Harney & Sons SoHo — Restaurant in New York

This is the worst customer service I’ve ever seen in the entire universe.

This afternoon I walked by the store and was fascinated by their beautiful window display featuring the special collection of tea for the Lunar New Year of the dragon. It’s a tin of 30 sachets of tea bags.

I walked into the store and took a quick glance of their store setups. I saw the Lunar New Year section of was in the back of the store and I walked towards it. That moment there were two other customers holding a tin of the tea.

I picked up a tin from the lower shelf and asked the employee who was standing behind of the counter the price of it. He is a young skinny white guy.

He was EXTREMELY rude me to all of the sudden. Instead of answering my questions, he scolded me that I shouldn’t lift the tin from the shelf.

I was shocked by his attitude and behavior. I said to him, “But you have it on display and you don’t need to be so rude.” I asked him the question again about the price. He seemed very annoyed by my question and answered, “It’s about 16 dollars.”

I felt truly disappointed and hurtful by this kind of attitude. As I walked to the exit, I asked other employees if I can speak to a manager. One guy said he was one of the managers and he asked about my concerns.

After I explained to him the situation, he was NOT helpful at all. He was also very biased and said to me, “Oh the guy ( employee) is annoyed by so many customers who try to touch the tins and make a mess.”

I wasn’t happy about this manager’s answer either. I said to him, “There is no reason that the employee treats people with disrespect. I was amazed by your window display and wanted to buy this special collection. Now I decided not to buy it because I had really bad experience visiting your store. I also took some photos of the window and was gonna recommend it to my friends and followers. Now I decided now to do that, because I feel truly upset and disappointed about the...

Stepping into Harney and sons feels like entering a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. From the moment you walk through the door, the aromatic symphony of exotic teas greets you, tantalizing your senses and promising a journey of taste and tranquility.

The ambiance is nothing short of enchanting; soft, soothing hip music plays in the background, and the cozy seating areas invite you to linger and savor each sip. The decor exudes elegance with a touch of whimsy, adorned with delicate teapots, intricate tea sets, and lush greenery that adds to the charm. I really like how the new wallpaper comes to life!

But it's the tea selection that truly steals the show. Harney and sons boasts an extensive array of teas from around the world, sourced from the finest tea estates and curated with meticulous attention to quality and flavor. Whether you're a connoisseur seeking rare and exotic blends or a novice eager to explore new tastes, there's something here to delight every palate.

From delicate white teas to robust black teas, fragrant herbal infusions to soothing green teas, the menu is a testament to the artistry and passion of the tea sommeliers behind it. Each brew is expertly prepared and served with care, ensuring that every cup is a moment of pure bliss.

But perhaps what sets Harney and sons apart is the impeccable service. The staff are not just knowledgeable about tea, they are passionate ambassadors who delight in sharing their expertise and guiding guests on a journey of discovery.

Whether you're seeking a quiet escape from the chaos of everyday life, a place to connect with friends over a leisurely afternoon tea, or simply a moment of serenity to savor alone, Harney and sons offers an experience that is nothing short of magical. Prepare to be enchanted, uplifted, and utterly captivated by the charm of this...

The low rating isn’t about the decor—this place is stunning, like a dream. You’ll see from my pictures just how magical it looks. I only wish they were scratch-and-sniff because the aroma of all the teas was incredible. We could have stayed forever.

Unfortunately, the rating reflects how we were treated, and it left us never wanting to return.

We arrived around 6:15 PM and were captivated by everything—the teas, the decor, the beautiful cups and teapots. We wandered to the back and decided to ask for a tea flight, having just seen two women enjoying one and having a great time. The barista informed us that they closed at 6:30 and had already stopped sit-down service. No problem! He was helpful, asking what we were looking for and guiding us to the right section.

Once we found our item, we didn’t want to linger past closing time, so we headed to the register. That’s when things took a turn. The two women we had seen earlier were still sitting, chatting, and enjoying more tea—clearly not being rushed out. Meanwhile, as we approached the register, the previously friendly staff became noticeably different. The person ringing us up didn’t greet us—no “Hi,” no “Did you find everything okay?”—just silence. It felt cold and dismissive, especially compared to how engaged they had been just moments before.

To make it worse, another staff member joined in, chatting casually about the song playing, further emphasizing how uninterested they were in connecting with us. The shift in energy was undeniable. It left such a bad taste that I put down the cups I had been considering buying. The only reason we purchased anything at all was because we genuinely love the tea and didn’t want to wait for shipping.

It’s a shame because this place has so much potential, but that...