Bus Stop Cafe — Restaurant in New York

An authentic spot with a unique energy!

My husband took me to this diner in Chelsea, the first restaurant he visited when he moved to New York 15 years ago. I didn’t know what to expect, but the experience exceeded my expectations in many ways.

The menu is traditional, but you can tell everything is homemade, which is a big plus. The place is super cute, with perfect photo-worthy spots that make you feel like you’re inside an Edward Hopper painting.

The staff is incredibly attentive. It’s clear that everyone is aware of the fast-paced nature of the diner, but they remain cordial and efficient. I was really impressed by how, even though some were busy with orders, everyone helped each other to ensure guests were comfortable, like when they offered to store our coats and luggage so we wouldn’t be uncomfortable at our table.

The atmosphere had this blend of British and New York style, which I loved. The staff is very fast when they take orders and provide service. Thry must have lots of regulars. The coffee was delicious, and all the dishes looked amazing.

What really surprised me was how well they manage the space, despite being a small place with many tables and high turnover. The kitchen offers a wide variety of dishes and It’s clear that the kitchen team there can cook also really fast, which makes the experience even more valuable.

I definitely want to return with my friends whenever I have a chance. Good prices, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious food....

The main host is extremely rude. My friend and I go to this restaurant every week and we are both students. I have left a tip on occasion but not always. The last time I ate there the main host accosted me stating that I never leave a tip and that I should know that it is not included in the bill. I told her I was a student and couldn’t always leave one and asked if it was obligatory. She said “no but you always leave nothing”, which was false as she does not always serve me. I said again I’m a student to which she replied “and I’m a worker”. Not sure what that means or what world we are living in now where we attack students who don’t make their own money for paying their full bill but not being able to always leave a tip, but apparently that’s the atmosphere at Bus Stop. Really disappointed because I loved this restaurant and came here at least once a week. The owner also did not care when I reported the altercation. Also to note, we specifically decided not to give a tip this time because she told the couple coming in that she would basically rush us out (which she thought we didn’t notice) and slapped the cheque on the table that we did not ask for and kept asking us if we were ready every 2 minutes while our drinks were still...

I just had to write to talk about the service issue I experienced. We were a party of 3 with 2 present and one on the way. They told us we all had to be there to be seated. Totally okay I completely understand that. Then when our third person was parking their Citi bike right around the corner I asked the host if we could be sat and told her the situation with our 3rd person. She replied saying “the Citi bike station right here or one far away” which was an odd and rude question. Then she went to look for a table for us. She came back and pointed at each of us and counted “one, two, three come.” We followed her inside and she said “that table right there. Go. Thank you.” It was just so off putting also considering another table of 6 came in with only 4 members of their party present and they got sat. I just feel that if individuals are going to work in the service industry (which I have myself) they need to learn about customer service. I cannot get over how rude she was. Other than that the food was great and so was our server but management needs to work with hosts on customer service. I’ve been here many times before and have never been treated this way. I came on 9/4/2022...