Maia Meyhane

Had my birthday party here at the end of last year. The owner overbooked the entire restaurant that saturday night, gave me a table for 8 when I had a party of 15, the doormen wouldn’t allow people who were my guests into the restaurant after a certain time because they were late and also made them throw away balloons they had brought for me. Owner/​manager was all talk, extremely shady but who knows if it is under new management again. I chose the place based on fun times I had a couple times over a few months 2 years ago with friends.
If we had no left an hour into being there to go somewhere else my birthday would’ve been ruined.
Le Souk or Carne Vale are a better choice.

I love this place, but I’ve never thought of it as a restaurant. It’s now called Layaly, although the wait staff and owners seem to be basically the same people. The hookahs are great, the wait staff is incredibly friendly and the party is INSANE on Saturday nights. They have a great dj who spins an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern, Reggaeton, and Bhangra, along with other things I don’t know the name of. It’s definitely worth checking out, as a small group or maybe on a date. Thursday nights are nice to go there on dates, because the music is quieter and the atmosphere is more relaxed. But don’t bother going there on a weekend night and expecting a chill restaurant vibe, except maybe on Sunday.

Went in with expectations of at least decent Turkish food and a nice atmosphere — was sorely disappointed. Got there and started looking at the menu — my girlfriend and I had finally decided what we wanted when our waiter comes over and basically tells us that all the stuff we wanted to order is «no longer on the menu.» A little annoyed, we asked if we could look at the updated menu, to which the response was «we don’t have one.» So, we basically had to go through the menu item by item and ask our waiter whether it was available — most of the good stuff was not. Once we finally decided on some dishes, we ordered drinks and entrees and hoped for the best. Unfortunately, the cocktails were weak and tasteless, and we actually had to send them back for a little spiking. The food was equally sub-​par, with few highlights. Overall, a disappointing experience that I would not recommend if you want a decent evening out with Turkish food.

Does this joint really need a velvet rope out front? It most certainly isn’t a place that should be charging $ 9.50 for a vodka soda. We were sitting at one of the tables in front of the bar. The waitress for some reason decided to put the drinks from every table (containing people who didn’t know each other), on one bill. As you can probably infer, much chaos ensued.

I passed by this place late at night once and the music was super loud but the place was pretty empty — nevertheless it looked like a fun spot. I had my b’day dinner here (see shilpa’s entry below. haha) and the food was good. For vegetarians, only the tapas are meat​-free​.so don’t go expecting an entrée. but the tapas are yum and the salads looked really good as well. Price-​wise this place is appropriate. But our server was a jerk and I wanted to give him a 1 cent tip but I got pressured into taking the high road. haha
They’re lacking in dessert — but that’s maybe just because I only like chocolate desserts. but I’d go again. maybe around 11 for some light mezes (i.e.-tapas), good music, and belly-​dancers.

we went here for jg’s brithday last night. the tapas style food was great (goatcheese and walnuts, bean salad, salsa type salad, chicken salad type tapas, hummus and falafel etc). i didn’t personally have any entrees, but from what i hear they tasted equally as great.
the reason i give this place two stars is because of the service. our waiter was a complete prick. he was rude when we asked him to repeat what he said and was running around the place like he just didn’t want to be there. furthermore, one in party didn’t recieve his entrée when asked for it 2+ times, and both times the waiter was rude about it’s status. it’s regrettable that such a fantastic food place has such unbelievably shoddy service.
i’d go again, but if i see that waiter there, i’ll wait and go another day.

The food was pretty good but the service took a little time… Great live music and the bellydancer was amazing. Also loved the hookas.

Great Turkish restaurant where I’ve had luck with both the food and the social scene. Good music almost any night of the week, and even great Cuban music on Sundays. Sunday night is all-​you-​can eat Meze (Turkish tapas), at 17dollars per person. Nice romantic atmosphere, and a good place to bring a date, in my opinion, or meet someone from another country. The service can be a little strange, with our waiter either completely overbearing and shifty, or then completely disappeared, all in a barely-​full restaurant. The food is amazing, though, and I highly suggest the dish which is basically chick-​pea balls stuffed with pine nuts and garlic — awesome! I’ve had two parties here, and everyone was very satisfied. Bring your wallet and pay close attention to the menu, even if your waiter doesn’t immediately quote you a price.

Tasty Turkish Meze, but they can add up if you get carried away by the excellent live music. Seido S. on dumbek rocks! I’ve seen some great belly dancers here, (more talent than T&A). Other dishes are also good, but service can be a little sleepy.

Turkish-​style tapas in a great, romantic atmosphere. Everything is served on small plates, which are brought around by the waiters after they’ve served you your medium-​priced drinks. Take advantage of the great location and stroll through nearby Tompkins Square with your date after the meal.