- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
American Girl Place
Categories: Shopping Fashion Children's Clothing Shopping Toy Stores Children's Clothing, Toy Stores
609 5th Ave(between 48th St & 49th St)
New York, NY 10017
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(877) 247-5223
- Nearest Transit:
-
5 Av/53 St (E, M)
47 - 50 Sts - Rockefeller Ctr (B, D, F, M)
51 St (4, 6, 6X)
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for American Girl Place
Review Highlights
-
"She now has 2 dolls and she LOVES playing with them." In 30 reviews -
"Samantha was my pride and joy as a young wee little thing." In 8 reviews -
"...inexpensive to take her to the hair salon ( less than $20." In 5 reviews
Loading...
48 reviews in English
-
Review from Karen F.
4/15/2012
We took a trip to American girl with my 7.5 year old daughter, my mom, MIL and aunt on a lovely (but crowded as hell) spring Saturday.
We were wise to reserve our meal ahead of time (tea time is $20 plus tax and tip) and we knew the food would not be great (you are paying for the experience which is exactly 59 minutes long). Our server, Fausto was cute and charming and took our group of 5's picture. We also asked for extra pigs-in-a-blanket (hooray for frozen pastry) which we all liked. The cucumber sandwiches? Not so much.
The best part of all was the doll hair salon ($14 to get the doll's ears pierced, $20 for a fishtail braid) - but we waited over 20 minutes in the line to MAKE AN APPOINTMENT (you can't book the salon in advance - same day only).
You can also get your kid's picture taken (with her doll/s) for $25 - and her picture, thankfully came out great and was thus worth the money.
There are 3 floors of clothing accessories, pets, jewelry and a whole big room of books - all for American girl. -
Review from Alex K.
Manhattan, NY
4/4/2012
I would leave 5 stars, but the service in this place is horrible. On two occasions in the row, I was told by sales associates on the first floor to go upstairs to find items I was looking for, because they were lazy. And these times, I was taken downstairs again by sales guys to find items in the storage on the first floor. Next time you get there, save your time by demanding staff to look in the back for what you are looking for.
-
Review from Joe H.
Richmond, CA
3/2/2012
This review reflects the restaurant/cafe at the American Girl Place. The store itself is fine, and any girl who is into American Girl store would love it. Decor is fun and it is definitely a place to visit for any American Girl fan. The service is OK - some staff is good with kids, and some could care less. Some staff training and selection is sorely needed.
As for the restaurant, we made a reservation and had dinner there. We had the salmon, chicken, and pasta. The salmon is too salty, dry (been sitting around for a while), and smells fish (fish is NOT fresh. Chicken is dry and bland. Pasta is over cooked. And it was an expensive dinner! It is clear they pre-cooked the dinner and it's been sitting there for a while until we were seated for dinner. Come on - there are set seating times each night, and it is extremely easy to just plan your dinner time so it comes out right after it's cooked. Instead, it tastes like it's cooked cross town, and brought into American Girl store after we ordered it (year it also took a while). The decoration is OK, and well it is American Girl store. However, until they can improve the kitchen, AVOID the restaurant. Why spend more than $30-40 per person to eat worse than worst banquet food you ever had?? -
Review from Marianna O.
FOREST HILLS, NY
3/13/2012
This review is about the American Girl Place Restaurant.
We had our daughter's birthday party there this past weekend. I had made the reservation a long time in advance and requested on numerous occasions to be seated in the back room which is somewhat separated and has many windows, it is a more private space. I was told they will do their best. When we arrived, 12 people in total, we were seated right by the entrance to the kitchen all the way in the front, pretty much in the worst location We had one waitress who had many tables to take care of, she took our orders last for all courses and the last 15 minutes we were alone in the restaurants while being physically shoved and pushed by servers setting up for next round of guests. We were seated 15 minutes later and made to leave earlier.
Because they were running late and wanted us out they packed all the goody bags in a large bag and suggested we give them out later. Horrible!
While the decor is nice, the staff does not make any effort to make it a child friendly experience, they are not trained to work with kids. The food was obviously prepped a long time in advance. All the staff seem exhausted and annoyed that they are there.
I would not recommend this place nor will go back. -
Review from Dimitrios D.
New York, NY
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am absolutely ambivalent to the American Girl Place itself, considering that I am a 25 year old male who's never played with dolls and that I have no daughters (or children, for that matter).
