The Hayden Reviews

The chicken biscuit and chicken waffles were outstanding. You must try these along with the potatoes for the chicken biscuit. I wouldn’t tell a lie it’s quite possibly one of the best meals I’ve had in years! Unfortunately I didn’t take pictures. :(

Ate with a group after working. Ordered meatloaf. Just be aware there is tomato sauce on the potatoes and the meatloaf. I enjoyed the meatloaf but would’ve preferred the sauce on the side.

Great food and atmosphere! Love the fish and chips!! Gabe was a great server, super friendly and knowledgeable about the food!

Tucked away but worth it! This little diner is fabulous. My mother and I visited for a late lunch and split the pastrami and Swiss sandwich. It is big enough to share and did not disappoint. Gillian was our server and was the nicest and best service provider we’ve been privileged to enjoy in a very long time. She had the kitchen split our meal so we had it on two plates. She offered a subtle hint that the key lime pie was worth a try and when we indulged ourselves, she was correct. It is topped with a whipped topping and not meringue and dusted with crushed pistachios. Not only did we agree it was a wonderful option, she comped us the dessert out of kindness and a great visit about shared interests. We will look forward to returning!

5 Stars All The Way! The Hayden isn’t just a deli; it’s a standout culinary experience in the heart of San Antonio, offering a fusion of classic and innovative flavors. Drinks & Starters: Kick off with their Celery Soda – a refreshing and unique choice. The Brussels Sprouts appetizer is a masterclass in flavor, and the Pimento Cheese Dip is simply addictive. The Whitefish Dip is well-deserving of its fame, and the Potato Latkes with Nova Lox are a must-try. Lunch Menu: The lunch menu is where The Hayden truly excels. The Ted Danson sandwich is a creative twist on traditional smoked turkey, and Elaine’s Big Salad is a delightful nod to pop culture, packed with fresh ingredients. Signature Dish: The Pastrami and Swiss sandwich is an absolute showstopper – a towering creation of pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and mustard on rye bread. It’s a dish that will linger in your memory long after your visit. Desserts: End your meal on a high note with their decadent desserts – the Nitro Coffee Ice Cream Float and the Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae are sublime, and the house-made Apple Pie is a slice of comfort. Overall Impression: The Hayden in San Antonio is a must-visit for anyone who loves great food in a cool and welcoming setting. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!

We live in the hill country and are so glad we made a special trip down to this new gem of a restaurant. We went for what we call " linner" ( lunch/dinner) and wanted to try as many of their offerings as possible!! It is very clean and decorated with a simple classiness that is very warm and inviting. The staff was very personable and attentive (but not too much!), especially Gillian. For drinks, we started with Catcher in the Rye and an Upside Down 75. We appreciate being able to choose our preferred liquor from their menu. My husband said he really enjoyed his and mine was very tasty and refreshing. We definitely want to try out the other unique specialty drinks on their menu.... it was difficult to decide which one to order as they all seem so good! We ordered the smoked whitefish spread for an appetizer. I wouldn't really call it a spread because it had chunks of the delicious smoked fish in it! It was fabulous. I could've eaten that is a main course. It came with these really great potato chips and we asked for extra veggies. Truly a treat for us! A definite must try! I wish we had more room in our bellies for the waffle iron potato latkes... next time for sure. For our main dishes my husband ordered the pastrami sandwich and I had the pork chop schnitzel. We actually shared both! Let me tell you, both of these entrées are fantastic! I've never had such moist, thick cut, flavorful pastrami in my life! I don't know what they did to the pastrami but let me tell you ....you just have to try it!!!The schnitzel was perfectly cooked and delicious. I keep looking at their menu to figure out what I want to order the next time I go! It'll be hard not to choose one of these two dishes. We also got the sweet and spicy brussels sprouts. They are aptly named and make my mouth water just thinking about them. Another must have! So yeah, it seems like we ordered a lot of food but we just had to try one of the desserts. It was a difficult decision but we ended up ordering the toasted coconut tres leches cake. Thankfully, since we were kind of full it was a light and Sweet ending to a fabulous meal. I definitely want to try the other options though! Next time we need to go with more people so everyone can share everything and we can have more samples of their menu. I love the Jewish deli inspired menu items. While not necessarily a Jewish deli, it is obvious that THE HAYDEN gives you just enough of a Jewish mother's love in each dish. Adam, the owner/manager, stopped by our table to see how things were going. He is obviously very willing to please his customers and is excited to bring to San Antonio a different kind of restaurant. If you can't go there to eat in because of Covid, take out is always a good option. This is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant but one that is definitely worth traveling to. We will be back.

