On 4th April 2024, I entered the bar area, I did not find a seat at the actual bar, I sat on a bar stool located behind the actual bar. Before ordering through people at the bar, I walked over to the left side of the bar to greet the bartender that serves me most often.I asked him, did happy hour end at 4 p.m.? He said: “No, everything until 7.” I ordered a froze’; The reason the 'froze’ was ordered was because I was just told, by a trusted source, that it was happy hour.After having been told that happy hour ends at 7 p.m. I observed that we were getting close to that time. I order a 2nd froze’ this would make two drinks at what I believe is $7 per drink. After sipping a single sip from the 2nd drink, it becomes apparent that I can not drink this massive 2nd drink, I request a to-go cup as well as the check. I was given both, I immediately alerted the bartender that there was a mistake, because the check read: $34.84. “He said: no, that’s the check.” I told him that I ordered those within the parameters of happy hour.He said: “Happy hour ended at 4. I then attempted to tell him about the conversation I had with the bartender that preceded him, “he said: talk to the manager.” The manager is a black male,he said nahh the glass sizes are different.I asked him, should the general public know the different sizes of a single restaurant's glass sizes?He said: “Wait, calm down, you are about to not have to pay this check and never be allowed to come in here again.”To which I replied: Nahhh I’ll pay the check, then never come in here again.This was a question in leadership and training.Leaders are taught, when trained properly: A) understand what the customer is saying. I repeatedly asked him if I, a consumer, who doesn’t normally drink this, has the burden of knowing the difference in glass sizes based on happy hour or regular pricing.He wasn’t concerned with understanding what I was saying,he was concerned with being right, which is a TEXTbook error in leadership, particularly when dealing within the service industry. B) leaders are taught to deescalate the situation, because you never know who you are talking to. I was so appalled when he said what he said that I decided, in my head, not vocally, that I would review this place and take my time doing it, to get it exactly right. After he threatened me, I found myself in work mode, I kept saying to myself, record this if you can or hang on to every single word this guy is saying.He then placed two glasses side by side, I took a picture of it, once I did this, he went to get a senior manager. She was pleasant, very well trained in dealing with people. I explained to her, this was not an issue of paying, I would pay it regardless, this was an issue of policy. She offered things, I declined, I looked down to the check, placed the tip amount, and signed it.I looked closely at the line items described and noticed something I have never seen at this restaurant in my life.I noticed that the bartender added automatic gratuity. I informed the more senior manager. I then took all appropriate pictures and started to develop a narrative for this review.A picture of my receipt at 5:01:38 p.m. on 30th March 2024 with my normal bartender, you can clearly read that no auto gratuity was added.A picture of my receipt at 11:19:35 30th March 2024 with the bartender in question. No auto gratuity was added to the bill. A picture of my receipt on the day in question 7:13:28 p.m. 4th April 2024. Clearly showing the bartender adding $6.40 gratuity to the bill.A picture showing the glass comparison shown to me by the first male manager and his belief that a member of the public should know the difference between the two of those.A picture of the 'froze’ in the to go cup, I’m showing this, because it would be unreasonable for one to believe that this 2nd drink would have been ordered had I believed this was not on the happy hour menu.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
leon saint franck benga
Je suis a new York depuis 1 ans et ca fais 4fois je mange a cet endroit. Trop de plats delicieux, service fait par des serveurs rapides. Demain je refais mon sixieme tours. Je le recommande a toutes mes amis qui sont satisfaites
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Feuille de Brique Brunch, Merguez de Barbes Dinner, Frisée Aux Lardons
Libero Della Piana
Kid-friendliness: Very good place for kids. Staff was flexible and attentive to our large group with two toddlers, a newborn and an 8yr old.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak, Seafood
James Dennin
Best French food in Upper Manhattan for sure. One of the reasons we chose our new apartment is it's nearby. They don't mess up the classics here can't wait to try the cassoulet. They know what they are doing with duck. The bar upfront is going to be the place to be during the world cup. Dinner here and dancing at the shrine after is a failsafe date. All-in-all an essential institution.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Leg Confit, Seafood
Alexander Khanikaev
Improved drastically compared to my previous visit.Also discovered their homemade sausages, which are delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salad, Seafood
CarolD
This is a lovely oasis. Lively bar that was jammed with lots of conversation when I arrived for my 6 pm reservation. A cozy table by the window in the back was just what I wanted, and when my dinner guest cancelled they didn't try to shuffle me to a smaller, noisier table. Great specials (fish and rack of lamb) in addition to a classic French bistro menu. I enjoyed every bit of my meal from fresh crusty baguette (pre-sliced, but plenty and fine for my arthritis). The highlight was a very generous rack of lamb with exquisite potatoes au gratin and just enough lightly charred green beans. Save room for chocolate mousse. Every neighboring table was full of happy diners of all ages. Service was efficient and warm. I'll be back!!
