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Balthazar Restaurant
Category: Restaurants French French
80 Spring St(between Crosby St & Broadway)
New York, NY 10012
Neighborhood: SoHo
(212) 965-1414
- Nearest Transit:
-
Spring St (4, 6, 6X)
Prince St (N, R)
Broadway - Lafayette St (B, D, F, M)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7:30 am - 1 am
Fri 7:30 am - 2 am
Sat 8 am - 2 am
Sun 8 am - 12 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Barbara C. said: "Came here once for lunch and got the shrimp po'boy (banh mi with batter-fried shrimp), which was a new special offering. It was delicious - the shrimp was nicely battered, crispy, and not too heavy (actually the pieces of shrimp were…" read more »
1086 reviews for Balthazar Restaurant
Review Highlights
"anyways, salade niçoise and steak frites are classic."
(in 122 reviews)
"Four stars because the duck confit is awesome."
(in 77 reviews)
"The chicken liver and foie gras mousse was fantastic."
(in 14 reviews)
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1085 reviews in English
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Review from Alexandra S.
New York, NY
2/2/2012
I was trying to decide where my boyfriend and I should celebrate our one-year anniversary. Balthazar was my first instinct, but being the indecisive person that I am, I couldn't help but research 58675304060 other restaurants to make sure I found the "perfect" place. At the end of the day, however, I couldn't help but go back to Balthazar. I had only heard and read good things, and my boyfriend loves traditional French food, so I finally gave in and made a reservation.
I was not disappointed. We arrived at 8:55 for a 9:00 res--we were seated immediately.
What we ordered:
The Brigitte cocktail (cucumber infused vodka with mint and agave)--I was a but skeptical, but our waitress assured me it was delicious--and she did not lie. I could have drank four of them in no time. Strong yet refreshing and delicious.
Balthazar Salad--anything with ricotta salata is a go-to for me
Lobster and Black Truffle Risotto--perfection on a plate.
Escargot--I can't vouch for it but it looked and smelled amazing.
The Thursday special, Goulash of Berkshire Pork Cheek--again, I can't vouch for it, but pork cheek is my boyfriend's new favorite food item :)
Banana Ricotta Tart (with banana ice cream)--our waitress recommended this as the best dessert. I could not have asked for anything better.
All in all, I think I was smiling the entire time we were in the restaurant. I would go back in a heartbeat. LOVE. -
Review from Ari A.
New York, NY
2/7/2012
We went on a Thursday evening and we were late for our 9pm reservation. Luckily we were still sat within minutes, which was much appreciated!
Being late for our reservation, we could not WAIT to eat and were pleasantly surprised with how quickly and tasty the bread was which was served.
What we ordered:
-Escargot - I dipped the bread in the butter sauce, I wasn't blown away
-Steak Tartare- this was delicious! Who knew you didn't need to be a tiger to eat raw meat
-Duck Shepherds Pie-the portion looks small, but it is plenty. served VERY warm, but delightful
-Balthzar bar steak (vs. Steak frites)- I couldn't figure out what the difference was between the two steak options. The waiter told me the BBS was a smaller portion. Well let me tell you, if that's small, I don't want to see large! I ate maybe half before deciding to take the leftovers home. I wasn't a huge fan of the sauce which accompanied the Steak and the fries did not taste great dipped in the sauce. On to the fries, I have heard people RAVE about these fries, and can honestly say the ones I was served were nothing special....Also, I asked for my meat Medium, it came out bloody. Luckily when I ate the leftovers, the microwave zapped away the blood.
-Pavlova- the waiter was nice and put a candle in for our birthday boy. The berries were delectable, but I was not overly impressed with the meringue portion.
As always this French restaurant was classy and would not bring over the check until we asked. Always courteous, always filling up our water glasses, great decor, great ambiance.
Random thought: There was a bathroom attendant. -
Review from Julia G.
2/4/2012
The archetypical french bistro serves reliably delicious food in a timeless setting. Bistro staples are done extremely well: large towers of raw seafood glisten, french onion soup gratin bubbles and oozes, steak frites are charred and plentiful.
