NYC Bar Gets 1-Star Review on Yelp, And Owner Tears It Down in Viral Response

The Iron Horse, a self-described dive bar in New York City, got a one-star review from a woman on Yelp, and the owner decided to respond in a now-viral post.

The woman, named Megan B. from Calgary, said she wasn’t happy with the loud music and food.

She wrote: “Wouldn’t recommend this to eat or for a quite drink. I met some friends here at 3pm in the afternoon and the music was so loud we couldn’t hear each other. The service was terrible just to get a drink at the bar. The food was also terrible.”

The owner of the Iron Horse said those are features of the bar, and he’s proud of them.

The bar’s owner, Zbigniew S., responded to the Yelp review. He wrote:

Megan, thank you for visiting our establishment, and for your review. As you took to Yelp to voice your opinion, I would like to voice ours;

I read other reviews you posted on Yelp for places you have also visited. It seems you like quiet coffee shops and fancy food, none of which we have ever advertised to provide. Please note our Yelp description even says:

Ambiance: Divey
Noise Level: Loud

So if you’re going to complain, I was hoping it would be about something that we actually advertise that we provide. We are primarily a loud, party type, bar atmosphere, serving a mean burger, hot wings, and similar pub fare at RIDICULOUSLY low prices for Lower Manhattan. Where else in the area can you get a beer for $2? Where else can you get a nearly half-pound freshly made burger including a draft beer for only $10.

We have 4 stars on Yelp, but it’s not because our food will knock your socks off. The 4 stars are there because most of our customers come in looking for a fun time, and to get away from the mundane of the every day, while enjoying a simple, decent meal at a low price.

I recommend you align your expectations with the type of establishment you are visiting, and do more research before you decide on a place that will work for your personal preferences. I give you 1 star as you are terrible at finding bars and restaurants that suit your tastes. I’ll give you more stars if you come back and have a drink with me

His response was shared on Reddit and Imgur, garnering more than a million views.

“Yo Iron Horse is hands down my favorite spot to go to. And the food is absolutely amazing. Anyone who is NYC should check it out,” wrote one user.