Mumu
Maison Harlem is a wonderful place . The food was very good. However, from what I had heard, I thought it would be outstanding. The salad was overdressed and only average, the lemon tart was too sweet, but the muscles were great. The dourade was excellent. Max, our server, was outstanding and the ambience of the restaurant is terrific. I look forward to returning!
LOU MARTIN
Bit Small in front but had a wonderful time with friends and Great Food!!?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fakisha Fabre
Truly my favorite place to brunch in Harlem. From the welcoming staff to the delicious food, this spot never disappoints. Thanks for everything!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggs Nordique
Best wait staff, all super friendly, and their customers are super friendly too. Took a friend there for her 60th birthday and people came up and said happy birthday during dinner. Services is great and the decor and ambience is super inviting, cozy just the right noise level. Maison Harlem, never disappoints .
This is my third visit to Maison Harlem and as always the service and food was great. Our sever Max was personable and attentive and gave great recommendations. He made our birthday celebration even better.
Dana Valenzuela
Loved the vibe of this place although, when i first walked in there was a weird smell. The food was just ok . Our server took our orders (an egg dish & a salad ) and we waited over 45 mins. When we followed up with the waiter , he claimed the kitchen ran out of an item and went to the store to go buy it ?? We knew he forgot to put the order in so waited another 20 mins for the food to actually come out . He compensated the wait with a croissant that was really good. I dont know if I’d go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Taylor Frost
Made a reservation 4 days prior and maison harlem confirmed then canceled the day of. Called 3 times to find out why with such short notice and no one answered. Poor service and communication.
Service: 1
Kynji Koi
My experience at Maison Harlem was quite pleasant. The ambiance was quite tranquil, especially when I arrived early and dined solo before the crowds poured in. The food was quite good, though the bacon was slightly dry, it still had a delicious flavor. Moreover, the restaurant's proximity to the B/D train station makes it all the more attractive.Overall, I would definitely recommend Maison Harlem and look forward to returning soon for another visit.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
MegH
I love this restaurant! The food is excellent, the staff always warm and friendly and the ambience is welcoming. Prices have gone up quite a bit over the past few years, but if you are willing to spend money on dining out, this place is perfect!
On 4th April 2024, I entered the bar area, I did not find a seat at the actual bar, I sat on a bar stool located behind the actual bar. Before ordering through people at the bar, I walked over to the left side of the bar to greet the bartender that serves me most often.I asked him, did happy hour end at 4 p.m.? He said: “No, everything until 7.” I ordered a froze’; The reason the 'froze’ was ordered was because I was just told, by a trusted source, that it was happy hour.After having been told that happy hour ends at 7 p.m. I observed that we were getting close to that time. I order a 2nd froze’ this would make two drinks at what I believe is $7 per drink. After sipping a single sip from the 2nd drink, it becomes apparent that I can not drink this massive 2nd drink, I request a to-go cup as well as the check. I was given both, I immediately alerted the bartender that there was a mistake, because the check read: $34.84. “He said: no, that’s the check.” I told him that I ordered those within the parameters of happy hour.He said: “Happy hour ended at 4. I then attempted to tell him about the conversation I had with the bartender that preceded him, “he said: talk to the manager.” The manager is a black male,he said nahh the glass sizes are different.I asked him, should the general public know the different sizes of a single restaurant's glass sizes?He said: “Wait, calm down, you are about to not have to pay this check and never be allowed to come in here again.”To which I replied: Nahhh I’ll pay the check, then never come in here again.This was a question in leadership and training.Leaders are taught, when trained properly: A) understand what the customer is saying. I repeatedly asked him if I, a consumer, who doesn’t normally drink this, has the burden of knowing the difference in glass sizes based on happy hour or regular pricing.He wasn’t concerned with understanding what I was saying,he was concerned with being right, which is a TEXTbook error in leadership, particularly when dealing within the service industry. B) leaders are taught to deescalate the situation, because you never know who you are talking to. I was so appalled when he said what he said that I decided, in my head, not vocally, that I would review this place and take my time doing it, to get it exactly right. After he threatened me, I found myself in work mode, I kept saying to myself, record this if you can or hang on to every single word this guy is saying.He then placed two glasses side by side, I took a picture of it, once I did this, he went to get a senior manager. She was pleasant, very well trained in dealing with people. I explained to her, this was not an issue of paying, I would pay it regardless, this was an issue of policy. She offered things, I declined, I looked down to the check, placed the tip amount, and signed it.I looked closely at the line items described and noticed something I have never