We were recommended this restaurant by a coworker of my husband. We decided to go for an evening with friends. The night began well enough but when we placed our orders I believe that is when the unconscious bias began. My husband asked if we could modify our order by not adding a veggie and our friend asked jokingly if she could have our veggies added to her dish. My husband then asked if beverages would be refilled for free. Our server (Sandy) answered with a short No. After that exchange, I believed that our service was different but I thought maybe I was imagining it. When the food came to the table and the waitress said “enjoy” my husband had not received his entree yet. We asked for it and they replied it would be out shortly. Our table was a bit cramped because the waitress had not removed the appetizer plates.The food was ok probably a 3 star. In the middle of our meal we noticed the ceiling was leaking. They came to quickly fix it and luckily it did not leak on anyone. I would have liked for them to refill our water more seeing as how we had ordered spicy food but they refilled it periodically. A different waitress came to bag up our meal and clearly understood we were two different households. When the bill came my husband asked if we could get the itemized bill separated correctly. The waitress stated she could not because she already printed the receipt. My husband added up the items and determined that our total was 50$ and asked her to add 10$ for a tip (a 20% tip). The lady misunderstood and “split the bill” that way. What really angered and embarrassed us was that the waitress then came back to the table to tell my husband he did not tip. She then tried to “educate” us that if a service is provided then a tip should be given. My husband explained to her that he did tip but the bill was split incorrectly. After standing and boldly trying to shame him into giving her a tip she then realized that it was their mistake in splitting the bill and stated that she was “sorry” for the mix up. Even if my husband did not want to tip (which was NOT the case), I have NEVER had anyone tell me to give a tip. I truly believe this had to do with her own misconceptions and bias towards us because of the color of our skin. I will never return here and will make sure to tell everyone to save them the possible...
Read moreMy partner and I haven’t been to this establishment in many years, and a friend came into town and wanted Thai food, so we recommended Bangkok Garden, located on Main Street in Hackensack, for dinner. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff and got a table without reservations as it was early. Don't let the empty tables fool you. Within 45 minutes, most tables were filled. Their interior was enhanced by traditional Thai pictures, wall arts, and decor. The menu was extensive, and we decided on the Thai tempura as a starter to be shared. The batter was light, not greasy, and the shrimp were flavorful. For our main meal, we opted for the Pad King( sautéed with fresh sliced ginger, onion, mushroom, scallion, and red bell pepper), Pad Ma-Moung (sautéed cashew nut, celery, onion, mushroom, and house special red sauce), Honor To The King (boneless breast of chicken marinated in egg and chef's special herb & spice, pan-fried to golden brown, served with sweet & spicy sauce and curry rice), and Pad See Ew with Tofu. You can specify how hot one wants on a scale of 1 to 10. We have never been disappointed with our selections, as they were tasty, well seasoned, fresh, and delicious. The portions were just right, as was the price. The staff were very polite, attentive, and provided quick service. One of the best authentic Thai restaurants in the area, which we continue...
Read moreWhen we initially came in an employee asked if we wanted to be seated or if we were picking up food. We told him we wanted to be seated. He didn’t respond. We waited for about 20 minutes. I wasn’t sure if we were going to be seated, since the hostess never responded to us.The first thing one of the employees told me was to stand over in the corner. When my husband got tired of waiting he asked if we were going to be seated. Then we were seated at a table for 4. But there were 5 of us. When we told the waitress, she put a chair behind us. She didn’t even speak to us. When my husband tried making space at the table for all of us to fit she just moved the chair away from the table. I think she expected for me to leave my infant behind us or perhaps she expected me to sit behind my children and eat with the plate on lap. Then I went up to the hostess and told him that we didn’t fit at the table. He just looked at me and walked away. At that point we left. I am not sure why they were so dismissive but it was really disappointing. I felt discriminated for walking into their establishment with children. I wish they would have a sign outside the door saying “no children welcome “ so that I wouldn’t have wasted my children's time especially when they...
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