Ralph's Coffee — Restaurant in New York

I want to love this place so badly, but I've been here 4 times and every time I'm disappointed. I'm only leaving this review now because the service this time was upsetting.

Service 0/5: Waiter motioned for us to take a table in the back, then we waited 20 min to order. I'd be more understanding if it were busy but it was a Monday morning with plenty of empty tables. 18 min in, I waved and made eye contact with a waiter, except then he just turned around and left without even acknowledging me (???????). This was so rude. I ended up going up to an employee in a blazer to ask to order, he at least took our order quickly and apologized for the wait. After we ate we waited a long time again. The same original waiter who made eye contact and ignored me also came to take away dirty dishes from the table next to us, but didn't take ours (we only had 2 dishes easy to stack) and immediately left even though I was looking at him waiting for them to be done talking so I could ask to pay. We had to go up to find a waiter again just to pay. We walked up to the original waiter. He didn't even know what we ordered.

Food 0/5: I've tried several pastries, the ham and cheese sandwich, and the chicken salad sandwich. All pastries are served room temperature and they are all very standard pastries you'd expect from a convenience store. The sandwiches were even worse. The ham and cheese is also served room temp, cheese is not melted or anything, bread looks and tastes like its from a convenience store. A grade school kid could have slapped it together. I'm shocked that the ham and cheese here would be served even at a deli much less an upscale cafe like Ralphs. The chicken salad sandwich also had convenience store white bread, and way too much mayo. I keep saying convenience store quality because I've had better sandwiches from the ready-to-eat sections at grocery stores, so to say it's grocery store quality would even be misleading.

Drinks 2/5: Drip coffee is very mediocre, I've had better coffee at home. The hot chocolate I believe is made from a hot chocolate mix and you can see how all the powder settles at the bottom of the cup. I only give 2 stars because it's at least not as shockingly bad as the food.

Atmosphere 4/5: The cafe is so pretty and the biggest reason why I came back a few times. However, the lighting inside is bad for photos.

Price: Unsure how to rate this $5.50 for drip coffee, $10-14 for small sandwiches, slice of cake for $14. Prices are expensive but expected for an upscale place, so normally I'd be okay with it. However, given the food and coffee is convenience store quality, it definitely feels priced...

I was very excited to try out this spot, and when I got there, their system was down, so we came back after an hour of waiting. When we got back the baristas were incredibly rude. My friend got an iced latte that she didn’t love, so I offered to go back in and request to switch it out or get our money back if it was a possibility. I also work in customer service, and know that showing respect to staff in these situations is of the utmost importance in order to avoid being rude myself. There was no one in line when I went back in with the coffee, and the three baristas behind the counter didn’t apologize that we weren’t satisfied with the drink provided, but instead began acting suspicious of me as if I was inconveniencing them with my needs. The baristas only said “that’s not what you ordered” in a very accusing tone of voice; and began to go on with “why didn’t she bring it in herself; how come she drank so much of the drink” just asking condescending questions in a very rude tone of voice, without offering any helpful solutions for me as a customer in this situation. It was probably the worst customer service I’ve ever received because although they need to ask those questions when a customer is dissatisfied, they were not trying to understand the situation or offer me any solutions but were incredibly defensive and unkind from the start. Also, earlier when we were originally ordering our drinks they were condescending and rolling their eyes behind the counter and making comments to each other about us taking photos. For a place that attracts a lot of tourists, you would expect the employees to treat tourists with more respect. Would not recommend; the coffee was mid & the staff made the whole experience...

Escape the Hustle at Ralph's Coffee on Madison Avenue Nestled in the elegant Upper East Side at 888 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021, Ralph's Coffee offers a sophisticated and inviting oasis for coffee aficionados and style seekers alike. More than just a coffee shop, it's an extension of the iconic Ralph Lauren world, exuding a timeless charm and understated luxury.

Here's what makes Ralph's Coffee a must-visit:

Curated Coffee Experience: Indulge in expertly brewed coffee made from specially selected beans. Whether you prefer a classic espresso, a creamy latte, or a perfectly crafted pour-over, each cup is a testament to quality and care. Stylish Ambiance: Immerse yourself in the warm and inviting décor, reflecting the classic Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Think rich wood accents, comfortable seating, and a touch of equestrian elegance – the perfect backdrop for a moment of respite. Delectable Treats: Complement your coffee with a tempting selection of pastries, cakes, and other sweet treats, all chosen to enhance your experience. More Than Just Coffee: Discover a curated selection of Ralph's Coffee merchandise, from signature coffee blends and mugs to stylish accessories, allowing you to take a piece of the experience home. People-Watching Paradise: Situated on bustling Madison Avenue, grab a seat by the window and enjoy the quintessential New York experience of watching the city stroll by. Whether you're a dedicated Ralph Lauren enthusiast or simply seeking a refined coffee break in a chic setting, Ralph's Coffee on Madison Avenue offers a delightful escape from the everyday. It's a place to savor quality, soak in style, and recharge in the heart...