The Fancy Kook — Restaurant in New York

The Fancy Kook is a lovely gem on the upper east side. I had read about it when it opened, and finally had the opportunity to try. I went for cappuccino and the yummy decadent pastries and treats. I’ve been many times over the course of a month and decided to bring my husband. I kept raving about the place! I’ve told friends as well how lovely this little gem is and should try.

This morning at 9am my husband and I walk into The Fancy Kook. I was excited to bring him. The young girl took our order. She wasn’t very polite and had no exciting energy or enthusiasm welcoming one into a coffee shop. The music was blaring. Again, it’s 9am on Monday morning. There was one other customer on her computer working and 2 employees working behind the counter. When we were served our order, (the presentation is lovely, food is served on a wooden tray with coffee, your pastry item, tiny cute glass of orange juice and tiny cookie), I went up to ask politely if the music could be turned down a little and the employee some what acknowledged me. I went back to my table and thought she would turn down the music and acknowledge a customers request. The music wasn’t turned down. I went up again to the same employee and asked politely again, asking if she might turn the music down a little. Barely acknowledging my request again, did not turn down the music.

I actually enjoyed the music, but not at 9am when we’re trying to enjoy our coffee and review things for work. It’s not a nightclub. I’m very disappointed with our experience this morning. My husband will not go back and I’m hesitant to go back and have already mentioned to a friend who I was going to meet her there this week of our experience this morning. The employee is there representing The Fancy Kook. It doesn’t look well for the establishment. She is there to serve the customer and make it a wonderful experience from the time one steps in the door, by a welcoming Good Morning. It’s all about service and hospitality. It can make or break a business.

I hope the owner acknowledges this and her employees. We experienced some lovely employees at The Fancy Kook, but this particular one was not one that should stay. It’s very selfish to not respond to a customer’s simple request. It’s not about your entertainment for the day, it’s about customer service.

The Fancy Kook is a nice addition to the upper east side and I hope to be able to enjoy and return without competing...

I’m really sad to be writing this review but I had a really bad experience today and it honestly kind of ruined my day and I left in tears from the way I was talked to. I love coming to the fancy kook for their fun coffees and food, and sometimes I bring my laptop along. Today I was only going to work on something for 30 minutes and as someone who is a regular here I know their laptop policy which only allows for barstools. Of course, all of them were full today, and I kindly asked if I could sit at a table while I waited for someone to get up, or I would just leave in 30 minutes. The person working at the front said very rudely and abruptly that I could not sit anywhere until somewhere got up , which makes no sense because I ordered a mug of coffee “for here”. What was I supposed to do stand around and wait hours until someone gets up holding my tray of coffee and food? Unfortunately, I just cancelled my order and left because I was basically pushed out of the place. He clearly seemed very stressed and not in a great mood, and unfortunately that made me have a horrible experience today. This genuinely used to be my happy place but now I feel incredibly unwelcome :(. I understand laptop policy, but this makes no sense to deny service and a seat to someone when there are 4+...

Do not be fooled by the wholesome orange juice and cookie that comes with your order, the staff here are extremely rude and unwelcoming, and their strict policies make for a rigid, cold environment.

After an hour and a half I was approached and rudely told to buy something else or leave, when I still had coffee left. There were plenty of seats available for others. It's one thing to sit there all day and buy 1 thing, but being harassed after 1 hour and 31 minutes when i was still sipping on my coffee was super bizarre...

They make sure you read a paper about the laptop and 90 minute policy before you buy something, and I understand it's a business and they have to keep things moving, but it makes for a very cold, unwelcoming, and rigid atmosphere and I will not be returning. I used to come here all the time, but I will not be coming back, and will be informing all my friends in the neighborhood about this odd experience! I obeyed the strict laptop rule at the high top table and was still met with unkindness. I did not feel welcome and if you plan to spend longer than an hour and a half I would not recommend...