THE BARONESS — Restaurant in New York

First of all, the burgers were fine - not amazing, but I live in Portland OR where there are tons of unique burger-and-beer places of similar quality. But never have I seen the kind of douchey attitude that was on display in this restaurant. We couldn't stop talking about it. The bartender (owner?) must be one severely butt-hurt dude. Upon sitting down, my girlfriend and I were looking over the menu; it was hot out and we asked for water before deciding on drinks. The bartender said "there's water over there, it'll be faster if you get it yourself." Now, this is a normal thing where I come from, but that's not the right way to explain it. You know pal, you can make tips faster if you get stuff for your customers rather than standing there dispensing your arrogant opinions.

Now, we did nothing to offend this person, we got our own water, and the guy went on to harangue the guy sitting next to us about something.

The real kicker here, though, was the digital sign that was showing a looping slide show of "rules", peppered with what we could only assume to be the owner's miserable internal monologue. Some totally inappropriate examples of this (to paraphrase): Yes, we charge $5 for sodas because this is a bar, not a bodega. [Hey, it's also a restaurant, and some of your customers may be sober, did you think about that?] No we don't have fries, don't let this make your head explode [we read the review where the owner claims that it would take 3 years of selling french fries to cover the cost of a fryer. It's called capital investment, dude, and by that logic you shouldn't be in the restaurant business at all.] Don't take your drink outside. That means you, lady. Don't start conversations with women. At the Baroness let the ladies talk to you first. [This led us to a conversation as to whether the owner was just sick of douchey customers and couldn't help himself from venting. My girlfriend's opinion was that he just has a major problem with everyone, and it's him, not his customers.] Only douches leave bad reviews online.

As to the last one: We almost never leave reviews online, but your sign was so irritating that we felt compelled to. We are normal, polite customers who usually leave a 20-25% tip. In this case, we left you $2 because it would be more insulting than leaving nothing. We would have had a perfectly good experience except for your insufferable attitude. And about those hamburgers? Big f-ing deal.

Edit (response): Okay, "chief". I can't prove to you that we're not the people you're describing. All I can tell you is that both of us worked in the service industry for years, and we're sympathetic to the frustrations of dealing with the public. We also usually tip extremely well for that reason. Nor are we strangers to NYC. I used to be a waiter at the Carnegie Deli, and we both waited tables at Deluxe on Broadway. My girlfriend grew up in the city and lived there for most of her life, most recently in Astoria. Look around. Do you see any other restaurant with signage on their bar like what you have? If it offended us and we didn't find it funny or cute, my guess is that a lot of other people see it the same way: As a bitter reproach to your customers. It's just not a good look for you. It's petty to put that in people's faces while they're eating and drinking at your establishment. I mean, grow up.

Even if it said nothing about your personal issues, the sign indicates that you must have a lot of really annoying customers, which in itself wouldn't make me hurry to go back.

It's your restaurant and you can run it how you want to. You're free to take this as constructive advice or to ignore it. Personally, I don't think you're doing yourself any favors. You'd probably get a better response from most people and suffer less aggravation if you gave your customers the benefit of the doubt and don't immediately assume they're douchebags. In most cases, if you treat people with respect, they...

I just moved into the neighborhood and a friend recommended this place as having the best burgers. I was really looking forward to the new location as well but really taken back by my first interaction with one of the servers who asked me and my friend if we’ve been fully vaccinated? I haven’t been asked that at any of the restaurants I’ve been to in LIC or the city and I answered honestly that I have not been. I had my mask on and was willing to wear it. I did not expect to be told to sit outdoors because of not being vaccinated. I also didn’t know this at the moment but it’s actually a violation and against the HIPPA laws to ask that medical information. On top of that, she was rude in her response- Immediately, she said “Well you have to eat outside.” I was stunned by her response and lack of politeness.

As my first experience being a customer there it was extremely uncomfortable and felt unprofessional for her to respond that way. I work in customer experience and I’ve seen so many kind of interactions with customers and agents but this is something I’ve never experienced before. Probably the most devastating for me.

The other servers who took our orders and brought our food owere great and the food was good but that initial interaction really turned me off from returning. I don’t think customers should be discriminated against this way. She doesn’t know my health history or why I haven’t been and there was a strong disdain coming from her after hearing my response. Customer experience is everything. I know we are all new to this aftermath of the Pandemic but think the approach your team takes has to be different. I really hope no one else who stops by this restaurant has that experience.

Updated after owners response.- Yes, you’re right I double checked and it’s not a violation to ask- and I do not have to disclose that information .... but that doesn’t excuse the servers response or treatment in...

@thebaronessbar in Long Island City is a hidden gem, blending a laid-back, retro atmosphere with bold, unforgettable flavors. Known for their expertly crafted burgers and standout cocktails, this spot is perfect for a casual yet indulgent night out. Here’s what we tried:

What we ate:

The SWAYZE: A double roadhouse burger done to perfection. Juicy, smashed beef patties topped with double cheese, fried onions, tomato, pickles, shredded lettuce, and their signature “Ssshhhh” sauce on a buttery roll. An absolute flavor bomb. 5/5

The WANDA: A Baroness classic making a comeback. Shortrib-brisket blend, sautéed onions and mushrooms, double Swiss cheese, and roasted garlic aioli on a potato roll. Rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. 5/5

CHEESEBURGER WONTONS: Crispy wontons filled with seasoned beef, a three-cheese blend, pickles, and red onion, served with a hint of their secret sauce. Fun and flavorful, though not a standout. 3.5/5

SKILLET MAC N’ CHEESE: Disappointing. Overly crusted and lacking creaminess. This one is an easy pass. 1/5

What we drank:

The cocktails were just as impressive as the burgers, each one expertly crafted:

Yoko’s Mule: Bourbon, lychee, and pineapple topped with ginger beer. Sweet, spicy, and perfectly balanced. 5/5

Smokes and Flames: Mezcal, Aperol, and fresh lemon create a smoky, citrusy delight. 5/5

Dragon’s Breath: White rum, dragonfruit, and lime blend for a light, tropical escape. 5/5

The Walking Dead: White and dark rum swirl with apricot liqueur, pineapple, and lime for a smooth, fruity finish. 5/5

The Baroness is all about indulgence done right. Stick to the burgers and cocktails for an experience you won’t forget, and prepare...