DOC Wine Bar — Restaurant in New York

The vibes of this restaurant are really nice and the lasagna is pretty good, however the server yelled at us and forced us to leave the restaurant. I have never had such a horrifying experience with a restaurant before, especially considering how friendly the atmosphere was. My friend and I came in and asked the server if we’re okay to sit with our dog because we just want to share a quick bite and head out. As soon as we got seated we asked what the server recommended and ordered the lasagna, and they were super kind and quick to give us our food. As we ate, we were chatting with 3 other parties in the restaurant who were chatting with each other even when we entered the space and having great conversation about all our dogs (3 out of the 4 tables had dogs in the restaurant) and once we finished our meal, I went up to pay. As we were heading out, saying bye to the other friendly patrons enjoying their meal, another server came up to us and yelled at us and said “you have to get out of this restaurant right now, you only tipped us 10%!” At first, I was confused and thought he was joking because everyone was so friendly, but then he yelled again “LEAVE RIGHT NOW” as the other people in the restaurant were just as confused and one girl even apologized on his behalf. Having a customer have to apologize on behalf of a server at the restaurant where people are being super friendly was such an oddly embarrassing experience, and I feel so embarrassed for both the server and everyone who was eating there having a good time. I think 10% is definitely on the lower end of tipping which I can acknowledge, but we were in and out of the restaurant in less than 30 minutes and I don’t think it was justified to yell at customers for tipping low. I think if we didn’t tip at all maybe it would justify the server being a bit upset, but to yell at us and force us to leave as we were already on our way out because we “only left a 10% tip” is honestly one of the most embarrassing ways I’ve ever seen a server treat customers. The rest of the customers sitting at the restaurant were just as appalled and I think no human should ever be treated like this. Again, I can acknowledge 10% is a low tip percentage but to treat someone so poorly because you feel entitled to more is so ugly. I hope this doesn’t reflect the restaurant because everyone; from the other staff to the other customers eating made the experience so lovely, and I hope honestly this person gets fired. If the restaurant agrees with the server yelling at customers and forcing them to leave the restaurant as we were already clearly on our way out and just saying bye to others, I would say with confidence that they should be embarrassed to be an establishment. I hope someone can acknowledge this interaction and mitigate moving forward because this left such an ugly taste of what could have made this restaurant one of my favourites...

The food is actually divine. We had fresh anchovies on crostini which were just sublime. We all enjoyed out pastas and the red wines we chose. The waiting staff - one chap was really lovely and friendly. But sadly there was another chap there who didn’t smile once at our table throughout our meal, which to be honest didn’t impede on our experience one bit up until the end. He was the one who brought our bill. I put my card down and it wasn’t until that point that it was brought to my attention that they only take Amex or cash. It is apparently written on the menu - I just never noticed it. I asked this surly waiter why that was - for me it’s like - make me understand. Amex is plastic, why Amex and nothing else? If he had not taken huge offence and just said - I know it’s nuts, it’s just our company policy or something like that, I would have been fine. Instead he’s rude and clearly has had this chat too many times before. He finally says let me see what I can do - I stress, not in a pleasant fashion, he then asks about the tip, I don’t like him but our experience up until now had been really lovely. I told him we were going to leave $50, off he goes and comes back with my card and a slip for me to sign. He throws this on the table by me and walks off without a word. I am a restaurant manager in London, I have my share of difficult customers. If you can call my question being difficult - and surprise surprise they can process other cards - they just choose not to. Again that’s fine, that’s their choice - but there is no need to be rude about it. Throwing my slip to sign at me - red flag to a bull with me I’m afraid and I left no tip. So to the lovely waiter - I am so sorry, you were great. The three stars are for you. But your people hating colleague should be looking for a career change. I love what I do for a living and I find it offensive when I come across an angry waiter. Do something else - no ones making you do this for a living. I would have been angry at myself if I had let someone behave like that towards me and I paid them for the privilege...

This has been my favorite restaurant in NYC, and I’ve been coming here a few times a year since 2012. I’ve always loved the atmosphere, the food, and most of all, the heavenly tiramisu.

However, over the past two years, I’ve noticed some subtle but concerning changes. Today, July 18, 2025, was likely my last visit. After 13 years filled with great memories here, the quality of the food has completely deteriorated. I’m not sure if there’s been a change in ownership or a new kitchen crew, but the excellence this place once had is long gone. Burrata with cherry tomatoes was uninspiring and bland. I don’t want to list all the dishes we had.

Most disappointingly, the tiramisu which used to be truly exceptional and highlight of our every meal here now tastes like something store bought. With quality going down, it’s hard to justify coming back. Honestly, I’d be surprised if this place manages to stay open another year.

I’m genuinely heartbroken. I loved coming here, and it’s sad to see that the good times and the great food have come to an end. The prices no longer reflect the quality, and it seems like corners...