Bridge Cleaners & Tailors

While they are capable tailors and good at what they do, the prices are INSANELY high and they don’t properly warn you about them. I took three shirts and a dress in to be dry cleaned after my usual cleaner closed, and they told me they couldn’t give me a price in advance. None of these items had stains or needed anything special. I thought «how bad could it be?» and left my stuff there… it ended up costing $ 60. It would not have been more than half that at my old place a couple blocks away. I asked how much it would cost to have a winter coat cleaned and was told $ 120 — I might as well buy a new coat at that point! Again, I’ve found that they do good work (had a dress altered here once a couple years ago and that was a good experience) — but the prices are way, way out of line with even the average upscale local place.

The absolute worse experience. I took in two suits to get the pants hemmed and jackets tailored, in addition to dry cleaned, and I come back a week after when they’re due and they didn’t do any tailoring work at all. Which mean I had to wait another week, and they still forgot to hem one of the pants. No refunds, no apologies. And it was not cheap at all! Complete disregard for customers and will definitely never come back here.

This cleaner is incredible. They managed to completely remove nail polish spilled down the front of a brand new and expensive dress. I had tried nail polish remover, pure acetone, nothing worked, it just spread the mess around. I don’t know how you did it Bridge, but it’s a miracle!

Overpriced, late.
Miss deadline, terrible service and rude staffs.
But bright side is they do a good job in alternation

I went there to have my shirts dry cleaned, and didn’t realize I was paying to have them done by the Queen of England. Yes they did a good job with my shirts, but no one in their right mind should be charging $ 11 PER SHIRT. That is an outrageous price by any standards. Maybe they’re good with repairs but that doesn’t justify escalating the prices of their dry cleaning services to this point. There will always be a better option for basic services.

The store is great looking from the street; with a cheerful and friendly sign; branding; color-​scheme, logo. Inside, a very clean, brisk, well-​lit, and efficient interior. This is so refreshing and confidence-​inspiring. I have never seen a dry cleaners/​tailoring house with such a solid presentation.
Front desk staff are all attired in respectable, sober, conservative matching outfits. The customer service is diligent – polite – and they have an excellent computerized tracking system for all transactions.
The actual stitchers and seamstresses are plentiful: there are 6 – 8 sewing tables where staff attentively bend over their assignments and carry out the intricate work of garment repair. Those sewing machines are all whirring noising along, and their operators all look like they’re pretty nimble at deploying them. I can vouch for this. ‘Singer sewing machine’ wizards.
So much for the good. I’ve listed all the good things I can think of to state upfront. Now for the bad. Some of the stitch-​ers don’t know how to stitch… or are not encouraged to do any hand-​stitching by store policy. I can’t tell for sure, but I suspect the problem is pervasive. It is cause for consternation if you request that your item be darned ‘by hand’. Manually.
They will only hem and sew your items if it can be done by the sewing machine. If it can’t be done by the sewing machine, they won’t do it at all. What does that suggest to you?
If you ask them to hand-​stitch something for you, their jaws drop and they appear as if thunderstruck. They don’t know how to improvise, and they can’t suggest any solutions when faced with a minor challenge. They seem horrified by the idea of picking up a spool of thread – a needle – thread the needle by eye – and perform a simple repair by hand.
Many of the staff look as if they ought to know how to stitch by hand, (or maybe they once knew how?); but this store is perhaps so high-​volume and fast turnover and maybe they are not allowed to revert back to such quaint, 19^th century methods. I can’t otherwise account for the mystery.
To add insult to what is a very grievous injury: their prices are astronomical. Think, Manhattan prices. Sticker SHOCK. You can literally buy new entirely clothes for the price of the repairs they charge. And since they are not doing anything genuinely –and traditionally – by hand, you leave the store feeling humiliated.
Not a good feeling. Honestly – I would only return to this establishment if I had a dire emergency, even as pleasant and professional as they are. Otherwise, I would rather wait until I can return to my own neighborhood and find some local help. I’m a working man and while I like to support local businesses I can’t afford to be overcharged. Craigs List is the better alternative.
Let me be clear: this merchant did absolutely nothing wrong, and just because I had a disappointing experience does not mean they are bad. I guess I’m just griping that ‘real life’ didn’t meet the ideals I had in this matter. I’m sorry that Unilocal makes everything so divisive between customer and vendor, but this is a case where reality simply didn’t align with the expectation I had in my head when I walked through the door.
If it had, I would be an enthusiastic regular, seeing as how they did so many other things right. The key things I looked for however – were not satisfactory to me. End of story.

