a half... if in the area and you desire something less hip but a better dining experience...go further north on 580 and go to Paradiso in San Leandro...
(2)
Holger N.

Nice place for a special dinner. We went there for diner, my wife had coq au vin and i had halibut. Both excellent. Service was quick and friendly. However, it was a little bit too loud in general. As well as we told the maitre d' our name for the table reservation (on opentable.com ) she did not take our reservation as "seated". They even called us five minutes after we had left the restaurant and i again confirmed we had been in there and finished dinner. Next day i found a "no-show inquiry" by opentable.com in my inbox.
(4)
Justine K.

okay fiiiirsstt of all, do NOT tell someone that there is no guestlist early on in the week, and then all of a sudden have a guestlist line on the night that we all come!!!! it was a friend's birthday and she had called on maybe a wednesday night to ask about the upcoming saturday since she would be celebrating her birthday there. someone told her no, there is no guestlist. yet when we arrive, they suddenly have a gl line. and they're only letting in the gl line! how are you gonna let everyone in that line get in before the general line? that's soo stupid because that means people in the general line will probably not get in for like an hour or more! UNFAIR. and really doesn't make sense either because what's the point of having a guestlist if you don't even charge cover?? just have one line! no one is paying anyway! ugghh anywaayy, i guess they talked to the bouncers and complained enough that they let us in after a while. good thing! once we got in it was fun. but CROWDED. i was surprised.. cmon, this is hayward... when is it ever crackin here?! the venue itself is pretty. the drinks are on the pricier side i think... a vodka tonic and shot of patron was 18 bucks. not bad but still, i got a vodka tonic the night before at a club in the city for $6. so cmon, bijou... gimme a break! the music was reaallyyy good in the beginning. when i heard outstanding by the gap band, i was like WOW this place cracks! then i realized they were on some 80's hype for the rest of the night and was kinda disappointed. where is the variety, dude? and the dj told me he wouldn't play return of the mack for me because he hated that song. what a dummie. doesn't he know everyone in the entire world loves mark morrison? stupid dj. the end of the night the dj got a little bit smart and played some jams though. just friends, after party, some biggie here, and michael jackson there... even blow the whistle in the end. there ya go. good choices. but thanks for playing at the end when we're all leaving. hahah. ugh. the location is cool because parking is easy! and it's close to home, so no paying toll to cross any bridges or driving hella far. they just need to get the line thing sorted out and play a good variety of music throughout the entire night, and i'll be more of a fan!
(3)
Jennifer Y.

so i've been to bijou twice now and i really want to like this place but i probably won't be coming here voluntarily unless another friend decides to throw a birthday here. this place has a lot of potential but all the rift raft coming in from oakland, hayward, etc will bring this place down. i love the chic atmosphere and the convenient parking but the place can get ghetto depending on what night you go. the guy to girl ratio is probably 4 to 1. it gets awkward if you show up around 10-10:30pm, when people are still having dinner but random crowds are standing around waiting for the people to finish eating so they can clear out the tables and dance. overall, i like the place and the set-up but the vibe is definitely off.
(2)
Kathy D.

I went here for a small girls get together for my bday dinner. I didn't feel like making a trip out to the city. I wanted to go somewhere local, cute, and with good cocktails. My cousin suggested this place to me a while back so I figure I'd give this place a try. Success - it achieved everything I was looking for. We had so much fun laughing that night that it caught on to our server, apparently we made his night! Or, so he said. We did the Yelp prix fixe and small dishes so we can get a sample of everything, they were all pretty good (prawns, mussels, chicken lollipops, scallops, beef carpaccio, strawberry crepe). We didn't have any complaints on the food. At the end, we decided to go home and passed on the bar/lounging after hours. It was a great dining experience. Sure, some of the things are a bit pricey, but you're also paying for the decor, atmosphere, etc. But then again it is in Hayward, maybe if they knocked down a buck or two on some of the things it might be given a 5 star. Nevertheless, I'd come back (not for a full on dinner), but a place to catch up with friends over yummy cocktails with a small dish or two. Pros: - Small Plates (great for trying/sharing) - Pretty atmosphere - Good Parking - Great staff (Jake was awesome!) - Good clientele (at least during dining hours) - Bar/Lounge after hours Cons: - Can be seen as expensive Recommendations: - Scallops Au Deux Pommes (my fave dish) - Pear Ginger Cocktail (i forgot the name) - Sangria (way better than SF's cha cha cha)
(4)
Cal J.

I had a groupon to use and that's how I landed up here with my wife and teenage son. The service is great. The Kachumber cocktail with the Tequila base was done very well. We had Tuna Tartare and Grilled Baby back ribs as starters - done well. For the main course, it was Braised Short Ribs and Oven Roasted Seabass - both of them were the highlight of the dinner - the presentation was excellent and the executed very well. Even for a large plate category, the portions were relatively small considering that we make all portions huge in this country. But, we like small portions and so enjoyed it very much. We had Creme Brulee and Croissant Pudding for dessert. The dessert size is big here. The Creme Brulee was like any other place, but the Croissant Pudding is to die for. Highly recommended. Loved the great finish to the dinner.
(5)
Cynthia P.

I can't comment about the restaurant, but I definitely can say something about the bar/lounge scene. Last Friday I went to Bijou for a girlfriend's birthday party. This was my first time at Bijou and I had an amazing experience. As a resident of Hayward, I was thoroughly impressed and even shocked that a place like Bijiou even exists. Some of the highlights from last Friday night were: (1) Cool bartenders that did tricks (2) Decent priced drinks (3) Great music playing all night (4) Fancy decor (5) Lots of free seating available (6) Gorgeous ladies and guys (7) People leave the ghetto outside Apparently the night I went was a really good night in terms of music and crowd. So I'm not sure if I'll have the same exact experience if I come back.
(5)
JOHN J.

Organic and sustainable ingredients. Hayward longs for a restaurant of this caliber- ambiance, French chef and techniques, hip and modern. And there were some short comings. Wife and I went on a Sunday night when the crowd was minimal...and it was. So, there was no problem with fighting with crowds or waiting for the food. The ambiance was very hip and modern with house music in the background. The dark woods, stainless steel curtain that splits the resturant in half (the eatting area and bar area (flat screen tv's); and cool lighting catches one's eyes. The hostess was very pleasant and sat us right away. This was going to be good....but......then...... Our mouths dropped to the floor and our eyes bulged out of our eye sockets when the bread came out...grocery store dinner rolls (the soft ones; the ones that are from those plastic packages in dozen count); wow! Incredibly a big let down; and it set the mental tone for the nite. I would've gone without the bread if I had the choice. Yikes! We're thinking, ok...Acme, Semifreddi or La Farine breads. We ordered French onion soup $6(tasty, but on the sweet side); excellent crab avocado salad $14; terrine foie gras $15 is highly recommended (best of the nite); pan seared lamb chops $16 were perfectly cooked with an accompaniment of watery garlic mashed potatoes (disappointing); discovered two elegant wines: Avalon Cabernet; and Chateau clos Jaugueyron at a reasonable price of $6 and $10 respectively. To finish, we ended up getting the Creme brulee $7 and it was very traditional and fantastic. And then we got the bill before we had our first spoonful of creme and first sip of coffee. Were they in a rush? Sheesh. OK...Philip (the co-owner) was standing at the door and asked us how it was. He introduced himself and we told him we wanted this place to succeed so we mentioned the above. They're always tweeking he said; and that there is a food guarentee. You'll have to ask him how long the offer will stand. Bijou can be a jewel (perfect name). We'll give it some time to work out it's kinks before we try it again. For now 2 of 5.
(2)
Jon B.

Mediocre food. Wayyy overpriced. Slow service. Come on people, really? REALLY?? Finally went to Bijou last night for the first time, and was sorely disapointed. It definitely does not deserve the hype its getting. From the outside, as well as when you walk in, Bijou looks great. The ambiance is awesome, especially for a Hayward spot. Nice sparing use of lighting, nice decor, etc. When we were seated, we got a look at the menu. Everything was on the pricey side, with small plates ranging from $10-20, and drinks ranging from $10-12. Now, I don't mind spending money on good food sometimes. However, the portions ended up being so small and nothing tasted great. It was all "okay." Definitely not worth it. We ended up with the braised pork belly pieces, the quiche of the day, tuna tartare, a mussel dish with onions and bacon, and beef carpaccio. The braised pork belly tasted like barbeque from L&L, especially the sauce drenched cabbage that was underneath it. It didnt taste bad, it just didn't come close to being worth the price. The tuna tartare was the next to disappoint. It was basically a bland poke stuffed into A FRIGGIN SHRIMP CHIP. WTF?? We got four of these shrimp chips. Itd be kinda cool to see at a potluck party at work or someones house or something, but if i'm gettin rare tuna at a pricey restaurant, I dont wanna be served any frickin shrimp chips. The beef carpaccio was the worst i've ever had. It wasn't horrible, definitely edible, just bland, and honestly, pretty sad looking. First of all, it had pesto. Not even pesto lightly sprinkled around it--there was a mound of pesto on one side. (Which was on the watery side without much flavor, by the way.) It also had a pile of what looked to be pre-packaged shredded parmesan cheese, like the kind you buy in a tub at the store. Just a big pile. And.... THATS IT!!! No olive oil, no capers, no fresh ground black pepper, etc. Definitely not how carpaccio should be done. WEAK. The mussels were ALRIGHT. There was probably a dozen of them, but they were TINY. Like dry pinto bean sized tiny. And the bacon, onion, and sauce were mostly piled into just one mussel in the middle, not evenly spread out. Mediocre. The quiche of the day was the only semi-redeeming dish that we had. It had bacon and smoked salmon, and the texture was wonderful- nice and fluffy, barely bready at all. As far as drinks, besides a couple beers (nice that they had Spaten Dunkel on tap), we got a Strawberry something (it had gin and lucid absinthe in it), some other cocktail that i cant remember that had death or something in the title i think, and a regular cosmopolitan. The specialty cocktails I was actually impressed with. They were blended very well with fresh ingredients, and tasted good. I couldn't quite taste the alcohol, but I think it was because of how well the drinks were made. I don't know if they were worth $10-12 a drink, but they were definitely more worth it than the food. The cosmo was okay, somehow it turned out greenish, without even a hint of red. Wasn't quite a cosmo to me. As far as service, it was pretty slow. Also, when it came time for us to order our second drinks, they had passed out an "after hours" menu, with a very limited selection of cocktails. Apparently, after 9 or 930, they don't serve their full selection of drinks anymore. Only a few specials and basic run of the mill bar stuff. I thought that kinda sucked. The worst part about the service was when the bill came though. By that time, it was around 10:30, and a DJ had been playing for about a half an hour. The music was decent, mostly 90's hip hop while we were there, but not a single person was dancing (except for one server at the register). Anyways, we got our bill, and the waitress tells us something like "now that we're in after hours mode, if you would like to stay and hang out at your table, there is either a $20 per person or two drink minimum per person." WTF??! We had just spent over $100 for just three people (one of whom didnt even eat anything), it wasn't busy AT ALL, there were still open tables, and not a single person on the dance floor, and they have the nerve to tell people that?? Fuckin RUDE! I don't think I'll ever be coming back to Bijou. It's kinda nice to have in Hayward, I GUESS... I'd recommend goin there just for drinks if you're on a date or waiting for a movie across the street or something and wanna hang out at a little more upscale type of venue. Other than that, food is NOT worth it AT ALL. I hope some similar places open up in Hayward soon, so Bijou will be forced to do some competitive pricing. I wanted to give it 1 star, but the drinks were decent.
(2)
Cathy P.

Going downhill. Used to care about who they let in the door. Now they let any stank heffa in. Nasty! It was a nice place to go on a Sat. So sad...just adding to the ghetto rep of Hayward (I hate to see Hayward go down hill, it has so much potential). Wish it could have stayed a little above the bar (class wise), than the norm in Hayward. Sad to see Bijou conform. Maybe you should enforse the dress code/cover....
(2)
Katie F.

I can see how this might be fun for some people but this just isnt my crowd. if you like rap, and r&b then this is the place for you. if you are filipino, african american or latino this is the place for you. if you want someplace close by that will satiate your faux club craving and give you a false sense of classy then this is the place for you. $2 for a sprite? wth? my fave bar gives me sprite for free. i dont even want to know how much a vodka tonic is. Also its too loud, no one is actually dancing except that lesbian couple that were afraid to actually dance the way they wanted to, and the confused straight couple, oh and that black dude sitting on the counter moving his hands around like he was freakin tight sitting on that counter and "dancing" some girl was wearing a long long prom type dress? some dude was in shorts and a tshirt? the bouncers were cool and there were a ton of them so 1 star for that. 1 star for playing a Micheal Jackson song.
(2)
Iain H.

I have to say I was excited to try this place, as Hayward really doesn't have much in the way of trendy dining. Sadly I was left disappointed. The atmosphere was great. It felt and looked like a trendy little place you could find in San Francisco with sleek modern design elements. In fact I mentioned to my fellow diner that as long as you didn't look outside you'd think you were in SF. I heard the diners next to me remark the same thing. So, I have to give the place credit for that. Unfortunately it's the food that I find important when going to a restaurant, and it just wasn't great. I chose the salmon dish and was not impressed by the charred edges, and was less impressed by the how over cooked it was. It was flavorless and crunchy towards the edges. My fellow diner had the skirt steak which I also found to be flavorless. Dessert though was quite good. We had the chocolate fondant (decadent) and the monterosa cheese cake. Bijou is promising, and I'd be willing to go back again, just not too soon, and not without a reservation.
(2)
bfree L.

This resturant has great potential, only if they had the customer service to match. We walk in and took a nice seat at their very nice bar area, only to wait 45 min. to be served appetizers. The problem with trying to bring class to Hayward is that Hayward isn't ready for it and obviously neither is the management of Bijou
(2)
Arlene E.

I went here on a t friday night. I always wanted to go here. It's looks really cool on the outside, especially for being in Hayward. The food was delicious. We had the chicken lollipops, french fries, sliders, filo pastries. YummmY!!!!!! The place is pretty small and it does get crowded quickly. I do recommend making reservations if you want to have dinner there. The service was great. Everyone was friendly and very helpful. The DJ showed up around 10pm and so did the massive crowd of people.
(5)
Nushie N.

Excellent experience with service! We had Robby as our server on a not-so busy Friday evening. He was very nice to our loud group of ladies, and extremely helpful in recommendations. It was my first time visiting and definitely not my last. The only thing I would change is likely the prices on the food. The portions didn't meet my expectations of the prices, and with a group it becomes quite expensive. Another note- they have a DJ and dancing around 10, and if you eat/get drinks before then they will stamp you for free. It was also complimentary to still get IDed considering our party was a group of 26+ females.
(4)
Jessica D.

Drinks were great! a little pricey but great. I could see the young crowd must love this place. Food was good! the noise was a little loud for this older lady, but we will go back!
(4)
An T.

Hayward finally has a little class with this little chic spot. The interior was well thought out and provides a swanky ambiance. The food is on the higher priced side but its also above burger joint quality. I ordered the sliders and fries, I enjoyed what they did to the dish...although it really is just mini burgers and fries..i liked the use of baby spring green mix for the veggies and I liked the dipping sauce. I like what they are doing for Hayward but it just seems so out of place... maybe that will change with my next visit...
(3)
Venus L.

I had a really great time when I went here with my friends a couple months back. I went twice, and both times the food was awesome. The entree prices were a bit high for our tastes, so we stuck with sharing appetizers, which worked out perfect. We had tried, between the two occasions, the ribs (price was a bit high for 3 pieces, I thought - I'd have preferred them charging a little bit more and giving us one more piece of rib), the sliders, the warm bree, the pizzas, macaroni and cheese (best I had, and was a rather big appetizer portion - good for sharing). We also ordered the creme brulee, which was yummy, but the croissant pudding was amazing. The service both times were awesome, but during the second time there wasn't a hostess to greet us and we had to wait a good five minutes just there. I think the prices for the appetizers are very reasonable for the yummy food, the trendy atmosphere and the service. Can't say anything about the entrees yet, but I definitely plan on going back there at some point to check that out.
(4)
Camille K.

Bijou Restaurant & Bar is French cuisine meets The East Bay of Tommorrowland. I kept waiting for the people mover to board near the bar. I'll drown myself in cocktails next time, and wait for The Mother Ship to land.
(4)
Joel G.

It's easy to say Bijou is impressive because of what everyone here has already said: its atmosphere. But its food isn't bad, either. I had the veggie dish of the day, which was baked mushrooms, peppers, and some other green wirery leaf glazed in balsamic vinaigrette. The presentation of the spiral vinaigrette on the plate was impressive and the dish was pretty good. The texture of the mushrooms were perfect. It was my friend's birthday, and I was a little scared about how she'd like the food because she's a regular at all the top-notch restaurants in the City. The fact that she enjoyed the sea bass allowed me to breathe a sigh of relief. All of you beer aficionados, don't bother to come here for happy hour. There is nothing on tap, though Buffalo Bills is down the street. For the summer, you can buy a bottle of Syrah $22.
(4)
Jen F.

I've been here about 4 times now and probably never going back after my last time. I've never tried the food because I'm only there for the night life. Music is good. The bartenders are nice except the one short Filipino dude is stupid. I asked him to close my husbands tab like 3 times cuz we were done for the night but he totally didn't even care about what I was asking for and so I asked another bartender who was really kind enough to do it. The security guards except this one islander guy are all jerk offs. They push people out the bar making them fall to the ground.. As if they were cops to b really doing that to people. Idiots. If u wanna enjoy the nightlife pls go somewhere else where ull get treated with respect.
(2)
Will V.

The owner used to run Martini Monkey at the San Jose airport. My wife and I stopped there one day on the way down to her parents for Thanksgiving, after hearing much about it, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations - some of the best cocktails I HAVE EVER HAD. I was bummed when they moved Martini Monkey behind the security gate, as no cocktail is worth the price of a plane ticket (though these came close), but I was happy to learn he moved on and opened this place in Hayward, which is swank, sleek and stylish - AND THE COCKTAILS ARE STILL THE BEST!! The food is delicious too. This is THE reason to go to Hayward, even if you live there! Cheers!
(5)
Roderic M.

The Bijou Restaurant and Bar brings a bit of sophstication to downtown Hayward, with a very cool minimalist modern interior design, ambient lighting, and smooth jazz over an excellent sound system. Excellent service, chic decor, very reasonably priced French/Californian cuisine using organic ingredients and a fantastic selection of cocktails. It's particularly a nice restaurant for couples.
(4)
Rak D.

Does this place even belong in Hayward? I love this place. Has a SF feel to it. The food is a little pricey but its good, I looks and tastes like a lot of effort and time has gone into creating these awesome dishes. The sliders are good while having a few drinks. Great selection of beers and they make drinks with fresh fruit too.
(5)
Courtney R.

Love this place great food, drinks and ambiance. For food you have to get an order of the crab cakes and sliders. Drinks try the Hurricane or one of the specials. The place turns in to a club after 10pm so thats cool to have something local in Hayward. Two complaints they are no longer open for lunch and the d.j. was horrible when I went 2 weeks ago...To the D.J.: Wack hits from the 80's won't get the girlies on the floor. fyi.
(5)
Kate S.

I just had a great party for 75 at Bijou. Ben made it amazingly easy to plan the menu and room arrangements. The staff were super helpful and courteous. My guest couldn't stop talking about the food and how gorgeous the restaurant was. The $5 happy hour was a big hit with my guests and the prices that I paid for the food were very reasonable If you are planning an event in Hayward, I would strongly urge you to call Ben and run to Bijou.
(5)
Kyla G.

I gave this place a try late one weekend. My mom and I walked into the place at 8:30 and walked out at 9:30 without ever receiving our entrees. Multiple missteps making dining at this restaurant one of the worst experiences I've eve had: 1. Our soup came before our cocktails. 2. Waited over 30. for our food. 3. 30 min. into the wait, our server finally came over to us and said it would be another 5-7 minutes. 4. 5 min. later she brought over bread because we were starving. 5. 5. min. after that, we asked for our tab and told our server we would be leaving b/c our food was not ready. 6. The manager never came over. He was too important to be bothered. You couldn't pay me to eat there again.
(1)
La Gata M.

Boo. In addition to having uninterested service for high end food, they now want to permit smoking. Boo. Surprising that the chef and owner don't get that tasting food is more important than having it look good. But then maybe they are going for the Fernando approach, "it is more important to look good than to feel good." Definitely not going back. Did I say, Boo?
(1)
M M.

Tried the Living Social Deal. The food was very good except for the Beef dish, that was a huge disappointment, as I doubt there was any beef in it. The Salmon was excellent, as were the ribs appetizer, messy but tasty. The desserts were also very good. Great meal for the deal price but wouldn't pay $132. plus tip for dinner for two. This was not a high end fancy restaurant, comfortable yes. The restaurant is loud but we adjusted to the sound. The bar is very very busy and everyone looked happy. The drinks were very good too. However, the service was poor. A couple that arrived after us, received much better service from a different wait person. Ours was not attentive at all and there was quite a break between courses. I expected much better service for the price. We went on a week night, thinking it would be less crowded. The restaurant was empty when we arrived but packed when we left. Again, the food was very good. The service was not.
(3)
Erica T.

Bijou has redeemed itself, in my eyes! Decided to go back after a very long hiatus and give our local another try! The menu was changed up a bit, but still had the tried and true skirt steak, salmon and pomme frites. One thing I do love about Bijou is their cocktails! Their mixologists come up with some awesome concoctions and I had the pear ginger crush and my man had the anjou elixir. Both were very yummy! I had the short ribs which were very tasty and I loved the soy and sweet sauce! The mashed potatoes with creme fraiche were off the hook!
(4)
Emerald N.

When I first walked into the restaurant, it was only half full, so my thought was that it might not be that great. I was more than pleasantly surprised. The food was fantastic, and the service was spot-on. Definitely try the salmon. The only slight disappointment was the dessert (very plain crepes), but I would definitely go back again.
(4)
Morgan W.

Good atmosphere and good food, but the price is a bit steep. Especially for the cocktails.
(3)
baretta v.

Well I didnt want to review this, cause now everyone will know the new under spot to chill, have a drink, relax and unwind with some tasty food... if your in my new neighborhood, Check out BISOU!
(5)
The O.

Bouncer was a douche - way to make a first impression.
(1)
miss a.

yummy cocktails. the bf got a screwdriver that was absolutely deeelish. the atmosphere is a little stuck up considering as soon as you step outside - you're in Hayward. But other than that, it's a nice place. -2 stars for the dress code, and totally waxed, tanned, and plucked douche bags that seem to take over the place every Sat night.
(3)
Dominic G.

I don't know what most of these reviewers are thinking. Maybe they are reviewing the atmosphere, which was nice and felt out of place for Hayward, and mixed drinks, which I hear are very good. As for the food, I came here on a Friday night for dinner and tasted: Bijou Crab Cones $15- Came with 4 pieces about the size of a large gumball. Super oily, overcooked, and had no taste of crab Seared Duck Breast $21 - Again overcooked the breast was tough and I had a hard time cutting though it with the sharp knife they gave me. Also the sauce was bland and overpowering. The best thing on the this plate was the steamed broccoli. Grilled Filet Mignon $26 - Below standard, potatoes and green beans were undesireable. Again slightly overcooked. Pan Seared Salmon $15 - Tasted average. Like salmon that could be served in any household. Roasted Prok Filet MIgnon $18 - Best dish I tried. Came with three medalions; two were overcooked. The flavor was pretty good, but maybe because it was wrapped in bacon. Hazelnut Mousse $7 - This thing tasted like they took it straight out of a package (like those European chocoalate pastires that come in a tin can and have the brown plastic tray), threw it on a plate, and sprayed some sauce around edges. It was really light and airy and the additional sauce didn't add any flavor to the dish. The one star I did give was for the beer. I had two the bottles of Delerium Tremens and I was buzzin; its 8.5% ABV. It was strong, wasn't dark, and had some complex flavors. One of my new favorite beers. I'll be keeping an eye out for this one. My only gripe is that it came with a special glass made by Delerium which was shaped like a snuffer. I had a hard time pouring which created a lot of head. The trick is to pour it super slow. Maybe there was a bad chef that day, but that is no excuse. If I were come back here, it would be only for the drinks. Maybe the food would taste better if I were drunk... After looking at the pictures provided on Yelp, the crab cakes and duck breast look nothing like what they served me last Friday. I'm pissed! The crab cones did not have any sauce on them and the duck breast wasn't even sliced. That goes to show the quality of this place. I wish I had a taken pictures to post and show everyone the differences. So again, maybe I got a bad chef that day, but I'm not going to spend over $150 on a hit or miss dinner.
(1)
Maria G.

I went here for opening Salsa night. It was a real nice place. Music was good. BUT......you need to be careful. A friend we were with got drugged through her drink. Which was really scary. Don't know who did it but thank God we took good care of her. So ladies if you go on a girls night out be careful.
(3)
ed c.

So yeah, new diggs in hayward make this spot and the little strip they are trying to make a comfortable area in hayward. If you want the french food then go for it. Ambiance and design get the 3rd star in this place. $$
(3)
anamae d.

I love this place, whenever i feel like going out on the weekends and doesn't wanna drive anywhere far, this the go-to place for me. I like their food although the portion size is small and is kinda pricey. It turns into a club on the weekends as well so if u just feel like eating there show up early...they are packed all the time
(4)
sonia m.

I discovered Bijon on Saturday while at the farmers market and what a great space with a very clean and contemporary feel. I was so excited that I called my room mate and made plans right away, and so we went last night, we both could not believe that we where sitting in Hayward. Having lived here for 4 years now and being used to getting in my car to drive every time I want to go some where nice, this is a Great option. We did not eat in the restaurant but sat in the bar area had drinks and ordered 2 appetisers, the salmon tartar and the sliders. Even though the tartar is not in the traditional style we both enjoyed it and loved the sliders, served with a quail egg on top, messy but well worth it. The crowd was professional, with a nice age mix, not loud at all. The owners Ben and Phil where very gracious and talked with us for some time, we also meet christian the executive chef, everyone was very attentive and made us feel very at home. There is no doubt that I will be back and with my friends.
(4)
Danielle B.

Time to update. I've been to Bijou enough at this point to lay it down a little more thoroughly. Let's start with the cocktails. They're amazing. All of them are handcrafted, use premium/lesser known spirits, and have fresh ingredients. If you go on a slower night during the week, it's the ultimate relaxing experience to watch the bartenders take their time and do it the right way. Obviously if you go during the later-in-the-week evening hours, this isn't the case because you're not really going for the enjoyment of, or if you will, the honoring, of your beverage - you just want it to go down quickly. If you are however looking for an almost spiritual bond with that drink, then go when it's more chill so the staff isn't as frazzled and all stops are pulled out. Their Mai Tai, Gimlet, and especially the Purgatory are standouts. I'm obsessed with their attention to details, it's worth the extra buck or two. The food here is quality, especially in comparison to the local restaurants (or lack thereof). I'm especially partial to the steak and fries combo, but everything on the menu is clean, flavorful, and a well-executed take on the classics, with a little bit of adventure in the spice or flavor profile (chicken lollipops, my friend?). I can't think of anything that's ever disappointed me in the say, three times I've dined here. Service is casual but efficient. Prices are fair. For a night out, I probably wouldn't come here. When they first starting doing the club thing, it was fun but a little confusing. You'd have people still dining, a slammed bar, and then booths that you could sit in with a $30 drink min per table. It seemed all over the place, like they hadn't found a rhythm for what they were trying to put together. And now it's just gotten ridiculous. The last time I came here, it was so crowded that they weren't letting people in, which I'm cool with, but it's Bijou. In Hayward. Why are you trying to be all exclusive? I'm sure they make enough money at the bar to not charge a cover, but when you have a line out the door and you aren't letting anyone in for like 30 minutes, I start to question how the place is run. For the most part, the crowd is cool, but it can be a little ghetto for what they try to be. It feels like the brasserie that put extra thought on the bar menu needs to work out how that got the hype up about their booze and then turned into a lounge.
(4)
Sonya R.

I am very surprised how down hill Bijou has become. When it first opened it was inspiring, hip, and detailed. Now, it is dirty, lazy, and slightly shady. The best thing about this place is the cocktails. I went on a double date Saturday evening and the waitress took our order and all was well. My husband and I received our appetizers while our friends were on their main course. Time passes and we still did not receive our main courses. I asked the waitress and she said, "O, I thought a runner brought our your food. Well, the cooks already left for the night so do you want a shot instead? And I'll make sure the manager takes off your food since you never received it." Really, I am sitting there starving and I am offered a shot and yeah the manager of course needed to take off the items since we never received them. This is just an example of how undetailed the waitress was and how lazy the cooks were. She did not stop by our table and check to see if we received everything and the cooks pretty much said we are not creating their dishes and went home. To top it off no manager came by our table to apologies for the inconvenience nor were we offered a discount for next time. Which there will not be a next time. Bijou went down hill.
(2)
Barney F.

An upscale bar and restaurant in downtown Hayward?? Well it's true. No kids for the evening so we figure we splurge a little for dinner. Surprisingly, dinner was pretty good. You can order from the small plate menu or the large plate menu. Everything is pretty much ala carte. If you want a good sampling, order 2 plates from the small menu. This is a nice local place to take a date and for those who are married with kid(s), date night. Don't bring the kids though. Bijou is way overpriced for kids and maybe for some adults. The croissant pudding was very good. It's a good place to hang out and chit-chat without having to drive very far if you're in the Hayward area.
(4)
Dennis H.

it's strange that such a fine restaurant is in Hayward. The food here is awesome. Can be super expensive but when you are on a date with your loved ones, how can you let money stop you from having a good time? The service here is always kick@$$!
(4)
Therese L.

I had a good time the food was tasty but pricey then later the music was jumpin....I will for sure be going back!
(4)
Rose E.

First time I went here, it was just for drinks and dessert. Had this hazelnut cake thing and it had crunch texture to go with it too and I really enjoyed it!. Next time I came here it, I wasn't really pleased. The calamari flavor was bland ( come on now, how can you mess up on calamari) the soup was okay... and the crab salad was cool... but I got really bummed cause I was looking forward to that hazelnut cake that I got before, and when I got it this time.. it tasted stale... that was a no bueno.. I think I may come back again... maybe... but maybe just for drinks.
(3)
MARIO W.

as good as it gets in hayward people! wake up and smell the grey goose !!!!
(5)
Wes O.

7:05 pm - Me: Hi, a table for 2 please. Hostess: Do you have a reservation? Me: Well no I don't. Hostess: well, it will be about 10 mins. Me: that's fine. 7:12 pm- Hostess: Right this way. [We are seated at our table.] 7:18 pm- We finally meet our waitress. Me: Ma'am, we are kind of in a rush, [I have tickets to catch a movie across the street at 7:55] about how long do you think the food will take? Waitress: well the kitchen is backed up, but I think it should take about 20 mins for your meals to come out [although it wasn't fully packed, maybe about 3/4 full]. Me: That should be ok. We will have the scallops and the Lamb, and for drinks a coke and a Hefezwiezen. 7:35 pm- Finally the drinks come out. [it wasn't like they had to mix anything but it still took about 15 mins.] 7:45 pm- after making eye contact with my waitress 3 times after she passes me by and doesn't stop to status me... Me: Miss! [shrugging shoulders like "what's up"]. Waitress: I'm gonna check right now [she says as she runs by me]. Also, others have reviewed that they received bread with their meals; we didn't get any bread - with waiting 30 mins for food... you should have bread or a small salad. 7:48 pm- waitress walks by me 2 more times before stopping to say "your food will be out in just a moment". 7:51 pm- food comes out and we begin to scarf it down. I'm already looking for my waitress for the bill....but she is nowhere to be found. 7:55 pm- We are just about finished our meal - that wasn't hard because there were only 3 scallops on the plate, but they were good. The lamb was cooked perfect; tender and tasty. 8:05 pm- [As the previews to my movie play] waitress still has not come back to ask how the food was or nothing. Since I was sitting back where the register was, I motioned to another waitress to ask for the bill. Me: Ma'am, I am kind of in a rush, can you get my bill for me? Other waitress: sure. She comes back promptly with the bill, and I already have my credit card waiting. She takes it, runs the card, and disappears. 8:10 pm- after not seeing MY original waitress and seeing the other waitress that ran my card 2 more times, I stop her and ask "can I have my bill?" Other waitress: I gave it to your waitress. Me: But ma'am, I told you I was in a hurry, and you were right there. Other waitress: Yeah, but I'm not your waitress, I gave it to her. Me: But ma'am, the register is RIGHT. THERE. Other waitress: [cutting me off] well here she is now...so. Me: but why couldn't..... Nevermind! [signed the check and left zero TIP. Walked out briskly]. 8:15 pm- I see what looks to be an owner/GM and explain to him the situation. Owner: I'm very sorry sir, but we ARE a little busy tonight. ::WRAP IT UP!:: I love that this place is new, fresh, and revitalizing Hayward ; the city I live. The food is great and the ambiance is wonderful, BUT THE SERVICE SUCKS, and it seems the owner is NOT trying to foster an attitude of good service in his staff, by the way he would use "it's busy" as an excuse. Needless to say...I missed my fricken movie.
(1)
MMA E.

Overpriced, lousy.....and I mean lousy service, overpriced drinks. They seem to be attempting some kind of "night club" thingy, I went with some friends to check it out (My 3rd attempt at trying to give the place a chance) Drinks were expensive, could NOT get a drink at the bar, and a crowd of wannabees.......... pass on this joint ...........
(1)
Kimberly C.

Went for drinks and fell in love with the POM Springs martini! Yummy!
(3)
Jana H.

Love the interior design of this space--really interesting features, great drinks and the size of the drinks are very generous. I just wish it was closer to where I live But if your out in Hayward this is definitely the place to go.
(4)
Jessica L.

Went there again after my birthday dinner for just drinks and they have some amazing drinks. They make everything fresh so there are no blender or pre-made mixes. I got a mai tai that was heaven. My friends got a berry cosmo thing and we watched as they put fresh raspberries on the stick for it. The drinks are a little pricey, but worth every penny in my book.
(4)
Columbus D.

Love this place. I am there many times a month. It is a nice piece of the City without having to cross a bridge, find parking blocks away. The food is good and the drinks are even better. The crowd is very mixed and pleasant for just dinner or when it turns into a night club after 10 PM on Fridays, Saturday, and Sundays. Get there early because if it is busy, there can be a line to get in by 11 PM.
(5)
Royce L.

Oh, I forgot to review the restaurant from way back...I remember the food is definitely tasty, ambiance is nice (very trendy, neon green lights kinda thing), and service was friendly. What I didn't like (and stayed with me, considering this review is months later) is the presentation, which was somewhat boring and plain for a restaurant that is trying to set the image of modern and trendy, and the bread. OOO, I'm really hard on places that can't get their bread together (if they serve it). Fresh baked breads are the best. Stale, old, or "safeway-self" breads just doesn't work for me in a restaurant. I'd rather pass on it. But otherwise, I think this cool restaurant is a nice addition to the area and has great potential. Oh, and I think I dined here when they were first opened so some glitches here and there are expected.
(4)
Mala S.

Huge drink menu. Great location. Great looking staff, comfortable interior. Tiny meal portions, this is really a place to go to for exotic drinks and appetizer-size meals. Surprisingly enough, my favorite drink was not alcoholic, it was their chocolate-pomegranate smoothie and yum, yum, yum....They serve it in a martini glass with crystallized vanilla sugar, the chocolate tastes like Mexican cinnamon-flavored chocolate and pomegranate juice, so damn good. If I am in that area again, I'd like to go again. It is pricey for the quantity. A place to socialize.
(4)
My R.

Yay! I'm a fan for the drinks. The Hemingway was an aquire taste, but the Hurricane was really good. It was poured into a jug. Oh memories....sorry off topic. I think this place is honestly the best in Hayward. I had to think twice that this is a bar in Hayward I'm walking into. I had a lot of outtings at nice bars, and Bijou really impressed me. The ambiance was very classy and sophisticated. A lot of seatings so you can avoid standing. Drinks are yummy! Definitely coming back for more. Sorry I didn't try the food so I can't yelp it.
(4)
Jamison M.

Amazing! My fiancÃ© and I went here on Easter for the first time and we were blown away. The atmosphere is very inviting yet modern, not overly loud or rowdy and the service was excellent. We started with drinks, trying the Herbal Refresher, Bloody Mary, Mai Tai and Sweet Heat. All except the Bloody Mary were excellent. The Herbal Refresher has an interesting aftertaste of rosemary and mint, though it didn't seem to have a great deal of alcohol. The Sweet Heat had a subtle taste of jalapeÃ±os and pear, the exact taste is something I can't quite describe though it was very good, I would get it again. We were very pleased with the Mai Tai, which was recommended to us by our server. It wasn't overly sweet like most Mai Tais, had a good kick and, I must say, was the best Mai Tai I've ever had! As for the food....Fantastic! We started with the Marinated olives in an herb mixture of garlic, thyme and rosemary (I think.) After that we had the French onion soup. Both of these were great, not too salty of overpowering. My fiancÃ© had the Oven Roasted Sea Bass in a morel mushroom sauce. Though I'm not a fan of Sea Bass I will admit it was quite good! I had the Escargot served in a parsley butter sauce which was rich and savory... almost like little lobsters (yes, snails can be good!) We finished with the crÃ¨me brule with a hint of green tea and the BoÃ®te au Chocolat ( a cube of chocolate mousse with white and dark chocolate) Both were terribly rich but well worth it. We will come here again, for sure. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves big portions and poor quality (like most chain sit-down restaurants) , but for those who think quality is superior to quantity and want a pleasurable dining experience....or just to relax with some unique cocktails. Not to mention, their location in downtown Hayward is a plus (free parking and available to those of us who live in the East Bay!) Bijou is my new favorite restaurant!!!
(5)
Sudeshna S.

My Steak wasn't warm enough - I've never ever had this problem at any restaurant ever - the server was polite and did warm it up a bit - but it ended up rather tough and not the medium rare I asked for. The other stuff we ordered were ok. Nice decor etc but hey I'd rather go to downtown Palo Alto for the price!
(2)
Neville B.

My friend was right...this is the closest thing to SF in Hayward. It was a Friday night and it was vibrant, folks enjoying their night with drinks in hand, and the atmosphere was very city like. I almost forgot I was across the San Mateo bridge! We sat at the bar and the staff was pretty attentive (minus the time they brought out our dessert, but forgot our forks). The drinks were A-ok....ordered a Gingered Peach drink and a basil drink. For appetizers, we ordered the sliders and mussels. The sliders were amazing....came with fries and a tasty sauce. Not only were the little burgers good, but it came with little fried quail eggs on top and when you bite into them, yolk oozes out. If anyone knows me, I love my eggs. The mussels were good, comes in a bowl with about a dozen or so with a side of crispy bread. The sauce is a bit heavy, but amazing with bits of mushrooms and bacon floating in it. For dessert, we had the deep fried banana flambe... this we could have passed on, but it was ok. For two appetizers, 4 drinks, and a dessert, we each spent about $40. I would go back again.
(4)
Crystal w.

For Hayward, I think this restaurant is as good as it gets! If you want a place that you can go to time after time that is always consistent with serving interesting, Great quality food, this is the place for you. I like to go here for there happy hour menu a lot (drinks/food happy hour menu). I love there mix drinks, everything is made in front of you and they use fresh fruit, not drink mixers (like sweet n sour). Don't be expecting cheap pricing though, if you want quality food and drinks, your going to pay a little more for it. I think it's sad that trashy people of Hayward are giving this restaurant bad reviews because they don't understand quality food costs more. FYI they do have a club scene Thurs- Sat, so don't expect to go for a late dinner.
(5)
Weenie P.

Their drink are totally deelish here... Pretty lookin decor.... Crowd umm... Not so much... The food is a hit or miss... They need some QA... There's definitely potential in the food but the flavors weren't there... Service was slow.
(3)
Sarah F.

VERY LOUD. Between the concrete floors, the tall ceilings, and the expansive bar, the restaurant is extremely loud. We ate only from the small plates menu, which was essentially bar food: extremely rich, salty, and saucy. The service was great, but the food was definitely not French or even French-Californian. Wine by the glass prices are the new "standard" in these kinds of restaurants -- avg ~$10/glass.
(2)
Kat P.

Ok well, where do I start...this is only on the BAR!! Went there about 2 weeks ago on a Saturday night rolled in around 11 pm and this what I got. This definitely your typical Hayward type bar/lounge. Good music, hot sweaty dancing and your everyday hood-rats in outfits they just purchased from Durrant. PS. If you buy a hoodie dress, don't where the hood in the bar, with big ole stunnas on. Your NOT Amber Rose and the paparazzi aren't not looking for you. Lets continue, the seating area is close to bar but far from the dance floor. I did not like that, because you can't really see the crazy bumping and grinding dancing. Over all it's okay. Not as nice as the Air Lounge and not as grungy as Funky Monkey. Yet, I think I would prefer the Funky because at least when you go there you know exactly what your getting. Not a cross between I'm hood and classy all at the same time. I'm Just sayng!!! It could be fun if you go with the right people.
(3)
Dawn C.

The bartenders were friendly and even put on a show for us. We had some great cocktails, mine was the cucumber cosmo which is very refreshing. They've got small plates to snack on and I enjoyed the french onion soup topped to gruyere cheese. Too bad they ran out of the fried calamari because it's fresh everyday. The decor is modern and chic, not would I'd expect from Downtown Hayward, but it was a good experience overall and I'll definitely go back. Dave, our bartender, was great!
(5)
Brigitte d.

Excellent food, I have never been disappointed with any dish I have ordered. The cocktails are great...I'm not much of a drinker, but when I'm here I'll have at least one. The service is pretty good as well.
(4)
Laura G.

We went to Bijou for the first time last Friday. I couldn't wait after reading the reviews and having walked past this place. Downtown Hayward is going through a re-birth and I have been hoping for more high-end restaurants. The main course was disappointing. I had the filet, which was tough and had a faintly charred flavor. My husband's dinner came with celery mashed potatos, which were watery and bland. My daughter had the macoroni and cheese, which was basically oily pasta with some shredded cheese sprinkled on top. Although the appetizer and dessert were delicious and the waitstaff was very friendly, we will probably not visit this restaurant again in the future.
(2)
monica s.

I am very pleased to say I enjoyed my dinner at Bijou. I am thrilled that Hayward is finally coming up in the world with such a nice restaurant. I had the filet mignon and it was delicious and for dessert I had the scrumptious rich chocolate cake. If you dine here you must try the TUSCAN LEMON DROP. I think, if I remember correctly...I had 3. On top of all of that the service was great. You guys ROCK!!
(5)
Cristina D.

Pretty good restaurant that serves really good foie gras. I hope this business doesn't close down with this economy, they had to close for lunch and are only open for dinner now. The cheese plate is also good and is accompanied with honey. I also enjoyed the French Onion soup, but that was the soup of the day in October, it changes every so often. I also really liked the bijou sliders that were topped with quail eggs. It's also a great place for drinks. I'm glad Bijou is in Hayward and things are looking good for B Street! It's not quite Cafe Claude or Gary Danko in SF, but it's SOMETHING in Hayward!
(4)
Rhia R.

On a warm summer night, Bijou is off the hook! Met up with a few friends here for dinner. The dimly lit venue with its chain link metal curtain made me feel like I was in Vegas. To start things off, we ordered the crepe Parisian, which contained ham and Gruyere cheese. The green onion "tie" around it made it even better. We also put in an order of regular and sweet potato fries (or Bijou frites as on the menu). The samurai aioli that came with it had a good kick. I think there might have been jalapeÃ±o in it. From another friend's recommendation, I got the chicken lollipops. All I can say is wow! After alternating between them and the fries, I was pretty content. Our waiter Frank gave awesome drink recommendations. Their sangria contained juice that they hand press on site, and their raspberry cooler was crazy good. I'll have to double up on those next time. And yes, there will be a next time. If we stayed a little longer, we might have gotten a taste of their night life, but we left as the DJ was about to start setting up. I give everyone the green light on trying this place out. It's not very often that I give places 5 stars, but this place is totally worth it.
(5)
Senka F.

We just went for V-Day and this was our second visit to this restaurant. Service, food, atmosphere was excelled. Will be back! V-Day Menu was prefix and everything was absolutely delicious, from appetizers to desert, loved it. Someone commented about small portions, well, as far as I know, there are no large portions with French cuisine or any European cuisine.
(5)
Sandy L.

I had the best Watermelon martini there! =) I cant even taste the alcohol and the watermelon was sooo sweet. BEWARE!!! It tastes soooo good that it may get you drunk after a few. I love the ambiance and decor at this restaurant. LOVELY.
(5)
damen b.

The best thing about it? It is the most chic bar in Hayward. The worst thing about it? It's the most chic bar, in Hayward.
(2)
Susan T.

My husband and I decided to head over to Bijou after watching a movie. I'm not going to give a long detailed report..but overall everything was delicious with lots of savory flavors! Foie gras, pom-tini, skirt steak, dessert were all fab! If you are in the neighborhood, you should check out this place!
(5)
Tuff G.

A nice and welcome surprise in Hayward Hayward? Yes, Hayward. . . When you step inside Bijou, you feel like you are in a hip SF club. High ceilings, dark woods, floor to ceiling chain curtains that are 'uplit' for a cool effect as a room divider. Nice bar, nice service. We dined on a Friday evening. Went early, which was good, as the place began to fill up around 8pm. Our waiter told us that at 10pm the place turns into a nightclub atmosphere. I can totally see that in this space. the menu has a great selection of small plates, and a nice variety but smaller selection of dinner plates. This evening we chose to go the small plate route and try a few different things. Started with a duck confit salad, homemade French onion soup (which was exceptional), beef carpaccio, and spicy prawns panee. All were very nicely presented, and each had their own specific flavors, all good. next we added the special Bijou sliders with quail eggs. . . I actually was hoping for better flavor on the sliders. But, they were good, and with that we were definitely full. Choosing to do the small plates is always a lot of fun, as you get to mix up the flavors. The downside is the bill you may get at the end of a whirlwind small plate experience. We walked out of Bijou at $120 which included two rounds of cocktails. Not too bad, and we were full when we left which is more than I can say about a lot of places we have been to in the past. I say, check out Bijou on a Friday night. Have dinner, stay for the nightlife afterwards.
(4)
Nicole C.

We went to Bijou last night and the first thing we said was,"Are we still in Hayward?" The restaurant is super cute and chic. Nice atmosphere, decor was very hip and you walk in there feeling welcome. We started with the olives from the small plate section of the menu. YUM! I love olives, these were marinated perfectly and presented well. The plate had a mix of oils with different colors, very pretty. For the entree's I had the chicken, I can't remember what it was actually called, but it was great. The sauce was flavorful and the veggies on the plate were a great compliment to the dish. My boyfriend had the salmon with a rice pilaf and vegetables, which he really enjoyed. For dessert we shared the cheesecake and it was good. A little light for my taste, I like the them thick, NY style, but it didn't stop me from finishing it! All in all, a really great place, we spent about $65 including tip for a dinner for two and I had a drink, dirty martini, which lovely. It's a little pricey for the area, but if you're looking for a nice, quiet and romantic place to go, I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Dara T.

It was a bit crowded and the Hayward cops were just too much. However, the DJ was great and the drinks were good. No entrance fee. Guys make sure you dress appropriately because the security is pretty strict.
(3)
Gabriel B.

I came in with high hopes. I read all the reviews, the anticipation was high, my curiosity peaked, and I was rooting for the East Bay, (my old stomping grounds) especially Hayward to elevate it's culinary tastes. The menu looked great, the happy hour drinks were very reasonable. they actually tasted quite good. I even liked the decor, despite the fact that it is so done. The Bathrooms were clean and the staff were very friendly. I reviewed the menu and it looked really promising. I started with the charcuterie appetizer and beef Carpaccio. The charcuterie was decent enough, an eclectic mix of cold cuts. I identified them all and still question the thickly sliced prosciutto, whether it was a Serrano Ham. (The house smoked duck was inconsistently salty) The owner, and chef came out and we had a very nice discussion. His credentials are impeccable. He was a very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable individual who took obvious pride in his cuisine. The concept of Bijou is great, heck awesome. The execution fell short in many ways but perhaps that's what happens when you aim so high. Unfortunately as much as I want to give it a great review, I have to be honest. The Pinot Noir, and the other red we ordered came in a spotted, (CSI dream) fingerprint laden, Chardonnay glass. The foie gras came out a color of gray that was reminiscent of The Oakland Raiders helmet., I pointed this out to my server and he agreed, but did nothing to correct it. The French Onion soup felt microwave reheated, and the cheese was rather dull tasting and to say it was stringy would be kind. It had to stop there. Despite my curiosity for the lamb chops, and the duck confit, I could not risk the rest of the evening so we left. Folks, it was a weeknight, perhaps an "off" night. The crowd at the bar looked as if they use a B52"s record album as their inspiration for attire. The dining room crowd was well dressed. I would like to come back and give it a second shot. My hopes have not been dashed. In fact for most folks I'm sure this is a great, top notch, fine dining establishment. I may have been more generous if I didn't respect the owner more and wanted to give him lip service. BUT NO, Step up, you set the bar high, now execute on your plan. I know better, seen more, tasted better food, execution, and service. Don't settle for the mediocre when you set forth such a daring menu and theme. For the rest of the folks.... Check out Bijou in Hayward, you will love it.
(2)
Connie T.

I heard of this restaurant from SFgate and have to be honest, because it is located in Hayward, I had preconceived idea that this restaurant won't be any good. Regardless, I'm always game to try new restaurants. Boy, I am so glad to be proven wrong. I abosolutely love their drinks. All fresh squeezed juice with unique combination. We tried several of their dishes and it was delicious (except for their Pork Filet - it was dried)! My personal favorite was their foie gras and beef carpacio. This restaurant has the same caliber as SF's. What a gem to find in Hayward!
(4)
K Y.

Finally visited Bijou! It has been long over due since in this area there is no other restaurant like it. First off I was only there for dinner and so did not try any alcoholic drinks. That said we ordered off the small plates part of the menu only; the dumplings with pureed carrots, this was good but not your typical dumplings, they were deep fried and around the size of a quarter. the sliders came in an order of 2 and were the best sliders I have ever had! They were made with a really quality ground beef that was lean and perfectly cooked, not dry. And they even put what appeared to be a quail egg sunny side up on top! Truly amazing touch that I would never have thought to add. Scrumptious! pear salad with caramelized pecans was very good and came in three mounds served beautifully on a long white porcelain plate. The dressing was perfect and didn't over power the mixed greens. lastly the mussels that were steamed in a cream sauce and topped with onions. The mussels were amazing, they were not over cooked and dry or chewy. Most restaurants make this mistake and ruin the clams, even in high end seafood places. The staff was very attentive and prompt in our service as well. Bijou is so needed in this area and I hope it is here to stay!
(4)
Snoopy D.

