Moran's Chelsea

I gave a family party for 17 people on 7/21/04. I had reserved a private room. When I arrived, I was told that the room had been given to a "corporate group". I had just checked on the room the day before and was assured that it was mine. When I complained the manager was unrelenting and almost nasty. As usual the food was excellent and the waitperson staff obliging, but I will not be back. I have been a customer there for years and although, I am not "corporate", I am a Manhattanite who eats out several times a week and provides recommendations to friends. I will be certain to tell them about this incident. I was not offered one word of apology and no compensation, although I spent over $1,000. The area in which they placed us (in the back of the restaurant) was horrible-noisy-and I'm sure the three kids we had with us (one of the reasons I requested a private room) annoyed other customers. This was supposed to be a joyful evening. Fo me, it was ruined by the insulting treatment and attitude of the manager.

Moran's is a great steak and seafood establishment with a focus on high quality ingredients. It must be doing something right to attract customers to its side of the neighborhood (19th St and 10th Ave). Even though it's very difficult to get to the restaurant due to poor public transportation, the trek there is worthwhile. The restaurant is styled in an old-fashioned manner that's very spacious with private party rooms in the back. When you walk through this place, there's a certain elegance and charm in the dining area that's not overdone and certainly not tacky. Being in a hungry mood, I ordered the sirloin steak which was tender and juicy and cooked to my liking of medium well. My wife had the filet mignon butterflied and cooked medium well which she enjoyed. My brother and brother-in-law who are one in the same in my eyes, both ordered the most expensive item on the menu which was the surf & turf which is a combination of a 7 ounce lobster and filet mignon. Both finished their meals quite quickly and left no scraps behind and gave an indifferent reaction to their meal without a care in the world. I would guess that in the ape world this is their way in expressing enjoyment. At least my wonderful wife was able to express her gratitude by thanking me and giving this place two thumbs (paws) up. For future guests and hosts out there, please save yourself the embarrassment and possible removal from future guest lists by following this simple golden rule when dining out. The guests should never order more than their hosts unless approval is given. It's a simple unwritten rule but you'll be surprised how many people don't follow it.

This is the best place to take a date. The food is excellent. The atmosphere created by the chimney makes you want to stay there for the longest time possible.