Regrettably, I must concur—utterly—with the observations noted in other NYC.com reviews concerning "Upstairs at Bouley Bakery": Excellent food—abysmal service, AND an unpleasant, defensive attitude on the part of some (not all) waitstaff, to boot. One of a party of seven business colleagues, I was dumbfounded by the inability of the waitstaff to recognize that we were not served our entrees in a timely manner. When we finally queried the (presumed) manager, she, rather arrogantly, offered every possible "it's not our fault" excuse. Then, instead of swiftly—and professionally—turning around a bad situation by offering extra beverages or appetizers "on the house," left it to one colleague (who lives only a few blocks away in Tribeca) to ask ("beg"?) for the consideration of complimentary desserts. The result? Three "parfaits" (not of our choice) and seven spoons. Upon asking that coffee/tea also be complimentary, we were informed that was not possible. One espresso, one coffee, and five hot teas at +/- $3 each were added to the tab. Tea service for five consisted of five cups, two tea bags, and one small pot of hot water. The word “stingy” comes to mind.

Patrons at two other outdoor tables—with whom we commiserated—were kept waiting at least as long (one couple was accompanied by an infant) in the increasingly chill evening air. Once served (more than an hour after being seated and ordering) the food was delicious, but the entire experience had become so disheartening (and in some respects, embarrassing), that there was scant enjoyment. No restaurant is worth this much angst.

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