On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Pastis

3.5 star rating
based on 208 reviews

Category: French  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Manhattan/West Village, Manhattan/Meatpacking District
9 9th Ave
(between 13th St & Little W 12th St)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 929-4844
  • Nearest Transit:

    14th St-8th Ave (A, C, E, L)

    14th St-7th Aves (1, 2, 3, F, V, L)

  • Hours:
    Mon-Wed 8:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
    Thu 8:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
    Fri-Sat 8:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m.
    Sun 8:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: Yes
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Good for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
  • Alcohol: Full Bar

208 Reviews for Pastis

Sort by: Recent + Votes | Time | Rating
Photo of Jennifer Y.

Elite '08

25

310

Jennifer Y.

New York, NY

4 star rating
08/14/2008

Really cute and very french, I could easily imagine stumbling in here while in Paris.  The indoor/outdoor seating area is nice for the summer.

Walked in without reservations and the staff was great.  Got drinks seconds after I stepped to the bar and voila our table was ready a short wait later.  Scene is still cool with trendy patrons but, no celeb sightings.

Food was better an average.  Not mind-blowing but pretty good.  Had the steak frites and my dinner companion had the Halibut.  Fries were really good.  Overall, I had fun with a a nice meal in a casual atmosphere.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Caroline W.

 

23

61

Caroline W.

New York, NY

4 star rating
08/15/2008

Fabulous lunch, if a bit over-priced, but then show me a nice place in Manhattan that isn't.  I got the tuna sandwich--light, unique, refreshing--beware the bun is a bit soft though, not toasty and crusty as it should be.  Excellent french fries come with my second favorite condiment, MAYONNAISE (sour cream is #1).  Snooty servers don't like you if you don't order a lot, but considering they are French, they were actually quite nice.  I expect utter rudeness when going French--but I think I've figured out how to deal with them--be super rude back.  It doesn't seem to bother them, I think they actually respect it.  Good luck trying to get a refill on your coffee however.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Vinny S.

 

9

38

Vinny S.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
08/16/2008

The restaurant oozes cool. More importantly the food is delicious, the price point is higher than one would expect but, the portions are generous.  All of this in the oasis of the MPD. Twenty years ago when I took my life into my own hands to attend Jackie 60 parties, I would have never guessed that I would be dining on a bright sunny day in the MPD.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Briana J.

Elite '08

16

200

Briana J.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
08/13/2008

I met a friend for brunch last week. I asked for a table outside...not in the sun. I was promptly seated in the sun. Not cool. Literally. I was very hot. I was so hot I ordred iced tea instead of coffee. My waiter was very pleasant and very quick to refill my drink as he could not believe I was able to last in the hot sun. I did not last very long. I ordred the grapefruit and I was unable to finish it. I had to get out of the sun. My waiter understood and brought the check right away.
My friend was unimpressed with her meal.
I am sure I would have given this place four stars had I not been seated outside.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Jenny L.

 

0

11

Jenny L.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
08/13/2008

This restaurant is by far my most favorite restaurant in NY! Everything we got was really good. You must get the mussels! To. Die. For. The wine was great, atmosphere was wonderful. We didn't have reservations and the wait was about 45 minutes, which was okay as we went to go get drinks at a bar across the street. But other than that, everything was fab!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Lianne Z.

 

24

49

Lianne Z.

New York, NY

3 star rating
08/15/2008

Three stars because I was seated in the very booth that Carrie and her artsy fartsy old man friend sat in on one of the last episodes of S&TC.
The wait was long and unnecessary and upon having been seated in the front room, we were given water that tasted like fish.
Yes, FISH. disgusting.
We made a comment to the waiter and immediately the maitre d moved us into the inner (more exclusive) room and that is where we were seated in the very corner booth that I described above.
It's a cute, trendy little french patisserie but one that I feel is a little hyped up than it rightfully deserves. It's more a place to be seen and to see.
I got the Eggs A La Basquaise- polenta, peppers, onions and prosciutto.
It was honestly just okay. I don't remember one distinct detail about the dish that made it stand out. The combo was nice, was just a little heavy on the butter. A friend got the Eggs Hussard, which was rich but decent.
It kind of tasted like a marsala, but with eggs.
The Eggs Norwegian was mediocre but the Steak Frites was nice. Juicy and tender. It was probably the highlight out of all our entrees. Plus the portion is definitely sizable.
Overall it was a pleasurable experience on an ice-blue wintry day. But for some reason, I left feeling a little less glamorous than I did upon arriving at this little MeatPacking staple.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Danny B.