I use this cleaner simply because it is convenient — they pick up and deliver for «free» to my building. I think they do a pretty good job cleaning. Everything comes back clean and nothing has been lost so far. The service only takes a couple of days, and it is totally hassle free with pick up and delivery in my building.
So why the three star review and the quotes around free in the first sentence? Because, as other people have noted, this place is just really, really expensive. Every time I pick my stuff up I am seriously shocked by the prices. I would give them up over these prices… but it’s just too convenient.

This place seems to do good work and very high prices.
My problem with them is that when I stopped in to ask how much it was to hem a basic pair of pants, I was told $ 18 which is not cheap, but I got the pants and they did a fine job.
Two weeks later I went in to have the same thing done and was told it was $ 20! When I asked why it was more, I was told that I was originally given the discounted price. Ridiculous.
The only reason to go here is if you can’t be bothered to go to downtown Manhattan.

Had a bit if miscommunication there today, but it was cleared up and done so in a very professional manner. I highly recommend bringing your items here. They will clean damn near anything. They are experts and worth the money!

Brooklyn (Heights) tailor/​alteration review
I took two OCBD shirts from Ralph Lauren and J. Crew as well as two similar J. Crew shirts to four different tailors in Brooklyn and asked them to take in the sides, adjust the sleeve length and taper the arms. I said «no rush» when asked when I needed them back.
Here are the results:
Bridge Cleaners & Tailors (blue and white RL OCBD):
$ 50 (didn’t shorten sleeves), five days turnaround time.
Large, professional operation located behind Macy’s in Downtown B’lyn
Took great care when taking my measurements.
Very nice fit after alternations.
Used French seams on arms and double-​stiching on end piece.
Sloppy work on the hem gussets (see pics).
Overall conclusion: ⁸⁄₁₀. I’m very happy with the result.
Brooklyn Cleaners & Tailor Shop (J.C. checkered sports shirt)
$ 55, two days turnaround time
Cleaners with one in-​house tailor (male).
Precise measurements, but didn’t ask questions to make sure he got it as wanted.
Very nice fit after alternations.
Single-​stiching throughout.
Removed the hem gussets despite my request to keep them
Overall conclusion: ⁷⁄₁₀ — Fast, cheap and decent result. But the craftmanship is also the simplest: no French seams, single stiching, removed hem gusset. I wouldn’t trust them with anything delicate or expensive clothing.
Azzurro (J.C. OCBD — not pictured here)
$ 30 (didn’t taper arms), three days turnaround time
«We fix everything» kind of operations run by some rather brusque Russians.
Decent measurements. Asked questions.
Nice fit after alterations. Arms a tad too short.
French seams on sides and single-​stiching on end piece.
Overall conclusion: ⁷⁄₁₀ — Cheap, rather fast and decent results. But had forgot to shorten sleeves first time, so I had to come back.
Henry Street Custom Tailor (J.C. blue BD shirt)
$ 70, five days turnaround time
One-​man-​shop, poor English skills
OK measurements
Slightly too snug (¼ inch perhaps) fit and slightly too short sleeves after alterations.
Used French seams on arms and single-​stiching on end piece.
Nice work on hem gussets
Used different coloured threads (white vs. pale blue)
Overall conclusion: ⁵⁄₁₀ — the craftmanship is rather good, but the shirt is a tad too tight for my liking. He also used a different coloured thread, which is hardly visible but still. He also couldn’t find my shirt straightaway when I came to pick it up. And the price is exorbitant.
Other tailors tried:
Heights Cleaners, Montague St
They have a tailor on the premises who’s fast and cheap, but he’s completely disinterested and doesn’t communicate with customers. I only use them for very basic stuff.
Best Cleaners, Henry St/​Montague St
Didn’t follow instructions and ruined a pair of nice jeans. Will not come back.

