First time at Pier51. Made reservations. The place was very busy. My friend and I were seated quickly. I liked that people were exiting from a different door than those entering. That helps with the flow. Once seated, I opened my menu. IT WAS FILTHY! I didn't want to touch it. I've often heard the dirtiest thing in restaurants is the menu but this was the worst I seen. They are laminated, should be wiped after use. They have a salad bar. I am not a fan of them. To many people touching, coughing or sneezing around a salad bar. Our waitress was very nice. We ordered and meals came quickly. My friend asked for butter, REAL BUTTER, not the oily spread or chemically laden margirin that was at the table. Then he asked for a CLEAN knife. While the waitress was doing that, I pulled mine out of the paper package it was in. Mine wasn't clean! I could hear the waitress behind me, going through some other table wear, saying No, not that one, nope not that.........
The portions of the meal are ample. I could eat it all. But then I filled up on the hushpuppies they brought before the meal. They were good, not the best I've had, but good. I was to full to try any dessert. Hearing the waitress tell others their dessert choices was tempting. I'm love my sweets! Perhaps another time.
Overall, this restaurant is OK. They could up the cleaning. Their staff is very nice, friendly. Very busy when we were there. Worth the try.