So why was I here? I met my girlfriend and her sister, brother in law, and nieces here. My girlfriend's nieces are 3 and 6 years old and seemed to love this place.
And yes, they do have an actual functioning hair salon for dolls. So bizarre and creepy! Being in this store made me mildly embarrassed to be an American (I'm only half joking).
So really, I'd probably have given this place 5 stars, seeing as how much my girlfriend's nieces enjoyed this place. However, I am knocking it down two stars, considering how terrible the food is at their bogus restaurant (which is nothing more than a ploy to get you to stay longer to buy more).
It's all fast food style and all worse than say, an Applebee's or a TGIFridays. I ordered chicken tenders and I'd say they're comparable to a frozen box of chicken tenders by a generic grocery store brand.
And right after we finished eating, they rushed us out because another group was apparently right behind us. The waitress actually kept saying out loud, but kind of mumbling, "Um, are you guys done here? Because another group needs to sit here in three minutes..." as she was clearing our plates. -
Review from Maureen L.
Middletown, CT
2/8/2012 3 Check-ins Here
We have made two amazing visits to this store, last summer's being the best by far. We arrived early on a Friday morning, right around opening, and practically had the store to ourselves. Our girls went directly to the salon so that their dolls could get their hair done and have a facial - I was surprised that the prices for these were actually reasonable! Then we strolled through all three stories, looking at all of the amazing clothes and furniture pieces. We had to make a return visit because both of my daughters had to "think about" what they wanted to buy with the $50 they each had in birthday money - trying to make it stretch as far as possible. We will definitely return to this store again; as long as you keep your spending in check, it is a wonderful place!
-
Review from Rachel H.
8/22/2011
OK, if my 10 year old sister were to write this review, she'd give the place 10 stars. But she loves her dolls, and their clothes, and the books blah blah blah. I'm actually somewhat OK with the dolls themselves, even though they are insanely expensive. They teach girls about history, and really are kind of interesting and cool. Not a fan of buying clothes to dress exactly like your doll, but whatev. My biggest beef with this store was the restaurant where you can have dinner with your doll.
Here's the thing, there's NOTHING SPECIAL about it. Everything about our experience was just so blah. First, we check in and are told to wait in a line with a million other people, which is silly because we've made a reservation. Then, as you're seated, you're given a little chair to hook onto the table where the doll sits next to you. This is the only time the dolls are actually acknowledged. That's what I don't get. Aren't we paying a premium so that we can have an integrated experience with the dolls? We could eat dinner at home and sit the doll next to us and it would be the same thing. Couldn't the waitstaff talk to you about your doll, or serve food to her (even if it's imaginary) that would remind her of home? I really didn't get it.
Also the food sucked and there weren't any vegetarian options. I had to order the pasta minus the chicken. I hate doing that. Hate.
But my sister was oblivious to my ire, and was having a great time. I just saw the potential for it to be so much more special and memorable. -
Review from Tara N.
Parkersburg, WV
1/8/2012
We visited the American Girl store during for the party for the new Girl of the Year, McKenna. My daughter got the new doll and had a blast at the party. I was however, EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED in the lunch there. $22 per person is a bit much to pay for chicken fingers, but i assumed we were paying for the experience. No one working there spoke to my daughter or acknowledged her doll. I thought they would make a big deal out of it. We didn't even get offered a refill of our drinks and I noticed everyone else's glasses around me were empty too. The service there was bad to say the least. The store however was super fun for my daughter!
-
Review from Karen L.
7/1/2011
I grew up reading American Girl books and whenever I visited the doll boutique downtown, I'd spend forever touching their beautiful perfectly apple red cheeks and lovingly stroking each of their outfits. I was never able to acquire an American Girl doll for myself though because I couldn't comprehend mail in orders and the doll boutique's prices were just too much for a little girl.
That being said, I was extremely violently jealous of the little girls in this store who with one hand clutched the same beautiful dolls I once wanted so badly and with the other, dragged their mother or father to yet another outfit or accessory for their "baby".
So cute.
