Café Carlyle

The reputation does not precede the Carlyle Cafe. The atmosphere is dated but semi-elegant. Their dress code is old fashioned and not needed; times have changed-get with the times! Purchased tickets to see a performer that I had been wanting to see. I was so happy she was performing at The Carlyle as it is a smaller venue and I would get to be up close with the performer. I plaid extra for VIP/Premium Seating. When I arrived (40 min before my allotted time) I was stuck in a a table in a row of 6 tables. The people on each side of me were so close you would think we were the same party. Being forced to dine with the Cafe is the only way they would get patrons-their food Sucks. Their staff is horrible. The room is cramped-the waitstaff continued to bump my chair-never saying excuse me. After paying a premium for the show tickets-I was VERY unhappy to be seated in a squished seating-and then. Forced to purchase over priced food. My glass if Chardonnay was $30 while my after dinner coffee was $15. I don’t mind paying for good food, I have been to restaurants and paid $550 per person for a tasting menu and enjoyed every moment and bite. But to pay $95 for a small salad and steak tartare in a cramped room with rude staff; isnt my cup of tea. LOVED the performance, LOVED it. They wait until the end of the performance to bring everyone-Yes, everyone in the venue (over 60) their checks. Yep, 60 plus checks-and cc-tho be handleded at one time-I had to stand and wait over 20 min to pay and get my cc back. Inefficient. Did I mention their staff is rude? Yes, well, let me mention it a 4th time. RUDE!

The food and service here is an embarrassment. I don't understand why a performer would ever choose this venue. The ONLY reason we dined here is because we had no other choice (meal was mandatory with the performance tickets). The tables are packed so close, very uncomfortable. The staff bumped my chair countless times and it always felt like I had waiters ass in my face. The food was laughable. I had the lobster bisque (boring with a sad lump of lobster lazily floating on top) and the mushroom bolognese. Pasta was mushy and the sauce had zero seasoning. Husband's steak was overcooked and the fries were meh. $10 extra for a burnt black coffee to really put the cherry on top. We got some $4 pizza down the street after the performance and it was the highlight of the evening.

It’s been for a while since I wanted to come for afternoon tea at the Carlyle cafe, and now it became my second favorite place for afternoon tea in the city. My daughter, my daughter in law and I, we go every month to a different tea salon, but for some reason never got a chance to try it at the Carlyle. Perhaps, we saved it for a special occasion. I loved everything, the red water glasses 👍, the decor, the ambiance small quiet room, the tea selection, the food (little scones baked at the premises are just delicious), and most of all - exceptional service. Gilberto, our server, went above and beyond to ensure that our tea service experience was beyond superb. Everything was just perfect. We came with two toddlers and a month old baby. Our first afternoon tea with the new family addition! Glad we picked this room. What a wonderful and unforgettable experience, we enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you! Can’t wait to be back. P.s. one little comment on sugar packets- brown sugar cubes would make the whole experience even better ☺️

This is my favorite hotel in the city because of the old New York charm. Magic always happens here. On this night I bumped into Reese Witherspoon and got to watch a mesmerizing jazz performance by Dianna Agron. That said, I wish they would include the price of dinner in the tickets since there is a mandatory minimum spend. I thought dinner was included with the tickets. It’s not. Alas, it was a beautifully pricy evening winding back the clock to old New York. 🕰️🗽🎷🍸

The performance was excellent. The decor had an old school charm. The meal was not special, underwhelming and stupidly overpriced. Excellent music and far superior meals can be had elsewhere in New York for a fraction of the price.

I came here for afternoon Tea with my group this past June. The decor alone takes you in-I looove. Though it is a small space, you do not feel as if people can intrude on your conversation- the layout has been well planned to exude intimacy but also a feeling of spaciousness. The spread was adequate. I recommend the peaches and ginger tea if your into spicy sweet. I had the Tropical green which is more on the herbal side.My only objection is the packet sugar. It screams diner and cheapens the experience. Sugar cubes are a must.

Sorry to give this just A star, but I went here just to SEE the Woodman. Not annoy him. Not irritate him. Just to see him in person! Fate being what it is, who should I bump into just outside the Men's Room ...?? Herewith, our encounter: ME: [*extremely* sheepishly] Hey, Woody! WOODY: Silence, goyischer fool .... This has nothing to do with CC's food, drink, etc. That's why I'm giving them five stars each in that regard based on reputation. 🖖🏻❤️

Brunch at the Carlyle is so fabulously luxurious. You are greeted, seated at perfectly appointed tables with gorgeous linens and then offered big fat menus. We came on a day that was simply horrid with rain so sitting and chilling was just right and a slow relaxed brunch was heaven. No one was rushing and in NYC that is something of a miracle! Brunch is 3 courses and so large and so delicious. They always have a glorious hunk of meat in the trolley and it is not to be missed. We were stuffed but dessert was awesome. After the longest brunch we headed to the iconic Bemelman’s bar for a cocktail. Now this is what Sunday is all about. Please follow @joannasable on instagram for more food and travel fun.