My perfect meal here is Sunday brunch, starting off with slurping some oysters, perhaps sharing a bowl of goopy onion soup, and devouring the perfect eggs norwegian (perfectly poached eggs atop a pile of awesome home fries and silky smoked salmon topped with rich and sensuous hollandaise).. with an Oyster Mary for sure.
It is hard not to love this bustling and popular SoHo standard with its models and tourists alike. Make a reservation. -
Review from Alison H.
Damm I wanted to love this place, but it just didnt meet my expectations. In a nut shell I was in an out in 35 minutes and not by any means full, nor was I in a rush.
I arrived today at 4pm for the "late lunch". I was greeted at the door and seated promptly. I noticed the wait staff was buzzing like a shore town preparing for a hurricane. Guess dinner gets pretty crazy. I ordered the Vongole, would have went with a small salad as well but $12 didnt seem worth it.
Just moments later my food arrived, I had not even finished buttering my bread. Oh well I was dining alone, which can sometimes give off the impression that the person is in a rush....that was until the table next to me had the same problem. They (1 man 2 Women) ordered oysters, soup & salads then main courses. Oysters arrived first as they should but moments later ALL of the rest of their food came out. The man of the group told the runner to take it back. When their waiter returned the man explained that after they finish the oysters they would like the salads and soup then after that the main course. 20 mins later he had to send his soup back because it was cold...Suprised?
So the rushed service was my first beef my second beef was with the value. I felt like my meal should have been more like $15 not $25. I am not a fatty but I could have easily eaten double what they gave me. It was delish hence my still 3 star review but I just felt like the value was not there. -
Review from Poma Celeste T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2012
I feel like there are better places, with better selection to eat in SoHo.
This place can get crazy crowded, so if you get closterphobic, better take a peek inside before deciding! -
Review from Joanne T.
Alhambra, CA
1/31/2012
Pricey, but okay. Don't order the bar steak. Order the other $41 one instead. There is an obvious reason why. It tastes and looks ten times better than the bar steak. Apple salad was good here. I had the pork belly and it was great for the first couple bites. After awhile, it got really salty and it was hard to finish it all.
VERY small tables. It's more for fancy-coffee-night-outs. The place gets really crowded, so I recommend reservations.
Our waiter was a bit slow, so it took forever to get the check. I wouldn't come here if you don't have patience. -
Review from Gloria H.
We tried getting in a year ago and the wait was too long.
This time, we made it our first visit upon arriving NYC - perfect, no wait, got a table right away. That's before 9am on a Sunday. With that, my first disappointment - no mimosa! They (or is it NYC?) don't serve alcohol until 12noon - boo!
What we had:
special of the day - buckwheat crepe w/ eggs, prosciutto? and cheese w/ a side salad - $17 - it was not bad, I liked the salads more than the crepe
apple cinnamon pancakes - $18 - disappointed, can't really taste the apple or cinnamon and the pancakes itself were not fluffy and airy.
fries - Bobby Flay raved about their fries - $9 - it was good but not to die for, we didn't finish it
coffee - $4.50 each
The place gets packed very quick. While we enjoyed the place and the food was fine, I think there are plenty places to have a good meal without the crazy wait and the price. -
Review from chum L.
Oakland, CA
1/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Let me give you a bit of advice. The next time you have a flight out of NYC, make sure you save a little time to make a stop at Balthazar, order the Nicoise salad to take away. Pack it away in your carry on. Once you've settled in on your flight; relax a little; order a bottle or two. Then when you get hungry, pull out that box and dig in. You will be the envy of everyone on the plane.
Guess what I'm doing this weekend? -
Review from Jay w.
New York, NY
1/29/2012
The food is fine, the atmosphere is really nice and the servers are cordial but...
This the food is not all that great and a bit inconsistent. We got two salads and my chicken was under seasoned and over cooked.
The goat cheese tart was really fabulous and I would go back for that item alone. The coffee was just o.k.
Overall, it is a nice brunch place but I get the feeling the reviews are higher for the location and place itself, not so much for the food. This happens to be a celeb spot as well, not sure if that is why this place is so popular.
There are many other great lunch places around this area with better food. -
Review from Will R.