The clean cut, all pink and white store has two stories. There is a doll spa upstairs where your best friend can get a full treatment or maybe just a new hairdo. You can shop for a little puppy for her to play with and a couple of nice new outfits. Ahhh it's so adorable. The displays with my favourite characters like Kit and Samantha were so cool and in that moment, I was a little girl again, squealing embarrassingly over these dolls and dragging my own mom all over the store. It's a lovely experience that I think every girl should have. -
Review from Robyn H.
San Antonio, TX
5/18/2011
The meal costs 26.00 a person. It includes a drink, appetizer, main course and dessert. There are cinammon rolls waiting for you at the table. They are just okay. Your American girl doll gets her own chair and tea cup and saucer. Your napkin holders are pink ribbon ponytail holders you take home with you.
The appetizer comes out in a lazy Susan and includes carrots, cerely and dip, sets of a cucumber, tomato and cheese held together by a toothpick, grapes, chicken salad in small pastries (pretty good) and artichoke spinach dip (excellent).
There are several different choices to choose from for your main course that includes chicken strips, spaghetti and meatballs, a chicken dish, eggplant parmesean and a few more. The eggplant parmesian was excellent. The pizza looks like a tic tac toe board. The pepporoni are the o's and there are two tomatoe strips crossed to make the x's. These are very cute but my 8 y/o did not like the pizza too much and only ate one little piece.
The desert is a glass flower pot that has chocolate mousse with crumbled Oreos that look like dirt and a plastic daisy you take with you. There is also a heart shaped white cate with pink icing and a sugar cookie shaped as a flower and pink icing. Great presentation. Tasted okay.
It would have been nice if there was a kids option with less food as all my daughter ate was one tiny piece if her pizza, a few grapes, the triangle cheese slice and the mousse. If not a kids option maybe the opportunity to share the plates as it is a lot of food. We did take the pizza and deserts to the hotel. My daughter ate the desserts later but said did not like the pizza much so did not want the leftover.
Overall experience was fairly good. -
Review from Andrew G.
Menlo Park, CA
9/12/2011
It was fun taking my daughter to the AGP in NYC but it was also a little horrifying at the same time for all the reasons that everyone cites (lots of wickedly entitled kids running amok, doll clothes that cost more than people clothes, rampant consumerism).
At the same time, it is undeniably a place that makes the kids happy and it was amusing to see a few of the other beleaguered dads being dragged along in the same bizarre rite of father-daughter passage. I didn't participate in the lunch and tea ceremony with my daughter and her newly-acquired doll (it was Kenani, the 2011 doll of the year!), but my wife did and she reported that the experience--if not the food--was high quality.
Anyway, the folks there know how to market to the kids, and they had very good attention to detail. They know what they are doing.
Sooooo, if you can keep things in perspective I say go there once to check it out and then plan to offset it with a walk in the park or something like that. -
Review from George B.
Country Club, CA
12/31/2011
Santa brought my daughter an AG doll - which seems nice enough. How to bring out the inner girly girl in you! The bad part is the web site code provided with the doll, which provides access to the "Inner Star University" (introduces your kids to on-line gaming). The University setting is actually more like a Mall / Entertainment complex. Save points, go shopping etc. What a mistake...
-
Review from T G.
Bradenton, FL
7/23/2011
My daughter likes, but doesn't love her American Girl dolls. She LOVED the American Girl store. If you go plan to bring along your doll. We didn't and it would have been fun & inexpensive to take her to the hair salon ( less than $20).
We had one in Dallas, but the fun of walking off 5th Avenue into a 4 story building devoted to the 7-11 year old girl can't be beat :)Listed in: New York City
-
Review from Tamiko B.
Sunnyvale, CA
3/29/2011
I don't know why so many people are disgusted by this store, as the consumerist aura they're whining about is the same or worse in many other types of products...but noooo, $100/month for an iphone or shelling out buck$ for the latest flat-screen TV, etc. is somehow OK and that this somehow isn't because it's about "toys".
I've seen other dolls, made in China that are 18" and they DON'T measure up...sorry but it's true -side-by-side the AG dolls are much, much nicer -the hair, eyes and strung limbs of the American Girl dolls are a sign of better quality. While I agree that a $100 for a doll is a lot of money, if someone wants to buy a doll for their kid for that much or any of the accessories, why not? It's their money!!!
I love these dolls, I esp. like the historical characters of Kit, Molly and Addy. Some are called Just Like Me dolls, because they can be bought with characteristics of the girl that will own them. I like the accessories, I like the stories. My daughter likes them but doesn't drag them around with her everywhere they go. With her, it's more about just playing with them when mom is around or when her friends show interest.