The potato latte was made with mashed potatoes rather than shredded potatoes. It was very bland with no onion or salt added. It was so thick I thought it was meat at first.

We shared these wonderful dishes and savored every bite. Waffle latkes with a nice crisp bite and homemade applesauce topped with smoked salmon, whitefish salad that was perfectly seasoned, Matzoh ball soup had delightful herbs throughout a rich chicken broth, and the pastrami and Swiss cheese melted in your mouth!! Each plate was cooked and presented to perfection! Outstanding diner/deli!

The Hayden prepared a dinner for a group of us celebrating the life of my sister who was a veteran. They fixed all of her favorite dishes and we shared stories and memories. Thank you for your kindness and help during this time. The employees were fantastic. The food was wonderful.

Ate here for the first time and sandwiches were huge and delicious, with homemade chips. Ali was our waitress and she is fantastic.... knowledgeable about menu, draft beers, etc. Plan on coming back for happy hour next time!

We ordered the chicken and latke waffle and a latke starter, the server was great, it all arrived in a timely, though not quick manner. The two super thin chicken breasts were over cooked and dry, the latke was crunchy and also over cooked. When the bill came, the starter, which was on the menu for $8.99 , was billed at $9.99. The menu has a small disclaimer at the bottom saying all bill would have 2% added to pay the cook, and that it wasn’t for the tip. I understand not wanting to raise your prices and then reprinting the menu, but it was printed on the menu, so in actuality, you did raise all the prices across the board by 2%. Just pay the cooks a fair wage and cover it in the price of the food instead off trying to pretend you’re not increasing the price by blaming it on “paying the cooks a fair wage” and tacking 2% on to the bill plus over charging on an item. All of us are facing increased expenses, it’s part of doing business, it comes off petty blaming the cook.

There fried chicken sandwich was the absolute worst. And management did nothing about it when I explained to them how bad it was. We also ordered the patty melt and that was ok…not special…but edible. First and last time I go there!

As we were driving to one of our favorite Mexican breakfasts spots we passed the Hayden (Alon location) and discussedthat we had not ever had breakfast/lunch there. We changed course and we are glad we did. My wife is not an "egg" person and the menu offered many alternatives for her. I had the Breakfast sandwich and it was fantastic. My wife went for the hamburger which she has had before. She loves it but does like to request only one patty vs the two that normally are served. The food here is based on the Jewish deli concept, it eclectic and is good to outstanding. Service is prompt and friendly.

Over an hour wait for food once seated. They must have been short staffed. Nice atmosphere. Limited menu. Pricey. Popular. Trendy. Check out prices online.

This place had a great feel. Food was very delicious. We just did sandwiches, but we would definitely come back. Prices were goid as well. Addi was great.

This is our favorite lunch place! Service is outstanding and the food… omg the food! Always excellent. Get breakfast for lunch a lot, husband does soups which are always great… and 4 choices!!! Try the patty melt or pot roast.. Cannot recommend enough!

We ate at The Hayden for the first time during a fundraising event they did for Ransomed Life, a local, anti-trafficking organization. Prior to the event, we had heard great things about The Hayden. They did not disappoint! We enjoyed our food and had a wonderful experience.

Wonderful food, fun atmosphere and our waitress, Crystal, was great. Had the Reuben sandwich with fries and it was fantastic!

We called the restaurant on Sunday, May 30 to find out if they had gluten free choices. The person who answered the phone (who we later learned was the host person) put us on hold for nearly 10 minutes before telling us they had Gluten free bread. Since we had heard about this place on the TV show, Yolo, we decided to drive in from our new home near Leon Springs, a 25 minute drive. We got there at 2:40, 20 minutes from closing time at 3 PM. We were greeted at the door by the host person who we spoke to on the phone. The restaurant was about half full. She said that they were very busy and that they were not seating anyone for the rest of the day. Needless to say, we were both disappointed and perturbed as we had driven nearly 30 minutes to get there and only did so knowing that we would get there in plenty of time to be seated without being one of those "last minute" diners who walk in at 3 minutes before closing. It was a long drive back having to figure out where to get a gluten-free brunch along the way.

