SEA Bistro

06/04/2008 Posted by Angela321

RECURRENT TIP FRAUD. BEWARE! We went to dinner at Sea last night and, for the THIRD time, we were tricked and almost paid 40% tip. This happened three times, twice when my boyfriend and I went and last night (we were five guests). Last night the waiter added 20% tip on the bill (ILLEGAL for parties of 6 or less!), when the bill came my boyfriend gave them his credit card without looking at the bill. The waiter came back with ONLY the credit card receipt (NO ORIGINAL BILL CAME BACK - which already included 20% tip), and, in the credit card receipt, they had the TIP line once again. My boyfriend asked to see the original bill (they HAVE TO return it with the credit card receipt as you check it to see how much tip to leave etc.) and they reluctantly gave it back to us. We clearly saw that the they had already added the 20% tip. We asked for an explanation (Illegal + tentative fraud) and the waiter - who spoke perfect English- started to pretend he didn't understand what we were saying. This happened twice in the past and it also happened to other friends of ours. A couple of years ago there was also an article on Time Out about restaurants that try this scam, SEA was one of them. The food is unexpensive and good but they really upset us last night, it was NOT a mistake, it's a recurrent behavior and we were tempted to call 311. If you choose to eat there beware of it, it will certainly happen to you too.

Pros: Unexpensive, okay food

Cons: They ALWAYS try to add the tip and make you pay it twice

08/24/2007 Posted by esteliano82

East Village eaters know that two requirements must be met to satisfy its predominantly student residents: great food at affordable prices. Those with tight budgets and an appetite for Thai food will find that Sea Bistro delivers. Those who get satisfaction from paying the lowest for a full meal will find their low prices an absolute steal; a starter and a solid entree will run you about $10 on off peak hours $15 on. I started off with Steamed Pork Dumplings in Peanut sauce. What the dumplings lacked in size (it is a starter after all) it certainly lacked none in taste.The peanut was not too overwhelming allowing the sweetness of the dark sauce to emphasize itself (although fuller taste would've been delivered had the sauce been allowed to infuse better into the dumpling itself rather than just pouring it on top.) As for the entree (Drunkman Noodle), i find it hard to put into words the actual description of the taste, as it contained various peppers I am not familiar with. But I can say that the spicy did not mask the taste of fresh caramalyzed onions and bell peppers. A must for any first time eater at the Bistro. Enjoy. Only neg is subjective: enourmous quantities of European techno. Although i do enjoy it at parties, dining is a different story.

Pros: the food and the drinks

Cons: techno

06/10/2007 Posted by nychick33

love this place! its cheap and the food is predictable and good everytime. Unlike the last reviewer, I like the drinks. The only downside is its really small inside and you are basically sitting on top of the person next to you.

06/08/2007 Posted by hern8378

I found this place a couple of years ago. I've been to both the Manhattan and Williamsburg restaurants. Both have delicious food at a reasonable cost. I must admit, the Williamsburg location is larger, more grandiose and impressive (with a huge Buddha sitting at the end of a indoor pond), but you have to head over to Brooklyn (which ends up being only a short ride on the L train). Either way it is worth it. Its a nice place to take a date for a romantic dinner.. It's a must see!

Pros: Food, cost, ambience, service

Cons: Desserts need a little help

02/13/2007 Posted by eatallthetime

Good food for little dough. Drinks aren't great, so drink elsewhere. Very cramp place so don't expect roomy dining area. Not authentic, but good decent flavors. Have fun

Pros: cheap food/good flavor

Cons: cramp area/drinks

01/19/2007 Posted by jkmb

We went on a Saturday night around 9 and waited only about 15 minutes for a table for four. Although you may have to assert yourself to get a table as the hostess was busy helping bus tables, refilling drinks, etc. Food was high quality with a wide variety. The hot dishes weren't as hot as expected. Drinks were dectnly priced and a nice selection of appetizers and specials. Try the calamari - the sauce is fantastic.

Pros: Wide selection, price

Cons: Loud, crowded

01/15/2007 Posted by kissy926

I went to Sea with a couple of coworkers on a Wednesday night. The food was great and the prices were even better. Very cute and cozy and the customer service was really nice. They were a little stingy with the seafood but it didn't take away from the taste of the food. I can't wait to go back again!!

Pros: price

Cons: don't sit by the door on a cold day

11/20/2006 Posted by comeon11

A friend of mine, who is a diehard SoHo fan, put me onto this place. He was absolutely right about it when he said it was good food for reasonable prices. We also didn't have any problems getting seated reasonably quickly when we arrived on a busy Saturday night. All in all - good deal.

Pros: Good food, great prices, nice ambience.

Cons: A little tight inside.

11/16/2006 Posted by maureenuw

This is a great place for reasonably-priced, very good Thai cuisine. It can get crowded, but I've always managed to be seated.

Pros: Price

Cons: Small room

10/15/2006 Posted by djmorator

Went on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday. They don't seat you until your entire party arrives and there's not much room to wait, so we waited outside for a straggler. The place is crowded but it didn't seem like we or anyone else needed to wait very long. We had six people and they crammed us into a table meant for four, but if they hadn't we would have had to wait longer so it was alright. Ambiance was above average. It's visually very attractive, and so are the clientele and wait staff. However, the music is loud and it was hard to hear everyone at the table. I didn't have any complaints about the service. The food was worth it for the price, and drinks are cheap too. It's a good place to bring someone you want to impress because it's very stylish and inexpensive, but not for a first date or a situation where you need to have a conversation.