Extremely Disturbing Experience - Unsafe Behavior from Staff Member (Anthony) We came to this diner to celebrate a family reunion -- our cousin was visiting from overseas. We've been regular customers here for over 30 years, and always enjoyed coming here until this shocking incident. We brought a $500 bottle of alcohol and planned to discuss it with our server, intending to pay for opening it and also order from the bar. Before we had a chance to explain, a staff member named Anthony suddenly ran up to our table screaming, saying we couldn't bring alcohol into his establishment. His behavior was erratic and aggressive -- his eyes were red, his hands were shaking, and he was shouting so loudly that saliva landed on our food. We even offered to buy the most expensive bottle of alcohol from their bar to resolve the situation politely, but Anthony refused, saying he was not selling us anything. He then grabbed our bottle and drinks from the table with his bare hands, took them away without permission, and threatened to call the police. We were shocked and deeply uncomfortable. He came back moments later, threw the check on the table, and told us never to return. When I went to pay and asked why he said that, he denied it and walked away, refusing to face me. As a doctor, I have worked with psychotic patients in clinical settings, but those are controlled and professional environments. What I witnessed here was frightening, unpredictable, and deeply upsetting. It was depressing to see such rude and inconsiderate behavior in what used to be one of my favorite places. Anthony's behavior was so unstable that it made us fear for our safety. Management should immediately evaluate whether he is fit to interact with customers. After this disturbing encounter, I can no longer recommend this diner. Never in my life have I experienced such an attitude from staff or ownership toward loyal customers. It no longer feels safe or welcoming.
Lee J Ross
We tried this place a few times for lunch and dinner. The food is okay and waiters are friendly but unfortunately work in fear of the manager who obviously oppress them.
Had two annoying and negative exchanges with a bullying manager who was so very petty that he would not allow the waiter to bring tomatoes without charging extra.
I declined the second time around. We then decided to stop patronizing this diner. There are many places with better food without nasty pettiness.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
S L
Classic nyc diner 🗽
Good pancakes 🥞
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel M
The avocado eggs Benedict was absolutely perfect and the iced cappuccino (which was like an iced latte with whipped cream was huge! And delicious. Also some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
K D Pauly-Gugliuzza
Love this place. They always have awesome food here. The Matzoh Ball soup is delicious!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Genay Ashlee
I am from FL, and have tried may breakfast diners but this place wins 1st place! The pancakes looked beautiful but tasted even better! The potatoes were so fresh and lightly seasoned. & the omelette was hot and delicious. Thank you for wonderful taste bud experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A.J. Branca
You're waiter assumed off a $41 bill i gave him 3 20$ bills he gave me no change in return
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 2
judi josefs
A hearty thank you to the owner of the Valbrook diner, who honored my husband, a disabled Vietnam veteran with a generous gift certificate. The food and service were excellent, and we enjoyed a lovely meal! THANK YOU!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kamini Beeharrilall
I have been a patron at Valbrook for over 25 years...... new management over the years but still has the best service, food and friendly staff. The 2 brothers Tommy and Anthony DiStefano are awesome. Very kind and friendly. They are really loved by their patrons
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Martin
For a great breakfast and lunch, this place has not let me down. Been going here for years and they never let me down. Never had dinner here, so I would say that would be great also!
Our server was above and beyond! So friendly and accommodating — especially for my sister with food allergies. Many options on the menu with generous portions. Fun, lively atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dream718674
I came for breakfast, but since we arrived, the owner treated us with clear disrespect. He called my name, then shut the door in my face. After we sat down, my kids wanted to move to the boat table, so we asked the waitress if it was okay, and she said yes. However, when the owner realized, he was very rude and started yelling that we couldn’t switch tables, speaking to us in an extremely disrespectful way. I looked at my kids and said, 'Let’s go,' but the receptionist assured us it was fine to stay. The owner then shouted, 'LET THEM GO, WE DON'T NEED THEM.' As a business owner, you should be more approachable and respectful to your customers. I can’t help but feel that maybe his behavior had something to do with the fact that we are Hispanic, and many of his other customers are from different backgrounds. This owner or manager needs to learn how to treat all customers with respect. This place is terrible.