 

7

328

Danny B.

Orlando, FL

5 star rating
08/08/2008

All I have to say is wow.  This place really is indicative of the culture of the Meatpacking District.  Upscale, fancy, tasty, and hip.  It had a great atmosphere, great service, and even better food.  The biftec avec frites was amazing and I tried a sample of the steak sandwich with gruyere's cheese, which was amazing.  We also had dessert and a little bit of Remy cognac, a perfect way to end our night in the Meatpacking District.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Alexandre H.

 

0

5

Alexandre H.

New York, NY

3 star rating
08/18/2008

Expensive for a steak with french fries.

Good for before party in the area, because fries are delicious and deserts are good. And also, meeting some nice girls at the bar.
It is not because it is french, that it means that it is good ! but it sure means it is expensive !

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Jenny S.

 

8

4

Jenny S.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
07/28/2008

I love the atmosphere in this place. The people and music is very nice. Price is a bit high though & always overcrowded. Waiting for a table for me was 45 minutes on a Friday night.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Edward B.

 

0

7

Edward B.

Redondo Beach, CA

4 star rating
08/07/2008

Overcrowded, but the foie gras was worth waiting ass to ass by the bar. good atmosphere, much better than LA's Pastis.

The steak was pretty effing good too, but that was to be expected. Perfect place for meeting up with friends in the City.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Matt B.

 

5

41

Matt B.

Sacramento, CA

5 star rating
08/02/2008

All I have to say is order the steak sandwich with onions and gruyere.  Absolutely to die for.  I could write a long review about how Pastis mirrors a classic French bistro, which it does.  How the wait staff is very kind and attentive, which they are.  How the outdoor seating would be calling me every weekday for a cozy lunch.  But I won't.  Just go to Pastis and order the steak sandwich.  It will change your life, and it will be a meal you will always remember.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Kevin P.

 

5

11

Kevin P.

New York, NY

2 star rating
08/06/2008

I wasn't expecting all too much when pondering Pastis, but the expectations were far off.

I was pretty happy about the reservation, came here on a Friday for lunch, made the reservation by phone 15 minutes before dining, so I was happy about that.

We were seated, got our water, got menus and didn't get to order for a little while after. And by little while I mean probably 15-20 minutes, when the waiter we had was being extremely tentative to the two tables I was touching elbows with.

Anyhow, ordered the french onion soup, a little too sweet, and way too burnt for my tastes. In comparison, if you are looking for a good french onion, I enjoy Markt (corner of w 21st and 6th).

For lunch, ordered the steak sandwich, pretty good. I don't really have anything special to say, imagine a flank stank cooked medium sliced, in between a french roll, with sauteed onions and arugula. I think I've had this sandwich at many different places, I could be wrong, but its a "steak sandwich". My girlfriend ordered the croque monsieur, it came out semi cold. Not my cup of tea, but I would say 90% of the diners were eating that, or the croque madam. So hey, if you like the croque, I say go for it.

At the beginning of service, I ordered a beer and my gf a glass of wine, and we didn't see our drinks even after our main came out. We asked the waiter, and he said "I know" and walked off. We had to ask a busser about our drinks. I was in a pretty foul mood leaving Pastis after having the waiter give me and girlfriend looks and drop our drinks on the table. I guess he didn't like to be reminded.

My experience in summary, food is average and service is way below average. If you want the same type of atmosphere with WAY better food and WAY better service, I recommend Balthazar in SoHo. The brandade de morue (spelling?) is definitely, mm mm bitch.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Matt H.

 

0

45

Matt H.

New York, NY

3 star rating
07/28/2008

Great location, right in the meat packing district, but this place seems a little overhyped. I went here for brunch this weekend, and wasn't very impressed. I have had better, and for the price, it doesn't seem like it's worth it.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Gidge S.

