Hibachi Tiki Hut Co-owners John Seefeldt and Lorien Flinn stand proudly in their new restaurant near Broadway and Myrtle, which will serve barbecued steaks, fish, sandwiches and more. — Photo by Diego Cupolo
It took a bit longer than expected, but the grill is fired up at The Hibachi Tiki Hut and the owners are eager to serve wood-fire barbeque cuisine in an area more commonly known for its deep fryers. To celebrate, the restaurant will host a grand opening party tonight beginning at 7 p.m. with music by DJ CAV, which will likely extend late into the night.
Co-owners John Seefeldt and Lorien Flinn began construction on the Tiki Hut last winter with the hopes of bringing a dining alternative to the Myrtle-Broadway neighborhood they call home. Within seconds of opening the menu, their focus is clear: Meat… and a large variety of it ranging from organic cheeseburgers to filet mignon and wild coconut curry swordfish steak – all grilled over the flames of burning hickory logs.
"Eating the food around here on a daily basis gets tiring," Seefeldt said. "Your choices are Chinese, ‘Spanish,’ pizza and that’s it, so we’re here to fill the void. I mean, who wouldn’t want some barbeque around here?"
Prices are moderate and should satisfy just about every low-budget diner considering half the menu is under $10. A hot dog platter is $5, most burgers and sandwiches are about $7, and all entrees, excluding the steaks, are below $20. The Tiki Hut’s steaks are USDA Choice cuts selected by David Weber, who once butchered and graded meat for Peter Luger Steak House, and Flinn says they are a bargain for their price.
"Our meat is prime choice," she said. "Usually, when I eat steak I have to spit out half of it because it’s too hard to chew, but the steak we have here just melts in your mouth. It’s so amazingly delicious."
For those vegetarians reading this and squirming in disgust, the menu also includes salads and grilled portobello mushrooms, advertised as "the vegetable version of steak." There are also wild littleneck clams and shrimp cocktails for those looking for seafood in the neighborhood.
The journey to opening day was much longer than originally planned for Seefeldt and Flinn. Last time I spoke to them they said the place would be open by July, but the preparations hit a few snags, including a construction worker stealing their cash register, never mind the long city inspection process.
Now in its complete form, the small restaurant is decorated with bamboo walls, tiki statues and thatch hanging over four table booths. A bright 200-gallon fish tank lines another wall, and will be stocked with tropical species including a lion fish and sand shark by Anchor Aquarium Service. Most impressive is the bathroom "cave entrance" which is sculpted to look like the unique rock formations found in the Seychelles. To use the bathroom, customers will have to duck into the cave and then push a button to make the door roll down from above like a garage.
"What do you call that kind of door?" I asked, marveling at the odd creation.
"A Star Trek door," Flinn replied.
The Hibachi Tiki Hut
890 Broadway (at Belvidere Street) |
718-443-5027
Hours: Tue-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 a.m., Sun 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Entrees: $5-$27
Matt September 18th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Niiiiiice. liquor license?
savage severe September 18th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
A star trek door?
ditmars st. resident September 19th, 2009 at 6:05 am
Hopefully it lives up to its reputation, but definatly having dinner there soon.
bushwickitywack September 20th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Had dinner at the Hibachi Tiki Hut this weekend. I really wish BushwickBK wouldn’t just tell us about new places but have a real critic on board to review them as well.
As far as the “hut” goes, it leaves much to be desired. The poorly designed interior consists of booths too small to sit comfortably in, a garbage can, a mop bucket, some tacky glass case that houses dj equipment, and a ridiculously dysfunctional bathroom door. The worst is this bathroom door (not impressive at all, Diego). You have to duck under the door to enter the bathroom and then find the button to get the damn thing to close…awful. Good luck not hitting your head…this has to be a code violation! It seems that so much unwarranted attention was given to the bathroom entrance that the rest of the space suffered–it feels like a hair salon.
