Cafe Wha? — Restaurant in New York

Chill decor and design, but expectations were SEVERELY let down due to poor management / experience. I'll break things down if interested:

When I first arrived, the entry was very confusing. There is a comedy bar next door, and many people were getting an a very long line just to be told that it was a different entry. Same for the restaurant line next door. Likely due to a busy weekend crowd, but the exact place to enter is a bit confusing.

Once I got in, I was told that I had to check my bag for $3.00. I was meeting a party of 5 that wasn't there yet, and there was no cell service, as this is in a basement setting, so I went back up to try calling them. They were at a nearby bar, so I said I would come meet them to report that there was likely no more room for us (it was already VERY full at 8:30). I grabbed my bag and told the staff I'd be right back.

When we returned (less that 10 min later) the friendly doorman said "This is your party huh? lol" So he clearly recognized me. I was with a friend that apparently knew some of the staff, and we were told that they had plenty of room for us. Before we were seated, I was told that I again had to pay to check my bag. I mentioned that I had just barely stepped out. but was informed that I still needed to check it again and that it would be $2.00. I said that I was just told not minutes ago that it was $3. I was then told "oh, yeah. That's [staff member's name]. He always charges an automatic tip for himself..."

I payed the 2.00 fee...

When we were seated, the seats were VERY cramped. I realize that I'm a 6 ft. tall guy, but the benches were SO CLOSE to the table it was nearly impossible to get it. We squeezed in just tight enough for the outer person sitting had to "half cheek" it, and we had little arm and leg room, but were happy to be seated. The server came over and took drink orders (there is no bar, you must wait for a server's attention), and I asked if I could be on my own tab as I would be ordering cocktails-- which are the more expensive drinks on the menu-- and would like to pay separately. I was informed that they were unable do that.

The cocktails themselves were not very well priced, as I have had much better cocktails at venues just as good that don't charge a cover or a bag fee and are far more comfortable. I ordered a drink that cost $15.00 (as most are) that was flavorful, but not very strong. I felt almost nothing from it and it tasted mostly of the mixer ingredients. My friend ordered another one for me which again was good, but had no real enjoyable effect of having " a drink".

The band was very talented, nothing bad to say about them at all! Would I go to this venue and pay for pricy drinks, a cover, mediocre service, and bag fee JUST to see them? No. They were wonderful and had tons of energy! But nothing EXCEPTIONAL.

It may have had something to do with the fact that everyone was crammed into their booths and tables and there is no dance area. Maybe 5 ppl or so can dance in the aisle, but servers are constantly squeezing by. After we asked for the check, it took a while to get and there was some discrepancy that the manager had to fix, which took a while and I'm still not sure was resolved.

While this is a "hip" place to be, It's definitely for tourists. There are much better places with better prices, atmosphere, space, and just as good live music. If I went again it would have to be someone else's treat, and even then I'd make sure it was not on a weekend. Given my choice, I would not choose...

This is an entertainment venue and the entertainment is awesome! As far as food goes well not so much. The menu is typical bar Fair and don't go by the menu you see online because they've scaled it down a lot since then. They no longer have the fish tacos or the quesadilla. In fact, they only have about four items plus a few salads. I ordered the chicken nuggets and the Truffle fries. The chicken nuggets were huge and very crunchy but they had a slightly burnt flavor to them as if they had been fried in oil in which something had burned. The portion was quite generous and each of the chicken nuggets were huge. I left three of them on my plate not because I couldn't really eat them but because I got tired of that burnt flavor. They give you a very generous portion of the Truffle fries and those are also quite delicious, but eat them fast because they get soggy quickly. When you go to CafeWha, you are there to see some form of live entertainment. Food and drinks is not what Drew you there. You do have a two item minimum and I suggest you stick to drinks for those two items and avoid the food menu because it's really not so impressive and pretty much wasted money. I had a dirty martini which was made quite well and I had no complaints. The entertainment was fabulous. We saw the stage Revolution band and they did covers of prince, Whitney houston, Tina Turner and Teddy pendergrass. Every number they did was fabulous! Richard was our server and he was very good and very nice and very attentive. They do ask to hold your credit card which is something I don't particularly like so I just paid for my food and drinks up front so they didn't have to hold my credit card and when I wanted another drink I paid for it in cash. I'm very skeptical about places holding my credit card. That's my identity and I don't want it stolen but I understand why they need to do it. Anyway if you're considering going to Cafe wah I highly recommend it for live entertainment. Sadly I cannot recommend it for food but this is not where you go for a meal. Go somewhere else and have your meal before you go to Cafe Wha. You will not be disappointed. The entertainment is always fabulous and the staff is always super friendly. The drinks are good and on par with New York City prices. For live entertainment in a great neighborhood that's jumping with excitement all the time I highly...

Dirty and disgusting place with very disrespectful and unprofessional customer approach. You are just wasting Your hard earned money if You come here. If You go to Comedy Club or the Blue Note or a nice may be small but professional restaurant You will do much better. Way much better! Let me tell a couple of things so You know where not go to if You want to have a nice and pleasant night.

First: You sit down with Your friends or with Your Wife or Husband and as soon as You are served with a drink or even just with a soda You will be asked for Your credit card or pay right away for Your drinks. This is very-very unprofessional, disgusting and last but not least disrespectful attitude toward the guests who gave the restaurant His/her initial trust!!! Congratulation! Great Marketing Concept toward the Customer!! If the Owners are afraid that some guests leave without paying than the Owners/Management should find an alternative solution but not in the way that They show distrust to first time Guests!

Second: Customer orders food that comes with a certain sauce. Let's say the He wants a little extra sauce with His food. They charge for Him right away. How can a restaurant be soooo miser!!! I have already been a guests in many restaurant in US and Europe, but for a little extra sauce I have never been charged. Miserliness!

Third, papers and dirty napkins are everywhere on the floor! Like filthy rats! After the first set it does not matter, that there are dirty paper napkins, used toothpicks under the table....not...no problem...the staff lets the Guests sit at dirty table, garbage under it. Nice!!!! That is Hospitality!! I wonder what the United States Department of Public Health would say about it. Repulsive!

Believe me You better go to somewhere else if You want a pleasant and unforgettable night! Where You are not treated with disrespect and distrust! I share my experience on the Internet with some Social Media and review sites because this place is everything except professional.

There are great restaurants and clubs-that are tidy and clean- in the surrounding area. But this on....??!! Do not waste...