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We are a family of foodies, and we all agree that our Friday night dinner at Balthazar was a ranking meal in our lifetimes. The brandade, bouillabaise, steak frites, and pot au creme will be in our dreams.

Had dinner with an out of town friend and we each commented, independently, on the poor attitude of the people at the reception stand. My guest arrived first, and the hostess purported to be unable to find the reservation. I arrived a few minutes later, and she did the same thing to me until miraculously discovering it. When my friend joined me, we were unceremoniously/rudely escorted to a far off, Siberia-like outpost, next to a woman with kids and some oddly dressed tourists. It was only 630 and there were plenty of tables. We both found the food indifferent and expense. Won't be back.

My soon to be husband and I went here last night for our 4 year dating anniversary. I had been here a few years ago and he had never been here. We had an absolutely wonderful evening. They saw we were a couple and seated us at a corner table where we could sit side-by-side. Our waitress was extremely friendly and didn't hesitate to recommentda very inexpensive bottle of wine. The Goat Cheese & Onion Tartlet was melt in your mouth and the Fannie Bay oysters quickly became our favorite. He ordered the special of Thursday, Lamb Shoulder which was fall apart good in your mouth and I ordered the Duck Confit which was cripsy and tender all at the same time. Even the mushrooms and chips that came with it were amazing. I'll admit that it would have been difficult with a medium to large group to hear each other, but sitting next to each other, we heard everything we said. We will definitely be back.

brunch can be great, but this breakfast was subpar and perhaps beyond bad. the pecan rolls were stale, latte was weak. we thought about sending everything back and probably we should have. it's a beautiful space, plenty of attention from the service staff, and breakfast is not as deafening as other meals can be here. a wonderful NY institution hopefully on a way off moment.

I had been to Balthazar before, but never for brunch. Like always, I enjoyed the food (never quite LOVED it), found the atmosphere to be cheerful and happy (if a bit pretentious), and found the wait staff to attentive and helpful. But the folks working the Saturday brunch shift could definitely use an attitude adjustment. Upon entering Balthazar, I wasn't sure where my party was seated, so I asked the hostess, who, after mutely pointing me to the table, turned around and loudly asked her fellow hostess why "people don't bother looking before asking where their table is". Well miss, if I knew immediately where my table was upon entering, you would serve no real function and therefore not have a job, correct? And while I'm sort of nitpicking, I'm baffled that a hostess is questioning the very reason her job exists. Go figure.

Definitely check out this place for Sat/Sun brunch- food is terrific, service is great, a little loud but lots of people is a sign of a good place!

Was a little hesitant to go thinking its best days might have passed but fortunately I was wrong. Top notch service, food and atmosphere puts this place right back in the rotation. Well worth a visit...still.