West End Cafe — Restaurant in Town of North Hempstead

This first review has since been updated. First: I went here with a group of friends, midweek, for restaurant week dinner. There were many options in the menu, and all of us enjoyed our various selections which were nicely presented. The regular menu prices are moderate and the table service was excellent. The only negatives were the noise level, close tables and the fact that we had a 45 minute wait with reservations. Nevertheless, I will definitely return, especially to get the very generous portions of the mussels appetizer!

Second and recent Update: I have downgraded this restaurant due to a more recent experience. First of all, they do not manage reservations well. The first time as mentioned above, we waited for 45 minutes after getting there in time for our reservation during a week night. This time we made an early evening reservation and were taken on time being that the place was only half full. We had drinks, appetizers, entree and dessert with coffee. Within 90 minutes the staff came to our table several times as we were talking, removing our water filled glasses, which we asked to get back, and to take our payment when we were still reviewing the check and figuring payment. It was quite rude and definitely an attempt to move us out. What kind of treatment is that? Sure enough, there was a crowd of disgruntled people packed near the front door waiting to be seated. It got very noisy as more people came in. Go early if you want to have a conversation. The striped bass was just ok ... a bit dry and the potatoes it came with were diced so small and mixed with diced vegetables, that they were hardly noticeable. The crabs were a disappointment....the breading on them was too thick and crusty and although tasty, took away from the taste of...

Let me start by saying the food is always exceptional at West End Cafe. Kudos to the chef! WEC has long been a favorite restaurant of ours. We have had family celebrations, hosted many a guest and have never been disappointed in the last 25 years. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case this past weekend. I was meeting an old dear friend at 5pm. We were pleasantly surprised at the "early bird" menu that was given to us. We made our choices and had a delicious meal complete with yummy cocktails. It wasn't until AFTER we paid our bill( which wasn't cheap despite the "early bird" price fixed menu) that the evening took an ugly turn. The inept manger came to our table and abruptly grabbed our napkins from it. My friend and I looked at each other and jokingly commented "i think he wants us to leave!!" We continued chatting for a few more minutes ( maybe 5) and he marched over again and rudely stated " I need this table, people are waiting!" My friend, without missing a beat, said "So you're throwing us out??" Again he said it quite disrespectfully "you've had your dinner, people are waiting a long time." Mind you , it was now only 7pm. There was no apology, no please, no offer to sit at the bar with a complimentary after dinner drink...just leave.. Even the couple next to us was shocked. They looked over in disbelief thinking he was joking or that we were friends of his.

As we departed, my friend said "not good business, not a good review!" His response, as rude as ever "that's fine!" Not a great answer for someone in the service industry. I wonder if that would have happened to two male friends dining ...doubtful! So my advice is this...Go at dine there but be sure the Disrespectful, Arrogant and Rude manager is...

Tucked back in a parking lot on Glen Cove Road, is an inviting dining spot called West End Cafe. If you are looking for a lovely lunch or intimate dinner, the Tuscan ambiance abounds under canvas cream-colored sails that span the ceiling. And for those lucky enough to get home early or work locally, do take advantage of the three courses, price fixed early bird specials at $34.95. (Also available all night on both Sunday & Monday). Tonight, we enjoyed a creamy Burrata (in Italian Burrata means buttered) served on a soft bed of arugula accompanied by a rich tomato tapenade, crisp crostini, and Prosciutto di Parma. Follow this by a nice glass of wine and Tuscany just came to join your romantic table in the back left corner. As we are repeat customers, I can't begin to list all our favs, but their Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop, Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, or the Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb are dishes one of us order every time we go. Yes, these are all that delicious as well as what they are paired with too! And between the flavorful herb garlic knots, it is hard to leave room for dessert but, you must. Try your favorite as you won't be disappointed. I enjoyed the Pistachio Hot Fudge Sundae while my hubby chose the Apple Fruit Crisp topped with a scoop of decadent vanilla bean ice cream accented by the artful placement of mint leaves. A Cappuccino or Expresso will provide you with the boost you'll need to get up from the white linen-clad tables. There is a nice bar to entertain you if you need to wait for a meal. It is so delightful to dine even with the addition of the COVID precautions such as petitions between several tables. It provides for a more intimate setting and the food...