Bangkok Grand Palace Rstrnt

This restaurant recently renovated and my co-workers and I were very excited to see if the food and atmosphere were improved. Unfortunately, after one pleasant experience each subsequent lunch has turned into a stressful and regrettable ordeal. The service is so invisible the time we've sat waiting for our food has eaten up our entire lunch hour, and that's not even including the half-hour spent begging for and paying the check. The food is still uninspired, basic American Thai, lacking any complex combination of flavor. Today was the kicker - I went in for a peaceful lunch by myself, willing to give this place another try, and ordered a standard lunch special. The total came to around $14.00 and I tried to pay with my debit card - the waitress barked that the credit card minimum is $25.00 and "why don't you have any cash? There is a sign posted." The sign was not visible from either the entrance or the dining room. I have also ordered takeout from there before (for one) and used my credit card. Longish story short, I told the manager than he should post the rule in the menu and he said "all my customers know this. It has been the policy for 10 years." Really. I went to the ATM and came back with the cash, but seriously, this is a restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. Now, instead of the manager doing something nice and running my card and letting me learn my lesson for the next time, I'm writing an honest review on Citysearch: Don't go to this place, the food is subpar and the staff is inconsiderate. Sure the place is in the restaurant drought of 1st avenue, but it's better to walk over to 2nd then deal with a totally stressful lunch.

Pros: not many other restaurants around, the chili pepper tray is nice

Cons: service, service, service

Posted 09/25/08