I went there tonight because I knew this place around the corner for years as a BAR. Now, they think that they are hot stuff and consider themselves a restaurant??? Let me explain.
First off their menu is printed so small so no one can read, even with GLASSES!!! The lights are dimmed attempting to create a romantic atmosphere but there is one caveat: it does not feel romantic at all and actually feels frustrating when you want to see what's on the menu and with the lights so dim you feel you are damn blind!!!
So I asked the waitress for the specials. She mentioned about ""Mayan Shrimp"" appetizer indicating that they are 3 shrimps that are bigger than jumbo shrimps. So, we ordered salads and that shrimp (BWY the shrimps were NOT bigger than jumbo shrimps), main course and dessert.
Everything seemed OK when we were hit with the bill. We could have dined at a very nice, romantic and upscaley restaurant with that price tag! That shrimp that was an appetizer cost us a price of a regular main course! What??? I though there was some misunderstanding and asked to speak to a manager. I explained to the manager that they should have included the shrimp appetizer as main course dish in their menu because of the price they charge for that appetizer and stated that it was outrageous to pay the price of an appetizer equal to a main course dish. This manager remained unwavered and thanked me for my comments??? He did not even attempt to adjust the bill.
Overall, it was a disappointment and I won't go there again which I told the manager. He said OK. So, if they don't give a damn about me spending my wallet in there why should I give a damn going back there. There are so many nicer restaurants with good food and outstanding service.
When you spend a lot of money on food you may want your food and the service be on the same level. It just wasn't. Well, you learn from your experience and the notion that Astoria cafes and restaurants/diners have is so overrated - they think they are the best (like the Greeks say), but guess what, they are RIP-OFFS!!
And while we walked out of that place, I immediately realized why their lights were so dim and the menu prints so small - there is a trick there my friends, and the trick is for us NOT to be able to see what's on their menus so then we will be HIT by a HUGE BILL!!!
That manager should go do some other job - he is just not fit for that type of job. He thought I owed him something!!!
Check out for some other better restaurants - there are so many out there with an accommodating and welcoming spirit!
I would give a 0 rating but since there is none I have to go with 1 star.
more