Went here last night, as stumbled upon it by chance. It's a newly renovated restaurant that looks like it belongs in Vegas, and not in Hayward. It's really fancy and nice and outdoorsy and upscale and modern. Didn't realize it was so new. Service was very good and attentive, a little too good, as they would often interrupt our conversations to tend to things on the dinner table or ask us how is everything. They need to work on their timing a little bit. Food was very good, not big portions, but alright for the price. Crowd was surprisingly very nice too. High ceilings and open window facade. Bar is beautiful. I will be returning. They appear to be renovating downtown Hayward, which used to be a no man's land.
(5)
Cal N.

A small group of us decided to meet up for dinner at 8pm (reservations come highly recommended) and the place was packed. We were very pleased with the service and ambiance of this newly created establishment. Who ever said that you couldn't find fine dinning in Hayward was way off. The place was amazing and the appetizers and entrees are very fairly priced. Everything was prepared well and tasted outstanding. We especially enjoyed the French Onion soup and Baby Spinach Salad. We ordered the "small plate(s)" mussels and calamari and were quite satisfied. The "large" plates were excellent, especially the Skirt Steak and Sea Bass. Don't forget to look at the dessert menu because the Cheesecake is to die for!!! This place is a definite palate pleasure...
(5)
Jonathan F.

Nice place, it surprised me being in downtown Hayward. I work in the area plus I went to Cal State Hayward, so for many years Hayward never really had any hip spots, I think this spot is both hip, nice and has good food to go chill, watch a game, have dinner or sit in a very hip, trendy upscale vibe to it, so I think this spot rocks.
(4)
Will I A m.

quite disappointed in the restaurant. i went based on the yelps but i definitely didn't have the 4-5 star experience everyone else had. we had a dinner party so it started with the scallop wrapped with proscuitto, terrine foie gras and pomme frites. For $7, the pomme frites were very over-priced. It was sweet potatoe and potatoe fries. It was ok but not $7 ok. The scallops were 2 per serving and $11 a plate, that's quite hefty also. Scallops were decent. The foie gras was.....foie gras. I prefer seared but they serve it cold here. Definitely the best of the starters. For entrees, we had the pork tenderloin and sea bass. The sea bass wasn't seasoned enough and very small portions. Rice isn't expensive but the portion they gave was as if it were. The pork filet was poorly executed. The dish is extremely deceiving. You get two pork filets wrapped in bacon...kind of like filet mignon wrapped in bacon......but not. Outside is bacon, inside is pork but just a strip of it. The bacon and pork wrap around a complete center of prunes...yes prunes!!! The menu says prune reduction but it's not a reduction, it's cooked prunes. This was by far the worst dish tonight and prob the worst pork dish I've ever eaten. Entrees was prob what brought the overall stars down. Desserts were better than the entrees. We ordered creme brulee, the hazelnut mousse and cheesecake. The creme brulee and mousse were 4 stars. cheesecake a 3. Service was great. They came around and filled water plenty of times. In my opinion. I think bijou is overrated. Prob a 4 star for Hayward but it's over-priced and really not worth the price.
(2)
mark f.

Had dinner with the wife there a couple of days ago. Eh... it was alright. First thing we noticed was that it was really noisy inside. But we got used to it after a while. Drinks and dessert were good. It was only 8pm and already they were out of some of the items on the menu. No escargot, no duck breast. Some of the food served, my wife has prepared better. Smoked salmon with capers was good, but that's really very easy to prepare. French onion soup... was ok... nothing special. Pan seared goat cheese salad... ehh... nothing special. Lamb was good. Bass, rubbery. I did not feel that the $100+ tab was worth it. We'd probably go back there... for drinks only, if we're killing time, waiting for a movie to start across the street. For dinner, no.
(2)
Tom D.

Great brunch. Great service. Great prices. Love this place!!!!!
(5)
Anne N.

For dinner i had the pan seared lamb chops. It was pretty good and the mashed potatoes was great maybe because they put garlic in it. The alcohol though was expensive. $6 for a bottle of beer. The DJ though cant mix the songs smoothly... He played two Ne-yo songs in less than ten minutes. I guess he's so into him lol
(3)
Jeni S.

Grilled baby back ribs: Marinated in a pineapple puree - the best ribs in the world
(5)
Kendra R.

This restaurant is a fun place to meet up with friends and have a great cocktail or sit and have a fabulous dinner. I met up with a friend we had great drinks the Mandarin Pomtini is awesome. I had the salmon and it was a little blah, the rice was boring as were the veggies. I usually have the skirt steak which is cooked to perfection and when you try those bacon wrapped green beans...can I get an amen!
(4)
Sonia H.

We went there for a birthday dinner and we all have mix feelings about this restaurant. What we like: Cocktails, we ordered from almost their whole specialty drinks menu and all of them came out spot on! Desserts, great cheese cake, their macarons were my favorite but the hazelnut mousse was OMG good! Decor and vibe, love how urban and still classy the restaurant looks like by losing the white table cloths we usually see from typical French restaurants. What we didn't like: No bread? Our food came out rather slow and small portion, some breads would have make us happier. The food was good but we thought the desserts were better. I would recommend my friends to go there for drinks and desserts, but don't go there starving before dinner 'cause you'll finish your meal before tasting it.
(4)
Farah S.

My last review gave 4 stars, but I'll have to give them another for the service alone. Because I was having trouble with another Oakland restaurant, which I will not name, I decided to just settle with Bijou for my b-day dinner. It was new, so i didn't think it would be too crowded and I knew they didn't require a $35 minimum per person for my party. Service was so accomodating and friendly. Drinks are fabulous and the ambiance is relaxed. For the most part the food is pretty tasty, but I think they could maybe add a little more pizzazz to the crab salad and use less oil for the fried calamari. Other than that, I am a fan.
(5)
Alex O.

At a glance, Bijou looks like a pretty cool place. The decor is modern and swanky and the menu looks pretty decent. We were seated immediately and our server was friendly. All was good... til we got our food. The calamari rings were rubbery and under-seasoned. The three dipping sauces didn't do much to help with the flavor. I got the lamb chops as my main course. It was okay, but nothing to write home about. The mashed potatoes were nice and garlicky though. My wife got the sea bass. The fish was under-seasoned and oily. The vegetables were over-seasoned. The rice was terrible - dry with a side helping of dead fly (mmm... extra protein). The waitress was very apologetic and offered to replace the entree, but my wife declined. They took the fish off our bill, but we were surprised that the Manager didn't come over to acknowledge the problem and apologize. I think it'll be a long time before I go back to this place. Besides the lack of flavor in our food, the portions were tiny. The prices also seemed high for what you get. I will say that the people at the next table seemed to enjoy their small plates and desserts. Maybe we just ordered the wrong stuff?
(2)
kristine n.

My husband and I decided to try this place out on a whim after watching a movie. The ambiance was great especially considering it's Hayward and all. The 2 stars are for our attentive waiter. The food was more than a little disappointing. I had the french onion soup which was very bland and we shared the frittes and mushroom appetizer. The frittes were decent but the mushroom pastry had a odd taste. The thing I liked best about this place was the bread, if that is telling you anything.
(2)
K T.

I used to cross the bridge to the city for drinks and dinner because there just wasn't any where else to enjoy a girl's night out. Now we drive just 10 minutes for trendy, chic and delicious! Bijou is a real gem. The ambience, decor, service, all amazing. There is no other restaurant in the east bay like this. The drinks are superb, keep them coming! Food is perfect, you've gotta try the scallops and crab cones. One of the owners, Phil even came over to say hello and ask how we were doing. THAT is what you call service! Very friendly, easy going guy. And ladies...he's hot too!
(5)
David S.

This restaurant is pretty great. The atmosphere is very nice and trendy. There is a lot of higher class food without it being too expensive. We got the escargot (first time trying it) and it was actually good. I also had the pork filet mignon which was delicious. We had hazelnut mousse for dessert which was excellent as well. it was about 75 dollars for 3 large dishes, the escargot, and dessert. Not bad for the quality of the food. The portions are a little small but it's not really the kind of place you come just to fill up. Great restaurant, good for dates.
(5)
Alexis B.

We stopped in town to visit and we found Bijou. The ambiance is fantastic and the staff is a delight! The food, however, could have been much better. The filet was topped with a sort of jam like sauce that I tried to blot off. The two did not mesh well at all. When I asked for horseradish, the server told me that they do not carry any!! They are not flexible on their menu at all. NO SUBSITUTIONS. The price is average and it is nice to see such a chic place in Hayward but they need to consider a new head chef.
(3)
shelly m.

I had a chance to try this place at a wonderful yelp event. Very good cocktails- wow! I thought the interior was swanky and very well put together. Really very upscale- this could be a destination place.I highly recommend it.
(4)
N I.

I came here for my Bday dinner with a group of my closest friends. Dinner service was kind of slow, but it was on a Saturday night so I expected it to be. It took them awhile just to bring us glasses of water after asking for it several times. We waited for approximately 45 minutes for our food to come out and it took forever. I heard that you usually get bread with your dinner, but none for us. The food was okay, nothing interesting. However, I will go back to try more dishes.
(3)
Keith F.

Great food and drinks! The portions are smaller which is perfect if you don't like feeling too full so late in the day. I love the atmosphere...the decor is very nice. I have had great service during my visits and I will continue to dine at Bijou.
(4)
Matthew R.

Interesting mix between night club atmosphere and restaurant. Have been here several times and we have really enjoyed the food. Appetizers and cocktails on a couple of occasions were great and when we've had a main course we've always been pleased. Not to many places in the area that we have enjoyed this much, give it a try...
(4)
Sylvia R.

I went here with my husband on date night and wasn't expecting to much from this place, however when I walked in I felt like we were in a trendy spot in the city. The ambiance was really nice and the sangria was delish. the food was good also. I will definitely come again.
(4)
Kathy R.

Great place. Excellent drinks prices are reasonable service outstanding. I hope it lasts!
(5)
maria t.

the servers are all good looking here. Truly a gem in Hayward the ambiance is amazing. Great infused drinks. My stomach is always happy. We had mixed greens as starter, sweet potato fries, mini sliders with a quail egg on top of the meat, mussels with a chowder sauce on a baguette, beef skirt with mash potatoes in a martini glass, Pan Seared Salmon, and assortments of ice cream sorbet. Just yummmm!
(5)
Stella W.

well over all didnt like the place for the lounge part of the night.. very crowded and no room to walk or breath... the bartenders at night could not get drinks correct...
(1)
gareth l.

I had no clue there was a place like this in hayward. I stopped by on a Monday evening and had a great time. The restaurant has a great ambiance with modern decor. All servers and bar tenders were friendly and courteous. I had a couple different cocktails that were excellent. As for food, the bacon wrapped scallops are a must have. I definitely would recommend this place to anyone looking for good food and good atmosphere.
(5)
Anon N.

**NIGHT LIFE REVIEW ONLY** is the walkway between tables suppose to be called a dance floor?? Everytime i go to this place, they shut the place down at 1-1:15AM. LAME!! Security guards are literally hovering over your shoulder in the middle of the dance floor making sure no one starts anything. LAME!! Upscale? ACK! Whatever! If you consider seeing your whole family there while you get your "freak" on. LAME!
(1)
jill s.

SoooGOOD! My husband and I went there last night. We have seen it before and decided to try it out. We went pretty early for dinner - around 5pm. There were several people at the bar, but no on in the dining room. Carolyn (?) was our server and was very sweet and prompt. When we order the escargot she had to come back to tell us it wasn't going to be added to the menu for a few more weeks (but it was on the menu?) but suggested we get the mussles instead. the BEST mussles I have ever had! So yummy! We also go the scallop small dish - de - lish! and the oven baked sea bass with mushroom sauce. All food was incredible and just the right amount. for desert, I got the chocolate cube and my husband got the cheesecake. They were both so good but the chocolate cube was totally insanely good. WOW! We will for sure be back - and next time will order some yummy looking cocktails. A definate hit for the Wayward!
(5)
miles b.

This place is literally right down the street from my apt...and probably one of my favorite restaurants in hayward. I mean..where else are you gonna get a chance to eat great french food without dropping a gwap... My personal favorties... crab avacado salad foie gras escargot sliders pork filet mignon sea bass pan seared salmon Please keep in mind that the chef cooks with the seasons and that these selections are based on the June menu.
(5)
Zulien M.

I came here for the very first time on a Wednesday night and I have to say I was VERY impressed, clean, chic and the drinks were good, appetizers were good and the bartenders were very friendly. I definitely see myself going back there very soon.
(4)
Cheryl V.

LOVE THIS PLACE! Perfect for couples, group dates or girlfriends. Haha, we actually brought our 2-year-old, the first time we went! But they were very accomodating! There was a highchair there, they offered him a choice between mac & cheese or a very fancy chicken cordon bleu and he had pineapple juice in a starbucks coffee cup with a straw! The atmosphere is loungy, almost night club-esque. The food was DELICIOUS! Our server was Frankie (I think that was his name), and he was very delightful. If you're thinking of trying this place out- GO!
(5)
Regina E.

Did not enjoy my experience. Waited almost 30 minutes before we finally had to flag down a waiter to order drinks. Waited another 15 minutes to get them. I had the Sea Bass which consisted of two miniscule pieces of fish - one completely overcooked and dry.The other was ok. Litterally after a few bites, it was gone. Server would disppear for long periods of time. We could not really carry on a conversation because the music was extremely loud.It felt more like a club than an intimate dinner. The food wasn't bad but what killed it was the service. We were there for almost three hours!!!Most of that time was spent waiting for drinks, waiting for food, waiting for silver ware - which my husband finally got up and got himself. The icing on the cake was finally getting the check, after asking several times, only to find out that it was completely mixed up with another couples check. After another 15 minutes, he brought it back and it was still wrong. After an awful experience, we had the added bonus of paying for items we didnt even consume just so we could get out of there. Really awful!!
(2)
Ros Y.

Went here for dinner on a Saturday night, and surprised to find the restaurant quite empty - there were only two other tables seated at the time when we arrived. I had high hopes at first - the menu looked yummy and our waiter seemed energetic when he took our drink & dinner order. Appetizers I ordered the escargot - great presentation, although it may have been a good idea to check that all of the snails were "reachable" with the small fork provided to me (I had to crack one of those suckers open). I'm not shy about that kind of stuff though, but it would've been nice not to have gotten the butter all over my hands. The butter sauce was quite deelish though, so I didn't mind it too much. Boyfriend got the french onion soup. The folks here are right - it was not salty. Underseasoned, would be my preference for the correct word here. I felt like it was missing some salt, and a bit more caramelization to get the right flavor. My boyfriend, who typically hates oversalted foods, even commented that it wasn't salty enough - so you get the picture. It was bland. It was a bit of a wait between courses... but I'm used to that. However, with the restaurant being so empty, it kind of makes you wonder what people were doing in the kitchen while we were waiting... Dinner I was in the mood for raw, so I ordered the beef tartare with pomme frites. Pomme frites were perfectly hot & crispy. The tartare was okay, but I wish they hadn't used that much Worcestershire sauce, since it killed the flavor of the beef. Boyfriend ordered the lamb chops. This is where dinner got a bit slower. The lamb chops, which the waiter had mentioned would be cooked medium rare to medium, came out medium well-well done. We had ordered it to be medium rare. It took at least 10 minutes for the waiter to check on us - I actually had to flag down someone else to get him back to our table. We sent it back. And then it took about 15 minutes for it to come back ... they were 4 lamb chops. I could've fixed that up medium rare in about 8 minutes flat at home. By the time the dish got back to us, I had already finished my dinner, and received NO apologies from the waiter about the delayed lamb chops. He mentioned, at the time, something to the tune of "oh yeah, they're well done", but perhaps a gracious "So sorry about that" eluded him. When he brought it back, still no word of apology. I mean I know it's not his fault, but cmon now... there was only ONE other table eating at that time. You'd think he'd be a bit more attentive. If I go back at all, it will probably be only for drinks. It's disappointing - the food was okay, but the service post-ordering really left something to be desired. We didn't even want to stay for dessert b/c it probably would've prolonged the wait even more. I wouldn't have minded the delays if the restaurant was busier... but with only two tables TOTAL at the time our dinner was served? I don't think I'm wrong when expecting a bit more attentiveness, especially in a restaurant that is the only one in the neighborhood that is aspiring to be something better.
(2)
A M.

I am from Half Moon Bay, a quaint yet touristy town filled with lovely restaurants and lovely people. Moving to Hayward was a bit of a change as the downtown area left much to be desired. So one can imagine how excited we were to see a movie theater and new eating establishments come into play. We tried Bijou on the 2nd day it opened. We weren't very impressed, however we agreed to go back and review after the 2nd time since they had JUST opened. The first thing we noticed when we walked in the door was the hostess and her cranky face. No joke. We just smiled and asked for a booth for 2. She didn't even look up at us and sorta smirked, saying the booths were booked for the night. SHe then took us to a table, dropped the menus and walked away. Truthfully, the food was decent, not too many complaints, and our waitress was very sweet. However. Because of the hostesses hostile attitude, we probably won't go back anytime soon. We like to go to restaurants where we're remembered. We go to places over and over when we like the staff. A word to your restaurant: As snobby as I may come off, we are the people who pay for goat cheese salads, fine wines and cocktails galore. Treat us well, and make us feel like a valued customer and we'll return. A word to the hostess: You're a hostess, not a career woman, it's a job. Please get over yourself and learn some manners.
(2)
jason v.

Not what I had expected it too be. I had dinner there for my birthday and I left very disappointed. It is a nice addition but.....to be continued I first walk in and I see the Executive Chef at the Host stand. As soon as I steped in the door he turns around and bolts to the kitchen. Hmmmm..... A simple welcome our host will be right with you would have been nice. I knew he was the Executive chef because his picture is plastered all over thier facebook page. We got seated and was served water and DINNER ROLLS were brought to our table. For a place that is high priced you would think the bread would be good. We started of with the mushroom puff pastry which tasted awful, the sauce did not pair well with it at all. We also had the GRILLED JUMBO PRAWNS which were not prawns at all. The shrimps were too small to be called prawns and the Calamari tasted like it was pulled out of a freezer box. So far not good at all. Now to the entrees. I had the Seared duck breast. Cooked perfectly to a Med Rare. Very Very Very under seasoned. I had to throw some salt and pepper on there. My Mom had the Pan Seared Halibut. It looked really nice but very over cooked and under seasoned again. When i mean over cooked I mean dry as a bone. My girlfriend had the Pan Seared Salmon another fish that was over cooked but bareable. We all got the same SEASONAL vegetables on each plate I think and again under seasoned. You think with the salmon it would have been better if the veg was sauteed white and green asparagus with fried polenta squares. thats just my opinion. I hear that they get the same meat and produce as the French Laundry. WOOHOO! thats great but they do not pre-pair their food like the French Laundry, i didnt want to mention anything about the desserts but one ove them they ran out of. I only give this place 2 stars because the serve was really nice and service wasnt slow at all. I might have to come back for another review. But then again the menu looks the same as last month. Nothing really changed maybe some of the small plates were changed with new ones but the entrees are all the same they just moved them around on the menu. Nice try. Come on chef get creative here.
(2)
Melanie F.

So I can not review the food as my hubby and I went in just for a few drinks. However, the service was the best I have seen in quite a while -water without asking and with straws none the less! The service folks are super attentive without being annoying, they seemed to really anticipate your every need. Its pretty clear they pay alot of attention to the service and all the little details that go with it. They have a fabulous drink menu - seems a little pricey but I love that many of the liquers in the drinks are local distilled. Thats a HUGE plus in my book. We had the hot buttered rums, again best I have had in a really, really long time. Apparently they make the mix from scratch every morning and you can tell very, very good. We will definetly be back, its a refreshing change in Hayward to have a swankier place to go with wonderful service and ambiance.
(4)
Nga H.

Tues. 11/18: Holy Crap. There's a place like this...in HAYWARD?! Bartenders were way cool. Fair to say they are more than bartenders, they are mixologists. This is as good as it gets around here, one of the reasons I'm giving it 5 stars. The other reason is that they make an effort to use ingredients from local, sustainable farms. They also carry alcohol from local artisans. Great menu for the adventurous. Also, they're not above having TV monitors at the bar. For those who just want to take it easy and hang out. Please support this new addition to Hayward. I'd hate to see them leave. I'll be Bauuuck!!! Sat. 11/23: Okay. So I came back. I came in on a Saturday night. Bar traffic hadn't peaked quite yet, so me and my friends promptly found a seat at the bar. I was excited to be the one to introduce them to this chic new place in town. They were impressed by its ambiance and level of sophistication. And then we ordered. Hmmm....Took 25 minutes to get all of our drinks. It wasn't even that busy. And it looked to me like they had 3 bartenders behind the bar, so it wasn't like they were shortstaffed. Our calamari was desperately needing salt, and the lemon and olive oil dipping sauce was desperate for lemon. My foie gras was just two measly little slices. And my plate was taken away before I was done. The server who took my plate away felt badly and did make good by bringing back another slice of foie gras. My second experience is really indicative of a new restaurant going through its growing pains. Also, I'd make the portions a little bigger. It is Hayward after all. We don't have the patience or wallet for really small, Small Plates. Overall, I'd still come back. I just wouldn't come back again so soon. Everyone was really nice, so 4 stars now -- down from 5. Keep truckin' guys. I'm still rootin' for ya!
(4)
Jacqueline A.

The selection of drinks def. disapointed. I just wanted to grab a beer and they didn't even have a good selection to choose from. They played a lot of hip hop, nothing that got us rushing to the dance floor. The crowd was definately anything but fashion forward. I suppose if you are trying to get out and go somewhere locally then this is an ok bet. Otherwise, I'd probably never go again.
(2)
Khaleda A.

This place looks amazing and the staff was very professional. The prices are a bit on the high side but well worth it. For a moment I though I was in San Francisco. The decor is modern and the bar looks like it belonged in the Venetian Hotel in Vegas...just WOW. The drinks were excellent. I had the cucumber martini, which I really enjoyed. For appetizer I had the es cargo. This was prepared perfectly. I have never tried snail, but the chef soaked it with pesto sauce, yum my favorite. For the entrÃ©e I had the rack of Lamb prepared medium well done. The meat was tender and did NOT have that awful smell that lamb usually has, he prepared it exactly how I expected it. It was impeccable. The manager made his rounds and asked our table what we thought of the restaurant. We had nothing but praises to give him. He was professional and yet very attentive to his customers needs and was asking for feedback of how our experience could be better. We asked if we could give the chef out compliments of which he was more than happy to do. The chief was a great guy, he spoke to us for a few minutes and told us where he studied and picked up his culinary skills. The only negative thing I have to say is that the drinks were not filled closer to the rim. You pay about $10-$12 for a martini that comes in a 6 ounce glass but they only fill it up to about 4.5-ish ounces. For the price I am paying for the martini I would like my glass a little more full please. Overall, I am surprised they put such a nice establishment in Hayward and would highly recommend it for the experience alone. Just make sure you get your drinks filled to the rim, as nice as they were , I'm sure they would accommodate your needs. I will be sure to ask them next time.
(4)
Jim T.

Another very good experience at Bijou!
(4)
Margarita H.

Went for the first time for a friend's b-day. We had a great time and yes, their drinks are amazing! We tried basically all over them and loved them all. Cucumber cosmo was amazing as well as the purple haze and anjou elixir! Service was great. Our server suggested a lot of the drinks and we were satisfied. She was even nice enough to try and seperate our totals due to our large party; however, for the most part we did that ourselves. The only thing I was unhappy about was the fact that our server "could not" bring us our drinks on a seperate total. For that you would need to approach the bar on your own. I am a server and I do this for customers when needed but whatever. Anyways all in all, I will be returning for their awesome drinks and their great salmon!!
(4)
Angie C.

very good, went here for lunch and got the crab sandwich and salmon. will definitely be back for dinner, i love the atmosphere, the bar and the drink menu.
(4)
nicole m.

ive been to this place once, and its ok. i would go there again but it wouldnt be my first choice. the place is smaller than i perfer, and the drinks are pricey. it didnt live up to the hype plain and simple.
(3)
Norma B.

The food here is DELICIOUS! We tried 5 dishes and all of them were really good. I especially liked the poutine--couldn't get enough! And I also recommend the scallops in puff pastry, which was also really yummy. I don't know what other folks were talking about regarding the service because we had an excellent server--so attentive, polite, friendly, and helpful. I wish I remembered his name because he was awesome! The ambiance is nice too--you feel like you've been whisked away to some hip lounge in SF. And then you step outside and you're reminded that, no, you're still in Hayward, which is why I didn't give it the full 5 stars. Having grown up in Hayward, I have a lot of love for this town. But as good as this restaurant is, it's just out of place here, and same for the pricetag. Spending $80+ for 2 people in San Francisco or San Jose is one thing, it's another when you're in Hayward. I dunno. I think i would come back, because again--the food is amazing. The atmosphere/vibe is nice, too, but it's all about location, and you can't help but wish that Bijou was located somewhere else or that they rest of downtown Hayward got a facelift to match this place. That said, I still recommend giving Bijou a shot--the food is worth it. Oh, and did I mention their sangria is amazing??
(4)
james p.

a very pleasant dinner with good food and good service. they are trying a little too hard to be trendy and thus the atmosphere was ok but a little stiff - you dont have to be snooty to be trendy, so, yknow, stop doing that (-: entrees were very flavorful in a good way. i agree with a previous poster that the salad was too flavorful - overdosed on the dressing.
(3)
Yvonne W.

Definitely a fitting name for this jewel of a restaurant. The decor is modern and hits the sophisticated palate. The service was excellent. I'm a light weight but even I have to give kudos for their unique drinks. And may I just say...the bijou sliders were so adorable and delicious! It was a chore to try and split but well worth the fuss. I could have gobbled it up by myself but alas...sharing with my gal pals was the way to go. I am a big fan of fish so when I saw the sea bass, I knew I was going to order it. It was good but I think I will have to indulge in my meat side next time as the skirt steak my friend ordered seemed to have grabbed my attention more. If you have a sweet tooth like me....I would recommend saving room for dessert. Overall, I am quite content with my visit here. I'm definitely coming back soon to try other things on the menu.
(4)
Cynthia N.

I've been to lunch and dinner a couple times each. The bar is a fun treat. I sat at one lunch entertained by the bartender flipping bottles, and now he did not break any. The staff is friendly. I'd like to see more on the menu, but what they do have has been fantastic. I have described to friends as "something you would find at Santana Row". It is about time we got a place in Hayward that I would not hesitate to entertain clients. On the flip side, it is a bit high priced and they could give a bit more food for your money. With that said, I would and have highly recommended Bijou to friends. All have been surprisingly satisfied.
(4)
Christine S.

Bijou seemed promising enough. The ambience is very chic. Nice lighting, decorations, friendly waiters. I like the way they separated the bar and the restaurant section. Both looked sleek and hip. Seemed like a great place for an intimate romantic date. Then the food came. Everything was a huge disappointment--except for dessert. Dessert was the only thing that was decent. The sauteed prawns was our first appetizer. The four pieces given were dry, chewy, and almost unflavored. The "bed" of spinach (tiny amount) were heavily flavored and nicely seasoned so I tried to dip the prawns on the spinach for flavor, but it didn't really help. The second appetizer were the steamed mussels. The (very) flirtatious waiter said that the sauce in this dish was amazing, and that we would want to dip the given toasted baguette into the sauce, but I found it disgusting. I love mussels. But these mussels were made so unappetizing that Bijou may have ruined mussels for life. The mussels were slimy and a little cold. The promised sauce tasted like rotten milk. Put them together, and you have barf taste. Very gross. I don't remember the name of the chicken breast dish...something "au vin." That tasted weird. Strange sauce. The meat was tender, but with the given seasoning, it tasted off. It tasted disturbing. Every bite did not translate as "delicious." Just odd. Not horrible enough to be poison. Tolerable enough to eat and not die, but not yummy. Weird flavors. The food item that we ordered that did not disappoint was dessert. We had the 'creme brulee with a hint of green tea." The green tea is so subtle that my friend could not taste it. I was able to taste it, and found it a pleasant addition to the very rich and delicious creme brulee. The entire meal cost me $45, and most of it tasted disgusting. Will not be going here again.
(1)
Carol P.

Creative & a deft hand with small plates & cocktails. Fun place to start the night or have a late supper. A bit dark, though--would have loved to be visually seduced as well. A definite yes for unexpected, cool spots in the East Bay. Bijou makes us proud!
(4)
Alex M.

After reading the reviews for this place, I thought it would be great. Unfortunately it was not great. Where to start? First, the ambiance isn't great. It's not a very nice area. We go out a lot in Danville, and Pleasanton, Livermore and Walnut Creek- and I doubt we'll go back to Hayward any time soon. Also, it's very noisy. There were drunk guys at the bar while we were trying to have an anniversary dinner. Not so special, really. There is not sound barrier between the bar and the restaurant- just a metal chain curtain hanging from the ceiling. Secondly, the "special" menu kind of sucked. The only thing we had on it that we liked was the tuna tartare. But the kicker had to be the bill. Pretending the sad servings of food we got amounted to a 100 dollar meal is just a joke. We went to Morimoto in Napa and had an amazing meal of appetizers, and spent about what these folks claimed our meal was "worth". We laughed about that all the way home- and will never go back. We did order some dishes that were not on the "special" deal menu just to try some other things. Those other things were better than what we had on our menu- so maybe the regular menu is amazingly better than what we got. If so, it was a mistake to serve the coupon customers a bad meal- because I would bet most of us are new customers and I would love to have been impressed by a new restaurant. Unfortunately that experience will have to wait.
(2)
Sarah L.

Surprisingly upscale dining faring from Hayward! I went with a friend on a gift certificate and had a really positive dining experience. (Aside: there sure seemed a lot of people there with "voucher deals"... they have a totally different menu if you're doing a deal v. dining normally. Haven't been many places with this set up). A bit on the over-priced end, but quality dining for sure. The food was definitely good. We split way too many dishes (our eyes were way bigger than our bellies), but we wanted to taste an array of small dishes. The tuna tartare lived up to the Yelp hype. Best dish by far. The beet salad was also delicious; I loved the grapefruit contrast and the balsamic reduction. The ribs were sweet and tender, but definitely messy (guess I haven't had a good rib that isn't messy, though... just bear it in mind if you're trying to impress a date). We also ordered the sliders; these were no skimpy sliders! The quail eggs on top were an adorable touch. My friend was obsessed with the dipping sauce that came with the pomme frites. Finally, we had one of the flatbread pizzas (the mushroom sausage one). This was probably my least favorite of our dishes, though the mushrooms themselves were very good and some of the small touches (ex: the freshly chopped basil garnish) added to its flair. We were too stuffed for dessert, but I was definitely eyeing our neighbor's macaroon ice cream sandwiches with a bit of envy. If I were to order again (for 2), I'd stick to one salad, two small dishes, and then save room for a dessert. Re: atmosphere: Bijou has a classy lounge feel: open ceilings with dim lights, subdued background music, chatter but not loud. Our waiter was extremely attentive. High marks for service.
(4)
Oakleng S.

First try and I am so disappointed. Food one word..it is BLAND. The drinks came in a timely manner. The salad was lacking a crunch...we ordered beets salad. The roasted chicken thighs was bland per my boyfriends taste. My baby back small plate ribs was disappointing. It seems the chef just used chili sauce to brush it on top of the ribs. Will never come back and will pass the word regarding their food. Do not spend your hard earned money here.
(1)
Shasta M.

Great little gem in the downtown Hayward loop. Discovered this place because of a Living Social deal but we are so glad to have discovered this restaurant. Nice date night destination if you don't want to head to an East Bay scene. Although I think the restaurant would do better in a area that was nicer. Hayward is trying to improve this area. It's too bad it is littered with crappy antiques stores and other stores that must be a front for money laundering. How do these S-holes survive in this day and age? Refocus! Okay, great cocktail menu, courteous and well informed staff with a great vibe. we even went there with our two year old and the staff was very mindful of her care. It allowed us to enjoy the meal knowing that she was being fed and cared for. We enjoyed: Skirt steak salad, Jalapeno style poppers, baked brie, Cucumber elixir cocktail perfectly mixed. They also make a macaroon ice cream sandwich which is scrumptious.
(5)
Reliford B.

Coming from the north beach area of San Francisco I'm glad there is a restaurant in the eastbay that can live up to the standards of the presidio. Great food, great customer service and a good ambiance for a great time. Night club at night if you like to dance.
(5)
Mel M.

I like it here, I come a lot actually. I usually come thurs, fri, or Sunday. And I come because the staff is great! DAVE! The bartender is AWESOME! The food I order I love. I only get appetizers though. I love the flat bread I get it EVERY TIME! I get fries and things to snack on because usually when I go it's really late so I don't have time to eat a full meal. The drinks are awesome! I have to give a hand to the bartender though the main reason I come is because of him. And the drinks are right EVERYTIME! :) I have to say, the chef is an asshole! I had bottle service and paid $300 for it and I don't know if he had a few drinks or not it was 1am I was celebrating with my girlfriends and this idiot comes and says something to my friend and then he dips his hand on our ice bucket!! You rude inconsiderate ass! And he had the audacity to say something back! I didn't pay $300 to hear his smart ass mouth. But other than that I like the place and I've never ran into that idiot it was the first and last time :)
(4)
Laura D.

I could truly bitch-slap this place! My review is also for the Amazon deal for $39.99 for $112 value. Not even close... Tried calling three times to make reservations on a Tuesday evening, they don't pick up the phone. When we arrive, the snotty hostess says we should have made reservations. We get seated anyways. OK.... We passed on the champagne, preferring to order from the bar a beer and a martini. If we don't want the champagne, they should give some bar credit...couple bucks maybe? Whatever. What is an atrocity is that I ordered a Ketel One vodka martini, and it was disgusting. Most definitely was well vodka (Gordon's), couldn't taste the vermouth...and for $12.00! That is blatant overcharging. This is not a swanky hotel bar in SF, this is downtown Hayward. C'mon!! Martini should be made properly and only charge between $8-9. Our appetizers were the tuna tartare (small serving and too spicy) and baby back ribs (three anorexic ribs in a weird sauce, also too spicy). The table next to us saw my plate of ribs and ordered themselves a plate too. I noticed when theirs came out, they got 4 ribs! WTF! Is the deal menu different portion sizes? Maybe. The entrees were chicken w/garlic mash, and cod with garlic mash. The chicken was decent. The cod on the other hand, such a small portion, I would not consider it entrÃ©e sized. It was literally three bites of fish. It had a weird mushroom sauce, and over garlic mash potato? Weird flavor combination. Dessert was macaron ice cream cookie. It was so sweet, I couldn't eat it. My husband had both of ours. Service was underwhelming. I had the feeling we were being ignored because we had the deal. The acoustics in the dining room are super live, so the only thing I could hear above the rumble was the drunk woman next to us laughing her ass off every five seconds. Not a pleasing atmosphere. They should look into some acoustic treatment. I hated the experience and will never go back there. I feel RIPPED OFF! Even with the Amazon deal, we paid $75. I would never pay that much for such low quality food & service. And they expect to be tipped on the full "value". Freaking unbelievable. Never again.
(1)
Aban E.

Not very impressive. Old furniture, floor not swept, cabinets broken, food mediocre. Groupon deal is a rip off. They serve you 70 dollars worth of food for a 70 dollar groupon and calls it a 200 dollar meal. For 200 dollars, my food better be better. I will complain to Groupon as well. The servers were all decent and nice. So I suppose it's the management who needs to get with it. Oh... And the menu on groupon was completely different from the prix fixe menu that they brought to us. Bate and switch. All I know is that I left feeling mislead.
(2)
Annah L.

I relied on Yelp to help me find a "bar and restaurant" in Hayward since this was the halfway point between my south bay friend and I. I was pleased! They have happy hour from 4 PM to 7 PM from Monday to Friday. I ordered a French 75 while waiting for my friend. I wish I had an endless pitcher of this stuff, but that would mean I wouldn't be able to go home. It's delicious! I had to Google what went in it to make it so delectable (gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and brut champagne!) As for the food, my friend and I ordered the chicken pesto and portobello mushroom/sausage flatbreads, respectively. Decent but nothing outrageous. I was a little irked that the condiments for the pizzas were sprinkled off to the side of the board and I ended up making a huge mess. I suppose the presentation was meant to be cute. Overall, the food is a little on the pricey end since they seem to serve simple food with simple ingredients (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) but I'd definitely return to try more of their other cocktails!
(4)
Sade L.

Great food, great location but not great service. My husband and I hosted our engagement dinner here, and it was a disaster. The rushed us out at the end. Because we pretty much filled up the restaurant, our bill was over 4k. That definitely should have been enough to cover 4 hours. Our dinner started at 5pm. They were rushing us out at 7pm. My guests could barely finish their dessert and we didn't have much time for pics and games. Nice for a romantic date, or late night dancing, but don't host your event here.
(3)
Edward S.

The service was excellent. It deserves 5 stars for service, but the food was not that great. We received a groupon as a gift and used it. Hoping for a great first impression, failed. The short ribs were boiled and it tasted like the sauce was just added right before serving the dish. My wife was disappointed with her chicken as she was not given the choice to either have white or dark meat. They served her the thigh and leg that also looked like it was boiled. The tuna tartar was excellent. We looked over the other table that had the groupon with a fixed meal and it was all the same look. I wish they would have served up their best dishes for the groupon to give their best first impression. I would not be going back to find out if it's worth a second chance. Sorry.
(3)
Zaya F.

Came here on a Friday night with my boyfriend. We were seated right away and we got couple appetizers, two entres and creme brulee. The portion size is pretty small but it tasted delicious. We also got 4 drinks total. It is pretty pricey but the drinks are great!
(5)
H S.

I've been coming here for awhile now, maybe some would even say I'm a regular :) I absolutely love it here. Amazing food, great drinks and very personable staff. I've been telling myself to write a review for awhile now, and couldn't help but notice and read what other people have said about this awesome spot. I've never bought a groupon/living social here so I don't know what those people are saying but it sounds like a great deal! 3 courses for two people plus champagne for $39 and people are complaining?? Sometimes I think people don't realize the awesome grab those vouchers can be and always just need something to complain about. Ahi tuna is probably my go-to appetizer. I've tried more of their dishes but I love that one so much! I can't even begin to decide on which cocktail if my favorite! I feel like they are always coming up with new drinks and the bartenders are so knowledgeable that if you just tell them what you like, they can mix you up something great! Overall- the staff, the food and the entire experience have never let me down!
(5)
Quincy T.

The bar is pretty amazing. The bartender... (I'm forgetting his name because my visit was a few months ago) Cute.... Very personable.... You could even catch him do tricks if you eye stalk. The bar bites were really good. They had the kitchen closed but I mentioned I really wanted to snack on something. The chefs were more than eager in whipping something up quick and feed my belly. It was so good when it came out. They gave me a type of crustini that had guryere cheese and a type of red sauce with siracha Over all cool atmosphere. I heard this place turns into a nightlife thing over the weekends. I haven't tried that yet but they certainly made an impression for me to come back
(5)
Regina W.

This bad review is mostly dominated by the service. It was horrid. I came here on a Friday night with my better half. We were seated promptly. Upon seating, there was this awful smell of feet or a really strong cheese odor that we could not get past. Shudder. The waiter takes our drink and entree orders. A pear coaktail and some other one. Our entrees were chicken flatbread pizza and scallops with asparagus risotto. We wait for a bit and then our entrees come out...before our cocktails! What kind of restaurant does that? We start eating and no signs of cocktails. We have to flag someone down and ask about them. There were so many people working there just standing around. We finally get our drinks halfway through the meal. My pear drink was a glorified lemon drop. As for the food, there were huge cloves of garlic on the pizza. I love garlic so that's fine with me. My bf doesn't share the same affinity for garlic, so he had to pick them off. The scallops in my entree were nicely seared and plump. Risotto was a pass. We finished our drinks and the waiter came by and just quietly took our glasses away. He didn't ask if we wanted another one because I did. We then finished our entrees. Again the waiter quickly takes our plates away. We were left just sitting there for about five minutes and had to flag down the waiter to ask for a dessert menu. Ugh.
(2)
Chris B.

Great cocktails with a San Francisco feel. Hubby and often stop here before going out to dinner. The bar food is good too. They have great happy hour prices starting at 4 pm.
(4)
Diane N.

We bought the Living Social 3 course dinner deal for $39 (value $109) without reading any Yelp reviews or knowing anything about this restaurant. I read 50 or 60 reviews a few days ago & almost decided not to go at all. I am happy to refute, in our experience, some of the worst negative reviews. But first -- yes, it's very very loud & we were there at 7 pm on a Thursday evening. Only a dozen people in the bar but my husband's iPhone decibel app measured between 83 when we first got there & about 100 (louder than a motorcycle) by the time we left near 9 pm. Cold staff? No, we got good service with a smile even though our waitress (Andrea? Andree?) was caring for 5 tables, including a group of a dozen women at two long tables. Dirty glasses/dishes/silver? Not at our table. Overpriced? Yeah, I wouldn't have paid $108 or $109 for our food and glass of champagne. But we *didn't* -- we paid $39 for both of us. I think it would have been fairly priced at about $40 each. Portions too small? No, not for us. We were pleasantly full when we left. One review said they were so hungry that they went out for pizza right afterwards! Doesn't sound like a problem for the average person. Dangerous neighborhood? Didn't look like it, right in the middle of Hayward's downtown with clean streets, nice businesses & restaurants. We parked right in back of the newspaper offices. What we ate: 1) cream of tomato soup (very good, quite spicy) and duck confit salad (my husband liked it; 2) warm bread with very good spicy green herb/olive oil dipping sauce; 3) pork tenderloin w/garlic mashed potatoes (moist, flavorful, nice sauce) and sole with wild rice risotto (excellent risotto but my husband thought the sole tasted very fishy, too old, so the waitress took it away & brought him the pork tenderloin entrÃ©e with wild rice; 4) chocolate raisin bread pudding with whipped cream (very, very good, nice & custardy, perfectly spiced) and crÃ¨me brulee (classic, tasty, not cold in the center). And the champagne was OK. We each ordered a house cocktail -- Orchard Manhattan & Plum out of time old fashioned. Good. Fairly small. Cost $10 or $11 but that seems to be going price for craft cocktails. Will we go back? Maybe. Should you? Yeah, if you buy the Living Social deal & bring ear plugs!
(4)
Kerry T.

I LOVED my scallop dish and croissant pudding! My boyfriend and I came here for our 6 year anniversary and each got a 3 course meal! He didn't really like his dish... We had to box one entree (beef needed to be more tender) and one dessert (tasted like fancy oreos?) because we didn't really feel like wasting and eating it :( I got a blueberry mixed drink ... Which kind of tasted like soap? Tasted like the smell of soap. Not sure if it was the lemon or whatnot but it wasn't as delicious as it seemed. The atmosphere is great though. I live the lighting and all the fixtures. We got this deal through Groupon, which was awesome and such a steal! I honestly thought our dinner wasn't worth more than 100 dollars but it was wen we got the check back. Thank goodness for our groupon which was 39 for a 3 course meal for two! The food was ok minus the awesome scallop dish and the croissant pudding. I'm not saying the food was terrible... I'm just saying I felt the price was too steep for what we got. Service was excellent though and very friendly!
(3)
L B.

It was awful. No seriously, really awful. The service was terrible and our server was totally unfamiliar with the menu. Our server literally forgot about us. You could smell cigarette smoke wafting in the place the entire time we were there as if someone was smoking right next to us. We felt rushed when the server was trying to wrap up for the night. I didn't catch his name but he was a tall man darker features, goatee, glasses and bracelets. He never checked on us and our food came out before our two drinks at from the bar. The men's bathroom hadn't been cleaned and the fixtures were falling apart and were super dirty. It's too bad the owner and manager clearly don't put the time in to make this a good experience for the customer. Overpriced, bland food and crap service.
(1)
Lydia C.

Went here on a Groupon, which means there is a limited menu to choose from, but still plenty of delicious choices. We got the lobster Puff Pastry and Risotto Patties for appetizer - both were very good. Entrees were Pork Loin and fish - also good. But the topper was the CrÃ¨me Brulee. This was to die for! We went on a Tuesday night and it wasn't crowded, we were seated within a few minutes, and the service was quick and friendly. I imagine parking on a weekend would be a nightmare, but weeknights are good.
(4)
Evin C.

Not many places like this in Hayward, but the downtown area is definitely up and coming now. A friend and I stopped here for drinks. The ambiance was perfect, nice plush couches, dim lighting (gave it a loungy feel) and a very attentive bartender. We ordered a few Sangrias and they were delicious, reasonably priced as well. I'll have to revisit to sample some of the their food offerings, but as of now I am definitely a fan.
(4)
Alfonzo G.

I wet to this place 2weeks ago I use the grupon food evething was great but the service was slow
(4)
David L.

I never wrote any reviews, but this place just simply made me mad. Made a reservation at 8 and waited for an hour till getting a seat. Also, when the table was finally ready, the greeter was not clear at all what was happen ring and made us felt so uncomfortable. Well, some people just don't know how to run a restaurant.
(1)
Ha V.

If you are looking for just one reason to try Bijou, let it be the Croissant Pudding. TRUST. *** Four stars for Croissant Pudding, only.
(4)
Jenny J.

I've hosted a number of parties here ranging anywhere between 10-50 people and have repeatedly received great reviews! Ben, the owner is such a lovely person to work with and his staff is impeccable. What an outstanding team! The tables are always ready, the food is always delicious and the service is, time and again, flawless! Not to mention, checkout, even for 50 people, has been nothing short of a delightful experience. I would highly suggest this place for any size group of people for any day and any occasion! Bijou has been my go-to for years now and I am so grateful for this place! Thanks Ben! Thanks team!!! You guys are AMAZING!
(5)
Tiffany N.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to write a review for this place! I've been coming to this place for a little over a year. This place is like a second home to me and as the name states, is truly a "jewel" hidden away in the depths of Hayward. I will admit, that I've recently strayed away, not because of the establishment, but simply because their cocktails are so good that I'd become an alcoholic! [D R I N K S] Dave and Manny make some mean cocktails. Their presence fills the place with warmth and liveliness. Matt is an up-and-comer in the drink department. I seriously do not mind getting a drink from any of them as they make some solid drinks. The drink menu is filled with freshly muddled fruit and refreshing drinks. Great all around. [F O O D] One of my favorite things here are their Bijou fries and secret sauce. O M Golly gosh, they're sauce is to die for. Their fries are the perfect snack food while sipping on some beers or even one of their fancy shmancy cocktails. I've had their Bijou sliders, and LOVEEE them. That little quail egg does wonders to the little burger. Tuna tartare is pretty amazing as well. I've had their prix fixe during New Year's Eve and I don't think I've had such amazing food in the East Bay until that day. Christian, the head chef, is simply a master mind, the way he blends his Asian background with French influences. From the straight heaven on my fork to the liquid ecstasy that I drink; this place is my Most-Go pick for Hayward. Truly a "bijou" of the East Bay. I fell in love with the people who run this place and to the people who accompany me here. People may not always agree on food and people may not always agree on price, but I think we can all agree that Bijou provides a breath of fresh air, when it comes to places to go in Hayward. Quick tip: Like them on Facebook and get updates on specials they offer. They sometimes have fresh oysters on the half shell for a dollar each!! AHH! Love those days...
(5)
Robyn S.

Good music, tasty drinks and reasonbly priced ! I Their mixed drinks are unique and extremely tasty! I would definitely recommend the Pom Springs, its quite refreshing! I stood at the bar for a few minutes while the female bartender waited on a few of the guys next to me, chatted it up for a few minutes and showed off her tattoo on her back before she acknowledged me BUT thats typical of a bar right? Invest time where the 'money' is. I'm sure they are trained to do that so I can't be upset. The male bartender was nice and very quick so that made up for it. Next up, to get there before the kitchen closes so I can try their food !
(3)
Jenny C.

Had a prix fixe groupon meal here that included a 3 course meal for 2, and 2 glasses of champagne. Their happy hour drinks are pretty good. I had the Basil Gimlet while we waited for our table, it was really good. For appetizer I had the scallop cerviche, it was just ok. For my entree I had the cod, which was pretty amazing. Creme brulee for dessert, a nice finish to the meal. My bf's macaroon ice cream was pretty good too.
(3)
Mike C.

I came here because of a Groupon deal I bought. 39$ worth of food off from original pricing of 115$. I drove all the way from San Jose (East side) to try this place. We arrived at dinner time (5pm opening) and were seated promptly. First thing my girlfriend noticed was the tables not clean, wiped down or presentable. It was sticky and stained. Figuring they just opened for dinner service you think the staff prepared themselves better. Our waiter brought water for us and another issue. Glasses were not cleaned. My glass had lip stick stained from the previous user while my girlfriends glass had some food bits on the tip. Oh what a start... We continue to order our food. She order course one - baby back ribs, course two grilled salmon and final course was the macaroon. My first choice scallop ceviche, second choice seafood pasta and final option also was the macaroon. We both had the champagne. Champagne came out swiftly, but AGAIN! The glasses were stained with food bits. Her experiences Ribs - The ribs were soft, but overly flavored. To much to say. Their fusion blend is a great idea but it could be toned down. Salmon - Her salmon was done well. She did enjoy the simplicity of the fish with rice, tomatoes and avocado. Macaroon - She told me the bread should've been soft (or cookie) and the ice cream was not exactly on par for flavoring. My experiences Scallop Ceviche - It was sour! Oh my stars! Each bite was a battle to keep my sour face from showing. I'm not sensitive to sour food either. Seafood Pasta - I really enjoyed the pasta. I enjoyed everything of it. Macaroon - I'm not exactly the type to eat sweets, I ate two bites of the ice cream to help clear my taste. I liked the decor, but the staff should've kept with the presentation. Table to my left had bread crumbs all over the seat and floor (Not nit-picking, but its plainly obvious) and to my right had not wiped down either. The whole glasses not clean (water and champagne) was a major let down. Our waiter (I cannot remember his name) was awesome with his duties. We didn't mention anything about the glasses because we wanted our food, eat and leave. Didn't want to deal with anything. I personally would never go back to this place simply because the drive out for the food wasn't worth it for me. I'm glad I caught this on a Groupon deal. Paying 115$ for this meal would've seriously upset me. 115$ at other places would've brought better atmosphere.
(1)
Janny M.

Had dinner here and was great. Food was delicious and presentation was top notch. Highly recommend the scallop ceviche and salmon. The service was fast. Great drinks and wine selection.
(4)
Adrian H.

Food quality decent. Maybe very good compared to what else available in Hayward but just somewhat above average in the Bay Area. Services was uneven. Nice & friendly attitude but slow at times.
(3)
Dalisha C.

I ordered tiger prawns and spinach it was really good. The waitress was really nice and welcoming.
(4)
Marlon T.

I came here to meet with some long-time friends and try the croissant pudding (vanilla bean custard baked with a croissant and topped with nutella and vanilla ice creme). This seems to be the most popular place in the area according to Yelp. Was the time with friends fun? Yes. Was the Croissant Pudding good? I guess it's worthwhile. Aside from that dessert, the only other things I got were a beer and a pitcher of sangria. Was the sangria good? No--it tasted watered down. And not the watered down taste where it creeps up on you, but the literal watered down not-getting-your-monies-worth watered down. I think it's also because it was the last batch of their sangria. Oh well. They play music at night with some pretty good jams. The DJ didn't really mix. This place is OK. I say it's a place to meet when you're friends live in Hayward and they don't prefer driving out anywhere else.
(3)
Ashley M.

