Social Drink & Food — Restaurant in New York

*Take this review with a grain of salt, as I was here very early in the post-COVID-19 reopening period.

This was one of the strangest dining experiences I've had in a while. From the beginning, we felt like we were entering a liminal space.

To get to the restaurant, you must take an elevator from the lobby of the Yotel. We walked past it at first because the lobby was a sparse, dimly lit white room that, from the outside, looked like it was under construction; the Yotel's (admittedly very cool) luggage robot looked a bit like construction equipment from outside, their front desk (and therefor the only human in the lobby) was around a corner and thus not visible until deep into the room, and even after walking inside the only greeting we received was the presence of two Clockwork Orange-esque fiberglass sculptures flanking the path to the elevators. After finally walking deep enough into the room, we spotted the front desk and its attendant, who was kind enough to direct us to the fourth floor as we shouted to each other from across the room. After arriving on the fourth floor, we were a bit confused by signage telling us the rooftop area was ahead when it was actually to the right, as well as the seeming complete lack of people at 7pm (granted, it was a Sunday evening and just coming back from COVID-19).

We found the host at his podium, and he was very enthusiastic and energetic as he took us to our seats outside on the lovely terrace. Our waitress was also lovely as we ordered drinks, named after memes from 2012, that couldn't be served until we ordered food thanks to NYC's COVID regulations. Unfortunately, this is where the letdown began. The menu was not the same as the one on the website, with some items disappointingly excluded. We ordered Blistered Shishito Peppers appetizer, a Beef Burger, and a Margarita Flatbread. We asked about coffee as the night was a bit chilly, but were told no hot drinks were available. Our drinks came, and they were quite good. We then waited for quite a long time, which was surprising considering there seemed to only be about 12-15 people in the restaurant. What made it even more surprising was the quality of the food when it finally came out. The pepper appetizer came at the same time as the mains, and was very unpleasant; the peppers were soggy and mushy such that eating one was a bit like biting down on a warm stick of spicy butter. The flatbread brought me back to my childhood, as it tasted almost exactly like the $1 Lunchables pizzas I ate in middle school, complete with cheese reminiscent of a bag of pre-shredded grocery store mozzarella and a sauce evocative of a jar of store-brand pizza sauce. Fortunately, the burger was pretty decent and the fries were crispy and quite tasty, especially when dipped in what the menu called aioli but what I felt tasted quite a lot like regular mayonnaise.

Quite disappointed and eager to leave, we closed our tab without ordering any drinks past the first round. Having ordered a grand total of two drinks, a small plate of peppers, a burger, and the cheapest tasting flatbread I'd eaten since I was 12, the bill came to nearly $100 before tip.

The recipe for a great night out is there: a stunning rooftop terrace, tasty drinks, a clearly hardworking staff, a great atmosphere, and an enticing menu. But in a world where the Social isn't much of an option and the the Food is a legal requirement for the Drink, the Food needs to be either cheap, tasty, or both. Seeing as it's currently neither, Social Drink & Food will need to make some big changes fast if they want to survive a...

Green Fig is an absolute gem among New York City's rooftop bars. Perched high above the bustling streets, this rooftop offers an enchanting escape with its stunning views and inviting ambiance.

The atmosphere is both vibrant and relaxing, making it perfect for a casual evening out or a special celebration. The decor is modern yet cozy, with plenty of seating options that allow you to soak in the panoramic views of the city skyline.

The food and drinks at Green Fig are nothing short of exceptional. The menu features a delightful fusion of flavors, with a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. Whether you're in the mood for a light snack or a hearty meal, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings. The cocktails are crafted to perfection, with creative mixes that add a refreshing twist to your usual favorites.

One of the standout features of Green Fig is its live music and entertainment. The rooftop frequently hosts talented musicians, adding a lively and enjoyable element to the overall experience.

The service is top-notch, with a friendly and attentive staff that goes above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable time. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Green Fig is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a rooftop experience in New York City.

In summary, Green Fig combines breathtaking views, delectable food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere to create an unforgettable rooftop experience. It's a place where you can unwind, socialize, and soak in the beauty of the...

We had a reservation for 8 people, but no one was there to seat us or greet us. We waited around for about 15 minutes before finally being met by a waiter who told us to sit where we pleased. After sitting down, we waited about 10 minutes to place a drink order. We ordered a bottle of wine and a few cocktails. After about 20 minutes, our wine came out, but no other drinks. The waiter then asked if we wanted anything else to drink, to which we responded that we were still waiting on several cocktails. He seemed confused, and asked that we re-place our order. Finally, after an additional 25 minutes, we finally got our cocktails, minus one drink: the large one that comes in a pineapple. That drink took an additional 10 minutes. It took more than 50 minutes to get all of our drinks. On top of that, they forgot one of our two food orders, which we never got. The pineapple drink was also an unbelievable waste of money; it was roughly 10 oz of liquid in a pineapple, that was more than $40.

After complaining about the service to the manager, the best they could do was bring us a free bottle of $10 Prosecco, on a $200 check. I’ve had a free round of drinks for less painful experiences.

Folks, there are much, much better ways to waste money in NYC. You don’t need to go to this restaurant. The view is nice, but even that can be had somewhere else for cheaper. Pretty awful experience at a bar that demands high...