Bar Americain

We've never had anything but exceptional food and exceptional service at Bar Americain. Try the hot potato chips (freshly made) with hot blue cheese dip, the Kentucky Hot Brown, the Deep Dish Chocolate Cream Pie, the steaks -- we've never gone wrong. It's a little noisy, but that's hard to avoid in a Manhattan restaurant.

This might be one of the worst meals I have had in a restaurant in years. That too - I paid $100 to be subjected to poor quality and a manager that frankly couldn't care less. The fillet mignon could not be cut- and definately not chewed. It went back. Two people got steak- one was good the other absolutely not edible- grainy and tasteless. I had a lobster cocktail that was so stringy and over cooked it was like chewing gum...my friend ordered duck well done and it came bleeding- she sent it back- they covered it in sauce and returned it to her. After waiting over an hour for our food- this was a grave disappointment. The only saving grace was our waiter who could not have been nicer and more apologetic. All in all- a waste of money and a restaurant Bobby Flay should be ashamed of putting his name on. Stay away- stay very far away. The manager informed us that we had the same food as 500 covers that day- so rather than try to make us comfortable or offer restitution- he made it out that we were crazy. We are people that eat out 4-5 nights a week. We also cook- and know good and bad food when we eat it. Never going back.....not ever.

How could the simplest of fare - a burger - from the Iron Chef / Grill Master himself go so wrong? Well... apparently asking for a medium burger is too much to ask. I received a burger that was literally charbroiled. It was burnt, it was dry, and I stopped eating after 2 bites. They were nice enough not to charge us, but grilling is supposed to be the forte of this restaurant. I have gotten a much better burger for much less by going across the street to one of the many steakhouses.

Went for special dinner and sat upstairs. A $14 red wine by the glass comes in a white wine glass. Not by mistake - that is how Flay serves it. Each entree was clearly assembly line like a wedding. The sides were great but $9 french fries should be. Seems like a high end theater-crowd trap.

Everything was amazing. Hands down Bar Americain was the best brunch I've ever had. The raw bar was fresh and yummy and the waffles were to die for. Bobby Flay is definitely the master of flavor. The service was super hospitable and the decor is pretty modern chic. I've already recommended it to several friends an they all agree that it was an awesome experience.

Am puzzled by all the bad reviews, because my experience was top notch. The place looks amazing: high ceilings (cuts noise--yay!) and an Art-Deco-inspired decor that looks like it ought to be on the cover of an Ayn Rand book. The Vidalia onion soup is one of the best onion soups I've ever had: pleasantly rich, beefy broth (but not oversalty), onions cooked just right, big chewy crouton, and heaps of gooey brown melted Cheddar. My husband's Kentucky Hot Brown was PHENOMENAL: big slices of hot turkey breast on French Toast, topped with Mornay sauce and then gratineed with cheese. Not a diet dish to be sure, but mouthwatering and perfectly cooked. My grilled pizza featured the intriguing flavor combination of chunked bacon, caramelized onion, and toasted garlic. Grilling ensured a super-crisp crust, although the cheese could have been slightly more cooked. Must have for dessert: the bourbon praline profiterole with buttermilk ice cream. HEAVENLY! The service was attentive and friendly but not hovering. Great beer list. We will be back for certain. Bravo Bobby!

I have a friend who loooves this place...what is she having that is so amazing?? I certainly didn't find it. My boyfriend and I went and had 2 appetizers and 2 sides. The food is good, not great. It's extremely heavy, and you are not left feeling like it was worth it to feel like a brick. The flavors aren't subtle. I had the lamb chops and they were tough. My boyfriend's duck was pretty good, even though it wasn't mind blowing. The sides were like bar food (such as the cauliflower and goat cheese gratin). It's just too expensive to be this mediocre.