I had never heard of Bijou until I found a Living Social deal online for a 3 course dinner for two ($40 regular $110). The French-American cuisine intrigued me and I decided to take my boyfriend there for his birthday. We went on a Friday night and made reservations a week before. The place was reasonably busy but we were seated immediately by a very friendly host. The atmosphere was lively with nice colorful lighting around the restaurant. There was a chic, intimate feel but casual at the same time. I explained I had a Living Social deal and was able to show them the purchase from my phone. Looking at the menu we found they had Pisco Sours as a signature drink! We always try to find this South American cocktail but it's very rare a restaurant/bar makes them so we were excited. The drink was delicious and all the others I saw on the menu looked very interesting. I wished I could have tried them all! The cool thing about this place is the sheer curtain that separates the bar/lounge from the restaurant so you can come in for drinks and appetizers or sit and have a nice meal on the other side without feeling too separated from everything. Our menu was a smaller menu than the regular one for the deal we got online but all the choices seemed delicious. We had the beef carpaccio and caesar salad appetizers, the sea bass and risotto, and ended with a strawberry crepe and croissant pudding dessert. All of the food was extremely well cooked, seasoned, piping hot, and on time. We literally "mmmm'ed" out loud. The deal also included 2 glasses of champagne which was great too. I highly recommend this fun, lively restaurant with very friendly staff and excellent food. I'll definitely be back for more cocktails and delicious food!
(5)
Jill C.

I resently moved to Hayward and it was my boyfriend's birthday. We decided to just park and walk and see what we could find for happy hour. We ended up here. It was busy which is a good sign to us. The staff was great and actually let us know when some seating became available. They carry my favorite champagne and the food was amazing. We had to leave and pick somone up but came back to finsih the night. David, the bartendar, is an absolute delight. We will definitey be back.
(5)
Ivan K.

Cost for 2 people (with Groupon) including tax and tip: $60 = 4.5 Stars Food and drink: 3 Stars (wasn't blown away by it, but some of it was tasty) Hostess: but this one goes up to 11. No need to talk about the food, drink, ambiance, etc - this review is just about the hostess: As like many others, we came here with a Groupon/Amazon Local certificate for the 3-course prix-fixe dinner for 2. Walked in the door and was instantly greeted by the blondish hostess (with an Oakland tree logo tattoo on her shoulder) who had apparently been receiving lots of those because she asked "do we have any certificates this evening?" - which was a sign that they were mostly getting people with them and not normal diners. She was extremely friendly and since there were no available tables at the moment, she went over and cleared one of the dirty tables off, grabbed the menus and seated us in under 2minutes. An impressive start. We perused the menus and ordered the "champagne" that came with the meal. And who brought us the sparkling wine? - the hostess. And the soda we ordered? - the hostess. And who came by on several occasions to grab plates off our table and ask how we were doing? - you got it, the hostess!!! I saw her at several other tables as well so it's not as if we were the only ones to get this personal service. Not that the waitresses and busboys weren't doing their jobs, but this woman was truly amazing. And despite all this hard work, she always had a smile on her face.. If I ever open a restaurant, I will definitely steal her away from Bijou. Still not sure I'd go back - lots of other restaurants in the Bay Area to try and the food didn't blow me away.
(4)
Lori C.

Came here for some drinks at the bar during the begin of the night club hours. Their was about 5 people seated at the bar and 3 bartenders but it took about 10 mins for us to get someone to acknowledge us (group of 8 people). After we ordered our drinks it took this guy like 20 mins to make them!!! I thought he was showing off is tricks because it was slow but later when it got busy and the club filled up the bartender was still taking his sweet time!!! I just want my alcohol damn it!! Lol So besides the long wait I also did not like that they did not have any consistency with their cocktails. They really need to use measuring glasses or something because eye balling does not work for them.
(2)
Rosa D.

This is a pretty nice spot for a couple or group of friends. I've been here with my husband once, and another with a group of friends. Their food is pretty good, and my favorite drink is their mojito. One is not enough. ;)
(4)
Minh T.

Used a Groupon for two to try out this restaurant. Overall, good food, service, and (promotional) price. The Ahi Tuna Tartare and Creme Brulee were really good.
(4)
D G.

Took advantage of the Living Social offer we purchased-3 course meal with a glass of champagne. We each chose our own appetizer: I had the Carpaccio and he had the ribs, EntrÃ©e: he chose the Beef Bourguignon and I had the Scallops over risotto, and for Dessert, we chose the CrÃ¨me Brulee and the Croissant pudding. The food was tasty and just the right amount. The ribs we thoroughly enjoyed! It was so tender and tasty. The Scallops I would say won over the Beef Bourguignon and the Croissant Pudding is a must when you go to Bijou! Served warm with a nutella sauce and a scoop of ice cream on the side-Delish!!! The service was very attentive and helpful with menu suggestions. I would say the only down side to this place is the noise coming from the bar. With only a steel , mesh like curtain separating the bar from the dining area, the noise especially when there is a crowd gathered to watch a game makes it very difficult to have a conversation. Thankfully we came towards the tail end of the game and got some peace and quiet.
(5)
Juan C.

2.5 stars. I got a groupon and came here for a dinner with a friend. I thought the food was mediocre. it was DEFINITELY not worth what they advertised it as, greather than 100$. that would've been a rip off. We started off with tuna tar tar and scallop cerviche, it was such small portions and not that wholesome. kinda lackluster. I had the pork loins.. they were a bit dry and tasted pretty bland. My friend had the seafood tomato sauce dish.. which were both quite small.. we literally gobbled it up in 5 mins..... and we are small girls! i really like my macroon. the creme brule was okay. but my overall experience is.. good service, restaurant was kinda empty at 830, decor was pretty and clean. my only negative review is, i think they over-advertised what the food was really worth. Even with the groupon, it was at least 30 a person, which is still expensive in my book. My theory is, if i can cook it better at home, then the food isnt worth it. Overall, i wouldn't recommend the groupon or to go back.
(3)
Brenda B.

Came here with a groupon special. When we arrived the bar tender greeted us and called for the host and she followed to ask if we had a coupon. I thought it was odd, specially for those who didn't have one. We got seated and noticed it wasn't busy at all (a bit scary). The food was good, price was reasonable mid 20s the most expensive one. We had the Nutella creeps for dessert, nothing out of this world but delicious and enjoyable nonetheless. I would def come back if another groupon came around!
(3)
Suzanne T.

My husband and I went here as part of a Groupon. Wow, were we disappointed. I understand that a business typically loses money with these deals, but I wasn't happy with how they cut corners, and yet our walk-out bill was pretty darned expensive (with the Groupon plus two drinks, we spent $90 on this meal, which they claimed was worth $150). The food was overly simple (i.e. a piece of salmon, some spinach, some rice) and not delicious. Some of the other diners seemed to be eating well, but I was so disappointed at how they cut corners that we won't be back. Also, the two drinks we had off of their drinks menu were overly sweet and did not have much alcohol in them.
(2)
Karen U.

When we first arrived our hostess was amazing. Warm, greeted us with a smile and checked our request notes on Open Table and said they could accommodate. Our waiter was great too (in the beginning). Friendly and quick. The food came out very quickly too (but maybe that's where it shouldn't have come out so quick). 1. Our champagne was warm 2. Appies looked appetizing and the ribs were delicious. The Tuna tartare was more corn and avocado than tuna. I appreciated the tutorial that the waiter gave us for eating the tartare with the special crisp, but it was difficult to perform. The Panko Brie was awesome! 3. The main entree came out quickly, but from being underwhelmed by appetizers, I had a feeling entrees were already premade fast food style. The scallops were cooked well, but the risotto was lacking and had HUGE chunks of onions engulfing it. The salad I received was limp. Limp leaves and lacking in any depth. And the prawns were good, great sauce but I think we were getting pretty disappointed by a lot of things at this point. 4. We sat there 15 min after eating our mains and no one came by. Mind you, we started eating near end of the night so we didn't mind at first, but when we were finally ready for dessert, and the bill it took us 5 minutes to flag someone. One guy just came by and dropped off to-go boxes, no hello, how are you, do you need anything. I could see our waiter in the back counting his tips. Finally I waived at someone who kept walking but then decided to come back and asked him if he worked there since he didn't seem like it but wore all black. He said yes and I explained our situation and then he went to the back to get our desserts and clear out our table. 5. We started to devour our desserts. The crepe was average, but we really liked the croissant pudding. Crispy on top and soft and warm inside, with sides of nutella and ice cream. I love determining how much to add. But then the chef came out. He apologized that the waiter should've prepped the croissant pudding for us by pouring the ice cream and nutella on top. We said no worries and really enjoyed it as is. But he was insistent and we let him. Ugh, ruined the dessert. 6. He came back out with a free dessert. A French Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich. Great concept and looked awesome. But the Macaron drowned in the LARGE scoop of ice cream and it's not something you could pick up. I suggest creating normal size macaron cookies and making a tray of mini ice cream sammies, instead of this huge beast. BUT this is where I was like, EWW not coming here. The chef introduced himself and said he was the head check. He asked us what we enjoyed. We didn't wanna lie, so we pointed out our favorites: Ribs, scallops and then he looked at us, like he was waiting for more and asked (several times) "Is that It?" Yea dude, that's it. If you're fishing for compliments, you came to the wrong table. If you're trying to hit on three ladies, you're not in luck. Your food is overpriced and the taste or execution doesn't match in value. And sure you may have grown up in France, but you weren't trained in french culinary cuisine, sorry. Maybe focus on your craft versus trying to get with the ladies.
(2)
Angela L.

Great service and excellent food. My husband and I.went this evening to use a Groupon we purchased and really enjoyed the entire experience. Very friendly and attentive staff with tasty food. We had the rib appetizer, seafood pasta and scallops. I will be back.
(5)
Ron J.

Went here for our 16th anniversary dinner. What a disappointment. Yes we used the Groupon, but I thought that was how they were trying to attract new businesses. If my experience is typical they will not be getting much return clientele. After we were seated looked at the menu and NO Rib-eye. Main reason I came as I love a good rib-eye and am not a chicken or fish fan. The so called French Onion soup was a grossly over salty. Tasted like they had thrown way too much Beef Base. It was a concoction that I would have thrown out at home. Wife had Ahi Tuna compote and said it was good but not great. I chose the Beef Short Ribs, but received One small short rib and an additional silver dollar sized piece of meat. They should have left off the s on ribs. Meat was bland Potatoes tasted like boxed, or if the were fresh, watered down and pureed. The chicken my wife had was ok but had an overpowering herb taste. The nougat glace was very good. The creme brulee was slightly warm but acceptable. As we were leaving I saw two other tables being served the Beef Short Ribs, They both had 2 nice sized Beef Short Ribs on each plate. Each Rib was larger than the 1 I received, even adding the small extra piece of meat on my plate. All in all Not recommended. Food was almost OK . Service was attentive. I will not be returning nor recommending.
(1)
Maggie Y.

Wasn't expecting such a fancy place in downtown Hayward! Came here with a living social deal so we had a prefixed menu which included champagne, appetizer, main course and dessert. What stood out to me most was the dessert, the nutella croissant was bomb. For appetizer I had the pear salad, which was a little sweet for my taste. For main course I ordered the sea bass which was flavorful and well prepared. If you're looking to impress a lady in downtown Hayward..this would be the place to go!
(4)
Christina L.

Came here for the happy hour, so I can only comment on that. The drinks are really good and REALLY cheap. They're about $5 each during happy hour. The pear lemon drop and the pisco punch are fantastic, I'd recommend getting that. I also got the fries (I think they were shoestring and sweet potato) and they were really good too. Mostly because the dipping sauce was yummy. I think it was sriracha and mayo.. can't go wrong with that. The waitress was also really nice.
(4)
TJ T.

2nd time dining here. First time was impressive enough to prompt a second visit. Second visit was using a living social voucher for $39.. Salad/appetizer was very good, entrÃ©es were modest portions, but good, and dessert was very good. HOWEVER, the 'value' of the 3-course dinner was most highly inflated, by about 100%, compared to the regular menu prices. Additionally the check presented at the end of the meal was even more inflated than the advertised voucher. Living social voucher said $70 value, check said $108 value. Lesson learned, don't believe all advertised specials.
(1)
R. I.

food is overpriced for what it is. Also not that great. Cocktails are over priced., the place and ambiance is nice and that's pretty much what you are paying for. id rather eat at the movie theatre and pay them for a $5 hot dog than spend $40 for food and a drink.
(1)
Shannon H.

My husband and I were there last night for dinner and we loved it! We went with Groupon, which saved us a lot of money. The food was wonderful!! I ordered the Squash soup and think it's the best I've ever had. My husband ordered the Pear Salad and it was wonderful as well. We both ordered the Roasted Chicken for dinner and thought it was really good. It came with a mushroom sauce and I do not like mushrooms. They were more than happy to change out the sauce with a lemon butter that was delicious!! For dessert I ordered the Croissant Pudding and that is something I could eat every night!! We wouldn't be able to afford the dinner without Groupon - however - if you can afford it or use Groupon we highly recommend this restaurant. It was clean, the service was as good as the food and we enjoyed ourselves very much.
(5)
John R.

never been inside to eat but I like going here for the bar scene at night. Meet local beautiful girls and I enjoy the music as well..wish it was a little bigger like the turf cuz it can get crowded on Fridays or Saturday's. Edit: 05/15/2013 - Sorry i have to update this..this place sucks now without the bar scene at night..it's not like before..
(1)
Roy F.

As many groupon user reviews as there are, I also have to chime in and confess that yes, I am a habitual groupon user and have used or been a party to the use of the same at this restaurant at least four times. When a meal value is claimed to be over $100 for two people I come with high expectations not just for the food quality, presentation and flavor but also for the atmosphere, service and comfort. It is difficult to place a value of your meal here because the selections on the groupon are unique. If you could order $108.00 worth of food for $39.00 here then there would be more reality to the claimed value. The atmosphere changes depending on the crowd(s) and the service attention also changes a lot. Even when the staff has been worked hard due to a shortage of help, a sick call or other, they have always been friendly and efficient but usually too rushed to feel like you've had an attentive experience. The food and overall experience has been varied from 2 stars to 4 and therefore I now give it an average 3. I really enjoy the decor on the bar side of the restaurant. I don't come here expecting to be swept off my feet but also have not had the bad experiences some reviewers had. The $39.00 groupon for two meals from a limited menu is a fair price. You really do get what you pay for and maybe a little extra. Ordering from the regular menu gives you more choices and more dollars to part with.
(3)
Julianne H.

I went to this restaurant on a groupon. The main course was okay- I wasn't incredibly impressed. But, let me just say my "first course" was, quite frankly, the best tomato soup I have ever had. It was rich and buttery. Basil, garlic, fresh tomato... I couldn't get enough. I seriously want to go back to this place JUST for their tomato soup. I can skip all that other stuff, but give me some more tomato soup. My mouth is just watering thinking about that liquid bowl of heaven...
(4)
Caroline K.

Sticking with the 3 stars after a trip back here recently. We bought the Livingsocial deal for a 3-course price fixe meal. I had the caesar salad, roasted chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, and the croissant bread pudding. Bf had the ahi tuna tartare, sea bass with mushroom risotto, and the chantilly crepes. First, the food. The only disappointment was the caesar salad. It was drenched in dressing (my pet peeve for salads...am I eating crisp veggies or just a blob of liquid fat?) that had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. Seriously, just tasted like creamy blah. I never really complain about lack of flavor, so when I asked for some fresh pepper, my bf knew something was up. Even with the pepper (which I had our server apply liberally), it was lacking. Didn't finish it. However, everything else we had was delicious. Bf raved about the ahi tuna tartare, he said it was one of the best he's had. It was a nice presentation, too, with wasabi sauce and a sesame rice chip on the side. Our entrees were good. The mushroom risotto was rich and nutty, and the sea bass had a nice crisp top layer. The chicken thighs had a tomato-bacon-onion sauce, the only downside to which was the pearl onions (I just thought they were hard to eat...you get a huge bite full of onion or none at all). The chicken still had its skin on, which I personally am not a huge fan of, but it was tender and not dry at all. And then the dessert. Oh my goodness, the croissant bread pudding was AMAZING. The vanilla pudding sauce, the melty ice cream on top...heaven. The chocolate sauce was only okay (not as fudge-y as I was hoping) but together it made an amazing combination. I devoured it. Bf had the chantilly crepes and said the strawberries and cream filling was delicious. But then, the service. Definitely lacking. We waited like 30 minutes between dinner and dessert. Our server, who seemed nice enough, just didn't really check on us much. The bussers basically do everything, and they barely said a word when clearing plates or bringing dishes. I think everyone could just be a bit more friendly. No need for over-the-top sweetness, but a little more small talk couldn't hurt. I also overheard one of the other servers explaining the dishes to the table next to us...our server basically just brought things and set them down. They also didn't have a host at the front, so it was awkward when we walked in and then were waiting for awhile. The bartender was friendly and welcomed us, but then he was making a drink so couldn't really come over and seat us right then. And just one more thing about the atmosphere...it is SO dark in there! And that would be okay, except that if you are seated facing the outside, you are blinded by light from outside and can't see your food, or your dining partner. It's definitely more of a bar feel, which is fine, but some over-the-table small spotlights would be super helpful. Anyway, they are still a solid 3 stars. Definitely 4 stars for the food (minus the caesar salad) and 2 for the service. Work on this part, and we'd come back. Especially with a coupon. ;)
(3)
Nhung T.

Came here because of the living social special for party of two and overall the experience was okay. The food wasn't too memorable, therefore, I don't really recall what I ate. I believe one of the dish was ribs, it was way too sweet. However, their happy hour menu seemed to be reasonable. I'll have to try it. It was a nice casual lounge/restaurant.
(3)
Catherine M.

Party of 3. No wait. No problem! The hosts and waitresses are really nice and attentive. I like the lighting and decor, it reminds me of Vegas. Haha. For some reason, we found the water freakishly refreshing. Maybe it was the frosty cups, maybe it was the water pitcher? But whatevs, we could all use a little more filtered water in our lives. I ordered the braised short ribs, and they were ON POINT! One scoop mash, baby carrots, and tender short ribs...need i say more? I'm kinda drooling just thinking about it. My cousin had the LAMB chops, and our friend had the skirt steak. Pretty presentation with the LAMB chops, and the garlic mash is super YUMS! Skirt steak was covered in a peppercorn gravy over a bed of asparagus with fries...I'm usually not a big fan of peppercorn, but surprisingly, i liked it! I had my reservations about coming here a second time because I didn't like the food when Bijou first opened, but i take it back. *high fives* to the chefs!
(4)
Stephen C.

Came back a second time to try their happy hour and liked it. As before, loved their drinks -- full of nice, fresh squeezed juice flavor. The onion rings are awesome, probably some of the best I've had. Friendly, attentive service.
(4)
sam a.

I've come here about 3 times and each time I remember why I don't frequent here. It is very small like most places in Hayward but I really dislike the Bartender (bald guy) and the gawking crowd that is usually here. The bartender sort throws a menu at my friend and I and doesn't engage when we asked what he suggests. Most bartenders in Hayward usually gives a suggestion when asked. It was extremely boring overall everytime.
(2)
Caligurl G.

Bought a Groupon so hubby and I could check this place out. So glad I did. It was a great value and the food was very tasty. We both started with the Asian pear salad, which neither of us cared for. The fixings were good (candied walnuts, feta cheese, pear), I think it was the salad dressing, just kind of bland and a little oily. Husband had the spare ribs for his main course and they were delicious. I had the salmon and it was good as well. Our meal included champagne and we were told that it's a brand that is only available to restaurants which is unfortunate because it was so very tasty. We really liked the food and the overall ambiance of this place. It's beautiful and swanky and we'll definitely visit here for another date night.
(4)
Isabella O.

Went for my mom's birthday dinner. Hella overpriced for food that I could get much better somewhere else. The decor was cool and all, really swanky and trying to look like a lounge, but I'm not buying it. The drinks were good, actually. I was just about to give this place a 2, but the drinks/bartender is upping this place to a 3. Maybe I'll come back and try some more dishes, but that's a big maybe.
(3)
Doris U.

Good food. Best for happy hour, the dinner menus are pricey for the size of the food.
(4)
Clarisse C.

We've never returned to eat again, but we ended up stopping by for the night life a couple nights ago to celebrate some friend's birthdays. Talk about MAJOR sausage fest! And they weren't serving sausages. It's a nice place to come in and chill, but the music was something else on this night. They played some good old school music and then started playing what I like to call 'white people' music. That's not racist, it's true. LOL. I mean don't get me wrong, I like 'white people' music a la Miley Cyrus' Party in the USA', but they didn't even play that! What if I wanted to throw my hands up because they were playing my song and let the butterflies fly away? Yeaaahhhhhhhh, it's a party in the USA! It was nice, I had one drink that my lover paid for, so I don't know how much it was for. Oh I had the mojito and it was HELLA sweet. i don't recommend, but maybe they were off that night. There were no Jay Z songs on, no Jay Z songs were on, no Jay Z songs were onnnnnn.
(2)
Amelia K.

I went to Bijou the other night for dinner, party of four. This was my first experience here and would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. What I had: - Some coconutty- lemony cocktail. Good, but not fantastic. Their drink menu is decent sized, about 20 or so varieties of mixed drinks, about 4 different types of beer, etc. -Sweet Potato and Potato Frites: YUM I am a fan of the style of fries that are on the thinner and crispy side- these were hot and tasty with a dipping sauce of aioli. -something Chicken plate: was covered in a sauce, with a potato side. Nothing super spectacular, but I enjoyed it. Around the table, my other friends had skirt steak, the pork chops, and something slightly Vietnamese with vermicelli. Dinner was good however it wasn't spectacular. Everyone enjoyed their entrees but I find it a bit of a bad sign that I thought the fries were the best part of the meal. Then again, those fries were done in the style that I love best... Enough with the rambling. Service was great from the waiter- he was very attentive and made some good suggestions. New staff was in the kitchen, and our dishes took longer to arrive than normal. Our waiter came around with a complimentary bottle of champagne- thanks!!!! At the end of the meal we saw some of the staff start moving tables to get ready for the lounge portion of the evening. We didn't stick around for that, but it was kind of distracting and took away some of my enjoyment for my meal.
(4)
George D.

This is a fun place to go if you're looking for a place to drink and aren't quite sure how hungry you are. Go to the lounge / bar area and order some of the fun cocktails, and look at the small plates menu. They're terrific, delicious food and a good deal for the price. Beautifully presented, and you can make a full meal for two out of 2-3 small plates. The margherita pizza small plate is really tasty and beautiful, surprising how simple it is.
(4)
Christina P.

My husband and I came for my birthday. It was good. I had the roasted chicken which was cooked to perfection with yummy red sauce and mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes... the garlic in the mash was a little weak but overall delicious dish! My husband had flatbread pesto chicken pizza. The chicken was really nice moist big pieces. It was good too but I liked mine better. We also had some jalapeno croquettes, breaded fried potato balls with jalapenos. That was also good. We got there right when they opened for dinner on a Sunday and it was really filling up fast. Overall it was good food. For the price though I'd much rather go somewhere else for French. I heard this place was supposed to be French... maybe it was French fusion but I couldn't tell the French part at all. Not very many selections for actual dinner. Only lots of small plates. I'm guessing this place would be better for drinks and appetizers. The food was good but I don't think there will be a reason that I am clamoring to go back... I would go if someone suggested it and wanted to go but if it were me, I would probably suggest other places in the area over this one for dinner in downtown Hayward or a different French restaurant if in the mood for French. It was fun to check it out though... I've been wanted to check it out for a while since I heard there was a French Restaurant in downtown Hayward. Happy we got to check it out but now I know it's not really what I would expect for French.
(3)
Peter P.

Ate at Bijou recently and have to say we were not impressed. The service with very good as our waiter was very friendly and attentive. We were there at 8:00pm on a Wednesday night and there were four other tables occupied in the restaurant. The bread and olive oil based spread was very good. We had a Groupon certificate so we were limited to the Prix Fixe menu. My wife and I both had the Asian Pear salad which we both enjoyed. For our main course my wife had the salmon and I had the short ribs. The short ribs came with mashed potato and bacon wrapped green beans. My food was was luke warm at best and the short ribs were very fatty. My wife's salmon came with mashed potato and vegetables. Her dinner was very hot to the point that she was unable to eat it initially. My wife orders salmon quite often when we go out and she did not like the taste of this salmon. She had the waiter box it up to take home but she said it smelled funny and threw it out after leaving the restaurant. For dessert I had the Crepe Chantilly and my wife had the Sorbet trio. Both desserts were good and enjoyable but the crepes had just a little too much whip creme in the middle. I agree with many of the previous post that at the prices that are being charged at Bijou I would not return.
(2)
JJ H.

Great service! I had a reservation at 7:30 pm on a busy Friday night. We were running a little late due to trouble finding parking. So I called the front desk and let them know I would be arriving around 8 and my table was still available. The food was decent. I ordered the jalapeno croquettes and the bijou sliders. The croquettes were not too spicy. The sliders were tasty and I liked the small egg on top of the patty. The only complaint that I have is that it was pretty noisy. I was trying to have a conversation with my friend and you really had to talk loud as if you were in a club. I guess that's why I'm giving this place a 4/5.
(4)
Aga M.

Good food. Nice crowd. but pricey!
(3)
Kim Alix G.

We are foodies! Giving their just desserts....LOL! We took advantage of the Travel zoo Voucher for 2 - $39 for $105 value. It was worth the $39. We had the asian pear salad & Baby Spinach salad... delicious! followed by our main courses pan seared Sea bass, no taste I would reccomend cooking this fish in butter and add some light herbs to bring the fish taste to the plate, the "sprinkle" of decedent creamy mushroom sauce around the plate made the entree seem so bland and oily. blah! And, the Short ribs with garlic mashed potato's, and brocolli... Keep the the Garlic Mashed potato's and brocolli and the chef needs to go back and re design the rib sauce, to the chef's defense the meat was cooked to perfection and destroyed with the brown bland liquid it was drenched in. absolutely no flavor. The up side for me was the heavenly dessert, baked vanilla custard in a croissant with sweet vanilla ice cream and warm Nutella hands down one of the best desserts I have had. simple and delicious! and the smooth chocolate mousse laid over a chocolate cake was smooth and perfectly sweet. Grab a voucher and check it out, but use the voucher! do not pay more than $39
(3)
Margo G.

I went here for a friend's birthday and we had a good time but I think it's more so the company we had and the fact that we got bottle service that made this place ok. The place is not that big so it gets crowded fast. The DJ played a varied mix of music but trying to dance was like ridding in a bumper car. You get bumped, poked, and pushed. Seems like no one here knows how to say "excuse me" and just plows through the crowd. Speaking of the crowd, it was a mix of all ages and races which was cool to see. A little weird when a guy with a full set of silver hair is staring at you though. The staff however was great and the ladies and busboys who tended our table were nice, prompt and cleaned up without us asking. Security was nice and got everyone out of the club without being asses about it. Nice change from most places.
(3)
Oanh L.

the complimentary bread+ dip, the warm brie, ahi tuna tartare, beef carpaccio and the croissant bread pudding A LA MODE were all top notch =]
(4)
Kang D.

really loved the food im just glad we used a groupon because the food was too over priced
(3)
Zulu Q.

If I were a pompous ass, (Wait, what do I mean by this "if" business?) I would make sure that my Bijou menu entry for their fabulous stuffed quail would actually say this: "Stuffed QUALE with mashed POTATOE" I'm not sure whether it was worth the $18; but it was still pretty good. Street cafe option is a nice touch. Swanky.
(4)
Marek B.

i come here for drinks, they are great! They are open late into the night which is a benefit. Add to that a proper crowd and you have a winning ticket. The staff is on point and makes sure that you are taken care of, even when its late into the night no one slacks off... really a great place
(5)
Mark S.

This review is for the nightlife: Ok so I promote 1 night of the month here so I guess you can say I'm somewhat connected to the owner in a way when it comes to business, but I'm not here to promote the venue, I'm here to give it a very good and unbiased review, as well as give a good perspective on its nightlife since I go almost once a week. So the good things about this place is that it's a really nice and classy venue situated in the lower east bay which is a desert when it comes to nightlife, there are nights where there are good DJ's spinning good music that can keep you dancing all night long but it really depends on which night you go because each weekend there's a different promoter that books their own DJ's everytime. The drinks are STRONG! I know some people may not like that but to me this is a good thing because it only means I need to buy 1 or 2 less drinks to get me on a good level, I also heard they serve Absinthe and the only bar within a 20 mile radius that serves Hennessy Black. The crowd is hit or miss, some nights it may be asian night, on some other nights it may be mixed crowd nights, and on some nights there will be nothing but girls, and yes on some nights I do admit it does become sausagefest night (thankfully I've only been to one) but hey who's to stop you from leaving and going somewhere else? Lots of free parking behind Bijou or parking until 2am at the Century 20 parking lot! Did I mention they had beer pong nights with $12 pitchers??! The bad... Ok I know this isn't Bijou's fault but you can no longer smoke in the back patio according to the no smoking city ordinance in Hayward, not that it matters to me since I don't smoke anymore but for my friends that do smoke it's a big factor to them, you can however step outside to the back parking lot or side of the building and SMOKE AT YOUR OWN RISK, I heard it was a $90 fine if you're caught smoking apparently anywhere downtown or within 20 feet of a business' doors. The drinks are a bit overpriced for a bar in the east bay, and I do agree with a lot of the reviewers on here that this is the east bay not SF, I guess the counter to this though is that the drinks are strong and it seems to bartenders overpour which I'd rather have. The place is small and gets overcrowded to the point where it takes awhile to get a drink and people start stepping on your shoes a lot. The good and bad...? I have mixed feelings about this but the dresscode is on the upscale casual side, meaning that graphic tee and designer jeans gotta be with dress shoes, sure you'll come in and see some people in sneakers because they were there for dinner and haven't left or maybe they are promoters not abiding by the venues rules (I myself always follow dresscode) and that does irk me a bit but hey what can you do right? I do however like that they enforce a dresscode because it does keep the crowd more classy, and if you don't like the dresscode well then there's the Funky Monkey down the street. Overall I give the place 3.5 stars
(3)
Brianna H.

AMAZING! Terrific service and the food was delicious. Perfect date place. I highly recommend the pear salad, ahi tartare, short ribs, and the croissant pudding is the BEST!
(5)
Zhi Z.

Loved it - Asian pear salad, seabass, croissant pudding
(5)
Heidi M.

I'm a fan! I came here for the "night life/ lounge", so this review doesn't critique the food. I came on a Friday night, it was busy but not over crowded. +1 its local :) so i didn't have to drive to San Jo, palo alto, or SF. +1 its pretty nice considering its in Hayward. its probably the only non-ghetto, nice street in Hayward. they did very well considering the area. its a "moder chic" theme. the bathrooms and the venue was clean as well. Its a small place, but it doesn't get that crazy. They move the tables, so people have an area to dance. There's also a smoking area in the back alley way. +1 i thought this place would be full of ghetto ass people, but the crowd was good. diverse. all nice people. no fights broke out or belligerent crazy drunks +1 the staff and bartenders were nice and fast. so no waiting or hovering over the bar. -1 the drink were a bit overpriced, considering the location. i believe a shot of patron was $13, which is a bit much since its only a restaurant/ lounge and not even a club in the city. Dress code: ladies can wear whatever (as usual), but i think its a nice shirt + jeans + flats place. i didn't see anyone wearing dresses. i saw some girls just wearing jackets and jeans too. Guys: collared shirt, jeans, rubber shoes. They aren't strict on dress code. Just don't come in looking like a gangster or bum. i had a good time and i would come again.
(4)
Mimi C.

Bijou Sliders, Chicken Lollipops, Bijou Frites You really just pay for the presentation and atmosphere here. The food itself wasn't anything spectacular. The only thing good was the dipping sauce that came with the Frites...(really just fries- McDonald's got that shit down). And also, for a place this nice and the price you pay, you can at least expect the place to be air conditioned. Hard to enjoy the meal when you're sweating in your seat. The Chicken Lollipops was doused in hoisin sauce so it was pretty overwhelming. I'm actually really surprised at all the great reviews and rates this place actually got. It wasn't horrible, but definitely not worth another trip.
(2)
Andrew L.

This place is great! I have been going there for 2.5 years and always have a GREAT time. The food is EXCELLENT. The group on deals are too good to be true. Between the appetizer, entre, and desert. I am always content at the end of the meal. We always get the Carpaccio, Tuna tar tar, Scallops, and Bread pudding. all AMAZING. I have been to EU 9 times' LOVE French food. (This place is as good or better then most I have been to). They are a class act that is very much welcome in HAYWARD. There drinks are a delicious. Try the cucumber thing on the special drink menu. Expensive but a great .
(5)
Joan F.

Best Happy Hour in Hayward! Wonderful drink specials-very fresh and flavorful bar offerings. Cocktails are superb. Sports on 2 flatscreens above the bar. Friendly staff, cool vibe...great place to meet up after work to watch a game, have some cocktails & nosh with friends & co-workers :)
(4)
Anne K.

I had the hazelnut mousse. It was absolutely divine! As I was with the large group of yelpers last month bidding farewell to Shelly and Eric, I appreciated that the hostess was willing to take my order while I was seated at the bar and that I paid immediately. I don't think the restaurant really knew what to do with their usual crowd and such a large group who mixed and mingled with each other on the patio and at the bar. I know some were frustrated by the slow service and having to track the waiters down at the end to pay. However, everyone seemed pleased with their food and drinks (although the bar service was exceptionally slow). It was nice to sit on the patio and indulge. Unable to attend the previous Elite event here in June, it was my first exposure to this lovely restaurant in downtown Hayward. It was a great place to say good-bye to Shelly and Eric, who I will miss!
(3)
Mary B.

Don't bother if you go to eat outside of Hayward! This was our first and last visit at Bijou! I had such HIGH hopes having a nice place in Hayward. We arrived at 7:30 on a Sat with no reservations, our 2nd mistake. OH BROTHR do they ever clean this place? It'sdusty and dirty needed a good cleaning the front windows were so DIRTY the bar bottles are dusty and the mirrors are cloudy!!! The hostess was far from being a hostess she was not friendly and very RUDE! She said they have many reservations and a table is not available, we said fine we'll wait in the bar until one is. We were not asked for our names or a time a table may be available. After about 45 mins. after seeing many people exiting, I asked is there a table available she said I'll check (meaning she forgot) we were shown to a table right a way! Oh before she sat us she asked if we had a Groupon, Living Social or any other deal from online, what difference does that make? We did not have any online deals. Ok now we are at our table, nothing but an empty table no placemats, tablecloth, flowers, napkins, silverware, salt & peper, candle just a wooden scrached up dirty table. Finally a bus person brings a plate with a napkin fork & knife & also ice water. It goes down hill from here. There is something missing from this place I can't put my finger on it. These local people don't get out much seeing how may 4/5 stars given for this very average place. It just does not have the atmosphere it's very cold. There were so many online deal people there WOW now I understand why they were so busy! This place needs a manager who knows how to run a good upscale eating establishment. Well may be the locals can keep it running they seem to like this place. Good luck Bijou!
(1)
Kim N.

Bijou has a a lot of hype going around in the bay, but yesterday was my first experience there for the nightlife. I would have to say it has a very mixed diverse crowd which is GREAT. Beyond that, me and my girls roll through to this spot around 11pm ish and the music was popping. Got our ids and purse check then ran to the dance floor. This place is a restaurant in the day and lounge at night therefore there are still tables next to the walls and a long rectangular but narrow style dance floor for people to get their groove on. The DJ played hiphop music until like maybe 12:45 ish and then they started playing some old music and techno/trance to mix it up and ended with some old school rnb. I didn't like techno/trance but they only played a few so it was all good. Overall, will definitely come back here again!
(4)
Robin K.

3 1/2 stars to be exact. Hits: Pork Belly with napa cabbage - effin' delicious. a perfect mix of salty, sweet, juicy and fatty. The cabbage added a nice crunchy texture to the dish. Definitely worth my Alexander Hamilton. Scallops Prosciutto - This was my second time ordering this item, and it finally delivered to it's full potential. The scallops were perfectly cooked, and all the flavors were delicately balanced. Salty from the prosciutto, Sweet and Sour from the balsamic reduction. Service - Great personal attention by the waiter Misses: Roast Pork Filet Mignon - The pork was overcooked and the prune reduction was too overpowering. Nearly as powerful as Sunsweet Prune Juice, if ya catch my drift. ;-) Crab Avocado Salad - 3 quenelles of crab salad, half an avocado, and spring salad. Tasty, but not worth $15.00. And what is the deal with the bread? We were served 1 cold hard roll with freeze-dried butter. How bout a bread basket instead. Maybe I'm assuming too much, but I would think if I was eating at a French inspired restaurant, I would be served Baguette slices with sweet butter, but that's just my opinion. Next time, I'll stick strictly to the Happy Hour Menu for cocktails and appetizers and eat dinner elsewhere.
(3)
Keith D.

My wife and I started going to Bijou when it first opened, and found it a very nice and hidden spot in Hayward. We went there frequently from the get-go, but noticed that over time the place began to diminish. The food went from outstanding to just OK, and the crowd went from hip and polite to rude and ghetto. I'm sure that went along with the notoriety received from turning into a club at night, but the crowd is the same ghetto folks that you see at the Funkey Monkey. I would estimate that we have been to Bijou at least 30 times...since we enjoy our beverages, our typical bill is $120-$150, which I don't mind at an "upscale" establishment. Unfortunatley, Bijou has fallen to the ranks of resturants like Black Angus and Chevy's in my book now -- just, eh, so-so. So, specific to our visit on Valentines Day, we decided to go to Bijou because it was a Tuesday night and we wanted to stay close to home. We were not too happy to find that it was only a prix fixe menu, and besides that the beef carpaccio that we love wasn't even availiable because the slicer was broken. Ultimatley, we ordered the pear salad and ribs as small plates, which were both so-so. Then we had the salmon and the short ribs as the main course, each of which were equivalent to something you could get at a buffet line. The salmon was a joke; completely unseasoned and tasteless, with plain-ass white rice on the side (like what comes out of a rice cooker). The short ribs were completely drenched in some less-than-desireable sauce, and were much on the fatty side. This prix fixe menu dinner was A JOKE at $49 per person. They used shitty and cheap ingredients on one of their busiest days, which tells me they are far more interested in profits than quality. We were amazed at how far this place has fallen...from the decadent scallop small plates with the excellent pulp infused elixer drinks, down to the fatty sauce drenched ribs with cheap champagne. I suppose that although this place looks out of place and could be a trendsetter in Hayward, it has fallen to the desire for business and profits over substance and prestige. Sucks because I really like Phillip and I know he has put a ton of effort into this joint.
(1)
Kisa Z.

I bought a groupon to try this place - and thank goodness...because the regular price would given you an ulcer! Walked in and the hostess asked if we had reservations. We politely said no and she told us we should. uhh...ok...there are plenty of open tables. She took down a name as we waited for the rest of our party. She asked if we had a groupon deal and asked for the voucher. We get seated and are handed the prix fixe menu. We had a larger party, so we basically ordered everything on the menu - meaning we tried almost all the appetizers, all four of the entrees and all three of the desserts. Appetizers - the Asian Pear salad had a very nice flavor. But when you say Asian Pear with nuts - let there be more than 2 nuts and not just 10 - 1/4" cubed pears. The risotto half dome balls...were weird. They're risottos rolled up in a ball form and then deep fried...but weren't on the bottom. The rest weren't even worth mentioning. Entree - 1) seafood pasta- smaller portion penne with shrimp and mussel...I don't recall other "seafood" in it. It isn't anything to write home about. 2) cod - too salty with a scoop of mashed potatoes. These sat in a small gravy of mushroom sauce. 3) salmon - even smaller piece of fish than the cod served with white rice. 4) fried chicken quarter - over a scoop of mashed potatoes with green peas on the bottom and one baby carrot cut in half. Chicken was fried well on the outside, but slightly pink around the bone, so I was grossed out. Dessert - 1) macaroon ice cream sandwich...you can't serve ice cream in a macaroon! it makes the macaroon soggy! culinary 101. 2) crepe - soggy! how gross is that? it comes partially rolled up like an egg roll! i've never seen crepe served like that before. 3) creme brulee - this is my all time favorite, so i am a a snob and know how it should be made. the creme brulee here was so eggy and had the consistency of watery pudding. i didn't finish it... Then the bill comes and it says $105 per person! WTH?!?! so are you saying without the groupon, this awful meal would have set me back over a hundred dollars per person?! i know etiquette-wise, you should tip on the full price of the meal, not the discounted groupon price we got it for. but no way are we going to give our waitress that we only saw twice - once to take our app and entree order, and then a second time for dessert...15-20% off of the $105/person. leaves you to wonder if they wanted to make you feel you got a great meal for so little - or they want you to leave a huge tip. I think if you live close by, a $39 meal for two is reasonable. But to drive her to try this restaurant out...pass...
(1)
Ashley S.

You wouldn't come to Hayward and think you're going to be dining at a cool place. But Bijou is pretty cool. I've only come once before for drinks and dancing and have been here several times for food (and who am I kidding? Drinks, too.) The dishes are smaller portions, but they are scrumptious! The last time we went I had the fried goat cheese salad and, good grief, did I scarf that down. DELICIOUS. Started with the carrot soup, sounded weird, turned out, it was amazing. We actually passed it around our table so everyone could try the carrot-y amazingness. And then our waiter got the recipe from the chef! The staff has always been ultra friendly and helpful. From hostess, to bartender, to waiters, everyone is super nice. Especially since it takes me forever and a day to actually pick out a drink from their awesome beverage menu (they ALL just sound so good!) Really enjoyed the French 75, the gin didn't overpower the champagne. Very good mix. Basically, if you want a great meal & delicious drinks, I'd suggest checking Bijou out.
(4)
Kevin S.

Bought a coupon that is expiring soon. Got there , the HOSTESS (Caucasian chick with tattoo on shoulder) is unbelievably rude to us even though we had reservation. We had baby back ribs and scallop cevechi for appetizer, cod fish and seafood pasta main course. For desert, creme boule and crepe.Food is average , nothing to rave about. One of the waitress passed us by and i waved my hand to her, she went and talked to the Hostess , then the Hostess came up and asked us in a demanding voice "what is going on here?" i simply told her we are ready to order. Hmmm don't know why they treat us like they don't want our business. If your a manager and your reading this , please put your staff in training again or i don't think this place will last long. Oh i agreed with Laura D's testimonial about this overpriced restaurant . Beside the women staff here, all the male staff are surprisingly pleasant and very friendly so left a good tip for them. Would i come back? No way , not at their regular price menu served with attitude .
(1)
Christine Z.

For being in the middle of Downtown Hayward, Bijou is a pretty cool spot. I met some of my favorite gf's here for cocktails one night while I was home for the holidays. Downtown Hayward has changed quite a bit since I moved out of the 'burbs after high school. When my gf's told me to meet them in Downtown Hayward, I didn't know what to expect. But it was nice to walk into a new, chic, hip lounge. Our waiter was super friendly and very helpful. When it came to ordering drinks and food, he was very patient with us! I decided on the cucumber elixir, which is made with Hendrick's Gin (my most favorite gin) and I absolutely loved it! I ended up ordering 4 of them =) One of my gf's ordered a Ketel One EXTRA dirty martini, which our waiter dubbed a FILTHY martini. hahaha! We all shared a couple of their small plates: beef carpaccio, ahi tuna tartare, scallops prosciutto and bijou frites. The beef carpaccio melted in your mouth, it was great! The ahi tuna tartare was my favorite, tuna was soooo fresh! We could not keep our hands off the frites, sweet potato and potato... freakin' amazing! The scallops, I didn't care for them.... I love anything wrapped in bacon or prosciutto, but these scallops tasted rubbery. We should've had our waiter take them back, but we didn't. We were really only there for cocktails... For the most part, the small plates (minus the scallops) are great for sharing and the drinks are super yummy! Our waiter made sure the drinks kept coming. Overall, we had a very pleasant experience at Bijou... I might go there again when I'm back in the Bay.
(4)
Thanh T.

I had reservations about this place after hearing things about it, and being a local myself I felt wary. But I had friends from out of town that stopped by and wanted to try this place so I willingly obliged, even though I think they were suckered in by the decor. They all said the food was so-so. And a friend and I who ordered the same dish said we both could have made a better dish ourselves with minimal effort, and I am definitely not a cook. The beer was warm, and it came from draft, I don't get that. My friend ended up not drinking it. Our waiter was really unattentive even though it was not busy at all, we reluctantly agreed to leave a smaller tip to let him know that it was a level of unacceptable service.
(2)
Regina K.

This place tries too hard. First, I want to say that first impressions aren't everything. When you arrive, you'll be enticed by all the nice dim lights and the chic bar. However, as you go further in, you'll meet forgetful waitresses and biased hosts. I didn't know what to expect from this place. We had a party of 8 because my friend was coming from Socal so we had a mini get together. When the waitress passed out our waters, my friend and I immediately saw lipstick stains all over the rim of our glasses. We requested for new ones, and the waitress just gave us a look of oblivion and took our glasses back. So, the night begins with this. They give you four slithers of baguettes with their green pesto sauce to begin with. Uhm..I took one bite and my bread was gone. This aint Costco samples..give me some more bread! We literally had to ask the waiters to keep the bread coming. They came around with bread about 4 times. I requested the Blueberry Crush..one of their signature cocktails. My drink was $10, which was okay. I ordered the Sliders.. it comes with 2 small burgers with fries. I think I could have made these burgers. The ingredients were nothing special; A dinner roll, baby spinach, grilled scallions, small tomato, cheese, marinated meat patty, and the "special sauce" (mayonaise and sriracha combined). The only thing that made it special was the quail egg on top. I asked for one thing: tobasco sauce. She says, "Sure! I'll bring that right away." I was anticipating for it to come out, but it never did. I would understand if she was busy, but the place was pretty much deserted. I was turned off. We ended up staying there for over 2 hours mostly because we were waiting for the food to arrive the whole time. It was practically empty inside, too. I saw 3 other couples getting served. I don't think I will be coming here again. This place was sort of a disappointment. And rather it being a bang for my buck, it just made an empty hole in my wallet.
(2)
Kimberly L.

I have their food almost every week since my husband enjoys their food. I must admit their food is not bad at all. I usually eat their roasted chicken with a white wine mushroom reduction over creamy potatoes. The reduction is decent, but I prefer a stronger flavor. I may just be expecting the food to taste more French than French/California cuisine.
(3)
Bob M.

First time we went it was brunch. For some reason there was a partially eaten meal on the counter in the front window ( which was dirty). When we left it was still there. Food was meh...it was the Travelzoo menu. Went back for dinner as guests of a friend on some other coupon deal. When we arrived there was a partially eaten plate of food, an empty wine glass, a jacket and a set of keys in the window, same counter. Two hours later we left and it was there exactly as when we walked in. Is this some sort of food display to show patrons that they will partially devour their meal? Is it the manager's dinner that is never finished and he/she is too lazy to clear it? In any case it certainly is not a good first impression. Food was again meh, service kinda slow and the restrooms smelled very bad. Enough already. Downtown Hayward still sucks so it's definitely not worth the trip
(2)
Shannon L.

I cannot believe this is in Hayward. It's so hip and trendy! My coworker's friend actually is one of the chefs/owners here so we decided to check it out on a Friday lunch. We had a group of 12 and originally wanted to eat at noon but surprisingly, there were two other groups set to eat at that time. And this place just opened last week! We actually got there a little late, at around 1pm, but our table was still ready and waiting for us. They sat us even though our entire party hadn't arrived yet. The first thing I ordered was a non-alcoholic drink, Apple Drop. Our server came back to tell us that they had discontinued this drink because it took too long to make. I then ordered a Sunkist Fizz (low calorie orange soda, with fresh orange juice, agave nectar, and soda water) aka as an Orangina-wannabe. It came out way too sweet and was overpowered with artificial sweetener. I actually sent this back and got a Razzberi Kooler (muddled raspberries, fresh orange & lime juices, agave nectar, and soda water). I chose this as my alternative because I had a sip of my coworker's and I liked it. But when I got mine, it was just okay. I like the bubbly-Italian-soda-drink concept that they're trying to go for with these fancy non-alcoholic drinks but there needs to be more fizz and flavor. Onto the food. I originally ordered a French Onion Soup & Croque Madame (French style ham sandwich topped with melted gruyere cheese & a sunny side up egg). The server told me that this would be too much food and I'm glad she did because she was completely right--so I ended up just getting the latter. Funny thing is that my dish was the ONLY one that was too much for me. Every other of the 11 people I came with were still hungry when we left. My Croque Madame was delicious though!! I like that it's a lot, the ham isn't overly salty, everything is in perfect proportion to each other, and the side of salty pommes frites really adds flavor. But one bad thing was that the white part of the sunny side up egg was not fully cooked towards the center of the yoke. I'm not sure if they did this on purpose but I had a little tummy ache afterwards. Service was decent. Our server was patient with us and gladly gave me a new drink. Food came out maybe a couple minutes longer than it should've but the restaurant was packed out. Parking is convenient because there is a lot right next to the restaurant on B Street. If you're looking for big portions, you'll be disappointed. I really think that place has a lot of potential. It is new so I know there are kinks to work out but I would definitely love to come back.
(3)
Raizel G.

I think Bijou is great! I've been here twice. The first time I just came with my boyfriend. The food was sooo good!! They have a lot of small plates to choose from, so we got a bunch to share. The area is pretty nice, and there is plenty of parking. Half of the place is a bar, and then there's a divider that separates the restaurant area. After 10, they take out all the tables and it become a dance floor! I made a reservation to come here with a group of 9 for my 22nd birthday. Everything was great and my friends were all impressed and kept commenting on how good the food was/kept ordering more! They even brought me out some birthday cake which was really nice! I had the sliders and they were delicious. I also really like the ahi tuna tartare. The desserts were all really good, too! I tried the birthday cake, crepes, banana flambe, and the croissant pudding. I also ordered the mocha-tini during dessert which tasted like something Starbucks would serve if they served alcohol. The DJ had already set up and they had removed every table except for ours, but they didn't rush us to finish at all! Dancing there was really fun! It wasn't too too crowded, and the crowd was better than I had expected it to be. Everyone just seemed to be having fun, and there wasn't really anyone creepy, lol. It's pretty fun if you bring a bunch of friends. A lady even taught my friends how to dougie and the DJ played a bunch of songs that we requested.
(5)
marc a.

I'm not going to lie, I was very excited to hear about an establishment like this existing in downtown Hayward. Although I cringe when hearing the term "gentrification", I think this place will do well to attract some of the money from Castro Valley and the Hayward hills and hopefully eventually allow the downtown area to grow further. We came here on Saturday night after dinner for cocktails, so I don't really have a sense of what the restaurant is like. I did, however, become very well acquainted with the bar. Maybe too well according to my hangover the next morning. I did take a peek at the menu, and the pricing on drinks and entrees are concurrent with the type of dining experience they are trying to sell. Expect to drop about $6 for a beer and $10 for a drink, but you definitely get what you pay for. The bar staff is friendly and obviously knowledgeable. These aren't your local bartenders from the neighborhood golf course. I liked how the lounge area was separated, but not confined, from the dining floor. Modern furniture gives this place a very swanky feel that could easily be mistaken for the City. We all had a great time as the staff was very accomodating on a moderately busy Saturday night. I will definitely be returning to try out the menu.
(4)
Amelia R.

