Peasant Wine Bar

10/17/2008 Posted by smas34

I completely agree with the comment below regarding having the rudest staff I have ever encountered at a restaurant. I'm not sure if they were having an off night but it really felt like we were on candid camera or something. I was trying to impress my girlfriend and take her to Peasant after hearing good things from co-workers. From the moment we walked in, we felt the maitre de had a bit of an attitude even though we had a reservation and were told we would have to wait 30 min. With a res, I can understand having to wait a couple of minutes, but this was a Tues night and that was the whole reason we made a reservation. So the rude Asian hostess told us to have a drink at the bar where the female bartenderess even copped an attitude with us when I asked what type of wine they offered. I'm not sure if they were looking not to be tipped but they all were doing a great job so far. Finally, once I realized that we had to sit at picnic tables with another couple, that was the last straw. We got out of there quickly & went to another Italian restaurant where we were treated the way one would expect to be treated. The food at Peasant looked ok but pricey for the extremely small size portions. My girlfriend now said this is the last time I get to choose the restaurant so now my credibility is a bit tarnished. Not sure what all the fuss is over this place. I would never return to Peasant after being treated with such disresepct!!

Pros: None

Cons: Staff with an atitude, shared picnic tables, overpriced small portions

10/16/2008 Posted by UESrollers

Gave this place 1 star for rustic decor only. I just want to note that this is my 1st time ever writing a review after all the years ive lived in this city! Last Tuesday, my boyfriend and I wanted to celebrate a special occasion, so we decided to head downtown for dinner. We wanted to try somewhere new so I called a girlfriend of mine to recommend a good italian place with a decent wine selection and she told us Peasant wine bar. Walking in, the waiter comes up to us and says i have a table for 2 right here. A few mins later to take our drink order. I being the wine connoisseur , opted for a white. He asked if he could have a hard liquor. The waiter rudely answered " no, sir. we only have wine...go upstairs if you want to drink". So my boyfriend then said jokingly but also seriously, "oh, well can i get a drink from upstairs brought down considering its the same restaurant. I'll even buy the bottle!" The waiter then said "sir, i couldnt care less if you wanted to pay me a million dollars for the bottle...its not happening." WHOA! After getting our wine, i mentioned maybe we should just head to Il Mulino's or something because i was uncomforatble there. So, when he came back...i very nicely said "im not feeling well. We would jsut like to finish this wine and we'll take the check". The waiter said " oh well you cant sit here then. Thats what the bar is for (and walked away)". I was in shock! Couldnt believe how someone who earns a living off tips from customers, was treating us this way! So then the asian woman came over and said " THERE IS 2 SEATS AT BAR OPENING UP. THE PEOPLE ARE PAYING AND THEN YOU GUYS CAN SIT THERE". We said ok fine. The people sharing our table w us were as disgusted as us at this point. 5 mins later...she came over and tapped my bf on his shoulder and pointed to the empty bar stools. THIS SERVICE WAS TERRIBLE AND THE MGR/OWNER(s) SHOULD BE MORTIFIED AS TO HOW THE CUSTOMERS ARE BEING TREATED! WORST DINING EXPERIENCE IN NYC!!!!!!

Pros: ambience

Cons: service, communal tables