The Dumpling Cove — Restaurant in New York

You know, I have never written a review before other than simply saying it was good, or I said nothing at all. But this experience here, had to be shared. I'm actually sorry to say that my experience on Friday, June 9th with the Dumpling Cove was very disappointing. I was introduced to the Dumpling Cove - formerly the Dumpling Shop seven years ago by Dalton, a friend of mine who just happens to be Jamaican. I have been a regular customer there ever since..... until yesterday evening.

Coming all the way from Brooklyn, my favorite was the #4, where it says, 1 saltfish, 4 dumplings and plantains. I would also get extra onions that are seasoned very well. Normally you get two pieces of saltfish. So, when I began eating my meal, I was surprised that it was only one piece of saltfish. I searched my tray thinking that the other piece was maybe hidden under the extra onions that I realized they were charging me extra for, but that wasn't the issue.

So, since I was parked in front of the store, in a discreet manner, I called on the phone instead of going inside with my food so as not to cause a scene or disturbance, as there was a long line of customers still inside. I explained my concern, and they said I should come inside. To be honest, I thought they were going to give me another piece of saltfish, and send me on my way.

However, once inside, a young lady tried to explain..... the one piece of saltfish, and at the same time insult me by saying that "they've been doing me and their customers a favor" all along by giving two pieces, that if it was a small piece, they would give two pieces. But now that I..... in a since "MADE IT HOT" because the manager or owner was right there, that no customers will be able to get two pieces anymore.

I was then asked to step into the bar, so the manager or owner, I really don't know which of the two she represented, but she was an elderly tall light skin woman with freckles that I have never seen before. She, in a nice way, argued me down, cosigned what the other employee said, that the size that I had was the size. I said Ma'am, no disrespect, but I come regularly all the way from Brooklyn, even paying a toll to get the food that I so much enjoyed. I'm not even a West Indian, I'm a Yankee, and love the food and culture, but was terribly disappointed when she said, that's the size, and that was it.

I told my many friends about this bad experience, and especially Dalton, who introduced me to the store, said giving me another piece wouldn't have KILLED THE POT. I used to be in the charter bus business, and whenever my customers had a bad experience with their bus ride, I gave them a free bus, and this woman couldn't give me another piece of saltfish. SMH

This woman won the battle, but lost the war, as I, along with my current friends, will never go there again, and of course my future referrals of this establishment, in Jamaican terms, is "Done Finished". With an attitude like this, I can see why maybe the "Original Dumpling Shop" owner decided to part ways.

I drive for two of the major ride share companies without mentioning their names, and every time I was in the area, I would say, I'm going to the Dumpling Cove. Everybody knew about them, and if they didn't, I would big them up. Now, whenever I'm in the Bronx, which is every day, I will share this experience with them, and the post. Original Dumpling Shop, here I come.

Lastly, I was unable to send this post without at the least, giving it a one star, but if I could have sent it without any stars, I would have. All of this for one piece of saltfish, Selfish, Rude...

If I could leave no stars, I would. These people have a problem with following directions and if asked, they have intentionally done the opposite. While I haven't had any issues when ordering in person, when ordering for delivery, it's another story and not a good one. I have recently ordered from Dumpling Cove from two different delivery services. The first time they didn't follow instructions, left out the plantain and sent some random drink that I did not chose. The second time, same thing. In the special comments, I asked them to put the escovitch onions on the side and not to forget the plantain. Guess what? Yep; you guessed it. They never sent the onions, left out the plantain AGAIN and sent me the most scrawny pieces of fish you can imagine. Because I added special instructions, they intentionally did the opposite, plus gave me bottom of the barrel selection.

Usually, they will throw in 1 or 2 pieces of fish and dumplings extra..it's a thing they've been doing for their customers for years - and it's an appreciated bonus. This time around, this morning actually (1/20/2024), because I asked them not to forget food I pay for, they didn't add anything extra, still left out items that were supposed to be part of the meal and sent me the worst of the fish. I am so disappointed.

Here we are trying to support your business even during these times of inflation (paying extra app fees) and you could care less about making sure the orders you send out are accurate.

Disgusting and we are done. I can see why you only have 3 stars...

Unsanitary, eat or drink here with caution. Went and ordered a rum punch. Within a sip or two, I found a fruit fly in the drink. I wasn't trying to make it a big deal (stupid of me because that means there is something unsanitary going on in the preparation process) so, I removed it. I continue drinking it (now with a cover) and notice there was another fly. I went in to the bartender and politely told her the issue. She then goes outside without saying anything and starts talking to every staff member about the issue as if I'd lie about a stupid cheap drink. After like 10 minutes, she finally comes in and ignores me to serve other customers. When she finally turns to me she's like "What do you want me to do?" Again, trying to be polite and give them the benefit of the doubt, I ask for a replacement drink. The bartender replies with an attitude, "Well I can't give you a full drink, you can get a half one." I've never experienced such bad customer service. Im trying to be courteous and respectful but clearly that doesn't matter when a place is lacking proper customer service etiquette. I can see why they have earned a 'B' rating from the health department. Also the dumplin and food here in general isn't all that good. So, I'd avoid eating or drinking anything made onsite here. The place is just as disgusting as the attitudes of the...