Question about Feinstein's

[theatregeek2]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 11:40am

To those who've been there, can anybody explain the difference between Premium seating and General Admission? I wanted to see Andrea Burn's concert and was just trying to figure out tickets.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 11:57am

If I remember correctly, premium seating means that you get a perfect front view of the stage. General Admission means that you are seated on the sides of the stage.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 12:11pm

I honestly have no idea. My friend and I paid for premium for a couple of concerts last year and were to the side. We were however in the FRONT of the side or in a very cushy booth.

I honestly could not tell where one started and the other stopped. Possibly the general seating being the few chairs that weren't really at a table proper but were against the curtain that separated the concert area from the basic bar area? But I don't know.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 12:48pm

That is the question of the century...and Feinsteins will have no answer for you. As in many previous posts about Feinsteins, I despise it. I have paid for premium seating and sat in the back with half of our party seated with their backs facing the stage. Then people paying at the door are seated closer. I have paid the cheaper price and sat front and center.

Feinsteins is an over-priced joke. I avoid it like the plague unless necessity dictates I go due to a rare performance.

Oh and if you call the restaurant to clarify, you will get no assurances or answers. Their customer service is NILL!

[GatorNY]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 1:00pm

I like Feinstein's. No matter where you sit, you have a great view. It's very intimate. I have had the general seating for Linda Eder and had a wonderfully comfortable booth. It was in the back, but the room is so small in the first place. I had standing room for Cheyenne but was upgraded to a high top and again, although it was in the back near the door, I had a great view and loved the show. For me, i would prefer to have the seats that are cheaper and spend more money on a few cosmos and a tasty dessert. The staff is VERY nice as well.

[nealb1]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 1:11pm

GatorNY, very nice posting, indeed! I've been to Feinstein's many, many times and have yet to experience the "terrible service" and all the nonsense that people constantly post about.

For the people who think it's expensive, you gotta look at the "big picture." You're getting all dressed up to see one of your favorite performers, in one of NYC's finest clubs, with your friends. It's an event. The bottom line is.....it's a business. They are open to make money. The artist has to be paid as do their musicians, and the room has to make money selling food. Is the food overpriced - probably? What difference does it make? It's the entire experience that you're paying for.

Life is filled with choices. If people still think it's expensive, then don't go. What good does it do to constantly complain about something that you have no control over?

Updated On: 3/26/09 at 01:11 PM

[jordangirl]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 4:03pm

I wasn't complaining by any means. Just saying that I have no clue what the difference is. Though now knowing that there's often no difference, if I go back to see anyone I will probably just do the regular price.

I will say that one time when friends and I made our reservations separately, we called to have them linked and had no problem with them doing that.

[goldswann]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 4:32pm

I would advise you to just buy the general admission tickets and show up as early as possible. It seems the earlier you get there, the better seats you get. I bought premium seats and was seated at a table with others who purchased general admission. Save your money for the food and cocktails!

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 5:43pm

"For the people who think it's expensive, you gotta look at the "big picture." You're getting all dressed up to see one of your favorite performers, in one of NYC's finest clubs, with your friends. It's an event."

You are exactly right, Neal. Which is why I expected top notch customer service on the three occassions I visited and never got it. It never struck me as one of NYC finest clubs. I never complain about prices, unless I am unhappy about the service.

To tell people to "shut up" because they had a different, legitimate experience than you is just rude. I never told anyone who loves Feinsteins to "shut up." I consider them lucky. I have only spoken for myself on the boards. My experience there is not "nonsense" simply because you never had it.

[nealb1]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 5:53pm

I never told anyone to shut up. What I said was to keep their mouth shut. You bring up a good point, absolutely!

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 6:07pm

I'd also advise folks to steer clear of the late shows if possible. I like late stuff because I am a night owl so I always went to the late shows. If the early show runs over, the staff in my experiences got all frazzled and their notable service was non-existent. If I go back, Ill hit the early show.

[nealb1]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 6:38pm

BettyBoy, that is a very good point indeed. When a show runs late and time is so important to get the 2nd show ready....cleaning/clearing tables, getting the 2nd show patrons in, taking orders, etc... That can certainly be very trying.

[Gene Kelly Jr.]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 7:17pm

Ok. So this might be an insanely stupid question but here goes. Are people under 21 allowed in. I really want to go and see what all the hype is about and approximately how much do you wind up spending on food?

[danmag]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 7:20pm

You can get in if you are under 21 and the times I've been there I've spent about $60 bucks on food and drinks.

[Gene Kelly Jr.]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 11:08pm

Thanks danmag.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 9:54am

gene kelly, the tickets have ranged from 85-110 for the people I have seen, and the food minimums were from 35-45 per person. if you order a drink and an appetizer you will hit the minimum. i hope you have a great time.

[theatregeek2]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 12:35pm

thanks for all the helpful advice!