This review breaks my entire heart. My parents used to take my to the original Lafayette Street location was I was a kid. We went multiple times a month and we’re extremely friendly with the owners, chefs and wait staff (one particular waitress still works there - 22 years later). When I found out they closed, it was like the end of an era. When I learned they moved to Chelsea, I was very excited and happily went to eat. I’ve been going, rather often, since they moved and have enjoyed my past visits. But, now they’ve lost a customer who was with them when their restaurant was tiny, dingy, but delicious!
Why did they lose one of their biggest champions?! Over a perceived short-tip. I had dinner there this evening and my friend and I were having a perfectly pleasant time. The dumplings were good, as usual, though the Roast Pork Chop Noodle soup tasted like dirty dish water and I could tell the entire receipt has altered. I chucked it up to a possible new chef and moved on, bc the dumplings were good.
The first red flag was when my friend and I were ordering a second round of dumplings, the waitress (the very same who has been serving my for more than 2 decades) passed a completely inappropriate comment about us ordering more food. She questioned the order saying “you want more?” as to say “how could you possibly still be hungry?” Again, we brushed it off bc the food is typically worth it.
The lynchpin came when we paid the bill. We paid in cash and got the automatic 10% off (everyone needs something to help with COVID closures). But when we got the bill and paid, we were confronted by the host or head waiter, I do not know how role. He questioned us if we had “more money,” bc “we gave you 10%.” Now mind you, I’ve been a 22 year customer, I’ve been patronizing them for years. We left a VERY generous 15/16% tip, considering the rude comment and bad soup. The, whomever, literally wanted us to leave a tip+the 10% off to cover what THEY had taken off the bill. I threw five singles on the table and let them know they lost me as a customer. You NEVER confront a customer…period! Only out of respect for the memory of my time spent there as a kid did I not take back all my money and storm our faster.
Lastly, the restaurant was FULL of people. This wasn’t done subtly or politely. It was done in the full view of the surrounding customers.
Never again,...
Read moreI recently had an amazing lunch experience at the Excellent Dumpling House in the Flatiron District of New York. This restaurant has become my go-to spot every time I visit the city, and it never fails to impress me with their exceptional Chinese cuisine. Despite its small size, the Excellent Dumpling House offers an atmosphere that is cozy and welcoming. The staff is friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the food. I have tried numerous Chinese restaurants in New York, but none compare to the deliciousness that I experienced here. During my visit, I had the pleasure of ordering my favorite, the hot and sour soup. It was the perfect choice for the cold and snowy weather that day. The soup was served piping hot and had the ideal balance of tanginess and spiciness. Each spoonful was a burst of flavors that left me craving for more. The Excellent Dumpling House truly lives up to its name when it comes to their dumplings. The dumplings are freshly made and filled with a variety of flavorful ingredients. Whether you prefer steamed or pan-fried, each dumpling is a delightful treat that will leave you wanting to try every single one on the menu. Aside from their exceptional dumplings, the Excellent Dumpling House also offers a wide range of authentic Chinese dishes. From mouthwatering stir-fried noodles to succulent meat dishes, every item on their menu is a culinary masterpiece. I must also commend the Excellent Dumpling House for their excellent service. Despite the restaurant being busy, the staff managed to provide prompt and attentive service, ensuring that every customer had a pleasant dining experience. If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine and find yourself in New York's Flatiron District, I highly recommend visiting the Excellent Dumpling House. It is a hidden gem that will surpass all your expectations and leave you with a memorable dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this restaurant has it all. Overall, my experience at the Excellent Dumpling House was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of friendly staff, cozy ambiance, and outstanding Chinese food makes this restaurant a must-visit. Don't miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the best Chinese food New York...
Read moreOrdered for many months and today I've had enough. For mother's day ordered food. Had the young lady read back the order and confirmed all correct. Received the order and when I opened everything I realized they did not include the ribs I ordered and there was an incorrect dish. When I called I told the young lady I'll keep the incorrect dish but the ribs were missing. She went on to tell me all of a sudden the ribs weren't part of the bill. I told her I spent 71 dollars on food and you read back to me the order which included the ribs. She said I'd pay for the ribs still and they would send my the correct dish at no cost and the person arriving would need to see the incorrect dish to verify I wasn't lying. I said thats fine but when I asked her how much the ribs were she said 16 dollars and change and I said okay and the 10% discount will be applied since I'm paying in cash she said no that's only for orders over $20. Now how does that make sense? You messed up my order, then tell me items ordered wasn't part of my bill and then I need to show them the incorrect food. Well the guy came saw the food. Then he went on to ask me for the food back so it's not a swap. I told him no, that's not was what was agreed. I reiterated what the lady told me- here's the most shady part. The lady started to call me "honey" and that the kitchen now decided that it should be a swap rather than what she agreed to over the phone. She went on to say how I should help her out. I said look that's not right. It's mother's day I ordered food and you got it wrong then told me ribs weren't part of the meal. Then when I agree to pay for it you now want to make a swap for the food? Never in my life will I order from this place again. Absolutely ridiculous. I know they lied about charging me for the ribs in the first place. All I ordered was a house rice, large wonton soup, two ordered of steamed pork dumplings, a pork bun and ribs. How does that est to $71? Then I gave another $20 for ribs? I will make sure my entire penn south community learns of this as they too have been complaining about this place. DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM. THEY ARE UNETHICAL AND...
Read more