 

2

21

Gidge S.

Menlo Park, CA

5 star rating
07/27/2008

Pastis, je t'adore.

It was a Sunday morning in July, already sweltering, when I stepped into the bistro. And I immediately fell in love.

The service was gracious and accommodating upon arrival.  Though I was twenty minutes early, I was promptly seated.  Chilled water and coffee arrived immediately. Even after sitting there alone for TWENTY minutes, they accommodated me with kindness when I told them that I needed another table because, unexpectedly, an additional guest was arriving.

It is casual dining, but it is French, and so it is refined. The service is not only attentive, but works harmoniously--I was waited on by at least five people if you include the hostesses, and everyone was working in synch, complementing one another.  

Bright with natural light, the place is inviting, and inclusive. Something about the way the tables are set up evokes the warmth of a meal in someone's dining room.

And you can show up in jeans there.

The food is awesome...well, at least I expect it to be!  In fact, I haven't had anything substantial enough to crtique; but, I am so taken by the place that I have near-blind confidence that everything will be good. If it's any indication, my chilled orange and carrot soup, with its slight tang, was incredibly refreshing on a hot and humid day--and my yogurt with granola and fruit was exactly that--pure and simple--with no detectable funky additives. You actually can mess up a simple dish like this by using chalky yogurt, store-brand granola, and out-of-season fruit.  By the way, their coffee was perfect. Very possibly it was laced with something that made me very happy to be there.  Because I was.

I went to Pastis again later that day to pick up bread for friends, and a very kind waiter, who saw the streaks of sweat staining my blouse, offered me a glass of iced water. It was a nice touch that won me over. Again.

I almost went to Pastis again the next day, alas, there are too many awesome restaurants in Manhattan, and I was running out of time.  So I went to Jean Georges instead.  It was also excellent (and I ate a real meal there), but beneath it all, I'm more of a Pastis kinda-girl.

Pastis is like the man I am willing to hold out for: simple yet refined, unpretentious, yet brimming with understated charm.

Anyone know any places like it in the California Bay Area, please e-mail me. I don't like long-distance relationships.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Jennifer W.

 

6

48

Jennifer W.

Miami, FL

4 star rating
07/23/2008

Love the atmosphere, the crowd and the food.
Every time I go to NY to visit the sister, we always try different restaurants.
The decor is very old school and without frills, what you see is what you get.
Because of it's location, it's always filled with celebrities.  The last time we were there, we saw Liev Schreiber and Famke Jensen with their friends, very unpretentious.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Ms. Shari Z.

 

33

117

Ms. Shari Z.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
07/17/2008

The seating, the buzz, the energy, the location, the food, the service, yummy all around. I could not find one thing not to like.
Next time I'm in NYC I am going back to Pastis!!!
Great place to sit and have wine with your meal outside and people watch.
I love the old style Parisian tile floor...
Everything from bread pre meal to creme brullee was fab.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of James C.

Elite '08

174

132

James C.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
07/07/2008

Casting an aura of pretension and sophistication that's pretty common to restaurants located in Manhattan's Meat Packing District, Pastis tempers the stuffy dining stereotypes with great service and just plain fine food.

A signature of a popular restaurant, the place is humming with activity with crowd patrons standing near the bar waiting for their tables, servers trying to negotiate a path with tray in tow, managers and hostesses keep a vigilant watch on tables, and the growing waiting list.

When I arrived I expected pompous servers, hostesses and staff, but to my chagrin, we were treated in a timely and professional manner.  One of the managers (in the dining area) took kindly to our wait and worked furiously to accommodate us as quickly as possible. We didn't even have make an underhanded bribe.

The french influenced fusion dishes are served with care and the savory dishes satisfying. Of course, the experience at Pastis can be expensive especially if you order their great assortment of wine - which is a requirement since it nicely complements its dishes.

People thought this was:

Useful  (3)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Wendy L.