But even worse than the design is the smoke. It hits you like a brick wall when you walk in. After sitting at a table for 5 minutes you start to question whether you can stay and actually have a meal. Eyes watering, beer in hand, I waited for my food. The post on BushwickBK made the food at the “hut” sound promising. If the food is good, you can always order take out and not have to deal with the place.
As suspected, the food was nothing special. The Hibachi Tiki Hut is a glorified food truck. I had a sandwich since the lunch menu includes the only affordable dishes at the “hut”. $7 for a sandwich and a side is acceptable. The entrees however are another story. I don’t see how anyone will ever drop $24 for an entree at this place. The atmosphere is just unbearable.
How was that sandwich, you ask? Not bad, but not good either. Some meat, cheese, lettuce, onion, and tomato on a piece of bread…like the kind of sandwich Eddie Murphy’s mom makes at home and not the kind you go out for.
I think the Hibachi Tiki Hut could benefit from a little design, an exhaust fan, and a more affordable dinner menu. I hope they do well.
Lorien September 20th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Bushwickitywack,
We can definitely appreciate that the smoke is an issue and one we are addressing and plan to remedy as soon as the budget allows with an upgraded exhaust system that will likely run us several thousand dollars. Sorry that our hood system is not quite up to snuff, but it is a situation we couldn’t forsee and it is a BBQ steak house with a woodburning fire with smoky woods such as hickory, applewood and mesquite.
I’m sorry you thought our entrees were out of your price range but that is why we offer a variety of very tasty grilled sandwiches. What praytell were you hoping for on your sandwich that would make it “worth going out for”? All our meats are grilled over a woodfire and we are quite clear on the menu what it comes with, including the nice warmed baguette or a sesame brioche. You make it sound like we make it on wonder bread. And as you say, “as suspected” it seems like you came in with a predisposition to be disappointed, which is of course going to be your experience. I wish I could find a hair salon as cool as The Hibachi Tiki Hut; perhaps you could tell me where you’ve been that it reminded you of so I can go get my hair done there.
If the booths weren’t comfortable for you, perhaps you don’t take very good care of yourself and overeat regularly, as yes they are not very large, as we did not have that much space to work with which is why we also offer extremely comfortable leather bar chairs with cocktail tables which you could have certainly moved to if you found the booths uncomfortable.
I am with you that the mop bucket is less than desirable, and am sorry that it was not covered when you were in. You did come on our opening weekend, and we thank you for that, but as you may suspect, there are aspects to any new restaurant that need to be worked out.
And btw, RIF, reading is fundamental, and if you’d read the notes next to the bathroom door entrance buttons or the front of the menu, you would have realized that the panel goes up to 6’2″ if you really didn’t want to duck under the panel, or the server would have been happy to give you a quick run down.
The entrees include high quality steaks, fish, and organic chicken. Guess you haven’t got shopping lately or you might have a better understanding of the cost of food, as most of our food is organic, the salads, hamburgers and chicken and it costs us quite a bit to buy them and we price them as low as we can. As a matter of fact, we have served quite a number of steaks so far and they have met with nothing but rave reviews and those patrons are begging us for menus for their friends and sending loads of people our way because the only thing comparible in this neighborhood is Peter Lugers and we have no interest in competing or trying to be them. We just want to make the tastiest meats in Bushwick and hope that our much more affordable prices will appeal to the people in our area.
If we’re too expensive for you, there is always the Mexican place next door that doesn’t even have permits or a food handlers license, but you can get a taco there for $2. Knock yourself out.
Thanks for the comments. We appreciate the criticism, as we certainly want to improve what can be improved, but clearly you came wanting to be disappointed.
Sincerely,
Lorien
BrooklynJTrain September 20th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Lorien…
I will be checking your place out very soon. However, your response to bushwickitywack was very unprofessional in a few ways. You will get these types of reviews from certain people who will always find the glass half empty. But you as the owner should learn to answer them back in a way that is not insulting number 1 and why the cheap shot at the Mexican place next door. I have eaten there and the food is quite good. I have never gotten sick not to mention that Antonio the owner is a nice guy. A food handlers license means absolutlely nothing in the real world. My 7 year old daughter can study online and pass the test with flying colors just like most do.