2/9/2012
Just a disclaimer here, this is a review specifically for brunch. I've only had brunch here, so this in no way reflects the quality of their dinner menu. Okay, now that we're done with that on to the hyper critical review.......My family and I showed up quite early on a Saturday morning (btw 8:30-9am) the restaurant was filling up but there was still tables. The hostess seated us right next to the doorway (which of course never stays shut) why she did this is beyond me, unless maybe she thought we were tourists? Or maybe because she didn't appreciate Tattoos (my brother is covered in them). Nevertheless, we settled in for a supposedly delicious brunch. It took forever to get our simple drink order to us, no apologies, no eye contact, absolutely dehumanized servers/waitstaff. All of our orders came out lukewarm or cold. Gross. The french toast was soggy as if it hadn't be cooked long enough. Gross. All of our coffees stayed empty throughout our meal. Annoying as hell. The bill for the 3 of use was close to $60, without any alcohol. Crazy. I know it's SoHo, and I know it's supposed to be good, but this was so disappointing. I've read lots of the reviews on here and so many seem so positive for dinner. I would give it another shot for dinner, but with extreme suspicion. And never will I take brunch here again.
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Review from Michael L.
Manhattan, NY
1/28/2012
There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home...
Like Dorothy says, if it's not in you're own backyard you didn't lose it in the first place
We're fortunate to have Balthazar in our own New York backyard
It's home away from home and that's how they make you feel from the guys at the door to the bartenders to the waiter persons and managers
They're all pros
And speaking of bartenders A bientot to Olivier, everyone's fave bartender
Good luck in your new endeavors -
Review from Meredith M.
New York, NY
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Balthazar truly does live up to its reputation, even after as long as it's been open. Yes it's become quite the tourist hang out, though the Biebs and Uma Therman are often spotted here still to this day.
Bloody Marys are deadly, proceed with caution. These sweet yet simple, classic brunch treats hide some powerful vodka within. If your server suggests the oyster platter, get it...though ask him to add a few scallops. Trust me, it's better than the oysters and at near $4 a piece they are well worth it.
My friend had the steak frites, which wasn't cooked the way she asked the first time it came out but the server was quick to fix the issue. I had the chicken paillard which is a simple, light dish. Not the best I've ever had, but I assume that's my fault for not ordering something more French from this bistro.
Busy, loud and packed expect to wait if you failed to make a reservation in advance. Yes their pastries are amazing, so if you come just for that then head next door to their bakery to avoid the crowd. -
Review from Melissa B.
Manhattan, NY
1/14/2012
The company I work for brought us here for an employees going away party (it's her favorite restaurant).
We arrived at 3:00 pm and the restaurant was packed...with what looked like mostly tourists. Luckily we had a reservation so we were quickly sat and began indulging at the company credit cards expense.
We enjoyed a few bottles of wine and some champagne to drink. All very good. To eat, between us we must have sampled most of the appetizers and entrees. I remember the steak, short ribs and halibut standing out, I don't remember anything being bad.
I would not come back here for dinner, as it's hectic and not easy to sit and enjoy, but if that's your scene then this is your restaurant. I'd say this place is "overrated." -
Review from Pam Z.
New York, NY
2/1/2012
My college friend was in town and she was bringing a co-worker who was visiting NYC/America for the first time from Romania. So I had to take them somewhere "cool." I picked Balthazar because we were going shopping in Soho and because they had an open table. The food was pretty standard, but I did impress them by scoring the table next to Eric Ripert and some D-list actor whose name I forgot.
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Review from Lynda Z.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
Every time I go to NYC (which is quite often) I eat at Balthazar, the food is excellent and the atmosphere like Paris. Though it can get a bit crowded and very noisy its worth it. I recommend Balthazar for anyone who loves good food, fun atmosphere and great service.
Lynda
San Francisco -
Review from Crystal C.
Diamond Bar, CA
1/6/2012
This place almost reminds me of bottega louis in los angeles. the wait for a table was over an hour so the boyfriend and i decide to sit at the bar and eat.
we started off with the chicken liver and foie gras mousse. i wasn't a big fan of it, maybe because just the thought of it being chicken liver grossed me out, but my boyfriend LOVED it.
as my entree i ordered the eggplant sandwich and the boyfriend orders the duck confit. I thought my dish was very tast. i just wish there was more eggplant, but other than that i'd order the dish again. my boyfriend loved his dish too. he noted that the duck was very tender and moist.
whenever we return to new york this is a place i would love to revisit. :) -
Review from julie g.