Horrible customer service. I will NEVER use them again. I wrote a letter to the owner with NO REPLY. This is why.
1.They were late with my items — Dropped off on Tuesday to be ready on Friday. However, when I called on that Friday at 5pm, they said sorry but it will not be ready. I asked when, they said Monday. I called on Monday, still not ready. I called on Tuesday and I was told that the items have been on the truck since Friday and not sure why I did not get the delivery. I finally got the delivery on Tuesday late afternoon.
2. I had to call, they never called with an update.
3. They never replied to my letter, I was trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, now I will share with Unilocal, HELP.
4. I got a delivery two days ago to my apartment, NOT MINE. Luckily for them, I am an honest person and returned the items.
5. Plus they are expensive and didn’t even really do a great job.
6. I gave one star but that was just for the nice bag they gave me, I am now using it to store a blanket.
I WOULD NEVER TRUST THEM WITH ANYTHING. THEY DON’T KNOW WHERE YOUR ITEMS ARE AND THEY MIX UP GETTING THEM BACK TO YOU. IF YOU EVER DO.
TOO MANY GOOD BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT. TO BAD, THIS ONE WAS CLOSE TO HOME…

ok I’ve been going to this place for 3 years. the tailoring is good although expensive. I bet i could get the same quality for a much better price but I’ve been too paranoid to try. as far as the cleaning service– i’ll never do it again. I’ve been using them because they have my card on file and it’s right down the street from my house even though its more expensive then everyone else, but never again.
on friday morning i dropped off a pair of pants and 2 shirts that I needed to have for an important function monday evening. I asked them when it would be done and they asked when I needed it – I said monday AM. they said that would be hard, but when I pressed they said they could do it. I went back monday at 6:00PM and they had the paints but not the shirts. long story short I had to buy a new shirt to go with the suit and the whole process made me so late I couldn’t go to my event! what dry cleaner in NYC needs more then 24 hrs to clean a shirt? let alone more then 96. they did say they would comp the cleaning of my shirt but it cost me more the $ 200 to buy a new one.

Way overpriced. Most expensive dry cleaners I have ever been to by FAR. $ 14 for a pair of pants that I have washed in the machine before. $ 60 for my comforter to be washed in their large machine. Again in a machine, not hand washed and pressed or something fancy. The only reason I left my things instead of walking out was because they didn’t give me a price when I dropped it all off. If they had I would have walked out. Only go here if you have something really special

Very clean and organized cleaners.
Incredibly polite staff.
Easy and pleasant experience
For a woolcoat, a mans suit and shirt it cost $ 55 to clean.

I am so thrilled I discovered this place. It was a recommendation from another friend and I couldn’t be happier with all the work they’ve done. The service is exceptional, very family like environment. The prices aren’t dirt cheap, but compared to places in Manhattan, (that are not even as good) this place rules.
I’ve meant to give them a review for a long time now. Just picked up pieces today that were repaired. They were two really great designer pieces of mine and they’re perfect as ever. Their alterations are amazing– always satisfied. They actually took in a pair of leather pants for me (could have been scary) and they they look suburb.
I see they have a lot of regulars. People are addicted to this place. They know what they’re doing! Hi highly recommend taking your cherished garments here! :)