I've been to this store, and yes, it's a madhouse and crazy and when I went it was pre-kid. So would I take my daughter there? Maybe when she's around 11 or 12 and knows better, plus shows a true interest. Right now she's 5 and we can look at the nice catalog that comes in the mail and dream but I don't buy anything from it. However, I don't judge those who do. The thing about my daughter is that she knows when mom says we can't afford something that we're not getting it. So if she wants something for her doll, we wait for a good used price and then get it.
IMO one would have to be nuts to take their child shopping anywhere like this when they're not mature enough to understand that they can't have everything...and stores like these "have it all".
So, having said that I usually only shop for my dolls used on the internet (local classifieds online and through auction sites) and have only bought the pre-Mattel made dolls which are marked "Pleasant Doll Company" -at times I have bought accessories made by Mattel however. Most or all of Mattel's merchandise IS Made in China now- not that it's a big surprise -too bad that the American Girl doll franchise doesn't actively support American workers. -
Review from Ciara S.
Philadelphia, PA
12/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place made me feel like a little girl all over again. I had one American girl doll when I was younger her name was Rose. Its awesome how on th 2nd floor they can get their hair done, washed, everything.
Even though these dolls are expensive they are lovely. -
Review from Ralph G.
Wilmington, MA
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
My daughter loves this place but man is it crazy expensive
-
Review from Natalie L.
Chicago, IL
2/12/2008
This place is kind of creepy. I mean, dolls everywhere staring at you from behind plastic and little girls running around screaming. Plus everything is incredibly expensive. These dolls are supposed to be more educational than the typical doll with their historical "backstories" or whatever but if the girls just paid attention in school, they wouldn't need a $100 doll, now would they? And although there are dolls of many colors and ethnicities, they still all seem to look the same.
It's spread out over something like four floors with a lot of wasted space and locating what your desperate niece or younger sister needs can be difficult. There is a restaurant where you, the girls and their dolls can have tea or lunch but it's outrageously expensive for what it serves. Overall, it's just another cynical corporate place taking advantage of the innocent, empty and soulless.
Last I was here a girl ahead of me on the escalator didn't know how to negotiate getting off and she fell and luckily I caught her. I was happy to help but this kind of thing should tell you what this place is about. I mean, what kind of seven or eight year old doesn't know how to use an escalator? A spoiled, sheltered and coddled one, that's who--the target market for these overpriced dolls. Get her a Barbie already, there's a lot more variety and at least it was modeled after the maker's daughter. -
Review from Maritess Z.
Seattle, WA
12/6/2007
I am a playwright and toy designer. My friend, Gretchen Cryer (Jon Cryer's Mom!) wrote the plays for the American Girl Place, and knew the original owner Pleasant Rowland who micromanaged her company to be the beheamoth it is today.
It is no longer under Pleasant's vision of incorporating the inquisitive independent spirit of the American Girl and it shows. Way too corporate and not as personalized. Everything is so cookie cutter and unoriginal and boring. All the kids in my neighborhood of snooty Scarsdale think American Girl Place is lame with the tea party and beauty salon, it just feels mass produced, which it is. -
Review from Frank W.
New York, NY
7/29/2008
I had always dismissed American Girl Place as consumerism run amok, as a place where spoiled girls run wild, and men fear to tread. Then I found out my niece wanted to go.
I was excited to get a chance to spend some quality time with her, but a little horrified when I heard that parents actually pay for their kids to have their dolls go to a beauty salon at AGP for "pampering sessions". Do even our dolls need to be pampered now? Isn't this what's wrong with America and couldn't you just give the proceeds to charity or something so I don't throw up.
Ahem. Fortunately, I was so proud of my niece when she said she thought that was a waste of money, and the cashier overheard her and gave her the key tip which is to always mist the doll's hair before combing it. OK, I'm embarrassed I just typed that.
So, my niece got a doll and some accessories, and then we went to the musical "Circle of Friends" which had a pretty nice message about friendship but was also a transparent sales pitch for buying more dolls. It only got maudlin for a second or so. Whew!
