Shopsin's

Why bother?

by meister711

If I could give Shopsins zero stars, I would. A companion and I attempted to dine at Shopsins today for brunch. We each ordered one entree and one half entree (a full bread pudding french toast and a full blisters on my sisters, and a half slutty pancakes and a half mac & cheese pancakes - all things for which they are famous). The waiter informed us that this was too much food and the kitchen would not cook that much for just two people. He rudely challenged that he would only place the order for the entrees, and if we could finish the meal, then he would submit the order for additional food. We attempted to explain that we were aware of what we were ordering and were in fact capable of eating what we ordered. He still refused. Having never been to a restaurant who refused to serve paying customers what they ordered when the order was a standard menu item, we decided to leave. The waiter, as well as the two men working in the kitchen proceeded to yell at us, publicly, in front of other customers, telling us that they didn't want our business. They then challenged my companion to a physical altercation and told him to "suck my cock" and "get the f*ck out of my restaurant," which is located in the Essex Market, a public space with multiple vendors. I have never experienced a restaurant who refused me service because they thought my order was too large, nor have I ever been sworn at and thrown out of a restaurant because I was attempting to order three entrees for two people. Clearly, this is a restaurant to which I will not return. While the "Soup Nazi" idea was funny in Seinfeld, it most certainly is not a good business practice in reality. Beware, though it seems some on yelp have gotten lucky and been served here, if the Shopsins staff doesn't approve of your order, you too may be refused, insulted, and challenged to a fight. Honestly, with so many wonderful, affordable brunches on the LES and in NYC (try Clinton Street Baking Company or Stanton Social on the LES, Cafe Luluc in Cobble Hill, or Tom's Diner in Prospect Heights), why bother being treated badly for short order food from a dive?

Shopsin's-Top 10 reason to hate NY

by foodiecritic2

I would say that it's places like this that give New York and the Essex Street Market a bad name and drive customers away, but nothing has actually come close to being as bad as Shopsin's! They walk around like little hypocritical princesses complaining that they aren't going to treat their customers like princesses. I can't imagine why anyone would ever patonize this dump!

• Pros: if you are a masochist and like to be called a piece of sh**
• Cons: rude,condescending,attitude

Patience is a virtue.

by astorite

The food is great here. Probably some of the best food I've ever had. The menu is 600 plus items, so you know there is something there for you.

Kenny is a bit of a legend and rightly so. He cooks on the fly, is self taught and is uncompromising in his efforts to bring the best possible creations to the table for his customers.

His son and heir to the chef's apron is Zack. He is just as talented as his father.

Please note:

Do not come here if you are in any sort of a rush. I have waited over an hour on many an occasion and was happy to do so.

Do not come if you are unable to ignore your cell phone while eating.

No parties larger than four.

No one who thinks they are entitled to be treated like a king/queen/prince/princess. The customer is never assumed to be right here.

If you are unable to follow any of these rules you will be asked to leave. Maybe you will be asked nicely. Maybe you will be cursed at. You can argue. You can cry. But in the end, you will go.

• Pros: excellent food, humorous reparte
• Cons: if you suck, you will be asked to leave.