Roberta's Fine Dining — Restaurant in New York

My review is regarding the unfortunate experience with Mr. Mark Taylor at Roberta's Fine Dining, for our mother's repast on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 6pm- 8pm. What should have been a solemn and respectful occasion turned into a series of disappointments.

Upon arriving from the funeral service at 6:05 pm, my guests were left standing outside because the door was locked, and they were told the food was still being cooked. Approximately 15 minutes later, the cook, Mr. Kent Johnson, came out to unlock the door and told me the food was still being cooked. I sent Mr. Johnson a text earlier that day at 12:45 pm, reminding him of the menu and the start time, to which he responded with a "Confirmed" and a thumbs-up emoji, indicating he had ample time to prepare the food. I called Mr. Taylor, and he claimed he was there earlier and everything was fine. Once inside, there were no sternos set up, no music playing, the bathroom did not have toilet tissue or paper towels, and the lock on the bathroom door was broken. The food that was ready did not come out until 7 pm, by which time many of my guests started to leave. I paid $2000, via Zelle, for a full pan of sweet candied yams (there was only a half pan), cornbread (there was none), macaroni and cheese (there was none), smothered chicken (there was none), and collard greens (there was only a half pan). The only full pans were potato salad and fried chicken. In addition, the heel of my bootie went through the floor as I walked by the table near the window on the left side of the room. Throughout this ordeal, my sister and I remained professional and respectful.

I texted Mr. Taylor the next day, Tuesday, February 25, 2025, after returning from our mother’s cremation to address the fiasco the night before. He responds by text that he felt bad and was very sick. He also stated that the marshals closed the restaurant and his dress shop and that his lawyers were working on his behalf. He also said he was in the hospital as he was reading my text and that once the situation was resolved he would give me my money back. I did not want to seem unsympathetic, so I decided I would contact Mr. Taylor next week.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, I texted Mr. Taylor and said I hoped he was feeling better, his legal matters were in order. I also shared that I was praying for him. As this was a follow-up to my text on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, I asked Mr. Taylor which day I could expect a Zelle refund for the food and services that were not provided. Mr. Taylor responds that the business is closed for good now and that he feels really bad that an employee stole his speaker and money allowance for food and that he was in a really bad place now and when he gets back on his feet, he will make it up to me. I am deeply concerned about the lack of professionalism displayed by Mr. Mark Taylor and Mr. Kent Johnson. I do not wish to receive any form of credit, just a refund. Mr. Taylor has shown a lack of empathy and does not appear to recognize the seriousness of the situation and the distress it has caused us during an already...

These reviews have to be a joke. This place was a joke. I ordered the chicken and waffle and it didn't look anything like this. The waffle was not crisp on the outside, it was a soggy mess with butter melted all over it. The chicken was legs only and very salty. I had a glass of sangria and God know how long ago it was made. Tasted like chilled apple cider Vigner. Tried to support a business in my neighborhood and it was disappointing. If you walk by there any day nobody is in there, the lights are on but no business. This is a honest review. The venue is very well decorated, however it does have a slight mildew smell. With the right ownership and chief this place...

I truly appreciate the hospitality that Roberta's showed myself and my family during my grandmother repast. The owner, Mr. Taylor, booking easy. He was very accommodating to my guests. We promised that he would take care of everything and he did. He even printed out pictures of her to post and added her image to a cake.

In regards to food for catering, I recommend the tuna salad, potato salad, fried chicken and fried fish. Everyone enjoyed it and took food home.

If you need a place to host a good old fashioned repast, Roberta's is the place. I felt like I was at a church cookout. It felt very familiar, down to earth...