White Star Bar — Restaurant in Jersey City

Before I start this review let me preface this by saying I work in the restaurant industry. I understand when a restaurant is understaffed and am empathetic to any FOH team member being overwhelmed. That being said, I have been here twice and both times the level of indifference/lack of hospitality have been truly shocking. The first time I went here the bartender was loudly complaining how he was incredibly unhappy with management and how stupid the systems in the restaurant bar were. In earshot of everyone dining/drinking at the bar. And it went on for an extended period of time. He then proceeded to see friends of his and ignore us for over half an hour while we waited to order more drinks. The entire time he was tending to his friends who were literally right next to us.

This second dining experience we decided to dine outside. We showed up and saw a server who was clearly over her head and very busy. She was tending to the entire section outside with very little support. We asked if we could sit down outside and she told us to be patient and she would get to us soon. There were two tables available but completely understood that she didn’t have the time to seat us right away. She then proceeded to drop a couple of glasses while clearing a table, which again is understandable given how busy she was. Patrons of the restaurant dining outside got up and helped to clean up the mess, sensing how in the weeds she was. We continued to wait patiently. A bartender, an Irish gentleman, then came outside to speak with somebody who walked up to get a table. They clearly knew each other and got into deep conversation. The outdoor server continued to run around trying to service the patio while the bartender seemingly didn’t see how deep in the weeds she was. After about 7 more minutes we finally flagged down the server and asked if it would be okay to sit down at a table outside. She mumbled something in frustration. I repeated the question because I didn’t want to further disrupt her service and she then rolled her eyes and replied “sure sit wherever”. It seemed so incredibly inhospitable, and was very obvious that she didn’t want us there, so we left. I have tried to spend my own money in this establishment twice and have been met with such unbelievable contempt that I will not be...

Let me start by saying I love white star and have been there many many times. Same reason this is still getting a 5 star review. But ownership needs to know how bad/rude their bartender Melanie is. Made 2 of the worst, leftover tequila from the mixer, filled martinis. I’m not the type of person to send back or make the request to remake but figured it was appropriate given how bad the drinks were. Couldn’t have been nicer in making the request. Immediately throws an attitude and grabs them from me. Next two come back tasting like leftover bourbon that was in the mixer. Wife and I can hardly stomach so we simply don’t drink and enjoy the meal in front of us. Melanie storms up and barks “what’s the problem with these now”. Wasn’t going to get into it with her at the bar. I love and respect the establishment too much for that. White Star is not the problem. MELANIE who thinks she is better than the patrons is the problem. MELANIE is just too edgy to be nice. MELANIE should take some pride in her work. MELANIE is an embarrassment to a wonderful wonderful establish with great food and the best...

Its not often that I leave a review, especially a negative one...but this needs to be known. I had been going to white star 2 to 3 times a week for almost 2 years. There was a certain female bartender that had a questionable attitude, my girlfriend and I were there late one night, the tables were completely empty, and we were at the bar. There were also a few single patrons at the bar. A group of guys came in and the bartender had the nerve to ask us to move so her friends could all sit together. Please know that we were regulars at this bar, but she didn't care. She has missed drink/food orders as well. Never an apology. Her attitude is rotten!!! We actually started going to a different local bar! The only time we go to white star now is when Amber is working! She's kind, thorough, and polite!! We enjoy the bar, the location, and the food, but will only go when she is there. The other female bartender needs a complete attitude adjustment or a different line of work....then we might return, until then we, along with several other "regulars" will be going...