Dolly's — Restaurant in New York

A+ for the quality of the food, the cool wait staff, and the creative ambiance inside and out. The kale salad was done perfectly! They lost a star for not enough vegetarian/gluten-free options and for their lack of empathy or understanding when asked to turn the music down outside. They lost another star for not offering any lower-cost or small plates options - even the smallest appetizer was $16 (total bill for 4 adults and 2 children was $400 with tip)

Complaint: Keep in mind I don't mind loud music myself too much if I am just drinking with a friend. But our six-person party included a 78-year-old grandpa with hearing problems and a 13-year-old, (whose Birthday we were there to celebrate), with sensory overload issues. We also couldn't hear each other over the music and the kid was trying to deal with it but was getting stressed by the volume. (They had just had a panic attack earlier in the day.) I tried to call (from the outdoor booth because I couldn't get out without making people have to get up) to ask discreetly for the music (on the speaker right over our heads) to be turned down just a little bit - they did not do it the first 2 requests and when they did, they just put it back up a minute later. One member of the host staff came out twice (interrupting us and bringing attention to exactly the thing I was trying to avoid talking about). Finally the owner arrived, who asked very angrily, leaning back, flapping his arms at his sides with palms to the heavens, rudely asking about what we were asking for, embarrassing both the person with the hearing problem and the person with sensory overload issues.

With all the eyes on me from my fellow customers, I apologized quietly to him that I just couldn't hear over the volume to have a convo, blaming it on myself, because I didn't want to point out publicly about the elder with the hearing problem and the teen with the mental issues. I had to quietly repeat myself three or four times because he just stood there staring at me with his open arms angrily. It was all just very rude.

I was just trying to help my party have a dinner where we could communicate and not be stressed out. And the long stare that seemed to last forever from the owner was way over the top rude and he looked at me like I had three heads and was speaking in tongues! Knock it off - confrontational much!!?

So sorry I asked for a little accommodation for the people in my party. It won't happen again because we won't be back. I guess dropping $400 at a restaurant doesn't mean you get any accommodations around how loud they're going to blare music in your ears.

If anyone in your party has Special Needs do not come here! (My review is at least the 3rd one that's specifically talks about discrimination against people with special needs at this...

My deepest thanks go out to Michelle, Lindsey, and the amazing team at Dolly Vardens for creating a truly unforgettable 40th birthday celebration for my husband! Despite some challenging weather conditions, the entire evening unfolded seamlessly, enveloped in an atmosphere brimming with festivity and joy.

The staff at Dolly Vardens were the epitome of professionalism and grace, managing every intricate detail to perfection. Not only did the event proceed without a hitch, but every guest also felt personally attended to and valued. In the face of unpredictable weather, the team adeptly navigated the challenges and went above and beyond to craft an atmosphere of celebration that remained vibrant and undeterred by the elements.

What stood out strikingly at the event was the exceptional quality of food and drinks served at Dolly Vardens. Each item on the menu received unanimous praise from the attendees, with the beverage offerings becoming the highlight of the night. The delight was evident on the face of the birthday celebrant and all our guests, making the evening truly special. Adding to the culinary delight was a beautifully presented and utterly delicious cake, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The level of dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence displayed by everyone at Dolly Vardens deeply moved us. It was clear that the success of the evening was a direct outcome of the leadership of Michelle and Lindsey, supported by a team with a positive, can-do attitude, fully committed to customer satisfaction.

Based on this delightful experience, Dolly Vardens has undoubtedly earned its place as our top choice for hosting future events. We eagerly look forward to many more celebrations at this...

My friend and I had a mind blowingly good galentines celebration here! While this review is going to get into the food, I'd be remiss to not mention that the staff here are truly incredible people. Our waiter David was amazing and just the sweetest person, as are all of the women working at the hostess station. When I called to confirm whether they still had their outdoor heated railcar, they said they did but that we would have to order at the bar and then take food out there. While I normally would be fine with that compromise, Dolly Varden has six steps and both my friend and I have mobility disabilities, plus I need to eat outdoors due to COVID-19 risk factors. When I explained all this, the hostess agreed to make an exception. I would have been happy just to order and get my food but David went out of his way to check on us and really was so thoughtful about giving us the same experience as anyone who could eat inside.

Now onto the food! I've been here a few times and normally I find the food good but not mine blowing. I'm not kidding when I say I was blown away by their Valentine's Day menu. This is a must!!$45 gets you an entree and an app or dessert. And not just any entree but a filet mignon with mashed potatoes and asparagus and a fra diavolo pasta with lobster and other seafood. We decided to try both entrees, and the pasta was truly special. We also really loved the burrata small plate and the chocolate mousse dessert, but will be dreaming of that pasta forever and ever.

Wheelchair access: to be clear, Dolly Varden does have an accessible entrance, but as it's a staff operated lift that cannot be accessed independently, going in and out takes a...