Westway Diner — Restaurant in New York

I would give this place 0 stars if I could. Yesterday on December 28th, 2024 me and my 4 siblings went to this establishment after visiting Bowlero Times Square (highly recommend, so fun) because we were hungry, the reviews were good, and it was close by. I ordered a fish sandwich, which was dry and had no flavor, my sister ordered buffalo wings which were the saddest wings I’ve EVER seen. They were pale and soggy looking, which is surprising because she explicitly asked the server if the wings were crispy before she ordered them and he said yes. When my sister told the server the wings didn’t look appetizing he said “just try them” and proceeded to stand there and stare at her as she took a reluctant bite. At the end of the meal she reaffirmed to the server that she didn’t like the wings, which wasn’t touched outside of that bite, and he took it off the bill. We left money on the table, on top of the receipt, and ended up having to stand in front of our table while my younger siblings went to the bathroom, for about 5-8 minutes, before we finally left the establishment. While standing in front, and saying our goodbyes, some man came running out accusing us of not paying the bill and my sister told him there was $80 on the table. I saw him hesitate at the door as if he wanted to say more and then he went back inside. I have never in my life been accused of not paying a bill, and even if we didn’t pay the bill… why would we stand there for 5-8 minutes!? It’s called dine and DASHING for a reason....

Unfortunately, an awful experience. I came to this diner on purpose before leaving NY as it appears as “one of the best diners in the city” if you search on google. Wow. They have a long menu, but somehow the waiters looked to be in a rush and came to my table twice in a matter of a minute to make me order. Had to order something I already knew as they would just keep coming back so that’s already a big negative aspect. Sure the food was ready in 5 minutes but it looked like someone ate half of my potatoes (pic) plus they were either burned or completely tasteless. Never understood why potatoes are so bad at every diner I’ve been to. The lox eggs benedict were bad too, they also never asked how I’d like the eggs to be cooked, and I was always asked this at any other brunch spot. Never had such a sour lox served before, I just need to hope I won’t get sick. The portion was so small (yes in a diner that supposedly serves big portions) that I had to order pancakes as I was still hungry. 2 plain pancakes? $10. Extremely rude cashier (looked to be the owner/manager?) too that doesn’t even look at you while she just reaches for your bill. Everything done in such a rush that I have no idea what % of tips she included. Overall I can’t even say that the place was very clean, my plate was impossible to touch because of how oily the bottom part was. I do not...

The food here is undeniably good, but the service quality varies greatly depending on who happens to serve you, which is disappointing for a place that seems to pride itself on customer experience.

This is my second visit. The first time, I was impressed by the server who took the time to introduce the menu and make thoughtful recommendations, making me feel welcomed and valued as a customer. It was a memorable experience that encouraged me to return.

However, this time was a completely different story. The server’s attitude was dismissive and unprofessional to the point where it felt like I was somehow inconveniencing them by simply being there. The dishes were practically thrown on the table without a word, and whenever I attempted to ask a question, the server quickly walked away, showing a complete lack of interest or respect. I even had to request a refill of drip coffee, and they responded with an attitude, telling me I’d already been given one, as if I was pushing some unreasonable boundary.

The inconsistency in service here is truly troubling. If this establishment wants to keep its reputation, it needs to ensure all its staff treat customers with the same level of respect...