Bobby Van's Grill & Steakhouse

This is rarely like me to give a review, especially one like this but that's how terrible the service & manager was to us last night. I know it's restaurant week staff tend to go thru the motion a little more careless but this was ridiculous. 5 different waiters and not at one did either of them say his shift was ending and who our next server would be. don't get me wrong, I know how the steakhouse service runs and I know when it's bad. If we wanted anything we had to signal to somebody we needed service. The last rude waiter didn't bother coming when we raved him over, he simply pointed to another waiter. I can't even tell about the food because we were so done about the horrible service. The bill came, it was wrong. My friends insisted we speak to a manager, we called him over and he was the worst! As we tried to explain the horrible service, the problem with the bill, he continued to interupt us by telling us that he would speak with them all at the end of the night...WTF? Then he said, ""the damage is done what can I do?"" OMG, I'M NEVER GOING BACK...... more

I have eaten at all of the Bobby Vans and usually have a great experience. In fairness I did have a nice experience this time I just think the managers have a slight attitudes considering the prices you are paying. The waitstaff is good but overall the management seems as if they are doing you a favor by eating there. Very odd considering the restaurant wasn't full. I think the management should be show some appreciation for your patronage considering these tough economic times. I will be eating at the other locations but will not be back to this one. Pros: Food and atmosphere are both excellent Cons: Service more

My atrocious dining experience began upon entering the cramped waiting area. The throng of people could not be passed to get to the front desk. Upon telling a host that I had a reservation for six and my name, I was told in a gruff and aggressive tone that I would have to wait because ""it is Christmas season"" and ""I have a lot of people ahead you."" This is why I made a reservation. After waiting for 30 minutes for my table I approached the same man and was subsequently ignored when I asked when my table would be ready. Nary a drink purchased to compensate; not even an apology. I witnessed this host berate and yell at the staff and at customers as well. As I watched in horror, just a bill was passed to a waiter, this man screamed: ""Give me six!"" in front of the startled patrons. Sure enough, this was my table. We had to navigate a cramped and crowded area to but squashed into this tiny table that looked as though it could barley accommodate five people. Not a good start. Pros: Waiter told specials, didn't rush us Cons: front desk, food, price, basically everything more

Not worth the money. Pros: Ambiance and service Cons: Too expensive for the quality of food. Nothing special more

Bobby Van's meets the expectations for a NY steakhouse. The service was nice and attentive. The decor was mostly wood and classical. The meal was pleasant. However, there was nothing in the dining experience to make it memorable. Ben Benson's, Smith and Wollensky, and even Ruth Chris made a slightly better impression. Ben Benson's and Smith and Wollensky have amazing steaks and sides. Ruth Chris has a simple yet tasty steak. Bobby Van's does not compare badly with them but rather they were slightly better. Pros: Good steak, nice service staff Cons: Can't really complain but can't really compliment either. more

My family and I had dinner here on December 20, 2006 and had a wonderful meal. The service was first class, the ambiance was dynamic and festive, and the steaks were great! My rib steak was perfectly grilled, very flavorful and juicy. But for $40.00, I'd expect nothing less. There are lots of other items on the menu, including lighter fare like pastas, burgers and pizza. The bread basket selection is one of the best anywhere, rivalling Smith & Wollensky. The bar was packed. The location, right off Seventh Ave., is great for pre or post theater dining. We will definitely return. Pros: steaks, great drinks, lively ambiance Cons: steaks crashing the $40.00 price point, side dishes are very pricey more

Made reservation and showed up .5 hr in advance. Checked 3 times for table status and each time was led to believe time would be soon. It wasn't. If up front I had been told there was to be a delay I could be more understanding. But I went from the table would be set in 15 minutes, to the diners are paying the bill, to basically I haven't got a clue as to when the table will be available. The wait service was the worst I have ever experienced in any restaurant let alone one where the bill was bound to be hefty. No wine list given. When asked about wine that was available was given generic wine types instead of who the vintner was. Water was never replenished. Waiter constantly reached across the front of guests when placing anything on the table. No one ever came back to check if we were satisfied with meal or required anything. When tea was ordered a meager container of a few tea bags was plunked on the table with more or less a take it or leave it attitude. It was as if the waiter did not want to be bothered at all with us. Just to leave the place we had to wait an inordinately long time to search down the waiter to get our bill. A dining experience depends more then just serving size to be successful. This experience was certainly not one that would have me ever coming back to Bobby Van's. I have eaten at many NYC restaurants and have experience all levels of service, but this one definitely was the worst. By the way, the waiter's name was Tim if the manager Paul ever reads this review. Pros: Portion size was very large Cons: Wait service was terrible more

My husband and I randomly stopped into Bobby Van's on a rainy night when we both had a craving for steak. We were promptly greated by a sweet hostess, and then guided to a great table with views of the street. The waiter was informed and attentive, even picking out a bottle of wine for us. Our food arrived just on time, and expertly cooked. I normally 'like' the side dish you pay $8-$12 for at other steak houses, but I can't get over the mashed potatoes at Bobby V's. Absolutely THE BEST I've ever had! I still get cravings for them and want to return! We have since visited The Palm and Sparky's, and there is just no comparing the mashed potatoes! Pros: Service, Location, Mashed Potatoes! more