Your menu sounds great and i cant wait to try the steak. But you really should tone it down a bit cause you will lose more customers than you will gain with insulting rebuttals. And leave your neighbor out of it.
lord vader September 21st, 2009 at 12:06 am
Hey BUSHDICKITYWACKER,
It seems pretty pathetic of you to slam a new place that just opened after reaching into you pocket for a mere 7 dollars..shameful. as for your comment on the “tacky” dj booth who cares really??The place isnt claiming to be a club and i thought the music was good as well as the food having eaten there myself this weekend.Whats up with the Eddie Murphys mom comment too? Have you ever had a sandwich made by Eddie Murphys mom or does Eddie Murphy just remind you of your own mother?You sound like a wanna be food critic or a very pretentious failed architecture student,either way you really need to lighten up!I think this place is going to do good and is defintely a nice change of pace to the neighborhood!
err September 21st, 2009 at 8:38 am
Are those straight-from-the-crate things pictured above the “extremely comfortable leather bar chairs?”
Lorien’s response makes it sound like this place is seriously undercapitalized and in danger of going under before it’s had a chance to work out the kinks. Shame.
Floyd5591 September 21st, 2009 at 9:23 am
Jeez – defensive much?
Professional Alternative September 21st, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Amazing that business owners think it’s okay to trash their customers or discount their bad experiences. This has shades of Janet Corona.
Ryan September 21st, 2009 at 5:57 pm
holy god that was a snarky response from lorien.
not really a smart move, as it doesn’t really make her or the establishment look very confident.
i’ve posted some harsh reviews on yelp and gotten responses from the owners basically saying ‘thanks for the criticism, what can we do to improve?’
i guess she’ll learn the hard way.
bushwickitywack September 21st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Really? I was just offering my criticism in the hopes that this place could improve. I’m all for new options in the neighborhood. But, this place is clearly not an option for me as much as I would like it to be.
The owner’s response was just out of control. I know this is your baby, Lorien. But, you need to learn to take some criticism and benefit by it.
I had no preconceived ideas walking in there. I was actually excited after having read about the menu on the blog. But, I was disappointed. Oh, and FYI, nobody wants to read instructions on how to operate a useless door when all they want to do is go to the restroom. You are in no way too expensive for me but the overall experience does not justify the bill. I stand behind my comments 100%.
Readers…Go check this place out for yourself and let us know what you think.
gooddaybk September 21st, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I too went into the Hut and the smoke was eye-watering. The rest of the evening I smelt like a big fire pit. It was a bit scary to see the chef come out from the kitchen wearing swimming goggles! If I wanted to pay 16+ dollars for a meal I would go to Northeast Kingdom where the food is great and the environment is very enjoyable. Sitting under the JMZ track looking at a huge fish tank with 2 fish is not how I want to spend my evening. Best of luck Lorien.
Andrew September 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
Okay, so I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet but I do think it was inconsiderate of bushwickitywack to slam this new place so harshly in such a public forum. Lorien and John are trying to do something good for the neighborhood, and they’ve spent a lot of money to do it. You’d get upset too if someone in post #4 on the mostly widely-read neighborhood blog wrote up a hatchet job based solely on one evening’s experience (and on an opening night, to boot). It’s a neighborhood restaurant; give them time to work out the kinks and have folks come in and see for themselves if they like the place. Personally, I’m looking forward to my first experience there: the menu looks great, the prices are good.
You’re inviting bad karma, bushwickitywack. Be nice, not mean. Trust me, wonderful things will happen.
Lorien September 22nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
First of all, I want to thank everyone for reminding me that I am not above plenty of criticism and that criticism isn’t just mean, but always helpful and constructive, regardless if on first reading it sounds that way. I fell into the trap of taking Bushwickitywack’s comments personally and admit that I was absolutely offended by some of them. I am sorry for that and for my unprofessional response as though I did try to address the aspects of his comments that could be improved, you who noticed were absolutely right in that I was defensive and snarky. At the time, I felt quite justified, but I see now I was writing through the smoke colored lenses of this place indeed being my baby and wanting everyone to love it. Not at all cool. I’m sorry to have let my ego get out of control and really appreciate everyone’s input that has put it in check. Thank you.
