HAI HAI

We had such a fabulous time at Hai Hai. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a jungle-like atmosphere and some of the kindest staff I've interacted with in a restaurant in a long time! The cocktail menu is expansive and the two cocktails I tried were well balanced and delicious. For starters, we had the spring rolls and the chicken laab lettuce wrap, both of which were absolutely tasty. For a main, I had the Vietnamese crepe, which was a huge portion size and also very good. For anyone with food allergies, this restaurant was very accommodating - my dining partner had celiac and they had many gluten free and gluten free friendly options, both of which were very appreciated. Special shoutout to our waiter Jake who was very kind and a great waiter. I can't recommend Hai Hai enough and cannot wait to come back!

This a small, cozy and intimate restaurant. The service was attentive and speedy and people came around often to pick up plates.We tried different dishes and enjoyed most of them. Our favorites were the rib and fried shrimp appetizers. The flavors were wonderful and savory. The spring rolls were just okay. The noodle soup was a bit underwhelming, and the noodles had more of a pasta consistency than noodles, so it wasn't our favorite.The pork shoulder and beef entrees were very yummy too. The beef has some kick, but it is a very pleasant spice level. The drinks were tasty and unique. They have their own vodka soda "seltzers" and they are good!Overall, I would recommend trying this out! It has a unique menu with great flavors. Make a reservation because it is small and very busy.

Neede a gluten-free/friendly place to meet a friend, and Hai Hai was suggested closeby to where we were heading.This place was excellent! First and foremost, they do have a parking lot on the back of the restaurant, which is very convenient.Walking in, got hit with the scent of evrything cooking and smelled amazing. Made me hungry just standing there. The space itself is kind of a fun island decor. I had the cauliflower, which was delicious. Had a lovely heat and the coconut sauce balanced it great. Drinks were also good and got some tiramisu to take home for later.My friend also was very happy that most items were gluten-free and the things that weren't were kept separate, so she didn't have to worry about an allergy breakout.Can't wait to return and try some other items!

Went with a group of friends to celebrate a birthday. We sat in the 4 season porch that the have setup very well for winter (was there at the beginning of February), there have heating lamps on the ceiling and they get the job done. Their menu is small and that is good in my opinion. I had the chicken thighs and the spring rolls and they were delicious.

Overall just a great place. Great and unique food you won't find anywhere else in the Twin Cities, fun cocktails, reasonable prices and friendly service.

I had a lovely dinner with friends here and the service was so wonderful. The set up was a little tight but the lighting and vibe felt really nice. I got the BA drink and it was really minty and refreshing. We started with the wontons and they were spicy and so smooth! For my main, I got the Hanoi Sticky Rice and my partner got the Balinese Chicken. The sticky rice bowl was really good and flavorful and well balanced once I mixed the bowl. The chicken was overall good, but was a bit too rich with a lot of coconut milk. I love coconut, but it was overdone. We got the tiramisu for dessert and it wasn't my favorite, but my partner did like it. We also got the milk bread pudding, which was pretty good, but a bit too sweet for my liking. Overall I had a great time and I thought the meal was well balanced.

Love this spot! Northeast Minneapolis always gets the love and their restaurants are great. Hai Hai is definitely a place I recommend for that side of town for their great food and special drinks. The inside and outside of this establishment make it epic, especially in the summer. - Anthony

James Beard winner? Yes Please!Ladies night. At least a half hour wait with no reservation on a Saturday night in the summer. We sat outside. Cute environment but the little bugs all around- awful! My ankles got eaten alive!The Brussel sprouts were the major win for me here. It was almost like a sweet and sour sauce was drizzled on top. With a little tang. Very flavorful. The ribs were ok. White rice is white rice. We had a good time but it didn't knock my socks off.

I had been to Hai Hai for brunch a while back, but was excited to check out their dinner menu now that the chef won a James Beard award. Street parking nearby, but you might have to drive around a bit or walk a tad. The space itself is pretty tight and was busy on a Friday evening. I would definitely recommend reservation, if you can plan ahead. The space itself is gorgeous...fun plants and nods to the Southeast Asian origins of the food and chef. We had a great server who recommended awesome options since we weren't familiar with all the menu items. We started the night with two fun and tropical cocktails that were each a good blend of spirit and flavor. We had the spring rolls as an appetizer which were divine, and a few other small plates. The star of the evening was the Tiramisu, which is one of my favorite dishes of all time, and Hai Hai's spin on it is worth the trip in itself. We will be back to keep enjoying the fun atmosphere and delightful bites!

Hai Hai was a hai-light of my visit to Minneapolis this weekend!We went for dinner on a Sunday and there was a good crowd but space available for walk ins from what I could see. We ordered more small dishes and one large plate and it was plenty of food for two. Highlights include the cauliflower, one of the best things I've eaten in recent memory, and the Balinese chicken thigh, which was such a delight of flavors and textures. We also took a passionfruit posset to go since we were too full to immediately have dessert. It was outstanding and so flavorful and bright. The cocktails are great as well! No misses. The price seemed really fair for the portions and value and care taken with each dish. Very accommodating with food allergies. Service was attentive and straightforward. It's a cute environment, great for friends, a date, or a solo dining experience with solo dining you won't get to try as many amazing things. If I were going myself I'd get the chicken thigh and cauliflower, no question. Spring rolls were also great. Again, no misses. I'll be back and will recommend to anyone heading this way. Such a nice dinner.