One of those places that needs another visit, I'm sure. This first one, however, was far lower than expected. The service was mediocre at best. Our server was terribly inexperienced and kinda unprofessional. She was young and, perhaps, needs to be coached about service better. Her attention to our table was spotty, sometimes hovering, and at other times, like after handing us dessert menus, disappearing for almost 20 minutes. That, and the mediocre, and thus, over-priced, items (which came on proportionally-irrelevant, pompously-sized dishware that should be reserved for Iron Chef America), like the Frites Bijou, which portioned out about 23 super-skinny fries for $7, entitle Bijou to a generous 2 stars. The drinks, however, deserve 4 stars. Irreverent and seasonal, they sparked the imagination. I'd give 5 stars, but the description of their Manhattan reads, "Premium, Small-Batch Bourbon" is used, but in actuality, the drink is made with Jim Beam (neither small-batch, nor premium, IMHO). Also, anything that indicated spicy (the Samurai Aoli and the Summer Heat cocktail, for instance), it seems, will be overly-spiced. Our aoli tasted like nasty jalapeno pickle brine.
(3)
Joanne H.

FINALLY!!!! we needed something like this out here in hayward ... and thank goodness for Bijou. we started off with two very yummy cocktails: -GRAPES OF WRATH -ANJOU ELIXIR both very sweet but very good. Starters: - LEEK VELOUTE ... i enjoyed this alot. the garnished onions on top made it perfect. -MARINATED OLIVES ... i never liked olives. i never had olives i can really enjoy BUT i enjoyed this one very much so. Entrees: -SEARED DUCK BREAST ... the sauce was a bit too sweet for my liking but the duck was cooked to perfection. I had once vowed to never ever have ducks other than the chinatown's roasted ducks you see hanging at the windows but Bijou really opened doors for me. -SCALLOPS AU DEAUX POMMES ... LOVED IT!!! i love creamy sauce with my scallops. Desserts: -MACARONS ... it came in 6 different flavored mini macarons: stawberries, pistachio, coffee, vanilla, lemon & chocolate served with whip cream which compliments the macaroon very well. except for that berry syrup that is lightly drizzled on the whipcream. -HAZELNUT MOUSSE ... if you like the hazelnut rocha ferrero candies, you'll love this one.
(5)
Lisa C.

First thought when I entered: cool vibe, spacious bar area, posh decor/lighting. We arrived early and ended up waiting at the bar for the rest of the group to arrive. The cocktail drinks sounded delicious, but the sangria caught my eye. Served in a carafe, with fresh raspberries and only for $5, it was a pretty darn good tasting sangria! The prices for the sangria does increase as the night progresses, so make sure you order them while they're only five bucks. Between the two of us, we ordered two small plates and the soup of the day to share. I thought the french onion soup was a little too salty. The ham and gruyere cheese was good, but I wouldn't order it again. The Bijou slider was interesting because it was topped with a quail egg, which personally, I could have done without. The egg and beef patty just didn't mix well for me. The service. Our group was split into three tables, which was understandable. However, all the orders for each table did not arrive at nearly the same time. My friend next to me got his skirt steak, but my Bijou sliders did not arrive until he was close to finishing his steak. Our other friend at another table also ordered the steak, which did not arrive until the entire group was basically done eating. I would come back for the sangria and would give the food a second try, but in a smaller group setting.
(3)
Alicia K.

Bijou...Bijou...Bijou...everyone around Hayward keeps talking about Bijou and how great it is. They say it's upscale from food to nightlife. I say, "Go figure, they're from Hayward!" I take it these Haywardians don't get out much because outside of Hayward there is the Greater Bay Area...try it next time one of you think you found the CrÃ¨me de la CrÃ¨me in downtown Hayward of all places. Here's what I ordered: Asian Pear Salad - it was the typical pear salad...nothing spectacular but came with an $11 price tag. Cheese Plate - @ $10 I wasn't expecting much but I do however expect servers to know what it is they are selling and serving which he did not. I asked the server to find out and it took him so long to get back to me I got up and asked the bartender to no avail. Tip to management: Train your staff - start with the menu! Braised Pork Belly - Where's the flavor?? I can cook pork with nothing more than salt if need be and it is divine! Don't serve pork if you don't know how to cook it. And last and certainly least the bartenders...hahaha! Where did they get these folks from the local BART station? I doubt they have any formal experience or training as they too did not know their menu. I asked for a pinot noir and was told, "We have a wonderful pinot gris." All I can say is...keep trying Hayward but thumbs up because you sure have seemed to please the locals! hahahaha!
(1)
Mohawk Dave And M E.

It took a minute to get everything, but the wait was well worth it. Drink took a minute, but was very tasty. Food came out hot and fresh and every bit as yummy as the description implied. The servers were friendly and polite. My tummy is going home happy. The prices are what you can expect from a nice place. Not overboard but not cheap. Totally willing to come back!! One last thing is they were out of something, but the things we ordered were so good it made us forget the faux pas.
(4)
Joe T.

Meh. I've experienced better. I went for my birthday last year. Reminds me I'm in Santana Row in the beginning. Food is good, but over priced for a small meal and I'm hungry for a guy like me. I went back there again last night because they turned into a nightlife which is a bold move. I wonder how long they're gonna last? Cops in Hayward are @$$ holes, FYI. Harrassing for no apparent reason, but that's another story. Anyways, I don't know why they were serving drinks in a plastic cups and my friend ordered a bottle beer. They poured it in a plastic cup, instead they poured it in 2 plastic cups. SMH! Bartender, give him a damn bottle or in a pint glass, dammit! Not classy at all. I have nothing else to say.
(2)
Urs T.

I should it rate Bijou restaurant long time ago well I guess is never to late to do it.. I like this place is a nice spot in hayward and you don't find restaurants/bar around here that are nice. My favorite bartender is Mani he makes the best yummy cocktails and shots!!
(5)
Shawn S.

We live near downtown Hayward and finally got to go to Bijou! We took friends from San Ramon who have a lot of great places to eat in there area. Bijou was a great experience for all of us. Excellent food and ambiance. Plus, we had great service. Hayward has one more very good restaurant to add to what's becoming a really fantastic downtown:)
(4)
Adriana P.

What a cute little spot to hang out and have some drinks with friends!! The first couple of times I was there the ambiance was a quite and relaxed one. The waitress and bartender were pleasant and the the service was prompt. I do have some advice, don't bring your appitetes because although every dish I've tried is yummy the portions are appetizer like and a little over priced. This last time I was there the atmosphere had completely changed. They must have had some special event going on because there was a DJ , loud music, people were dancing, and so naturally with the place being as busy, the staff wasn't as attentive and we waited much longer for our food and drinks. However, on a regular day it is a nice place for lunch and drinks but not recommend if you are actually hungry.
(3)
Jen R.

This place has great drinks and gets creative with ingredients! The service was excellent and everyone was so attentive to taking away finished plates and making sure we had enough drinks,and they were really nice when I spilled my water everywhere! The atmosphere is great, you don't feel like you're in downtown Hayward just blocks from BART. They have many tables, good lighting, swank lounge seats, a beautiful bar, and attention to a sleek design. I would recommend this for girls night out, birthday celebrations, or when you over going out in the city.
(5)
Marvin J.

Bijou - n., pl. -joux (-zh', -zhz'). A small, exquisitely wrought trinket. I use to travel to Hayward for work and most of what I saw in Hayward was the industrial side. In fact, if you work through Hayward, you'll find jewel's of restaurants hidden behind the facade of steel and aluminum and glass. Or you'll find MAC-Donalds. Bijou is not MAC-Donalds. It's located centrally in Haywards version of Santa Row, close to Buffalo Bills. We walked in, sat at the bar, and the bartender was very polite and asked if we had ever been there before. I'm not a Hayward-ite, so I kindly responded with "no." The bar itself is a bar you would find anywhere else - fancy bar-stools, a clean counter-top, and of course the proverbial "wall-o-alcohol-that-costs-a-patron-$400-but-you-Âcan-get-the-same-stuff-at-the-liquor-store-for-$19Â.99." Hey, that wasn't a knock on Bijou - EVERY restaurant is like this. Although we didn't eat, the restaurant was clean, which is a good sign - I'll have to try their food sometime. I can only hope that when the food is served, *hint towards the Bijou chef and owners*, that the food is NOT portioned out for 3 year olds AND there's no god-awful fusion, of ANY TYPE, served. (another hint - if I want a steak, I don't want the "Steak fused in Asian sauce - what the hell is "asian" sauce? - with a hint of Greek flavoring and a dash of Italian marbling). JUST GIVE ME A STEAK. hehehehehe So anyway, we sit at the bar and the bartender informs us that the bar is a Mixology Bar. *rolls eyes* Mixology - mix a drink with a few alcohols to come up with a unique flavor. Give it a uniquely themed name, like "Mixology," hoping the shitty drink you make will fool patrons into thinking it's "cool." Imma tell ya what - add enough SUGAR to anything and it'll taste freaking AWESOME! Anyway, I opted for a seasonal martini and it was fantastic! Wait a minute - you're thinking, "He just slammed a - I'm making my own word up now 'cuz I'm allowed - "mixological" drink and now he's saying it was good?" No. I'm saying the MARTINI was good. If Bijou wants to call their bar a themed Mixological bar, then so be it - I could care less. Just make the drink and make it well. Which they did, thus the 4 stars. And more importantly, the drinks weren't as overpriced as opposed to Bourbon & Branch. B & B was good because their drinks were hella strong. I think Bijou is a pretty classy joint, not too over the top (although with the Spring coming, we'll have to see who rolls through there), and very well maintained. We didn't go on a kicking night, but that's ok. I like the swagger of Bijou and I'm rooting for it to do well - it really is a gem of a joint. It's really trying to class up the place, which is awesome. One minor thing and it doesn't have to do with Bijou itself - the restaurant is NICE and it'll attract the right people - but beforewarned, there's a bit of riff-raff that's running around there, especially late at night. Case in point - a few idiots SPEEDING, very fast, over speed bumps, WITH THEIR CAR DOORS OPEN. Quite possibly one of the dumbest things I've ever witnessed. But the restaurant itself? Very cool :-)
(4)
Zeshan T.

Came here with livingsocial prefix...apparently, they dont want to honor it. We got there and they ask if we had reservation, no where on the vouchur said reservations are required. Secondly, we got there at 8:55 and they told us the kitchen is closed. The websote didn't have that information either..the staffs were rude. Dont come here.
(1)
Claire S.

Purchased a Travelzoo deal on travelzoo.com . It was a prix fix menu for 2 for $49/w bubbly. Took my friend for her belated b-day celebration. Booked a table on opentable.com . It was delicious! My dining partner got the Caprese salad with Italian basil, balsamic reduction and fried shallot and I got the Ahi Tuna tartar. Both were delicious and fresh tasting. We followed with our entrees: Pan-seared Day Boat scallops served with asparagus risotto and my dining partner ordered the Salmon topped with a creamy pesto sauce. My scallops were perfectly done and the risotto was PERFECT, creamy and delicious. My friend's salmon was flaky and fresh and both of our veggies were not overdone - snappy and delicious. We ended our meal with a delicious dessert: Dark chocolate and white chocolate mousse over chocolate cake: melted in your mouth! And, crepes Chantilly served with vanilla Chantilly and strawberries. Strawberries were savory, slightly tart - which paired well with the sweet creamy whipped cream and mint - the crepes were light and fluffy. Aside from the meal... our waitress was AMAZING! Suzette was the most wonderful server - as well as the host. They were both so gracious and sweet! My dinner date was running late, and they were so pleasant and accommodating. Overall, a wonderful experience and will definitely be back. And, can I take a moment to mention the wonderful bartenders and wait staff? The sweetest guys, ever! Everyone was so sweet to a couple of middle aged women, it was delicious! We both felt like we were being taken care of at every turn. I can't rave enough about the staff and how wonderfully sweet they all are. Wonderful evening!!!
(4)
Brett P.

Decent food, great bar drink menu, but when you are one couple out of 8 people in the restaurant, and they serve you undercooked fish and bring you the wrong food... well...
(2)
Mace M.

I'm not sure I can beat my last review of Bijou, but they definitely have warranted an update. I went with some friends to Bijou on a Friday night for some drinks and dancing. They have a great DJ who spins mostly hip-hop, but both OG songs and some new stuff too. There is a dress code on nights like these: collared shirt and dress shoes; do not even think about showing up with a hat or your Jordans, it won't get you in here. The drinks were all great, and decent priced too. It seemed that my drinks were getting CHEAPER throughout the night? I can't complain! Average mix drink price was around $7-9. Of course, this bar has a lot of great liquor, so with that, the more expensive, the more your drink costs. Beers were $5-6, and shots were anywhere from $8-12 depending on what it was. This place just had an all around great vibe. No drama, no fights, just a lot of good people enjoying themselves.
(5)
Tommy H.

Fifth times eat here in Bijou. By far the finest place to eat and lounge in Hayward. Great modern and sleek decor. Great and tasty foods that you may not able to find elsewhere. Awesome services. This is the first time I try scallops prosciutto. Lot of flavors and taste great. Steamed mussels are always my favorite. I was expecting sea bass, but they were out. My short ribs is tender and taste great. This is my daughter's favorite dinner place. I believe it will be yours, too.
(5)
Michael H.

"Bijou" is French for "jewel". So does Hayward have a jewel on its hands or just another piece of coal? The interiors are akin to anything you'd find in San Jose's Santana Row. Trendy and vibrant with an upscale feeling. This is by far the coolest place to hang out in Hayward. It's either this or the skunky, albeit popular, bar down the road. I especially like how the room is divided by a translucent drape. Now let's get to the food HOUSE BREAD & DRINKS We didn't try any of the cocktails; supposedly they have a good list of new drinks. You have to ask for a basket of the house bread. They don't bring it out when you sit down. You might want to forgo the bread because it tastes like it's from Safeway. SMALL PLATES Pomme Frites; Tastes just like McDonald's french fries but without the artificial aftertaste French Onion Soup; It's okay, not bad Fried Calamari; Served with three different dips, a-okay but I wouldn't order it again. Too much breading and the dip dishes crowd the plate. LARGE PLATES Pan Seared Foie Gras; Small plate sized portions. Yeah it's foie gras, but if you're not going to give that much at least put some toast or more salad. Oven Roasted Sea Bass; Pretty good. Visually it looks like something that would come out of Denny's but the sea bass is cooked well. Seared Duck Breast; Good. Pan Seared Lamb Chops; Probably one of the best dishes of the night. DESSERT Hazelnut Suzette; Tastes exactly like ferrero rocher. Chocolate Fondant; Alright Plate of Bellini, Lemon and Mango Sorbet (b-day complimentary dessert); Oddly enough this was the best dessert we had. SERVICE Waitress was hospitable. Near the end we had to ask for more water. The most trouble we had was from the kitchen. Our appetizers didn't come out till fifteen minutes after ordering. In between dishes the wait time was too severe. Our complimentary dessert, sorbet, came out seven minutes after the other desserts. Thanks for the free dessert, but what takes so long for sorbet? OVERALL Bijou is a certainly a nice spot. Conveniently located right across from the new movie theater, hopefully this combination boosts downtown Hayward businesses. Nonetheless I can't help but think that Hayward needs a place that serves affordable family cuisine instead of a trendy date restaurant. Just look at the current success of Tomodachi, Sizzler, and Olive Garden. These places are successes because they fit with Hayward's demographic not because they fit with unrealistic goals. With the current economic climate this is even more apparent. Even though Bijou boasts terrific interior design, the lack of menu variety and mediocre food doesn't match price value. If the food were better I'd come back. Oakland, Berkeley, and Fremont are too close to ignore. Hayward remains a city to drive-through, not drive-to.
(3)
KK M.

GREAT!!! Everything is super chic.. the food menu changes by season the chef is nice.. the deserts are yummy the drinks are good.. i love how everythign looks.. the feel YOU GUYS ARE DOING AN AWESOME JOB!!! I will always come back with friends here... I tried their fois grois I think thats the ONLY thing i wasn't too fond of.. but everything else.. IT WAS GREAT
(5)
Pam H.

We got a voucher at Travelzoo for Bijou for brunch and rushed in today before it expired. Last night I called to make a reservation and only got a recording so I tried online and it was very easy to book. I mentioned on the booking that I had the voucher. When we arrived the hostess noted that we had a voucher and asked me if I had it with me with a bit of attitude. When I told her I did she wanted it before we were seated. She grabbed the menu and then her phone rang. She proceeded to take the call and instead of asking them to wait and deal with us she took a long reservation while we stood there and several other customers waited too. At least she said, "Sorry." after taking the call. In all I liked the look of the place. Kind of upscale / SF feeling to it. Nice to see in Hayward. But then as we walked into the dining area I noticed is that the place looks a bit "tired." Over all it could use a bit of sprucing up. The front booth / wall when you first walked in had large areas of plaster chipped off showing white under the dark color and there were scuff marks on the walls. When we got our cute mini bowl for the sugar there was a chip on it. In all this is kind of minor but it just lost a star for overall appearance. As far as the service goes first let me say our waitress was busy and seemed to be getting all her customers in clumps. Being a former waitress I know this makes it hard to deal with several new tables at a time. On the other hand when we got our meal she asked if we needed anything. BF asked for salt and pepper for his eggs. He waited a while then finished off his potatoes before I could catch her eye and motion that we needed attention. Second the BF got coffee and was never asked if he wanted a refill and no one came to refill our water. I got the pear belini. Don't bother not much flavor. If you have the Travelzoo coupon they have a printed menu with "Travelzoo" on it. My BF got the eggs benedict and I got the crepes and both came with fried potatoes. After his first bite he asked if I tasted the potatoes. When I did they had a very strange taste to them that we both couldn't place. Kind of smoky/burnt but the potatoes were not crispy at all so I figured it must have been the oil used to cook them. I gave him the potatoes as they were upsetting my stomach to eat them. Then I took a bite of my ham, cheese and mushroom crepes. First off they were cold. So cold the little bit of cheese in them was no longer melted if it ever was. Second again with the odd after/under taste with them so it was either the oil or the cooking surface that had this horrible taste that lingered in your mouth. I asked him what he thought of his benedict and he said it was just "ok." He mentioned that the canadian ham was paper thin so you really didn't taste it and the sauce was very watery. In all would we go back, sorry have to say no. I'm only glad we had the coupon. I would have been very upset if we had paid the full $35 for a meal the house of pancakes makes better.
(2)
Zeke S.

I always believe that honesty is the only way to rate a place. Drinks were great, strong and served quickly. Unfortunately that was the only item served with swiftness. Our order took a little over 30 minutes to prepare, once we receive it, the salmon we ordered was foul. They offered to replace it, so we excepted and ordered Mac n Cheese. That wasn't that great either. We finished our drinks and left. $85 dollars later. Not a completely horrible place, but just not for us
(1)
Alex R.

This is a tasty little spot. I came here with some friends a couple weeks ago for our dinner club. I got in early and went up to the bar for a drink. The lovely bartender explained all their fresh fruits and ingredients. I had read their web site and knew they made their own take on a mint julip but I just asked her if she could make a regular one. She did and it was the perfect mix of sweet, mint and whiskey. On such a hot day it hit the spot. As for food we ordered the escargot, Terrine Foie Gras, Beef Carpaccio, Bijou Frites, Scalops Prosciutto. The Fries were regular and sweet potato mixed together. They were good but nothing too special. The escargot, Beer Crapaccio and Scalops Prosciutto were all very tasty and probably my favorite out of everything we ordered. They are worth a taste. This was the first time I had had Foie Gras and so I really couldn't tell anyone if this was the best stuff out there. It was interesting but I don't think I would order it again if I came here. For dinner I had the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with potato cake. Lets be honest the only way to make pork better is to wrap it in bacon. The tenderloin was juicy and the bacon crisp. I enjoyed every bit. The potato cake was big slices of potatoes stacked on top of each other and put into a form ring to make them look nice and neat. They had a cheesy creamy consistency and were delicious. The inside of this place looked like a sheik lounge and it was hard to imagine we were sitting in the middle of Hayward. It is a very nice place and worth going to.
(4)
Richard P.

Nightmare. One of my worst dining experiences ever. I've eaten at Buffalo Bill's next door many times over the past five years and always had a good experience. So it could have been bad luck, but there are several problems with this place. For starters, the Saturday night we were there (7:30 reservations), there were an average of three Hayward police outside, with one or more taking constant turns coming through the restaurant, talking to the Maitre d'. The overall impression was that we were in imminent danger. Since service was a bit slow, we were still finishing dinner by the time the DJ showed up with his posse. Since we were sitting in a booth adjacent to the DJ station, this was very annoying. Also, people were starting to flow in and stand around our table, which was also a serious detraction from the dining experience. Also, the "small plates" were huge. Made it difficult to order accurately. The food was decent, but the ambiance was awful. If you're looking for a nightclub on B Street in Hayward, you're good to go. If you're looking for a nice meal, enjoyed in the normal manner, keep looking
(2)
Dale G.

Went here for my first Yelp Elite event. I must say the drinks were excellent and the food was from the Black & White Bakery on Mission Street. (B&W made a spicy corn bread and a red velvet cake that was out of this world.) We bumped into our waiter that we have had four out of the five times on our previous visits and it was great to see him splitting his time between the bar mixing drinks and waiting tables. Their menu has been updated for June and once the business traveling settles down I'm sure we'll go back to try.
(4)
Candy C.

The food remains excellent, don't get me wrong. The lobster salad was so refreshing and so lite, simply delicious! The prawns was also good (under the small plates section), as were the scallops from the large plate selection (so far the best dish I have tried here). The Purple Haze drink was super yummy - ordered me two! BUT (there had to be a but in there somewhere), as good as the food was, the service was incredibly sloooooooooooooow, I mean dial-up slooooow, even for a Monday night! There were thirty-one people in the restaurant altogether (I actually made head count, yes!), eleven of which were at the bar area. There were plenty of empty seats and tables, but yet we waited forty-five minutes for our meal. Not fun at all, especially if you are impatient and hungry. Furthermore, the bathroom smelled like poop. I mean, literally, like someone just took a dump right that very second even though I was the only one there (and no, it wasn't me - remember from my previous review, I canNOT go number two in public places). Someone please monitor the restrooms and spray something pleasant in there. The other patrons should not have to bear that awful stench. And women, word of advice, have a little purse spray handy, I mean really (go to Bath&Body or Victoria's Secret or sometimes they come for free when you buy perfume). I really wanted to update my stars to only two, but they were playing reggae last night and I love reggae so thumbs up for that. There was also live music playing as we started to wrap things up. I so badly wanted to have dessert, but had to pass since the service was so slow. Still, I recommend this place, but make sure you have all the time in the world to spend here just in case.
(3)
Dimitri M.

Very cozy fun hypnotic place. The night I went, they had their sliding glass doors open and you could feel and hear the outside; kind of felt like a true dinner in Europe. The food was yummy, my sea bass was a bit over cooked; but yummy. The portions were small to moderate, but in comparison to the price - I would save over priced; but yummy. This place had a lot of atmosphere, San Francisco/Vegas style pizzazz; with a long bar in a separate section. Could be a great place for happy hour, drinks before going out and or even a small social spot. This side of the bay does not really have too many places that visually look like this.
(4)
Marzan W.

Friendly staff and bartender. Best to make reservations if you plan to come here. I did not but was fortunate to get awesome seats in less than a minute anyway. Must be my charm I honed from charm school. HA! My friends and I shared a few small plate items: Fried Calamari, Shrimps w/ Spinich, Pommes Frites. I enjoyed their: Pom-tini, Cucumber Cosmo, Mai-Tai, and Pisco Sour. The Pom-tini was a bit too sweet and like I've said before, I'm sweet enough already. The Mai-Tai was a bit strong but I like it like that. The Cosmo and Pisco Sour were yum. "She drinks a cosmo drink. She drinks a pomtini drink. She drinks a mai-tai drink. She drinks a pisco sour drink. .....I get knocked down. But I get up again. You're never going to keep me down." Told y'all I'm taking it back to the ol' school. If you don't know this one, well, I ain't got nothin' else to say!
(4)
Jennie T.

I am a novice at writing reviews, but what prompted me to share my opionion is the fact that Hayward is making a great effort to improve downtown. B Street is where it's at and I want to be an advocate! We can enjoy downtown with the kids, but we can also enjoy adult time with friends...and Bijou is the perfect place! My hubby and I were excited to see a trendy and chic restaurant like Bijou...similar to places we frequent in Walnut Creek, SF or Santana Row, targeting the 25 - 55 demographic of trendy and savvy people...but in Hayward I thought? I know those young, fun and sexy people exist and I hope they all give Bijou a shot because it's up to us to make it a hot spot! The drinks are great, they do wonders with berries. The food is delicious, the portion being just right. I just took my mother there for Mother's Day and we both thoroughly enjoyed the brunch and our mimosas! We could have done without the screaming kids next to us (but that's the parents bad for bringing them). The crab and avacado salad was so fresh and tasty. And the ham crepes were delicious - very cute presentation too! The prices are fair. The atmosphere is sexy. In my opinion, it's not appropriate for kids, hence my comment above. (And I've read that if a restaurant serves creme brulee -which Bijou does- you shouldn't bring your kids...lol. Although we've been guilty of that!) I hear they have a secret kids menu, however...so they will accomodate. I mean, I have kids don't get me wrong, but there's a perfect restaurant down the street for that! The service was great. Our waitress was a doll. The staff is young, so if they are managed well and remain professional and provide the best service, Bijou will be a great success. I am a fan and plan on going back to get tipsy! I will continue telling people about this place because I want to support Bijou and downtown Hayward and other locals need to as well. So plan a date night and head to Bijou. Eat, drink and be naughty!
(4)
Tracy C.

I've grown up in Hayward, and let's face it....Hayward isn't known for its hip and chic restaurants. The decor of the restaurant is modern and minimal, it reminds me of restaurants in the city. My parents and I went here for Brunch, and let me tell you. What we had...and probably most of the menu..was FABULOUS! We had eggs Benedict and a croque monsieur. Let me tell you, the eggs Benedict was one of the best (if not THE best) that I have had. I didn't need to add anything to it, and the eggs were cooked to perfection (runny!) I'm going back as soon as I come back from L.A! The wait staff, and the owner are very endearing and welcoming. 5 stars for the eggs benedict alone!
(5)
James N.

Stiil great food. Still good attempts at good service. This last time we had the crab avocado salad and the sliders for appetizers. Dinner was salmon and quail. The food is high quality and tasty. The main courses came before our appetizers were finished and the waitstaff tried to clear the plates before we were finish. Its a fine line between attentiveness and rushing and Bijou's waitstaff hasn't quite figured that out yet. The waitstaff is friendly and nice but there is a level of expectation with a restaurant as nice as this one but its still not there yet. The prices are still reasonable and the atmosphere is very nice. Judging from the other reviews on yelp, the service is very uneven for everyone else as well. Hopefully this can be corrected so we can really enjoy our experience here.
(4)
Eric V.

The service was excellent here. I think that Bijou may have taken some of the negative comments posted to heart. We arrived 5 minutes before our reservation and were seated immediately. Our server, Frankie, was at our table in under a minute and we had our drinks within 3-5 minutes. I ordered a 4.4 Maginum- basicly a souped-up Manhattan. I've had a few here before and like sticking with a winner. A few minutes later our order was taken. For me, the grilled vegetable napoleon- with the veggies coming from Hayward's farmers market just a half block away. At first glance I was a little disapointed in the portion size, but once I tasted it, my disappointment faded. Beautifully prepared. The grill was done just right. I have room for dessert! The creme BrulÃ©e and a coffee, oh, my. An espresso, would have been better, so I hope that this will soon be added.
(5)
Elsa M.

I've only been here once, but I certainly plan to go back. Sat at the bar with a good friend and we were served fantastic cocktails by Dave the bartender. Ordered one small plate, pecan crusted prawns. Delicious. Definitely plan to visit again soon.
(4)
cheryl B.

This was not my first time at Bijou. I went a few years ago when it first opened. Back then it was a really classy restaurant. My visit for brunch on Sunday, 3/17 I was very disappointed. The food was good but the place appeared run down. At 11:30 in the morning there was trash and cigarette butts all over the front entrance. First impressions were not good. The inside of the restaurant appeared dingy with rickety tables. The server, who was nice, had a large nose ring that was distracting. Otherwise I would suggest some tidying up before I return. Too many NICE restaurants in the area.
(3)
Rocky C.

Finally.... a downtown Hayward establishment for Asian yuppies and older white people from the hills. Just kidding! But let me break it down... AMBIANCE: Nothing you've ever seen on B Street before. Dark wood floors, green light panels...Romantic setting, but loud. I think Bijou needs to clarify which crowd they want to bring inside their doors. We were seated in the relaxed atmosphere of the dining room, but beyond the chain partition, separating the bar and restaurant, was a rowdy group of 49ers fans YELLING at the game. SERVICE: Friendly, attentive servers and buspeople. Accommodating hosts/hostesses. Not a thing to complain about... DRINKS: Refreshing! I ordered the Anjou Elixer (Greygoose, strawberries and basil) and tasted Cheryl F's (her review below) Lemondrop. The Anjou Elixer will make you reminisce summer and give you basil breath for the rest of the night (not a bad thing.) Equally delicious, the Lemondrop will take you back to that ONE TIME you tried to sell lemonade as a kid and wondered why you failed... This drink is the reason why. Both drinks will make me come back to Bijou. And both drinks will, if not get you a little tipsy, make you feel light-hearted. FOOD: OK. I could have joined the kitchen line, and the food would have tasted the same. I ordered the pan seared salmon; not impressive. Tastiest dish: prawns (wish there wasn't only 3 though!). DESSERT: The redeeming factor after an anti-climatic dinner. Delicious french macaroons of varying flavors (pistachio, chocolate, strawberry) and a light, ricotta cheesecake with raspberries and strawberries. All in all, I will come back for drinks and support this local Hayward place. However, Bijou must re-envision their food and ambiance!
(3)
Jass M. B.

Soo I was originally gonna give this place 3 stars (2 + 1 for the Ambiance) for the potential (cause it IS really cute and all)....Then really thought about it like...no..Fudge that!! Lemme tell you about it... So went in for lunch (just heard about the place, and the pictures looked really nice...and was like Whaaaaaa?? Ok?! A nice spot to eat/have a drink...perhaps after a movie) My friend ordered the Crab Melt Sandwich with Pom Frites ::: rolling my eyes ::: (French Fries) haha, and the Small Plate of Sauteed Prawns Cooked in garlic, butter and paprika and served over a bed of spinach...aaannnndd herein lies the problem. The crab sandwich was tasty....but I taste the spinach and am instantly assaulted in my mouth by a tart bitter flavor. Whoa..what is that?? It almost tastes lemon like ...wait no... vinegar-y. I say "What IS that flavor?" isn't this supposed to taste butter-garlicky? (I'm almost thinking scampi-ish) So I say to my companion ...I'm gonna ask about that one. He's like nooooo...I say NO! I'm going to - (cause that's how I am). So I inquire if maybe they put the wrong sauce or something cause the menu says "garlic, butter, and paprika" the Bartender/Waitstaff dude says I'll check on that for you, and get the chef (it's not busy at all, so we figure he'll come out) While waiting we pontificate as to whether paprika, when combined with butter and garlic, has some sort of corrosive response causing bitterness, or if (unbeknownst to us) it even actually has a flavor at all (I thought it was just a pretty red garnish that goes on top of deviled eggs to devil them up) Either way...we're thinking the Chef is going to come answer all of our questions, but NO. The B/WS dude comes back (sans chef) but says "he said maybe it's cause the sauce is overcooked and it's creating that taste" What. The. Fuck. Wait. What?!? I just thought about this and now I'm mad! Cause after watching countless (entertaining!) episodes of Hells Kitchen/Kitchen Nightmares (which I love, btw) Gordon Ramsey says "Don't send bleep out of this bleeping kitchen that you don't bleepin' stand behind!!! Are you dense?!? If you KNOW it's not bleepin' cooked properly don't BLEEPIN send it out!! Now get the filth flarn filth out of my face!" end quote. And seeing as though he IS the authority. (I'm chewing Orbitz).. I say the same to you Bijou Friday Afternoon Chef!! Now see we WERE gonna let this go...but then I get to this business and look at the pictures one of which is said Sauteed Prawns (#16) and I say now THAT'S what it's supposed to look like...all golden buttery yellow. Our sauce was kinda mustardy brownish yellow. If I had let it go, they (the chef, the B/WS dude) will think this behavior is o.k. and it's not. Did he send it out with crossed fingers like..I hope they don't send it back. Where is the incentive to do things right the first time? To have integrity in your product and NOT send something out that you wouldn't vouch for? They should have instantly removed it from the tab for even comin' at us with that Bovine Fecal Matter! (I'm chewing Orbitz, did I mention that?) ::smile:: *ding* annnd cue sparkle to my front incisor They did not, and didn't even offer to (nor to replace the dish). Not. Cool. Bijou....
(2)
Richard T.

So I went to this place on Friday night just to kick it...and got there around 12am....and it was packed. Security could've been alittle better. I got in without even a stamp and the guy even said to me..."oh I stamped you already"...when he didnt. LOL...if I was part of ABC these guys would've been busted. Anyways....Given that it was busy..it's alittle understanding that it takes awhile for a drink to come, but c'mon most experience bartenders should be able to know who's next??? It took nearly 20 min to get our drinks, because people kept popping up on the side asking for drinks... And the final reason for this low-score of a 2...(I'm being nice here on the ratining when it could be a one). Not only once, but 2x that when I went to get a drink...there were BUGS!!! BUGS in my drink...wtf???? Don't they know that they should keep all topshelf materials closed at all time??? Not sure if I'll have those types of drinks...maybe I'll bring a flask with me and fill up my cup after getting some vodka...=/ I'd like to be a regular, but if service and Bugs are still in my drinks...uh..no thanks.
(2)
Jessica C.

Went for the first time this morning for blunch with my junior high bff. Sunny Sunday, plenty of room to sit at 11:30am when they open. I came here per the recommendations of a couple people over the past week. First thing you'll think to yourself when you walk in, "Am I realllllly in Hayward??!!" Yes, I was impressed, my jaw dropped. Fully stocked bar with all the flavors of HangerOne, tons of bar seating and ambiance to go with it. I love any place with dark wood, high ceilings and open areas. The drink menu is extensive with lots of lovely options for $10 a piece. The fact that they use top shelf liquor for their signature cocktails is a positive sign - lots of Grey Goose and HangerOne - which is always tops in my book! I had the 1st one on the list, a Pear concoction and my friend got the Purple-ish Martini (no that's not the name, but just look for the purple stuff). Our server Robert was kind enough to break down the food menu for us and out of the many options - we went with the crab melt and croque madame with mixed fries (potato and sweet potato). Goood stuff all around. I loved the mix of sweet and savory fries!! Service was good, ambiance great, food is great, though, I'll have to come back to try more of the entrees, small plates and salad and cocktails again. Hayward, it's about freakin' time. I'm getting closer and closer to being okay with living in Hayward. hahaha. Definitely a place where I can now say, "Let's go grab a drink at Bijou!!!" and be 100% confident about it. Will work on meeting the executive chef next time!!
(4)
.elin f.

Trendy upscale restaurant and Hayward are typically not mentioned in the same sentence. But that's about to change now that Bijou's in the neighborhood. This place use to be the $2.50 Chinese place and the new owners have transformed the space into a beautiful, sleek and sexy lounge/restaurant. It truly does seem out of place amidst the antique shops and dive bars that dot the area. I've now stopped in for both lunch and dinner and can vouch that there is no other place like that in the downtown area. From its full bar (and strong pours) to the mouth-watering Croque Madame to the delicious desserts, it'll quickly establish itself as the place to go in this area. Honestly, this restaurant might be the only thing to ever lure me back to Hayward.
(4)
quynh n.

Best place to eat and lounge in Hayward, hands down. Decor is modern and sleek. Food is tasty. Service is awesome. What more can you ask for? MUST TRY: Bread pudding a la mode. YUMMY!!!!!
(4)
Andy N.

We just had our dpeartment holiday lunch here, all I can say is excellent food and service!! Check it out
(4)
Erica R.

Bijou is stepping it up! I have been back for a few parties and they seem to have a good crowd for the most part and good music! It is good to have local options, for a nice place to go chill for a drink and good company! - Also I have heard great things about the Cucumber Elixir :) & they serve Chimay which is a good beer, if your a beer drinker~ I have been wanting to make a good update to my first Bijou post...and then my girls purse was stolen from Bijou recently! So I will just say this: Ladies watch your purses or leave them at home!
(4)
Berk L.

I came here on a Friday afternoon intending to making full use of my Living Social Deal. I was filled with anticipation as I did not have a particularly good day at work. Making the reservation was a breeze. Thank goodness for open table. The ambiance and dÃ©cor is very nice; with a separate bar and dining area that reminded me of all the happy hour places I frequent in the city. The hostess and our server was extremely friendly. Since the dinner menu was pre fixe, I had the Tuna Tartare while my girlfriend had the Beef Carpaccio. They were both really good, from decoration to flavoring, it was spot on. I didn't like the pesto too much on the carpaccio, but my girlfriend couldn't get enough. It was just building up our expectations for the entrees. I ordered the Oven Roasted Sea Bass while my girlfriend ordered the Lobster Pot Pie. I thought the bass was cooked nicely but had no seasoning or flavor while the mushroom sauce that covered the risotto was too salty and thick. I tried the lobster pot pie and thought it was pretty good, satisfactory but nothing special. For dessert I got the double chocolate mousse. It tasted alright, not decadent for double chocolate while it rested on canned whipped cream. My girlfriend got the Crepes Chantilly and again, it was just alright at best. A thin wafer with chocolate drizzle resting in canned whipped cream. The Livingsocial deal made this place affordable to try, but without it, I would definitely dance with the $110 bill. Might be worth it to try their cocktails next time, but would pass on dinner.
(3)
Lalan T.

This place has a cool ambience, I LOVE THEIR ESCARGOT! ...but that's it. It's really a hit or miss here, and the portions are so SMALL!!!!!!
(3)
Tim M.

Love this place, been a customer since day one. Great drinks, incredible food and wonderful people.
(4)
Erin H.

GO HAYWARD!!!! It's really exciting to see restaurants like this come into the Haystack! My friend and I were on our way to Buffalo Bills, but we passed by this place during HAPPY HOUR, so we stopped for a fancy cocktail. Which, of course, turned into three + appetizers. I started with the "purgatory" cocktail which was DELICIOUS and I would highly recommend it. The HH cocktail prices are between $4 and $6 and the appetizer prices are the same. We had the cheese plate with honey & walnuts, which was good, but complicated to eat. The best plates were the chicken drummettes and the sweet potato fries. YUMMY. Needless to say, we never made it to Buffalo Bills.
(5)
Carmen a.

I really enjoy it! portions are small, but they its perfect, you are not left with that full feeling. The bread pudding is excellent
(5)
Carson H.

My lovely husband works in glamorous Hayward and he took me for lunch here one day when I came to meet him. Man was it tasty!! The inside is super cute and trendy looking, I wish we had something like this around us on the Peninsula! I had a delicious burger on a baguette with a really good aoli (sp??). I don't remember what he had, but he goes there regularly so he must have enjoyed it. It seems like it would be a cute place to have dinner...they have a bunch of tables outside to enjoy the warm East Bay weather!
(4)
Karin W.

Ate here with friends last week--very friendly service (including a charming bartender who put me at ease while I was waiting for the rest of my party to arrive). Food was also very good, with very nice presentation. I had the prix-fixe meal, with a salad, hunter-style chicken thighs and broccoli with a delicious gravy, adn a trio of very flavorful sorbet scoops for dessert. The atmosphere is upscale-casual, and the restaurant gets a bit loud, but it's a nice spot to have dinner, and there's ample parking in the public lot next door to the restaurant.
(4)
Heather W.

My husband and I hit up Bijou Friday night as they now have DJ playing. We had a blast the entire time we were there and the drinks were great! I would totally recommend Bijou for dinner or their night life!
(5)
Linda C.

Being a yelper for a while now, there are times where I visit places that I *think* I'll tend to LOVE, but when it flops...it flops BIG TIME, and makes me VERY sad. Sorry to say, Bijou was one of those places. Firstly, before you all set the dogs on me, I'll say that I believe Bijou is heading into a very good start. The owner is obviously very smart to open a classier/sophisticated place right across the street from the new movie theater, near the Hayward City Hall. Its true, Hayward is revitalizing and so far they've done a good job. But, I digress. Back to the topic on hand. I'll say that the owner did a FABULOUS job with the decor, found a great chef, and has a great bar. The TVs at the bar were VERY thoughtfully placed so customers don't have to strain their necks looking high up at the TVs. The food is cooked well, but I wouldn't say the best I've ever had - but good for Hayward. Yet, even with all the great decor, the good drinks, the nice looking bar and the well cooked food and friendly service, there was a sour taste in my mouth this evening as I departed, feeling super unsatisfied and a bit weirded out by my feelings. Mind you, I've been here for drinks & dessert only and loved it - now, why did I have these feelings leaving the same restaurant I'd praised only days ago? Well, I think here's the biggest reason: Portions are out of whack. Big time, seriously. Because I had already seen some of the negative reviews on yelp, I decided to go for one of the lesser priced items - the roasted chicken thigh, and my companion had the grilled salmon. Eagerly awaiting our food, I began to notice the portion size on other patron's plates. I was shocked. Small plates of prawns at $7,8 a pop, and what arrived was 3 prawns in sauce? On a huge plate too! A 25$ plate of lamb chops (two tiny slice of the rack) and a small side portion of potatoes, etc.? Now, I'm not a fat pig (or I hope I'm not) but I don't think even my 10 year old cousin would get full off these portions. Thinking that maybe it was just a fluke, I decided to wait until I got my food. I tried, but I couldn't hide the disappointment on my face. My "roasted chicken thigh" was a 2 x 2" piece of chicken with (seriously) 8 or 9 julienned carrots and squash accompanied by a 2 inch wide, half inch thick disk of potato gratin. There was LOTS of white space on the place, which, to me, says: "Where's the rest of my food?" My companion was equally shocked but I would say her grilled salmon was slightly bigger, and the there was more starch for that element in her dish. According to her, the taste was good, but she also thought the price vs. food given was a bit off balance. Really, I think that the fact that Bijou DOES NOT give bread also factors in as a REALLY big turn off to me. I mean...how many restaurants DON'T give bread? Does it really cost that much when you're only giving me a 2x2 piece of chicken and 8 or 9 carrots and a 2inch disk of potatoes for $13? I could go to a SUPER expensive OR SUPER cheap place and STILL receive bread with my meal. This MAJORLY irked me. Given the current economic situation, I think people are likely going to come once, see the portion sizes and then seriously rethink coming again. Don't get me wrong, I am DEFINITELY NOT cheap and will drop for quality. But, the portions really got me here. For a drink and entree I paid 20$, BUT considering the portions, I would not even have CONCEIVED paying that much for, considering portions, once again. In the end, I left feeling a little slighted and wished that it wasn't so. I really wanted to rant and rave about how i LOVE bijou and wanna come everyday, but I really can't recommend this restaurant to my friends, especially not for food. I would take my friends here for drinks, as I think the bartenders do a great job and the drinks are relatively reasonable. Overall, I was sorely disappointed, but hoping that if any changes happen that Bijou will either A) add more to their portions to make it a good serving size, OR B) adjust their prices. In recap, I don't think I'll be returning for dinner and will not be recommending this place. 3* for drinks and ambiance at the lounge, and 2* for the food.
(2)
Dwight S.

Cons: I went here two nights in a row and the majority of the women are over 35 years of age and unattractive. The drinks are insanely pricey (even beer) Hardly anyone dances on the dance floor. Most DJs are supposed to transition the songs well and play cool tunes. Quite the opposite at this spot. He'll play Lil Wayne and then pause it and start an early 90's pop tune. Pros: The 2 stars come from the layout of the place: Definately one of the most appealing bars i've been to. The cool lighting, nice new couches and seats, the place is kept very clean, very organized, etc...
(2)
Cat C.

NOT WHAT I IMAGINED!! First off, we came here on a Saturday night a few months back eager to try this place for food and dancing b/c of everything I had heard. We were seated promptly as there weren't very many people there for dinner. We couldn't wait any longer to try their sangria and to my surprise they said there wasn't any. I asked , " Can't they make some? We are planning on being here for a while." Answer was another firm "no" by our waitress with no alternatives or no explanation as to why? why? why? no sangria on a freakin Sat night!! Our food was delievered shortly after we settled for a few of their specialty cocktails. The food was amazing!! There were six of us and I sampled some of everyones. Lamb and salmon dishes were something you could NEVER in a million years imagine dining on in Hayward. The price was a bit much for the food but I wouldn't go here everyday. DJ started playing and So you may be wondering why the only 2 star rating...here is why: 1.NO sangria on a saturday ??? 2.Unhelpful waitress 3. Not exactly the type of crowd you want to be around...should have known it's Hayward. DJ was awesome with great music though
(2)
John S.

I go to drink and party The women are great in this bar I am batting a 1000 The music is ok and the drinks do the trick Try the sliders with a quail egg
(4)
Jeffrey L.

FAILURE. I've been a Hayward boy all of my life so I was excited this place was gonna be opening here, but I was also hesistant because it's opening here. The words 'Hayward', 'Downtown Acitivity', 'New, Modern Dining' don't really go together. Anyway, I just came back from dinner here and it was a less than enjoyable experience. First, my gf wanted the skirt steak and the waitress said they're sold out. Uhh, I'd understand if it was a busy Friday night, but it's 7pm on a Monday. The food took FOREVER to come out. A party that came after us got their entrees before us and our waitress was ignoring us until our food was ready. I had the $14 salmon and it looked/tasted like wedding food. We raced through dinner to get out of there. 4 entrees, some appetizers, and drinks came out to $150+. As we were leaving and walking down the street, our waitress awkwardly comes out running and yells 'Thanks guys!!' Now, we don't know if she was being nice or being sarcastic because of our horrible tipping. But hey, she's the one that ignored us during our meal. 1 star only because I appreciate this attempt of the revitalization of downtown Hayward. (Bi) jou shouldn't come here.
(1)
michelle l.

I was a little anxious about going here after reading the reviews, but with my lowered expectations, I was pleasantly surprised. Unlike the gayot.com review, I didn't find this place to be especially traditionally French, but it was reasonably tasty with a reasonable wine list and nice decor. I thought the serving sizes were more than adequate for the price, but I'm used to San Francisco and Los Angeles prices, maybe it's expensive for Hayward.
(4)
Patrick B.

Been here a couple of times. Prices are high. Portions are tiny. Mixed drinks are good. What I dislike the most is that it's dirty. The windows in front look like they never wash them (I walk by every Saturday and it's always the same).
(2)
S M.

Definitely come here if you can. They source their food through the same people that source their food from The French Laundry in Napa (One of the BEST RESTAURANTS in THE WORLD). So we are talking about, high quality, serious stuff. The Cocktails are of equal quality than of those you get from the City. The Bar Manager was actually trained by the same Bar Manager from Fahrenheit in San Jose. The food here is REALLY GOOD. Like omg good. hahaha. The great thing about this restaurant is that its in Hayward. Its almost like the owners brought the city to hayward. It is half restaurant and half ultra lounge and there is outside seating too! A great place to come chill if you dont feel like going to the city.
(5)
Margret A.

The place is pretty decent for its size. As I walked in, I couldn't even tell that I was in Hayward. The only thing that irritated me was that I bought 3 mixed drinks in the beginning of the night that cost me $30.. $10 per mixed drink.. really? And at the middle of the night, I purchased 2 mixed drinks for $14? What's up with the inconsistency? I know that it's only a $2 dollar difference but it's about the integrity. Also, they need to tighten up the security if they don't want their liquor license to be revoked.
(1)
Chrissy F.

Came here with some friends who had a Groupon and failed to be impressed. The scary thing is your could tell every single table in the restaurant was their on a Groupon as well. You could tell by everyone having their free cheap champagne. It scared me because you would think a restaurant of the caliber would have people coming for their regular menu and not for a Groupon. The menu looked very promising but it failed there as well. The highlight of my meal was my appetizer. I have the fried risotto which was done well. I had the beef as my entire and I had literally three tiny pieces of meat, it was VERY disappointing. For my dessert I had the crapes and they were bland. My husband and friends had the macaroons and said they were amazing. Last two things there was only one server for the entire floor so it was hard to get another drink or anything of that sort. And the restrooms were in very poor shape and smelt. Bijou I tried you but I won't be back.
(2)
Marja M.

We were kind of ignored by the bartender, but once she decided to notice us, she was very friendly and provided a healthy pour. Got there kind of late, and was very surprised to find such a swanky feel in downtown Hayward. We didn't order food, as this was just an after-dinner cocktail, but when I tried to go back again on Sunday afternoon, they weren't open around 4:30, and I couldn't easily locate the business hours. I'd like to go back again, but beware, it is in the pricey side. Especially for Hayward!
(3)
Amber C.

I always have a good time at Bijou. Its the perfect place to enjoy good food, drinks and time with friends
(5)
Alice C.

My mom never had French before and I was too lazy to drive far so I browsed on Yelp for something close. I was very surprised to find such a chic restaurant in Hayward. The food was very very good and for a reasonable price (i didn't have a heart attack when the bill came). We ordered: -Goat Cheese Salad - very delish - love fried goat cheese! -Terrine Foie Gras - went great with the lychee and fig chutney though would've like more lychee flavor. i had to really concentrate to taste it -Pan Seared Duck Breast - the champagne grape sauce was perfect for this dish -Pan Seared Lamb Chops - cooked perfectly and it didn't have a strong lamb taste Now for the best part - DESSERTS. I was in absolute heaven. The menu looked so enticing and even I was stuffed, I had to order not one but THREE =): -Wild Strawberry Cheesecake - DIVINE! felt a tinge in my special spot -Creme Brulee with Green Tea - it did say a hint of green tea but I wished there was a little more nonetheless it was very good -Macarons - not bad, of the three, this was my least fave We had a wonderful waiter - Jake. He was very attentive and sweet. Thanks Jake for making our night so pleasant! I would definitely come back on a Friday/Saturday night to check out the bar and lounge area.
(4)
Rishi G.

