Tanner Smith's — Restaurant in New York

Dear owner, I’ve always cherished the memories my family and I have made at this bar. It’s where my fiancé proposed to me, a moment I hold dear, and where we’ve shared countless joyful evenings with friends. The atmosphere has always felt like a warm embrace, and the staff have felt like family.

But during my visit last night (10/31/2024 11:00 pm), something very strange happened that shattered my heart. I was excited to introduce my friend Zara to this beloved place, eager to share the joy and warmth it holds for us. We ordered our drinks, and I reminisced about the beautiful memories I’ve created here together.

When it was time to order our second round, I was taken aback when the bartender informed me that I could only allow to have water. I was not causing any trouble—I hadn’t had too much to drink, and I was completely fine. In fact, all other customers around us was confused about this situation as well. The bartender told my friend Zara that she was still allowed to order her drink, while I stood there, confused and hurt, unable to even request or order anything.

When Zara and I approached the manager for clarification, it felt as if she prioritized the bartender's word over supporting her customers. We felt humiliated, lost in a moment that should have been filled with laughter and joy.

In tears, I found myself outside the bar, wishing the owner could see this message because I was crying so much over this unfair treatment. Two compassionate staff members came outside and offered me tissues, reassuring me that it was okay and inviting to come again tomorrow, but the weight of the situation left me bewildered and deeply hurt.

This bar has been a sanctuary for me and my family, a place where we’ve woven beautiful memories into the fabric of our lives. I hope to see the warmth and inclusiveness that made this bar a home for us return, for the sake of all who cherish it. Thank you for the good times in the past, and I hope for brighter moments...

Such a weird and ultimately unpleasant dining experience. I went there for Sunday brunch along with 3 other people. When we arrived we were greeted warmly and provided an option for the hostess to hold our bags up front because we were traveling and had several bags with us. The front dining room was FREEZING and our original table was near the window. We asked to move to another open table and they accommodated that but the draft was intense and it had no impact on the temperature. A lady sitting at the next table over was basically wrapped in a blanket the whole time she was eating. Here's where it took a turn...we asked if they'd be able to close the window. Having worked in hospitality myself, I assumed they may not want to close the window but figured they'd KINDLY offer to reseat us. The staff person with the bob and septum piercing came over and said "so...we have a table in the back." We looked at her a little confused (as she literally started the conversation with that statement) to which she said, "we are NOT closing the window so you can move to the back if you want but we will need the table free by 1:00pm." The tone and attitude was unnecessary. We then moved to the back (where interestingly enough, EVERY table was filled with a person of color...IN. THE. BACK.). While there, our servers/waitstaff were kind so I am grateful for them. Our food took A LONGGG time to come out and was ridiculously overpriced ($22 for a dry piece of sourdough bread (which according to them was toast) with a smear of avocado and salad greens/tomatoes tossed in a vinaigrette or $45/person for bottomless mimosas that was just a pre-made jug of OJ and prosecco)). The décor is cute (as in social media cute), the music was wildly disjointed (we went from kidz bop to Teach Me How to Dougie), the food wasn't worth the money, and the vibe was giving sunken place. DO NOT RECOMMEND AND WILL NOT EAT...

SHORT FORM - Instead, go right next door to PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown for amazing bartenders, drinks, and a free rooftop view.

LONG FORM - Here was my experience at Tanner Smith’s:

Could not be more disappointed. Overly loud music/customers. The employees upstairs were cold and unwelcoming but the real frustration came from a bartender downstairs in the speak-easy area.

I had already decided on my food and drink from the website prior to arriving. When I ordered my drinks downstairs, the bartender was upset I ordered a drink that was only offered upstairs (as if I was supposed to know that when online gave no indication and this was my first visit).

I ordered an $18 drink downstairs, the bartender acted like the $20 I gave was not enough. He said “that’s fine” and gave me no change so I assumed the prices were different downstairs.

Feeling unwanted, I finished my drink upstairs where I asked a bartender if prices were different downstairs. He said they were the same price at both bars - so I’m not sure why I didn’t get change and only got attitude.

I wouldn’t doubt it if the owner/staff already know the hothead bartender I’m talking about who worked downstairs Friday night.

We decided to leave and went right next door to PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown where we had an amazing time and one of the bartenders there was truly the greatest I’ve ever had. I shook his hand before leaving. Great experience and...