Ok. I can clearly remember coming to this place as a little girl with my mother to have her leather garments cleaned. They were cool back then — around 1993.
I’ve had two unpleasant experiences this year. I brought a $ 200 dress there to get cut and hemmed. I was charged $ 50, which was fine. After it was done, I brought it home and didn’t try it on right away. A month later, I realized not only did she not cut enough but it wasn’t hemmed. I called and was told I’d have to pay $ 75 more to have it re-​altered. Granted, it was my fault for not trying it on sooner.
The next incident was the cleaning pricing of my wedding dress. I brought my dress there for cleaning and was told it’ll cost $ 390!!! And it didn’t even include preservation! …AND it’s sent to another facility for cleaning. They don’t even clean it there!!! THATS JUST RIDICULOUS!!!
I ended up taking it back to where I bought it from and they only charged me $ 180 for cleaning AND preservation!
LAWD –CHILE! I guess they’re pricing includes air-​conditioning and those damn chandeliers!!!
Never again.

The Backstory: we flew in from out of town for a wedding that my husband was the Best Man in. American Airlines lost his luggage that had his freshly tailored suit. We walked all around Manhattan trying to find a decent suit and then scrambled to find a tailor that would be able to turn it around in 24 hours. After calling around only to keep hearing «no, we can’t pull that off!», we got a recommendation from a friend to try Bridge Tailors. We called, explained our dilemma, and Gabrielle was sympathetic enough to at least have hope that they might be able to.
We brought it in within that same hour and they agreed that they could have it to us by 3pm the next day (which was a Saturday). Needless to say, they saved us from being in an even tougher situation.
They shortened the arms, tailored the pants, and adjusted the collar. The job they did was amazing and it may have been even better than the suit that was lost.
Also to note, even though they do not press on weekends, the tailor volunteered to hand press the dress shirt for us which also came out perfect.
The only sad part of the story is that we no longer live in Brooklyn so we won’t be able to become repeat customers of Bridge Tailors.

At one point I really truly believed in Bridge. Their rep was solid, as was their work. But that’s no longer the case.
I’ve gotten high-​price items like leather coats cleaned here and been extremely satisfied. But then I’ve also gotten pants tailored here and would have (and have rec’d) better success for less than half the price in the Lower East Side. Their lack of consistent work, especially in the last few years as well as diminishing customer service, has make me move onto cleaner pastures (snicker).
For some reason, the change in location from Bridge St. to Livingston Ave. seems to have coincided with their less than superior attitude and quality.

I have to agree with Tracey M.‘s review, in fact I’m going to quote it here since this was my exact reaction when I went to have my wedding dress fitted:
«On their website it states: „Our Livingston Street store is the ideal place to have your dress fitted in grace and style, with our superb lighting and multiple mirrors, you’ll see your exquisite gown from every angle throughout the entire process.“ Okay, I’m sorry, first of all, it was hot, the changing „room“ was dark, Maria had to get plastic sheeting on the floor so my dress didn’t get dirty. It is literally a hot mess in there. Multiple mirrors??? Nope, one on front of the hemming station and a door mirror on the wall behind the tailors. Superb lighting? Grace and Style? nope, nope, nope.»
My experience exactly. This is a terrific example of website marketing that does not at all live up to the reality. The notion that they provide «concierge service» is laughable. I too had to deal with a dark, cramped dressing room, a «whatever» attitude about my appointment, a dirty floor, plus all sorts of people wandering around while you’re trying to get your dress fitted with some degree of dignity. And from Tracey M.‘s experience, it only gets worse. I will not be back, for my wedding dress or anything else.

All right, look.
I’m all for environmentally friendly… everything. (And even if I wasn’t, my girlfriend would be all over me until I pretended I was. So let’s just say I am.)
But I hate to say it… I don’t care if these people are the most fantastic, baby seal-​saving cleaners on Earth… there is no chance in hell I’m paying $ 3.65 to clean each one of my dress shirts. Or $ 1.50/lb. for wash and fold. Or a MINIMUM of $ 17 to clean a suit. That is just too much money to throw down on a regular basis.
I get that you have to pay a premium for quality, «green» work. But when that premium is up around 80% more than a nearby competitor?
And that’s final.