seen at this restaurant in my life.I noticed that the bartender added automatic gratuity. I informed the more senior manager. I then took all appropriate pictures and started to develop a narrative for this review.A picture of my receipt at 5:01:38 p.m. on 30th March 2024 with my normal bartender, you can clearly read that no auto gratuity was added.A picture of my receipt at 11:19:35 30th March 2024 with the bartender in question. No auto gratuity was added to the bill. A picture of my receipt on the day in question 7:13:28 p.m. 4th April 2024. Clearly showing the bartender adding $6.40 gratuity to the bill.A picture showing the glass comparison shown to me by the first male manager and his belief that a member of the public should know the difference between the two of those.A picture of the 'froze’ in the to go cup, I’m showing this, because it would be unreasonable for one to believe that this 2nd drink would have been ordered had I believed this was not on the happy hour menu.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Je suis a new York depuis 1 ans et ca fais 4fois je mange a cet endroit. Trop de plats delicieux, service fait par des serveurs rapides. Demain je refais mon sixieme tours. Je le recommande a toutes mes amis qui sont satisfaites
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Feuille de Brique Brunch, Merguez de Barbes Dinner, Frisée Aux Lardons
Kid-friendliness: Very good place for kids. Staff was flexible and attentive to our large group with two toddlers, a newborn and an 8yr old.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak, Seafood
Best French food in Upper Manhattan for sure. One of the reasons we chose our new apartment is it's nearby. They don't mess up the classics here can't wait to try the cassoulet. They know what they are doing with duck. The bar upfront is going to be the place to be during the world cup. Dinner here and dancing at the shrine after is a failsafe date. All-in-all an essential institution.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Leg Confit, Seafood
Improved drastically compared to my previous visit.Also discovered their homemade sausages, which are delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salad, Seafood
This is a lovely oasis. Lively bar that was jammed with lots of conversation when I arrived for my 6 pm reservation. A cozy table by the window in the back was just what I wanted, and when my dinner guest cancelled they didn't try to shuffle me to a smaller, noisier table. Great specials (fish and rack of lamb) in addition to a classic French bistro menu. I enjoyed every bit of my meal from fresh crusty baguette (pre-sliced, but plenty and fine for my arthritis). The highlight was a very generous rack of lamb with exquisite potatoes au gratin and just enough lightly charred green beans. Save room for chocolate mousse. Every neighboring table was full of happy diners of all ages. Service was efficient and warm. I'll be back!!
Maison Harlem is a wonderful place . The food was very good. However, from what I had heard, I thought it would be outstanding. The salad was overdressed and only average, the lemon tart was too sweet, but the muscles were great. The dourade was excellent. Max, our server, was outstanding and the ambience of the restaurant is terrific. I look forward to returning!
Bit Small in front but had a wonderful time with friends and Great Food!!?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Truly my favorite place to brunch in Harlem. From the welcoming staff to the delicious food, this spot never disappoints. Thanks for everything!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggs Nordique
Best wait staff, all super friendly, and their customers are super friendly too. Took a friend there for her 60th birthday and people came up and said happy birthday during dinner. Services is great and the decor and ambience is super inviting, cozy just the right noise level. Maison Harlem, never disappoints .
Restaurantji Recommends
This is my third visit to Maison Harlem and as always the service and food was great. Our sever Max was personable and attentive and gave great recommendations. He made our birthday celebration even better.
Loved the vibe of this place although, when i first walked in there was a weird smell. The food was just ok . Our server took our orders (an egg dish & a salad ) and we waited over 45 mins. When we followed up with the waiter , he claimed the kitchen ran out of an item and went to the store to go buy it ?? We knew he forgot to put the order in so waited another 20 mins for the food to actually come out . He compensated the wait with a croissant that was really good. I dont know if I’d go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Made a reservation 4 days prior and maison harlem confirmed then canceled the day of. Called 3 times to find out why with such short notice and no one answered. Poor service and communication.
Service: 1
My experience at Maison Harlem was quite pleasant. The ambiance was quite tranquil, especially when I arrived early and dined solo before the crowds poured in. The food was quite good, though the bacon was slightly dry, it still had a delicious flavor. Moreover, the restaurant's proximity to the B/D train station makes it all the more attractive.Overall, I would definitely recommend Maison Harlem and look forward to returning soon for another visit.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
I love this restaurant! The food is excellent, the staff always warm and friendly and the ambience is welcoming. Prices have gone up quite a bit over the past few years, but if you are willing to spend money on dining out, this place is perfect!