Elite '08

273

698

Wendy L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
07/09/2008

I've only ever been to Pastis late late night or for brunch. I was visiting friends over the Fourth of July weekend (when most New Yorkers are in the Hamptons), and we made reservations for brunch at Pastis. I'm not really sure we even needed the reservations since it wasn't particularly crowded.

While burgers aren't really brunch food, the burger at the table beside me looked to delicious to pass up. A burger with Gruyere cheese and fries was what I got - burger was good (cooked so that it was just a tad pink and still nice juicy), and the fries were perfect (crispy on the outside, creamy potato goodness on the inside). I had a bit of food envy when my friend's onion soup arrived. That looked amazing. Definitely ordering that the next time around....

Service was good, and I found the experience to be pleasant overall.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Lisa L.

 

11

81

Lisa L.

New York, NY

3 star rating
07/27/2008

I have to start off with saying that I had probably one of the best cafe au laits in my life at Pastis.  We started off with the bread basket, some of the items in which were kind of hit or miss and all didn't seem particularly fresh (though that may have been our fault for having brunch at like 3 pm).  The eggs florentine were really good...but i think the substitution of bechamel sauce instead of hollandaise sauce made the dish very heavy...so that I was extremely full even though the dish itself wasnt that large.  Overall, a good choice for brunch and I would definitely give it a shot for dinner some day.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Laura G.

Elite '08

4

72

Laura G.

New York, NY

4 star rating
07/07/2008

Both times I was there for dinner, and it did not disappoint.  Both times my boss was paying, so that made it even MORE appealing!  Every entree is mouthwatering, the french fries are fantastic, and there is enough variety on the menu so that everyone can leave happy.
The atmosphere is very cozy (cramped) and can be very bustling (loud).
Very yummy and pricey!

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Kristine P.

 

0

4

Kristine P.

Sunnyside, NY

4 star rating
08/05/2008

I've only been to Pastis once. It was only because it was my first time in NYC, and I just had to eat there because of a certain show that embodied everything I dreamt NYC of being...  Ahhh yes, I am just another suburban girl who dreams of nice bags and even nicer shoes.

Anyway, it's a nice place, albeit jam packed, even during the early dinner I had. The service was nice, with its student/struggling actor looking to survive. The food was also very good. Can't go wrong with moules et frites and some shrimp thing, which was the special of the day.

Would I eat here again? Maybe only if I had a fellow suburban girl friend visiting. There are so many restaurants here that I can't quite make this place a regular.

One star for service, one star for food, one star for the company who treated me, and another just because now I can say I've been to Pastis. Minus one star because I inadvertently listened into my table neighbor's current fight with her boyfriend, and I still don't feel like a real New Yorker yet.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Ed H.

Elite '08

81

122

Ed H.

Santa Clara, CA

4 star rating
06/28/2008

I wish I could put an asterisk by this review.  I'm PRETTY sure I had brunch here, but I have a vague recollection that morning.  I wasn't exactly...well... if you ever say me on a Sunday afternoon looking for brunch, you'd know in what condition I was.

The plan was to a place and eat brunch, only I recall that it wasn't the right place, but we didn't care, this was pre-google maps, gps on phones, and we weren't exactly the sort to write things down.

I do remember it was French.  It was good and I'm 52% sure it was here.  The other 48% thinks it might have been the place we were trying to get to but didn't.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Preston P.

 

23

19

Preston P.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
06/24/2008

Viva La France.  Or should I say Viva La Goat Cheese omelette?  Because I would totally cut off somebody's head for one of these from Pastis.  

Went to this place on Memorial Day (night, actually) and it was packed.  Of course, it's always packed from what I hear, but that didn't pose a problem as my sister and I were able to get a table without a reservation within a minute of arriving.  We were seated in a nice little corner booth, had a very pleasant, knowledgeable and attentive waiter, and... and... well, let me be honest.  I was already pretty wasted when I walked in (it's more of a constant state of being, so whatever) and we had a half a carafe of wine and I absolutely devoured that goat cheese omelette, and now I don't remember much else about the place.  

Wait - does that really matter?  

The place is nice.  
The food is good.
The area is charming.  

Go and eat.  Or don't.  Who in the hell takes people on the internet seriously anyway?  Asides from Bill O'Reilly, that is.  And he's an asshat.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (2)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Jennifer H.

