Lovely Day — Restaurant in New York

Probably the rudest waitstaff I have ever encountered.

Food was mediocre. Space was cramped.

After arriving and being seated we were told to order immediately because the kitchen was closing to prepare for dinner. We asked if we should go someplace else or if it was alright if we stayed and ate, even though the kitchen was closed. We were told it was alright to stay if we ordered something. We ordered, and our check was given to us immediately after our food. We stayed and ate, while discussing things with a computer.

While still finishing our food and drinks, a waitress told us we needed to leave, since they needed the table for dinner. My friend then asked for a dinner menu, and brought up to the waitress that she was asked to leave another time she came to the restaurant, and asked why they weren't more accommodating to their customers. The waitress said they needed the table for dinner customers. We told her we would order dinner. In a louder voice, as though she didn't hear us, she said that they needed to save the table for dinner customers. We noted to her that there were four other available tables, and that we would like to order dinner. The waitress said, even louder, and more angrily, that we couldn't stay because the tables were for dinner customers, and that we shouldn't be looking at a computer because "this isn't a starbucks". My friend then asked if she could please just bring us a menu, so we could order dinner. The waitress then basically threw the menu at my friend. One menu.

2 minutes later, the bartender took our order, because the waitress was too frustrated to deal with us anymore. My friend asked if he could make sure the dumplings were cooked in a more well done way, since the last time she had them, they weren't cooked all the way through. He replied, no joke, by saying "Well I'm not the one cooking them". She asked if he could relay the message to whoever would be cooking them.

Upon receiving our food, we had no silverware left. The bartender passed, my friend asked if we could have some cutlery. he said "You want a knife?" she said, "well yes, please. And a fork, and a spoon". She had ordered miso soup, and the soup spoon was behind the bowl, in a place she couldn't see. He said to her "You have a spoon.". We never received any other silverware, and had to take some from another (Empty) table after 10 minutes.

Usually there are a few sides to every story, but being as most of the interaction happened between my friend and the waitstaff, I was able to be an observer. My friend never raised her voice, and was very polite in how she spoke to them. She even tipped them after dinner, even though I refused to.

So we ate two meals, and tipped for both. The food was alright, but due to this terrible experience, I will never go there again. I have been a waitress, and put up with a lot, and have never written a bad review before. This really made me question how this place could maintain any business, if they treated their customers...

LONG STORY SHORT: Customer service was atrocious, and I beg you to please, please, please, save your dollars and spend it at the other thousands of restaurant that NYC has to offer. The food is okay, nothing special, but customers are definitely not a priority here.

STORY: My friends and I regretfully dined at the restaurant on Friday, 24 March. Our server was a tall miss with brown hair, large squarish glasses, and was wearing denim. My first friend, V, walks in, was not at all greeted, so she asks the closest staff member, "... Can I sit where I want?" Server responds, "Just you?" in a harsh and inappropriate tone. V informs her one more person is joining, G.

V & G are sat at the booth. I, the third friend, decide to join at the last minute. I also received no greeting, but I spotted and joined them. Several minutes of conversation pass and no one has addressed the table so I use my friend's cup of water. Our server eventually provided us with the third cup.

We order, and receive our food. Already ready to turn around, she asks us, "Do you guys need anything else?" I actually had to ask for my own set of utensils.

We finally finish eating, and continue conversing for awhile. She was clearly preoccupied with conversing with her friends, and we all had a night to get to. I had to wave to grab her attention to get our checks.

After all three of us laid down our Visas, it took her another ten minutes to come by to briskly and unapologetically inform us that they only accepted cash and Amex.

I had gone to the restroom after sorting through and laying down our cash. I met with my girlfriends outside, who informed me that the server had gone after them as they were exiting, and said, “$3 is not enough for a tip.” (10%) To which one responded, “We didn’t have enough cash.” Server: “You could have gone to an ATM. Do not come back to this restaurant.” My friends said they could hear her gossiping about them as they were standing outside waiting for me.

Two of us had sufficient cash, but service was appallingly atrocious. That server was lucky enough to even receive $3 to cover her NYC taxes. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry before, and I have many server friends who provide the absolute best smile and service and still receive $0 in tips from the cheapos out there. I was utterly horrified by the audacity of this server, who believes she should have gotten a decent tip for providing terrible and unattentive service, to be paid to talk to friends while on the job. This is clearly not the first time she has done this, and I would highly advise management to update policies and priorities or else this restaurant will shut down. If we were not in a rush to be elsewhere, I would have ran back inside to talk to the manager.

Please please please, do not waste your time with this...

Lovely Day in Nolita, located on Elizabeth Street, offers an unparalleled dining experience that combines the best of Thai cuisine with a cozy, charming atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warm, inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the delicious food.

The menu at Lovely Day is a testament to the rich flavors and vibrant ingredients of Thai cooking. Every dish is meticulously crafted, from the classic Pad Thai to the mouthwatering Green Curry. The freshness of the ingredients is evident in every bite, and the balance of spices showcases the chefs' expertise.

One standout dish is the Spicy Basil Chicken, which delivers just the right amount of heat, balanced with fragrant basil and tender chicken. The Tom Yum Soup, another favorite, is a perfect harmony of sour, spicy, and savory notes. For those who love noodles, the Drunken Noodles are a must-try, with their robust flavors and perfect texture.

Beyond the incredible food, the service at Lovely Day is exceptional. The staff is attentive, friendly, and always ready to provide recommendations or accommodate special requests. Their genuine hospitality enhances the overall dining experience, making you feel right at home.

The restaurant's decor adds to its charm, with a quaint and stylish interior that feels both modern and nostalgic. Whether you're enjoying a meal with friends or on a cozy date night, Lovely Day provides an intimate setting that elevates your dining experience.

Lovely Day in Nolita is a true gem that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. Its delightful dishes, impeccable service, and inviting atmosphere make it a standout destination for anyone looking to enjoy an unforgettable meal. Highly...