44 & X Hell's Kitchen — Restaurant in New York

Let me begin by saying that my family and I have been coming to this restaurant for over 20 years. We are locals and have always loved and supported this business, it’s been at the top of our list for recommendations. The staff is always kind, the space is clean and beautiful, and the food has consistently been delicious. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

That’s why I feel it’s important to share our most recent experience, which was unfortunately very disappointing. We came in on Labor Day weekend, excited to enjoy a nice lunch together. Shortly after we were seated inside, a large party of six or seven twenty-somethings was sat in our dining area. From that moment on, it felt like we were dining in a frat house extremely loud, literally yelling, banging their fists on the table , laughing and shouting to each other at the top of their lungs like they were in a school cafeteria, and disruptive to the point where it was impossible to carry on a conversation. I couldn't hear my mother who was 7 inches away from me. The tables around us, including one with children (who were better behaved then the rude table next to us), were clearly uncomfortable as well and covering their ears from the cacophony of noise. We found ourselves literally covering our ears as well because the noise was so overwhelming.

We all work hard, and coming here on our day off was meant to be a chance to relax and enjoy a meal together and catch up. Instead, it felt like our nerves were being tested the entire time, we couldn’t enjoy our food or even hear each other speak. It was hugely disappointing and, frankly, felt like a big waste of money.

We did inform the staff, who were and always are very kind, but they did not take steps to address or manage the situation even though they told us they had heard and seen what was happening before we mentioned it to them and that it upset them as well.. For a restaurant of this caliber, and at this higher price point, it was disappointing to walk away with a headache and fried nerves instead of the lovely dining experience we’ve come to expect here.

We truly value this restaurant and hope that management will consider how to better handle situations and prepare their staff like this in the future so all guests can enjoy...

I am sitting here crying after my experience at this place. I do no recommend this place to anybody unless you want to be disrespected at the whim of the host. I really feel like I let down people of color today because I reacted and I just know that there are people waiting to say we are loud but the owner was just so condescending to me today. I walked in asked for table for one and I was directed to a table that the sun was pouring down on. I asked the host if there would be other seating because I would like to not be in the sun, the host was so flippant, saying there is not even a lot of sun there. That was my first sign I should have just left. But instead I stupidly asked the host for the bathroom making sure to tell him it was to remove the leggings I had under my pants which would certainly help me feel cooler. I realize now the host ignored my question when he turned away from me and started seating another party that had only just walked in. So I asked another waiter for the restroom. On returning from the restroom I walked upstairs and realizing the sun was very much still shining down on my seating I thought what am I putting myself through that for and I walked out, the host followed me telling me in a snide condescending voice that if I wanted to use the bathroom I could have just saved him the time. This is a white man talking down to a black woman. He made sure to speak quickly and low and turn away when I tried to defend myself. That's when I felt exasperated and raised my voice. So of course it looked like I was the loud angry black woman. When I said I want to speak to the manager he said he's the manager. Well now it's no surprise his behavior hasn't changed. Good luck to you if you ever decide to go to this establishment maybe you will be as sneaky as him with your insults, what an...

I’m writing this in the middle of my meal because it’s so good. (And also Im killing time before a show). This place was recommended to me in a travel group for a spot out of the craziness of Times Square yet close enough to grab dinner beforehand. I will honestly say just looking at the menu I was not crazy about anything in particular but the selections were quite varied (protein wise… chef sure likes asparagus 😳). I was intrigued by the sole but didn’t like the accompaniments, steak frites sounded good but boring. I never order filet because it tends to be a tiny 3oz portion lacking flavor and never cooked right but the scalloped potatoes were calling my name. So I decided to get it but ordered the goat cheese and pistachio soufflé to start because you know tiny steaks. The soufflé was divine. That’s all I have to say about that. Right about now the gorgeous Ginberly Akimbo cocktail is kicking in. So I should mention the generous strong drinks. Delicious. My steak has arrived and is surprisingly large. Cooked perfectly and the tomato jam on top with the nice salty crust makes it the most flavorful and a little spicy filet Ive ever had. But the potatoes. Bless your heart if you’ve read this far. I could write an epic love poem to the potatoes. Like millefeuille it had layers upon layers of thin sliced potato and cream. Just divine. The prices are high, but on par for NYC, it’s not a budget place. Normally when solo-traveling I favor sitting at the bar. Id recommend trying to get a table though. They still have waitstaff for the bar seats which is slightly awkward and less social. My waiter was lovely but it’s just odd. I don’t love ordering over my shoulder. All in all I was well impressed and can recommend this place to anyone wanting to get away from the cacophony of Times Sqr for a...