 

11

38

Jennifer H.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
07/21/2008

I've heard lots of good things about this place, so i was slightly disappointed that the brunch food was just mediocre.  

i had the yogurt with granola and fresh berries.  the yogurt was kind of warm and the granola tasted a little bland.  not the best i've had especially for 13 dollars!  

the brioche french toast was huge and thick but the taste was a little plain as well.  the spinach egg benedict was really good tho and the portion for that was pretty big.  the herb omelet was solid but i would have liked a bit more seasoning.  maybe i'm just use to really salty food...let's hope that is not the case.

on the plus side the wait was only 10 minutes without a reservation on sunday at 1 for 5 people! not too shabby especially since i was starving.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Andrew N.

 

7

54

Andrew N.

New York, NY

2 star rating
07/13/2008

Went for brunch today. We were seated pretty quickly, got water, ordered, and literally, 5 minutes later, our food comes out. Incredibly fast and I have to say it was TOO fast. We didn't really have much time to chat, especially with the person sitting to my left. The food was ok. I got the Omelette aux Fines Herbes (and it came with french fries). The omelet was really nothing to brag about, bland, bland and besides the blandness, I would have wished it to be fluffier and softer (if they spent more time beating the eggs instead of getting the food out so quickly, maybe it would have been more to how I like it). Anyways, 2 stars mostly for how disappointing the omelet came out. I knew I should've gotten the burger.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Tim S.

 

1

4

Tim S.

New York, NY

1 star rating
07/08/2008

If you like to follow the Paris Hilton set (ie, you throw up everything you eat), this is the perfect place for you.  You will wait a long time to get a table, which is fine since the highlight of the place is the gorgeous bar.  But the food - I've had bad french onion soup here. C'mon!!! Campbells makes good french onion soup, how can you screw that up?  Better food can be had at French Roast on 10th and 6th avenue, and you won't have to wait or be ignored by the hostesses who are bitter and resentful that they are not  Lindsay Lohan.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Patricia M.

 

19

23

Patricia M.

New York, NY

3 star rating
07/06/2008

I've been here for weekend brunch and week day lunch.  The food is alright.  I feel like for the price I paid I should have more to say but honestly both meals were sort of forgettable.  

Brunch Pro: Food comes out super fast
Brunch Con: Felt rushed

Lunch Pro:  Variety of choices
Lunch Con: Food took awhile

I will give it another try but not in the near future.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Hatel B.

 

8

32

Hatel B.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
06/25/2008

Right across from the esteemed boutique Gansevoort Hotel -- its a great location in the meatpacking district.  Our food was great, but I felt as though the service could have been better.  Normally I don't complain about service but I really felt that our waiter just forgot that we were even seated more or less even ordered.  With that said, the food is great and really filling.  I loved the french toast and I am sure that others who have ventured to Pastis must enjoy the french fries. :D  I would not completely knock this place either, just be aware that you may not get the service you expect -- it happens once in a while right?

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Dena S.

 

8

75

Dena S.

New York, NY

4 star rating
06/29/2008

Ok, so I agree Pastis is not the "uber hot spot" it once was - but it is still a good place to meet up with friends before heading out, or to catch a quick drink in a place that isnt as crowded as other Mepa establishments.  The food is still as good as it was - my fav is the steak au poivre.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Missy C.

 

5

8

Missy C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/11/2008

I want to start this review by saying that I live my life "low brow", so for me, this was a first.  I took a trip to NY a few weeks ago with a friend of mine who, in my mind, is a total foodie and a complete sommelier!!  It was our first night in the city, we had just flown in at 3pm and our reservations were for 11pm, since this would be an 8pm dinner.   Well...  I was in for some surprises.  As we walked up to the front door 2 huge guys, let's call them "bouncers" had to check "the list" to see if we really did have reservations.  I laughed a little because door guys, who check the list, and then send you to the maitre d' who then checks the list again, was a bit much.  But it is NYC, in the trendy meat packing district...  

