AOC

I can't imagine anyone complaining about the food here because I have never had one meal that wasn't absolutely delicious! My boyfriend and I live on the UES and still go out of our way for the food here at A.O.C. The French Onion Soup is so tasty and we LOVE that the cheese layer has the perfect amount of crispness (considering that the base of the soup is broth, this soup has surprising dimension to it). I've had the Croque Monsieur and loved it and the vinaigrette on the salad that comes with the sandwich is good. My boyfriend wants to order something other than the Steak au Poivre but doesn't because he thinks it is so delicious. I'm so hooked on the salmon with vegetables that I go back at least once or twice a week for it. The vegetables are just slightly charred from the grill and they are outstanding in my opinion. I don't know what that light sauce is that is on them but it is delicious. The Creme Brulee is just as delicious as everything else we have eaten at A.O.C. If I had one small complaint it would be with the music and it's volume. Most of the time it is appropriate but every now and then it is too loud and just not right for enjoying a meal to.

....Probably because it's well located in the West Village. But that's about all that's nice about this place... On Saturday, I went to AOC again with some friends (mostly French people)..and AGAIN, I was disappointed. First the white wine was not good, and when we asked the waiter for another bottle (which we all very rarely do), he was very rude, as if he had better things to do with his time than go find us another bottle. Unfortunately, whereas the rest of the diner could have been nice once we had a new bottle, the waiter remained rude for the rest of the diner, basically throwing out our entrees dishes on the table without taking the appetizers dishes first. Then he also got confused as to which sauce was supposed to go with which steack etc...Finally I find the music too loud and inappropriate for this type of restaurant. At Pere Pinard's the music is loud too, but at least it's a good DJ. At AOC it's just an Ipod playing silly songs... Obviously, I won't go back. This time, for real!

To start off with the positives, the place is big and looks like it has a nice outside garden area. We went on a Saturday night, and were sat promptly. The first thing I noticed was the LOUD music that didn't quite fit with the ambience of the restaurant. Then our food came, and quite frankly, it wasn't good at all. We ordered the French Onion Soup and fried shrimp appetizers, which were so-so. Then our entrees were the lamb shank and chicken, and they were not good at all. I could barely finish my dish, and was wishing I had eaten more of the appetizer. Then, we tried to pay the bill (which at that point we were angry we were paying so much for food that didn't taste good), and we were told the restaurant only took cash and American Express. So we had to make a trip outside and across the street to an ATM. Overall, it was a very poor experience, I will never go back, and don't recommened anyone else going.

Went on a tuesday, not too crowded. Was very impressed by both the service as well as the food. Try the muscles in white wine sauce, you won't go home hungry!

I have been to the back garden in AOC several times in the past month. The food is always tasty and completely solid. Nothing is overpriced and the atmosphere in the garden on a nice night is fantastic. However, I have vowed not to return any more. The staff there seems to go out of their way to be cold and aloof, or worse, just plain rude. It is clear they have no interest in making the experience fun and providing a warm experience. The attitude seems like they are annoyed you have dropped in for dinner. Overall, it prevents me, or anyone I have taken there from having a good time. Have to pass until they get a serious attitude adjustment.

So, its a great summer sunday afternoon and I find myself in the middle of the west village in a beaautiful garden. The service was wonderful. Love the french staff.. and the prices arent bad.. but was it a rude awakening when the food arrived! Just poor. I cant wait to give it another shot. It would be a waste of a perfect space/concept.

Good food. I've had better cassonlet, but the saffron mussels with fries are fabulous. The atmosphere is sultry and romantic, whether you want to be inside, or out in the gardenesque patio. The value is pretty solid as well. HOWEVER, that being said, the service leaves something to be desired. I don't know if the place is under-staffed or if the staff is simply incompetent. It has many other things going for it as I have stated. I've been there probably about six times in a three month period, hoping for the service to improve, but I have resigned myself to that fact that it is a chronic problem. I might try the place again in another 6 months to see if any improvement has been made.