02/26/08

Perfect Storm of Bad Service

by ClevererUsername

Went here last night before a show at the Garden and the service was laughably bad. I'm sure they were all capable staff, but the restaurant completely fell apart. One waitress (snails pace) and waiter (running around), 2 busboys (one competent, the other on parole), a manager (incredibly slow moving) and a hostess that refused to seat people due to her take-out orders job.

As the restaurant was full, a line started to form, drinks were not received, orders were not placed, mustard not received, knish not warm, diners complaining, no clean glasses, no water on table, no russian dressing. The kitchen staff was called out to help the flow, but they were useless. 100 people in the restaurant, all complaining. It was amazing.

Still, pastrimi and corned beef were great, but not worth the price-tag for some meat on two pieces of rye. Would definitely not go back.

• Pros: Decent deli in no-mans-land of west-midtown
• Cons: Service was awful, like we were secretly being punked!

08/08/07

Pretty Good Kosher Delicatessen

by Burlington Tom

Yet another place I've only gone to once. However, I really liked it here. It was the winter, I was sick, and I was looking to get some comfort food in my belly. I came here and got what I was seeking. I was pleased to see that the tables are first served a large platter of delicious pickles and a bowl of creamy cole slaw. Try the half-sour pickles, but not the pickled tomatoes (I haven't obtained that aquired taste yet). I ordered grilled knackwurst and a baked knish. By the end of the meal, I was stuffed. The bargain was great, but I did notice that the signature dishes and sandwiches were pretty pricey. I recommend trying out the cheaper stuff, as I did. It's sure to leave your stomach (and your wallet) full.

• Pros: Spacious, Plenty of complimentary pickles and cole slaw
• Cons: Some stuff on menu is pricey

01/02/04

I've tasted better

by ebby1981

I've eaten at many kosher restaurants in New York and I'm sorry to say that Ben's is NOT on the top of my list. Their deli sandwiches need some work. Often times the meat is quiet dry and unflavorful. Their matzo balls are huge, but they don't have much flavor. The past few times I've been there, it's been almost empty, which I guess is a plus for those looking for an uncrowded kosher restaurant.

• Pros: Fast Seating, Not crowded
• Cons: Quality of Food

01/20/03

Blows hot and cold

by sbernste

I've eaten at Ben's many times including the rehearsal dinner for our wedding. Most of the time the service has been good to great but there have been a few occasions Bens has disappointed. The food has always been good but not great(2nd Ave is better)...This place is worth it for NYC deli.

11/18/02

Wow!

by jennem

Huge portions, delicious food, beautiful place. Bowls of pickles, rye bread, and the best coleslaw on the table...followed by mountains of wonderful, inexpensive food. The kosher deli I would most recommend!

• Pros: Great food, Huge portions, Nice place