We had downtime afterwards before our tea, which is the idea because there's almost nowhere to sit (we did find a bench near the theater). You almost have to browse the store to stay entertained and this, of course leads to more purchasing. Then we had to make a return, though, because my niece had accidentally grabbed the wrong outfit for her doll, and the cashier was very nice about it even though Theora had ripped the box (which was kind of hard not to rip due to flimsiness).
Eventually, we had our tea. I was feeling mildly impatient about the mass seating; I had thought it would be more like a regular restaurant, but I guess with kids crowd control is critical.
When we were seated there was such a din I didn't understand the host asking me "how many dolls" were in our party (the dolls get their own chairs). I thought he said how many adults, and got a laugh from a woman next to me who said, "you're a brave man".
Service was prompt, my coffee was tasty, and FYI parents, you can get a beer here. I would say we both thought the desserts were good. My niece didn't like the scones as much as I did, I didn't like the mousse as much as she did...We both liked the linzer cookies and the chocolate coffee cups with vanilla cream. The finger sandwiches were only ok. They remembered a birthday candle for my niece which was nice.
All in all, we had a great afternoon, and I think the best part, of course, was seeing my niece enjoy her doll and the time we got to spend together. There were no screaming kids, just kids being kids, and it was nice that the dolls have stories and a impart a little bit of a history lesson in the companion stories that come along with them. Also the people who work there were really nice and had the patience of saints.
As a parent or role model, it's really your job to make sure the experience doesn't get out of control, and I think if you have a good kid and keep expectations under control they won't want to buy every little thing here. In other words, if your child or niece wants to go you should definitely take her and have a good time! -
Review from Cadence R.
Washington, DC
10/17/2008
Dear future daughter/effeminate son,
I'm so excited for you to be between the ages of 7-9 so that I can take you here during your American Girl Doll peak. I know that you will have a lot of American Girl's mostly because I did and therefore you shall inherit them, but more than just the physical dolls you will get. You will get a first hand look at history though the 6 part book series on each doll.
After all the importance and lessons of the books has set in, I will take you to the American Girl Place so that the materialistic side can fully take over. I don't care how much money we end up spending (and it's bound to be a lot) because I just love American Girl and what they stand for. Do you want your doll to be given a hair makeover? OK! What about grab some tea after shopping? Done! A girl of today and a few outfits to go along? Why not?!
I don't know who is more excited for this future adventure... You or me..
Love,
Your future mother! -
Review from Anne M.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2007
I really wanted a Samantha doll when I was younger but my parents just couldn't bear to spend $100 on a doll I would probably ruin. I remember enjoying the Samantha books as well as the Kirsten books and wished that I could own all the dolls that American girl had to offer.
But alas, I couldn't get a doll but had to live the experience through my niece who also fell in love with the Samantha books.
We went to this store on a day when they were auditioning little girls to play the characters from the book for the musical show the store puts on. So there was a bunch of little girls with ringlets in their hair singing and going around the store with their backstage moms instructing them: "chin up," "sing louder." "that's not good enough do it again." "You look a mess, fix yourself." I was like, "geez ladies, give your kids a break - their like 9 years old. You'll traumatize the little brats if you keep it up."
To save my niece from the horrendous sight I led her along through the store looking at the doll displays that were pleasing to the eye. Thhe doting Aunt that I am, I bought her a Samantha doll and she was sso excited. But I was probably more excited than she was. I didn't want my niece not to have a doll when we went for tea upstairs.
When it was time to have tea, they were kind enough to ask if my niece wanted her doll to sit in a chair of her own. Brielle (my niece) stared in wonder and nodded her head in excitement and they carefuly unwrapped Samantha and placed her on our table with her very own tea set. I had to admit it was kind of cute. At the table they had these little cards that had questions and conversation starters that you and your little girl can use. Brielle enjoyed that.
I liked American Girl growing up so I really ended up liking this place. It's a great way to 1) spend time with your little daughter or niece or grandaughter and bond and 2) to spend a crapload of money you didn't want to spend in the first place.
Okay, #2 wasn't so positive. But I never said this place was cheap. -
Review from Poker Bunny Y.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2008
Cuteness overload in an oh my god there are multiple floors of dolls dolls dolls dolls dolls sort of way.
I collected the American Girl dolls when I was a little girl. I had the historical dolls and the corresponding books. I just bought my daughter a Bitty Baby, which comes in a bunch of different colors and eye shapes. SA's were helpful in selecting the perfect Bitty Baby for my own bitty baby. Also, I love that I can pass down my 1st edition dolls to my daughter when she is old enough.
