The York — Restaurant in City of Syracuse

Dear Management Team,

I’m writing to share feedback about a disappointing experience I had during a recent visit to The York, a place I’ve truly enjoyed frequenting over the past few years.

Since shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I, along with a few friends, have made The York a regular spot for after-work drinks and dinner. We’ve always appreciated the atmosphere, the food, and the service—until a recent visit that left me questioning how guests are treated, particularly when it comes to basic customer service and policy communication.

On this visit, a friend and I came in for happy hour, as we’ve done many times before. Our server, Joelle, was initially pleasant. However, when it came time to settle the bill, I requested separate checks, as I’ve done numerous times in the past without issue. Joelle abruptly told us, “We don’t split checks,” and claimed this has been the policy for two years.

This was surprising to me, as I had just been at The York a few weeks prior with another friend, and our checks were split without hesitation. When I mentioned this, she insisted the previous server was just “being nice,” which seemed dismissive and unprofessional. I asked where this policy was stated, and neither Joelle nor the menu could provide any clear documentation.

Joelle’s demeanor became visibly irritated, prompting me to ask for a manager. She identified herself as a supervisor, but eventually another supervisor, Nick, came over and clarified the situation much more professionally. He explained that while splitting checks for large parties can be discouraged during busy times, doing so for a table of two should not be an issue.

I appreciated Nick’s explanation and his willingness to help. However, the way Joelle handled the situation left a negative impression. What could have been a simple, courteous interaction turned unnecessarily tense and uncomfortable. It seemed less about policy and more about a lack of willingness to provide a reasonable level of service.

Given the consistency of past visits, I’m truly hoping this was an isolated incident. But I also believe it’s important to bring this to your attention—especially in light of concerns I’ve heard from others in the community about uneven treatment at your establishment. I’ve always believed in forming my own opinion based on personal experience, and until now, mine had been positive.

I hope you take this feedback in the spirit it’s intended: as a call for consistency, transparency, and respectful service for all your guests. The York has long been one of our favorite local spots, and I’d like to see it continue to live up to the high standard it has set...

So LOUD!!!! Literally had to yell to my fiance 2ft across the table to speak to him, had to yell to the waitress. Came here with my 9 month old and my fiance for a light dinner and left after a few drinks and took our food to go because all we did was scream across the table to each other. Baby was not comfortable with the loud environment. Judging by the photos online I expected a quiet atmosphere, fireplace, and elegant light food and drinks. Upon arriving we had to push through a crowd to get through the first sitting area, barely made it through the door, even with the baby no one wanted to move! Headed to the back where there was very few tables. Front area is a sitting lounge/ flirt area and bar where everyone is crowded around a small space. A young tight spandex clothed girl was riding a bike that made margaritas. Twas then I realized I brought my baby and family to the wrong place. Idea was cool, but this place is for college kids and young single and ready to mingle types. We had a shot at it anyway, but I wish we just turned around and left! It was loud music and loud people, like a loud club the whole time. No room to walk or get to your table. Literally only a handful of tables anyway. The waitress was very nice, although she had to Literally lean in and yell every word she said. They're was a table next to us of about 30 sorority girls taking selfies, great for them, they weren't an issue, just everyone in a small place and being rowdy made an extremely loud environment for trying to eat anything at all, nevermind sit for dinner. This is a bar/ club.... not a place to sit and eat. We left in a rush and when we walked outside could not believe how quiet it was outside compared to inside. The night before when i called i should have realized because it was so loud and the back and i ask girl if it was unusually busy and she said no that it is normally like that so i made a reservation for the next night being this night however now i understand why it was so loud the previous night i should have realized it's like that every night and was not the correct place to take my family for dinner. I just wish that the description online was more representative of the type of place this is a not showing nice relaxing pictures of an empty bar and restaurant with the cozy fireplace and a people at the bar it is definitely not with that is. We definitely made the best of the moment we had together as a family, and laughed it off, but won't be back here again. Was very expensive. Food was good though when we ate it...

I made 630pm reservations for my friends birthday dinner on a Wednesday evening. My friend arrived a few minutes early and was able to order a bottle of Prosecco for her celebratory dinner with ease, the bar was not crowded at all. We surveyed the scene and there was an open table in the front room right by the windows with a view of the outdoor seating and city street. We both liked the upbeat atmosphere of the bar area over the more intimate ambiance of the dining room. Do get at least a glimpse of the plant wall though if you are not eating in the dining room, unfortunately I was not able to take a picture as a large table was dining there. The hostess very pleasantly checked with wait staff and was able to accommodate our request to seat at the adorable table by front window. She placed our bottle on the table and promptly were served waters and complimentary pickles. I have not seen that before interesting, I am not a pickle connoisseur but apparently there are two varieties and one on the more zesty side. We ordered Crab Rangoons which were half priced as part of the 5pm-7pm happy hour special. They were tasty! We shared a wedge salad as well, you can never go wrong with the wedge, yum! I had the Linguine Catalan that was packed with fresh clams, shrimp, Chorizo in a white wine garlic butter sauce. This dish definitely packs a spicy kick which I love. It did not keep well as leftovers so maybe lay off the appetizers or share dishes. My friend had the short rib Ravioli in a Bordelaise sauce and served with Wild Mushrooms. She enjoyed her entree as well. We would normally skip dessert but not for a Birthday dinner. My friend chose the Brownie Sundae that was served with the sparkler. Service was prompt and friendly, we will definitely be back to try other dishes. Happy hour would be a great time to go for an inexpensive treat. I almost forgot I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the check at how reasonable the prices were for all this food! It was quite a bit less than what I expected for a trendy...