Based on recommendations from friends who enjoy great new restaurants, we tried The Hayden and it was wonderful. We started with the Whitefish spread, fresh carrots and celery, plus homemade potato chips. It was great. Usually I'm not a big fan of whitefish because it's too bland but this dish was full of flavor. For our entree, we split the fried chicken sandwich and it too was perfect, tender chicken on a soft roll, served with excellent cold slaw and potato salad. If great food is the barometer of future success, then this charming spot is destined to do very well. We'll spread the word with our friends and next time, I'll try the meatloaf, which I bet will be great. The service was friendly, prompt and lively. Our server really knew her stuff and won our hearts when she brought a bowl of water and some snacks for our dog.

Absolutely terrible brunch. I cannot comprehend the great reviews though it really depends on the consumer. For us, service was abysmal, coffee was tasteless and in a dirty cup and in fact one cup was cold as if it was cleaned from a table and then accidentally served to us. Eggs were clearly powdered eggs and when we returned a waffle they promptly served it to the table right next to us. Go to Full Goods Diner instead - that place is worth every cent you spend there.

We had the pleasure of lunching at The Hayden during their "Soft Open" this weekend. First, kudos to Adam (the owner) for opening a unique "Diner" style restaurant elegantly appointed with modern decor. The simple retro style creates a very welcoming, airy and casual feel. Access to the restaurant is easy and parking is plentiful. We started our meals with some specialty drinks that were excellent and, in my case, I will recommend the "Even Stevens Spritz" which reminded me of a Fresca style drink - refreshingly original. Next came the appetizers (Smoked Whitefish Spread & Brussel Sprouts) which were both a hit. For the main course, I chose the Barbacoa Stroganoff which was superb as well. A well deserved shout out to Chef Teddy for putting together a unique menu of delicious and well portioned dishes that are sure to please a wide range of palates at very reasonable prices. This is a great new restaurant that gives new meaning to the traditional Deli style diner. Highly recommend.

I gave two hours of my day to walk out of The Hayden with mixed feelings. They have a smart phone based waiting system which keeps you informed. We waited about 45 minutes for a party of three. Servers were friendly and present but not overbearing. We quickly ordered drinks then were eventually asked for our meal orders. Food arrived about thirty minutes after we were seated. All told we walked out 2 hours after we got our name the waiting list. Now for the food. My breakfast sandwich was very good. I liked the creativity behind the breakfast sandwich with barbacoa. Other menu items were fusion of traditional Jewish Deli and Texas favorites. The small fried potatoes were good and hot but lacked flavor or even a hint of spice. However my wife did not like her salad. The grilled chicken was cold and dry. My daughter did not like her chicken strip sandwich. The brioche bun was nice but the chicken strips had a turmeric like spice she did. not care for. Her homemade potato chips were very good. Cocktail and beer list looks interesting but we didn’t try any. I wouldn’t mind going back for drinks and maybe going straight for a seat at the bar. To summarize, I liked my meal, wife and daughter did not like their meals and the wait was way too long.

Our first time. The staff was friendly but the service was slow. My husband had his meal 5 minutes before myself. I was not impressed and do not believe that we will be returning.

First and last time. Food took forever while others coming in after we ordered received their food before us. Actually they were almost finished when our food arrived. My husband liked the goat and scrambled eggs. My pancakes were cold. I am so sorry we went there I was expecting a NY deli We were told the delay was due to the pancakes being so thick and the omelet “busting”

EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE!!!! We went (2 of us) there for the first time … Restaurant looks good and service (Phil) was excellent….BUT… here’s the problem: I ordered the old timer breakfast - NO TOAST - and at first I asked if the sausages were links: yes…ok. I then asked for extra sausage ($3.75) ok. When the plate arrived, the sausages were enormous so I asked what kind of sausages are they : JALAPEÑO !! I’m allergic so I said no, I can’t eat that… He said that it is written in the menu that they are Jalapeño (no it is not- see picture)…I asked, then to replace with bacon dark and crispy - I did not ask for extra bacon which, by the way, is ‘sweet’ (probably maple?) which I hate… so anyway, I ate only the yolk in the 2 eggs (which I asked for over medium) but it arrived well done.. and ate 2 pieces of potatoes .. I asked for coffee and orange juice…was not offered small or large… I got the large one - they say it’s 12 oz, but the glass is tall (6”) and narrow (2”) no way it’s a 12 oz but rather the 8 oz. Then I got the check charged me the extra bacon that I did not requested and the large orange juice and put sausages as extra but I told him no I just wanted the bacon that was included in the old timer… nope since I had requested extra sausages, now they included the extra bacon that I did not even ate as it is sweet bacon… and my total was $41…. !!!!!!!!!! I will NEVER EVER RETURNED THERE NOR WILL RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE… AND I HAVE A LARGE AUDIENCE….

Vacationing in San Antonio, Texas and ate here at The Hayden. The food was exceptional. Had the Matzo soup and pastrami and Swiss cheese sandwich. The best I have ever had. Portions large and the staff friendly and very competent. It is a must place to eat if visiting or live here. Besides visitors going to the river walk you really have to go to the restaurant while you are here. You won’t regret it. They also have two different outside dining areas too.

First visit here. Recommended by friends. I wasn’t too impressed by the menu but was very happy by the time we left. The decor is hip if not a little sparse. As with most restaurants post-Covid, the waitstaff left a little to be desired. Our waitress was young - didn’t know a lot about the drink menu, but she did find out the answers to the questions we had. A little slow on basic needs such as silverware for everyone in the party and checking on drink refills, but she was nice and relatively attentive. The happy hour offerings are good, both the food and drink, and the prices. We started with a Manhattan - good but no ice cube. The Cosmopolitan was not very good - not cold enough and came in the incorrect glass. We had the pimento cheese appetizer: excellent. Could eat that all day. Homemade chips are very well done and go great with the dip, which has a touch od spice. Moved on to an Old Fashioned, which was pretty good. At least it came with an ice cube. Also moved on to a French 75, which is not a common drink for us. New favorite - tart, refreshing, and clean. My dining companion had the Pastrami and Swiss sandwich. It was a hearty sandwich served with choice of sides. Fries were good but the potato salad was better. Their potato salad is unique: almost grated, with a good amount of herbs. I had the Chicken and Rice. Name does not do it justice. The chicken confit was excellent - crispy skin but moist inside. The broccolini was perfectly steamed: al dente with perfect spices. And the risotto- wonderful. Might not be 100% Italian style risotto, but excellent nevertheless - lots of flavor and ingredients, almost all of us left with leftovers. Very happy with the food and drinks. Ant wait to go back and try other food and drink.

Came here for a quick casual dinner after flying into San Antonio for business. I love Pastrami, but rarely order it, as it usually all comes from the same place and is nothing special. The Hayden makes their own pastrami and it is fantastic; smokey, spiced and tender as can be. They make a mean Paloma, too. The guys behind the counter could not have been nicer!

The owner opened on their day off to honor my veteran sister who had passed. Did a wonderful meal of all her favorite foods soup, cranberry dressing turkey sliders, veggies.. Everyone who attended loved this place and have made many trips back. Thank you for honoring her and serving wonderful food.

If you haven’t been here, what are you waiting for? Ebony was our server and was so informative! Ask for her! Everything was served hot- and the flavors proved that whoever is making the food loves what they do- deliciousness at its finest. Not far from downtown so take a ride over. Here’s what we ordered- Bananas Foster cheesecake - caramel swirled on the plate topped with whipped cream. The Rueben- classic with delicious potato salad Latke- served with apple sauce, sour cream and made like a waffle with a nice crunch Barbacoa French fries - foeggeddabouittt!!! need I say more? This is a must get. Old Fashion - made with Shiner whiskey Brunch punch Where do I begin? Great spot to hang out and talk, watch a game. This week they are doing a Chinese menu- an ode to all those Chinese restaurants that are open during the holidays.

Loved this place. Cool concept, trendy decor, and delicious food. Loved the beef stroganoff and the coffee and babka. We hung out for a long time snd even got to meet Chef Bill. We will definitely come back. It’s a gem for San Antone.