Milk And Honey Cafe — Restaurant in New York

I had the WORST experience here! My girlfriends and I came here for brunch two weeks ago to celebrate my girlfriends relocation journey. When we arrived, the restaurant was fairly empty, with majority of patrons already ordered or were half way through their meals. We sat, reviewed the menu while awaiting for two other friends to arrive. In total, there was only 7 of us within our party. We ordered promptly, about 10 minutes after arriving. I ordered a salad with salmon, and a lemonade. The remainder of my friends ordered breakfast items. I sat, patiently, as all their orders came out. 20 minutes went by. Nothing was said. I then motioned to the waitress whom later brought over a delayed egg order regarding my salad. She advised it was coming out.

I watched as the staff scrambled in the back regarding my order. Checking several tickets, but never coming to the table to address the delay with my order. Another 10 minutes went by, when I politely motioned to the wait staff, I kept hearing, “your salad is coming”. Yet, still nothing. A total of over 40 minutes post the time my original order was placed pass by. No manager has come to my table to address that all parties have eaten, several guest have come and gone and my simple salad has still not come out.

By this time, I was beyond frustrated and tired of being silent. I went to the front and asked for my money back. The male behind the counter responds with “Your salad is right here,” while motioning to an undesirable salad. I replied that due to the duration of time I would like my money back. He rudely drops the salad and proceeds to process a refund.

What was most disheartening, was that there was no acknowledgment of the lack of customer service. My initial order included a lemonade, I was refunded solely the price of a salad and deducted the lemonade, which I desperately drank while awaiting for my meal. He asked “Did you take the lemonade?” I responded, yes, as unbeknown to me I was not expecting my salad to take close to an hour to complete.

No, I’m not asking to be compensated for the lemonade but as a business owner myself, I understand the meaning of attempting to rectify what was made wrong by the business. Every customer counts and every customer experience counts! The attitude towards the issue created by the kitchen was dismissive and clearly not indicative of a customer first mentality.

To ensure my girlfriends day was not ruin, we actually remained a few hours chatting and laughing. I still remained, while still have not eaten, as I knew how important this moment was for her and holding space for my friend was! The aspect that this business had such a nonchalant attitude regarding creating a good customer experience for each customer, is deserving of zero...

PRO: the food was delicious.

CONS: Me and two friends came here on a Sunday and every table was full but it didn't seems particularly hectic. We had to wait for a table which was fine, but after we got seated it took too long for them to remember that we were there. Wouldn't have cared that much except the couple who sat down directly next to us, who arrived after us got their order taken and their food served before our order was taken.

Ordering - this was weird. They had us pay for our food up front. "What if we want to order something else?" Then you'll need to put another order in. Which was odd. She was using one of those hand held devices that let her put the order in and take payment. Which means we can't split the order. We'd have to make three new separate orders. This made me crazy so I just everything on my card. I selected the "print receipt " option after paying and tipping. I didn't get a receipt.

After a bit, my friends plates came. They enjoyed their food. A young woman brought out the wrong plate for me. Asked me twice if I didn't order the arugula something or other. I told her twice I didn't order an arugula anything, I ordered the baked salmon salad (which is served on a bed if spinach). I think they just put the wrong order in or just forgot about me. My plate came after my friends had finished their meals. And I had finished my mango tango lemonade (which was very tasty). I had wanted another but didn't want to swipe my card just for a drink.

The Food - When my food finally did come, it was delicious. But I didn't wait 30 minutes for a salad.I also finally got utensils (which was a metal fork and plastic knife...). Not sure if I felt like that salmon was baked, seemed pan seared to me. But regardless it was tasty and filling. Which, frankly, for $22 it should have been.

The restaurant has a takeout window as well so I feel like for whatever reason everyone pays for their food as if we were ordering from the takeout window, even if you're dining in. Payment and tip up front. I would have tipped less if I had to option to do it after receiving service. The food was good, but honestly it was just the service that was lacking. I couldn't tell if there was a manager working there today, but it seemed like a restaurant being operated by a bunch of high school girls for their summer job. They were always absolutely kind and polite, just incredibly inattentive.

TL;DR : great food, poor service. Caveat emptor, not sure if it's worth the wait, especially if you've got places to be after. Four star food. 2 star service. 3...

Ahhh ... I guess I’ll start from beginning to end. First and foremost this is my first time at this place. I say that to give you a heads up on why I am not giving this place 5 stars. So as I walk in my first impression is that this place is awesome! It’s beautiful, spacious and looks amazing. With that said there is a system on how to order in the place. Being that it is my FIRST TIME I am not aware of how things work.

So when you walk in there is a line... mind you it’s super crowded. I’m almost to the register and realized that you actually order when it’s your turn. There is no menu on the wall and you are not handed a menu when you walk in so when I got to the cashier I had no clue as to what this place offered besides the drinks on the wall once I got to the cashier. Anywho the cashier (meeka or mica... idk how to spell it my apologies) was not the most pleasant person. She had an attitude from the moment I said hi. It was crowded so I can understand her frustration trying to keep the line moving. But as a first timer this should not be my greeting. Even if I was a repeating customer I should be greeted with a “hi, what can I get you, or I see that you’re new these are our best sellers” just something. I felt completely rushed and annoyed after. My friend says she went there before and the same treatment smh.

Other than that the food was great and the guys on the floor were awesome they helped us get a table etc. I order a chai latte and I swear it’s the best I’ve ever tried. I also ordered the French toast and urgghhh it was sooooo good. I’m salivating at the mouth just thinking about it.

Overall this place is great but I would recommend having the menus available when people walk in and also train the cashier. Because that alone could deter me from ever returning or recommending this...