New York, NY
2/2/2012
this place was good but overall not impressed. The atmosphere was crowded and loud. Decor was old french.
seafood ceviche- not bad, your typical ceviche. tho nothing memorable
pork belly- I am usually a huge fan of pork belly; however. this dish was extremely heavy and fatty here. From the polenta to the pork itself I felt like I was clogging my arteries while I was eating the dish. Something acidic was missing to cut the fat.
overall- spent about $80pp. there are better places to eat at this price point -
Review from Leah P.
Manhattan, NY
1/6/2012
A bit on the touristy side but no doubt a great spot with a lively atmosphere (though I will say I enjoy Pastis's scene more).
I had oysters for my app and a duck confit for my main... both were great as was my friend's meal. Our waitress could have been more attentive but overall a good experience. Also, it was a bit pricey but then again I suppose oysters jack up any meal, especially in SoHo. -
Review from Sarah R.
Ridgewood, NY
2/3/2012
Came in for brunch and it was pleasantly packed. Had the beef stroganoff and toast. Can't wait to come back!
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Review from Patricia K.
Miami, FL
1/3/2012
I'll give it 3 stars only because of the fact that the 3 plates we ordered, were good, although nothing out of this world. We ordered the onion soup to start, then a beef stroganoff and the scrambled eggs over puff pastry.
-The Onion Soup was more like a grease soup but very tasty. I guess that's how the French make the soup- it is after all made with loads of gruyere cheese. I don't recommend it if you're on a diet...jiji. I personally wouldn't have it again because of how fatty it was and because it was absolutely not worth the price!!
-The Beef Stroganoff was my hubby's pick and he was very satisfied with it. It's not a plate that you tend to find on many menus so he was eager to have it when he saw it on Balthazar's. The sauce was lacking a bit of salt but it was ok since the meat was seasoned properly.
-The Scrambled Eggs over puff pastry were nothing out of this world and were wayyy over-priced! I mean, EGGS for $22 ???!! They were lacking some salt and tasted too much like asparagus. I would pick the eggs benedict or a bread basket over these, if you're in the mood for breakfast...
Overall, an A-OK, simple lunch at a Paris-like bistro in Soho but I'm not dying to go back because it was overly crowded and absolutely OVERPRICED!
PS: If you go in on a crowded day and they tell you there's a long wait, just put down your name on the list and wait around...around the host stand....most likely, one of the hosts/waiters will come up to you and tell you they can "sneak you in". If you're not in the mood for that, then make reservations. But I think there's maany other places that are worth trying over this one, specially in Soho.... -
Review from Brittanie M.
Manhattan, NY
1/11/2012
I've had breakfast at Balthazar a few times before heading into the office. It was pretty empty both times I went which was nice, since this place tends to attract the tourist population. It was nice to catch up with my friend in peace.
The staff is polite. The hostess always greeted me with a smile, and service was good. I've had the eggs florentine and omelette with herbs. Both are good, not spectacular though I wasn't expecting to be blown away. Not sure if I'd want to make a return trip to try dinner. -
Review from Cecilia F.
Manhattan, NY
2/8/2012
My favorite restaurant in the city. Great service, amazing food (anything with steak in it delicious) some of the best french fries in the city and great wines. Nice and noisy for a fun night and a big table with friends. Also great for brunch, try the quiche with a creamy cappucino and don't forget to ask about the cards on the ceiling, funny story. If you are on the run, they have a very convenient pastry and coffee counter next door where you can buy the most delicious bread in the city.
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Review from Li J.
Los Angeles, CA
12/25/2011
Overall I was not impressed.
Our food was good - we all agreed. However, my food was not HOT and y'all know that hot food is a big requirement of mine.
Also, the service was BAD. They rushed us through out meal, constantly coming over to grab things - ready or not. Then they rushed us out the door. I've actually NEVER before experienced such rudeness. It was quite shocking.