Consumerist? Sure. But REALLY over the top cute. A must for all girly girls, moms, and grandmoms! -
Review from Irene F.
12/5/2007
Guess where I work? Yeah, that would be around the corner. And guess what season we're in? If you guessed ChristmaHanuKwanizikah, you'd be the lucky winner of an enormous crowd of screeching girls and unhappy parents.
One extra star for my niece, who loves American Girl. She'll outgrow it. Please let her outgrow it!!Listed in: ChristmaHannuKwanzikah!
-
Review from Carmela R.
New York, NY
12/1/2009
Yep, I'm a fan. Pricey? Yes! Precious and adorable? Yes! What can I say? I love having young nieces who are into dolls and all the accessories that go with them. The nephew is 13 and he's just too cool for anything and everything. Everything is either " I don't know, Aunt Mellie". "I don't care, Aunt Mellie". "Whatever, Aunt Mellie". You get the picture. So, the young nieces 6 (soon 2 b 7), and my other 10 are still pretty easy to please and since they love just about anything and EVERYTHING American Girl related, yesterday's shop was a blast.
Was there yesterday shopping for my sister and bro-in-law for the girls for Christmas. The store was super well organized, lots of staff were available assisting customers, directing, answering Q's.
Needless to say the clothes are not cheap for both doll and human. Accessories, other products etc. not cheap as well. They are running some sales. And, from what I understand, they have lowered their prices for the holidays. But, in all fairness, I would still say the prices are medium to expensive for the majority of items.
Products appear to be well made and hold up to washing. My nieces have been collecting clothes, dolls, furniture and stuff from AGP for a few years now. Everything they own is still in great condition, even after wear and tear.
Also, American Girl Place has a restaurant. Birthday parties are held here as well via reservation ahead of time. Haven't tried the food yet. I think they serve bkfst, lunch and dinner. I'll check on it and edit this review later. Afternoon tea parties are supposed to be quite popular among the children. I did try a nibble from their AG mini cafe on the 2nd floor- a cup of coffee (weak-but decent tasting). They offer capps, lattes, hot cocoa, teas, smoothies, shakes etc. I had a teeny tiny yogart blueberry muffin that was just fair.
Oh, and American Girl Place has a beauty parlor to have the doll's hair done, a hospital for repair and something else I'm forgetting. Edits to follow. Will be shopping there again today so will add some more observations. -
Review from Michelle N.
Antioch, CA
3/25/2007
Please read this article and decide for yourself:
http://consumerist.com... -
Review from leon g.
North Hollywood, CA
11/26/2010
Over priced dolls in a very well put together organized package. I was in New York last week to visit my sister. I took my neices there and they loved the place. If you have girls they will love this place. It is clean, well staffed and stocked full of dolls, toys, and accessories for dolls.
My neices had the best time there. I bought them plenty of dolls and toys. It cost me a fortune, but they were happy. If they had reviewed this place, they would give it a five star rating. Since I had to pay for everything, I give it a four star rating. -
Review from carol t.
Brooklyn, NY
4/29/2007
When I was a kid I used to receive the catalogues in the mail and I reallly wanted a Samantha doll. Never did get one, but 18 yrs later I've had to go into the place 3 times for my neices' birthdays.
Umm, quite intense!!! If you don't have children it's one of the most surreal experiences you could have in NYC.
They've got a doll hair salon and a hospital. They've got a theatre for live shows and the little girls (human ones) are treated like famous actors afterwards, signing autographs and taking pics for hours long lines of super hyped kids. It's pretty funny. OH and in the bathrooms they have doll holders on the sides of the stall, so your little kid doesn't have to put the doll on the floor. hrmm, those things can't be very sanitary.
I've also eaten in the restaurant for a birthday party and WOW. They provide you with doll high chairs so your doll can eat with you (the dolls get fake food). The food there for adults is obviously not anything special.
I spent a good deal of time photographing the salon and the restaurant. I got some super creepy photos. The dolls themselves are slightly scary.
After this birthday party I also resolved to have my 27th birthday there with a few of my friends, just to see if they would let me. And it would be hysterical. In the end I chickened out, but maybe this year I will!! ;) -
Review from Megan C.
