Haven...or Hell?

Oh Haven Gastropub. I wanted so badly to love you. Beer, gastropub fare, funky desserts; you offer everything I love under one roof, but none of that matters if it isn't executed well, and sadly Haven  falls short.

The food is conceptually sound. The usual pub foods with an upscale twist, along with some more unusual pub foods (such as lamb neck which has been the special a few of the times that I've gone) Despite the nice concept behind the food, it just misses being good. My biggest problem with Haven is that, I assume due to how busy it always is, my food has consistently come to my table cold at worst and room temp at best. The flavors are good, nothing to write home about, but good, and there is enough diversity on the menu that everyone could find something they want.  So, it isn't a total suck-fest; it just didn't wow me, and for the prices you pay, I expect to be wowed.

Aside from the food, there are some other big problems I have with this place. It's loud. I don't mean a little loud, I mean Regis Philbin would have trouble getting a word in loud, so it's very hard to carry on a conversation. The staff is my other big problem. Some, of the people that work there are extremely curt, and one time in particular I went in with my family for some drinks and the hostess very rudely told us that we had to order food or get out. Last time I checked, it wasn't uncommon for people to go to a bar for drinks, but apparently being classified as a "gastropub" means you're above that.

The one thing about Haven that falls under the realm of exceptional is the apple tart with blue cheese ice cream. I have actually gone all the way to Orange (from Mission Viejo) just to get this dessert...it's perfect.

Over all, Haven isn't really bad; it's just not particularly good. I think if you're going to grab some drinks and maybe an appetizer or dessert it's worth the trip, but for dinner? I'd save your money for a place where the food is hot and the service is good.