Noelani's Lounge - San Carlos

I made a reservation here on opentable and noted that this was for a birthday surprise. I called the restaurant and left a message asking for a call back. I received a phone call from a gentleman from the restaurant confirming my reservation. During that phone call, I asked about seating for this special birthday night. He told me about the dining area and that there would be a live band. I said it sounded perfect and asked if the reservation noted it would be for a birthday dinner surprise. He said it did and they could do a special birthday dessert. Perfect right? The night we arrived, I again reminded our waitress that this was for a birthday surprise. She said OK, thanks for letting me know. We had appetizers and dinner. The check came. I paid the check. NO BIRTHDAY SURPRISE ANYTHING. When the waitress came by to pick up the cash, I finally had to ask if they were going to bring anything else out before we left, you know because of that birthday thing. She said OH YEAH, I 'LL BE RIGHT BACK. By then the surprise was over because my wife heard my question. She just wanted to leave and not make a fuss. I asked to stay. We just spent about $200.00 on dinner and they completely forgot about my request. She came back and threw down a slice of cake with happy birthday in sprinkles or something down. Now I wasn 't expecting any grand performance. But all the restaurants we 've ever been to over the years has at least sung happy birthday WITH us. To her credit, the waitress did apologize a couple of times for forgetting. My complaint is I let the place know THREE different times this was for a special birthday dinner. I even let them know as I was walking in. Place was not particularly busy that night. We just spent what my family considers a lot of money that night on dinner. At least remember the part about the surprise birthday . It got ruined because I had to ask again within earshot of my wife, who just wanted to leave at that point rather than make a fuss.

If you are looking for Hawaiian food you'll find your rice, potato salad, and spam here nothing special and I prob wouldn't go back

The service is good. Food is better than expected. The ambience with music from the Islands gives you a feeling of wanting to be in Hawai'i , feeling the sea breeze and enjoying the scenery.

Been here for lunch, brunch, happy hour dinner, parties. Always enjoy the food, especially the ahi tuna nachos with taro chips and the hurricane fries. Happy hour best bet for cocktails and discount off of most food items. Will always come back. Delighted that it is also affliated with American Airlines AAdvantage Dining and UPromise programs which is an extra added plus to the already excellent food and service.

We went for the live music and ended up loving the food and drinks. My volcanic eruption was amazing and our small plates were so ono! Kudos to the chef! We will definitely be back.