SAINT RESTAURANT BAR & SPEAKEASY — Restaurant in New York

I recently gave Saint Resto-Lounge a second chance after a disappointing first experience, but unfortunately, my visit only confirmed that this venue prioritizes turnover and aesthetics over genuine hospitality.

During my first visit, I felt incredibly rushed. Despite ordering multiple rounds of food and drinks, I was repeatedly reminded of the 90-minute dining limit. The final round of food was brought to me in a to-go bag—without my request—along with the check. When I clarified that I wanted to dine in, the food was returned to me cold, and I was not offered additional drinks or dessert, despite a bill exceeding $400.

On my second visit, already aware of the strict time limits, I proactively requested to move to the bar as soon as a space became available. The bar, apparently unmonitored for time limits, operates on a first-come, first-served basis for a small six-foot space. However, once seated at the bar, I was constantly interrupted and asked to move so other guests could take photos against the venue’s “signature background.” After declining multiple requests, another patron questioned my ethnicity in an uncomfortable exchange, which escalated when management was called over.

At this point, Jonathan, a staff member who had originally seated my party, approached me and asked me to move—or leave—stating, “Welcome to SAINT, this is our signature background, so you have to allow people to take pictures here.” Shortly after, my friends and I were asked to leave altogether, despite the amount of time and money we had spent.

This experience was deeply disappointing, not only in terms of service but also in the way management handled the situation. Hospitality should be about creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all guests, not just those taking Instagram photos. I can’t imagine this is the vision that Rene Jacques had for this establishment, but unfortunately, that is the reality of how it operates.

This keeps the tone refined while still making your frustrations clear. Let me know if you’d like any...

I was here yesterday for a friends birthday. We had a reservation for the garden area which was booked October 11. When we showed up we were told that they were closed for a private party and were mocked by the waitress saying “they must have made the reservation last minute”. We appreciated them for being able to accommodate us in the front area as having to find a restaurant for 9 people without a reservation at 2:30pm on a Sunday. Once we were sat however the entire course and drinks were extremely disappointing. A friend was told that the only white wine they have is Sav Blanc. As for food, the menu was not updated and our appetizers had different ingredients. When the food came out, my chicken sandwich was raw inside and the waitress told me “it’s a different part of the chicken that’s dark”. It’s chicken not turkey though. Also the eggs Benedict did not have hollandaise sauce, in which the waitress said that they do not have that there. As for the French toast, there were no candied walnuts or blueberry compote, it was simply basic French toast. The manager was lovely, though, we were told they would send us over a round of shots, which we never received. When the waitress dropped off the check, 20% was taken off but not my chicken sandwich nor any of the food being discounted. We were offered dessert on the house which comprised of mini churros, 2 cheesecakes and some lady fingers. Though, this was only after we paid, as the wireless informed us we would only receive the dessert after the payment was made. Over extremely disappointing and would not recommend. The staff seems to care more about themselves and saving some time than actually caring about the customers. (I have worked in the restaurant industry for 10+ years and do not like writing these reviews, but after this experience and only being offered 20% off was...

THEIR BARTENDER STOLE MY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION.

yeah. I am a college student and last Thursday, 03/28, my university hosted an event there. I go and buy drinks at the bar and give the bartender my card. He holds on to it for a solid 8 min before coming back and telling me it’s declined. It could not have been declined because I did not use this card at all this month, but whatever. I didn’t pay any more attention to it.

Keep in mind that I never post my credit card information anywhere. I’ve never trusted the “save your card” feature on any browser, and this card is not saved on any third-party payment platform.

Then I proceed to hermit for 2 days. I did not leave my house at all after this event for the entire weekend because I have midterms on Monday. I check my banking statement and in the two days since the event - 03/29 and 03/30, the bartender who had access to my card spent 342 and 297 dollars respectively at at Shoprite in LIC.

Other than this bartender, there is actually no other way on earth my card could have been stolen (conveniently right after the event too). If you think: oh someone else could’ve taken your card while at the event. No. I was there for 30 minutes total - went in, bought drink, drank drink, and left. Also, I asked my bank specifically if there was a transaction on Thursday evening, in the amount of the drinks I ordered, that was declined. They told me that at 11:30pm, no one tried to use my card. So in the 8 minutes he spent fidgeting with my card, he did not even try to swipe it but took a photo of it/ wrote it down instead.

No one picked up when I tried to call the establishment. To management, you should check your employees. To that bartender, I hope you...