John Dory Oyster House - Horrible Experience

[dock]

i went for lunch yesterday with a business associate/friend i hadn't seen in while. we showed up at 1:15 and were seated immediately as they were not that busy. the server brought us menus immediately and we ordered within 10 minutes. they took our drink order, club sodas, and they came right away. my friend and i were catching up and enjoying each others company when the server came over and said our food would be out shortly. after another 10 minutes we realized it was 2:20! an hour and 5 minutes and we hadn't been served anything! i had a 2:30 appointment so we left immediately. the server appologized with a quick sorry and as i left, i told the hostess what had happened and that this was ridiculous. she didn't care and basically said "oh".
i would like to complain to someone at the restaurant about this experience, not that i think they really care. most websites have a contact us link, but not the john dory or the breslin. don't ask, don't tell?
what a joke!

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The John Dory Oyster Bar
1196 Broadway, New York, NY 10001

[loratliff]

Funny that you say you can't find any contact info on their website, because I clicked over and found a Facebook page, a Twitter account, an e-mail and a phone number all on one page.

[dock]

i don't tweet. i don't belong to facebook. why would i call the restaurant and speak to the hostess who did not seem interested before. and the email is only for booking an event. i just want to write them about my lousy experience. i wrote a letter and mailed it. hopefully they scan this site too. please don't try to defend such an egregious offense. i did not comment on the food. i wish i could.

[Blumie]

I don't see anyone defending their behavior. They provide numerous means to communicate with them; it's unfair to trash them just because they don't offer the one means of communication that you want to use.

[thegforceny]

THIS.

(You could sent a telegam though.)

[ttoommyy]

To the OP:
Pick up the phone and call. If the hostess answers ask for the manager on duty. Easy. You are making excuses for not dealing with this person-to-person, which is how it should be handled. A handwritten letter (or even an e-mail) gives the receiver the chance to not respond. If you are really passionate about letting them know how disappointed you were/are, a phone call will do the trick. End of story.

[kosmose7]

Actually I had a similar experience with their service. While the servers at John Dory were very friendly and nice, they didn't seem to have a system to keep track of orders. After I ordered a dessert, my server came to me and asked, "Would you like anything else this evening?" I replied, "My dessert didn't come out yet." And he goes, "Oh, it didn't?" From that point on, I had to wait another 30 minutes to get my dessert...

[princeofpork]

The original John Dory was a huge flop. Now second time around I have not seen any positive reviews. Doesnt look promising.

[Simon]

i went there about a month ago, and my friend and i had some oysters and cold lobster at bar area seats by the window...food was good, and our server was very charming and professional...a bit expensive, but we were happy...that's the only time i've been though...

Sorry the OP had a poor experience...

[Blumie]

The reviews of the new John Dory have been very good, which helps to explain why there's a line out the door every night. Fairly promising, if you ask me. I've been several times with no service issues, but clearly a couple of people on this board have had problems.

[thegforceny]

I'm sure they happened, but I have only had delicious, rich seafood with fun and funny, friendly professional service. Been there lunch, dinner, bar dining. I love the place.

[loratliff]

Same. Been there multiple times (including the night Fergus Henderson was cooking—YUM!) and haven't been disappointed. Great oysters, cocktails, love the oyster pan roast too.

[Blumie]

Of course they care. Something got seriously f''ed up, and I'd sure they'd like to make sure that it doesn't happen again, the hostess's reaction notwithstanding.