So we order drinks at the bar and wait for our table, the whole time people watching (which to me is great since I usually get stared at for being sleeved).  We get our table and our waiter was a great help with suggestions of what he would order.  I stuck to the simple things bistro steak with frites.  The meat was a bit tough, and the frites a bit over cooked, but the experience was worth the small inconveniences.  I would definitely go again just for the experience and the people watching...  OH and Steven, one of the maitre d's was AMAZING and had a great pair of Sambas on ;)

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Ilias K.

 

0

7

Ilias K.

New York, NY

3 star rating
06/25/2008

Well, Pastis is now an institution in the Meatpacking District.

It's beautifully decorated, continuing the SoHo's Balthazar french tradition, yet with a twist. It's always crowded and sometimes you might leave the premises with a heavy headache.

The food is ok. I usually order a hamburger which, even though it doesn't rock my world, is still decent.

The staff is friendly and the prices are Meatpacked!

Still, it is the meeting point in the area.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Ryan W.

 

8

115

Ryan W.

Arlington, VA

3 star rating
06/01/2008

Our friends met us for brunch at Pastis, a regular spot for them.  I would have to agree with the NYT review which called it authentically French.  That French authenticity seems to appeal to a lot of people because it was packed.  Too bad the brunch wasn't more appealing.  The Basque style eggs were kind of oily and bland.  The creamy polenta it was served over, was the best part of the dish.  We ordered the basket of breakfast breads, of which the sticky bun was the best.  The others were kind of dry and didn't seem freshly baked.  My wife seemed pleased with her brioche French toast, but overall I thought this place was just average.  Service was just average.  Our waiter was pretty inconsistent, but the buspeople alwasy kept the water glasses full.  It wasn't terrible, but there must be better brunch alternatives nearby.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Lauren L.

Elite '08

71

223

Lauren L.

New York, NY

4 star rating
06/29/2008

i came here today for a bridal shower. i am having trouble already with this review because while the food was good, the afternoon was god awful.

bridal showers....all showers in fact, are terribly boring. but i think french food is completely delicioso. so i will simply comment on the food.

this was my first time eating here. all the ladies who lunched were given champagne a la fraise, which was champagne with strawberry puree. they were just being served round and round in serious rotation. i made eye contact with my little cutie waiter many times and held up my index finger and did the nose crinkle eye squint "i'll have one more." and within a minute or so, voila. big ups to manny.

we all shared about seventy dozen oysters and they tasted fantastic, it was my first raw oyster experience, and me likey.

it was hot as sweaty balls out today and as sticky as them too. so i needed something fresh. re freshing. i went with the classic shrimp cocktail. not the most sophisticated thing on the menu, but honestly i've been craving shrimp cocktail for like, a year. i had 4 extremely fat & jumbo chilled firm shrimp with a seriously bittersweet cocktail sauce with a spritz of fresh lemon. it was really great. i wanted more more more. but i waited in agony for my lunch instead, because the ladies i was with were so god awful and terrible company on a sticky hot sweaty oppressively hot sunday.

now normally i don't do shellfish. anything with an exoskeleton seriously scares the ba-jesus out of me. i mean....think about it. *shudder* but you know what???? MARCY was picking up the tab. and MARCY likes to thrust her cleavage in my boyfriends face just about every time i see her out so i got the lobster. the whole lobster, not the half. it was served with garlic butter (eh) & crisp, perfectly well done steak fries. they were amazing. i dipped them in my cocktail sauce, i'm classless. but it was good as hell.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (4)

Cool  (3)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Nancy P.

 

15

209

Nancy P.

Petaluma, CA

4 star rating
07/08/2008

martha stewart once claimed pastis french fries the 'best french fries in the state of new york'. she obviously has never been to california. but the food was the best in the meat-packing district. you can probably find customers from ono running from the unedible sushi towards this place (do it, people).

the hamburgers are so juicy, so mouth-watering, and well-seasoned. the french fries are good, don't get me wrong, but i HAVE had better. the apple dessert was a little funky, kind of tart, and not at all sweet. i can be really close-minded.

definite hot-spot on thursday nights. even tuesdays... can't find a place to sit. but stick it out for the wait, you can thank me later.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Mick S.

