Melanie's Restaurant — Restaurant in Newark

I woukld go to this place regularly but unfortunately I am going to stop because they started to overcharge me by a dollar here and there and I never made a big deal out of it but one time I asked them why they were overcharging me a dollar for something and I was told that "the register automatically charges that." Keep in mind it's not an actual register it's a small calculator basically. When the waitress realized that I wasn't going to let the overcharge go she then said "well I would have to refund the entire amount and then you pay me again." I felt stupid issue over one dollar so I let it go. The thing is they're always overcharging You here and there and because we don't make a big deal out of it they end up getting the money but when you raise the issue of course it's awkward and you feel uncomfortable so you end up letting it go. They make money off of customers either not caring enough to make an issue or making them feel stupid for making an issue out of being nickeled and dimed to death. The last time I went there I was charged $32 for oxtails rice and beans plantains and a salad!! I've always ordered this dish and never ever had to pay that much here. When I asked why was so expensive they told me that they gave me a "full order" of plantains and used an entire avocado for my salad. I told the waitress that I had not asked for a full order of plantains nor a full avocado and she had the nerve to say "yes but you ate it." This is such a dishonest tactic where establishments automatically give you the largest portion without you having specified or asked for it, and then you're stuck paying the bill. Why would they assume that you wanted the more expensive portion as opposed to assuming that you would want the least expensive portion? I told her that I assumed it was just extra food but that didn't work. The customer's wrong assumption is the customer's fault, but their wrong assumption is also your fault. Unfortunately I tried to get the manager to lower the cost seeing as how I was a very faithful customer and ate there pretty much every week but they refused. So I'm not going back. They also charge different prices depending on who is serving you. It's just pretty arbitrary what they want to charge you, and the thick glass they have between you and the food makes it difficult for them to hear you in the first place especially with the loud music that they're blasting...

To the readers and restaurant, First time there earlier today, dine in. Service is mediocre. Lack management on the floor and in the kitchen. I attended with my boyfriend( first time there too) we order the food but when it arrived I ordered breaded chicken(only thing i liked) with white rice and red beans, side of tostones and a salad (basic dish) My boyfriend ordered ox tail with purple colored rice with beans mixed in( tasted burnt) and a beef soup. ( we ordered all this at the same time)..ok They brought half my main course out first, with out what accompanies it (rice and beans) and the side of tostones (how does that make sense ?) They didn’t bring any of the food my bf ordered until later, the point is to eat together. When they did bring his food and the rest of mine it all came at the same time (which is the issue) I understand being backed up but as a restaurant, it isn’t okay to bring things up mismatched or whenever it comes up to be served. It’s unappealing. For reference: Drinks, Soup and salads(sides), main course, dessert. We tipped our waitress, she was nice. That being said we won’t be going...

I recently visited this restaurant and was quite disappointed. I ordered the grilled chicken with a small salad and bottled water.

For $17.85, I feel I was overcharged. The chicken was filleted, not on the bone as I anticipated, and it was cut into tiny, lean slices with no flavor whatsoever. The portions were minimal, and the meal was extremely overpriced for what it was. As many other reviewers have mentioned, the prices charged seemed inconsistent with the menu, and it felt like they might charge different prices depending on who you are.

Given the abundance of better BBQ grill options in Newark with more reasonable prices and better portion sizes, I wouldn’t...