Bobby Van's Grill — Restaurant in New York

Bad night made worse when they accused my teen daughter of stealing when it was likely their employees (if it even happened). Arrived 45 minutes early for a reservation. Could not be seated early (which was fine) but then seated 15 minutes late at a table that was empty the entire hour we waited. As soon as we sat down our waiter was hurried and curt with us. Don’t know his name as he never introduced himself and never spent more than a few seconds at our table. Meal was very slow paced and took about an hour and a half. Food was not very good. Rare steak was borderline burnt on the outside and was dry. Calamari salty and Caesar was under dressed. My daughter’s pizza tasted pre made and also very salty. Waiter kept being rude. When we motioned him over for kids drinks after 20 minutes he snapped that he had told us he could get us anything. When we called him over for boxes he said “what’s up”? Never offered us dessert and coffee. Whole time spent more attention on setting empty tables than us and we paid $350!

The topper which turned this from bad to traumatic was when we got up to leave and the host asked me how it was and I said not good. He basically ignored that and said he needed to speak to me privately. He said hate to tell you this but your daughter took money off the top of the coat check tips! What?? I was astounded. I asked based on what? He said one of the attendants said some money was missing from the jar. We asked the staff and they denied it then we checked the video around the time and saw your daughter do it. He asked me not to say anything to her now but I immediately made her turn out her pockets. Confused she did so revealing pocket lint. When I told her why she immediately burst into tears. I demanded to see the tape. After much trouble I saw a blurry image where you could not see anything in the jar. Saw the staff move the jar many times and then saw my daughter standing right next to me turn for a brief second near the jar. There he said! She stole money that quick? What is she a 15 year old pro? We just saw the staff touch the jar a bunch of times and I personally saw them empty and fill the jar. My daughter had only touched the jar once right in front of us to give the lady a $1 tip after we checked our coats. That's all the money she had on her and she was proud she used it for that. I asked the manager why (as I observed) the coat check lady touched the jar so much and even emptied and refilled the jar. He said they keep a jar underneath the counter and periodically empty it, but make sure there is some money in it so people know to tip. How are you sure the staff did not take money in all those times they touched it I said? Well they said they did not and I trust my staff he replied. I trust my daughter more I said. How are you even sure money is missing I asked, you can't even see the jar. Do you count it real time? He said the video is not high resolution unfortunately but the coat check lady reported money missing. In the hour we stood there there were hundreds of people nearby and blocking the camera. Could it have gone then? Yes, but your daughter is there and motions towards the jar when the lady leaves. So the logical conclusion is she stole a few dollars right in front of me and was bold enough to just hang there like nothing happened? She's also a great actress as she is bawling her eyes out right now. You accused us based on this? He said it was a miscommunication and they had not planned to accuse us. After I told him how bad an experience I had even before this he offered to have us back at another time. Ha! My daughter cried the entire time home. I know this was long, but what a harrowing experience. The next day we are still shell shocked. I had planned never to return before that last bit, but I will now make it my mission to get this story out and warn everyone I know and can reach to stay away! If money truly was missing, I'll bet it happens again and my 9th grader won't be around for...

Disgust, disappointment, dissatisfaction. The 3 D’s I would use to describe me and my team’s overall experience at this establishment. My team was in the city visiting from all over the country for a team meeting. We were excited to dine here as we heard good things about the food and overall experience we would receive. However, much to our disappointment, the recommendations we received were not lived up to.

As a group of 18, we were planning to spend quite a bit of money for our overall experience. From the minute we sat down, we could tell that this was not going to be positive. Our main waiter was nothing but rude, from not allowing us to order cocktails which were on the menu to being overtly rude when someone asked if their drink order could be corrected. To paint the picture, when an incorrect drink was received, he said “well what do you want me to do about it, we don’t have the items you requested”. While it’s understandable supply chain has been severely interrupted, we would’ve appreciated polite communication that they could not supply what we requested. Another instance, when someone ordered a cocktail ON the menu, the waiter acted like a 2 year old, stomped his foot and stormed off. These are just a few instances of the rude interactions in the first 30 minutes of our experience.

After these interactions, we chose to bring this to the attention of the manager. To say he was less than helpful would be an understatement. Not only did the manager defend his personnel’s behavior, he also told us we “should drop it and just get over it”. Then when the coordinator said she would find us elsewhere to dine, he scoffed and said “I find it very unlikely you will find an establishment similar to this one that will have a table for 18”. Not only were we able to find somewhere on short notice, we were being given a private dining experience to ensure we had an enjoyable evening.

Much to our naivety, we chose to continue with our dining experience as the manager and other staff guaranteed they would make some changes and ensure we had a great experience. This was definitely not the case and we had a horrible experience. It took over an hour and a half for us to receive our first appetizers. Then the waitstaff refused to take our orders until an hour and 45 in. Finally after 3+ hours of being at the restaurant did our food finally come out. While we were all beyond hungry at this point, we were disappointed with the quality of food. Most of our steaks were either under or over-cooked. Some of our team were missing their entrees. It was absolutely awful.

As a way to “make up” for our overall terrible experience, the restaurant tried to give us free dessert. While we appreciated the gesture, it was too little too late. We did not want to wait another hour for dessert to arrive.

We understand the national staffing shortage and were as patient as we could be due to this. But overall spending 4+ hours for a lackluster experience and terrible service was not worth it. If I could rate this restaurant, the food, and our experience a...

Amazing last minute service. After attending the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with my friend's family, we all knew we were going to go for a meal afterwards, we just did not know when or where. Around 6:15, after the show and visiting the tree, we were told by the patriarch to head to Bobby Van's. Not having a reservation, we walked up and told the hostess and manager, that we were a party of 15 (13 adults and 2 young children requiring high chairs.).

To our delight, we were told it would not be an issue, we were elated. It did take sometime for them to set the tables up properly, and that was to be expected. During that downtime we had drinks at the bar.

First let me say the level of courtesy we were shown was above and beyond. Myself, having worked in steakhouses before, have always been on the giving end, so to experience it as a guest was wonderful. The bartender, while she was busy with the length of the bar as well as the cocktail area, made sure we were taken care of promptly. While I cannot speak for everyone (as I did not inquire), I can safely say my rusty nail and friend's mixed beverages were perfection... until I spilled the mixed drink.

Just a little after 6:30 we were escorted to our table located within one of the private rooms. Amazing. Appetizers were promptly brought out with perfect temperatures. There are some steakhouses (and high-end restruants) that will stagger the delivery, or not time all stations properly so that things do not arrive at the temperature or consistency that they should be enjoyed at. Not here! Thick cut Applewood smoked bacon, shrimp and lobster cocktails, salads... oh my. Every item was delicious.

Entrees followed suit! Steaks perfect crusting on the outside and temperatures on the inside. Flavor in every bite. Their sauces... oh lord, I horded mine from the table. The pasta dishes, exquisite. Lamb chops, decadent.

Now, to be totally transparent, there was one steak that was not out at the same time, BUT, given the fact we were a 15 top, walk-in, all is forgiven (yes, that is the former server in me).

A delightful evening, made even more wonderful thanks to the amazing service and accommodations of...