The only reason I didn't give 1 star is because the food didn't make me sick.....
Likely will NOT go back there - who needs it?? -
Review from Chini S.
New York, NY
1/2/2012
Balthazar is a very nice and upscale restaurant. On the expensive side. However, the dishes were decent food proportions. Services was quite good and friendly from what I had remember.
I came with some college friends for Sunday brunch. I ordered the Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, I believe it was a stack of 3 or 4 decent-sized pancakes. The pancakes were fluffy and good. I think I was full from 2 pancakes and took the other(s) home. My friends had ordered a Eggs Norwegian and Smoked Salmon. They said their plates were delicious. One of my friends has been to Balthazar restaurant a few times so she commented on a few dishes when we looked at the menu. As for me, I wouldn't mind going back again. =)
Overall, I give this place a 4 stars for the nice atmosphere and services and yummy food. =) -
Review from Diana W.
--------BRUNCH ONLY--------
I LOVE the ambiance here. Cute restaurant that's a great brunch spot. Ordered the Scrambled eggs in puffy pastry with spinach and mushrooms. AMAZE. Super savory and kept me full for most of the afternoon. Service is nice here and I definitely want to come back and try it for dinner -
Review from Natalia G.
WALL STREET, NY
2/8/2012
always good classic french cuisine si buenisimo ...!!!
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Review from L T.
San Mateo, CA
1/29/2012
Grilled vegetable salad - good, but just a bit too oily/heavy for my taste. Seeing Francis Ford Coppola AND Alec Baldwin there, lunching at separate tables - priceless.
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Review from A. S.
Washington, DC
2/6/2012
Since there are literally over 1,000 reviews, I'll get down to it. Love this place because it is always just a party. Really. Noon on a Saturday? Party. 10:30 pm on a Tuesday? Party. But no matter how fun the atmosphere, I wouldn't love it if the food weren't good, and it is. (Duck confit just sayin') Expensive, so don't complain since their prices are posted on their website. Don't attempt without a rez.
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Review from That ronald T.
Manhattan, NY
12/4/2011
If you enjoy being surrounded by tourists and douchebags / douchettes, get ripped off at Balthazar.
The food isn't bad. But there really is nothing unique on the menu. Drinks are decent. They make good bloodies. Seafood is fresh.
But steak frittes, towers of raw sea food, and raviolis slathered in a sage brown butter sauce gets kind of old after a while.
If people think this place has a New York feel, they don't know New York. -
Review from Ken H.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
12/31/2011
I spend Christmas each year in the City.
Decided i would try Balthazar last year...could not get a reservation. Tried again this year, and got one at 6 pm (only time available for the night I wanted). Guest and I get there at 5:55 and check in. They tell me that the seating does not begin until 6 and to have a drink at the bar (small space). Right at 6, chaos ensues....50 people (I assume all tourists like myself) flood through the doors wanted a table. If I had not pushed my way back to the front, I would still be waiting for my table.
We are seated and the service was excellent. The waitress was nice and well informed. The food was a strong B+. I had french onion soup and steak au poivre.
At the table next too us was a couple who decided to break up that night...and I had to listen to it....really?
I will go back if I can get a reservation at a time that is more reasonable...even though this is really a tourist place.... -
Review from Chaya A.
Manhattan, NY
1/6/2012
Cloistered, a whole other world unto itself in savvy Soho. I find the food is a tad over seasoned, however it's more for the experience and atmosphere that I would stop in at Balthazar. The wait staff are attentive, the seating comfortable and its nice feeling like you are a world away from busy concrete Manhattan, despite being at its epicenter. The chicken liver mousse is excellent, as is the duck.
Note: You can pop your coat up behind the rails if you are seated at the booths, and need not pay for coat check. Although I dare say if you are at B's in the first place you aren't too concerned with such things.
A good place for: a family brunch, après-work cocktails and business lunch. -
Review from Winnie T.
PRINCE, NY
1/3/2012
Always make reservations if you want a table..but if not, you can always have a seat at the bar! =)
The food is always consistent here. Every time I come, it is always packed. That says something! Must try the Chicken Liver Foie Gras Mousse, oysters are always fresh, great wine list, and attentive service. I can stay there for hours conversing on our favorite reds. =p
I love the tall ceiling, clean bathroom, and cozy seating. I always go back for more! -
Review from Valerie G.
