Bryant Park Café — Restaurant in New York

I’m writing this review with deep disappointment and frustration after my recent experience at this Cafe near Bryant Park, a place I used to love and visit almost every weekend , often with my family. Unfortunately, what happened on Tuesday, May 27th around 3:10 PM has completely changed the way I see this place.

I simply asked if I could have a small cup of tap water. Instead of a kind response, three men behind the bar — who appeared to be waitresses — stared at me, and one of them abruptly shouted “Please.” in a loud, condescending tone, as if scolding me. I was taken aback and needed a moment to process what he meant. While I stood there confused, all three continued staring at me in silence, clearly expecting me to say “please” like a command.

When I finally realized what they were implying and said “please,” they smirked and gave me the water while giggling amongst themselves, as if they were trying to make me seem like i was begging for A CUP OF TAP WATER. It was so humiliating, disrespectful, and made me feel deeply uncomfortable — as if I was being mocked for not speaking “correctly” or politely enough in their eyes. It was form of racial discrimination, and it left me shocked and hurt. I CANT BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF NEW YORK CITY, ESPECIALLY IN 2025.

I have supported this cafe as a loyal customer for years, but this kind of behavior is completely unacceptable — especially from a place that prides itself on HOSPITALITY. No guest should be made to feel embarrassed or belittled, especially over something as simple as asking for a cup of tap water.

I hope management takes this incident seriously and provides proper hospitality training for the staff members working at the bar on May 27th, 3:10. Until then, I will not be returning, and I strongly urge others to reconsider supporting a place that treats people this way. And as a person who works in hospitality business, this form of behavior cannot happen unless you really LOOK...

As a local I frequent here for dinner and drinks. Most of the time service is pretty good, especially by the dining area. By the bar there are times where one of the bartender seems to only serve who he wants to serve and ignore the customers who he doesn’t want to serve. Even recently I was there for drinks. Bar didn’t seem that busy and the customer seems to be mostly served. So I waived at him and said "excuse me", to try get his attention to order. I guess by now you know that it’s the male bartender. Lolz. He wouldn’t even look up and went to the back side of the bar. He comes back later still not looking up or looking in our direction to take order. Then he sees new customers and asks if they want to place an order. Lolz. Seriously? He take their order and ignores us continuously. I called the bar back to get his attention and that didn’t help. Lolz I really can’t say that’s a good service or any service from him.

Either way for other bartender, waiter, food, drinks, atmosphere I wanted to give 5 star but took 2 star away for that "no service bartender". If it happens again, I guess it’s better to write his name ( from the receipt) on a review so the manager can take the right action. =). Hopefully it doesn’t happen again and I could update the stars. Let’s not spoil Bryant Park with bad bartenders.

I love...

August in NYC and we wanted to dine al fresco for lunch... the Bryant Park Cafe is an excellent choice! Good, fast service, a full-service bar, and very good food choices whether tourists or, like us, locals. Their specialty cocktails are well thought out for the season. We had the Summer Nights (vodka with passionfruit) and Takes Dos To Tango, (tequila with mango). The battered shrimp tacos were topped with guacamole, spicy salsa, lime creme fraiche and chopped salad. Three of them served on soft corn tortillas and they were outstanding. The Mediterranean Chicken entree was grilled chicken with orzo, artichokes, tomatoes, olives, capers, onions and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil - a super healthy, light entree perfect for a warm August afternoon. For dessert, we tried the recommended carrot cake, which was moist, nutty and delicious. I recommend BP Cafe for anyone in Midtown who wants a good, tasty meal in a beautiful...