Café Nuñez — Restaurant in New York

I walked into this place and was at the door waiting to get seated for a while they were too busy talking but I patiently waited because I was recommended to go there, finally was seated. I ordered a meal just for myself. I just saw a picture of what I wanted online. The mofongo with shrimp it was 28 then on the other menu 32 and final price 34. Avocado online menu I saw was 4 other menu 7 final price 8 so it ended up being like 42 and some change for the meal on top of that I left the waiter cash tip. when she came back with the tablet asked me to just sign so I did and the tip option I didn't select because I left her cash tip. well she tipped herself too without my permission. I called explaining why the over charge they told me to stop by with my receipt so they can reimburse me. For the price of both tips I could have gotten a meal somewhere else. I also had to eat it super fast because it took too long to come out and I now needed to run back to work so I ate so fast I didn't enjoy it. Adrianne had said she will reimburse the tip which was almost 9 dollars. This was on Oct 3rd today is the 13th and still nothing showing refund on my bank account, a few days ago I called again cus I knew Adrienne probably forgot. She said I'll talk to someone in the office put me on hold then told me that I was all set they refunded my tip but still nothing. The total of that meal without a drink because I just had water was 60 dollars. Insane for just a meal from 42 to 53.96 plus my cash tip total 60 and some change. I nicely asked to reimburse my tip portion l feel like they lied to me about the refund because I checked my bank account and nothing yet. Today I have to leave a bad review that I avoided doing because it's wrong to lie about getting refunded and a 60$ dollar meal for one person wasn't worth it. I didn't have desert and drink either. I have been to great restaurants and don't mind paying for an expensive meal but mofongo come on and no dessert or drink for that price! I didn't order filet mignon with a nice glass of wine and dessert! it was just mofongo with a couple shrimp and avocado. I felt that I nicely left her cash tip and double dipping on tips that I didn't agree on isn't cool. They replied that they are committed to fixing the problem. They didn't attempt to fix it. I had to report to my bank and go another route because I went there because they told me to stop by and ask for my receipt so they can refund me. I am glad I took a picture of the receipt because I don't trust and just in case they Forget and they did. LIERS I contacted the bank and told them I left a cash tip and that they took a tip without my permission. This 60 dollar for one person is now becoming not only expensive but upsetting. The tip portion may not be alot for some but it's mine even if is a dollar they take without permission I'll shine a light on...

Café Núñez is excellent in terms of food, great drinks and elevated environment. The only reason I’m giving 3 stars is because of the following: I visited CN again last night, we got a table in the back and since we are in the area the “supervisor” is ON my neck. I asked if we can get a table and we did, ordered a bucket of Coronas. For every 5-10 minutes our table was being policed feeling like we needed to chug our bucket as if we needed to go. As I’m finishing my first bucket, the supervisor brings me my check (which I have not asked for), I asked her “I can’t order no more, are you asking us to leave?” Her response “I didn’t know you wanted more”. First foul, as an individual that ran restaurants for many years, SALE SALE SALE make that money. She takes the check, I order another bucket; same scenario. Bring me the check. At this point I feel uncomfortable and I close the tab. Our group was prepared to spend about $250+ we ended up spending less than $90.00 due to how policed we felt.

At the end of the night I asked to speak with a manager just to give some insight, I am caribbean born and raised, I want all of us to succeed. As I’m speaking with the manager the supervisor has an horrible attitude (to her defense a table per her had left without paying which is understandable) nevertheless, as I’m speaking with the manager that it has nothing to do with her personally but the system they all have her 2 cents were: “him or no one can tell me anything because I’m the supervisor”…… I kindly reminded her that in life there is always someone above us, and to treat people that come to actually spend money with elegance and respect. Supervisor positions are kinda at the bottom of the chain of command, concept that I don’t believe she may have clear in her perspective. I was never asked if I wanted to open a tab, nor the procedure for it. If clear expectations were to be provided, maybe she could’ve gone home with a bit more money last night.

I mostly visit the restaurant area, where every night our check runs $200+ it was a bit disappointing not able to have the same experience I’ve had before specially when showing friends new spots in the city. There should be a better system on how have clear expectations for the customer as well on having control of the tables so customers don’t leave without paying (this comes with time and experience, yesterday was a display of lack of management and experience). As well a better attitude from the get go, as “supervisors” like yesterday limit customers and create a disservice towards Cafe Núñez, as at the moment I understand that going to drink and dance @ CN maybe is not the...

2 stars and I am being nice, I ALWAYS give a place 2 to 3 tries before rating it. This buffet style place sadly would not be having me for lunch. Let's start: ENVIROMENT: dingy and depressing. You need more lights. Service is about average, when u arrive at the cashier they don't say hello, or at least SMILE. today the cashier seemed to be more interested in talking with her coworkers than offering a friendly service. It gets very loud there and it's not because they are busy, employees seem to forget they have customer eating here and talk among each other really loud. Music is LATIN all day I think, which goes with the name of the place, no problem there ☺. FOOD: Dominican food is DELICIOUS! Unfortunately in this place kind of takes that away, some of the stuff in there looks like its been sitting for a while, it's salty, very oily and lack of...should I say "rhythm"? mostly salty, it would change your mind about D.R. food. I LOVE string beans, this place offers too garlicky string beans. Don't get me wrong I love garlic, but there is a measurement as to how much is "too much," if anything they were nicely steamed...but again too oily. DECOR: goes with how the place serves and feels...sad. PRICE: I have attached a picture of what I got, had some cooked cassava which was acceptable, green olives which were as they should be, okra on some red sauce(salty), some pork meat (very salty), and white rice (this was good). All for $10+

I understand the price, since we are midtown, but I am sorry it really is not worth it. I was hungry both times, and I always give the benefit of a doubt, but today it proves that it is not that tasty. I won't recommend it, even the bar looks darker...then again I don't know how it gets here in the night, maybe it's a cool place to be here, maybe food is not their thing. Bit confused now...also some of the reviews that say the food is "great" hahahahaha REALLY??? I would...