11/23/08

Best Food, Best Prices, Casual - Right Off of Times Square

by Reldra

I went to NYC for the weekend with my 12 year old daughter, it was her first time on a plane, my first time in the city in years. She had selected a barbeque restaurant near the Millenium, where were staying from the internet, but upon arrival, we didn't like the menu. They also complained when my daughter tried to move a chair into the bar area where we were waiting for a table to become available and there weren't enough chairs at a sort of 'shelf table' area across from the bar. I didn't want her sitting at the bar. I explained clearly as to why to the hostess, but she did not seem to comprehend. (This was Virgil's, BTW).

Nearby, we found Connolly's after a short walk. I was so glad, since it was 26 degrees outside.

At first I couldn't figure out if there was a dining area, but a man with an irish accent walked by and asked "Looking for dinner?" I said yes and he said to go in and to my left that someone would seat us.

I did just that and my daughter and I were seated immediately in a cozy, yet big enough booth, separated from the bar by a large partition-which shut out most of the bar noise. My daughter went to put money in the juke box and her songs played right away- even when the bar was so crowded.

There was an enormous variety of different food and prices. I ordered an open-faced angus burger with seasoned fries and she ordered a white ravioli with tomato and basil.

The portions were very large. The food was incredible- just out of this world. The wait for the food was minimal.

I had planned much more money for our 'main dinner' on vacation, but the meal came to about $55 including drinks.

The staff was courteous and fast. I couldn't recommend a better restaurant or a better environment.

• Pros: Everything was fantastic.
• Cons: It could be clearer as to where the dining area is, as they are right up against a similar business with a dining area in another place or floor, but that is all.

11/12/07

Food's okay - Service leaves a lot to be desired.......

by gogwynnego

My husband and I visited Connolly's after visiting Times Square. We wanted to find something more off the beaten path and were excited to find Connolly's. The restaurant itself was really neat with 3 different levels. The atmosphere was relaxing as it was dimly lit and very quiet when we were there. There was hardly anyone there when we arrived but you would've thought the place was packed based on the poor service we received. The food was good, no complaints there but it took forever to get refills as the waitress hardly came by to check on us. Everyone we came across in NYC from the people at the airport, subway, and various other places were extremely friendly, but not here. We thought the service was so poor we left without leaving a tip (which until then was something neither of us had EVER done before). Maybe they have changed since we've been there. We are planning another trip to NYC this December and we will NOT be going back to Connolly's, it left that bad of an impression on us the first time.

• Pros: Great atmosphere, good food
• Cons: Non-existent waitress

12/30/04

Gave us the run around

by leena670

My friends and I were very excited to try a new Pub and their Irish Stew, but it never happened. We made reservations, arrived on time, but when we got there we were told the "food may take a while." We figured maybe they were just busy, so we sat down. Then we were advised that the kitchen was closed. They weren't even taking orders for another hour! I can understand a restaurant having a busy day and needing to take a moment to reorganize, but be straight about it! Seeing as we had somewhere to be at a certain time, we left to search for an open kitchen somewhere else.