Hollybrook Lane — Restaurant in New York

I’ve visited this restaurant a few times now. Unfortunately, my experiences have been consistently disappointing.

During my first visit, our waitress was rude, and when I met the owner, he wasn’t particularly friendly either. On top of that, I was charged extra for butter — and possibly other small items, though I can’t remember exactly what. It felt like they kept tacking on extra charges for basic things like butter and salt, which left a bad impression.

Despite this, I kept giving them chances because I genuinely enjoy this type of food, and since I live nearby, it’s convenient. On my second visit, I ordered a chicken dish, but the chicken was dry — another letdown.

Now, fast forward to tonight. I ordered ribs with collard greens, coleslaw, and mac and cheese. When I picked up my food, I was surprised to be told they were “doing me a favor” by allowing me to place a phone order for pickup — which felt strange, considering I spent $55 on my meal and was picking it up myself.

When I got home, I was shocked by the portion of collard greens — it was so small it looked like a joke, barely a bite’s worth served in a tiny sauce container. I called the restaurant to ask about it, as I felt the portion size was misleading. The owner was the one who answered, and while he did provide more collard greens, he also claimed I had “threatened” him — which I hadn’t — and oddly brought up that he’s Black (so am I).

Ultimately, he refunded me and banned me from the restaurant altogether. Frankly, this speaks to poor customer service and an owner who doesn’t know how to handle constructive feedback....

Service: The service was excellent. Our waitress was warm, friendly, and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment we arrived.

Atmosphere: The restaurant had a great vibe—cozy and inviting, with well-chosen music that enhanced the overall experience. Whoever curated the playlist deserves special mention for setting the perfect tone.

Food: The food was a mixed experience. The highlights included the mac and cheese and the harvest salad, both of which were flavorful and well-executed. However, the ribs fell short—they lacked the desired tenderness, though the accompanying BBQ sauce was outstanding. The wings were underwhelming, needing more seasoning or a complementary sauce to elevate them. Unfortunately, the cornbread was the most disappointing dish, as it was overly dry and difficult to enjoy without a drink to wash it down.

Overall: Hollybrook Lane earns a 3.5/5. While it’s worth a visit, particularly for the standout dishes and inviting atmosphere, it’s not a place I’d prioritize for a...

My husband and I were in town for a wedding and flew in on Friday, absolutely starving and without any reservations. We took a chance and headed to this restaurant and to our surprise we were met with a warm and accommodating welcome! Being from Las Vegas, we’re accustomed to exceptional service, and Hollybrook Lane did not disappoint! The atmosphere was inviting, the music added the perfect touch, and the elevated Southern-inspired dishes truly impressed us.

We had the Hush Puppies, Fried okra—which were crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of seasoning, the Cajun Chicken Wings were perfectly seasoned and cooked, and we also had the Fried Catfish which is my husband's favorite. He said it was perfectly crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside. Every bite was on point!

Hollybrook Lane made us feel right at home, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start to our weekend. If you’re looking for amazing food, a welcoming vibe, and top-notch service, this is the...