 | New York City Balthazar Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 23 |  |
This tip is provided by our daughter.
Balthazar is the best French brasserie in New York. While living in Manhattan, my friend and I went weekly for breakfast, lunch, and/or dessert. (Somehow, we never made it for dinner.)
Virtually every item on the lunch menu is excellent, from the duck confit to the macaroni and cheese to the salad nicoise. (The only exception is the roasted pumpkin ravioli. I'm not sure this is flaw of Balthazar so much as an intrinsic error in the concept of putting pureed pumpkin into ravioli pasta. I've never had this dish done well in any restaurant anywhere. Balthazar's brasserie fries deserve especial praise for being crisp, perfectly textured, savory, and still quite light.
Balthazar's brunch is roaringly popular. A rare and wonderful convenience is that the restaurant allows reservations! (In fact, if you dine there frequently enough, you may be given access to a special telephone number to make priority reservations.) Since reservations are accepted, the "walk in" wait list often runs more than an hour. The wait can be endured comfortably, though, thanks to the Starbucks across the street. Or, if you prefer, the neighborhood is chockablock full of quirky and trendy retail stores.
The acoustic quality of Balthazar is, intentionally, that of a noisy, bustling brasserie. The high ceilings and lush wood surfaces amplify chatter, creating a perpetual sense of liveliness -- even when the restaurant isn't full.
Balthazar keeps late hours, which makes it a natural place for a late night dessert. Snack at the bar, chat with other patrons, and watch the bartenders work their magic, or tuck yourself into a corner and whisper secrets and hold hands. Balthazar's late night atmosphere works whether you're feeling convivial or romantic. Try the profiteroles or the blackberry financiers -- truly wonderful!
Note: the tables are small and cramped. There's barely room for jackets and shopping bags, much less strollers. No coat check is available.
My favorite brunch dish is an egg dish with asparagus and mushrooms, nestled in a perfectly delicate puff pastry. A close second is the apple cinnamon pancakes (available only on Sunday). My friend's favorite is the beef stroganoff, with homemade papardelle noodles and extremely succulent, tender beef. Leave a Comment Theme: FrenchPrice: US$21-30 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 80 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012Phone: 212.965.1785Directions: Between Crosby Street and Broadway.Website: http://www.balthazarny.com/home.html Other Contact: frontdesk@balthazarny.com
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Besides being an excellent restaurant, Balthazar is also a superb bakery. The bakery used to do its own baking on the premises, but when it became too popular, the operation was moved to a larger location across the Hudson in New Jersey. The bakery attached to the restaurant *is* the Balthazar bakery, but baked goods are no longer produced in the kitchen.
If you arrive in the morning, Balthazar's baked good are simply incredible. However, by the afternoon, they have started to become soggy and stale -- so, get 'em early! My favorites are the banana nut doughnuts and the pistachio or chocolate madelines. Balthazar also supplies beautiful boules! Leave a Comment
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If you want a feel of Paris, right in the middle of New York City...you have to try this place out. It is always packed! The decor of the place is very Parisian, with the antique mirrors, and the huge bar..and the ambiance is so warm and romantic.
I went there for some wine and some oysters..delicious! And with the freezing snow outside...the ambiance did more than just warm my hands and nose :)
Try the good wine, the oysters and seafood...and although I did not try the pastries and breads...my friends told me that they should not be missed! Leave a Comment Theme: FrenchPrice: US$31-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 80 Spring St, Manhattan, NY 10012Phone: 212-965-1414Directions: SOHO.Website: www.balthazarny.com
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This is my favorite place to eat*. I love the atmosphere and the food, although I always order the same thing.
They say you need reservations weeks in advance, but I have always walked in on the spur of the moment and have been seated, if not immediately, within a half an hour. Of course, I don't go at the height of the lunch or dinner hour.
There is a very nice bar where you can wait and have a glass of wine.
Dress for Sunday brunch is casual.
You may want to check http://www.chowhound.com or epinions for other customer reviews
or
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newyorkcity/D39058.html
*SEE ALSO MY REVIEW ON MY SECOND FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN NYC ON MY FLUSHING AND FOREST HILLS PAGES. The restaurant is Dirty Pierre's.
I almost always order the goat cheese tarte and a glass of wine. It is not a lot of food, but it gives me room to have the Pavlova for desert. If you want hartier fare, you might try the macaroni and cheese. My brother-in-law thinks it is the best he has ever eaten. It's too rich for me. My sister likes the cheese plate. The liver and onions were a big disappointment.
Depending on what you order, Balthazar may be considered average or expensive. Wine and desert will greatly add to the expense. Leave a Comment Theme: FrenchPrice: US$31-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 80 Spring St, Manhattan, NY 10012Phone: 212-965-1414Directions: SOHO
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Balthazar has the classic Parisien Bistro feel and decor. The white paper tablecloths, the red booths, the walls of mirrors... I feel like I'm back in Paris. I have been coming here for years and I have never ben disapointed. I love the basket of delicious bread on the table. Everyone I have ever brought to Balthazar is amazed at the good the food and the cocktails. The food and service is always excellent and I always leave feeling more than satisfied.
It is best to make a reservation unless you'd like to wait up to an hour to be seated.
Some of my favorites are:
The Brioche French Toast -served with yummy smoked bacon and delicious maple syrup. It is sooo delicious.
The Steak Frites with Bearnaise sauce- incredibly delicious
Macaroni Au Gratin- delicious mac and cheese with bacon...so sinful.
The Creme Brulee- the best I have ever had anywhere!
Apple Tart Tatin- just as good as in Paris.
The Bellini Martini is my favorite drink at Balthazar!
