Belcourt (CLOSED)

Normally I'm not inclined to write reviews as most NYC restaurants are within an acceptable range. But I do make an exception for an outstanding experience at either end of the table. My wife and I eat out quite frequently and thus feel well qualified to provide an objective review. That said, our meal and overall experience last week at Belcourt was by far the poorest we've ever had. From the rustic or rather, rusty table and chairs to the flippant service and the unacceptable food, we couldn't wait to leave. For example, while waiting for our food to arrive, I inquired as to whether or not any bread was served prior to the meal to which the waiter responded with a curt "you have to ask for it". And when it was served, there were 5 small slices of rather cheap ordinary bread. My wife ordered the braised lamb that turned out to be three cuts of fat with only a sliver of meat poking thru. It was thoroughly unappetizing, unedible and had to be returned to the kitchen. She replaced the order with a dozen oysters that were only fair at best and almost twice the cost as the restaurant down the street which tasted far better . My skirt steak, although not known as the most tender cut of meat, was properly cooked but unfortunatly, tough as rubber. Needless to say, we skipped dessert and will never return.

Perhaps the world? Everything tastes incredible. The waiter we always have is awesome. And the brunch prices are totally reasonable.

I was visiting my son in NY and he recommended Belcourt. We sat outside and our waiter was very attentive. She answered every question we asked, very helpful. Our apps (sweetbreads and bone marrow tacos) were awesome! The hanger steak and lamb breast were amazing! We thoroughly enjoyed every morsel. Thanks for great service!

The tragedy is the food is not half bad. But the staff i.e. management make this establishment an impossible choice. I made the mistake - after already knowing the service is questionable from prior experience - of bringing someone important to me to the restaurant for coffee and dessert. The staff forgot half our orders then became defensive after we waited an hour and didn't allow us to speak with the waiter who took our order. Very unpleasant when you're with company you're trying to impress.

Nestled near the end of Second Avenue is lovely little place where the menu is anything but ordinary. I like it when a restaurant takes risks with dishes that could be just main stream. We started with the Caesar and celery salads. The Caesar featured huge leaves of leaves of lettuce dusted with Parmesan cheese and just the right level of dressing. The celery salad featured walnuts, blue cheese, and apples in a perfect combination. We moved on to the prawns in white beans and the puttanesca. The prawns were perfectly cooked (ever get shrimp or prawns that have been turned into little curls of tough?) and rested on a pond of white beans in a delicious broth. The puttanesca was served with extra large spaghetti and the sauce was not overwhelmed by the capers (which is often the case). The service was fine; nothing to write home about. And the sidewalk table while looking as if it had been through a war, held up well after being steadied by the waiter's deft use of a taper cut cork that served as a stabilizing wedge. It's a fun little spot - give it a try.

When I go to restaurants, I don't like to be constantly checked on by the wait staff- it can be annoying- but I do want to get served! We were very disappointed with the service, as we spent a lot of time sitting in front of menus and empty dishes waiting to be helped even though the restaurant was half empty. We shared the oysters for an appetizer, which were the best part of the meal- fresh, although we didn't love the garlicky sauce. The spinach salad was pretty good as well. For main dishes my boyfriend got the chicken, which was good, but I got the pork and it was terrible. The meat was very fatty and drowned in herbs, which was a bit overwhelming. The potatoes were ok. The fruit cobbler at the end was tasty though, so at least we didn't leave on such a bad note. With so many good restaurants in NYC and in the east village, I wouldn't go back.

What's not to like. Great Drinks, Great Food, Great Service and Affordable. One of my favorite Restaurants. Good atmosphere although a little loud, they always play good music.