Hayward should be proud to have a place like this, it's definitely worth traveling to the East Bay for. I'll narrate my alcohol fueled journey to give you an idea of what to expect. I started with the Ginger Pear Cocktail which they make with a local Bay Area Vodka (Hangar 1). This was great, I love pear, and the spicy ginger element gave it a nice flavor. I continued with the Pumpkin Sidecar, a bit too sweet for my tastes - but I can see it appealing to a lot of people, perhaps of the female gender. :-) My third drink was the 4.4 Magnum which the waiter warned me would be strong. I drink Crown Royal straight out of a glass (I am Canadian) so I asked him to hurry it up. Great drink of adequate strength. Unlike the first two, I would think twice of giving this to a kindergartener. Maybe a Grade 2 or 3 student. My final drink was a giant Belgian beer of some sort that was approximately 10% alcohol. I thought this would be a good time to cease drinking as I was driving back to San Jose afterwards. But I have neglected to tell you about the food which was fantastic. I'd never tried Foie Gras before, and being that Bijou gets their Foie Gras from the same place as the immortal French Laundry - I thought this would be a good place to try it for the first time. It did not disappoint, it was fantastic. Even if you are hesitant about trying liver, a hen was force fed and its liver swollen just for this foie gras. You must try it. The skirt steak that I had after was pretty good, I was impressed that the portion size was suitable. Most fancy places like this give you a tiny bit of steak that wouldn't even fill up a baby chihuahua. For two people (6 drinks total, Foie Gras, Skirt Steak and Pan Seared Halibut) the bill came to $120. Not too bad. The waiter was great and I left him a $20 on top of everything else. If you don't get food, at least check out the bar for the ridiculously awesome drinks.
(5)
Jennifer S.

Wonderful restaurant in Hayward! Went there last night with my girlfriends and I am still thinking about how great the food was. Sliders are to die for....I was a little concerned there was an egg on my burger but when I ate it, it was the best thing ever. Steamed Mussels were great and I loved the creamy sauce. Sauteed Prawns were very yummy as well. I hope to be going back to this restaurant soon.
(5)
Stacy S.

GREAT drinks. GREAT food. GREAT atmosphere. Handcrafted drinks are delicious. They do not use simple syrup, they use agave nectar which is healthier and TASTIER. Quality liquors and alcohol. There is also a great wine list. Food is delish and unique- I reccomend the mini quiches, seabass, and homemade macroons. Every bite is full of flavor in all of their dishes, and the presentation is beautiful!!! This spot is a GEM and I hope everyone catches on. B Street has NEEDED something like this for a loooooong time, and it is finally here!!!
(5)
Really R.

Okay, so we were all very excited about a restaurant in Hayward with promise. The menu and venue looked so hip! --- But It's just so awful. The food is so poorly executed it's embarrassing. Poor Hayward!!! Can't get a break. The setting is cool and one of 2 cocktails were okay but the service and food is "gutter". To start: The salad had been sitting in the fridge and was a limp pre made/half wilted tragedy with flavorless dressing. The "frites" weren't frites but were cold frozen fries. The owners are asian and the rice with my dish was crunchy. SHAME ON YOU! I could go on but enough said. Oh well : - ( Won't be going back. It's unfortunate as we spend so much money on eating out but have to go the Oakland and San Francisco to get a really good meal. Word to the owners: The Bay Area is at the fore of an "amazing food" artisanal food" renaissance. The area has lots of incredible chefs out of work or looking for great projects. Additionally, there are enough people in Hayward with disposable income. We'd all spend our hard earned money on good food in that setting. Hire someone who knows what they are doing, relaunch and give us a reason to come back. WE'D REALLY LOVE TO.
(1)
Sameer P.

My wife, son and I went to Bijou for lunch on a weekend and had a really good meal. We were with another couple and decided to order a bunch of small plates to share the food and get a sense of what Bijou had to offer. The lamb chops and crab salad in particular were awesome and my son loved the gourmet mac and cheese. Folks here seem to complain about the portion sizes. You need to go to this restaurant with the mindset that your there to experience the creativity of the chef first. The portions are no different from a tapas restaurant and I don't believe Bijou is trying to compete on quality or quantity with other Hayward restaurants. They are trying to bring something new to Hayward that you would experience only in SF. So if you left with your palate satisfied, its mission accomplished.
(5)
Regina N.

We had dinner here last month on a Friday evening and the meal was delicious. We've been here a few times and each time, the experience only gets better! We started off with cocktails - the purple haze is definitely a must if you enjoy the fruity flavors. We ordered the crab avocado salad, steamed mussels, and bijou sliders. The decor and ambiance is exceptional - you can definitely tell that they invested a lot on the architectural design and features. You can make reservations on opentable.com and when you get there, the hostess will seat you immediately. Truly a great establishment for the city of Hayward! We will be back!
(4)
Nina T.

This place is the S+++. I was waiting so long for them to open then one day POOF a good Hayward spot to chill. The place looks like a club inside. The manager was wondering around making sure everything was alright and spoke with everyone. they have FANTASTIC drinks. This is definately a "let's go get drinks" place. Everything is made fresh. I felt so sorry for the bartenders who were smashing up my strawberries and cucumber drinks. Well that was until I tasted it and had to have another one. I had the little plate of prawns and some other salmon with bread (I forgot the names). The plates are really really little but really really good. I think each plate was around $9. But it was well worth it. I think this would be a good date place for a guy to take a girl he is trying to give a good first empression to. Just make sure you have the money to spend.
(4)
Kitty D.

Came to Bijou with my favorite co-workers for my farewell, great working with you dinner! I can't believe this place is in Hayward. I love the decor, the lighting, and the fine dining, classic atmosphere. You totally forget Hayward is just outside. There is a dining room and then a separated bar area with lounge seats. Started off with drinks, GRAPES OF WRATH, is definitely the winner for me! Muddled grapes paired with fresh lemon and cranberry with Pear Grey Goose! Please order this drink. Also tried the FRENCH 75...this drink is sexy with champagne, gin, fresh lemon, and sugar. To my friend's surprise they also carried her favorite beer, Santa Cruz Hefeweizen, a great beer that's rare to find in Bay Area bars. We ordered fried calamari, nothing new, but still very good and cooked right. Escargot, not my cup of tea, but it was smothered in pesto-garlic sauce, so it was still tasty. I had the pan seared halibut, very satisfying, though I've had better. Everyone else had the grilled skirt steak, which looked, smelled, and tasted delicious. The food was REALLY good, but nothing really stood out to me. I wish they'd had more of a gourmet vegetarian selection for one of the girls wanting to go with us, I'd really like to see that in a Restaurant, The service was great, kinda cute too LOL, the prices are fair, but the COCKTAILS definitely win me over. If you go for anything, it's got to be the cocktails and they're not overpriced for their quality, $9-$10. I'm a fan, I'll definitely bring my friends and family, I'll be back soon!
(4)
Paul C.

This restaurant is another example that Hayward is changing. Located in a redeveloped portion of downtown, Bijou is a French restaurant with a very awesome design. The interior is very hip and trendy, very different from the quaint "small town" feel of downtown Hayward. The prices are reasonable, not too expensive for the neighborhood. The food portions maybe smaller than what you're used to. But they make it up in taste. The food is delicious and beautifully done. There appetizers (or "small plates") are like mini-meals. Their entrees are French, but familiar to us regular folks.
(4)
Jocelyn C.

I never went there for the restaurant part, but I was there during the dancing/lounge part. It was a small place, but I had fun w/ friends & boyfriend anyways. Drinks were way too expensive though!
(3)
Julie R.

Ewww.....this place is nice too look and maybe sit at the bar and drink but the food is horrible. I went with my girlfriends for a night out. I ordered a simple "Heirloom Tomato" salad. It had TONS of blue cheese on each tomato... WHO EATS BLUE CHEESE BY THE TABLE SPOONS??(they were bigger than the tomato slices) The tomatoes tasted and looked like regular tomatoes too... did i forget to mention the hard bacon ALSO on the tomatoes. My girlfriend ordered the sliders and the meat was practically raw. They are trying real hard to be an upscale restaurant but they are missing the mark completely. I love good food and would travel to the ends of the earth for it but this is FAR from it! I would never go to this place again.
(1)
Anne T.

My girlfriend and I came here for dinner on a Friday night and we are not impressed. The overall dÃ©cor is nice - trendy and posh for an establishment in Hayward. Our server was really sweet but the food and drinks... uhh.. not so. We ordered a pitcher of the sangria which DID NOT have any chopped fruits or.. wine. That's right. The sangria tasted like strawberry cool aid, yuck! We quickly sent it back and ordered a bottle of wine. As for the food, we shared the Asian pear salad (ehh), portabello mushroom and sausage pizza (okay), ahi tuna tartare (so not fresh) and dungeness crab dip (okay). No thanks.
(2)
eric k.

I'm glad that places like this are propping up in Hayward. Yes, we have some negative influences in hayward, but that doesn't mean all of it is bad or that we aren't trying to make it nicer. Went here yesterday for lunch.. at 2:30ish....and the service was excellent, and the food was quite good as well. Of course I would have liked the prices to be a little lower, but that's me, and I can't argue that the quality or uniqueness wasn't there. I'll try to swing back there sometime and have a drink or two(even though I don't really drink that much) just cuz its a cool place. Hopefully the crowd that it draws isn't pretentious.
(4)
Tony Y.

Ok, I'm still catching up on my yelping So, I came here with Jessica for Happy Hour on this places second week of operation. The decor of this place is great. Personally I think too much for the Hayward area, but props to the owners for making this happen in this place and time. This place started off all wrong from beginning to end that is why they are getting two stars. When I first arrived, I went straight to the bar as this is where Jessica was already waiting for me. I was not stoped or even greeted by the hostess. This is bad, especially for the look and feel that they are trying to go for. I had two drinks from the bar. Bartender recommended two drinks. Both were made with Top-shelf alcohol. Grey Goose. I know I know, such an Asian choice. haha. Both drinks were disappointments. We had Fries, this took 45mins to come out. That sucked. I did meet the owner, very nice guy. I do wish him the best of luck. Just cause I gave them two stars. This does not mean I will not return to this place. I definitely will try to come back to this place and have dinner and give them another chance to redeem themselves. Hope to see you guys soon.
(2)
Leona C.

I had the perfect experience at Bijou. It's very rare I get a Friday off, and I'm so glad I spent it here. Frankie and I came in around 7, it wasn't very busy (yet) and we were drawn to the bar. The decor really affects the ambiance of the overall energy, great job with the metal curtains. Our bartender was wonderful. Alfred, you know we adore you. Let's see, I believe I started with a martini. I had so many throughout the night I can't remember all of them. I just know that the bartenders know how to make their cocktails. Fresh makes a difference! An hour into conversation and sipping, we finally ordered appetizers. The prawns, calamari and tartare. I took one bite of a prawn before i remembered my recent allergic reaction to shellfish. Totally worth getting a tiny bout of bumps on my arms. The calamari was not memorable, but the tartare made up for it. It did not blow me out of the water, but it gets an A+ for effort. Once the appetizers were cleared, we sat for another 45 or so. Talking. Drinking. Met the owner who was super friendly and joked around with us a bit. By now it was filling up. Anne joined us for dinner, she had the seared duck breast; frank ordered the filet mignon, and i could not resist the foie gras. The best word off the top of my head to describe dinner: mouthwatering. The roasted potatoes that accompanied the duck was divine. The greens complimented the filet mignon. My only frown, the salad drowned the foie gras. Rinse, and repeat. WITH DESSERT! The strawberry basil concoction was the perfect finish to dinner. It cleansed my palate and prepared me for sweets! I know what you may be thinking. 3 people, 3 apps, full dinner and still craving dessert. FAT ASS. Mais no! The plates here are sized for just this type of experience. None of that average American surplus'd overindulgence. The portions keep you satiated, not loaded, leaving room for just that one last bite. Our last bite was creme brulee and cheesecake. Alright, we didn't need 2 desserts. But by now we were 3 hours in and feeling tooooaaaasty! So dessert it was! The rest of the night is a little hazy. You'll be seeing me soon Alfred! This is the type of business that will get downtown Hayward the zap it needs to become a bustling little city. Growing location, food that actually tries to impress (and succeeds), a bar that is always evolving, and a great metal curtain!
(5)
Michele M.

First of all, I'm THRILLED that Hayward has an upscale bar and restaurant! The decor is beautiful, hip and trendy; the food was excellent; and the drink menu is unique, unusual and very tasty! I've been their twice now and they had a really great guitar player there playing in the bar - it was fabulous. I highly recommend that you check it out. You'll be glad you did! Sincerely, Michele Molitor Nectar Consulting, Inc.
(4)
Trina H.

Good food and drinks what more can you ask for. I tried the smoked salmon with capers, can you say yum. Especially if you love the salty flavor of capers. And I also had the the grilled skirt steak, also a winner. If you like your cocktails those were great as well and there's something for everyone. All in all a good experience.
(4)
Michael T.

Absolutely wonderful!! My wife and I have been wanting to check out Bijou, ever since I heard that the very talented Jay Crabb, from Martini Monkey in San Jose, had put their cocktail menu together (He bar-tends there too) I'm so glad we did!! Everything we had was simply scrumptious and very well executed (esp for a place in Hayward! No offense here, but you wouldn't think a restauranteur would put so much effort into everything, unless he was competing with the best around!! And there ain't no "best" in Hayward!! Bijou is simply top notch!! We started with a very delicious French Onion Soup. My wife was weary of ordering it, citing that it's often really salty. This one was perfect!! We followed it with the Lobster Salad - good, but I found the Lobster pieces tiny and definitely over-powered by the fruit and dressing. (But then again, my only other point of reference in this regard is the Rotunda at Nieman Marcus, so my standards are high!!) Next were the Sliders. OMG!! With a quaill egg on top, that was simply exceptional! The meat was juicy and awesome! The Carpaccio was excellent and did not disappoint, as was the Foi Gras! But the DRINKS!!!!! When I walked in, i saw a "dance club" variety of bartenders on duty. I wondered how they'd translate Crabb's intricate cocktail recipes, many of which call for a seared orange peel!! The result was terrific. We had 4 cocktails between us, and each of them was simply amazing!! My belief was held in suspense. Wow!! I can actually come to Hayward and have the finest cocktails ousidet of my city favorite, Bourbon and Branch!! The Aviator was delicious! The Sazarec was perfectly executed!! Bravo, Jay and the bartenders - they've certainly learned well. Hayward residents..enjoy this place. You truly are lucky to have a bar/restaurant like this in your 'hood. My only criticism...Those darned 100 inch TV's at the Bar!! Go there and enjoy a terrific cocktail. Don't go there to watch the game!!! Annoying as hell, for me. I can't imagine going there and sitting at the bar. No matter how good the drinks are. And I'm not sure who they're trying to appeal to here.
(5)
Gerard L.

Best place to party in Hayward with a cool SF feel, but OMG their drinks are way too over priced. Though I really love the new DJs that spin on Fridays. I hear they are called the Jimi Handtrix crew: Charlie Darker and Verz. Those cats are freaking dope. I'd love to come back there just because of their music, but please Bijou, please lower your drink prices....sweet geeeeez!
(4)
Mary Jane P.

I love the decor in the restaurant and the happy hour is bomb! I love when they have drink specials.... they are 90% Yummy service is good and location is great
(4)
Sly S.

Wow, went there recently on a Friday night with the boys, I didn't know that Bijou was crackinnnnn like that....great music, great djs, good drinks and a suprisingly good amount of good looking women for a local spot in Hayward (who needs to drive to the city?) and a good female to male ratio....
(4)
Nick V.

For being settled in Downtown Hayward on B St of all places, this restaurant truly gave me a surprise. I've only been here once but that experience made feel like its creeping on a come up towards "Hidden Gem" status for those of us in the Stack. The ambiance is pretty chic and wants to scream upscale NY/LA/Miami. The seating layout is fine and the decor matches exactly what they're selling. The one thing I'm confused about is whether they want to go for the boojee Hollywood sports bar look or a bonafide trendy restaurant that just happens to show sports. They have the music and the TV competing against each other in the front bar area. They'll need to sort that identity crisis out soon in my opinion. Now to the drinks, their specially concocted cocktails are pretty good. Using ingredients that you wouldn't expect such as brown sugar for this one lemon drop type of drink that didn't have a name at the time was a good surprise as it balanced the sourness usually expected from a sour drop. The wine list is not bad and I'm sure will get better as the owners branch out to other vendors. The food is whats killer over here. As someone mentioned, they get food from a vendor that the The French Laundry in Napa Valley gets theirs from too. So the quality of ingredients really is good. I got the Frois Gras appetizer and, albeit a really small portion, came out like buttered pate'. The slices we got, mixed with the fig and apricot chutney was just too damn good to describe without my mouth watering thinking about it. The other dishes we had were the skirt steak and potatoes. Nicely cooked and had that smoky-charred flavor from the grill but softness on the inside like a Fillet Mignon. Also the Lamb was perfect. Not gamey at all, cooked to the medium temperature that i love and just broke off the bone and cut with the knife with ease. The mashed potatoes with the gravy was smooth too. All of what we had was recommended by a waiter named Frankie. The kid knows his stuff and certainly knows how to sell it too. EVerything he suggested was exactly how he described it. Don't know if he was trained to describe dishes the way he did or just truly spoke from his own experiences of eating the dishes himself, but good job and good service. They got something brewing there and it ain't from Buffalo Bills down the street. I'll be back....
(4)
Zoya z.

Bijou has a great weekend brunch with mimosas and belinis just the way they are supposed to be. Eggs Benedict are awesome too. Dtwn Hayward doesn't have too many "nice"options so Bijou is a welcome addition. It's really contemporary and swanky inside and the only thing that's missing is the people. Both times we dined at Bijou my husband and I were the only ones there. The service was excellent, but what can you expect when you are the only people there?
(4)
Justina W.

I love this place! I love the ambiance, I love the drinks and I love the location! I don't have to drive to Oakland or San Francisco to chill at a nice lounge. I'm not too fond of their bar prices once the spot turns into a club. I highly recommend this place for happy hour when the prices are lower and the crowd is not so packed.
(4)
Dave H.

Q) When did you go? A) My wife and I went on a Saturday night for her birthday. We made reservations for 7:30. Q) Were reservations needed? A) I thought so because opentable showed they only had 2 earlier slots. I called and was surprised to get the later slot I wanted. When we showed up, there was nobody there at all. By the time we left (9:15ish) it was packed. So, maybe? Q) Did you have any drinks? A) Yes. Because the hostess didn't acknowledge us as she sat there texting, the bartender noticed and invited us over for a cocktail. Super nice guy who was quick to show off his juggling skills and acceptable knowledge of mixology. We had 2 of their speciality drinks and then refreshed with something familiar before going to our table. Q) Were the drinks good? A) Sure. The specialty drinks were a little sweet for our liking. The bar has a good spread. Vodka-wise, they have Goose (all varieties), Hangar One (most varieties), and all the usual suspects. They muddle fresh fruits and herbs, so you can order things here you can't get at your average bar. Q) How was the ambiance? A) It was indeed as "modern" as I imagined. I think they pulled it off well though. Clean and sleek. Maybe a little pretentious, but not offensively. The lighting is very nice. Q) How was your server? A) Our server, Jake, was great. Very knowledgeable of the menu, attentive to our needs, and noninvasive. This was a nice surprise since so many yelpers slammed the service there. Q) Did you have an appetizer? A) We more or less split 4 of the "small plates". We had the filet mignon carpaccio, the ahi tuna tartare, the duck confit, and the foie gras atop scallops. We finished with their grenache chocolate cake. Q) How was the presentation? A) Very nice. Everything looked delicious without compromising the actual taste or texture. Q) How was the carpaccio? A) Awesome. Being very critical, I think it was a little more oily than it needed to be. I think this was mostly due to the mini-mound of pesto served atop the very middle of the dish. A thin scattered drizzle would have worked better. Q) How was the tartare? A) Very good. Being an upscale place, I expected the tartare to be presented a little more elegantly, rather than cupped into a "shrimp chip" that we're meant to eat with our hands. The flavors were all there though. The white corn, green onions, and shallots gave a nice texture contrast. The plate drizzle of some kind of wasabi sauce was a safe bet, but a good one. Q) How about the duck confit? A) Good. However, neither of us really got the duckiness of it. The individual servings of duck thigh were about half the size of a chapstick, on top of a triangular cut bun (think of the white spongy dough from a porkbun) that was noticeably larger than the meat itself. The very loud hoison sauce was drizzled over these six quick bites. Again, this was good, but the sweet bun and pungent hoison sauce dominated over the dish and hid the flavor of the duck. The texture of the duck was very good. Q) How were the scallops foie gras? A ) Interesting. The 2 scallops were cooked perfectly. They sat on the dish's shortcoming - a slightly soggy, slightly over-toasted, thin piece of bread. Rested on top of the scallops was the small taster of foie gras. The sauce was quite strong, thus, once again compromising the natural flavors of both the scallops and the foie gras. Q) How was the chocolate dessert? A) Very, very good. I don't have much of a sweet tooth and don't usually care for cake. However, this generous slice of rich, moist grenache was killer. I would not recommend ordering it unless you have someone to split it with. Q) Was it worth the money? A.) Yes. I'd be upset, or maybe hold them to higher standards, if it were 50% more. I thought the prices were reasonable. Q) Why should I go? A) To try something new. If nothing else, to support local business. They, by the way, support local business as well, featuring Alameda's Hangar One vodkas and Oakland's Pandora internet radio. Q) Will you be going back? Yeah, I think so. No time soon though, except to maybe check out their happy hour.
(4)
Darrel D.

A "Bijou" in French is a jewel, and I suppose the name is fitting as this place is a diamond in the rough of Hayward. A friend of mine recommended that we hangout at a bar in Hayward. I thought to myself..."Hayward"? I grew up around the area...so... I pictured a "dusty hole in the wall" place (blah). I was reluctant at first, but hey...the three of us collectively decided to trust our friend's judgment and headed off to Bijou Saturday night as we've never heard of that place, and it would be a fun quest (yup we live dangerously). The three of us were impressed as we drove past, in search of the elusive parking spot. Bijou has that 'crisp look' from the outside. Upon walking in, the vibrant fresh look/feel and the music (which was at the right level-not deafeningly loud, yet not too low) was a refreshing experience, in all places...Hayward. Perhaps it was the cool green dÃ©cor, soothing lighting, and the clean look/feel of the place (or maybe my craving for celery) as Bijou reminds me of the clean crisp fresh taste of celery. I am hoping that the opening of the theatre as well as the success of Bijou will encourage more jewels to pop up here within the rough. Now, to the specifics... FOOD: We ordered two bowls of Calamari which was okay. I recommend adding a bit of spices to the batter or sprinkling chopped green onions and spices on top, rather than cooking it like Onion Rings. Also, they don't give enough dipping sauce with this dish as they give three separate types in teeny tiny little cups. Suggestions; if the calamari is seasoned, then only one type of dipping sauce could be used in a bigger cup/bowl. DRINKS: I had the Classic Mojito, it was perfect. If you're not a fan of mint, then this drink might not be your cup of tea. My friend had the same thing whereas my other friend had the White Russian, she loved it. STAFF: The staff are absolutely stupendous! They are polite, and our waitress was very attentive and courteous. The customer service at this place is excellent. AMBIENCE: As mentioned above, this place is soothing, crisp, and very refreshing. But all of that comes to a sudden halt once the loud dumb ass idiots become bothersome and rude to other patrons. Note to management: please resolve this issue before it escalates (dumb ass idiots have a way of attracting more dumb ass idiots). Also, the lounge area is quite small. If you are looking for a place to go to stand around and mingle, well...this place wouldn't be best for that as you would be shoulder to shoulder. When we arrived (around 9) the lounge area and bar were packed. The dining area had enough seating. If at all possible, it would be cool if the management could add a bit more square footage to the lounge (but don't borrow that space from the dinning area please). Due to the lack of control by management of the idiots that showed up after our party arrived and the small lounge. I'm giving this place 4 stars. In short, this is a great place to go with friends for drinks and conversations. I'll be checking this place out again.
(4)
Janice F.

Not much to say. Everything we ordered was yummy but everything was also small and a little pricy. :/ If you can afford it, it's a nice place to go. The seafood is great! The decor is super cute for Downtown Hayward. Frankie was our waiter and he was awesome!
(3)
Lauren S.

I have mixed feelings about this restaurant. I came here for dinner for the first time last night and here's what happened: Overall, this restaurant is very beautiful on the inside. Very classy with green and brown colors, suede khaki color swivel ottomans in the bar area, and beautiful dark wooden dining tables. Yesterday was girls' nite out specials so some of their "girly" drinks such as sangria, midori sour, cosmopolitian, and lemon drop were only $5 each. We had a reservation for 9 people and waited for about 10 minutes before being seated so we had some drinks at the bar while we waited. The bartender was friendly, attentive, and quick to make all the drinks. When we finally were seated at a table, it was all the way in the back against the wall. It was soooo extremely hot back there and 9 people scrunched around a table didnt help things. Our party asked the waitress to see about turning on the a/c and she said back that the owners like to turn it on and off to conserve energy and she would ask about turning it back on. Instead of turning the air on, they open their windows and patio doors IN THE FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT. Ok, that isn't going to help our party which is sitting in the very back of the restaurant. Plus, it was still hot outside at 7pm so hot air was coming into the restaurant making it hotter inside. I was very displeased with how they handled our complaints. We were fanning ourselves with napkins and our menus all night. It was very uncomfortable! For dinner, our party decided to order a bunch of different appetizers and large plates and share our food. I was able to try their beef,pork,shrimp dumplings, beef carpaccio, short ribs dinner which included bacon wrapped green beans and mashed potatos, and french fries. The food was tasty. The dumplings came as a set of 7 small deep fried pouches filled with shrimp, beef, and pork lined up in a row. They were surrounded by a ginger and soy dressing. They were very good but were small and not very filling. The fries were just deep fried strips of potato but they were overly seasoned. I thought they were peppered too much..I had to reach for my water alot while eating them. The beef carpaccio came as 6 thin slices of beef swimming in an olive oil vinaigrette with a slice of lemon and two pieces of bread. I wish they had given us more than just two pieces of bread to eat the carpaccio with. Also when the dish first came out, it had cheese all over the beef and that was never listed as one of the ingredients on the menu. I am lactose intolerant so I had to order the waitress to take it back and re-do the order before I could eat it. The short ribs was the best dish out of all of them. The meat was very tender and juicy. The green beans were cut into three stacks tied together with a thin strip of bacon. The mashed potatos were in a mound in the center of the dish and they were creamy and buttery. For dessert we ordered the Cucumber Elixer drink which was a very fresh and summery martini for the nighttime. I loved it! We also ordered the creme brulee with a hint of green tea and the hazelnut mouse hazlenut sponge cake desserts. Oh my gosh the hazelnut mouse sponge cake was amazing! Highly recommend! Ok I have to rant about how slow it took for all our food to come out to our table. I watch a lot of Gordon Ramsey on tv. I know it is very important to get food out to tables asap, and also at the same time to all people at a table. This restaurant did none of that...They took forever to bring out our complimentary bread and dip for starters. Then when we asked for more, they had to make more bread so it took 30 minutes to get more bread for our dip. Our appetizers did not come out together...Some of our group got their appetizers first while the rest of us salivated and watched. By the time I got one of my appetizers, the other side of our table had finished all three of their appetizers they ordered and were moving on to their actual meal. My gf, who sat across from me, hadn't even gotten her first appetizer. That annoyed me! Also they were out of certain items on their menu such as their duck confit steamed buns and the mussels. A good restaurant should plan their ingredient ordering better so they don't run out of things on their menu. Overall, the decor of the restaurant is beautiful and the desserts were amazing! The food was so-so except for the short ribs dinner which was very delicious. The service was slow though and we were so hot eating at our table because they never turned on the air conditioning. Will I return again? Eh probably not because service is a big issue with me and if I don't feel special, I don't return. Simple as that.
(3)
Eling H.

This happened a while ago, but came here for a friend's birthday party... I was the one who came for drinks. Makes some damn good drinks and an awesome fun atmosphere where you can talk and mingle with people in a posh restaurant. Totally enjoyed myself and would definitely come here to chill with friends.
(4)
Leesh O.

This spot is nice to look at and the music is good, but they are too overpriced! were in a recession come on now! they should stop worrying about being so upscale and more accomodating to the demographs! I'm talking about the drinks and the food. Rethink your prices and just make them fair, thats all!
(3)
Deana H.

I have been here twice this week. Firstly, I live in Pleasanton but grew up in Hayward, I NEVER thought I'd willingly return to Hayward for anything so imagine my surprise at finding this gem. I frequently dine out, and travel a lot. I am so very happy that this place exists so close to home, I definitely can say, without a doubt, that this is one of the best dining experiences I've had. Food: * Salad: Goat Cheese Salad (Highly recommend) * Small Plate: Sauteed Prawns on bed of Spinach Scallops on bed of Spinach Bijou Sliders French Fries Calamari Foie Gras * Large Plate: Pan seared foie gras (A HIT) Salmon and rice Small plates are truly small, but very reasonably priced. It allows you to taste the absolutely wonderful and decadent offerings without going into sticker shock. Heaven for a gourmand on a budget - especially in these though times. The small plates are great if you're meeting people Large plates are enough for one person, but still not huge. You wont feel guilty indulging yourself in the excellent dishes. I LOVED the pan seared foie gras. Highly recommend. Service: Very attentive, almost too attentive at times. The hostesses were so nice as were the waiters and waitresses. It's everything I loved about Hayward (the genuineness of the people and how unpretentiousness) but the cosmopolitan vibe and excellent food that you'd associate with San Francisco or New York. Highly recommend as a meeting place for friends, business dinners etc. Update: * Large Plate: Fillet Mignon - Portion size: Excellent. Quality of Meat: Excellent. Complaint: BBQ sauce REALLY on a Filet Mignon? I was thinking Bearnaise sauce or something more imaginative. *sigh* Also tried Dessert: Marscapone Cheesecake - Truely a very unique cheesecake. Loved it. Highly recommend. Light and creamy. Without the 'heaviness' of regular cheesecakes. Chocolate Cake - large portion, good but not extra-ordinary Chocolate mousse box - Three layers of chocolate, very rich and unique. Def. sugar shock territory, but def. recommend for a chocolate lover Complaint: All they have is coffee. This place doesn't have an espresso maker so forget a latte or a mocha. I normally eat dessert with a latte or a mocha. I know, coffee, what's the big deal, right, but I REALLY think a place like this should have an Espresso maker.
(5)
Lori L.

I entered this place mad at my significant other (for reason not related to Bijou) and left so happy, impressed, and amazed! I've never had such cuisine before and it was incredible! I had the skirt steak which was buttery with the prosciutto-wrapped-asparagus. He had the salmon which was superb as well. Great quality with smaller portions, but definitely worth the money. We also had the green tea crÃ¨me brulÃ©e which was tasty as well. I almost did not want to share it! They had modern cuisine with a twist. Surely for those who are looking for a fine dining experience. It's wonderful for a date night, but I saw families there as well. It's a cozy environment definitely for adults to enjoy. The atmosphere is balanced with the dark colors and high ceilings with splashes of color here and there. I'm looking forward to my next visit!
(5)
Jen N.

updaaaattteee. I partied here on Saturday night. Sooooo much fun. They call it the Bijou Experience. Great drinks! Great people! Great music. The bartenders are nice to look at too. Great place if you live in the East bay and don't want to drive too far. I will be a regular. Nuff Said.
(4)
Geralyne G.

I have never had this happen to me, but the first thing I noticed about the restaurant was the dirty doormat that was right in front of the maitre d' - not a good welcome to your guest. We visited this restaurant with a Groupon and were given a special menu so I am not sure if the portions on the regular menu were larger but my sea bass was literally 1.5 inches square for $28. If you are using a Groupon to get new customers, you don't serve smaller portions and claim the voucher is worth full price. The sea bass and risotto were very tasty and cook perfectly. The pear salad was generous and quite tasty and my croissant pudding was heavenly. My husband had the lobster pot pie and couldn't find the lobster. I so hoped we had a good restaurant in Hayward that didn't break the bank. I probably won't go back as a good restaurant has to have good food and prices to match the portion sizes in this economy.
(2)
Seeker D.

The food is FROZEN and it tastes frozen, over-priced, poor service, rude staff, and NOT worth the price you will pay. I love to dine and figured this place would be good- BOY WAS I WRONG. The only good thing about this establishment is that they have average to above average cocktails and the decor is appealing and modern. Don't waste your money on this place. I have been here 3 times and the last time I went I wrote a letter months ago because of the horrible uncooked frozen fish I was served (that got me sick) and horrendous service - he never responded. This establishment is an embarrassment to the food industry.
(1)
Mel G.

First time I came here was for my cousins 21st Birthday. They played good music had good drinks. Danced all night loved it. The second time I came was for my 28th birthday, I still had fun but the music wasn't as good as my first time. We kept requesting songs and our songs never played. Booo! I'll give it another try cuz after some drinks I always have fun even if the place is boring LOL
(3)
Gary B.

Bijou I was all excited that there was a French restaurant near my house. Problem is, Bijou is French in name only, although it does provide raw meat and small portions. My biggest disappointment is the lack of good French sauces with the dishes. The chief is apparently one who knows better how much salt all patrons should have. There are no salt or pepper shakers at the tables. Usually not a problem because in a French restaurant, the dishes include cream, wine or butter sauce that can be proportioned with each bite to adjust salt and other flavors. Not here. There was no significant sauce with the lobster, scallops or filet mignon. My duck dish included essentially the duck blood as the sauce. It was still good, but I wanted a French sauce. The staff was good, although they forgot the side dish ordered for our little girl. They never came over to ask how things were, because he probably already knew my starving child was missing her meal. Not a French restaurant. What a disappointment.
(2)
Joan F.

Wow! What a find. If you're looking for good quality food, excellent service and reasonable prices, Bijou really delivers. This place is super clean and the decor is swanky-chic. I had lunch there and ordered the Croque Monsieur with salad. I got a delicious sandwich and a lovely mixed green salad that was perfectly dressed. Their menu is online, so I got to check it out before I even got there. I'm looking forward to going back for dinner and to sampling their special cocktails at the bar. Highly recommend this place--downtown Hayward gets a big facelift in my opinion. Thanks, Bijou!!
(5)
Rubal B.

Horrible service, horrible attitude and horrible management. We came in famished and waited for 45 min for our food, but we still didn't get the food. When we approached management about the issue, they just said "sorry" and made us pay for our cokes. We left the restaurant famished. I would NEVER encourage anyone to go there.
(1)
Harland H.

The food was wholesome. The service was good. At the Travelzoo voucher price, it was a good deal. At the regular price, I would consider it overpriced. The thing that peeved us was we had to order from a special menu which had some but not all of the regular menu items. The Tuna tartare was fine, and the lobster pot pie good. None of the menu items seemed inspired, but all of them seemed acceptable.
(3)
Cam N.

The venue is definitely out of the norm for Hayward- pretty trendy and sleek. However, I did not find the food to be that great. Then again, I have a pretty discriminate palate. Overall ambiance is great. Good place that serves pisco sours. A fun place to go for weekday dinners.
(3)
lovetoeat a.

This place was so loud!! The music, conversation at the bar, all were just too noisy! Nice modern interior. The menu was a mixture of hit and miss. The spinach salad and the mix greens salad with feta cheese could use less dressing. The ahi tuna tartare would be better with less soy sauce. Too much soy sauce made you think the fish might not be fresh any more, and the chef was trying to disguise the taste? The baby ribs were too spicy. The shepherd's pie had too much mashed potatoes. The cream of mushroom soup was good, and the seabass with the mushroom risotto was excellent. The steak and frites was good too. The green tea creme brÃ»lÃ©e had a good flavor, but the texture was a bit mushy. The banana flambÃ© was good, but the crepe was not. Too much whipped cream, and the whipped cream was not even good. Service was excellent, attentive and friendly. And that helped save the night.
(3)
Ruby C.

The service is not that good...Foods are ok....got the deal from Livingsocial...and most of the people obviously were here because of the coupon. But still a good deal~ I will come back of they have another deal like this~
(3)
Kelly M.

Fun place to hang with friends and small plates if you want to stay in Downtown Hayward area or get a look at what the up and coming downtown has to offer. Food is pretty good and the service is decent. The bar is busy when they turn "lounge" at the end of food service and it is a fun place ot hang with friends and enjoy yourself. DJ wasn't the best the few times we have been, but it didn't matter as we all still made the best of it and had a ball :)
(3)
paul t.

Very nice upscale setup of decor and ambiance. Full bar on one side with lounge and restaurant on the other side. Excellent food menu & well drinks as well. Perfect place to mingle at, plenty of lovely ladies here FELLAS and Bi Fems ^_^
(4)
Hong P.

Friends and I came here for drinks after having dinner at Buffalo Bill's next door. The ambience and decor is cool. Kind of reminds me of a lounge in S.F. However, we're all beer drinkers and they lack in that department. There's a small selection to choose from and I've only heard of a couple of them. It was pretty quiet on a for a Thursday night but hey, we're in Hayward, what was I expecting? But even with a small crowd, the service was lacking. The first 30 minutes we were there, our server was pretty god with checking up on us. After that, she was too engulfed with her friends to come back and check on us. We waited a good 15 minutes before she came back to pick up our check. I guess this is a good spot for Hayward. The city needs a joint like this. But I'm from LA and I expect better service and more beer selections.
(2)
Ms B.

i had my birthday dinner at Bijou. They were very accommodating for a large party. The food and cocktails were really good too. DefI'm glad there is a nice restaurant added to my neck of the woods that offers great meal and atmosphere.
(4)
Liz S.

I discovered this restaurant after buying a groupon, The beef carpaccio was ABSOLUTELY delicious. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. I ordered the chicken au jus and my sister ordered the salmon. Both were extremely good and filling. For dessert we ordered the creme brulee and the crepe. I would highly recommend this restaurant and will be coming here again.
(4)
Jonathan K.

Came here using the groupon. You're paying more for the atmosphere and getting a cheap course meal. Basically fronts as a "fancy restaurant" but the food is nothing amazing. Groupon was $70 but considering its etiquette to tip on the original amount (which was about $250... i durno who'd actually pay this ridiculous price) you're looking at a $120 meal for four. And for that i'd expect better food or at least more. My family stopped by in n out on the way home to fill our stomachs. Still had a good time eating out with the family but certainly wont be coming back here. Seems like the groupon deal is keeping them afloat.. To the point that as soon as you walk in the door they asked "are you here with a coupon or deal?"
(3)
Shawn S.

Had the sautÃ©ed Prawns here for dinner. They were cooked just right and were very flavorful. Even neighbors at the bar were commenting on how good they smelled. I do have a small issue, their posted menu here and their website is different than when I got there and I had my stomach set on one thing that wasn't there. My first drink was a Sidecar and it was excellent. Second drink, thanks to the excellent recommendation from the bartender was a spectacular sipping Tequila. It's nice to find people who know what they are talking about. I took off a star for being ignored for the most part until they added a 3rd bartender. Also, even when you are helped, on busy nights expect your food and drinks to take a while. One other thing, there is no real waiting area for seats and if the bar is full it really creates a problem.
(3)
Shell I.

This is for the bar and nightlife. I have been here quite a few times for drinks and they are pretty good here. After 10 it gets packed on Saturday nights and there is a DJ. The lighting and decor are cool. Atmosphere is nice. I can't say too much about dining here because I have only dined here once and it was OK. I'll stick to my drinks. Cheers ;)
(3)
Regina B.

Excellent service! Ambience/decor were nice. Music made me feel like I was in an elevator or hotel lobby, though. Dinner: Food was not bad, but not very impressive. It seemed very ordinary-like hotel food. My braised short ribs were DRENCHED in sauce and I had to pick out the big chunks of fat that were on the short ribs. Mashed potatoes weren't special. Green beans were wrapped in bacon-but the bacon was the fat part-not crunchy, so it really depends if that floats your boat. My Asian pear salad was pretty good. The dessert crepe was super yummy-but it was probably because it was mostly whipped cream. Used a Groupon for a 3 course pre-fixed meal for 2. The meal would have been pricey (~$115) for 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 desserts, if I had not had the deal. I'm giving Bijou 4 stars because I was originally trying to make a reservation on opentable to get 1,000 points but it didn't show up on the website, so I emailed Bijou asking if I can still get my points. Restaurant emailed back saying that if I didn't get my points, they would offer me a free bottle of champagne, so I gladly took that offer. Thank you, Ben of Bijou! Score for me and my boyfriend- free champagne! Woot woot! Overall, the food was not impressive, but the restaurant was nice to try ONCE. I probably wouldn't go back without a deal.
(4)
Dj M.

Delicious!!! So worth it if you get the Groupon deal.
(5)
Jason H.

I was hoping to be impressed. I wasn't. I set at the bar and ordered one of the house drinks. The bartender had to pull out the directions to make it. When I said something he showed me their other drinks were pre made they just had to mix, what I ordered was one of the few made from scratch. I got my meal braised short ribs, just a total disappointment on bland potatoes. Look around it's a near little area and has to offer a better option.
(2)
jenn H.

We had to ask another staff member for bread when everyone else had had theirs for awhile. Mashed potatoes and fish? Really? Salmon was Ok, mashers not so much, and not a vegetable in sight! Crepes were HORRIBLE: tough, chewy, filling was store-bought Nutella and half a banana. Pathetic; I could do better at home. What's worse is waitress didn't care.
(2)
Benjamin G.

I will say from the outside looking in, the place has an interesting mystic about it. The food is a bit overpriced, and the portions are bit on the smaller side. The lighting and ambiance of the place is neat, but not always a fan of the people that are now semi loud patrons. The vibe of the place is turning into a pseudo straight club. hats off to them, but not the kind of place I would necessarily want to frequent.
(2)
Lilia C.

I have been to Bijou a few times and forgot to Yelp. My last experience at Bijou was nice and delish! My Sweetie and I went there for Valentine's Day and couldn't wait for the feast to begin. I know some reviewers hate on the portion sizes but I have no complaints. We started off with drinks followed by a shot of asparagus and butternut squash soup. The lobster tail was cooked just right and full of flavor. The filet mignon with gratin and ratatouille were the perfect combination. For dessert, I chose the pear tarte tartin and my Sweetie chose the croissant pudding. Both on their own were great but I loved the pudding a bit more. Seriously, you can't go wrong with croissants and Nutella! The wait-staff was attentive and nice. The decor was modern and a perfect spot for a video shoot. The music selection was perfect (not sappy) for Valentine's Day. Pleasanton could sure use a chic restaurant like Bijou.
(5)
Bijan O.

My name is Bijan and I'd like a gift certificate to this place. I think you understand why.
(5)
Mia A.

on a random Friday night, me & the bf decided to try it out, since Hayward is trying to "nicenup" the downtown area... walked in about 7ish, the place wasn't super packed, but since we didn't have a reservation, we had a 20 min wait or so. no big, we sat at the bar & grabbed a few drinks while checking out the warriors game on the many flat screens they had. the grapes of wrath (OMG deeee-lish!) & his 4.4 magnum (a little too whiskey-ish for my taste). when we were finally seated, we order our 2nd round of drinks & our appetizers: Crab Avocado Salad - light & surprisingly good (shells in the crab, not my fav, but easy to deal with) Salmon something on bread, it wasn't the Salmon Tartare, i know that. anyway, wasn't really what i thought it would be, way more onion the anything else, so i ate more of the salad. Dinner was the Roasted Chicken Thigh - perfectly cooked, no complaints at all. Next was dessert-Creme Brule with a hint of green tea... cant really go wrong with creme brule, but we tasted no green tea. maybe we're picky about it since we had some at Tokyo Fros is Sac & NOTHING has compared since. round 3 of drinks to wind down: purple haze (good, but I would've rather gotten another Grapes of Wrath) & his white russian with Baily's instead of cream. All in all, it was a good experience in Hayward, we felt like we would've been in San Jose or something. The portions are small, but if you share like we did, you can have a full meal & not be completely stuffed. We probly wont be frequenting the place for dinner, but its a nice change in Hayward & worth stopping by for drinks. I will say jeans and a hoodie don't really belong in this place, thank goodness i had a decent top on underneath!
(3)
Candy T.

only for the Saturday lounge/club night: -was packed and hard to move around -didn't like the restaurant style table as VIP table -good hip hop music -it's not as upscale as the lounges/clubs i normally go in the city, but if u have to pick a place to party in Hayward, this is the place
(3)
C. L.

I've heard a lot about this place and wanted to try out the food for quite some time. We shared the special - lobster, scallops, and seared sea bass with risotto. The food was wonderful- great presentation. I really loved the sea bass. Prices were a bit high for Hayward, but it's nice to have nice place to go without having to go to SF. Waitress was very attentive. I'd give it a 4+ star if the prices were a little less expensive...
(3)
Gwen D.

Who knew Hayward had such a gem!?! Frankie is awesome, so friendly and professional.
(5)
Jonathan C.

The design of Bijou caught my attention when I first stepped in. The green lights and the red circular Bijou signs put me in awe. The food was presented extragantly and was delicious. I had some of their non-alcoholic beverages; Sunkist Fizz and Apple Drop. It had really good fruity and sweet flavor and doesn't taste sugary like soda. The Creme Brulee had a good thin and crispy crust on top and tasted all around sweet. Bijou has a friendly staff and the owners are awesome. Bijou is definitely a place to take a date for dinner and a movie across the street or you can just relax and have a couple a drinks in the bar area.
(5)
sue r.

I gave it a try but I don't think so. Sat outside to be away from the noise inside. It was loud like a high school dance. They need some heat lamps or something on the patio. Overall the food was decent. Only very SMALL for the price. The selection in the bar for what I was after that night kinda sucked. "A shot and a beer" Is that so hard? My waiter was very green tried hard (maybe to hard) but was very nice and gave excellent service. The only problem after that was the time it took for everything to come out. first drinks "shot and a beer" at least 15 min. Appetizer "cheese plate" another 20 min. Main courses "filet and pork chop" at least 30 more min. and the sauces tasted a little like A-1. Deserts "creme brulee and cheese cake 25 motherf***ing minutes. And the check came before the desert. I've worked in a kitchen, it dose not take that long to plate up 2 cold deserts even on a busy night. Now this was on a wednesday, pretty sad. I was almost ready to be ok with all that considering its a new place but then I saw a friend come out of the bar. He asked me how everything was, and after I told him how slow it was he told me that the chef and the guys that are running the place were at the bar most of the time slamming drinks. If thats true it would make perfect sense. Oh and did I mention that the portions are VERY small.
(1)
Zod H.

Went for the first time last Friday, and I was quite impressed. Apparently Hayward is making a major push on revitalizing B St. Along with the new Century Theatre and other restaurants on the street, B St is well on it's way to resembling University Av in Palo Alto. The co-owners Ben Young and Phil Chan have the beginnings of something special. The restaurant is modernly designed by P Thomas (sp) out of San Rafael and I am truly envious that my current town (Fremont) has nothing even remotely similar. They have employed a young attractive, friendly staff which seemed to run the restaurant like a well oiled machine. Very impressive for a place that just opened 3 wks ago Bravo Bijou! We didn't have dinner there, but did have the calamari and fries with our 'several' drinks. The food was tasty, and the drinks were stiff, just like I like. The next time, I will have to try some of Executive Chef Christian Nam-Hee's culinary creations. More on this spot later.
(4)
Tawn W.

Drinks are expensive. Food is a little pricey and not great. But nice looking place and good place to just hang out and meet a totally diverse crowd on Fridays.
(3)
W. K.

I am writing this a few weeks after having lunch at the Bijou Restaurant & Bar. We started with the Salmon Tartar, nice but not memorable. My daughter had the Croque Monsieur (ham sandwich) which she enjoyed. My wife had the pan seared pork chops, which were just OK. I had the seared duck breast, which was nice done, but I didn't care for the sauce. The food and service was decent, but for the money not worth the drive from Fremont.
(3)
Audrey W.

This place looks great - very simple, cool, upscale. And the drinks menu is fascinating, so is the food menu. However neither the drink nor the dinner measured up to the expectations created by the physical appearance of the restaurant and the descriptions in the menu. The food was okay but not great. The presentation was great.
(2)
Jen R.

My husband and some friends went to bijou for the first time tonight. We have been very excited to go since we live in Hayward, but moved from the city and this place seemed like a hip and great vibe. The service was extremely slow. The food was good with the exception of having paper in my salad. When I told the server of the problem, he seemed like he had no idea what to do. I asked him to take the salad. Later he asked if the manager came to speak with me and he hadn't, so I insisted. When the manager came, he said he was sorry and didn't offer any particular way to make my experience better. I felt like they were asking me to lead them into compensating me for my poor experience. It was too bad, we have been waiting for Hayward to come up and this place really adds to the downtown, but the manager working was not experienced enough to make this situation any better. Too bad. I left feeling like I would not need to go back there. I'd rather go to Bill's anytime. The food was good.
(3)
Tamisha M.

I really love the decor and ambiance of Bijou. Once you step in you forget that you are just in Hayward. The drinks are very yummy!
(5)
Lorraine P.

This was awesome! The food was great and our service was good. I had the sea bass... and wow! yummmmy! The pineapple cilantro margarita was good... tasted like a pineapple mojito, but still good.
(5)
Hang T.

For all whom gave this place anymore than one star have no idea what good...no great food is. So me and my girlfriends went here based on the reviews that were given on yelp and this place bombed!!! With the exception of the drinks which was really good....the food here taste worse than dirt on a crate and barrel plate! I most certianly would not recommend this place to anyone I know unless I didn't like them! We ended up eating somewhere else afterwards! You know the food had to suck ass if you have to go else where afterwards for a meal! Also, the price was a rip off!!!! I am not sure if the chef had any culinary experience especially in France! Makes me wonder if France even has good food. Thanks to yelp I can warn others to not come here and waste their money. If you do go just have drinks only! Go to Payathai for great Thai food and head to Bijou for drinks.
(1)
Stephanie N.

I'm impressed. Hayward is a location you will hardly find me dining in, but i tried it, and I liked it. I was ready to be disappointed, but I found myself laughing and enjoying myself? The ambiance and decor looked fab, and the food was unexpectingly good. We had the escargot, calamari, duck, salmon and finished it with one of thier signature chocolate desserts. All satishfactory.
(4)
Jason T.

This is a hip downtown spot in the Haystack. Cute hostess as you walk in and excellend wait staff. Food is fair for the price but it's about the drinks and atmosphere.
(4)
J L.

Nice upscale looking sheek place. The food was good and ambiance was nice. I would go here again although I wouldnt go out of my way either. Their salad with fruit in it was good. Forgot what it was called. Lobster bisque was not my favorite. Prices were fair and drinks were good.
(3)
Claudia J L.

ive been to bijou about 3 times for food and a few other for drinks. The food is really good, id recommend the scallops!! they are perfect, except i wish they would give you more than two:) The creme brulee is to die for!!!The staff at the bar is really nice, friendly and make really good drinks. The owners are always around and care about guest imputs a lot, they take criticism really well. One thing ive noticed is inconsistency in the food and drinks, sometimes depending on time of day or how busy they are it may change a bit. One thing i would change about Bijou and i hate to say it because i dont want to be mean...i think the host and some of the servers need to work a bit more on their apperance. the last time i went the host looked like she crawled out of bed with no makeup, hair was a bit sloppy and wore a sweatshirt. very tacky. i hope bijou will work on this, after all the staff very much represents the restaurant and the host is the first impression. Over all, i think everyone should go, its great as a lounge atmosphere with friends, a date or after a movie (which should open soon). Not super expensive. Bijou has a lot of potential, i wish them all the best!
(3)
t d.

