Union Square Cafe, New York NY

Service & food are both fantastic! Came during midday menu hours, Lauren & Orrin were more than just hospitable, the burger was absolutely delicious, & cocktails are top-notch!

Peter, the bartender, is authentic and a real gentleman. The fusilli e fagioli is one of the best dishes I've had. Go early, it gets crazy and quick.

A classic they’ve been around forever and while me and every other New Yorker misses the old location, the food is still excellent. Try the fries.

I've been coming here for years and have always enjoyed. Was nice to see a full house, especially after a night of difficult weather. The friendly host did a lovely job seating us at the bar.

Too bad that's where the positives end. The service was terrible, just not what it used to be. The bar tender took my order because I asked, he ignored my friend! I'm talking 1 cup of water, 1 drink! Hello - we were there together. (I've written about this regarding another place and have never returned.)

My Americano was warm brown awful water. (I've written about that as well regarding a different establishment and have never returned). I gave it back. Change the vendor. McDonald's and 7-11 have better coffee!

I don't agree with hiring any "body" just to plug vacancy. Hire/train staff and source tasty/quality products to keep customers returning. There's too much competition to be complacent about the details.

Service was excellent. The food was good.they’re very nice to offer to split our order into 2 separate plates because we were sharing.

Awesome experience! The food and service were fantastic and the atmosphere is wonderful, prices are very reasonable for the dishes served, worth a visit

I was here several years ago, the racist hostess treated me like I had no money or something! Felt like it was a members only restaurant! She directed to try another restaurant down the street. I was like ok I’m Sure they’ll take my green money!

I had a beautiful birthday lunch + celebration at Union Square Cafe. The team that helped plan was wonderful and responsive, the wait staff attentive and kind, the wine suggestions were perfect, and of course the food was outstanding. Thanks so much!

Wow, finally made it to Union Square Cafe - lived up to all the legends! Stunning room, great service, delicious food. Such a strong reminder of everything this brand stands for - from our smiley attentive server, to Madison, Max and Carmen - such a lovely meal, thank you! We'll definitely be back anytime we are in the neighborhood,

Very little, and not so good tasting food for an expensive price. I'll pass, not worth the money

Great service, delicious food, amazing dessert. Space is open and doesn't feel crowded.

Great food in pleasant surroundings. Wait staff very attentive without being intrusive. Well worth the visit!

On 11/21/2023, we ate at this cafe for the 2nd time. I’ll admit the foods pretty good.

Shame some staff left a bad taste in our mouths (pun intended).

That being said, reviews are to communicate to others: either positives or negatives; in which case, a response is requisite. I’ve read several negative reviews, and not one has a reply; so, I won’t hold my breath or anticipate any improvements.

All the same… here goes

The first time we ate here was ok, but even then, I received a look from a Yt male server; and as a Black woman I know that look very well; it meant don’t sit at my table I don’t want to serve you.

This is why certain people should not take certain jobs: If you hate reading you shouldn’t take up a career in law or medicine; and if you don’t wash your hands when you use the restroom (for any reason), or you have poor hygiene (or you are not well groomed), or you’re lazy and don’t like people you shouldn’t be in the restaurant business.

Most of the staff had on shirts that were dingy and wrinkly. There was one Yt female (and yes her shirt was wrinkled and dingy), who came over to clear our starters to make room for our entrees. We asked her to box what was left of our crispy duck. When she returned she said, “here is your TWO pieces of duck. ” You know, a nice nasty way of saying “you actually made me pack this up? ! ”

I went to leave it on the window sill when we were done, but I saw she was running over to make sure I took it, so, I did. However, please let her know, when we got home, I THREW IT OUT. Why? , because god only knows what she did to it before she brought it out to us.

My mother never cared to eat out (may she rest) ; and frankly, I prefer not to have a Yt person do anything personal for me; especially, handling my food; or say, giving me a massage; etc. Why? For reasons such as what occurred here; and too, because it’s obvious 99% of them hate us, and hate having to serve us even more.

If management or the owners care to know who caused this poor review check your cameras, just like last time we ate here, we were THE ONLY BLACK PEOPLE there for early lunch; and now, I know why.

Lastly, poor conduct on the part of staff in establishments such as these, is usually a direct reflection of management, and/or owners; so, to my way of thinking, the so-called “higher ups” are either racist, or treat their underlings poorly, or both.

This will be our last time eating here, and if you’re a Black person—I suggest, you just, DON’T.

We arrived 20 minutes early. The host promptly walked us to our table; we were happy to sit in our booth. We ordered drinks and quickly came; they were delicious. The rest of our party arrived on time at 6: 00 pm, and their drinks were also taken rapidly and arrived at the table quickly. Union Square Cafe was packed with guests. I had never seen it like this. The ambiance was terrific, and Union Square Cafe staff were prepared as they greeted and served the tables next to us efficiently. Every table around us was having fun, and so did we. We were impressed with how the staff handled the pressure, considering how packed the place was. The food arrived promptly, and it was delicious. The chef did a fantastic job cooking all the food. After clearing out empty appetizer plates, our main course arrived promptly, and everyone at our table expressed how good the food tasted. Before our food arrived, we decided to speak with the sommelier and asked to pair our food choices with a good bottle of wine. The only blemish is that the wine arrived almost as we finished our meal. Understandably so, as the place was packed. We ordered a carrot cake and tiramisu, which were delicious. We will keep returning as Union Square Cafe is out favorite place to dine.

Tried this popular restaurant during the busy Saturday brunch time recommended by AMEX card offer. Waited a little bit longer even with Resy reservation. Expecting to have some duck dishes but that is not for the brunch time. Then we were offered two complimentary appetizers. The food and vibe was very good. The tiramisu is just amazing by the way.

Super service!
I recommend a reservation!
Menu was pretty simple but very fresh
Super nice atmosphere
Very enjoyable