Coppelia — Restaurant in New York

As a customer who has supported this establishment consistently for the past four years, I feel compelled to share a deeply disappointing experience that occurred today 7/3/2025 between 4:00–5:30 PM. What transpired reflects not only a lapse in customer service but a concerning disregard for basic respect and hospitality.

After being seated for over 15 minutes, there was a change in shifts, morning staff left and evening staff arrived. Suddenly, a waiter (Rene-old bald guy) approached our table and, without any greeting or context, stated curtly: “There are no refills. You have to pay for every coffee you ask for. Understood?” We were taken aback by his tone, but responded politely: “Of course, all good.”

Still, the delivery felt unnecessarily aggressive and out of line with the warm service we’ve always known here. Wanting to address this respectfully, my brother approached the manager (Karen Echandi), who had just arrived, and said: “Hi, how are you? There’s no problem at all, the food is great, everything’s okay. I just wanted to let you know one of your waiters told us about the coffee charges.”

Rather than engage with any level of professionalism, she (Karen Echandi) snapped back: “Okay? And what’s the problem? The evening shift is different. Anything else?”

My brother calmly clarified, “We don’t mind paying. The issue was his tone, it came off aggressive and unfriendly.”

What followed was unacceptable: “They do what I say. Do you have a problem with that?” Then, when my 75 year old mother gently asked if something was wrong, the manager rolled her eyes and blatantly ignored her walking away.

At that point, I stood up and said, “You know what, let’s go. This is not acceptable.” (We didn’t even get to enjoy our food)”disappointing”

Before leaving, I approached the manager and asked, “Excuse me, what’s your name?” She responded: “I don’t have to tell you my name. Walk away and leave me alone.”

That response left not only my family, but even the staff members around us, visibly stunned.

This is not the place we’ve grown to love over the years. Hospitality should never be conditional. Respect for patrons is not optional. A manager who rolls her eyes at guests and refuses to offer her name when asked in front of staff and customers alike does not represent leadership or care.

I hope ownership and upper management see this as an opportunity to reflect and recalibrate. Because no matter how good the food may be or nice the ambient feels, disrespect is the fastest way to lose your most...

We were looking forward to this. Traveled from London and a friend had been here and raved about it. Maybe it was because we walked over 20 blocks and were jet lagged but it was very underwhelming here for our first dinner in New York. The food was ok- actually top marks for the fried chicken- but one of our burgers was undercooked. The other burger was cooked fine and very enjoyable- thank you! We let the server know about the undercooked burger (ansked for medium to well done and it was rare ) and after a bit they had recooked the same patty and reassembled it and returned it to us. I didn’t think this was acceptable and said we warranted a new burger- which we got but of course once this arrived everyone else had finished their food. The burger was lovely when it arrived. The steak and eggs was lovely but it came with a variation of what I would call rice and peas but this wasn’t written on the menu. As such, the rice wasn’t eaten- as the portion was too big and my hubby isn’t keen on rice and peas and didn’t expect it to be part of the plate and may have ordered something different if he had known.

My food was the TORTA DE MILANESA It wasn’t what I had expected It was chicken, salad and avo in a baguette/roll. It was tasty but a fairy large portion with chips and I was only able to eat half but was also mindful that one of my kids was waiting for his new burger and was thoroughly annoyed about that so that probably put me off my food too.

Maybe I was expecting too much as my friend had spoken fondly about this place but it wasn’t a great first meal experience for us in nyc. We did pop to the donut inn next door and this smelt and looked lovely so we picked up some treats from there.

I would return to Coppelia if we ever were in the neighbourhood again but I wouldn’t make a trip especially to it like we did. I’m always up for giving places a second go and perhaps with less jet lag, less tiredness and a couple of margaritas the night would have been different.

The lemonades were lovely- I think they were homemade So, if you’re around the area definitely pop in and get some food from the...

Get the Fish tacos and some Tres Leches cake! Those tacos appetizer were delicious. They had a smoky flavor even though they were fried (flounder) not grilled. I'm not sure how they got the smoky flavor in it but those were tasty. We got guacamole and it comes with tortilla,sweet potato and plantain chips. Guacamole could have been fresher but on a Sunday night in a 24hr restaurant I guess it was made earlier for the brunch service. I had Salmon and purple mashed potatoes as main course. The salmon is fine, I recommend getting it medium rare. The purple mashed potatoes are glutinous so I'd get a side to go with it next time. They have nice sides of yuca fries, sweet potatoes fries , maduros or rice and beans or others for $5 . Get a couple for the table with your mains .My friend got the house Burger with sweet potato fries. They'll bring a caddy of sauces out if you ask . That burger is a lot to eat and a bit messy!. So be warned - you may have to deconstruct it . But my friend finished it and liked it. For drinks we got the Margarita Cubano which is delicious with tamarind puree and tangy salt rim . Get this. My friend had the Hemingway Royal with rum Bacardi and ginger syrup and Cava. He liked it but I thought it was more a Summer drink being light and refreshing. Next round I got Atrevido which is really smoky mezcal with pineapple and strawberry puree. Be warned - it's very smoky so if that's your thing you'll like it. My friend got Guarapita with rum, passion fruit, strawberry and cucumber and this was delightful. Get one. Get Tres Leches cake for dessert in a little glass , it has a nice cinnamon flavor and cream. Ask to sit in the back in a booth if you can. They don't take reservations and it's a popular spot in Chelsea. Staff were really nice and extra good review for the bartender! Nice...