Restaurant looks awesome when you walk in but unfortunately that was the only good thing about this place. We went there a few weeks ago with a large party. We were seating quickly which was nice. I specifically asked for separate checks before ordering and told it shouldn't be a problem. Drinks were not worth their price and not that good. We had two waiters so you would think service would of been good. Only one waiter was seen most of the night. It took about 30 minutes just to get the first round of drinks. Dinner finally came after about an hour. Could they at least put a decent portion size on the plate after waiting so long. Get ready to stop at McDonald's afterwards since you most likely will not be full. Finally the bill comes and the same waiter I asked about separate bills suddenly couldn't accommodate us. He just wanted the 15-18% tip that is tacked on. He didn't deserve a dime although the other waiter did. When I complained to the manager he apologized and said I should of said something sooner. How was I supposed to know in advance service would suck. A free round of drinks for everyone didn't make up for the $600 bill and crappy service. I will not be going there again!
(1)
Doglovers C.

After all the raving reviews from our fellow yelpers, I had high expectation for Bijou! Sadly, it wasn't as good of an experience for me as I wanted it to be. I picked Bijou as my Birthday lunch celebration location, and went there with my hubby (kids were in school). I was very impressed with the decor, and definitely felt like I was in a restaurant in Palo Alto, not Hayward. Staff were very friendly and nice, which made the dining experience an enjoyable one. Now, with the food....We ordered French Onion Soup, Fried Calamari, Grilled Skirt Steak and Croque Monsieur. I was very excited to taste the French Onion soup, however, it was a disappointment. Something was missing, and after discussing with hubby, we realized it was the beef stock. It was missing the savory taste to it. We definitely tasted the sweetness of the onion, and the amount of Gruyere was just right. As with the Fried Calamari, it was a little blend, so we added more salt and pepper. Now with my skirt steak, I was very disappointed! ;( It was bitter and it totally ruined my appetite.....so hubby shared his croque monsieur with me, which was DELICIOUS!!!! 1 out of the 4 dishes we ordered was EXCELLENT. If I go back again, I will order the Croque Monsieur or Madam, but definitely not the other 3 dishes we had ordered this time. Hopefully, the owner of Bijou read this, and take this review positively. We just want the restaurant to do better, and not discouraging people to go there as this is a great addition to the renovating Hayward downtown!
(3)
Ladonna A.

My review is only for the lounge/bar area as I have never tried their food before. I've been here on 2 occasions and I have to say this is the most HIP spot in downtown Hatward. The decor inside is modern contemporary and sure gives an SF ritzy feel. But with that being in Hayward, the crowd isn't as fancy. Theres absolutely no dress code. I see people come in with slippers, strange designed shorts, and even baseball caps. The bartenders are friendly but your drink isn't up to par with how much they charge. Their bathrooms are extremely dirty on both occasions and I think that's where it needs attention to most. Recommend for anyone? NO. Recommend for nearby residents? YES
(3)
Ray H.

OVER PRICED! ï¼ˆeven with the groupon dealï¼‰ Food here is so so - not bad but definitely not impressive. Would have been a solid three stars if the price is not jacked up by the word FRENCH and FUSION added to its name. went in with the groupon deal and still felt like it's over priced. by the way, I kinda dont understand why i should be tipping ï¼ˆand i didï¼‰ on the super over priced "real price ï¼„118" they claimed instead of what i actually paid for the food.
(2)
Ray K.

Great place for dinner since I brought my 4 person dinner - 3 course meal from Groupon. Tip is not included, and tip base on the actual price of $219 for 4 person. Fusion style and portion is small. Champagne is included for per person. Food is not bad, but if I don't have Groupon, I may not try this restaurant.
(4)
Nelly Y.

Great service every time. I've been here on multiple occasions and they never fail at impressing my palate. The Head Chef, Christian Nam Hee and Sous Chef, Aidan Ocampo, create an amazing seasonal fusion menu that is sure to please the snobbiest foodies. I just finished dinner with family and they loved everything. The service was impeccable as usual. Must haves: steamed mussels chicken liver pate braised short ribs ahi tuna tartare crab crostinis lobster puff pastry Macaroons ice cream sandwich Croissant pudding
(5)
Mikey P.

Bijou is not a good restaurant. In fact, it's actually a sports bar pretending to be a restaurant. The only positive thing I can say about my experience here, is that I didn't get sick afterward. There are too many details of things that made this such a bad experience, so I'll just highlight the worst parts. 1). The atmosphere is not what you'd expect from a fine-dining establishment. It was very loud. There is techno music blasting from the overhead speakers, tv's playing sporting events at full volume, and people at the bar trying to speak over each other and the volumes of the music and televisions. 2). The waiter barely said a word to us all night. He took our orders, then just creeped by every few minutes to take plates away, never stopping to see if we needed anything. 3). The food was just not good. There's no way any of it was cooked fresh because it came out cold and way too fast. All of our food was out to our table maybe 5 minutes after we ordered. I love fast service, but this was uncomfortably quick. We ordered the liver pÃ¢tÃ©, and it tasted spoiled. Next was the Mac n' cheese which was cold. Then came the mussels which weren't bad, but the waiter touched them when he put them on our table, so they deserve an asterisk next to any compliment we could possibly give. One of us ordered the the salmon which was undercooked with over-cooked vegetables that were ice cold. It was really gross. Worst of all was the order of the lobster risotto. The rice was sticky and over cooke, and was mixed with over salted and over cooked asparagus. There was a lobster tail which smelled of pure ammonia. For those of you that are not familiar as to what that means, lobster develops an ammonia smell once the animal has been dead for several hours and the meat starts to decompose. The chef cooked and sent out rotten lobster for me to eat! At a whopping 20$ per plate of food, I would expect a little quality control. I highly suggest that the owner hire an entirely new staff that will take pride in the restaurant or take the full dive into being a sports bar and just compete with Buffalo Bill's.
(1)
Danny F.

If I Could Rate Less Then A Star Or Minus A Star Bijou Would Be In That Category The Food Was Overcooked Close To Cold By The Time It Got To Me My Bread And Pesto Sauce Had A Strand Of Hair Included Completely Over Priced I Wouldnt Go Back Even If I Was Shit Faced Drunk Dying Of Hunger There "Re Opening" Menu Sounds Good But The Foods Garbage
(1)
Samuel B.

Went there tonight, and very pleasantly surprised!!! Good wine & beer list, & very friendly and positive staff. Lots of tasty and quirky appetizers and tapas. I had the sliders, & they were delicious! The beef was incredibly flavorful (not kobe, but very good!). My friend had the salmon, served with rice and a very rich, delicious butter sauce. It was great! We also got a sausage and mushroom flatbread pizza, which was just OK. The crust was unexceptional, and the sauce was very ho-hum. However, when all weighed together, it was a wonderful and delicious dining experience! RECOMMENDED!!!
(4)
Barbara P.

What has happened to this former Hayward gem? My husband and I dined there on Wednesday night and while the service was good, pretty much everything else was a huge disappointment. The portions have always been on the light side at Bijou, but now they seem to be going the way of small plate offerings on every dish. The scallop puff pastry appetizer and bread pudding dessert were both overcooked and the petrale sole was served with a thick, deep brown, beef-based mushroom sauce that did not compliment the dish. Who serves a heavy sauce with a delicate fish? Apparently, only the chef at this restaurant. The restaurant was extremely hot inside and there didn't appear to be any air conditioning. That was pretty uncomfortable, but not the worse part of our experience. There was an overwhelming smell of garbage wafting into the restrooms from the *trash bin out back. It was so nauseating that I could not finish my meal and we couldn't get out of there fast enough. The restaurant website says "Bijou will showcase contemporary French/California cuisine, offered at reasonable prices". I say that is false advertising because the only thing they are showcasing is they don't care enough about customers to provide a comfortable and delicious dining experience. *Side note: I returned to "B" Street the next night see a movie with my sister and niece, and I parked in the lot behind Bijou. The smell of rotting garbage from the restaurant's trash bin was so strong, my sister and I were gagging and I damned near lost my cookies on the sidewalk.
(1)
Louisa L.

Bought the living social deal. $39 for prix-fixe dinner for two with champagne. They actually have a prix-fixe menu solely for the deal (i think it's the same as groupon deal), which some of the items are not on the regular menu. We got the scallop ceviche and baby back ribs for our first course. I was disappointed at the scallop ceviche.....it was made up of tiny bits of scallops that you can barely taste, on the sour side. The tortilla chips were good thou, freshly baked. Baby back ribs were alright, too saucy and the meat was a bit rough. We got seafood pasta (penne) and beef bourguignon (i believe that's what it was) for our main. Seafood pasta was good, probably the best dish of the night. I regretted that I ordered the beef. It tasted weird.....and nasty.....and mash potato was made from powder......?! I would give zero star to that dish! For dessert we got the creme brulee and banana crepe. The portion for creme brulee was huge, but it's a bit too much that toward the end we felt it was too sweet. Banana crepe was pretty good, but nothing much special. Overall my experience at Bijou was alright. I don't think I'm going back.
(3)
Pam R.

First and foremost I love Executive Chef Christian Nam-Hee. His vision and food is amazing that is why I'm giving the food 5 stars as the food here is REALLY ... really good. I love the Chimichurri sauce for the bread... Delish and the short ribs !!! WOW ! We dined here last week when my best friend came into town from Los Angeles and my husband and I had ate here previously. Our first experience was amazing and we had great food and service. I ranted about the food and insisted we dine here before she left because I love this restaurant! So, we dined on a Thursday, there were three staff working who were really busy. The service was slow... what a shame as we were so hungry. Finally, the bus boy brought us the bread and Chimichurri dip. We were so happy. We ordered our food and literally... it took forever! Our waiter was nonexistent but surprisingly, we got better service from the bus boy! There was another waiter at the bar but apparently his arm was hurting so he couldn't help? So sad. We want to support our local businesses by patronizing them but not at the expense of poor customer service. I was so disappointed in our experience because we have patronized this restaurant and want to continue to support our local businesses. I was embarrassed that the service was so disappointing. Chef Nam-Hee... Please turn this around as I love your food so much!
(2)
Vincci W.

I bought a coupon yesterday from livingsocial for $39 (108 value) dinner for two. Waitress/Waiter are nice Restaurant is well decorated, comfy and relaxing Food is average... Appetizer: It's ok and acceptable. no complaint for the Entree are the worse taste... I ordered the fish (which super weird taste, sour and wierd.. wanted to throw up) My husband ordered the chicken with mango salsa (which no sauce, super dried and with tons of raw onion.. it's gross) Dessert is below average I think, I ordered a creme brulee (which is not that tasty, I had better one) I had a good time with my husband just to try a restaurant but we were kind of disappointed. I don't think we are planning to return at all.. food were not that good.. so not coming back for sure.
(2)
Natasha S.

Got groupon for $39 for two "$118value"-as was stated in groupon, not true! Ordered from Prix fix menu (minus "champagne" (cheap sparkling wine)) which is $25 per person regular price in restaurant without groupon. But if you pay separately- glass of sparkling wine $5, appetizers $6-$13, entree/chicken w/ musher potato $17 and dessert $6 Portions are ridiculously small and quality not that great. Tomato cream soup $6 got separately from prix fix menu was very acidic, asked for cream, I liked that they brought cream warm. Beef carpaccio w/pesto, was all I could taste is pesto, good pesto though. Tuna tartar was okay, but the wasabi sauce was overpowering, I shouldn't provable mix everything together. Chicken( more like hen) bone in leg too dry w/garlic mushed potato. Creme brÃ»lÃ©e was okay but too sweet. After finishing my tiny chicken leg I wanted to order something else, because I was still hungry, but after a minute holding my menu I got the dessert. Decided to eat elsewhere.
(2)
Will L.

Came here on a Saturday with three others on a groupon I had bought. The groupon was approximately $75 for $200 worth of food. Usually a discount of 50% or more is a major red flag for me. So I searched on yelp and saw 3.5 stars with 800+ reviews. That was enough to give me the green light to try this place. Unfortunately I should have actually read some of the reviews before I decided to try this place. My two main criteria for judging a restaurant are 1) food taste and 2) value. Both are 1 star. Service was ok, waitress seemed in a rush, and the food came out slower than I would like. Food - overall looked good but everything else was bad. Appetizers I had the scallop puff pastry. Pastry was soggy, not crispy and flaky like a good puff pastry. I tried some of my gf's tuna tartare which I thought was one of the better dishes of the entire meal. Entrees There were three options: pork tenderloin, sole, and chicken. I normally do not like to order chicken or pork at a restaurant so I chose the fish. Took a few nibbles before deciding I could not put another disgusting bite of this bland meat in my mouth. I dislike wasting food, but I dislike putting garbage in mouth more. A little harsh, but the fish was just not my cup of tea at all. I was also able to try the pork and chicken. My first impression of the pork when I cut into it was, "is this thing fully cooked!?" It looked like a medium-well (more on the well side to be fair) cooked steak.. But then again, it was not easy to tell in the dim lighting of the restaurant. Took my chances anyway. It tasted like pork usually tastes to me- boring (which is why I don't order pork). The chicken. My gf didn't feel hungry so she gave me one of her two pieces. My first impression was, "hmm, not bad. Actually pretty tasty!" It was plenty moist, but to be fair, it was a chicken thigh. As I was cutting deeper into the bone part of the meat, I started seeing juices flowing out.. The slightly bloody kind. I wasn't sure because of the dim lighting again, but coupled with my experience with the pork, I think it's safe to say these were not fully cooked. Dessert I had the vanilla ice cream. It had ice crystals. The only times I've had ice cream like that was when I was younger and refroze melted ice cream because I was too cheap to waste it. Tried the creme brÃ»lÃ©e my gf ordered. My brother, who followed recipes off google (and has no real cooking/baking experience), makes better creme brÃ»lÃ©e. It wasn't bad, but it was not creamy enough. Overall The entire meal, I was thinking how many stars I would rate this place. I was thinking 2 stars because I normally am not that extreme in rating anything unless it really stands out. Unfortunately this is one that stands out. As I was trying to pay for the remainder of the bill, there was a note on the top of the bill reminding me that the meal was worth $200. I thought the meal was a ripoff even at $75! As a groupon user, you have to wonder if you're getting bad treatment because you're getting such a large "discount," which disgusts me from a business standpoint. The groupon should be treated as an advertisement to get people to try your restaurant, like it, and make return visits.. Not feed them garbage, take their money once, and run. I am embarrassed I "treated" (they insisted on paying for the tip) three other people to such a lousy restaurant. Tl;dr If you're thinking about purchasing a groupon for this place, beware!
(1)
Summit S.

Part of the rejuvenation process of Downtown Hayward, this place is right in the middle of it all. After they did major construction to make the "Downtown Loop," there seems to be a lot more foot traffic in the area. The goal was to lure more residents from the surrounding area to come and enjoy downtownHayward. The bar area is redesigned and the interior is actually pretty good. The bar is to your left as you enter and the bar patrons are friendly. (Who isn't when they are buzzed?) The lounge tables are right across from the bar area with dining booths and tables on the other side of the dividing wall to your right as you enter. The place is kinda expensive, but worth the experience. Nowadays, eating out has become sort of a status symbol. Weird. I've been eating out for years and years. I was so back logged with my food pics and reviews, that just now I'm finding the time to begin writing the reviews and posting the food pics. Used a Groupon deal for their three course meal menu. The servers were attentive. With all the noise it was a bit tough to have a decent conversation. They did make my Raspberry Mojito a bit watery, so I had to have them remake it and they made me another one extra on the house! The staff is friendly. Hence the three star rating. The management is flexible. I had my back towards the entire restaurant filled with customers. I chose to sit facing their glass sliding doors towards the street. Unique experience! The food was good. I enjoyed it. But to tell you honestly; I did feel they reduced the portions due to the use of "Groupon." I inquired about this and they said the portion sizes are the same regardless of customers using Groupon or not. Sure. I believe that.
(3)
Ashley L.

Saw a deal on TZ and had to get it to try this place out. Made a reservation for 2 at 7pm on a Saturday. Got there about 10 mins before and still have to wait till a little after 7pm to get seated. The hostess was friendly and let us know that they are just waiting for a couple to leave and they can set that table up for us. So the TZ voucher I had was for 2 small plates, 2 large plates, 2 desserts, and 2 cups of bubbly. Beware, you can't choose from the regular menu. They have a different menu for the Prix Fixe dinners. While waiting for our table, we had pick things out from the regular menu only to learn after we were seated that we can't choose from that menu. Items choosen: Small plates: Ahi Tuna Tartare - This was a little on the saltier side, but it was pretty good when you get it with the cracker it came with. That toned down the saltiness. Wild Mushroom Risotto Cakes with Cream Sauce - Pretty good dish. The cream sauce compliments the risotto quite nicely. The flavors to this dish is just perfect. Large plates: Pan Seared Pork Loin - came with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. I have to say that the mashed potatoes were better than the pork loin itself. The pork loin was chewy and dry. Pan Seared Cod - This dish was quite delicious. The fish we cook nicely and it came with a mushroom cream sauce. The was was yummy and it just the right amount so that you can still taste the flavors of the fish. Dessert: Creme Brulee - It was good, but not the best. If I was more solid, it would of been better. It was a little one the liquid-y side. Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich - Nothing special. If you like macarons, this may be good to you. Overall, this restaurant is just A-Ok. Will come back here if I'm in the area, but will not go out of my way for this.
(3)
Victoria P.

Excellent presentation of the scallops &the taste delightful thanks I willdo again yummmmm
(4)
Dan H.

Came here on a Sunday night with my girlfriend to use a LivingSocial deal we bought awhile back. After reading the reviews, I was somewhat concerned with the quality of food. I couldn't have been happier with the meal, however. We like to try differing items of pre fixe menus to better gauge a new restaurant. We ended up getting the Tuna Tartare and Scallop Puff Pastry as apps. The pastry was solid and the Tartare great. For dinner we each ordered the Pork in Chimichurri sauce as we had read bad reviews on the chicken and sole. The pork was perfectly cooked and the chimichurri had amazing flavor. I kind of regret not trying one of the others, but at least we both loved the entree. Dessert was the creme brulee and bread pudding, which I thought were great despite not really being a dessert fan. All in all the service was excellent, food was great, and we were happy we came down from Berkeley. The LivingSocial was valued at $80 for the 2 person meal, however, our bill was comped as $108. I think this meal would be well priced $80, but I would not have been okay spending $108. Doesn't change the food at all, but you might want to check the menu out for pricing before deciding to eat here. On food alone, I'd recommend stopping into Bijou if you're around Hayward.
(4)
R K.

I used to love this place for their cocktails, but after ruining my graduation party last year which I planned in advanced and being generally overpriced for mediocre food and poor service with little remorse for either, this place should suffer the consequences. I planned for my graduation party to start on a Friday at 7:30 pm, went into meet with the manager 2 weeks before the date to check out the place and confirm our menu. On the day of, I get a call at 5 pm saying that they were going to cancel my reservation if I didn't show up, and I said they made a mistake. After several minutes of arguing, they agreed to accommodate my party of 15 people but put us outside instead of towards the back of the restaurant inside as planned, until tables opened up. They brought out sangria and glasses to the table, but all the glasses were dirty and two of them were cracked on the side and could have broken at any moment. When I tried to complain, one of the staff came over, and she smirked at me and asked, "You don't want to drink out of these?" Again, I explained they were dirty and broken. We were finally seated 30 min later, and they brought out the dishes as expected, fine but not spectacular. While I was only supposed to pay a flat rate, the bill came back and was at least $50 more than it should have been. I tried to contact the manager, but he said he would only give me the refund if I came in again and did not apologize for his errors in terms of the reservation time and placement. I came here recently to see if the place gad changed. They do get one star for cocktails, but they serve old oysters that could give you food poisoning without batting an eyelash, so I say to Bijou: if you can't provide a classy service with quality food, you don't deserve the recognition of an upscale establishment. Even for Hayward, your service is abominable. I'm not sure if the staff here are mistreated, but I think this performance reflects on poor management and they need to get a reality check.
(1)
Res J.

i really like this spot. parking is a breeze. always a friendly greeting at the door. it never takes long to be seated. food is good. their drinks are the BOMB. my sole issue with this place is the bar service. the bartenders make damn good drinks. BUT THEY ARE SLOW. hella slow! every time I order a drink i wait forever. last time i was there i waited 20 mins for my drink. turns out she made them 18 mins before that and thought it was smart to have us wait for the fries to be done before she brought our drinks. meanwhile, she and a coworker are playing with lighters? my very irritated date asked her if she could put her lighter down and bring our damn drinks over LOL. i would go back, but someone needs to give customer service 101 courses to the bar staff.
(4)
Chocoolate I.

Summary I took "baby" and a client last night. Baby and I had the "TravelZoo" coupon and my client ordered from the menu. Overall I would give my server an 'A" and the overall experience a "B." Review I have to admit, there were a few negatives but I will end on a most positive note. I think they should spend the time to sweep the front of the restaurant more often. Also, although I think the hostess was nice, I am just not sure why it was necessary for her to ask me for the aforementioned "TravelZoo" coupon at the front door. I think $11.50 for a lemon drop is ridiculous and they seemed to be out of any desert that was not part of the "TravelZoo" Prix Fixe menu. Finally, although the Prix Fixe "TravelZoo" promotion was a deal, I doubt that it was worth $109 but, what the hell, major league baseball teams use dynamic pricing and they have no idea how to set prices either. The positives were many. Our server, Robert, was spectacular. He had a great up-beat bubbly personality, was engaging, and was just a major dude. Robert would easily be welcomed at any of San Francisco's finer restaurants and we were happy to tip based on the meal's full value. I have no idea who the chef is at Bijou but he or she can cook and the way they present food is first-rate. We had the mussels and tuna tartare for starters, tried salmon, the short ribs and the mahi mahi for main courses and finished with Bijou Coffee Cheese Cake and the Bijou Green Tea Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwich. All were excellent save the cheese cake but to be fair, although I originally hail from New York City I am not a big fan of cheese cake so "Baby" traded me her ice cream so it all worked out. Bijou has a great bar scene and I would go for happy hour because everybody appeared to be having a blast.
(4)
Mai N.

In the middle of downtown Hayward, Bijou is lively and fun. The bf and I got a Groupon previous to coming in for the prex fixe dinner for two. It was delicious. I got the escargot and coq au vin and both were delicious. Without the Groupon, I think our meal would have been one of those once-in-a-while splurge expensive dinners. But with the Groupon, it was affordable.I was not too fond of the service. It could have been because it was a Friday night, but still, we could have had more attention from the staff. Nonetheless, I think I'd come back to try some other items since I love French cuisine.
(3)
Kim C.

I'm not sure what all the negative reviews are about. We've eaten there a few times for dinner, twice with the groupon. And we've gone for happy hour half a dozen times. The only thing that was ever disappointing was their risotto, but no restaurant is good at everything. We especially like the basil gimlets for drinks, $5 at happy hour. The ahi tartar is hands down our favorite appetizer, and we've tried most of them. If you go on the groupon I recommend the pork entree, it's moist and the sauce complements it well. Skip the fish, while it and the sauce are good they struck out on the risotto. The bread pudding is excellent.
(4)
Migz T.

Here we go! Where to start. If you make to there happy hour then it may be worth it. Drinks are good, great specialty cocktails with good prices, especially during happy hour and the food is ok for French Asian fusion. The food is pricey for the quality and portion. On the weekends this place becomes a lounge area around 10pm. They have a do and full bar with cool decor but a small dance floor. The crowd can be ghetto at times and also a younger crowd since its one of the few places people from Cal State East Bay go for drinks.
(3)
Andrea H.

Food was not spectacular but well prepared. We had coq au vin and seared salmon. Portions were a good size although I would have preferred a little more rice with the salmon. Portion looked to be about 3 heaping tablespoons. Service was prompt, we were seated quickly, got checked every once in a while, and water regularly refilled, with the caveat below. Small things that annoyed: though we were seated pretty far from the bar, the music was a little too loud, though YMMV. The busboy bringing the water kept banging our glasses down on the table quite loudly. My rice had a little bit of something crunchy/hard in it. Ambiance/decor are very nice. I'd go here again to try the Groupon deal.
(4)
Elena D.

Bijou is a Hayward neighborhood gem. To start, the atmosphere is chic yet welcoming. The bar is lively and the drinks are seasonably unique as well as the food menu. I've dined at the restaurant numerous times and have enjoyed a variety of the food items, from the small plates to a full dinner. My personal favorites have been: the escargot, tuna tartare, lamb chops, rib eye, but the list goes on. They don't skimp on quality nor freshness of ingredients. The cherry on top (for me) is that the service is equally as good as the food they put out. Bottom line, go and experience it for yourself.
(5)
Linda M.

Bijou remains one of my top two independent Hayward restaurants to enjoy a special night with friends or family. They are frequently offering Groupons for three course meals, and I snag one every time. It's a great deal, and we've been quite pleased with the fixed price offerings. When we get the dinner for two, it feeds the kids along with us, sometimes supplemented with one other tapas. Their brunch is tasty, too. The bar side is nice to hang our and have a couple of creative cocktails with friends. I'm really glad our downtown has Bijou!
(4)
Lita J.

Good place to come for a flavorful meal. They offer frequent Groupon deals which offer 3 or 4 course meals. We keep coming back because the food is GOOD, service is great.
(4)
Paul M.

First the good news: Excellent service, attentive waitress, very friendly and nice. Now the bad news: I'm not saying the portions were small, but my cat gets more meat from a can of Fancy Feast. I ordered the braised short ribs. Know what I got? One short rib sawed into four pieces on top of some mashed potatoes. It was very tasty, but the portion was so small, I think a famine victim would complain. My wife ordered the prawns. I kid you not...she got five (5) small prawns on top of a lettuce leaf with some white sauce on it. She also ordered a tomato-mozzarella salad, which was very good. I ordered the soup of the day, which was tomato...it was indistinguishable from a can of Campbell's soup. This place is a gyp joint.....they hardly give you any food. One short rib for $20 and five prawns for $13. I won't be back.
(1)
Ryan M.

Came here recently with a voucher as many other reviewers have, the experience was negative all around. The lighting in our section was all neon green and yellow and it cast some pretty sickening shades of color on all the food. Not an appetizing thing to see your chicken lit up in shades of unnatural green. Not that it mattered, the food wasn't very good. Appetizers were OK, I had the tuna tartare and my wife had the salad. Tartare was overly drenched in soy sauce, way too salty, and the salad was good, nothing special. EntrÃ©es were absolutely terrible. I had the coq au vin and the chicken simply didn't taste good, either it was low quality cheap meat, or it was old, or both, but it just tasted bad. Got a thigh and a leg, the portion was tiny, and the skin was rubbery and slimy. Sauce sucked, the cook in the back (sry, you're not a chef) obviously never had a proper coq au vin. Wife got the braised short ribs and got two big bones with a little bit of fatty meat hanging off them. Both entrees came with garlic mashed potatoes that felt like they'd been sitting out under a heat lamp for hours, quite dry. And that was it... No veggies, nothing else. Just a couple pieces of cheap meat and old potatoes. Dessert was the best part of the meal. Creme brulee and chocolate sundae. Creme brulee was tasty and a good portion. Chocolate sundae was two melty scoops of chocolate ice cream on a plate with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Not bad, but then again my hopes had been decimated at that point. Now, at this point I'd usually give this place 2 stars and never come back, but when we got our bill for the tax on our prepaid voucher, I see a suggested meal value off $111, and suggested tips based off that amount. If someone had tried to charge me $111 for this meal, I would have probably caused a scene... honestly I already felt ripped off paying $40 for the voucher. This last little ploy for a bigger tip was too audacious to let go. 1 star, this place won't be around much longer. Such a shame that cheap places like this are allowed to call themselves French cuisine.
(1)
Johana P.

One star because zero is not an option. The service is beyond slow. I lost my appetite so we decided on just drinks. Shouldn't have bothered they took just as long as food even though the place is empty. Never again.
(1)
Rozette D.

Went here with a good groupon deal. We really like the service here and the ambience is comforting. So if you're ever thinking of tryin this place out make sure to look for a groupon deal for this place first!
(4)
David G.

Ok I am making my own split rating system here on Yelp. Here it goes. 1. If you are coming here with out any sort of Groupon on Living Social coupon then this place gets a 1 star. Food is ok, but portions are extremely small and price is extremely high. Service is mediocre and nothing justifies the 100 dollar plus bill. 2. If you are coming here with the above then it is now a 4 star establishment. I have used a coupon twice now and even though the selection the last time was not great, the food was still pretty good. I found it strange that out of the 4 choices for entrees, three of them were seafood. No beef, no chicken, no bueno. I also ordered the fries and they were perhaps some of the best that I have had. I suggest if anyone sees the coupons online give this place a try. ***Here is a note to management, in case anyone is reading. I came one night with my 14 year old daughter and the waitress asked both of us if we want our champagne now or later. I said later. During the meal, she brings a glass and sticks one in front of me and the other in front of my daughter. Yes she drank it, I am a bad dad!!! LOL but trust me, if I was a law enforcement agent, your license would have been stripped in a minute. Waitress never asked for ID or anything, just assumed she was older! But really 14 geeze!!!!!
(4)
Doctor G.

Been here a number of times for dinner. Great to have a free municipal parking lot behind the restaurant. Had the ahi tuna tartare and chicken drumettes to start. Both were very good. I went with the flat iron steak which was excellent. Love the thin fries too. Finished off the night with the Crepes Chantilly which was also very good. Excellent service. I really love Bijou ambiance. Very cool, especially the gold mini-chain curtain that separates the bar from the restaurant. The only negative is that when you go while the sun is still up, the street and sidewalk are so bright when contrasted with the very dark interior of Bijou, you can't see the faces of the people you're dining with if you're facing the street. Not much can be done about this because of the large windows and open sliding window/door Bijou uses for their exterior front wall. Obviously to avoid this ambiance problem, go later in the evening for dinner.
(4)
Enah N.

used our groupon for two.had a reservation.the place was packed.we waited alittle bit since we got there a little bit late lol but 5mins later they prepared a table for us. rachael our server was great :) she explained how is the groupon course works and served drinks and complimentary breads to us immediately. Food was yummy.though the roasted chicken needs more flavor.but everything else was good.we love our cremebrulee and greantea macaroons. Im not sure why people give bad reviews of bijou and about the groupon deal.it was a very good deal and worth a try.$40 for 2people with prefix menu and refillable drinks. love our experience and love to come back again :)
(5)
Lindsey W.

Pleasantly surprised! Came here for the Groupon with my boyfriend, a little hesitant at first but, it was delicious. The sauces on the food were fantastic. My only complaint work be that they used the same bread on everything..they could serve a better quality bread then what they give you to munch on. Also, the staff could use a upgrade. If they want to present themselves as fine dining they should make their staff look the part. All in all it's worth a try! It's a hidden gem in downtown Hayward. I'll definitely come back and try something different.
(5)
Katie S.

I just can't stop thinking about the great meal we had last night here. It was excellent. I bought the Groupon for the dinner for 2 and was a little nervous because of all of the critical reviews on here, and because some places treat Groupon customers as 2nd class citizens. But our meal was excellent. We opted for sodas instead of Champagne (free refills throughout the meal). For the appetizer I got the baby back ribs and my husband got the Beff Carpaccio. Both were good but the baby back ribs were especially good. For the main course I got the scallops (awesome) and my husband got the beef bourguignon. Once again my meal was the best, and his was pretty good, but he said he wouldn't get it again, just because it's more of a standard meal, not a fancy unique meal. The dessert is where I was really blown away. My husband got creme brulee, it was delicious. I got the croissant pudding with nutella and ice cream. It was simply magical. Seriously this dessert was made for me. It combined all of my favorite dessert elements. I pretty much sat there in disbelief when it was over. I told my husband, we may not eat dinner here again, but I would gladly come just for this dessert. I highly recommend it!! I would agree that the atmosphere is pretty strange. One reviewer described it as "a sports bar pretending to be a restaurant." That captures it pretty well. Half of it is the restaurant, half is the bar, but there are no walls or sound proofing. While we were eating there were some pretty loud guys at the bar, and that got annoying at times. We were there at 5 PM on a Sunday so I can imagine if you go later on, it would be really distracting. Not the best place to bring a date. Also, the bathrooms aren't very nice. But the music was awesome! They were playing all 80s music and I was loving it. Overall we spent about $56 on the meal. We had a discounted Groupon for $33, and then tipped $23. (Oh yeah, they ask that you tip on the $108 value that the Groupon is for. We were pretty generous because I really enjoyed the meal and our server was great) So this was not as cheap as I thought it would be when we bought the Groupon, but I still think it was worth it. I looked at their menu, and the food and drinks that we got would have been about $75 without the groupon, before tax and tip, so we certainly came out ahead compared to that. I don't think the entire meal would have been worth $75+, so I wouldn't come for a full dinner again, but I would come back for the dessert! (Also, free parking garage nearby, very convenient)
(5)
Cristelle M.

We had a groupon for 40$ this is an awesome value! I had the pear salad; salmon and the macaroons; my partner had the ahi tuna ( lil salty) & pork loin ( very tender) both of our dishes came with mash potatoes ; some reviews here say they are tasteless ; but I don't like my potatoes swimming in salt & butter; so these were super duper yummy! And the service was great ;decor was good and romantic ; bar was pretty cool; oh and we got champagne with our deal!!! Don't take my word for it; try this spot for yourself :-) We will come back for sure..oh and the best dessert was the creme brÃ»lÃ©e absolutely to die for!
(5)
Jennette S.

I admit that I wouldn't have gone here, except for the Groupon I bought to take my Sweetie out. BUT he works out of state, so I took my bestie with me instead. We were both really impressed with the food and service. I completely forgot that our meal came with 2 glasses of the house champagne, so that was such a "plus" since it was a 'long' week and we both needed to relax and have a really good meal. My friend chose the ceviche for the 1st course and I wanted to be healthy and got the goat cheese salad. The ceviche was pretty good; tasty! The bread with a basil dipping sauce was really good, too. We both decided on the rib-eye entree and it was delicious!! The sauce was SO good and the fries on the side was so much better to have than mashed potatoes! The beef was perfectly tender and the portion-size was enough to save us room for dessert. E got the creme brulee and I opted for the Nutella sundae and both our plates were empty when our waitress came back. WOW, I normally don't have room for dessert, but like I said above, the portions of the appetizer and entree were so spot-on for me, that I was able to have dessert and NOT feel like I was going to bust. This is a rarity for me, so I would come back if I'm in the area (AND hope to have the same experience); and recommend friends if they are in the vicinity and would like some good food; though a bit pricey. The staff was friendly and checked on how we were doing. Ambiance was nice, with a dining area section separate from the bar, so it was nice not to have the bar-scene and noise mixing in with dinner. But the music was a little too loud. It's definitely a hidden gem in Downtown Hayward. We walked around the area and noticed it was a bit quiet; probably due to a few 'for lease' spaces, so hopefully the area will become filled with more businesses to liven up the area a bit.
(3)
Valerie I.

I wish I could give no stars..I read the reviews and tried it anyways.big mistake... The potatoes were dried potatoes from a box!! The scallop puffs were horrible..freezer burned and then burned to a crisp. The carrot soup was ok..the duck salad ok The pork was not good and the potatoes were instant!! That is not french cuisine.. The creme Brule was pudding and not custard...the ice cream was ok. Way overpriced for horrible cafeteria food...save your money...get pho...
(1)
Ellie S.

Came here with the Groupon. Great service. Food was ok - nothing spectacular. There's a $3.50 charge for using the Groupon - not sure why. Left tip and called it a night...
(2)
Jonathan C.

Impressed with the food.. Way better than I thought it would be. I would go far enough to say its a hidden gem in downtown Hayward. All the sauces were excellent. Only complaint would be that the dishes were too small. And the bread they give you pre-meal, it seemed like they threw that on every dish just to decorate it. Besides that, I'd most likely will visit this place again.
(5)
Shelby P.

Came here with a groupon, as did many others, to check it out for the first time. With the groupon, you do have a prefixed menu including about 5 choices in appetizers, 3 for entrees, and 3 dessert. Also, it comes with a glass of champagne that's surprisingly great! We came at 5pm, which by the way is what time their kitchen actually opens.. The bar opens at 4, but the dining area opens an hour later. During the week, happy hour is from 4-7pm where you can enjoy select cocktails, wine, and beer for $5. We ordered a tropical something or other (passion? I wanna say tropical passion) off the happy hour menu and some other cocktail involving tequila that I don't remember the name of at all. The tropical passion (yeah, I'm going with that) was absolutely delicious!! I also ordered a glass of 2007 Chardonnay off the happy hour menu. It was from Spain and definitely not like any Chardonnay I'm used to, I slightly regretted not just ordering another tropical passion. Anyhow, as for the food, I ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare for my appetizer, the BF ordered the one involving scallops. We both loved them! Very unique and modern, but very fresh and delicious. For our entrees, I ordered the tilapia and he ordered the beef short rib. His was very tender and delicious, it also came with mashed potatoes which they call them something very fancy in French. My tilapia was a generous portion and also very good! It came on a bed of wild rice which was delish! At this point, I was very full. I should also note that the free bread and the dipping sauce was amazing... It resembled some type of chimichurri, but I'm not sure if it was. Our waitress (who I should also note was super awesome) asked if we wanted some breathing time before dessert, I said yes! After about 10-15 mins, we got our creme brÃ»lÃ©e and chocolate sundae. The creme brÃ»lÃ©e was good, as to be expected. The chocolate sundae was amazing! I love light desserts and this still is considered one. It was Nutella ice cream (obviously already amazing) on a plate that had be drizzled in chocolate syrup and had some whipped cream and almonds on the side. I love that it wasn't smothered in all that, I had the ability to add just as much as I wanted to the already fab ice cream. If you use a groupon, they charge you roughly $3.50 in tax at the restaurant so you can still use a card to tip. We had ordered additional drinks so we had no issue anyhow, but just a friendly reminder to still tip the wait staff regardless of whether your meal is prepaid! ;) All in all, I want to come back one day just to even hang out in the bar area for some $5 cocktails and try one of their Bijou burgers!
(4)
Ronda G.

Wonderful dining experience. Great food! Enjoy the attentive service. Everything on the menu is excellent! (And Great mixologist at the bar)
(5)
WinÃ© C.

Here's a summary of the previous review: 1) Hostess answered two phone calls instead of seating my partner and I. 2) Water glass that my partner sipped from was berry purple lipstick stained, full lip print on it. 3) Chip in the glass of my champagne flute. 4) Forgot to include the scallops in my dish (There were only 6 mussels and a piece of fish). 5) Food wasn't even close to decent. 6) Smashed in Macaron on the bottom of my ice cream sandie. This pretty much sums up my entire experience at Bijou sans the great service of our servers. Read previous review for extremely long story. :)
(1)
Reyn J.

Bijou is a great place for a whole-family (table for five) Sunday evening dinner. Our dining experience was relaxing, and we were served by a very eager-to-please staff. We were seated at a large table in front of the large open window facing B Street. We could watch the walkers outside while also watch the diners who chose Bijou (Jewel) on the same evening. We enjoyed: * Sterling Vinyards Meritage (very good); also Raymond Cab (outstanding!!) * Asian Pear Salad * Cream of Tomato soup (de jour) * Small plates: * Mac & Cheese * Mushroom Puff Pastry (and salad) * Bijou sliders...served with heirloom tomato and quail egg (delicious) * Vege Pizza * Chicked Pesto Pizza Entrees * Beef bourguignon (very robust and flavorful...served with great garlic mash) Desserts: * Banana Flambe (yes, they light it up!) * Double Chocolate Mousse In other words, we sampled the menu pretty well. If you are here, I think you must try the bourguignon. I highly recommend it...and, yes, it's worth a drive over to the East Bay for it. The service by Robert was well-timed, plentiful, and appropriate. We caught him watching over our table from time to time. We had several people attending our needs. All in all, it was a concerto of service...we were well pleased. Bon appetit!
(3)
Aarron W.

Came back since I was in town. I ordered the Seabass, my favorite and I noticed a larger portion---and it was amazing as always!!!! I have never had a problem with their staff, everyone is very friendly and polite. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
JenÃ¡ G.

Best place to go in downtown Hayward! A friend I had drinks and dessert (which was pretty good). Love the atmosphere and the service was great. Next time I hope to stay for the music and dancing! Can't wait to bring my husband
(4)
B P.

Bartender tried to force me to pay a larger tip because he made it "stronger." I watched him pour all three, and it was a single shot each. Just awful.
(1)
Adj. J.

So I've been using yelp forever but I've never left an actual review - unfortunately this won't be a happy one. Lets start with the good: the waitress was nice, not very attentive though. The busboy was also nice and we actually saw him more than our waitress. The sliders and fries were pretty tasty - but I don't know if we thought so because the rest of the food was subpar... The bad: the muscles weren't cooked all the way and didn't have flavoring though there were huge chunks of garlic. The chicken pesto pizza had cold chunks of chcken, but the flavoring of the pizza sauce and crust wasn't too bad. I'd recommend this place if you just want to grab a drink but nothing more.
(2)
N L.

I'm a fan of their food, However this is a VERY gay UNfriendly place. The last time I went, my gf and I were only holding hands sitting at the couch by the bar section having a drink and appetizer. The straight couple next to us were making out. The black bartender comes up to my gf and I and asked us to tone in down because it was making a couple sitting at the bar uncomfortable. We weren't even touching inappropriately at all, let alone kissing. I use to frequent this restaurant, but after that experience, I haven't been back.
(2)
Megan G.

We came here with a groupon deal for a 3 course meal. Started with the ahi tartare which was good once combined with the spicy mayo sauce but was rather bland without it. Crab crostini was the other appetizer we got which was odd tasting, more cheesy then crab, not great but not awful. Main entrÃ©e was a sautÃ©ed chicken with garlic mash potatoes. It was very bland, needed a lot of salt to taste like anything. Green tea macaroon ice cream sandwich was well executed but again lacked the punch of flavor like most things. Creme Brulee was well done but nothing special. On the other hand service was good, hostess and server were both friendly. Food came out quickly and was displayed nicely. I would return to this restaurant to give the full menu a try.
(3)
Latrice T.

I'm only giving 2 stars due to the bartender actually saying something to us. The drink he made is on point BUT nobody even asked to take our order except him. Me AMD my date been sitting here for 15 minutes waiting. The music and attitudes of the employees stink. I'm hungry but after this drink I'm eating elsewhere since they feel my money isn't good enough. Shout out to the black guy behind the bar he's the only one who likes his job in here. I just told him lol
(2)
Lora M.

Someone put a sack of salt on our Scallop Risotto. We were going to return it to have it done right but we were at our point where we just wanted to get home and not waste more time on something that should have been done right in the first place. Did the Chef taste it at all? Also, the scallops are only nicely seared one side and the other side looked so pale liked it hadn't touched the pan. Beef carpaccio, it was okay but what's with the thick layer of grated parmegiano? Creme Brulee, warm on top maybe from the torch and cold all the way at the bottom, just came out from the refrigator, I guess. Tasted good but a little watery. Service is the only part that made me happy. Almost $70 for all that and Duvel Beer and a cocktail. What a mistake, a dose of my curiosity. Now I know.
(2)
Camilla P.

What a surprise to find this hidden "jewel" in Hayward! The food was really superb. The first good sign was that the French bread served before the meal was fresh and moist with a good crust. I had a beautiful beet salad with feta cheese and greens. My husband and I shared a flat bread pizza with portobello mushrooms. It was crispy and delicious with lots of subtle flavors. We also loved the coffee cheesecake, very light and fluffy, more like a coffee mousse in a crust. The price was reasonable and I'd certainly go here again. My only criticism would be the large TV's in the bar area.
(4)
Elvina L.

Nice ambiance and decor. Good customer service from waiter and servers. Food looks prettier than it tastes. If not for the Groupon deal, this place is way overpriced.
(3)
DanThu D.

I have been to Bijou 2 times both with coupons from Groupon or Travel Zoo. Their prix fixe menus are slightly different on the 2 times I went there. The restaurant has nice ambience with a separated section for bar and lounge and other section for dining. It is a fairly small restaurant with very modern look. It is not those traditional classy French restaurants where you gotta put a suit on for dinner. Bijou is a lot more casual. I enjoyed their food a lot. Ahi Tuna Tartare: first time I didnt like it much because of a bitter taste from something in there. But on second time, it was goooood! Pear Salad: it's typical.. not much to talk about. Scallop Ceviche: yummy.. pretty much similar to Tuna Tartare but with added lime juice Angus Beef Carpaccio: very thin sliced raw beef topped with pesto sauce and lemon juice. Very very good! Loster Puff Pastry: hot, puffy and crispy outside, flavorful and hot inside Pan Seared Salmon: very good, crispy on a thinner layer outside and still soft inside (not dry) Pan Seared Cod: this is just okay Bouillabaisse: lots of seafood in tomato sauce. Not the best we've had but not bad Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich: a lot of people raved about this. It's neat the way they make it, but not too much for me cuz Im not Macaron fan. Crepes: good but would be much better with ice-cream. Please, add a scoop of vanilla ice-cream to this, heaven it would be! For the service, it was not very fast but good service and pretty attentive. It's best value to come with the coupons.. It might be pricey with no coupons because portions are very small.
(4)
ChiMama A.

Bought a groupon and came with my hubby and baby. It's not really a family friendly place since it's a bar on one side and a restaurant on the other. The place was dark and it would've been a better spot for hanging with friends. They gave us free bread with a spicy olive oil vinaigrette and that was divine!! I ordered the escargot, coq Au vin, and creme brÃ»lÃ©e. The appetizer came with slices of French bread which was delicious! The sauce was buttery and delish! The chicken was small, as it was only the thigh and drumstick. It was also overcooked (was a bit dry) and didn't have enough sauce. It came with a side of mash potatoes which was pretty good. My dessert was good, not great. It was a tad too sweet and I've had better elsewhere. Hubby's broccoli soup was not that good. He got the cubed ribeye and the portions were tiny. His dessert was chocolate sundae and you can't really go wrong with thst.
(3)
Emily C.

Rolled in for brunch thanks to a Travel zoo voucher. Atmosphere:::: Nice, especially for Hayward. Several flat screens by the bar allowed for NFL entertainment w/ your breakfast. Food::::: Good, but nothing special. Their entrees were your typical fare. Mimosa: yummy Service: friendly Nice place for Hayward!
(3)
Marquita R.

I purchased the Three course special from Groupon for date night with the Boo. I didn't have any problems making last minute reservations and the food was reasonably tasty. The server took a minute to take our order which caused him to get annoyed lol. We both got the baby back ribs, he got the seafood pasta which he loved and I got the beef bourgeoisie (totally misspelled that lol) which was meh ok at best. The deserts were Ok, nothing to get excited over, all in all I think it was a great deal for what I paid. I would come here again to watch a game during happy hour.
(3)
Lina H.

This review is just for the bar, not for the restaurant part. My siblings and I decided to check out Hayward's night life and to no surprise it's a no win-win. It's a bit confusing to get to this bar if you are not from the area because of their one-way streets. We finally landed some parking and walked in. The guard at door was alright, and we went straight to the bar. Bartenders suck a$$ here. There were three bartenders, or maybe two bartenders and a bar-back. The guy bartender was more concerned with the register than with the patrons and the female bartender didn't know where anything was because she kept going around in circles. The bar-back kept chopping up lemons like there was no tomorrow!!! I didn't see the bartenders using up any lemons, so all i can assume is that the guy was stocking up for the next day or something... We waited about 15 mins. for our drinks which is ridiculous in my opinion... The dance floor was pathetic. Drinks spilled all over the dance floor and drunk people passed out on chairs and booths. The DJ was playing music for himself and not the crowd. The back patio was overcrowded with tables and chairs. Not worth it.
(1)
Shonda B.

This is a review only on their prix fixe menu. Myself and three others included purchased the prix fixe meal to start a girls night out (typical). I had the escargot because I consider myself a goodie and have still yet to try it. It was good, mostly tasted like the sauce which was butter, lemon, a little white wine maybe and capers. My friends had the salad, tomato soup and tuna tartar, respectively it was large, just enough and where's the rest? For dinner we all order the short ribs with mashed potatoes, they had halibut and one other thing which I can't recall on the menu. We all received one small short rib with one scoop of bland mashed potatoes, didn't even taste as if they added any salt at all. The short rib was nice and tender as it fell off the bone and that had decent flavor. Dessert was about the same, we mostly ordered different items with them being smaller portion. We looked at each other and said we were still hungry and went to Buffalo Bills and had pizza. :). Fyi, they price their tip off the suggested price not the groupon price you paid. I tipped accordingly $17 which was reasonable. The staff is courteous, the place is nice but I wouldn't waste my money on that dinner again. I do understand with a prix fixe meal the kitchen will use lower quality food or what they purchase in mass quantities but I did expect a little bit more from this place and it didn't deliver.
(2)
Loto M.

The food and portions were mediocre especially if your calling it your "BIG PLATE".. I'm only giving this place 2 stars because the coffee cheese cake and Nougeg Glaze tasted really good.. Servers were very laid back and didn't show to much interest in their job.
(2)
Tom N.

Confused, We got a groupon which was very good. Tuna Tartar, crÃ¨me brule' excellent. All in all very good experience but dÃ©cor is a throw back. The food is better than it looks like it should be.
(4)
R. B.

Came here to celebrate our anniversary. First time here, walked right in, was seated quickly by a smiling hostess. Nice ambience, dimly lit but very loud. The acoustics in this restaurant are atrocious! Even though it looks like a nice romantic place, you can hear everything going on around you. The food is good. Some of our samplings included: Caprese salad ~ good, dressed with sweet balsalmic vinegar Beef Carpacio ~ fresh and flavorful Escargot ~ my personal fav - very tender served in a mild broth Jalapeno Crochettes ~ potato and jalapeno deep fried balls. Very good. Not real spicy Baby Back Ribs ~ tender, mild bbq sauce ~ delicious The service is attentive and I felt like the servers were in sync keeping water glasses filled, clearing plates etc. They have an extensive menu and we'll be back to sample some more!
(3)
Megan Y.

Travelzoo menu- for $50 per person the Groupon 3 course meal is delish! The Beef Bourguignon is AMAZING. The beef had an amazing texture- moist, supple and full of flavor. Also the Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding is phenomenal. It has the slight crunch from the outer edge of the croissant, but the inner part is soft, warm and saturated with chocolate goodness. I heard their is a LivingSocial deal also so I will try to purchase that and come here again!
(5)
Angela H.

If there is no groupon deal confusion, I'd give Bijou restaurant a 4 or even a 5 star. Their food, service and the atmosphere are all great. We had baby back ribs, asian pear salad, scallop risotto, seafood pasta, and two desserts. They are all delicious. The hostess and our waitress and friendly and attentitive. It's a great restaurant overall. We got a $75 groupon deal for a $220 3-course prix dinner for 4 people. It was a great deal until we saw the portion of our meal is also much smaller. We checked out the same dish pictures on Yelp and we only had half of the portion. There is no way we will pay the full price $220 for the size of dishes we got. I would prefer they mentioned it in groupon decription. I don't mind the portion being smaller as long as it was mentioned when we purchased the coupon. And they shouldn't claim those are $220 dinner! (and we have to tip based on that price). Just feel being tricked.
(3)
Luca C.

