Naked Dog — Restaurant in New York

IN 20 YEARS IN NEW YORK, I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WORST HOST/MAîTRE D’ TAKING CARE OF HIS CUSTOMERS US LAST NIGHT! We had been to this restaurant just before the pandemic and had had a good experience. Last night, the host (his name is Yan) did not welcome us warmly. Yet we decided to insist based on our previous experience and came back for dinner when he called us 45 minutes later (not 30 as he had mentioned but not big deal there yet) to let us know our table inside was ready. We were craving a good meat. So we ordered a very nice bottle of Barolo and ordered, amongst other thing, the 16 oz bisteca, a Pat La Frieda dry aged beef ribeye. We mentioned that we wanted it rare as we both are big meat eaters and rare ribeye is the way to eat it for us. Meanwhile, we started enjoying our appetizers and wine.Then the meat came and the plate looked amazing. We were very excited ! The two waiters that served our food were very sweet, friendly and personable. unlike Yan, THE WORST maître d’/host who should be stripped of these titles if any. Indeed, when we asked to change the meat as it was over cooked for us, it was medium rare at best medium in some parts he stepped in, took over from the kind waiter, took our plate in the kitchen to probably check with the chef and came back to coldly put our plate on the table letting us know that it was rare and basically closing the debate, basically letting us know it was his way or the highway. He did not offer us to change for another dish, nor did he offer to compensate us, or just to be kind and make his customers happy, the rule number 1 in this business. We furiously asked for the bill. Saw that they had left the $52 ribeye on it, decided not to make more fuss and left. This guy Yan absolutely should not work in this industry. Perhaps he should work outside of a tasteless nightclub and use his stupid power trip to turn down guests from entering. I think this should be his job if any at...

Absolutely amazing restaurant. From the physical appearance and decor, the ambiance, the staff and of course, the food: everything is literally as good as it gets. Owner Cecilia and her staff go so far above and beyond to make sure that not a single detail is overlooked for your experience dining with them. The food is as good as any I've ever had anywhere and the restaurant itself is so perfectly placed in the great Greenpoint. We started with the crispy eggplant and burrata, watermelon salad and a side of the cauliflower; then shared the short rib with polenta and a side of fries. Finished it off with the olive oil cake. Everything was a 10. Bartender truly has a passion for what he does as the cocktails are masterful- suggest giving the KEEP OAXACAN a try- it's superb. Same goes for the food. The waiters placed knives on the table to accompany the short ribs- we didn't even pick these knives up. The meat is THAT tender. Flavorful beyond measure too. And the portion sizes are really impressive. I'm still thinking about the crispy eggplant and burrata and how much I loved it. The olive oil cake was the perfect ending to a perfect dinner. Can't wait to return to try all of the house made pasta! Recommend Naked Dog with the utmost enthusiasm. Won't surprise me at all when this restaurant is recognized with Michelin...

So here's an unusual perspective. I trained there as a waiter for two days. First off, the food is exquisite and consistent. Absolutely delicious. I'd have been happy to earn salary in meals alone. The tagliatelle is so comforting and tasty. People really like the food here. No remains of food on plates when they're cleared. Customers, many of whom were regulars, seemed happy and genuinely satisfied when they left. Was offered five shifts but ultimately had to stay with my other full time job. I'm afraid I don't have any dramatic behind the scenes experience to share. The kitchen and prep areas were immaculate. The four other waiters and bartender who trained me were kind, considerate, and helpful. Most of all the manager, Nunzio, really helped guide me and remind me of proper server protocol. He was a huge help and so gracious. I had the opportunity to meet the owner before I left and she was absolutely charming, commanding great respect from the staff she employs. So there you have it. I really wish I could have made it work, but I plan on making it my regular go to when my own garden biz...