09/27/09

Welcome Home!

by TheKid

This is the greeting you will generally receive when walking into this excellent example of old-New York family style italian dining. The Chef is what I call an over achiever, the specials are far more delicious then what you might expect to find at a "Pizza Bar". Although the Pizza is very good the real values are the sandwiches, salads and Clams Arturo. THEN THERE IS THE JAZZ! With no cover charge! It is simply the best in NYC. The Harry Whitaker Trio is usually in session and always has special artists sitting in. The waiters sing as well. Jimmy, who is more of a host then waiter, is by far the last great waiter in NYC. He remembers your particulars, comps and deserves the highest tips you can pay. As mentioned by others, you can also eat at the bar. Tony your bartender, who looks like Al Pacino, fills all drink orders. He also takes bar food orders and closes out every cash receipt himself, without a hitch. The crowd literally varies in age from the ancient to the very young, but the patrons are generally the 30-somethings and the NYU hip. Every local NYC celeb knows about this place and occasionally as well as inconspicuously drops in. Did I mention the KITCHEN IS OPEN LATE and they DELIVER! Arturo recently left us but Here's to Arturo’s forever!!

From: TheKid!

• Pros: Good Food Good Jazz
• Cons: Often crowded

07/28/09

Never Again. Awful.

by somanystars

This used to be my "Cheers," but never before have I allowed myself to be treated so poorly, with such disrespect, by restaurant staff who so overtly (and so tactlessly) insist that I bring in new patrons. I was once a regular, but I will never be back. If you want real jazz music, go to a real jazz venue. If you want real pizza, go to a real pizza place. This restaurant is neither one of the above--and it doesn't appreciate its regulars.

• Pros: average pizza, live music, BUT...
• Cons: rude staff, long lines

06/10/09

Worst management I've ever encountered.

by frednwilma

My husband and I enjoyed a nice dinner. The bathroom looked like a crime scene with its dirty bathtub, but that didn't ruin my night. I noticed i had been charged 4 times and called and asked to speak to a manger. The manger refused to give me his name, and told me they were a restuarant, not a bank and I shouldn't "live on the edge" with my money and should learn to manage my money better. I was shocked he would make this assumption when he should have been apologizing for charging me four times and rectifying the problem. Its not his business, but I happen make a good living as a surgeon and know how to manage my finances. That doesn't mean I am willing to overpay for a meal 4 times. Ridiculous conversation. 20 min and he still wouldn't help or give me his name. I'll stick to Lombardi's, food is better and they treat customers with a modicum of respect. I'll never go back and I reccomend no one else does, especially if you want to use credit.

• Pros: Decent food
• Cons: Food not worth the trouble