The decor and ambiance of the place is nice for the area. It has a vibe thats lacking otherwise in Hayward. Sadly the food is a joke though. I tried 8 dishes on my last visit and they were all just culinary failures. The entire menu feels like its stolen from a culinary school curriculum and or a french cafe from 10-15 years ago. Its like the restaurant itself and the food are from two different areas. Old fashioned is ok but one dish had a hair in it, it was replaced and forgiven, other dishes were just bland, stale and the product was not fresh. This is probably a good place to bring a date for a drink, or finger food but not much else. So sad..
(2)
Marc L.

I give 1 star because you need to rate a reastraunt based on the"class" level it purports to be in. The food was good for a dinner.... mashed potatoes reconstituted? ..... Hot pocket for appetizer? .... prices and food descriptions suggest high end food. ... you will not see that here. The setting and service were good. The bathroom was disgusting and that is unforgivable at 6:00 before they even had 10 customers eating.
(1)
Zerrilyn P.

Came here after night school with the boyfriend b/c our groupon for this place was about to expire haha... When we got there, no one was at the front of the house, but we were kindly greeted and acknowledged by the bartenders that were working. Overall interior of the place is nice--lounge on one side, and then dining area on the other--lights are dimmed so it gives that intimate-ish kind of feel...it wouldn't hurt to touch up on some parts of the walls though--some of the paint was chipped off near the table I was sitting at. Our server was very nice, we were promptly served ice water; she also went over the pri-fixe menu with us. She started us off with some Wycliff...I'm not that much of a wine drinker, but I've had better. Complimentary bread with olive and pesto? sauce was pretty good...there's also a hint of garlic in there, which makes it even better since I love garlic haha For our three-course meal we ordered: Bf's course: Lobster Puff Pastry as appetizer- I had a bite of this, and it was pretty tasty...actually it was the best tasting thing out of his entire course. The pastry was warm and flaky, and the lobster pieces were cooked just right--not overcooked or rubbery Pork Loin with mashed potatoes for main entree-I also tried a piece of this...the meat was soft enough, but it was pretty bland...the mashed potatoes were just mehh...nothing whatsoever special about it...I can even whip up a better batch at home haha Creme Brulee for dessert--pretty good as well, but the texture was just a bit thick for me My course: Risotto Cakes as appetizer--took the first bite, and I immediately tasted that, "Pre-made/refrigerated/been sitting out there/reheated" kind of taste...total disappointment, but I ate all three cakes anyway cuz I was so hungry haha Salmon with mashed potatoes for main entree--what disappoints me about this dish was that, that's all it was...no garnish or vegetables or anything...just salmon and a scoop of mashed potatoes over lemon buerr blanc sauce...so the overall appearance of the dish looked plain, thus making me feel this dish wasn't going to taste all that special...after all, you do eat with your eyes first! Anyway, the salmon wasn't all that bad...it wasn't overcooked, and texture of it was consistent all over. Again the mashed potatoes were just mehh, it's just there as an accompaniment lol. The main entree dishes are quite small, so my bf and I downed our dishes in like 5 minutes haha...we even asked for a second plate of the complimentary bread and pesto dip thing haha... French Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich for dessert--this was the best tasting thing for me...I was skeptical to order this given people's mixed reviews, but since the bf ordered the creme brulee, our server suggested for me to get the French Macaron b/c she preferred that over the banana crepe...I'm always open for suggestions, and I'm glad I did take her word for it because it really was good! Next to pistachio french macaron, rasberry is my second fave...the ice cream with the french macaron immediately reminded me of Milk in LA...oh, how I crave this now! haha... Overall experience was good, but when it comes to talking about the food alone, this place doesn't compare to all the other places the bf and I have dined at. Groupon cost $40 to purchase...so with our voucher we only had to pay tip.
(3)
Angie S.

A Father's day to forget. First of all, we tried to make an appointment around 7-730, however there was nothing available until 8:45, thinking that it would be very busy tonight, we accepted. Yet, once we arrived, we were just about the only ones there. My whole family came here for Father's day dinner and the service was completely indifferent. As soon as we sat down, it was obvious that the only waitress there with the black tank top and brown hair tied up into a ponytail simply did not care. She was pushing us to eat our dinner as fast as possible. She urged us to order our appetizer, entree, and dessert all at once. Thus each course coming right after another, before we could even finish the one before. In addition, trying to be health conscious, I asked for a side salad instead of rice. Instead, the waitress gave me a long explanation that made no sense and told me tht I could maybe have more garnish without rice. Moreover, before we were even halfway finished with our meals, the waitress came and asked us if she could box our food. But wait, I don't think my sister was done yet! RUDE. Lastly, the dessert was extremely lacking. We ordered the crepes because it said it came with bananas, nutella, and ice cream, etc. When it came, it was literally a crepe with bananas in the middle. Where did the nutella, ice cream and whipped cream go? What a joke. Throughout the entire dinner, we felt like the waitress just wanted us to eat and leave as fast as possible. We have been here many times before and always have enjoyed every part of the experience. Needless to say, we will not be coming back here again. Bijou, you were quite the disappointment.
(1)
Lu A.

A tough place to rate. Is Bijou a sports bar, a gathering place for 20-somethings, or a gourmet restaurant? My food was great, but the atmosphere was more than disappointing. Bijou is divided into a restaurant and a bar. There is no wall between them. When I go to a fine restaurant I expect to be able to converse with my companion while I enjoy the food. Not possible at Bijou -- on our visit the crowd at the bar was so very loud that we could not carry on a normal conversation -- and this was on a Thursday, so I have to wonder what it's like on a weekend! I have a sound meter app on my smartphone and constantly measured sound levels of 95dB. That's the loudness of a jackhammer! Normal conversation is 65dB. It was so loud we could barely hear our waitress as she discussed menu options! On to the food: we had a Groupon for Bijou's tasting menu. My wife and I ordered two different appetizers, cream of tomato soup and duck confit. Both were excellent. For main courses my wife ordered the pork tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes and I ordered sole with risotto. Her tenderloin was excellent. My risotto came with a fabulous sauce. But my sole tasted so old and fishy that I sent it back and ordered the pork tenderloin instead. Our desserts were fabulous -- bread pudding for her, creme brulee for me. The Groupon cost us $39 for what was listed as a $109 meal. Again, the food was excellent (except for my fish) but I'd have a hard time justifying full cost for it. Last but not least was the service. The place was understaffed, especially after a large crowd of 20-somethings arrived and occupied a table adjacent to ours. We had a hard time attracting staff attention for even minor things like more bread or to order some cocktails. Bottom line for me: Four stars for the food, three stars for the service, two stars for the atmosphere.
(3)
Ryan L.

It's sad to say that Bijou is my ONLY go-to in Hayward. Living in Hayward has its ups and downs. For me, its smack dab in the middle of where I need to be in terms of my commute, there are gyms/grocery stores with ample parking as opposed to Oakland/sf and rent is still relatively inexpensive. The downside list is extensive, one of them being the lack of things to do/nightlife. In Hayward you're really stuck between family style breweries, shady dives or drinking at home; whereas Bijou is a little outside of the "norm" here. It's a trendy lounge/restaurant, beautiful interior and AWESOME drinks at reasonable prices. Bijou also offers an extensive beer menu, cocktails and wine lists. The sole reasons for bumping this review from a four to a five are two things: the fact that they're different and the bartender, Dave. Dave is personable, energetic and an artist behind the bar. As you scan my reviews you'll see I know my bars and I know my drinks; and Dave is one of the best. He keeps you laughing, entertained and drinks filled. If they don't have something on the menu to fit your fancy, tell him what you like and he will put something together to knock your socks off. Bijou and Dave, you're an absolute asset to downtown Hayward and after last night my no-questions-asked go to in terms of a drink and conversation. Cheers!
(5)
Zen T.

Definitely one of the favorite bars in Hayward. Classy, good service, nice ambiance, full bar, great selections of cocktails and beer. Bartenders definitely know what they're doing and are good at making sure you're not thirsty - my kinda bartenders. The food I've tried were pretty good but the servings were quite small for the price. On the weekends they have a DJ and dance floor. So pretty good spot to let out the urge to dance without having to drive too far from home.
(5)
Suzy S.

We have purchased several Groupon deals and used for a spontaneous week night treat. This deal makes it much more affordable and on point with what you are served on the prix-fixe meal. The appetizers vary a great deal in portion size, as well as quality. The salads (especially the apple, cranberry salad) are a good sized serving. The Tuna Tartare was also excellent and a decent size. The entrees have not disappointed. The Salmon was cooked perfectly and enjoyed on a couple of different occasions. Desserts were all wonderful and presented very nicely. The bar Is very busy. Even if you don't have time for a full meal, it's a great place to stop in for a cocktail created by talented mixologists!
(5)
Jessy V.

Will NOT be going back there! They try way too hard to be "trendy/fancy". Both their food and drinks are overpriced for their actual "value". I was not impressed. Save your money or go next door.
(1)
Brenda L.

5 stars for dessert and 4 stars for the rest of the food. The croissant pudding was buttery goodness. It is hands down one of the best desserts I have ever had. The top was crunchy and the inside was warm and sweet. I came here with the Living Social deal like others had posted and it was a STEAL with $60 in savings. I didn't care for the lounge-furniture or the regular-menu pricing but the dessert made it all worthwhile.
(4)
Dell C.

Came here armed with my groupon along with my hubby on a Saturday night and this place seemed to be hopping. We were greeted by a hostess that seemed overworked since she seems to be EVERYWHERE at once; wiping down tables, getting extra seating for tables, etc so it took a minute to be sat. Upon first impression this place looked almost too cool for school in the middle of casual kickback Hayward, but that was all it was; just looks. The tables were so close together that we felt very "intimate"with my neighbors; like the guy next to me could give me a quick peck or more and hearing his convo wasn't exactly entertaining. Then our food finally came. Like I said earlier I came here with a groupon and that is probably the only way I will come back. Everything we ordered looked delicious but tasted sooo blah and boring! I mean everything tasted like I could cook it myself on a weekday night and I was just cooking to fill my belly and not to wow new customers. Maybe its because they are relying on the groupon to bring new customers in, but if that's the case, then do some EXCITING and CREATIVE food for your prix fix and not just chicken and pork loin. Soooo disappointed. Oh well. Thank goodness for groupon.
(2)
Khadija C.

On my last night in the bay area, I decided to visit a local lounge. Upon arrival the place was pretty packed. The crowd mainly were in their late 30's early 40's and not much diversity here. The music was a complete bust. I love 80's music but, some songs can stay in the 80's. The DJ mixed weird songs and had no transition. My drinks were mediore and pricey. This place needs a better dj, more diverse crowd, and better drinks. Step it up or people will keep passing this place up to party in the city.
(2)
Kiel P.

We always go here when we want great cocktails and a good beer selection. The bartenders are amazing and really know their stuff. Never mind the nay-sayers, take your groupon deals somewhere else. This spot is so much more than just a bar, the food here is classy and elevated. It's simply delicious and great dining choice for downtown Hayward. Did I mention the cocktails?! Damn they're good. Anyways we're always taken care of here and will always come back. Thanks Bijou!!
(5)
Anni N.

Actually I was impressed with this restaurant in my neighborhood. Someday you just don't want to venture out too far from home and I'm glad I gave this place a try. It is sweeter when you scored a GROUPON for their prix fixe dinner or else its could be quite expensive and not all worth that. I took my girlfriend here for her BD and she had enjoyed its too. For starter we both got champagne, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and in conclusion 2 deserts all for the $39.00 plus tax and tip for the full value of your meal w/out discount. The food was small in portion, very tasty and we both enjoyed sharing everything. My favorite was the lobster puff pastry which was delicious. Service was slow, which was good if you got good company so there will be plenty of time for you to catch up on thing. Overall this was a nice place, but not worth the price without a discount. The night we were there, the majority of their patrons were there using a discount coupon like us.
(3)
Christine P.

Disappointing. I have tried Bijou a few times over the last couple years, and while their drinks are quite good and the wait staff is friendly, the decor is stylish, but unfortunately, the food and cleanliness were lacking. Bijou attempts to provide classy dining in Hayward, but falls short due to overpriced food and a lack of attention to detail. For example, when I pay $12 for a salad, I expect there to be something special about it either in presentation or quality of ingredients. Instead I felt, gee, this is something I could easily make myself at home with basics from the grocery store, a pile of mixed greens with a couple cherry tomatoes and a couple chunks of beet. The soup was underseasoned. My friend's $30 fish entree had well cooked fish, but it was plated in cold sauce. Aside from the food being - "meh" - I was more turned off by being sat next to an empty table with food spilled on it. No one cleaned it up the whole time I was there. There were several fruit flies swarming around my cocktail. And the restrooms were trashed. When I pay $100 for a meal for two, I expect more.
(2)
Janny Y.

We came here with a Groupon or Living Social discount awhile ago - I forget which. Food was mediocre. That's really all I can say - not good, not terrible. My fish didn't taste fresh. The short rib was a little dry. Probably wouldn't come back even with a discount. It's unfortunate because I'm always hopeful for good new places to eat/drink in Hayward.
(2)
Raymond C.

Over priced Under sized portions Rude staff who need to learn how to groom better and clean clothes would be great For the price I paid 128 just for diner To leave hungry was a shame Did they forget they are in hayward Not Beverly Hills Only good thing was my buzz from my drink good old jack and coke
(1)
Annie C.

We've been here a few times, and while none of the dishes were bad, they weren't amazing either. Appetizers were the most enjoyable. Entrees were a hit or miss. Desserts were okay. CrÃ¨me BrulÃ©e was WAY too sweet... (this coming from someone with a sweet tooth should mean something). Crepes Chantilly sounds pretty, but it was thin, floppy, soggy, and unappetizing. The Croissant Pudding though... is a whole other story. IT WAS THE BOMB! If you're going to dine here only once, order the Croissant Pudding, you won't regret it. Appetizers that we liked: + Asian Pear Salad - light and refreshing, flavorful but not too strong + Beef Carpaccio + Ahi Tuna Tartare - my favorite; the lightness of tuna sashimi in combination of creamy avocado, sweet corn and green onions on top of crispy sesame chips was just perfect Meh, pass it: - Grilled Baby Back Ribs - too sweet, and the sauce reminds me of Chinese fast food - French Onion Soup - salty and way too cheesy Service was always good. Our waitresses were attentive and dishes came shortly after one another. Parking was easy, there are lots of street parking around the restaurant.
(3)
Joan D.

Been here twice and both times my husband and I had a great time. The food was delicious, I had the sea bass risotto and my husband had salmon. Both dishes were very flavorful and mouth watering. For dessert we had the croissant bread pudding which is to die for. It was moist, flaky, with Nutella goodness in the middle. I would go back here just for the bread pudding! The cocktails were also tasty and not too strong. Service was good, our waitress was attentive and had a pleasant attitude. The only critique I would give are the prices are a bit much for the amount of good you get. I think reducing the dish prices about $5 would make a huge difference and attract much more people to come in and have dinner. Overall, great environment classy and modern and we shall come back again.
(5)
Adriann P.

One word to describe the food from the prix fixe menu at this restaurant...Disgusting. I had the fried brussel sprouts for the first course. Simply put they were seemingly burnt and salty. For the second course I had the pork tenderloin. Totally gross and cooked medium well...shouldn't this be per the preference of the consumer? Anyway, the waitress informed me (after she noticed that hadn't eaten much of it) told me that they routinely cool their pork medium well...aka..."basically raw." The best part of the meal was the dessert. I had the croissant bread pudding. From what I tasted it was pretty decent...Unfortunately the desert was cut short by the gnats flying on our table, backs, etc. We noticed that we weren't the only ones in the restaurant who were affected by them. The waitress apologized indicating that the gnats are coming in because the doors are open...and this is what usually happens! Ummmm...so close the doors and turn the air conditioning on! Oh yeah, by the way, it was extremely warm in there. I should add that the free bread with dipping sauce was pretty decent as well. The wait staff was overall excellent. I will not return to this establishment.
(1)
cristina s.

The lobster tail small dish I had was superb! Wish it was a little bit warmer since I have a pet peeve for warm dishes than need to live up to there title , nonetheless , it had this creamy poppy seed sauce, served along a root-like leafy veggie, gave nice contrast . Amazing dish! And oh my gosh the price was outstanding also! Just $14 bucks! I couldn't believe it! Good parking, nice ambiance, I would take time to drive from San Jose to come here to Hayward just for that lobster dish, I got hooked !
(4)
Ness H.

their drinks are delicious! -gingered pear -purple daze -rhubarbra froth -Blueberry smash -tattooed 1994 mai tai -raspberry mojito tried all of them and they were all tasty, and on the sweeter side tried their shrimp from the happy hour, ehhh, not worth it burgers are juicy tho also had their salmon from the prix fixe menu, it was good. their scallop risotto only came with two tiny scallops! what a rip off. I would go back for drinks
(4)
Suki B.

I heard about this place quite some time ago and I finally went with a few friends earlier this week. To be honest, I didn't expect much from it, but I was pleasantly surprised! We arrived around 7-ish and the place wasn't too busy, so we were seated right away. Everything on the menu sounded appetizing - so we decided to order of the "small plates" portion of the menu and share amongst the three of us. Let me tell you, everything was DELICIOUS and filling! The presentation was great - all the dishes were well put together and they came out piping hot! I wasn't too big of a fan of their drinks or their service, but the food definitely made up for it! Here's what we had (yes, my friends and I love to eat, lol): Bijou Sliders - One word - WOW! So much flavor packed into these! The caramelized onions were perfection and the meat was so juicy and flavorful. And get this, they top it with a quail egg - fancy! They're served with fries and a yummy dipping sauce. I really wish they made a regular sized version of this because I would totally get it! JalapeÃ±o Croquettes - Another must! These little crisp potatoes (crispy on the outside, mashed potato-y on the inside) were divine! And the jalapeÃ±o aioli they serve it with makes them even more perfect! Mac & Cheese - I thought it was odd that the used Penne...doesn't that defeat the purpose? Anyhow, this dish was also yummy and really filling! Flatbread Pizza - I think this was my least favorite compared to everything else. Still good, but I feel like it could have been better. Strawberry Crepe with ice cream - delish! I'm so excited to go here again and try other stuff on their menu - I must say this place is a little gem!
(4)
Travis H.

We come here for dinner before heading to the theater across the street, it's a casual but upscale place with good food and small plates, I just wish that would stop asking me if I have a coupon when I walk in. I love the carpaccio, ahi tuna, the ribs, escargot are my regular dishes...
(4)
Johnny D.

I come hear for the night life. Hip hop music, security is actually super nice not like those stuck up bricks let the job get to there head. Drinks are well priced. I ate hear a few times it ok also not my top 30 but awww
(4)
Yv L.

At first we liked the place. We got groupon deal for three courses dinner for two. Appertizers were tasty but they are on the salty side. We ordered pepper corn rib eye but the meat was cut into pieces with tremendous fat on one side of each pieces of meat. After you cut out the fat theres barely anything left. Odd thing was ribeye came with fries and drenched with salt. Dish came out looking cheap. I had chocolate sunday and it was good. We got charged for 3.50 on our bill. I dont know what that was. All in all had they not mess up our entre, we would definitely go back.
(2)
Sheryl G.

We celebrates our early Valentines dinner to avoid the long wait and crowd. Luckily, you can book ahead using open table. When we arrived the hostess was able to seat us right away and the waiter was actually gave a good service. Ordered the chicle and salmon. Both came out delicious and the portion was just about right. Ambiance is excellent and not loud compared to other restaurant. A great place to go on a date.
(4)
Victoria H.

Not worth the price. Paper menus . Don't get me wrong they had excellent customer service but they lacked stating when you use a 40 groupon to tip 109 value. Well excuses I did not believe that value was correct it barley made a 30 value to me. Food was over small portioned and the pasta was over cooked and for a seafood pasta I expected more seafood it had one shrimp on top of the pasta and two scallops . As well as really paper menus all bent up and stained . Should of known . Cheese cake factory far better in value atmosphere and portioned size food. . They just need to change there menu. & (value) and there would be more satisfied customers . ***** one good thing is here friendly , Wish to see improvement to gain me as a loyal customer
(2)
Sheryl L.

I went here for a fundraiser twice on two Thursday nights that my club hosted. They offered $5 at the door for half priced vodka shots which was a pretty good deal to take advantage of. Bartenders were very friendly and it wasn't a long wait to get my order. My 2 orders of AMF one night definitely made me want to say adios. I haven't tried the food yet here, but am super hesitant to buy because of the pricing. Maybe I will give the food a shot.
(4)
Lil J.

Love Love Love. First of all the area isn't the nicest, so just keep your eyes open when you're walking around. Second of all, the restaurant itself is super casual but upscale feeling. They have a really cool bar area that I would love to experience next time. It's completely separate from the dining area which I really liked. Finally, the dinner itself was really good. It was myself and a friend and we ended up ordering 5 meals which was plenty of food. I can't remember the names but we got the shrimp, sliders, mac and cheese, short ribs, brie cheese and they were all so so good. The service was good as well. The atmosphere was also enjoyable. Thumbs up. I will be returning.
(5)
Daniella G.

Pretty good place... There's a bar area and a restaurant area. Menu could be a little less formal but a good spot to have in the neighborhood. The service was great and very attentive but I would like a little more guidance on how to order, in terms of the favorites and portion sizes. We only ordered 2 dishes thinking it would be enough for dinner but, it wasn't. I loved the quality of the food and drinks and will definitely return. I have seen a lot of groupon offers and living social deals for Bijou, so not sure if they are in need if more business, or slightly failing in the restaurant world but I think it's well worth your while to try them out. Maybe before a movie or just a couples night out.
(3)
Gemini A.

I don't considered this as a French restaurant at all its more like a fancy American food. The food is Ok and definitely not a French food.
(3)
Julieta C.

Where to start? This place can have potential. I think they are doing the best they can with the kind of management and staff they have. Service is horrible there bar tenders maybe good but not good enough if it takes 5 minutes to make a drink, I don't care if its a specialty drinks or not. Also I don't need too see circus tricks with every drink I order. Your clearly losing money!! This place is just not worth traveling to. I live in the area and I will come here only for drinks when I'm to lazy to drive to a real bar in the city or Oakland and I end up regretting it every time. As for the food, I never eaten here but I can't get passed the bad service at the bar, I can't imagine dinner here would be worth my time or money. Plus they probably rush dinner to clear out the tables to turn it into a dance floor since I've been here many time to see it get transformed into a nightclub. So not classy bijou. I really hope the owner can read what the costumers say about this place because I would really like to see them successful.
(2)
Carol L.

First time here we only had dessert and drinks. Ordered the Crepes Chantilly and Creme Brulee, both were good. For $7 each we were expecting a slightly larger serving. They were out of strawberries and were told by our waitress that the chef apologized and took care of it on the bill. Well, I wasn't paying close attention to the bill and signed away. After looking at my receipt the next day nothing was taken care of. My fault. The wine selection is nice. Would like a better moscato ECO was not good.
(3)
Bonny C.

4 stars for very nice decor but it would be better with little bit more lights at the dining area. 3 stars for the friendly staffs but they could offer better service and greet more with their customers. 3 stars for the food. The dishes we had like tuna tart, scallop puff, pork loin, sole, creme brulee and bread pudding were good but not impressive, and both main courses were bland. 1 star for the pricing based on their portion and value, but it's a good deal if you go with a groupon voucher. I will not go back there again unless I can get a deal from Groupon or Living Social again, or they can have a more acceptable price range for their food.
(3)
Gagan B.

It has surely been a long time since I have said wow to food. It has probably been a longer since I have eaten this fancy. As soon as you walk in there is a relaxing yet up beat vibe as if you are going to call this place home for a while. Since this was what I considered a company dinner we had 3 course pre selected menus. I had the privilege of trying the Asian Pear Salad, Braised Short Rib, and the Croissant Pudding. All of which were amazingly delicious. The owner then came out to greet us as well as provide us with wine! I highly recommend people to try this spot. It is a diamond in the rough. Great bar service paired with a high quality restaurant is a win in my book.
(5)
Nina S.

We were here last night because of a Travelzoo deal. Included in the deal were: 2 glasses of spakling wine, 2 starters, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts. We ordered: - Beef carpaccio (Thinly sliced raw beef served with pesto, olive oil, lemon juice vinaigrette) - Ahi tuna tartare (Mixed with white corn, green onions, shallots and a touch of soy sauce served on top of a crispy shrimp chip) - Beef bourguignon with bacon, pearl onions and button mushrooms served with garlic mashed potatoes - Pan-seared Day Boat scallops served with asparagus risotto - Dark chocolate and white chocolate mousse over chocolate cake - Crepes Chantilly served with vanilla Chantilly and strawberries The food tasted fine. I would've given this place 3 stars if not for the fact that THE PORTIONS ARE TOO SMALL! The scallops we ordered had only 2 scallops. Same thing with the beef, just two tiny pieces. I don't know if they did that because it was a prix fixe menu or what, but I've been in other French restaurants (where the prices are comparable to Bijou's) that served bigger portions. Our waitress was fine. She was nice and provided good customer service. However, we were still eating our appetizers when another employee brought out our second course. I didn't appreciate that.
(2)
Elizabeth C.

I just want to add my creme brulee rating as we continue on a search for the best. Look - 2. Definitely nothing special. I think they usually put a strawberry on top but because of allergies we don't get it. Rather small looking - I like the shallower, wider dishes - more creme to brulee ration. Shell Cracktisity - 3. A good start, but very thin. Texture - 5. I think this is best creaminess I've had. The bf would prefer more grainy with real vanilla bean, but I thought it was perfect. Taste - 4. A little cold for my liking which contrasted with the warm sugar - that's probably the deep dish thing again. But the vanilla was very apparent.
(5)
Savannah P.

This place is by far one of my absolute favorite places to dine in the Bay Area. The menu is constantly being updated with wonderful new dishes, the staff always goes above and beyond to make the experience a wonderful one. From drinks and food, to the atmosphere, all around its always a culinary delight to eat here. I strongly recommend the Ahi Tuna Tartar, escargot, and a cucumber elixir. Cheers!
(5)
Laurie R.

This place has the best thin crust pizza I have ever had. It fills you up but doesn't make you feel bloated or fat. The atmosphere is great as well as the service. A must try place :)
(4)
Amanda O.

I also went to the restaurant with a Groupon, but I unlike most of the Groupon buyers who have also made reviews on here, did not go in expecting to get the world handed to me on a platter for only $40. The atmosphere was nice, yes a little small but no I couldn't hear the coversation of the couples next to me. The food was excellent (I had the pork tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes)! We also tried out the signature cocktails having our waitress help out with our selection. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because I personally wasn't huge on the restaurant trying to pull off a nice restaurant and a sports bar in such a small area. But all in all it was a good experience and I will be returning.
(4)
Jeff C.

We had dinner here on a Saturday night due to a Living Social deal. Similar to dine about town, you choose an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. Also, you get a glass of champagne. Looks like they are trying to be modern and hip with their decor- the space is split into two sides, one being a bar/lounge and the other side the dining area. We thought it was a little interesting that some of the items on the prix fixe menu were not on the regular menu. For appetizers, I got the baby back ribs and my wife ordered the scallop ceviche. The baby back ribs were good, it was presented well over a bed of greens and had a sesame glaze. The meat was flavorful, but it wasn't fall off the bone tender that I might expect from an upscale place. The scallop ceviche was disappointing. The presentation was just the ceviche dropped on the plate with about 5 tortilla chips next to it. More imporantly, the dish itself was a bit bland. The scallops were cut into tiny pieces so we didn't taste much of the scallop flavor. We both ordered the seafood pasta. The sauce was nice and creamy, the two prawns were big and fresh, and there were a good amount of mussels as well. We enjoyed this dish. I got the macaroon ice cream sandwich for dessert and she got the creme brulee. Both were decent, but nothing that would make us rave. Overall, it was a nice experience. I'm not sure that I'd pay dine about town prices for this meal, but the Living Social deal made it worth it. Seems like almost everyone around us was also using the Living Social or Groupon deal as well. The regular menu seemed pretty reasonably priced. 3.5 stars, but round down because the constant presence of gnats around the dinner table was a little annoying- definitely not what I'd expect from an upscale place.
(3)
Stephanie H.

The interior is very immaculate and hip. Perfect for socialites and foodies alike. Bijou offers prix fixe menus with choices for appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Thanks to my coupon from Groupon, my date and I also received complementary glasses of champagne which were so sweet and savory. Appetizers: Ahi tuna tartare yelp.com/user_local_photâ€¦ This was so good. You can use the chip to scoop up the tuna, avocado, and corn. I enjoyed the orange sauce, and there's also wasabi for people who like wasabi. Baby back ribs yelp.com/user_local_photâ€¦ The triplet of ribs had a great amount of heat. Very good. Entrees: Pesto salmon with mashed potatoes and squash yelp.com/user_local_photâ€¦ I was not impressed with this dish. I've had (and cooked) better salmon. I didn't get enough pesto either; I ran out really quickly. Pan-seared scallops with asparagus risotto yelp.com/user_local_photâ€¦ O M G BOMB! The scallops were perfectly browned and cooked. And the risotto was excellent. You will love the beurre rouge and cream sauce. Desserts: Croissant pudding with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream yelp.com/user_local_photâ€¦ Wow, this dessert was killer. This buttery piece of goodness was straight from pudding heaven. It went very nicely with the chocolate and ice cream. You must try this. Crepe yelp.com/user_local_photâ€¦ The crepe itself is very thin, which is to my liking. The inside was filled with diced strawberries and whipped cream. Very soft and light. At the end of our meal, we were very satisfied and enlightened. Service was also wonderful. Our waitress was very helpful, sweet, and attentive. Thank to groupon, my $105 bill came out to merely $3.51 (I paid $39 for the coupon). Though the meal was fabulous, I would not pay $100+ for a meal for two. I will come back if they decide to offer more Groupon deals.
(4)
kim f.

I went here to use my groupon deal and celebrate my best friend birthday. I used open table and got a table there right away. Well it just open so it wasn't crowded. The food was ok for the price used for groupon deal. I would come again if there was another deal with a different pre fix menu. The regular menu chooses sounded good. One thing I wanted to point. It was a warm day and I see it has the open door feel so it was warm in the restaurant. It was ok but maybe have fans to cool it down. Also I forgot it was really nice that they got my message through open table that I was celebrating my best friend birthday so they put a candle in her desert and we sing happy birthday. That was nice
(4)
jessica v.

I have been there so many times!!!its the best! The food and dessert there is nothing compared of the tasting to other French restaurants! Gotta try it out.
(5)
Kristen C.

This place has kind of a hip atmosphere. We went with the Groupon deal, and I thought our food was ok but nothing to write home about. The service was good. My salad tasted good, and my husband's rib appetizer reminded us of sesame-chicken except done with ribs. My husband ordered the scallops for his main course. It came with three medium-sized scallops, and I thought they were a little overcooked/rubbery in texture. I ordered the beef bourguignon for my main course, and the flavor of the sauce was spot-on delicious. This was by far the best part of the meal. However, the bowl only had about three bite-size pieces of beef in it, with most of the center of the bowl being taken up by a mound of mashed potatoes (also delicious, but still, they didn't leave enough room for a few more pieces of meat), and the little onions in it had a nice blackened outside but were still spicy and uncooked on the inside. Despite the slight disappointments, I would come back here. On the Groupon, we were only allowed to order off of a small prix-fixe menu, but looking at their broader menu, I see more interesting items that I would like to try. I would give them a second shot. UPDATE: We came back a second time when a neighbor gave us another Groupon for a gift. This time, I came with 4 people, we all got something different for an appetizer, and we all liked them. Yay! They portions of meat were slightly larger this time, but still on the small size if we were paying the original prices. I ordered the 1/4 chicken, and it was obviously from a very small chicken. But the flavors were good. My husband had to send his pork chop back, as it was significantly overcooked and visibly dry when it came out, but they brought him a new one promptly that was much better. The desserts were good. On this second visit, it was EXTREMELY warm in the restaurant. It was in the 90s outside that day, and they had the entire front wall pulled back, so the restaurant was completely open to the outside. It was very uncomfortable for dinner, especially because one of the reasons we went out was to escape the heat and go somewhere with air conditioning. Yea, not so much. We might as well have been sitting on the sidewalk in the heat. On a cool summer evening, I can see how it would feel nice to have a breeze blowing in from the sidewalk, but when it's 90 degrees out, there is no reason patrons should be paying so much to eat in a sauna - get some air going!
(3)
Jackie S.

I had a good time at Bijou. It's not really a French restaurant, but more of California style with a club vibe. We received a Travelzoo coupon, so it was a deal. We went in December 2012, and at the time there were different menus with the coupon companies, such as Groupon vs. Travelzoo. Overall, the food was good. Tuna tartare - Nice presentation but a little on the salty side. Asian pear salad with walnuts - I liked this better than the tuna tartare. Seabass with risotto and mushroom - Very nicely done. The fish was buttery and cooked perfectly. I love mushrooms and risotto so this dish was a winner! Nutella croissant - Our waitress said that it was a popular dessert and it was extremely heavy. If you like croissant, then this the dessert for you! Crepe - This wasn't bad. I don't remember the filling though. Maybe it was strawberry? I didn't eat the whipped cream that came with it. Our waitress was nice and attentive considering that this place was crowded. Nice to see Downtown Hayward with some good restaurants.
(4)
R T.

Wow... horrible. First off, we had reservations but arrived an hour early. The hostess told us that they were very busy and would seat us close to our reservation time. We stood there while people walked in, without reservation, and got promptly seated. There were plenty of tables available. Came because we purchased a voucher online for their prix fixe menu. All of our entrees were below standard. We started off with the Tuna tar tar and scallop ceviche, both were pretty mediocre and served with chips. Next, we had the pork loin with potatoes and a seafood dish which only had a few mussels, tiny scallops, and ONE shrimp. This dish was served with a hunk of bread. The same bread that was complementary when you first sit down. The pork was tiny and a a quarter was fat. For dessert, we had the creme brulee and macaroon sandwich. The creme brulee tasted like pudding while the macaroon sandwich was nothing special as well. Also, portions were very small. Our water was never refilled and the silverware was dirty. I was surprised to see the regular price for this meal would have been 118 dollars... i'm glad we only paid 40 dollars with the voucher. Even at 40, i felt ripped off. We were not satisfied after the meal and quickly went to taco bell. Will not return.
(1)
Wife M.

Stopped in on a whim for a cocktail. Matt, the bartender, was perfect - courteous, attentive without being overly attentive, and right on time. I went right after they opened on a Wednesday afternoon, so his help had not arrived. It got surprisingly busy for a Wednesday afternoon, but he managed to stay on top of things. While I read my book and enjoyed a cocktail, I talked with the guy setting the restaurant up for dinner service. He recommended a couple things for dinner, and I chose the pan roasted salmon with mashed potatoes instead of rice pilaf, only because he said that the potatoes were not instant. They were. Despite that, the salmon was excellent! I even saw the chef poke his head out of the kitchen, the same one who is displayed on their very out-of-date website.
(4)
Stacey W.

Loud but the drinks are yummy...... talk about a delicious Meal..... so good.
(4)
Jana C.

En route to the Cupertino Hills from Berkeley....hey...why dont we use our deal for brunch in Hayward?! It was a lovely, way above average brunch experience. Golden brown and large fried chicken thighs, buttermilk waffle, eggs benedict in a perfect, rich, shimmery hollandaise draped over a sexy slice of Canadian bacon, all on a bed of baguette. Service was great, bottomless mimosas were strong and just that---free-flowing, and cool lounge decor. Why the 4 and not the 5? Our side accompanying potatoes were so stale and boring....wrinkled, soft, unfluffy, unseasoned...they were either from the day before, or were pre-cooked hours and hours ago. If the entrees were such stars, I personally would rather not serve such horrible side accompaniments, if they were going to drag the dish down overall. Overall, so impressed such place exists in Hayward. B and Foothill, right next to BB:)
(4)
Mike G.

***This review is for the bar area, as this is the only place I sit when visiting this establishment.*** Bijou has earned a special place in my heart due to the sentimental value accumulated over frequent visits. I used to stop by at least once a week to enjoy a cocktail or two (or sometimes three, haha) with my girlfriend, with whom I took here on an unforgettable, second date. The staff treats us like family and is always catering. Whether it be pulling up extra seats to the bar or pouring rounds of shots and shooters on the house, Bijou has gone above and beyond. It truly is a gem in the surrounding, dive-ridden, East Bay. Bijou has the best cocktails in town, by far. Whenever I visit, I make sure to have at least 1 Anjou Elixir and/or 1 Ginger Pear. The gf usually has the Sangria (well, at least 1 Sangria before potentially moving on to drink #2, haha). Also, keep in that Bijou only uses fresh ingredients. That's right! No artificial mixers, here! The drinks average about $10 each, but the quality is bar none. In fact, no place in the Hayward-San Leandro-Castro Valley area comes close to Bijou in terms of quality and creativity. The Bar Menu is quite tasty, as well. I usually order the Bijou Burger (with cheese ) and Bijou Frites, while the gf gravitates more toward the Ahi Tuna Tartare. But no matter what, we always debate ordering another side of Bijou frites (which come in regular, sweet potato, or mixed). But if you do order the frites, make sure you order the Bijou (orange) sauce. This stuff is so addicting, I dip my burger in the damn stuff! The best nights are Fridays and Saturdays, on which nights there is a DJ. He spins an awesome mix of 90's - current hip hop (my favorite and predominantly spinned), house/electronica (my gf's favorite), and sometimes even reggae. But no matter how much I enjoy my Fridays and Saturdays, I won't hesitate visiting on a weekday to enjoy a midweek cocktail, or on a Sunday to wind down before the not-so-highly anticipated, work week. Overall, Bijou is a "must-visit." It is a gem in the East Bay, and the highlight of Downtown Hayward. No place in the area matches the ambiance of the establishment, nor the quality or creativity of their beautifully crafted cocktails. Whether it be a lovely, date night dinner, festive celebration, or a simple midweek retreat, Bijou is a delightful escape and truly will not disappoint.
(5)
June V.

Great restaurant! Very good food with prompt, friendly service. Bar drinks are always consistently good. Food is of fresh ingredients and sophisticated. Flavor mix is very good with smart use of spices and flavors without over powering the fresh ingredients. We started with the Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare with fried wonton, main course scallops with carrot caviar and for dessert, we opted for the bourbon chocolate mousse. Everything was flavorful and on point. While I liked the scallop a lot, I LOVED the spicy tuna tartare. Dessert for bourbon chocolate mousse was one of the best I've had; especially they are not stingy on the bourbon. ;) Service was friendly and prompt. Everything arrived promptly and the waitress was knowledgable about the menu. Again, everything was just so on point that Bijou makes it look like a piece of cake to run a great, efficient restaurant! Great Job! :)
(4)
george c.

Used the Groupon for dinner with my wife. The greeting at front door was non-existent, the couple in front of us left. Once seated though, the waitress came over to take our drinks & entree order. Only 2 tables were occupied on this Sunday night, even with Century theater across the street. Our table top was sticky but when asked, the waitress wiped it down to no avail. The food promptly came out, but the main entrees were a tab cold. But all in all, it was OK for the Groupon $40 value. I hope the management will improve on the ambiance of the restaurant (like setting plates & silverware on the tables), can't blame the staff for that. Incidentally, the bar area looks good, fully stocked... just lacking patrons.
(3)
Carlo M.

90 degree weather and they do not have their a/c on ... Had dinner in a sauna !! Restaurant was warm and hot but seems not hot in their kitchen as porkchop they served was raw ! They probably expected it to cook in their hot dining room ... Never coming back .... I did use a groupon which made the dinner cheaper but I dd not expect the experience to be cheap too ...
(1)
Tj T.

After not having been here since the opening I was excited to RE-try this place last night! As we walk in we immediately wonder why the place is pretty empty for dinner hours (8:30 p.m.) then the smell hit us! It was as though we walked into an old fish market. Muggy, musty smell. We sat down and was immediately greeted by our server who took our drink and appetizer order. The drinks arrived fast which actually were pretty good just pricey! The appetizer on the other hand pretty bleh! We ordered the fried chicken appetizer which came with 3 small, almost no meat pieces, corn mush which was TOO COLD for the dish and an over easy egg. We did not understand the egg concept as it was not cooked very well even for over easy. The chicken was crunchy and fried well however we kept tasting a very strange , almost gamey after taste. The corn mush was gross. Served too runny and almost ice cold. The dish was definitely not paired well. My date opted for the rib-eye steak which was served scantily cut up with over cooked French fries and Julian carrots. He said the steak was okay just served terribly as it appeared to be a very small steak cut up and towered to appear larger. For the price of $22 this was aweful. I opted for the roasted chicken and after 2 bites I tasted the worse gamiest flavor I have ever had enter my mouth! The flavor was terrible and it was all through the meat! I told the waitress I could not eat the meal and she offered to exchange for something else. I then opted for the scallops. Can't go terribly wrong right? Well I was wrong! The scallop meal arrived which looked amazing. The portion was pretty small however it was plated lovely. Then I cut into the scallop. I smelled a STRONG AMONIA smell which came from the scallop. Me knowing seafood I KNOW that means it's gone bad! I cut another open just to smell and it smelled the same as the first. Needless to say, the plate was returned to the kitchen and I did not eat. The waitress was nice enough to comp my drink so we tipped her good. The food on the other hand... terrible. I will never return there I don't care how good my drink was.
(1)
Linda P.

Good food but very small portions. The scallops was sold as a main dish, but really it was an appetizer portion with just two scallops.
(3)
Gracy P.

Today I am a very unhappy patron. Went for my first time on 9/2/2015. Bought 2 rounds of drinks for my girlfriend and I. Woke up this am to a fraud alert from my CC company. There was an attempt to charge $142.69 in dog food. I only use this card once a month for cocktails, so it was very easy to track my use. My only use in a little over a month was my charge of $25.00 at Bijou. Please do a better job hiring employees and protecting your patrons CC info!! I will be calling today at 4pm when they open to report this to the Manager!!
(1)
Liane S.

A great spot for happy hour drinks and snacks!!! Great ambiance, trendy, a great place to hang out, watch a game , and get a few drinks or 2. :P I believe they changed ownership. I need to go back again!
(4)
Alena W.

Last night was the first time in my life that I put my big girl pants on and sat at a restaurant bar alone! Instead of a date I brought a 3.5-year old Groupon. Waste not, want not, people! I was there to watch the Warriors game, have a meal, a couple of drinks and hopefully a non-awkward time. Drinks: My favorite...extra dirty vodka martini! At $11 it was pricey but well made. Food: Also my favorite...scallops! This entree was delicious but small and also steep at $19. Staff: One bartender was more friendly than the other. Also, they need to do a better job at busing and wiping down tables. Decor: Sort of swanky but also kinda filthy. Needs sprucing up. Crowd: Multi-cultural and happy to be there. I could tell there were lots of regulars. I had conversations with a few of them which was a pleasant relief. Bijou is truly A-OK. Some good things, some not-so-good things, blend them together and 3 stars it is.
(3)
Emma Y.

The Groupon deal was a scam. You basically purchase a voucher at $45 for a meal for four valued at $216, which means each person pays $45/4 to get a meal valued at $54. Sounds very tempting, right? DON'T DO IT. Cuz that is not all you pay. First of all, they charge you tip on top of the $216 value, that makes it $216*18% =$39 for tips alone. In total, you four people pay the voucher at $45 + (tax on the full value $216) $19 + tips $39 = $103 Everybody walks out paying $26 What about the food? If you order the most expensive items from each category - Appetizer, entree and dessert, you won't even get the full value of $54 I mentioned above. And the food sucks. My appetizer was strawberry beets salad - strawberry was from a can, beets are not fresh either and the salad is drenched with dressings My bf's fried brussels sprouts was way too salty My entree chicken thighs are tasteless and the smashed tomatoes are from a can. My dessert cream brulee is the worst I have ever had and it's too creamy. How about the service? No one gets us fresh bread unless we ask for. And at the end when they were answering our questions about the check, they got a little hostile saying "I told you at the beginning that we charge 18% on the full value". Disappointment.
(1)
Sonya T.

Really enjoyed my dinner here and the drinks were delicious. Stopped by after a long day and met a friend who was more familiar with the area. Things I really enjoyed: Parking was a breeze in their lot. Hostess and servers were all super personable. Restaurant was chic and had a cute bar lounging area. I had a bourbon drink and it was made perfect. Similar to a Manhattan. Delicious. I also had the beet salad and the garlic fries. All made well, and hit the spot. Would defiantly be back when in the area.
(4)
Owen William F.

nice place but... we called and they said they had veggie options on the menu, but not so much, like three modified options (vegans dont go)... there is a smoking area out back and with the door to the alley open: the wind blows the smoke into the dining area. we complained about this and we ate our quite nice plates, which ended up tasting like a cigarette butts because of the smoke (cigars? really?), but the door remained open despite our request. so I guess Bijou is more about smokers than eaters... enjoy this place if you are tobacco addict, we are out of here
(3)
Kenji Y.

GROUPON / LS USERS My friend bought a Groupon so we all went thinking we're eating 4 full course meals for $45. Total came out to $92. How did a $45 Groupon become $92? They make you pay an 18% tip based on the original value of the meal which is $216. I added up everything in the menu that I ate and it was not worth $54. (Fried Brussels $6, Seared Sea Bream $20, Lemon Poppy Seed Curd $7) That said, $23/person for a 3 course meal is still a deal :) ---- Overall an a-ok restaurant with EXCELLENT service. Parking - Plenty of parking in the back of the restaurant and around downtown Hayward Decor - Is actually modern and fancy looking. They played Lindsey Stirling so I'm guessing they are running Pandora. Restaurant was clean and spacious. Service - Service was great! Perfect! Very fast attendant that kept coming back to check if we needed anything. Plates and silverware was replaced often and bread kept coming. Food - This part wasn't that impressive and I wouldn't come back for it. We all tried different menu items and tried eachother's food but nothing really stood out except the nutella bread pudding. Fried Brussels - It's good, but a little too salty and doesn't look good Strawberries & Beets - ask for dressing on the side. friend's salad was drenched in sour dressing Roasted Chicken Breast - It's just chicken breast with tomato sauce. I didn't think it was bad but two friends didn't finish it. Seared Sea Bream - this one is good. presented well. If you're hungry, don't get this because portion is small and it's $20 Pork Tenderloin - worker said this one is a big portion if you want to get full Nutella Bread Pudding - YES - GOOD! Came out hot with ice cream on the side. Creme Brule - NO - Isn't it supposed to be on hot on the top? The whole dessert was cold and just sad looking sliding around on a plate. Lemon Poppy Seed Curd - Nothing special - It's just cream with lemon poppyseeds. Once again, a little sad looking.
(3)
Porsche C.

I cant believe it took me SO long to find this lovely restaurant and Bar! I came here for dinner on a Friday night walked in and was truly amazed at how beautiful this place was. Bar on the left and the restaurant on the right. Drinks at the bar was on point thanks to the lovely David (The bartender) after my second drink of margarita I was sure that I had enough. Once finished at the bar I found my way to the restaurant side and was lucky to have the amazing Robert (the server) to serve our delicious dinner. We were handed a menu and after looking decided on: Spicy Ahi Tartare Spanish Chicken Wings Bacon & Asparagus Baked chicken I heard the menu changes periodically but they recently got a new chef (Rodrigo) and the food was really good! The food comes in small plates so beware of that. You can usually find deals for this restaurant on Livingsocial and Groupon. I would highly recommend it. We easily spend $90.00 but I have to admit the food was very filling I was able to meet with the manager Ben and get more knowledge on the restaurant and let him know that I really appreciated my first time experience here. The restaurant turns into a night life event at night which I have YET to experience but when I do I will update my review. Great place to come with friends and have a drink. The environment is nice and everyone is SO friendly. Nice to see a great restuarant like this in the middle of Hayward!
(4)
Christina L.

LIVING SOCIAL EXPERIENCE FOR FOUR Came here twice and Bijou gets the average of my score. Arrived at 7pm and the lady saw that I was waiting around. The tables were empty, so I thought there wasn't a wait. Several people got seated ahead of us and it turns out there was a wait because they only had one server. Waited 1/2 hr to be seated in the EMPTY part of the restaurant. Womp! Make reservations even if you don't need to. The place is somewhat busy, even on a Monday night. Here's what you do and don't need to order..... Complimentary bread in the beginning was a day old, but was fresher when it came out on later dishes. APPETIZERS - Baby back ribs: Better than the other appetizers and you get 3 ribs. DO IT. - Beef Carpaccio: They gave us a pesto sauce and lemon, which wasn't too delicious. Ironically, there's too much lemon in the pesto. MAIN COURSE: - Seafood Pasta is your best bet. 2 slightly overcooked shrimp and 5-6 mussels (depending on the cook). I believe the alfredo/cream sauce is cooked with clam juice, bringing the seafood flavor out in the dish. - Beef bourginuon gives you ~7 pieces of beef less than 1 inch in diameter, a scoop of mashed potatoes and sauce. This place makes a poor attempt to be upscale by barely giving you anything on the plate. SEE PICTURE. DESSERT: - Croissant bread pudding, yummy, do it! - Nougat ice cream - this changes sizes and presentation based on who scoops it. I got a smaller one our second time. - Creme brulee is not the best I've ever had. In fact, I'm not even sure it's better than the one I make. YOUR BILL: - Tax comes out to $7.41 - Then the bill recommends that you tip based on the original bill of $216. Are you kidding me? I hope that's not the real price of the dinner for 4 because then my expectations would increase x10 and I would be rating this place 1 star based on food alone. For $54/person + tip, I could go to the city with that price range. -If you add up all of the items al la carte, I don't think it would reach the $216 number for 4 people. WOMP! Come here only with a Living Social... otherwise meh. Ambiance is decent.
(3)
Bobby S.

I came here to enjoy a nice and quiet dinner and this placed fail miserably. There was just one waiter. The food was small portions compared to what you pay for. This place is definitely not the same as it used to since I think they changed ownership. They don't have any AC. The place was like a hot sauna. Asked for them to open the patio doors and management kept closing it. The owner had his friends come and hang out with him in the dining area since the bar was getting overcrowded. People were talking really loud all around you. How enjoyable is that when you are spending over $100 for dinner for two. We are definitely breaking up! This place is definitely a hotmess!
(1)
Derek P.

The food was made for a gnome but the fact that they wouldn't let us in after when it was a club because of a no-shorts dress code is ridiculous!!
(2)
Yelpergirl C.

Tried this place a couple time since the first review. It's just ok. I think it's a hit and miss kind of place. It wouldn't be my first pick for a place to dine. Check your receipts, the bartender charged us for an extra drink.
(2)
Sivilay T.

