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Went there with a Scoutmob deal. Had a glass of pinot noir ($9) with the duck confit ($20), which was cooked very well with a crispy skin but seemed a bit flat in terms of seasoning--salty, but one dimensional, as were the potatoes. The frisee and lardons salad on the side was delicious, though, with a great balance of mustard, vinegar, and oil. My favourite part of the meal was the Casimir Special Express ($4), a shot glass of very good pistachio ice cream and an espresso. The service was good but perhaps a bit too unctuous for my taste, the atmosphere excellent, very Parisian with a good Anglophone jazz mix.

I love the city’s culinary diversity and it’s many bars and restaurants. I have my favorites I always come back to, backup favorites for the times I’m indecisive, and new places I look forward to trying. For example, Casimir, a quiet French bistro staple in New York’s East Village, has always been my backup favorite, but it’s recent acquisition and new management by Mario Carta has brought it back on the map as a place du jour, and my current staple. Every trip to Casimir is a tiny trip to Paris, not just for the authentic French vibe, but for the excellent food. This adorable bistro is located far off the path of hipsters, tourists, and the glamourati. It is like Balthazar, but without the pushy crowds; like L’Express, but more authentic; like Cafe Luxembourg, but more chill. Do you get where I’m going with this? Casimir has become by bistro a la mode for any occasion, especially on Thursday nights, when I want to begin my weekend early with a glamorous Burlesque show, staged in the center of the restaurant. Come with me, wine and dine on some of the best French bar food in the city, and stay for the titillating show, which is not only exotic and seductive, but still so friendly and elegant. Bring a date, bring your friends, bring your parents – everyone will enjoy the cheeky and fun acts by some of the most beautiful girls you’ll see outside the strip clubs (bedaubing!). Recommended dishes: Terrine De Foie Gras Steak Tartare Duck Confit or Flank steak

This was actually my first dinner on the Lower East Side (tourist) and I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the food! A friend who lives in the area recommended it and our group of 5 had a great corner table, a fantastic waitress (Emily), a delicious dinner and a lot of fun. So glad we went. Best thing - you can order a half-portion for either a smaller appetite or smaller bill - very nice.

In a party of three for dinner, we ordered three appetzers/ soup, a main course, and desserts. Two of us ordered drinks (in my case, two). Each dish was perfectly done. We paid about $40 per person. We would gladly go back. Brunch is much cheaper (half that price for food).

While the atmosphere is nice and service pleasant, I wish I could say the same about the food. There is nothing particular about it. When a French restaurant offers UN-tasty mussels...I am not coming back. They also did not have cabernet sauvignon by the glass. Bummer. Probably not go back.

I have been going to casimir for years now but just recently went there for brunch. I was delighted. "Croque madame " is a must have, my friend had the tunisian eggs and eventhough they were still cooking in the hot terracotta platte, they were delicious. Highly recommended!

Except if you plan to spend $100 on a meal you won't find anything better than Casimir for the French category (being French you can rely on it). The steak tartare is the best I ever had. Even better than in any restaurant in Paris