Chris loves the Eggs Norweigan- with smoked salmon and hollandaise. He's also had the Scrambled eggs in puffed pastry ith asparagus and mushrooms. For dessert he has had the Profiteroles and the Pineapple Upside down cake. Theme: FrenchPrice: US$31-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 80 Spring St, Manhattan, NY 10012Phone: 212-965-1414Directions: SOHO.
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The daddy in a chain of quality bistros and bars. Balthazar, like its sister restaurant Pastis, successfully emulates an old Parisian brassiere.
I really can't recommend this place enough, although it's no secret in New York, and youll have to book well in advance to have a hope of getting onto one of the closely packed, but very stylish, tables.
As well as quality food, wines and service, they have their own bakery that serves the whole chain.
Reasonable prices for such a high class French restaurant.
Also used as a location shoot for quite a few TV shows and films. Leave a Comment
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Balthazar may seem like an intimidating place, and the waitresses give off a somewhat snooty vibe on entering Balthazar, but the food is excellent and the waitresses turn out friendly asfter all. Lavish surroundings, with a French feel. 'Reminiscent of a turn of the century Paraisian brasserie' says the website. I spent New Year's Eve evening at B. and had soup and Mahi Mahi, both of which were excellent. The menu is varied and everything fresh and cooked to your specifications. 'Bistro food'. They offer breakfast through to late night dinner and have a full wine list. Plus you can get french bread and pastries from the Bakery. Yum!
The Mahi Mahi. Cooked very well. Leave a Comment
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WIthout a doubt, Balthazar always serves the best breads, especially when you get them fresh in the morning. For dinner and lunch, the menu is good and everytime I go there for either lunch or dinner, the quality of the food is always great. They always cook the food in correct temperature and the seasoning is always right on the money. But at most times, I like going there for the weekend brunch. I think they have the best classic brunch menu in the whole city. When you want to go, make sure you have a reservation. If you don't, you have to wait for 45 minutes to an hour to get a table or if you lucky, you can get a bar seating right away. If you want to avoid the crowd during the weekend, you can always get their breakfast weekdays from 7:30 to 11:30 am.
My favorite item for brunch is the classic Eggs Benedict and Eggs in Puff Pastry. The eggs are cooked perfectly (especially for the Eggs Benedict, they were poached but not overcooked). A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a cup of cappucino with your meal is just right to start your day. Leave a Comment
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My restaurant ratings were written back in 2001 (too lazy to update):
CAFE HABANA - Relatively cheap restaurant with Cuban sandwiches. The one in Soho was in Lenny Kravitz's 'Again' music video.; Greenwich Village - 11 Abingdon Sq. (8th Ave.) Tel. 212.989.3600; SoHo/Little Italy
17 Prince St. (Elizabeth St.); Tel. 212.625.2001; Relatively Inexpensive;
CANTEEN [SoHo - Little Italy] - The decor is cool in the subterranean restuarant with bright orange seating. The food is decent, 142 Mercer St. (Prince St.) Tel) 212.431.7766, Moderate-Expensive;
L'ORANGE BLEUE
[SoHo - Little Italy] I've only had breakfast at this Moroccan-French restaurant, and it was soooooo good. They only took cash. 430 Broome St. (Crosby St.) Tel) 212.226.4999, Moderate-Expensive;
LOMBARDI'S [SoHo - Little Italy] - Thin crusts with coal-oven flavor.
32 Spring St. (bet. Mott & Mulberry Sts) Tel) 212.941.7994 Cheap-Moderate;
Mercer Kitchen [SoHo - Little Italy] - New American-French flair! I've not been there, but have heard rave reviews.
99 Prince St. (Mercer St.) Tel) 212.966.5454, Quite costly.;
VA TUTTO! [SoHo - Little Italy] - Small, dark, nice Northern Italian restuarant. I always have their fish plate and it's always great! The desserts are ok, just stick with the main dishes!
23 Cleveland Pl. (bet. Kenmare & Spring Sts.) Tel)212.941.0286, Expensive;
AQUAGRILL [SoHo] - Great seafood and raw bar. It's a small tight restaurant, so make reservations in advance. It's Expensive, but give it a shot! 210 Spring St. (6th Ave.) Tel) 212.274.0505;
BALTHAZAR [SoHo - Little Italy] - Huge French brasserie. The decor is cool--extensive raw bar. Breakfast/brunch is great--I always had the hazelnut waffles. If there a few of you, get a basket of their breads, including chocolate bread with Valrhona chocolate! 80 Spring St. (B'way & Crosby St.) Tel) 212.965.1414; 71
CLINTON FRESH FOOD[Lower East Side] - Supposed to be a great seafood joint. Most people will not go down to the LES b/c it's not as bougie as other areas, but this restaurant is worth it. 71 Clinton St. (Rivington St.) Tel) 212.614.6960, Expensive.;
Ludlow is a cool strip of bars and hangouts. (bet. Rivington & Stanton Sts.)
EL CID [Chelsea] -The best tapas restaurant in the city. It's tight, so make reservations or else you'll have to wait some time. 322 W. 15th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Aves.) Tel) 212.929.9332, Moderate Leave a Comment Theme: OtherAddress: Manhattan, NYDirections: SOHO.
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I have tried Onion Soup many times but this is by far the best I have ever had.I tried a few other things such as beef tartare but the Onion Soup is what I order when I visit NYC.
Onion Soup with wonderful flavor and lots of gooey delicious cheese on top.ummmmmmmmmmm Theme: FrenchPrice: US$11-20 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 80 Spring St, Manhattan, NY 10012Phone: 212-965-1414Directions: SOHO.
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