We made a dinner reservation at 8:15 PM for a table of 10 on a Saturday night. We showed up and were seated right away. The service was ok throughout the night, but the food was such a let down since my last experience here was really good. We ordered a few dishes and I got a taste of a few and was not impressed at all. I wanted to ask the servers if they actually had a change in kitchen staff or something because almost every dish was a total disappointment. But our waitress seemed preoccupied and didn't come to visit us too often. I had the butternut squash risotto, which was pretty good. My son and my brother had the strawberries and beet salad which was ok, but the dressing was a little too tangy for my personal taste. However, being the great mommy that I am, I swapped my risotto with my son because he didn't enjoy the salad at all. The fried brussels tasted burnt and salty so we asked to have it swapped out for the risotto instead, which the waiter was more than willing to accommodate, because he said that was exactly what he thought of that dish as well when they asked him to try it. The second order of risotto seemed overly soupy, while the rice was undercooked. If you compare the two photos of the risotto, you'll notice a big difference. My son and I had the seared branzino which was decent. The roasted purple potatoes were undercooked while my carrots were overcooked. The fish, however, was cooked perfectly. The skin was nice and crispy. My brother had the pork tenderloin which he said was pretty good. My favorite items out of my entire meal were the creme brÃ»lÃ©e and croissant pudding. Maybe I just love dessert in general, but those were the only two items that stood out for me.
(2)
Paul A.

So we went to this place Bijou because Donna, bought a Groupon dinner for two for $49 ($92 value). It includes sparkling wine (Coke for me), an appetizer, a main course and dessert. After buying the Groupon, I went and read some of the reviews and was honestly worried about it. The tip for two people is not automatic like other reviews stated. Maybe because it was for four? I recommend paying a tip based on the "value" of $92. I personally think this should be the guest's choice, but then again maybe most Groupon users are cheap..so whatever on that. Service tonight was pretty awesome (5 stars). Bread was replaced right when we ran out. My coke's were replaced 3 times right when they got low. The server checked on us several times throughout and was prompt. We did start dinner early at 5:45pm, so this may have made good service more easy. Restaurant: Bar/Restaurant with cool design elements and upbeat trendy lounge music. More of a date place than a family dining place. Food: good fresh quality ingredients, tasty selections. Cleanliness: okay. The table has a dull gloss to it which means it isn't quite cleaned well enough. Bathrooms are pretty good, except the men's room had a bit of graffiti and someone had scratched in the drywall above. I would recommend the manager stay on top of that as it's one of those things which detracts from the feeling you are eating in a classy place, which is apparent they are trying to create by all the other things they are doing right. I would recommend hiring professional cleaners to come in once a week to scrub the tables so they shine. It will pay for itself in repeat business. That's the one thing that would keep me from coming back. There are so many places to eat, gotta make a great impression. All in all, it's definitely worth a night out to visit Bijou.
(4)
Merica S.

...AAND THAT'S WHY I TOOT IT N' BOOT IT. Yep, I had a one-night stand with my dinner and I am certain that I won't be back to grub again! Sorry Bijou, but you've been dumped. Shout out goes to Groupon for the seemingly wondrous $39 three-course prix fixe French-fusion dinner w/ bubbly for 2! ($118 value). My significant and I made our way to their sleek venue after making reservations to redeem our deal on a Friday evening. We had anticipated an eventful experience, so that we would perhaps be prompted to eagerly return to eat again, but instead, we left unshaken and unstirred. Dishes were lacking creativity and the beer arrived to our table warm (had to ask for ice, BOO). No wonder this deal has been offered for years...Eh, but what can we expect for such a value? :/ What we selected from the prix-fixe menu: ( COURSE 1 ) + DUCK CONFIT SALAD: Uninspiringly composed of spring mix, crotons, and duck leg meat. This straightforward salad, topped with raspberry vinaigrette, was nothing short of monotonous. The lean duck confit was unforgivingly seasoned, lacking the rich, fatty flavor it ought to have. + SCALLOP PUFF PASTRY: They really ought to remove 'scallop' from its description, as there is 90% pastry and 10% staggering flavor of what tasted like canned tomato paste? Scallop flavor either played hooky, or was ultimately overpowered by the vigorously tangy tomato paste flavor. Essentially, we ate an unsavory tomato paste hot pocket, minus the croissant crust. The puff pastry itself was acceptable, as it was delicately flaky and warm. ( COURSE 2 ) + PAN SEARED SOLE: The flat flavor of the fish was reminiscent of severely unseasoned tilapia. We had to flag down our accommodating server for salt and pepper, which we have never done before. The fish was moist and tender--cooked very well though. The mushroom sauce and mushroom risotto the fish was stationed on, were oh soo DELISH! If only the fish had been drenched in such creamy glory! This was our favorite dish from the menu because of the impressive texture of the fish, and the luscious mushroom sauce and risotto. + PORK TENDERLOIN w/ chimichurri sauce: Dry, dry, and just relentlessly dry. Ooh baby, I was parched! Yeah, we know this meat is difficult to cook correctly, but c'mon now. The unappetizingly chewy meat was under seasoned and dehydrated. No flavor, except for the zesty chimichurri sauce. Garlic mashed potatoes were very dry as well; no melt-in-your-mouth effect. So much went wrong with this dish, and we do not miss it. ( COURSE 3 ) + CHOCOLATE AND RAISIN BREAD PUDDING: Ooey, gooey, warm, distinct goodness. My first time having bread pudding and I must admit that I was taken aback by this scrumptious dessert. The dessert would have been ideal if it had been served with ice cream, instead of a side of whipped cream. + CRÃˆME BRULEE: Momentary reaction from my significant: "Er...this is pre-made." I had to agree, as the center of the crÃ¨me brulee was still cold because they did not reheat it thoroughly. Inside was creamy and daintily sweet though. The caramelized sugar on top was burnt and had an unpleasant charred flavor. ( SERVICE ) Our server, Hannah, was phenomenal! :] Her genuine effervescent demeanor was a sheer delight. She made sure to recurrently check-in with us, to ensure that we did not have any questions or concerns and she provided us with useful recommendations. Also, there were other staff members here that obligingly assisted us with our all our requests and cleared out our used dishes. KUDOS to management for the cordial staff! The stunning service here was definitely the highlight of our Groupon evening.
(2)
Mary S.

walked in ...... out all the employes that was on duty not one welcomed me bartender seem to be focused on talking with his friends and taking shots rather than attend to guests and others seem to be more focused on being on their phone and talking with each other . He made my drink and never came back to take my order until I got his attention. I order the ahi tuna poke it wasn't the best tuna was still frozen the only thing I liked was the drink
(1)
Romeka S.

Wonderful atmosphere and friendly service for any occasion. Happy hour is the best after work. I experienced wonderful craft drinks. Definitely enjoyed the professional experience. Dave, is one of the bartenders, not only does he know the background and origin of classic cocktails but he flares too. My favorite cocktail is the "Manhattan" and "Vodka Collins". This was my first experience and it was cool to see. He was very friendly and engaged the bar to meet each other. I appreciated the experience because I was alone but he engaged the other customers and I was able to mingle and network. It's my (go to) to wine down on a Thursday- Saturday night.
(5)
Arlin B.

The Bijou Restaurant and Bar was a solid 5 star experience for me and two collogues over dinner. The location is convenient in the downtown Hayward area where there are loads of places to eat and drink. We chose this place based on a recommendation from another Yelper. Apparently this place may not be for everyone, but it is a place I would most certainly recommend based on the the quality of food and service we received. The food ~ We started off with some great wine and some bacon wrapped scallops which were delish! I also had a salad that was very fresh with mixed greens and berries with a light vinaigrette dressing. I highly recommend the sea bass on top of a mushroom risotto! Wowsers ~ it was fantastic! The sea bass was cooked to perfection and the mushroom risotto with velvety and did not overpower to sea bass. It is a great combination. The service ~ The night we dined they lost power for about 15 minutes due to road construction in front of their restaurant. They provided some candles and gave us an another glass of wine at no charge. The wait staff was very friendly and attaentive. They knew their menu well and was able to provide some recommendations and made a special request to the chef accommodate one of my guest due to their allergies. Overall it was a very solid 5 star experience. I recommend The Bijou Restaurant and Bar to my friends and to you! I hope to see you there.
(5)
Janee' D.

We came here for dinner on a Saturday night. I enjoyed the lively bar and restaurant vibe. The clams we started with were tasty as was the strawberry beet salad. My bacon asparagus flatbread was crisp and flavorful. The hubby had the flank steak, which came out cold. Unfortunately I finished my flatbread before his recooked steak came out. Even so, I'd return because the food and service were good.
(4)
Albert M.

Gnats.....that's all I have to say. Drinks are decent but I just saw a gnat as big as a house fly. Apparently they don't clean their stations properly.
(2)
Tanya C.

Walked into here to have a happy hour drink with the husband after a long week of work. The bartender was very sweet and she was johnny on the spot with getting us our drinks. From the outside, the place looks tee chique and when you walk in, it was urban and fun. However, two complaints here. The bathroom was a horrendous and stinky mess. It smelt like an old campground outhouse in the bathroom and there was a mess everywhere. The other item I was not too impressed with, albeit the menu made it sound stunning, was the salmon tartare. it was definitely NOT a tartare. It was a VERY small amount of thinly "slivered" salmon (raw) with some shaved jicama, a few pieces of paper thin sliced apple, two light sprigs of fennel, 3 pieces of rye pita on the plate. It was $12 I believe, and about a $3.00 plate including all of the ingredients. Maybe $1.50 worth of salmon. If that. The flavor was bland and it was not a tartare. The plate was pretty though. lol. But I may go back for a few drinks.. The Lagnaiappe tea cocktail was awesome! Although $11 for a drink that was pretty much consisting of a gigantic ice cube in a small glass. But stick to your regular jack and coke or a beer and I think it would be just fine. I do like the lighting and the bar itself. Nice place all in all. Just should work on it's value factor a teensy bit. :)
(3)
Wendy T.

I love going to Bijou to meet up with a friend to chat over good drinks and food! The atmosphere is modern and cozy, the food is excellent, service is friendly and gracious. They have great cocktails and a big selection of spirits. I love that they have a very yummy bone marrow on the menu as well. Two thumbs up.
(5)
Judit R.

Came here with a Groupon, food was ok but prices seem high, not sure if would come again without a groupon.
(3)
Y L.

Like may other review shave stated. Good location, good service, good decor, but the food is just way below par. We had a Groupon and will not go back till the food quality does not get better. The puff pastry appetizer we had was burnt at the bottom. It seemed like it was frozen and then had been put in an toaster oven and served. The creme brulee was bland and lacked flavor. I would not go back...
(1)
Denine J.

Wow!!! What has happened to my beloved Bijou!?? Is there different Chefs in the kitchen? I need answers!! Well it started at the door, the strong stench of fish in the air was a sign I choose to ignore because I love this place and it definitely gets the benefit of the doubt from me so I and my guest dine anyway and I went one further and order the fish dish and when I tell you it tasted like spoiled hospital food I'm being nice!! I sent it back and was then presented with an overcooked pork tenderloin. SMH!! I have no idea what's going on over there but it needs to get fixed a.s.a.p!! Customer Service was great as usual!!
(2)
j m.

Cant figure this place out. Been here for drinks and dinner, but didnt think that great either times. Overall in terms of service, quality, price, space, crowd, etc. ..not a fan!! They try to come off as classy but it 's not happening IMO.
(2)
Jarrod E.

I've been here a dozen times and every time it's amazing. Service is a 4, location is a 3, ambiance chill and casual, but on the food alone, Bijou gets 5 stars. Food creativity, concept, and execution are absolutely brilliant. Consistent with my experiences at 5 star restaurants. The drink menu is also refreshing
(5)
Marissa C.

Came here TWICE, both were on a Monday night. THE night to come. Forget sitting in the dining room, GO TO THE BAR/LOUNGE and ask for Angelo!!! He will not only take care of you, but will entertain you with good conversation and I dare you to not laugh. It would be impossible, especially with his funny personality. My friend and I LOVE the Ribs and Garlic Wings. Those two dishes are a MUST GET. The second time we came by, we tried the Bijou Burger. Nothing too special, but the fries were good. This place has a good happy hour also and a good selection of cocktails. If you can't find anything on the menu, you can always ask for a recommendation and Angelo always comes up with a great drink. Nice ambiance, tasty food, and excellent service. We'll be back, but only on Monday nights!
(5)
Nat P.

After reading some of the reviews for Bijou I was a little hesitant to go much less order food but I was PLEASENTLY SUPRISED! Really nice bartender who was attentive and a great mixologist! I ordered even ordered food! A Cesar salad! DELISH!!! Despite the reviews I came to bijouxbecause I know it's one of the only decent/hip bar in the San Leandro/ Hayward/ Castro valley area and I had been there before but late at night when they do more of a night club feel which was fun! They also actually have French food like croque Monsieurs and escargot, I'll have to update when I try but the food and drink were great. All and all a great experience! Stop by when ur in the downtown Hayward area!!! Worth the time
(5)
Micah T.

Should rename the restaurant as trinket not Bijou. I came to here with an expectation that it would be a little nicer than surrounding restaurants in the Hayward area which isn't setting the bar very high. I assumed this was a safe assumption since the establishment's name conveys simplicity, elegance and the appearance of a jewel. When we arrived to Bijou there wasn't much room to stand in the foyer behind guests making a reservation. The host was very friendly and greeted us in a timely fashion. She intelligently offered us the choice of a booth or table with a smile. While seating us she handed each of us a menu. I asked what her favorite dish was and she gave us a honest sincere answer. She told us one dish (can't remember which) and then commented that the Ahi Tartare was also popular. Immediately I noticed that the decor was modern yet not well maintained. The mirror to our left was filled with finger prints and wasn't clean. The walls were chipped and the wood had many markings on it. It needed refinishing. We waited 8 minutes before being greeted. I used to be a waiter so I know people often claim they wait long periods of time when it really was 30 seconds. This was not the case. I had eaten already and just wanted a couple drinks and an appetizer. After 8 minutes, a man came up with two glasses of water and gawked at a woman walking by the table while he sat the water down. After ogling the patron for a few seconds while he stood in front of us he turned and said our waiter would be right with us without saying hello or asking us if we would like a drink. I realize its a bit annoying but I like sparking water and am not a fan of ice. I didn't say anything since I wasn't given a choice. Serving the general public is very demanding and the last think someone needs is redoing a step of service. After 7 more minutes our server Rachel arrived. So we had sat there for 15 minutes before being acknowledged or given or any options, as guests. Rachel immediately asked if we would like something to drink and demonstrated knowledge about the drink menu. She helped us pick a drink that my date loved. Bijou was out of the beer that I ordered but she came back and informed us very quickly. I was rushed to tell her what beer I would like instead. It wasn't her rushing me per se but the demand on her services and the sheer number of things she had to get done to make everyone happy which tells me that management did not staff either enough bussers or servers. I could tell our server was working extremely hard and cared about our experience. In other words, she was making lemonade out of the lemons management had handed her. Our drinks came out quickly. They were great. You can tell the bartender really knows what they are doing and are very talented. The drink had so many different flavors and qualities. We were impressed. I recommend coming here for drinks, only. The bread was pretty stale but was nice to eat while we waited. The appetizers took just under 15 minutes, a little longer that I would have liked. Rachel told us twice they would be right out. I can tell that the kitchen was busy because after she took our order she put it right in the computer. The food that came out was very disappointing. The Ahi did not have any shape, translucence or redeeming quality. It just looked like 3 day old food. And there was hardly any of it. The chips it came with were overfried and brittle, breaking before we put any fish on it. The presentation was terrible. The fries were over cooked, hard, and flavorless. I noticed these things right away but didn't say anything because it was just beyond repair. You can tell Bijou doesn't change their fry oil much. When our appetizers had arrived our empty bread plate and dish was not taken away. I had to stack them on a counter next to us. I had to stack my empty beer bottle there to, which I had poured in a glass. None of our dishes were cleared, ever. I requested the check and it came promptly. Very awesome. Our Server gets 5 stars. She did so much with so little. The food gets 1 star, it was terrible. The bartender gets 5 stars, their drinks rock The hostess gets 5 stars, they were great. The cleanliness gets negative -2 stars (how can you have negative stars right? Its that bad) Management gets negative -10 stars for not caring about the food quality. The busser gets 3 stars. He didn't care about his job or us but how could he? Management doesn't seem to set them up for success. I would never go here again. Seriously save your money. It was a huge disappointment and not worth the $43 (w/tip).
(1)
Susan B.

Food stunk. Used a Groupon was very disappointed with the food. The best part was the bread and the champagne. The dinner had something that looked like roasted russet potatoes that loomed a bit green. They were horrible. Mast taste. Sorry guys, I don't think I'll be coming back.
(2)
Lee M.

We got the Living Social deal, (2 glasses of champagne, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 desserts) and it to put it generosity, it was OK. One if each of the items was no good. The champagne was way too sweet, the duck confit salad was greasy (not like a confit should be), the sole was undercooked and the risotto was flavorless, to cap it all off, the creme brulee was overcooked and chalky. The service was OK, I would have left $10 and felt generous, until I saw the line on the receipt, "please tip on $109 value". The ahi tartare was great, and the pork was pretty good. There are better restaurants out there, don't waste your time here.
(2)
Krystal A.

Bijou is much like a high school reunion after the restaurant has transformed into a lounge... eek! Hayward high, class of the 90's, roll call!! This is my second time eating at this restaurant. I have been here on a few occasions for drinks, once the tables are cleared and the DJ is set up. It's a nice lounge, and the only one like it in the area. I remembered the food being really fantastic so I decided to come back to enjoy some local food and write this dashing review. Servers/staff all very nice. My friend was already a little tipsy and I think he brought out the fun side of both the hostess and server. Cant you appreciate the way servers tolerate drunkies? For drinks to start, I had a glass of Pinot Noir and my friend let the server suggest his IPA and whiskey. The IPA was Hop Notch (good suggestion) and the whiskey was something he had never tried but I can no longer remember the name. I always appreciate when a server can make good drink recommendations. Bijou only has one beer on tap... no bueno! The table is served with bread and an oil that appears to be flavored with pesto or some other sauce for a nice kick. Caprese Salad: I love caprese salad - you can hardly do this dish wrong. Bijou serves up nice size beef-steak slices of tomato and mozarella. The mozarella was slightly on the drier side but still pretty good. Flat bread pizza: Good size and a nice thin crust with a crisp. A little oily but it might have been because of the meat. Flat iron steak with broccolini and mashed potatoes: The steak was a smaller portion but it was cooked to good medium temperature. It was easy to cut and seasoned well. The broccolini was fresh and crispy. The potatoes were ok... I couldn't tell if they were from a box of mashed in the restaurant. Overall I like this place... its local and has a decent menu of dishes. I would like to come back again and try some other items from the menu, and dessert.
(3)
Mychael H.

I like Bijou it's the best Bar to chill at and watch the NBA Games and & drink to have fun with your friends & families. You can have a pravite party there too.
(5)
Steve G.

Drink service wow. So awful. The restaurant was not even open. Paint event one bartender. Over priced drinks that took forever to arrive. So sad. Bijou stunk but Paint Nite w Kevin Pride was awesome.
(1)
Monica M.

I went to Bijou on a Groupon, and I am so glad that I did. They've got a Sino (Santana Row) - like ambience, there are TVs up, and apparently the restaurant turns into a club at night (I have NO idea how they are able to accomplish this, as this place is pretty small). The only difference is, I wouldn't expect Sino's dining area to smell like puke. On my way to the bathroom, we passed an area of the dining room that smelled like somebody must have puked something fierce and nasty. Whatever it was, I'm absolutely certain it was terrible when it first happened. The smell was lingering. No matter when it happened, a restaurant/bar shouldn't still smell like yack, because people eat there. The food was good, but not great. You would think that with the prices they charged, you'd be getting moderate sized portions of gourmet food, but we actually got small portions of decent food. Not to say that I am a food connoisseur of any kind, but I've eaten at many different places all over the Bay Area and just do not think it is worth it. Here's a breakdown of what we ordered: - whiskey chicken liver pate: What I was expecting to be at least a small pot of spread, was a tiny sliver of pate. I get more pate in my banh mis than I did when I went to Bijou. NOT worth the $9 we paid for it. - ahi tuna tartare: One of the better dishes we tried, but still not worth $9. We were given probably 1/4 cup of the ahi tuna. - scallop and mango ceviche: DRY. We couldn't even taste the mango in it. I didn't even know there was mango in it until it was pointed out to me! (side note: if you're looking for good ceviche, I HIGHLY recommend Pacific Catch in San Mateo/SF) - braised short ribs: Sure, these were fall off the bone. They also came with a side of mashed potatoes that were described as tasting like potatoes you can mix right out of the box at home. I tried them myself, and they lacked in flavor and consistency. They might be better if there were some chunks of potato in them and a little more seasoning. - tilapia with wild rice: The best dish out of everything we had. Still not worth the money, but the butter was the dish's saving grace. The sauce was butter based and the entire dish was doused in it, so it wasn't that bad. This honestly reminded me of a dish I had at Red Lobster the last time I was at a Red Lobster. Super buttery, but that was all there was to it. I'm really not trying to discourage anyone from going here. The food was lackluster, but maybe it gets really live on the weekends? I have to give it up to our servers, though. They were really attentive, polite, and knowledgeable. I would most DEFINITELY change-up their uniforms (currently: faded black t-shirts with the Bijou logo) to change the restaurant's appearance, but I do have to say that I appreciate the manner in which we were taken care of.
(2)
KD C.

Went there tonight with my husband. He found a great deal on groupon. I wasn't sure about going at first but I'm glad I did. The service was great, there was one young man who wasn't our waiter and he kept checking on all tables. They had a special menu for the groupon deal, appetizer, entree and dessert. Really good! My husband ordered the chicken with mango salsa, I'm not a fan of chicken-it was a bit dry for my taste but he liked it. I ordered the pork tenderloins and they were good. Dessert was great, ice cream sundae and creme brÃ»lÃ©e. I'm glad I liked it and didn't waste our time. The waitress was nice and checked on us as well. I think we will definitely come back for drinks next time.
(3)
Lydia L.

Worst dinner I have ever had. We had a groupon coupon, for a prix fixe meal for 108.. They changed their menu for it. And no matter what options you picked, the total cost would not have exceeded 80 dollars. I checked. And they asked us to tip on the 108 bill and if the service was good i wouldve been like ehh.. Okay. The service was so bad too. The waitress was inattentive and rude i was so pissed off by the end of the night. Now lets talk food I ordered the fried brussel sprouts, and i normally love brussel sprouts but they BURNED IT. Twice. And they didn't salt it so i was basically eating burnt cardboard. And then i ordered the roasted chicken thighs with mashed potatoes and this tomato sauce. The chicken was dry and no flavor, the mashed potatoes had the exact same consistency as instant rehydrated potato flakes. And the sauce tasted like marinara sauce poured from a pan. I didn't eat anything on that plate after tasting it. The only decent part was the dessert which was the Nutella bread pudding which tasted pretty decent. But overall the service and the meal was a complete disappointment and also was not worth the deal they had posted onto groupon.
(1)
Gina B.

I've been here twice, once for drinks and another time for dinner, and I had a good experience each time. I really like the vibe for Friday Night drinks. It wasn't too crowded and the crowd varied from late 20s to early 40s. The music was great ranging from hip hop to top 40 (even played some bay area classics) and it was pretty chill. I never thought of dining here until recently on Valentines Day. I was able to make a last minute (like 1 hour before) reservation and they got us in for the special prix fixe dinner which was a four course meal with wine included ($50 pp). The food was great and the staff was very friendly and attentive. I also love the ambiance and decor here. It's a chic little spot in downtown Hayward and I would definitely try it again for the regular menu.
(4)
Dennis H.

Came here a few times for dinner and the food was different yet satisfying. Their seasonal menu offers a change to the palate. Recently went yesterday and tried their butternut squash risotto as an apetizer. It was creamy and sweet from the squash but not too over bearing as to ruin the rest of the dinner. Then for the entree had the pork tenderloin with chayote and I believe peach oatmeal of some sort as the side. I enjoyed everything as to its unique but the sauce was not working for me. Tasted familiar but was unsure what it was. Had an asian twist to it. Then had the lemon poppyseed parfait. Imo it was too sweet but that can be just me. Overall a great and enjoyable dinner. The customer service was on point as well.
(5)
Luke G.

This place is a gem hidden in Hayward. One of the best restaurants around.
(5)
Kay N.

We were seated with Rachel and Tre they make a great team! Where one member doesn't have enough time for the other picks up. if they continue to work together customers will be h. Rachel knew her menu and knew her stuff. Exquisite taste in fine dining and you can ask her honest recommendations. Thing is everything is good.
(5)
Paula G.

Believe it It's OVERPRICED. We went here in hopes that it was going to be a different experience. A better one. When we started, the paper menu had water marks and stains on it. It was not presentable. Our server greeted us and she was friendly, however not attentive. Bread: The oil that came with the bread was cilantro oil and that was good. My husband wanted balsamic vinaigrette with his oil so we asked the server to bring us a side of. Instead, they gave us vinaigrette salad dressing. Appetizer: He had Scallop Baked in a puff with tomato mousse. It was ok. Usually when you say scallops, it's the big kind. The salad that came with it did not compliment the dish at all. I had the Ahi Tuna Tar Tar which was good and then I got to the Wasbi and Sriracha smear and that ruined the dish for me. It as overpowering and too spicy for a refreshing ahi tuna tar tar. Entree: He has spare ribs with garlic mashed potatoes. The spare ribs sauce and the mushroom that came with it was good, but not great. The garlic mashed potatoes felt too smooth like it came out of a box and you couldn't even taste the garlic. I had the trout on pesto sauce and garlic mash. It was ok. It was something I can cook at home and the pesto wasn't that much great either. It wasn't an over the top meal as I would expect for a expected ticket price of $109. Dessert: He had macaroon ice cream sandwich. That was actually good however there was not pretty way of eating it. I had the creme brulee. I am a HUGE fan of creme brulee and it was thee worst creme brulee I have ever had. It literally was served on a saucer bowl on top of a regular plate. It was so plain and the presentation was underwhelming. I took a bite of it and it felt like it has been sitting there for awhile because it tasted like it came out of a "ready made" creme brulee. The two glasses of champagne that came with the Living Social Deal was way too sweet and it tasted more like sweet sparkling wine. My husband kept saying that our server was an order taker, not a server. Never again bijou. NEVER AGAIN!
(1)
Peter B.

I was here for New Year's Eve and they had a four course special menu which was nicely done. The dessert was fabulous including a bread pudding with ice cream and chocolate sauce. The appetizer was good and the lobster bisque was particularly salty. The arugula salad was fantastic with pears included. The main entree was flank steak which was average and a bit chewy and fries were a bit unexpected. The accompanying asparagus was great. My companion's scallops were excellent. This qualifies as a hidden gem in Hayward.
(4)
Erin S.

Neighborhood gem. Entertaining and friendly bartenders and staff, good food and drinks.
(5)
Marcus S.

9 years later and it's still the spot in Hayward....If you're accustomed to excellent service, fine dining, with a social atmosphere most institutions couldn't pay to have, it comes with an owner who takes pride in his business and it shows in his employees.
(5)
Sha'Ran L.

My God Sister and I had a lovely time, in a low-key semi-swanky modern atmosphere. There's plenty of seating options, whether you prefer outside dining on the Ave, open window seating, bar seating, lounge seating, and or traditional dinner table seating. The menu is pretty selective as they craft speciality items. But for what it's worth, the food is pretty delicious. We both ordered different flatbreads to share the experience - they are rich in flavor and texture and definitely filling! After we wanted to try out the desserts, we had ordered a peach bread pudding to share and when they brought it out to us, we instantly ordered another one. (It's portion size is definitely suitable for one person.) When it gets busy, the waiters do get a little behind, as any restaurant would. But they are always prompt and happy to assist you and answer any and all questions truthfully. As for the prices I would definitely say they are fair for what you receive.
(3)
Cara S.

I just had the best experience dining here! We purchased the four person Groupon and brought family visiting for the Holidays. All four of us were equally impressed. Anna was a fantastic server. The runner/bar back/helper was quick and efficient. They refilled sodas and water before we ran out. Everything we had tasted perfect and came out in a timely matter. Portions were maybe smaller than other restaurants but perfect!Both of us ladies and both of our big guys said that everything was perfectly sized, since we had two courses and a dessert. Our plates looked elegant, and Just delicious. Our delicious were amazing. Came with a glass of champagne as well. Oh! Our server pointed out that we might be newbies because only one of us ordered the croissant bread pudding with vanilla bean ice cream and Nutella, which apparently is a huge fan favorite. She hit the nail on the head! Our creme brÃ»lÃ©e was perfect and creamy with a hard sugary shell but I'll always make sure to order one of each to share! So delish! Our guests quickly said "we will come here on every visit" and we had to agree. Thanks for the awesome service, delicious foods, and nice, relaxing atmosphere. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Janice C.

A hearty "Merci!" to the good people of Hayward for having a restaurant like this in their ... downtown. (it's a VERY small downtown) We were looking for a nice, chic bar/resto to pass the time and catch up. I sipped on a French 75 (made with Plymouth Gin and only $10!) while my pal asked for an Old Fashioned without those damn oranges and cherries. The bartender accommadated his request and made us both happy with speedy service. Their fries need work. Put some salt on that plate!
(4)
Danyelly F.

After being a regular at this establishment I was asked to leave because I brought a beer from the burger place across the street. Although I apologized and gave the beer to the waiter with no argument, he threw my beer away and then told me I had to leave. Myself and my two other friends left and will NOT return. I WILL BE SURE TO GIVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK TO ALL MY NETWORK! #BADBUSINESS
(1)
LyonQueen P.

This is a cool local spot. I came here last night with a friend to check out the place. The restaurant location is in downtown Hayward close to all the trendy spots in the area, so parking is a bit of a hassle. Dinner reservations was at 7pm. There were a few people in the bar/lounge area for happy hour. We sat in the dining area, and first ordered a couple of drinks. My friend had the raspberry mojito and I had some other specialty drink. Both drinks were good, but I was disappointed that my $10 specialty drink was not filled to the brim compared to all the other drinks I saw being served (should have sent it back). The noise level on a scale of 1-10 was about an 8. Very loud. There is a metal screen partition separating the bar area from the dining area for separation only. Does absolutely nothing for the noise level. So the noise from the loud lounge/bar area carried over into the dining area. My friend and I had to yell at each other to hear what the other was saying. Didn't like that at all. They have $1 oysters on Friday night, so we ordered those as an appetizer. You get about 6 with an order. My first time trying raw oysters and I must say, they were pretty good. My friend is quite the food connoisseur, and tried to get me to be a little more adventurous. So, he ordered the escargot. I may be getting a little technical, but I thought the food presentation would have been a little more dramatic. I thought escargot was served in the snail shell, propped up on a plate. LOL. I've seen it done at other restaurants, but maybe I'm asking too much. The escargot was good. Nothing to write home about, for me. For the main course, I ordered the scallops with asparagus risotto. Very good. I ate every bit of mine. On the other hand, my friend ordered the salmon with wild rice and fresh vegetables. I like salmon if prepared correctly. The salmon was dry and a little bland for my taste. We both ordered our second drink. He ordered a mudslide and I wanted a raspberry mojito like he had the first time. For some reason they had stopped serving specialty drinks. I don't remember why. So as an alternate, I ordered a raspberry cosmopolitan. It was good. But served in the wrong glass. So again, my drink looked like I was being shafted. Only filled half way in a juice glass. Not cute (I didn't even wanna take a picture of that). But both drinks tasted good. We saw a DJ setting up speakers and found out they transform the dining area into a club / dance floor after a certain time. So, we decided to stay. The DJ played top 40 R&B/hip hop. The music was cool. They just needed a larger crowd to bring the place up. We danced a little and did a lot of people-watching. Pretty funny watching one chick groping on all the "hot females" on the dance floor. Clearly the bartender wasn't doing his job. A lot of people should have been cut off from the bar a LONG TIME AGO! All in all, the place was cool. Will I come back? Ummm, I dunno. Probably not, unless I'm being invited. Check it out for yourself!
(3)
joseph b.

Got the grupon deal . It's not that bad . We were seated right away and our orders did not take long . The food is ok . We enjoy dinners where you can get small plates to try different foods. The creme brÃ»lÃ©e was not good at all. Not made fresh . The bar was too noisy due to the fact a game was one. The service was descent . I think you really don't need the grupon deal to enjoy drinks and appetizers . I might go back but there are a lot of restaurants to try . Overall 3 stars but really nothing to special that makes me want to be back soon
(3)
JoAnn L.

The food was mediocre and the service spotty at best. We had a 7:30 reservation on a Saturday night and were seated within five minutes. Bread and pesto dip were brought over immediately but the waiter was nowhere in sight. After about ten minutes, I asked a busboy if he could find a waiter for us. It took another fifteen minutes for our drinks to arrive - one beer, one soda and one mixed drink. We ordered from the small plate menu. Chicken liver was tasteless. The ribs were tasty and the ahi was delicious. The shrimp with pecans was bland. The beet salad was alright. The table was cleaned regularly with crumbs swept away and plates replaced - always a nice touch. The waiter didn't come by to see if everything was okay and didn't ask if we wanted additional drinks. Considering the mark up on beverages, this is a poor marketing strategy. When the plates were cleared, we waited another fifteen minutes for the waiter to ask if we wanted to see a dessert menu. Not a disaster but no reason to come back.
(2)
Sunil R.

I am glad that Bijou seems to be doing well and thriving. Have been here a few times in the past few months and enjoyed both time. Was there for drinks with some friends a while ago and today for brunch with family. The brunch options was limited but they were all delicious. I got to try the fried chicken with waffle, crepes, eggs benedict and french toast and I liked all of them. Service was friendly and prompt. It has a nice vibe and reminds me of a restaurant/lounge in SF with the decor, lighting and music.
(4)
Robia C.

My review is very specific to the bartender who did not make my experience an enjoyable one. Bijou hosted a Paint Nite, which I was really looking forward to. I go up to the bar to order my drink. He asks what I would like, while while he finishing up a mojito for his previous order. I ask for a cider. He finishes the mojito and rings it up. He goes to the people at the end of the bar and ask what they would like, makes their drinks, then returns to me asking what I would like a few minutes later. I ask again for my cider. I also ask for a glass of water for my boyfriend. He gets my cider, and we wait for the water. He fills two water glasses and gives one to the each group next to us. And I can tell they were confused because no one asked for water. The Paint Nite starts up, so we return to our seats water-less. My boyfriend asks for a water while the bartender was walking around. He returns with a water, placing it on the edge of an un-level surface.. the glass tips over and spills completely into my lap. He then walks away, not even pausing. My boyfriend stops him, and the guy looks at my boyfriend as if he knocked over the glass. This guy was the worst. Side note: the cider was really good, and the bar list looked like it had some good cocktails, but I probably won't be back to try them.
(1)
Quy Don P.

We got a voucher deal for this place and boy was the food underwhelming (especially at its price). The fish and chicken that we got were a little dry and the dessert wasn't anything spectacular. Place is a little swanky...I felt like it was forever arrested at the transition between day bar to club.
(2)
Amber S.

Found a groupon and couldn't pass it up. It sounded like a great deal almost to good to be true. Three course prix fixe meal with champagne included for two people cost of $39.00, it was worth a try. Made reservations (as noted on the deal) for the same day. I called on Thursday at 2:30 for reservations at 6PM not an issue. Walked right in and was greeted by the hostess, seated and given the prix fixe menu. I chose the steak salad, scallops over risotto and the chocolate mousse cake. But of course Hubs and I ordered our adult bevies too. I had the kiwi cocktail and he had the blackened sidecar (both were delicious almost dangerous I could have downed a few). The first course the app came and we both enjoyed it. The steak was served warm over mixed greens with cucumber and tomato tossed in a light vinaigrette. After a little while our entrees arrived. Wow! I have to say the scallops were cooked perfectly and the risotto was light, moist and cheesy. It was delicious. I was disappointed when I finished I wanted more. But it wasn't long before the croissant pudding was presented. The server topped the pudding with vanilla ice cream and warm Nutella. Anything and everything is better with Nutella. The pudding was wonderful with custard, chocolate and ice cream. This was Hubs choice for dessert. He never let's me down. I ordered the chocolate mousse but took it to-go since I was stuffed. Since last night I did enjoy a few nibbles and it was good with the vanilla and chocolate mousse over a thin layer of chocolate cake. The other half is in the fridge and I don't know how long it will last. Service was good. Our waiter did take off for long periods of time. The other staff refilled our waters and he did come back around. I loved the atmosphere. It was lounge like with contemporary decor, large bar and open seating. There were lots of people enjoying themselves drinking and watching sports in the two TVs. It was differently worth the groupon deal. Without the deal our bill said it was over $124. I don't feel it would have been worth it. There were quite a few tables dining with the groupon and a travelzoo deal. They both have separate prix fixe menus.
(4)
Betty B.

Friday night club scene was nice.
(4)
Robin K.

Usually come here when we have to wait for a table at Buffalo Bill's for drinks. They have a nice bar and good selection. The drinks are good, except they seem expensive! We only ordered appetizers and they were pretty good. The vibe is nice!
(4)
Rong Y.

Went here this afternoon at 5 with a Groupon. Food was delicious. Love the flavor for the ribeyes and tuna. Very friendly service too. My only complain is there is some weird smell when we step into the door.
(4)
Bruce L.

Visited this restaurant with groupon for 4 people. Food was great with different flavors and well prepared. We went back again for second visit and it was as good as the 1st visit. We'll for sure go back again and the groupon coupon really helps to save some money.
(5)
Fiona Y.

I really wanted to like this place, I really did. I was so excited to come here and try their menu with the groupon I bought. We had a reservation for 7 and came then, not too many people in the restaurant but people soon started rolling in. It was very dark inside, at least from where I was sitting. I could barely see anything, I know this is also because it was around 7:00 and the sun hadn't set yet so the lights didn't really turn on yet either. It made it difficult to actually see what I was eating tho. Onto the food, I ordered a lemonade while my boyfriend got the champagne. Pretty standard lemonade. The waitress brought us some bread with a cilantro japaleno oil dipping sauce. The bread was thinly slices french bread (I think, think more like sourdough). The bread was cold tho and the dipping sauce was way too oily for my taste. We ordered the scallop ceviche and I got the ahi tuna tartare. These were pretty delicious but the ahi tuna tartare had a little bit too much soy sauce and that made it pretty salty. The scallop ceviche was good but after a few bites, you get overwhelmed with the lime flavor. You can't taste the mango in it at all either. We both agreed the ahi tuna tartare was the winner of the two. Mine came with only one orange mayo sauce tho, unlike some of the other yelpers who ordered it and came with a green sauce as well (I just noticed that it's supposed to come with two different sauces, maybe they got lazy?) Next, we ordered the ribeye that came on the fixed groupon menu. Yet, when we got our dishes, we didn't get ribeye with french fries. We got short ribs with mashed potatoes. No explanation or anything. I tell the waitress that we ordered ribeye and this must be a mistake because this was not what we ordered. Now the waitress tells me that they don't have ribeye today and this is what they have. Why didn't she care to tell us this when we ordered? I wanted ribeye, not a substitute. If you had told me you didn't have ribeye today, I would've ordered a different dish. I was definitely not happy. The short rib dish was just plain. The garlic mashed potatoes were cold and didn't have any garlic flavor at all and the short ribs by themselves were lacking in flavor. If it didn't have the sauce (which I didn't care for too much), it would've been completely tasteless. I definitely wish I had asked her to send it back for a different dish. The only dish we both really enjoyed was the nougat glace. My boyfriend got the chocolate sundae which was just your standard two scoops of chocolate ice cream plus whipped creams and some shaved almonds. I loved my nougat glace. It was so light and airy tasting, not at all too rich or sweet because it's meringue and it was mixed with nuts and had a raspberry coulee which just made it even better. When the check came, we saw that they had written a suggested amount for gratuity and they based it off of the supposed $118 value that you get from the groupon deal. I found this completely ridiculous. I added the actual value of our dishes and it came out to only around~$70 and they expect us to pay gratuity for $118? I definitely don't see the rationality in that. Overall, the low rating is because I would not come back here again because the food is just okay and hardly worth the actual menu price they normally charge for it and also because I just felt like it wasn't a good experience dining here. I really do appreciate all the service we got but I wish they could've done things differently.
(2)
Terri N.

I visited Bijou for brunch after scoring a pretty good brunch for 2 deal off Travelzoo - based on other reviews, this place certainly does plenty to appeal to the social media crowd, which is cool cuz it brings non-neighborhood people in and helps spread the word. Unfortunately Bijou isn't a joint I'll be anxious to return to. We were limited to a very short menu, which even had 'Travelzoo Brunch Menu' printed on top. How classy and welcoming. We were given only 2 drink choices, a pear bellini or a mimosa, but I will definitely give props to the pear bellini, I will be trying replicate that bad boy at home! I went with the Eggs Benedict, and my friend opted for the Crepes Parisian and a mimosa. Without knowing what the prices on the items were since we prepaid, the portions were a very reasonable size - we both left feeling full and not stuffed after cleaning our plates, which is a nice thing! When my plate arrived though, I could see white towel fuzz all over the plate. The hollandaise was also quite cool, and since it was poured all over the food plus puddled on the plate for the meal to sit in, nothing was particularly warm. The flavors were nice though, and the poached eggs were cooked beautifully. A major downside to this place, despite the fun nightclubby decor inside, is that all that separates the dining room from the bar is a see-through metal drape. Sunday brunch isn't exactly a fun relaxing experience during football season. The bar was filled with guys cheering loudly with every play. While they are making the most of a cozy space, the dining room suffers for it. Another small but important detail - there wasn't even salt and pepper on the table. Yes I know a properly cooked meal shouldn't need additional seasoning. But it made the efforts of the place seem a bit half-assed. This location is also clearly old - paint is peeling off the walls, and the tables have considerable wear. There was also a strange odor in the restaurant when walking in - reminiscent of a bar, which wouldn't have been odd. Based on the general shape and layout of the space, I'm guessing this WAS a bar that got partially converted to a restaurant to gussy up the neighborhood and bring in nightlife. If the food had really been stunning, and my plate hadn't been wearing a terrycloth coat, I might have urged more friends to brunch at this joint. But based on today, that won't be happening. While I think this is likely one of the nicer joints in the area, it would be worth the drive to head into, say, Pleasanton or Danville and find a restaurant that isn't lacking in so so many ways.
(2)
J L.

The last couple times we were there, the black bartender with the cap was rude. Last time he told us we couldn't stand in the bar area in the front by the window. Other people were standing there! Then he said we couldn't order off the bar menu that was on the bar. He said it shouldn't have been out like it was our fault & took it away. He did allow us to order a drink from the menu but with an attitude. Oh, he also said he wouldn't be able to come out to bring us our drinks, which we didn't ask him to any way. We then sat down on the benches in the bar area. The tables in front of the benches had been removed. (Apparently, they do that when the DJ is getting ready to start). Then a group in the corner was brought a table by the short Asian bartender. We asked if we could have one and were told it was only if you ordered bottle service. Well guess what, they were served drinks...didn't see a bottle. AND the corner tables drinks were delivered to them!! Wow..I guess we aren't part of the in crowd. We finished our drink and left. We will not be going there any more.
(1)
Damali R.

My friends treated me to dinner at Bijou for my birthday and we had a phenomenal time and MEAL. Our server was extremely friendly and provided fantastic information about the food and drinks. I started my night with the Conquistador. That drink was the best cocktail I've had, hands down. I probably ordered too many dishes (I was stuffed before completing my main course) but enjoyed every bite. The crab salad was good, but the Ahi Tuna Tartare and Chilean Sea Bass were divine! Loved these two dishes AND I can't say enough about dessert. The croissant bread pudding was sinfully delicious. I'm planning to make this birthday dinner an annual treat. Plus, I'm going to work on finding other special occasions to dine at Bijou. Highly recommend it. It is our own slice of foodie heaven here in Hayward.
(5)
Sandy W.

This restaurant has a nice environment and I really love their perfect pace at serving food. Sometimes I can get really impatient at restaurants, but today Bijou did a perfect job at serving my family at just the right pace! Finally the last reason why I gave this restaurant a five star is because their food is DELICIOUS!!!! I loved all the food we ordered. Looking forward in coming back next time!
(5)
Michelle H.

Good drinks. Had the House's Special Manhattan. They use my favorite brand of cherries for Manhattans so that was a plus. We had the fries for an appetizer-fresh and hot, the samurai aioli was yummy too. I ordered the salmon. It was cooked perfectly. I would order this again. My hubby ordered the portobello flatbread pizza and he really like that too. Next time save room for dessert!
(4)
K M.

I hate to say it, but after reading all of those crappy reviews, I was nervous when the bf bought me the amazon deal for this place. We showed up for our reservation at 6:30 and were sat within just a few minutes at a nice time. Seemed like every single person who was there had a groupon or something of the like. We ordered our food, and everything came our served promptly, warm and delicious. There were some things we would have wanted to order differently, but only because we expected a little more on the plate or a little different texture of what we ordered. All in all, I was very pleased for my first time coming to this place. Great service, fast clean up, warm food and nice ambiance. Don't believe all of the hype with the crappy reviews and go try this place out for yourself.
(5)
Robert A.

This place is good. Nothing to wow about. Just good. The atmosphere/ambiance is young and modern. It gives it a fun vibe. Their bartender makes some good cocktails The food is good although did not wow me. It was not horrid but I was not something to go home and tell the family and neighbors about either. If I want a cocktail and am in the area, I will get one there. As I live in Oakland, I doubt I will go out if my way to go back here to eat.
(3)
colleen b.

Bijou is pretty solid. I have been quite a few times and really enjoyed myself. The food is tasty and fresh. They have a fairly diverse cocktail menu which I have made use of. The decor is modern but it can get loud in there during peak times. The reason I am writing a review now is because my husband and I had such a wonderful customer service experience there a few nights ago. As with any restaurant there will be hiccups but the true test of good customer service is how it is handled. I must say that Hannah is an amazing server. Not just this one time but also in the past. I feel like she really cared about our experience. She went above and beyond what I would have expected to make sure we were happy and satisfied. She has done this on two separate occasions and I feel like she deserves to be recognized for the stellar service master that she is. An honorable mention goes to Suzette who very cheerful and gracious. I would also like to acknowledge the bus boy who was very sweet and quick to respond to any requests (unfortunately I did not get his name but he was working closing on Tuesday, Oct. 15th). Anyways; thank you Hannah, Suzette and unnamed bus boy for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
(4)
Joy J.

Got a Groupon for the Prix Fixe dinner menu. Food quality is good and creativity is above average. However, the portions were super small for the price it's "worth" and the BF and I left unsatisfied. Not to mention, they charged us an additional $3.50 just for the voucher on our final tab. I mean, we get it, you want to let us know to tip the original "worth" of the meal, but maybe this should be included on the fine print. A 0.01 charge is more than sufficient for this hint. Verdict: You can try to be a high-end restaurant, but make it worth it. Lower the price or increase the portions.
(3)
Kevin W.

Came here after buying a groupon for it. Awesome place to come to! Food quality is great! Pricey though but worth the money I think. A little loud for my liking for a "classy" restaurant but I guess that's just the environment. Service is great though and people are super nice. Parking lot right behind it for free parking!
(5)
Stacy X.

Quite a surprising find in Hayward! Definitely a bit on the pricey side, but the food was quite delicious 1) Poutines with ground beef: 5 stars delicious and full of gravy and cheese. 2) Ahi tuna tartare. 4.5 stars. Tuna wasn't the freshest I've had and there was all this sauce saoking around the tuna. There was a sriracha-based sauce and a wasabi-based sauce. Definitely recommend that the restaurant find another way to arrange the sauce for customers who either aren't a fan of wasabi or sriracha. 3) Sausage and mushroom pizza: 4 stars thin crust. not bad at all. Average for a pizza but nothing extremely spectacular. 4) Roasted chicken. 4 stars. Not bad, but why did they put barbecue sauce on chicken? It just tastes like a bad combination. 5) Macaroon ice cream sandwich. 5 stars. DELICIOUS. We're also super grateful the waiter managed to get us the last 2 available! Overall a pretty good restaurant, but quite pricey for what you're getting. I would definitely go again if I had a groupon like the tables near us!
(5)
Ben G.

Overall a great experience. The one thing I'd say is that I'm not super familiar with Hayward and well, the location of this place seemed a little sketch. The friend I was with kept commenting on the passersby and the plethora of cop cars driving buy; I started wondering if there should be bars on the windows of this place.... On the inside a completely different world. Very modern, good atmosphere, the bar area was fun, lively and they had the basketball game on and people seemed to be into it which is always nice. On the non-bar side, it was quieter and still very pleasant with a few less tables busy than I might expect but still a good number of people (I didn't feel like it was a ghost town). -Warm Brie: Pretty good, not amazing. The balsamic oil on the bread was a nice touch. -Bijou Sliders: Disappointing flavor; amazing presentation (little fried egg on the top; came out very professional looking). The fries were very tasty and addictive. - Mac & Cheese: Tasty, interesting noodle choice (not necessarily a fan) but somewhat forgettable overall. -Sauteed Prawns: Tasty, really enjoyed the plating (sauce with a bed of spinach). -Baby Back Ribs: Great flavor, but small ribs; not a lot on the bone so enjoy the small bites that you get. Overall great wine, great tasting food, great presentation. Neighborhood so-so; if you're in a group no problem but you probably wouldn't want to be a single female going on a late date here. Likely earlier in the day it's much nicer (I was there around 8ish).
(4)
Serena C.

Groupon deal: 3-course meal w/ 2 glasses of champagne Service: Excellent. Our server came to check on us twice during every course change. Food: Good but portions are way too small. I left feeling still hungry. Appetizer: baby back ribs and steak salad Entree: seared scallops w/ asparagus risotto and tiger prawns Dessert: croissant pudding and double chocolate mousse cake Total bill was $114.19 and since we used the Groupon deal, we only had to pay a difference of $3.41 For what's it's worth, I had a great dinner with my bF. BUT...I would not return because it's so darn expensive for such little food. And this restaurant hardly pass as French. It was so quiet for a Saturday night too.
(3)
Christin C.

Made reservations for dinner at 6pm earlier this evening with friends before heading to the Michael Buble concert. When we arrived there was no wait for walk-ins, not very many people there. We ordered the baked salmon flatbread, calamari, mac n cheese and Bijou sliders. The food was pretty good. Nothing special but the plating was nice with decent portions. Service lacked towards the end of our meal when more people started coming in. Decent food, decent service. Nice place. I'll have to go back and try the drinks sometime.
(3)
Mansi A.

Slim pickings on the brunch menu during a recent return visit to downtown Hayward's most elegantly chic restaurant, Bijou. I should've known better upon discovering the brunch menu isn't even posted on their Website... Anyway, once seated in the slightly frigid I opted to share the eggs benedict and the belgian waffle. The highlight of the eggs benedict was the bread, so I'm not quite sure what that says about the dish. The belgian waffle? Standard. Overall, a very standard meal. There has to be some draw to return to Bijou (and Hayward, of all places) for brunch...and I don't have one after dining here. Conclusion: Stick to the dinner menu.
(2)

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Address : 1036 B St
Hayward, CA, 94541
Phone (510) 888-1092
Website https://www.bijouexperience.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :4:00 pm - 9:1

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Garage, Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Music : DJ
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Bijou Restaurant & Bar

1036 B St, Hayward, CA, 94541

Bijou Restaurant & Bar Menu

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