10/27/2006
I remember when you could only order these dolls from a Catalog!! Samantha was my pride and joy as a young wee little thing!! Her beautiful brown hair, fun dresses and costumes, cute little tea set. I wanted everything!
This store brings back all of those memories. Though they have a little too much to choose from these days this is a memorable experience for just about every little 8 year old girl!
I love this store!!!
Date Rating: N/A
Pick up Scale: N/A (10 if you like a girl in a cardboard box!!)
Mother Daughter Rating: 10!!
Strong Suggestions: Set up a time for tea or have a Birthday party here.Listed in: A Kid's Dream Day!
-
Review from Marvy A.
San Jose, CA
4/24/2008 1 photo
My daughter did not like dolls up until about a year or so ago. A friend of hers had a Just Like Me doll, decked out in a gymnastics leotard with a warm up suit and as soon as she saw it, she just HAD to have one!
She now has 2 dolls and she LOVES playing with them! Our trip to NYC would not have been complete without visiting the NYC store! There are only 3 stores/cafes and we have been to the one in L.A. for her 10th bday last year.
The prices are pretty expensive, but I have to say that the experience is priceless! We are new AG owners so we really don't have anything to compare it to! Had it been around when I was younger, I would have been in love with it too....though I'm sure my mom wouldn't have had the money to buy me a doll, let alone accessories!
The food during brunch was good - overpriced, but good. Because my daughter enjoyed it so much, I will definitely return there (or any of the other ones should we happen to be in the area by chance)! -
Review from Jenna R.
Playa del Rey, CA
7/1/2008
My 10-year-old niece wanted to come here for her birthday more than anything. And when we first stepped foot over the hallowed threshold, we were greeted by a few clerks who persuaded us to peruse the spectrum of colored faces and choose a doll that looked like us. There were Nez Perce dolls, black dolls, Latina dolls, blonde dolls -- but none that looked like me or my niece, both of us redheads. The clerk tried to convince us that the strawberry-blonde, freckle-less Mia had some sort of resemblance, but the mustachioed security guard looked more like the "Girl of the Year." The clerks were obviously pushing for a sale, seeing the gleam in my niece's eyes. But there was no way I was spending $100 on a Just Like You doll that looked nothing like us. I'd already blown a wad at Build-A-Bear, but that was reasonable compared to this hard sell.
The Bitty Babies were ugly. The products weren't even very well made -- I touched one of the playsets and a branch of the "tree" fell right off -- and I'm sure they'd reinforced it for display. Clothes were outrageously overpriced -- more than clothes for the actual kid. Come on! At least Barbie is affordable for the masses. This is just teaching kids to be elitist snobs, as evidenced by the story of the poor girl who was turned away for not having a "real" doll.
We left, after I told the security guard we'd *consider* coming back when they got some real redheads. -
Review from Patrick M.
Holmdel, NJ
6/5/2008
If I sold all of my daughter's American Girl stuff (dolls, clothes, books and accessories) on eBay I could probably pay off my mortgage. All of these items are crammed into boxes that are stuffed in a storage area.
There was a time when the American Girl dolls played a big part in my daughter's life. She read all of the books and carried her Samatha doll everywhere. I firmly believe that my daughter's love of reading came from her interest in the dolls' backstories.
A pilgrimage to the American Girl Place seems to be a requirement of owning an American Girl doll. I enjoyed the experience because it made my daughter happy. I know that it is another Midtown - Rock Center Tourist trap that is designed to separate the parents from their money. I am OK with that since I only had to do it once.
We got Samatha trimmed up at the salon and then went to the tea party. The tea party has specific seating times so be prepared to wait if you do not have prior reservations. Adults will still be hungry after the tea.
I read the other reviews and they made me chuckle but a trip to the American Girl Place is just a rite of passage for a dad of a young girl. -
Review from Emily D.
6/10/2011
I grew up with American Girl dolls, so this place is sort of nirvana to me. :) I loved the displays with the dolls and their items, as well as being able to see all the different items for sale. If I was younger, I would have loved the theater/cafeteria/doll spa. As it was, I had a great time buying some outfits for my dolls and re-living my childhood.
-
Review from Peter D.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2007
I've heard horrible things about the service here! Made a little girl cry because her doll was not a "real doll." I read this story, and I was heartbroken.