Updated - 1/26/2012
I have been coming here for years, at one point the bartender (Jimmy) was so friendly with us we actually invited him to Montreal for a stay (which he did), sadly he no longer works there, but the staff (we usually sit at the Bar), is still just as nice and professional. Our routine here is that we show up around noon, work our way to seats at the bar and then hang for couple to 3 hours. We have cocktails (breakfast type), like bloody maries and cesars (yes they make cesars), and or mimosas (try one with grapefruit instead of orange juice for a change). Then we order a la carte, we have tried pretty much everything there is, but some stand out include, Salad Frisee, (Chicore lettus, large peices of salty lardon, and a poached egg. The Duck sheppard pie, the steak frites, we have done some oysters, I love their eggs florentine.
This place is busy all the time night and day and the ambience is electric, people are relaxed as a rule so chatting with strangers is easy and fun. Don't be intimidated by the look and feel, just work your way to the bar, nod to the bartender asking for seats if they open up, order a cocktail and let me know you want to open a tab and enjoy. This place is not as expensive as it appears we have been surprised many time after being there for 2 hours having all kinds of drinks and food and tonnes of entertainement for between 100-140 including tax and tip. (they are very genourous with the booze)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/6/2011
Always try and stop, this is one those places to go sit at the bar and order drinks and food. The… Read more »
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Review from Flora p.
New York, NY
1/5/2012
I have eaten at Balthazar's a few times over the past decade. Finally decided to write a review.
Here's what I think- if you are coming for the scene and/or cocktails it's fine. If you want to get a good dinner - A-OK is all it is. I ordered a steak with salad on the side and both were extremely over-peppered and over-salted. At least it was medium-rare as I had wished. The prices are appropriate for the location, but honestly, you can get a better steak in a less well known joint. We also had oyster for an Appetizer. Overpriced!
Also, hard to get a table, my friends were lucky to snag a booth up front for dinner on a Wed night. -
Review from Steven H.
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is the epitome of what brunch should be in a city that is the love child of NYC and Paris. It is by now a NYC institution and its reputation for great ambience and very good food and drink is well deserved.
The place itself is beautiful, especially at the holidays. It always draws a diverse, well-heeled and interesting crowd of people speaking a variety of languages. The service is surprisingly warm and very competent.
I have been a few times for brunch and it has never disappointed. If you are a Bloody Mary fan, by all means order one (or more!) here. Ask for it spicy and you will not be disappointed. Theirs are so good that you will be craving one for days afterward.
On our last visit, we shared a plate of Wellfleet oysters that were so fresh and delicious you would think they dug them out of the sand a minute before. My friend had the grilled ham and cheese which she pronounced amazing and I had a delicious herb omelet with gruyere cheese and smoked salmon (the $9 surcharge for the latter was a bit irksome, admittedly, but the buzz from the Bloody's made me not care too much). We also had a cone of their delicious, salty frites. Also be sure to try the whole grain bread. Yum.
We shared profiteroles for dessert (and from the looks of it, so did a lot of the tables near us). They pour the chocolate sauce at the table and leave the remains thereof on in a pitcher. So good I poured it onto a spoon and almost mainlined it.
A brunch like this is not cheap by any means (with tip about a C note per person) but you don't (or shouldn't) do this every day and you walk out feeling great about life, so what is the harm once in a while? -
Review from Imir L.
12/13/2011
I honestly feel if I give Balthazar a bad review someone in a European fitting black suit, black leather gloves, no socks and Gucci loafers will show up in the middle of the night and put a bullet in my head.
I'm one of those New Yorkers who needs either an invite or passport to travel above 23rd street so SoHo organically becomes my NYC home and some of the better known haunts become my urban kitchen. Balthazar is one of those kitchens.
Being French myself (though not having been back to France in more then twenty years) I can't say honestly that the bistro reminds me of hard bread, smoking women and skinny, non threatening men like the true French experience and that's because Balthazar is filled with celebrities, snobby New Yorkers and never wash too often Europeans. All that evil pales in comparison to the New York ad people who frequent that place for their free lunch or meal care of their Agency.