d m
This place is a neighborhood staple, been coming here for over 30 yrs my husband who’s in his 60s came here when he was a kid. It’s changed owners and been remodeled a few times but the food has remained the same with all the diner classics that are always good, hot and plentiful. Service is friendly, prices reasonable, free parking out back can be challenging when it’s busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Challah French Toast, Cheeseburger and Fries with Cheese, Silver Dollar Pancakes, Short Stack Pancakes, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Burger Deluxe with Fries and Onion Rings
Extremely Disturbing Experience - Unsafe Behavior from Staff Member (Anthony) We came to this diner to celebrate a family reunion -- our cousin was visiting from overseas. We've been regular customers here for over 30 years, and always enjoyed coming here until this shocking incident. We brought a $500 bottle of alcohol and planned to discuss it with our server, intending to pay for opening it and also order from the bar. Before we had a chance to explain, a staff member named Anthony suddenly ran up to our table screaming, saying we couldn't bring alcohol into his establishment. His behavior was erratic and aggressive -- his eyes were red, his hands were shaking, and he was shouting so loudly that saliva landed on our food. We even offered to buy the most expensive bottle of alcohol from their bar to resolve the situation politely, but Anthony refused, saying he was not selling us anything. He then grabbed our bottle and drinks from the table with his bare hands, took them away without permission, and threatened to call the police. We were shocked and deeply uncomfortable. He came back moments later, threw the check on the table, and told us never to return. When I went to pay and asked why he said that, he denied it and walked away, refusing to face me. As a doctor, I have worked with psychotic patients in clinical settings, but those are controlled and professional environments. What I witnessed here was frightening, unpredictable, and deeply upsetting. It was depressing to see such rude and inconsiderate behavior in what used to be one of my favorite places. Anthony's behavior was so unstable that it made us fear for our safety. Management should immediately evaluate whether he is fit to interact with customers. After this disturbing encounter, I can no longer recommend this diner. Never in my life have I experienced such an attitude from staff or ownership toward loyal customers. It no longer feels safe or welcoming.
We tried this place a few times for lunch and dinner. The food is okay and waiters are friendly but unfortunately work in fear of the manager who obviously oppress them.
Had two annoying and negative exchanges with a bullying manager who was so very petty that he would not allow the waiter to bring tomatoes without charging extra.
I declined the second time around.
We then decided to stop patronizing this diner. There are many places with better food without nasty pettiness.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Classic nyc diner 🗽
Good pancakes
🥞
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The avocado eggs Benedict was absolutely perfect and the iced cappuccino (which was like an iced latte with whipped cream was huge! And delicious. Also some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place. They always have awesome food here. The Matzoh Ball soup is delicious!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am from FL, and have tried may breakfast diners but this place wins 1st place! The pancakes looked beautiful but tasted even better! The potatoes were so fresh and lightly seasoned. & the omelette was hot and delicious. Thank you for wonderful taste bud experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You're waiter assumed off a $41 bill i gave him 3 20$ bills he gave me no change in return
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 2
A hearty thank you to the owner of the Valbrook diner, who honored my husband, a disabled Vietnam veteran with a generous gift certificate. The food and service were excellent, and we enjoyed a lovely meal! THANK YOU!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been a patron at Valbrook for over 25 years...... new management over the years but still has the best service, food and friendly staff.
The 2 brothers Tommy and Anthony DiStefano are awesome. Very kind and friendly. They are really loved by their patrons
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
For a great breakfast and lunch, this place has not let me down.
Been going here for years and they never let me down.
Never had dinner here, so I would say that would be great also!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Best steak n eggs ever
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our server was above and beyond! So friendly and accommodating — especially for my sister with food allergies. Many options on the menu with generous portions. Fun, lively atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I came for breakfast, but since we arrived, the owner treated us with clear disrespect. He called my name, then shut the door in my face. After we sat down, my kids wanted to move to the boat table, so we asked the waitress if it was okay, and she said yes. However, when the owner realized, he was very rude and started yelling that we couldn’t switch tables, speaking to us in an extremely disrespectful way. I looked at my kids and said, 'Let’s go,' but the receptionist assured us it was fine to stay. The owner then shouted, 'LET THEM GO, WE DON'T NEED THEM.' As a business owner, you should be more approachable and respectful to your customers. I can’t help but feel that maybe his behavior had something to do with the fact that we are Hispanic, and many of his other customers are from different backgrounds. This owner or manager needs to learn how to treat all customers with respect. This place is terrible.
This place is a neighborhood staple, been coming here for over 30 yrs my husband who’s in his 60s came here when he was a kid. It’s changed owners and been remodeled a few times but the food has remained the same with all the diner classics that are always good, hot and plentiful. Service is friendly, prices reasonable, free parking out back can be challenging when it’s busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Challah French Toast, Cheeseburger and Fries with Cheese, Silver Dollar Pancakes, Short Stack Pancakes, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Burger Deluxe with Fries and Onion Rings
Love the owners, food is good
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
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