I first came here in 1999, on my first visit to the city. I really loved its slightly run-down charm and talented musicians, and vowed to return every time I came to New York. And I did, almost every year since then. Having finally moved to the city last year and not visited for a few months, I decided to take a friend from out of town to Arthur's on Friday night. She loves jazz, and I thought she'd enjoy the laidback, scruffy vibe - even if I'd noticed the drinks getting pricier and pricier in recent years. After our experience last weekend, I've finally realized my dedication to Arthur's is hopelessly outdated. Our waitress refused to let us sit down in empty seats, saying she was saving them in case a bigger group arrived, then picked a fight when - after ten minutes of them remaining empty - we finally rested our legs. She wouldn't take our drink orders, and told us we'd be kicked out if we didn't finish up and leave. Overpriced drinks ($7 for a Bud Light - really?), terrible service, and R'n'B - NOT jazz - played between sets. You'd get better atmosphere in an airport bar, frankly. I won't be going back.
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