The truth of the matter is there is a lot of room for improvement. We believe in our food, but the smoke is definitely an issue; we think we’ve got the eye watering aspect under control with the door open and a fan, but the truth is if you eat in the dining room, you’ll probably always have the lingering smell of a campfire on your clothes. We have to work out the kinks in how to make our space, which is rather small, work for everyone and not just us. (Mop bucket, trash can…) I’m sorry to anyone in the future who might be offended, but it is likely that we are just stuck with having that trash can in the dining area, but will make sure it is covered and keep the interior clean so it isn’t otherwise offensive.
If you do come in and something isn’t working for you, please let us know so that if we can remedy a situation at the time, we have the opportunity to do so.
Thanks again for keeping me human, and again, I humbly apologize for offending anyone by being snarky and defensive.
Lorien
Professional Alternative September 22nd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Very classy, Lorien. Good luck!
theMW September 22nd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Just had a PERFECT NY Strip. Go for the steak, and the rest will fall into place. The flavor, texture, and medium-rareness were all slammin. Seriously – if you want a ridiculous steak, you don’t have to leave the neighborhood. Also, the owner was very sweet and he obviously really cares about what he’s doing and if he’s pleasing people.
sophia September 22nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
i am really excited that new businesses are opening up in our neighborhood and i want to support them even if they have some kinks to work out. this place has so much potential. it’s another option, which we are sorely lacking on broadway. has a good bar vibe too. i am willing to deal with it evolving and hopefully getting better with time. this is definitely because the food was great. i am happy to pay for organic meat that is prefectly cooked. thanks for a yummy dinner and drinks.
Courtney September 22nd, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Food was awesome, smoke and bathroom were awful. I reviewed it more in depth on Yelp, and it seems like theMW followed me :).
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-hibachi-tiki-hut-brooklyn#hrid:D4jr0zMIkVPy7h4d6F4P1A
Really really great food, and I accept Lorien’s apology about overweight people and the booths. My 6’4″ roommate did not want to sit in them, but the cocktail tables aren’t great for those of us who are 5′. Enough comments/complaints and they’ll fix that too.
tron September 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I love Hibachi Tiki Hut already. I went in yesterday and discovered my neighbor there. The place definitely felt like an apartment that had just been moved into that very weekend and wasn’t a “home” yet, but I found it to be kind of endearing. A few items on the menu were not available, some electonics were not hooked up yet, and the fishtank looked a little bare. The owner was in back stoking up the grill, and the door slid open to reveal a room clouded with smoke. But man, that smoke smelled good! My nabe and I laughed about his goggles and he made a joke about how he hopes the guy has a respirator back there.
My neighbor said his steak sandwich had great flavor, but there were some fatty/gristly bites that he could not eat.
I got the steak sandwich as well, and mine was really quite good. The mashed potatoes were awesome as well, nice presentation, and I thought it was priced very well for what I got.
I liked the decor (booths are small, yes, but the place is tiny, so what can ya do?
The owner was super nice, and told me they deliver.
Yes, there are kinks to be worked out, but it’s their first week for christ sakes.
I definitely plan to go back in a week or so. The place has enormous potential and I am glad to see it there!
Good Luck HTH!
