Haiku

For Texans in Austin seeking a consistent and approachable spot for Japanese cuisine, Haiku presents itself as a solid choice. Located conveniently in South Austin, this restaurant has garnered a reputation for providing fresh and flavorful dishes without overwhelming the diner with exorbitant prices or an excessively complex menu. It aims to be a reliable neighborhood go-to for sushi, hibachi, and other Japanese favorites.

Haiku is often praised by its patrons for its commitment to fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. While one customer review mentioned a negative experience with a specific appetizer, the overall sentiment frequently highlights the quality of their sushi and the friendliness of their staff. For those in Austin looking for a relaxed dining experience with good food and reasonable options, Haiku offers a compelling choice, blending a calming environment with a diverse culinary offering.

Haiku is situated at 9600 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78748, USA. This location along the bustling I-35 Frontage Road in South Austin provides excellent accessibility for residents throughout the southern part of the city. It's particularly convenient for those in communities like Onion Creek, Bluff Springs, and other areas served by this major interstate corridor.

Being on a frontage road, Haiku typically offers ample parking, making it easy for customers to visit. Its placement within a commercial area means it's a straightforward destination, whether you're heading home from work, running errands, or specifically planning to enjoy a Japanese meal. The ease of access contributes to its appeal as a regular dining spot for many local Texans seeking convenient and reliable Japanese food.

Haiku offers a comprehensive array of services to cater to diverse dining preferences and needs:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a clean, quaint, and floral environment with nice lighting and gentle music, creating a relaxed ambiance. Haiku offers plenty of seating, making it easy to find a spot.
• Take-Out and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Haiku provides robust take-out and delivery services. They are available on popular delivery platforms like Favor Delivery and Uber Eats, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes from the comfort of their home or office.
• Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Menu: Haiku boasts a wide selection of sushi and sashimi, including nigiri (single pieces of fish over rice) and sashimi (sliced raw fish). Their menu features a diverse range of rolls, from classic options like California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Philadelphia Roll to creative "Chef's Special Rolls" such as the "Long Horn Roll," "Texas Roll," "Austin Roll," "Buda Roll," "Kyle Roll," "South Park Roll," "Tiger Roll," "Tropical Roll," and "Volcano Roll."
• Hot Japanese Kitchen Entrees: Beyond sushi, Haiku offers a full kitchen menu with various cooked Japanese dishes. This includes:
  • Teriyaki: Chicken, Beef, and Salmon Teriyaki.
  • Noodles: Udon (Beef, Chicken, Nabeyaki, Tempura) and Yaki Soba (Vegetable, Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Combo). They also have Kimchi Stir Fried Udon.
  • Hibachi Fried Rice: Plain, Chicken, Steak, Salmon, Shrimp, Vegetable, and Combination Fried Rice.
  • Other Dinner Specials: They offer a selection of dinner specials, though specific details may vary.
• Appetizers and Soups/Salads: A wide range of appetizers are available, including Edamame, Gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings), Agedashi Tofu, Calamari, Baked Green Mussels, Beef Tataki, Harimaki (Japanese Spring Roll), Tempura Appetizer (Shrimp & Vegetable), and the "Honey Wasabi Shrimp" (though one customer had a negative experience with this specific item). Soup options include Miso Soup, Clear Soup, Gyoza Soup, and Seafood Soup. Various salads like Seaweed Salad, Squid Salad, and Snow Crab Salad are also on offer.
• Lunch Specials: Haiku provides attractive lunch specials, including Lunch Bento Boxes (Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Tempura, Chicken Katsu, Salmon Katsu) which typically include a main entree, rice, and sides.
• Beverage Selection: The restaurant offers a selection of beverages, including various soft drinks, and they also have a range of beer, wine, and sake available to complement your meal.
• Catering and Group/Party Services: Haiku offers catering services for events of various sizes, with a menu featuring many popular Japanese dishes. They also welcome private events and parties, providing a customizable experience.

Haiku stands out for several key features that contribute to its appeal among Austin locals:

• Fresh and Consistent Food Quality: Many customers consistently highlight that the food at Haiku is "always fresh and great." This reliability in quality is a significant draw, especially for their sushi offerings.
• Affordable Options: Patrons appreciate the "plenty of affordable options" on the menu, making it an accessible choice for quality Japanese food without breaking the bank.
• Friendly and Accommodating Staff: The staff are frequently described as "very friendly and accommodating," providing excellent service that enhances the dining experience. Their efficiency and willingness to assist are often praised.
• Pleasant and Clean Environment: The restaurant's ambiance is noted for being "clean," with "nice lighting" and "gentle music," creating a "quaint and floral" inside look that is calming and enjoyable.
• Diverse Menu: The menu is extensive yet not overwhelming, offering a good balance between classic sushi rolls, innovative special rolls, and a variety of hot Japanese kitchen entrees like hibachi and noodles. This diversity caters to different tastes within a group.
• Popular Local Spot: Many consider Haiku a "go-to restaurant for sushi and ramen" and a "nice, quiet neighborhood spot that is consistent and affordable," indicating strong local loyalty.

Haiku is known for offering a popular Happy Hour that provides excellent value for Texans looking to enjoy their food and drinks:

• Happy Hour: Haiku's Happy Hour is a significant draw, often described as a "great deal." While specific times can vary, it has been noted to run on weekdays, typically Monday through Friday. Some sources indicate it might be from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, or even starting from 2:00 PM on some days, though it's important to note that it may not be available on all holidays. Happy Hour often includes discounts on select food items (appetizers, sushi, rolls) and various beverages (beer, wine, sake, and cocktails).
• Lunch Specials: As noted in the services offered, Haiku features comprehensive Lunch Bento Boxes and other lunch specials, providing a great value for a midday meal.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Haiku's current happy hour timings, specific menu items included, and any other ongoing promotions, it is always recommended to contact the restaurant directly or check their official website or social media channels.

To experience the fresh and friendly atmosphere of Haiku, here’s how to reach them:

Address: 9600 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78748, USA

Phone: (512) 291-5600

The mobile phone number provided, +1 512-291-5600, is the same as the main phone number, ensuring easy contact for inquiries, reservations, or placing orders for pickup or delivery.

Haiku is a highly suitable dining choice for Texans in Austin, particularly those in the southern sector, due to its reliable combination of fresh food, friendly service, and affordable pricing. Its convenient location on South I-35 Frontage Road with ample parking makes it easily accessible for a wide range of residents. The restaurant's clean, quaint, and peaceful ambiance provides a comfortable setting for various dining occasions, from a casual lunch to a relaxed dinner.

While a single negative review regarding a specific appetizer highlights the possibility of isolated issues, the overwhelming positive feedback regarding the freshness of the sushi, the accommodating nature of the staff, and the overall "great" experience underscores Haiku's suitability for the local community. Its diverse menu caters to both sushi aficionados and those who prefer cooked Japanese dishes, ensuring that there's something for everyone. With appealing happy hour specials and consistent quality, Haiku stands as a dependable and cherished neighborhood Japanese restaurant for Texans.

Haiku

9600 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78748, USA