But you don't come to Balthazar to eat the people, you come to eat the food which more then just a bit good. Nothing stands out but it's not to say that nothing is exceptional. Rather, everything is equally very good and nothing all that remarkable.
'cept maybe the check which makes you wonder if the restaurant is helping pay down France's national debt by charging so much...even for SoHo. -
Review from Ariela I.
San Diego, CA
1/24/2012
Fabulous. Perfect NY dining experience. Amazing selection of wine & the chicken dinner dish is excellent and authentic. Felt like I was in Paris for a night.
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Review from Barb G.
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
12/3/2011
Dropped in on the spur of the moment this past week (Tuesday), we were cold and hungry and it looked inviting, and I'd heard good things about it so...looking in and at ourselves in our casual clothes we chose to eat in the bar -- it was 4:40 pm so they had some specials on some of their items.
I was very impressed with our server Suzanne; especially when I realized a bit later she was going off shift and a young man was taking over! Usually when that is happening it's not ideal...but she was so knowledgeable, suggested we get a carafe of wine instead by the glass, which we did, and you just felt you were in her very competent (French?) hands, which made you feel cozy and and relaxed, like being in the home of a gracious host. And as an aside, as a 'mature' (in years anyway) woman myself, I love having a server near my own age demographic.
Okay the meal. A lovely white wine, their specialty salad made with frise lettuce, asparagus, green beans, shaved radish and truffle vinaigrette, wonderful marriage of textures and flavors....my friend had macaroni and cheese (less pedantically named of course!), and I had the French onion soup which was -- just so luscious, rich, warming and rich. Delicious cheese on top, a broth redolent of wine and delicate but rich flavored broth.
To top off, we had pot de creme with cappuccino - and that pot de creme (which is a simple but rich chocolate dessert for those who haven't tried it ), to die for...we shared it, and were satisfied - it was just a perfect marriage intense chocolate flavor and creaminess...orgasmic. -
Review from Mary Cecilia M.
Manhattan, NY
1/23/2012
Did I NEED to eat both of the crepes that came in my order of buckwheat crepes wrapped around eggs, gruyere and ham? No, but it was too savory not to lavish in every last bite. And did I NEED to devour a donut? No, but how could I not? It was moist and covered in just the right amount sugar to balance my savory and sweet intake for the meal. The ambiance was just as charming as the food. I forgot for a moment that I wasn't in Paris!
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Review from Mara S.
Chicago, IL
1/9/2012
This was my second time to Balthazar in as many years and I was less impressed on my second visit.
The first visit was New Years Eve and it was crowded and the service was a bit pushy. I gave them the benefit of the doubt as I assumed they were trying to get people in and out pretty quickly for the busy night.
Last night I was with 6 colleagues and I was a little underwhelmed by the experience. A few reasons:
- We were seated at a table that was more suited for 2 than 4 (it was a small round table but they didn't have the table leafs (leaves??) up, so it was even smaller than a small round table). It was evident that the table was too small when even just the water and wine came, but even when a larger table opened behind us (and was never filled) they didn't suggest a move (btw, I had reservations, so it wasn't as if they just tried to squeeze us in)
- We ordered several bottles of wine, the first of which was vinegar like and we sent back. When we sent it back, the sommelier came to our table and tried to convince us that the vinegar smelling / tasting wine was completely fine and that we should just decant it. I'm not going to pretend to know anything about wine, but if we send something back because it tastes like vinegar (and we plan to replace it with another bottle), shouldn't they just accept that? It's not like we asked them to open and then sent back a $300 bottle - it was probably more like $40-$50... Anyway...
- The service was decent, but not great. I felt like people were on top of us to remove plates (probably because they had no where to put additional dishes), but it made parts of the meal feel way more rushed than it needed to.
- I ordered my stake with little pink and it came out with mostly red and was really dry.
I guess I just wasn't impressed. The appetizers and desserts were very good and I think others enjoyed their meals a bit more than I did.
I don't think I'll be giving Balthazar another try, if for no other reason than it was really cramped and the servers were snooty.
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