Brandon V.
Yelp
I typically do not write reviews, but after giving it a few days to think about, I think this experience is worth it.
I came into Chelsea market on a date with my girlfriend, on my birthday. I saw Tiny Feast right as I walked in and decided to stop by on the way out. We went into the store and I walked up to the register. There was only one customer at the bar and a barista at the other side. I am not really familiar with pastries, so I point to what I later learn is a beignet, and ask what it is. The barista quickly says beignet, but I could not catch it because I was not familiar. I ask what types there are and he hands me a menu. Still, confused I ask again what the pastry is, now having the names in front of me. The barista aggressively says, "I GAVE YOU THE MENU, READ IT". I was shocked, kind of lost for words. So I just assume that the "Beignets" are what I'm looking at.
I order the Nutella Beignet for myself and an almond croissant for my girlfriend. He asks if its dine-in or take-out, which takes me aback, because I thought we would just order, get our stuff and sit down casually. But since we were planning on eating at the store, I say dine-in. He says something while mumbling about vaccination cards. So, I start to take out my card to show him so we can dine-in. Again, aggressively, he tells me sternly (for a second time?), "Sit down. And I will check at the table." Um, okay dude.
Again, lost for words, I turn around and look for a table with my partner. At this point our moods are pretty ruined. I was still a little confused about the process, so I turn around and ask the barista, "Do you want me to pay now?". Guess what, he just sighs, sucks his teeth and repeats the same thing he said before, but more rudely "SIT DOWN AND I WILL CHECK AT THE TABLE"...
Wow, that sure got me to shut up. So I sit down. He comes over to check our vaccination cards, and like a magic, his attitude takes a 180. Kindly asks if we would like anything other than water, confirms our order, etc. etc...Though he was not being rude anymore, it was very odd and off putting that the barista totally change at a snap of the finger. As we dine, I could hear him nicely calling out to customers coming into Neighborhood Goods. He was pretty civil with them...what was different with us? Service was fine up till check out.
Putting the staff aside, the beignet and the croissant were actually pretty good. Just a shame that this one person ruined our experience and the vibe of this place. Seeing other peoples' reviews with similar experiences from months back is saddening. Nothing has changed apparently.