VALERIE Reviews Summary

Ambiance

Pros:

• "Ambiance was awesome, and the Christmas decorations were beautiful!"
• "The ambiance of the bar was classy and grand."
• "The vibe is super cool and cozy."
• "The atmosphere feels very 1920s speakeasy/glamorous."
• "Like the amber colored lighting and relaxing atmosphere."
• "The ambiance was amazing with dimmed lights and had a vintage vibe to it."
• "The ambiance is sophisticated, yet lively. Kind of 1930's-ish."

Cons:

• "The lights were dimmed so much that we actually couldn’t even see our food."
• "It was darker in the restaurant than on the streets of nyc at 10:30pm."
• "The music is a bit loud that sometimes you can't hear conversation over the music."
• "Music is insanely loud, although we were under a speaker."
• "However, the service wasn't good. I wasn't really serviced at the bar and it wasn't busy."
• "It was so dark after they turned down the lights that my food and the decor looked colorless, only shades of gray."
• "We were rushed."

Service

Pros:

• "The service was really good. Waiters and staff checked up on us and made sure our water was filled at all times."
• "Our server/waitress (not sure what is PC these days) Maria was fabulous! She was attentive, friendly, efficient and fantastic with recommendations!"
• "Our servers were attentive and super friendly."
• "Wonderful service from Colton who was very attentive, a great experience with drinks, happy hour oysters and a few side dishes."
• "Our waiter was so attentive and courteous, our experience at the restaurant was top of the line."
• "Service was lovely and our waiter timed the next rounds right as our current drink was finishing."
• "The service is incredibly responsive and attentive."

Cons:

• "Rude staff that auto apply tip!!! Added 20% gratuity onto my bill - which is illegal in NYC."
• "Our server did not speak fluent English, which may have been why she didn't tell us what the specials were and got half our order wrong."
• "Service was generally acceptable."
• "Drinks take forever despite not being too crowded."
• "Very unfriendly staff."
• "There was less than enthusiastic service from our server."
• "Service forgot about us - we almost walked but it was really too late to have many other food options."

Food & Drinks

Pros:

• "The food was great as were the cocktails."
• "Has amazing NA (non-alcoholic/moctail) options under Zero Valerie in the menu."
• "The short rib just fell apart it was so tender."
• "The food was delicious. I absolutely loved my braised short rib."
• "The tart and harmony classic gin cocktails were complex and well balanced."
• "Definitely try one of their cocktails."
• "The food (actual dinner dinner, not bar food) is absolutely delicious."

Cons:

• "Wish that it was a little more affordable."
• "The only thing holding me from 5 stars is the shishito peppers. They were barely seasoned and just tasted like water."
• "The food and especially drinks are on the pricier side."
• "They all had some really strong flavor to it and none of us finished our drinks."
• "The food is little heavy on the sugar."
• "The menu does not accurately depict what you're getting. I'm extremely sensitive to spice and I ordered a dish labeled sweet, it was anything but."
• "The only knock is that the food was under seasoned."

Price & Value

Pros:

• "It was very affordable, for 8 people we spent $400 including tip."
• "Happy hour specials are great!"
• "The HH is a great deal with $11 drinks."
• "Happy hour prices are good-$11 for that pretty cocktail (ain't getting this price anywhere in Manhattan)."
• "Surprisingly good oysters for $1 during happy hour."
• "They have a couple of cocktail options for $11+, as well as $9+ wines (including prosecco) and $7+ beer."
• "The happy hour oysters are a fantastic addition, offering fresh and flavorful options at a great value."

Cons:

• "They also automatically added gratuity on our tab for 5 people (it says online that they only do that for parties of 6 or more)."
• "The food and especially drinks are on the pricier side."
• "Really good date spot. Cocktails are $17 which is a bit pricey but you’re really paying for the ambiance more than anything."
• "One thing to note is that they charge a 3.95% credit card fee—they indicate the price for cash and credit on your bill."
• "Happy hour drinks are $11. That won't make you too happy for that hour."
• "Their regular menu prices are much higher at $18+ for cocktails, so I can see why it gets busy especially during happy hour."
• "Drinks were dull, especially for the $30 price tag."