Sheikh Shack Hillcrest

We’ve visited this place three times, even driving over an hour to get here, because the food is good, especially the burgers. Prices are fair (a little above average, but reasonable for the quality), and we never minded paying. But today was very disappointing. Our 7-year-old daughter needed to use the bathroom, and we were told “we don’t allow it unless it’s an emergency.” I explained that for a child, when they say they need to go, it is urgent. Adults can wait, but kids cannot. The response was repeated, “only if it’s an emergency.” Not only is that insensitive, but in New York, if a restaurant has more than 20 seats and serves dine-in customers, the law requires that public restaurants provide restrooms for all customers. Customers cannot be refused access, even for a child. The relevant laws include: • NYC Administrative Code §403.3 – Requires public toilet facilities for employees, visitors, and customers in establishments open to the public. • NYC Health Code §81.22 – States that food service establishments with 20 or more seats must provide restrooms for patrons, and they cannot require access to go through the kitchen or food prep areas. • New York State Public Health Law §1352-A – Mandates that establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises and with 20 or more seats provide appropriately maintained public toilet facilities for customers. Even if the staff didn’t know the law before, they should now, and I hope they act immediately. Other issues also reflect a lack of basic customer care: • No sink to wash hands, only one sanitizer bottle at the counter. • No salt and pepper on the tables, you have to ask the cashier each time, instead of packets or table shakers. - sauces for rice over chicken and the other platter should also be provided at each table so customers can add as much as they need instead of keep asking the counter each time they want more. There accommodation are relatively cheap and can be provided with small tiny bottles. - wings are actually HALF a wing counted as one full Wing!! which is definitely not with the price! (Check attached photos) These items in the picture were $75 (not bad expect for the “chicken wings” : 1 regular burger 1 special burger (just a bit more meat and maybe a piece of jalapeño) adds like $2 compared to regular burger 1 chicken over rice. 2- orders of regular French fries 2 order of (supposedly 6 wings) but again, they HALVES. Not full wings. 2 milk shakes 2 small cans of soda (not the 330 ml) but the smaller ones. (Mini cans) probably the 250ml not sure. We’ve spent a decent amount here over multiple visits, but after today, we won’t be returning. Respect for customers, especially children, and compliance with basic health and safety laws (including providing restrooms for all restaurant customers) are non-negotiable. Hopefully management takes this seriously and makes the changes needed. One man was nice enough to ask if everything was okay while bringing the food to the table. I hope they consider this review as a constructive feedback.