Krystal’s Cafe & Pastry Shop

I came in on a Sunday afternoon, the food was great but I expected better service. There were too many employees standing around and not doing anything. The employees were acting like they were in their High School cafeteria. They were more interested with interacting amongst each other than with the actual customers. The food was great though, everybody was nice but they need to be more attentive.

Please come to work to actually work! During my visit I wasn't asked once if everything was ok and if I needed anything.

Upon entering the Filipino bakery/restaurant, I noticed 2 lines- one for the BAKERY and one for the RESTAURANT. 5 customers were lined up in the bakery line and I was the only person awkwardly standing and confused on whether I should continue waiting or to seat myself at an empty table. I moved closer to the middle of the restaurant and finally caught the attention of the server who promptly seated me. Note there was a table with 4 servers who were chatting among themselves inattentive of the front door. I ordered halo halo and BBQ Pork.

+ The Halo Halo drink with taro juice, beans, green jelly, butter cream, and other mysterious gems of all sizes, colors, and textures was delightfully REFRESHING, even in 40 degree weather. I did not mind the brain freeze. Note halo Halo is BEST DURING THE SUMMER on a scorching hot day.

+ BBQ Pork dish consisted of a single portion of white rice, 3 skewers of chard juicy flavorful BBQ PORK, minced pickled CUCUMBERS (unsure of the item, but that's what it tasted like), FISH SAUCE, and a leaf of LETTUCE for presentation. The pork tasted delicious. The only concern was it was quite difficult to remove the pork from the skewer. I got pork juice on the side of my face and nearly stabbed myself with the skewer. A knife was provided, but that takes all the fun out of chewing the meat off the stick.

+ As I was walking out after the meal, I fell into the temptation of the aroma and display of pastries. Now I understand the benefit of a bakery inside a restaurant from the restaurant owner's perspective- the secret to passively persuade full customers to order more food on their way out.

- Service needs improvement hence the reason for 3/5 stars. First, the sight of servers sitting down and chatting was frowned upon. Second, a customer waving his hands, shouting, and even dancing (ok not dancing, but very close to it) to get the attention of the server is also frowned upon. Third, waiting 5 minutes to get the check and another 5 minutes to get the receipt is frowned upon. A lot of frowning is the reason for 3/5. At least the food was up to par.

Delicious filipino food. I like their all day breakfast menu.

This bakery introduced me to puto, which remains one of my favorite carby treats to eat. It sounds dirty but it's pretty angelic as far as the taste goes.

Great food. The Krispy Pata is the best I have tasted in NY. It was seasoned well and alots of crispy skin. The Leche Flan is great also.