miguel September 23rd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
WOAH – i would say leave Cholulita out of this. If anything, their food is worthy of a review here. Great place so no reason for “snitching” as we say on murder ave
Noel September 24th, 2009 at 12:38 am
More fish to come. By a fish tank from Anchor. Who else is cooking organic meats in the hood? They say a giant exhaust fan is coming. The smoke issue is cute at worst. Idiosyncrasies kick ass. Isn’t that what you love about your ironic coffee tables. How many times have you left Fette Sau smelling like a trip to the Catskills. Toughen up. Buy a fish tank. Bushwick specials available. http://www.anchoraquariumservice.com. Be thankful for psychedelic entrepreneurs in the hood. Terraria and paludaria too! Check out the 5 Boroughs Terrarium here. http://www.fritzhaeg.com/studio/projects/x.html
BrooklynJTrain September 24th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Agree that Cholulita food is excellent and a bargain. And guess what i was there yesterday and asked him about the food handlers license that Lorien said he didnt have. He laughed and showed it to me and said that without it he would never had been able to open. He also said that he passed the last health inspection that was done in May 2009. He said that the Dept. of Health inspector gave him a couple violations but they were addressed immediatlely.
The pass/fail mark works on a point system. You are allowed a certain amount of violations/points and considered Pass. Also if there was no food handlers certificate he would have been shut down right then and there. I confirmed what he told me by checking out the Dept. of Health website on NYC.gov you can se every restraunts last inspection result there.
Sorry to go on talking about the above being that the article was on Tiki Hut but i just feel that it was wrong to go throw a stone at someone who had nothing to do with any negative review. I know she aplologized but i wanted to clarify that her neighbor is in fact legit and has all his permits in place.
bf October 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 am
went to tiki hut today. food was good, service was very friendly and catered to the clientele. the booths are too close together…… it would be easy to tear down and widen. and the tables, were shaky, but the best part was the fact that you could watch a bushwick b movie in front of the house.. (via the tinted window in front!) and the owner (i think) was very receptive of our needs….. a little work and this could be a gem!
p.s. if any of you douchebags cry about a little smoke and a cool bathroom door, then go elsewhere!
Diablo October 29th, 2009 at 12:45 am
I would just like to say that I know the owners of the Tiki Hut personally…This is John & Laurien’s DREAM…period.
In the short time this blog has started, you’ve seen the owners grow, especially Laurien…
Talking with John, he has always told me how he wants to have the finest food available, & how this part of Bushwick is very much like the early days of Williamsburg…cutting edge, artists, people with dreams…He so wants to give this neighborhood his imagination…something different, avant-garde, if you will…
Give these people a chance to right the problems that everyone has when they first start out…
I can guarantee they both are listening, & eventually they will amaze you to an eating experience unlike any you have seen…
John & Laurien have put everything they have into this place…to the point of living one day to the next…
Please don’t take this dream away from them…
I understand the Daily News, The Village Voice, Zagat, & The Times all have interest in the Tiki Hut…That says something right there…
Just watch this place…You wont be disappointed…
Best of luck to you both, & I know you wont let Bushwick down….
Rachel November 27th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I am really happy that the Tiki Hut is only 2 blocks from my apartment. I had the most amazing filet mignon steak there, and had a bite of my friend’s salmon and risotto which was incredible as well. The night that I heard the DJ, I thought he was great. I didn’t think the smoke was SO terrible, but it was noticeable. However, considering the fact that the neighborhood doesn’t have the largest cuisine options imaginable, I think it’s a welcome addition. Additionally, I think it’s very obvious that the owners are trying to build a creative and high quality business which regardless of any kinks in the upstart is admirable. I’ve been twice and will return! Also have been recommending the Tiki Hut to friends who have been pleased.
Ditmars St. resident January 26th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
A complete disaster! I really was looking forward to this place, only to be completely shocked about how bad it was, so bad that I can’t say one good thing, what a shame!
ChangoBi February 13th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
I basically grew up in this area and I can tell you that The Hibachi Tiki Hut adds a much needed new flavor to the neighborhood. I now live in a different area but I wish that this place was around a few years back. The price and the quality of the food cant be beat. The smoke is part of the experience. This is a place that you can go to and chill at without pretense and enjoy the vibe. I admit the bathroom door is a bit different and it took me a while to get a hang of it but its what adds charm to the place. I guess a restaurant cant please everyones needs and style but if you are a laid back person who wants great tasting food, at a good price with cool peoople this is the place to be.
sweetser March 4th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Is this place still open? Tried to stop in on Tuesday night and the gate was pulled down. Any information is appreciated.