Elite '08

13

101

Mick S.

New York, NY

4 star rating
05/19/2008

The only thing wrong with going here for lunch is I never get to take a nap afterward.  Pastis has mastered the art of serving food-coma inducing plates of wonder.

I have never had a bad experience here - the food is consistently good. The restaurant is consistently always a scene as well. Make reservations unless you have a bit of time to burn and wait.

If you're a whore for French Onion soup: get it here.
-Nicoise Salad: Utterly ridiculous. Massive portion, gorgeous tuna...well balanced flavors.
-Croque Monsieur and "Madame":  wow. Great cheese. Crispy perfection.
-Steak Sandwich: we referred to this as the "fat bastard special". It is so good and hard to stop eating.

-Moules w/ Pernod: I love moules - and I loved these.

Don't forget to get some fries here as well - they are crunchy goodness.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of saudamini c.

 

2

2

saudamini c.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
05/31/2008

Went to this place for breakfast and really liked it. It has fantastic atmosphere and it's gets mad amounts of natural light in the mornings.
I wouldn't suggest it for vegetarians but it's great if you like some kind of morning meat and eggs.
The food and coffee are good, but why I really like this place is because of the service and the architecture and light. You can sit indoors or out with your newspaper and just hang out. I'd say it's boisterous rather than noisy which is part of the charm.
Very cute waiting staff

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Haily Z.

 

11

33

Haily Z.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
06/14/2008

OK, so I went twice in four days.  Love this place. The owners really worked hard at making the place feel genuinely French.  The menu is solid -- typical french fare, nothing too frilly, nothing too simple.  All good.  At night it's packed with people, perhaps a bit too packed.  I thoroughly enjoyed my moules frites and the cheese plate after dinner with a mean glass of port.  My friend had an absurdly delicious steak frites.  A few days later I went back for a business meeting.  It really is  an ideal place in the morning.  They have a great reading selection of international newspapers, non-intrusive service, and buttery baked goods.  I wish we had something as authentic in LA.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Monica S.

Elite '08

39

160

Monica S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/18/2008

While shopping in the Meat Packing district during my last visit to NYC I happened to stumble on Pastis, I had no clue it was the cool little place that everyone raves about. This time around I wanted to take my manager. It was about 70 degrees out, lovely Manhattan day! Pastis overflowed with people. We tried to sit outside, but the wait was too long. No worries, in doors will do. I ordered the Hamburger with fries, Leslie has fries with a steak sandwich.. I love this place.. The food is always right on and the service is friendly, attentive and fast.

Pastis had become the lunch staple while in NYC. I typically like to try new places every visit, but between Pastis and Barney Greengrass - these two are repeaters.

Walking out, or more like rolling out - I was stuffed! We noticed the paparazzi outside. To my surprise they were following Jenn Jameson who was lunching out on the Patio of Pastis.. Is she even famous? The paparazzi must have been experiencing a very slow day..

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Marisa L.

 

0

11

Marisa L.

Forest Hills, NY

3 star rating
07/11/2008

Been here on several occasions.  I think the food is mediocre but have to give my thumbs up for their desserts tho.  I like how they make sure your glass is filled and is always there to attend you.  I do love the French Bistro feel and their great service.  Gets really crowded in the evenings and is a "to be seen" place.  Great place to people watch too.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Carson H.

Elite '08

9

349

Carson H.

Woodside, CA

5 star rating
05/02/2008

This place is such a scene but it's hopping late at night which is why I love NYC. The Croque Monsieur is to die. If you can snag a seat at the bar grab a carafe of wine and enjoy the view!

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

1 to 40 of 208 |  
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Write a review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Paradou
    Paradou
    4 star rating 57 reviews
    Neighborhood: Manhattan/West Village
    Category: French
  • Photo of Balthazar Restaurant & Bakery
    Balthazar Restaurant &…
    4 star rating 288 reviews
    Neighborhood: Manhattan/SoHo
    Category: French
  • Photo of Spice Market
    Spice Market
    3.5 star rating 201 reviews
    Neighborhood: Manhattan/West Village
    Category: Thai
  • Photo of Fig and Olive