Judge for yourself: http://tinyurl.com/2mf3bf -
Review from Helene K.
1/8/2010
Visiting the American Girl Place was like visiting my childhood. I remember 15 years ago or so, I was really into the American Girl dolls and stories; around that time, I remember the company was known by its original name, but I can't quite remember it off the top of my head right now.
The store was seriously crowded and on the verge of a fire hazard; not sure if it was just because parents and daughters were taking advantage of post-Christmas sales or if the place stays busy throughout the year, but...yes, I felt like at points I was going to develop claustrophobia. The top floor, where the Bitty Babies were located, was the least crowded, but that's not saying much.
Little girls can truly drop into a dream with their dolls here: a photo booth, a "hospital" to doctor beat-up/broken dolls, and lots of displays and dolls abound. It's too bad they discontinued my doll Samantha, but it was fun viewing the new dolls and their stories.
I looked at some parents and they looked utterly exhausted and annoyed...it could be both a parent's dream and nightmare, but mostly a nightmare with all the many things their little girl can buy. The American Girl Place is a fun place to stop in and window-shop, but I don't know about actually buying all the merchandise; be prepared to battle with others if you like one of the more popular dolls!Listed in: Trekking Across Gotham City
-
Review from Lulu T.
New York, NY
10/23/2010
Consumerism at its best.
-
Review from Mike T.
Mountain Lakes, NJ
2/20/2010
This review is for the Cafe only - and from and 40+ y.o. mother perspective. The food was terrible! A friend and I and our 3 children spent $160 including tip (decent service) for lunch. For this we ordered mini hot dog/hamburger plates and chix fingers, Caesar salad wrap (we tried to order just the filling and not the wrap but were told everything is already premade) and a tossed chix salad (which unfortunately had a 3/4inch bone in it). The appitizer plate was adequate (could do without the overprocessed mini bread nubs) but the lovely looking desert trio was really disappointing. 4 of the 5 in our group did not continue to eat dessert after trying nibbles..that's saying a lot for our sweet toothed group!
In all fairness I need to mention that one of the girls in our group loved the meal and would probably give the cafe a 4 star. I will, however, never bring her back there.
Regarding the bone - I choose to discreetly discard the bone in my napkin and not eat the rest of my meal. It was one of those situations were I didn't want to make a scene (the girls were have a lovely time). In hindsight, I regret that I didn't take action. I should have spoken to a manager to let them know - certainly for the safety of other patrons. -
Review from Sandy W.
Silicon Valley
11/5/2009 1 photo
Erm I was under the impression that the clothes here are only for dolls and little girls/children. Those size Mediums and up are NOT for no children.
Really bad to nonexistant customer service too.
One star on top of the obligatory star for nostalgia... and what the hell happened to Samantha aka the BEST American Girl character? -
Review from Amanda M.
Islip, NY
12/9/2005
Where was this store when I was seven? As a girl who grew up with only three American Girls manufactured (Kiersten, Samantha and Molly - who each only had three playsets at the time), this place amazes me. I can't believe that this company has grown so much that you can buy a doll that looks like you. If I had a million dollars, I'd probably buy one of everything (and a house to fit it all).
I think the best part about the store is seeing the little girls' faces. I remember walking by one morning, and there was a line waiting to get in the store. All the girls were holding their favorite American Doll for the visit - some new, some old, some very well played with, but all equally loved. -
Review from Tamara W.
Mount Vernon, NY
1/11/2007
The only drawback are the long lines. But if you are a true fan of the Pleasant Company's American Girl Dolls, you will realize it was worth the wait. My beautiful doll had a run in with the neighbor's son and had to go to the doll hospital. They sent her back with a bandage and a wheel chair and a get well balloon!
Listed in: If Shopping Was A Sport....
-
Review from Matthew D.
Scarsdale, NY
3/21/2010
Strictly a review of the cafe, and the breakfast at that.
Breakfast selections are limited, and expensive ($19 flat price) for in most cases a few dollars of ingredients prepared without no flair. Strange omissions too. No ordinary omelet. No bagels. Nothing simple for picky kids (hard to understand why with their target market).
Service is pretty mixed for a place that is supposed to a girls-special-day destination.
(For what it is worth the breakfast is reported to be better than the lunch.)
(And, yes, I know that the food is not the point of the place.)
