The four of us decided to eat before hiking, did a U-ie and ended up at the unassuming Hap Cafe. No reviews? Let's roll the dice! Boy, did we hit the jackpot.
The place is extremely unassuming inside. Very clean but hard to define just based on the decor. We were the only people eating there which gave us pause but we were too interested in eating to care. A friendly local arrived soon after us. He loves the place and eats there several times a week. He also lives next door so there's that.
Server is a delightful immigrant from Vietnam who shared her whole life story with us. Efficient and responsive.
I ordered a BLT with extra crispy tots. This classic was excellent, just the right amounts of bacon, thick tomato, fresh lettuce and standard wheat bread. A correct amount of mayo too. Nothin' fancy, just good. The tots were the crispiest I have ever experienced. I always prefer extra crispy. These were crunchy at least halfway in!
What others ordered: Denver omelet with crispy hash browns, small stack of fluffy (looked like soufflé ones!) pancakes and a bowl of won ton soup. The star of the entire meal was this soup! When it arrived, the oohing and ahhhing began. Huge bowl, absolutely crammed with gigantic wontons. Why so big?? Each one held a whole shrimp with pork wrapped around it! The soup was full of fresh veg and the broth was complex. I was hit with entree envy. My cousin ate steadily from that bowl for at least 15 minutes. It was still 2/3 full! In fact, she and her husband ate the rest for dinner that night!!
All in all, we were delighted with our discovery. If you are passing through Carson, stop by and give Hap Cafe some love and your patronage. I might see you there --- bent over a spectacular bowl of won ton soup! read more