La Barrique (CLOSED)

First off, I have to say that this restaurant blew me away. It had to be one of the best meals I had in a while. I would recommend the french onion soup or the salmon tartare to start off with and any one of their entrees. My co-workers first spotted this place walking down 39 street. It had a lit up christmas tree in front of it which really caught our attention. We walked in and right away felt the romantic ambiance that really set the tone for this French Bistro. We were seated by a hot waitress and had great service throughout the night. The prices were very reasonable considering the restaurants location and decor. This place is an ideal spot for business meetings, dates or any type of intimate setting. The food was unbelievable. Definitely a place I will continue to revisit and enjoy.

Went during "happy hour" per chalkboard outside, but was charged a la carte prices ($9 for "house" CA cab?) for *all* drinks. When I pointed out the error, I was told there are different specials on different days (NOT clearly spelled out on sign outside nor by bartender) and bill was reduced somewhat, but not per advertised level. Also, the cheez plate was way too big for the average person, and was accompanied by *saltines*. Really? Lost a potential regular!

Great spot! Bar is fully packed, fun scene for those of you eligible. HIGHLY recommend.

I just started a new job in Midtown and this is the first place I went for lunch. I was just gonna grab something at a food cart, but as I'm walking down 39th, I notice this menu board on the sidewalk advertising a beef stew special. I immediately ditched the food cart plan in favor of sitting down to a "real" meal and relaxing in what looked like homely surroundings. The furniture and fixtures are mainly of dark wood with copper tones and and the restaurant is arranged in such a way that you can either sit in the front bar area near windows which open out onto the street, or sit further back in a more private section. I sat in the back area. The other tables seemed to be occupied by people doing business lunches and I could see myself doing something similar in future because the atmosphere in this spot is very serene, good for talking at a modest noise level. It has this old-world vibe which is enriched by the jazz music filtered in from the sound system. I really liked the atmosphere coz a lot of lunch spots in midtown are noisy and/or rushed; OR, if you want a quiet sit-down experience you have to go to those Old Boys Club type of restaurants which is a major production...you catch my drift.. Anywhoo, back to my story..I went ahead and ordered the beef stew special as it had caught my eye, but the menu had other tempting options like the arugula salad with duck confit or mussels served with french fries (!) which I'll try next time. The menu was French and modestly priced: anywhere from $5-$20. My food took a while to come out, I think the waiter was in training , but in the meantime I sipped on the asparagus soup that came with the meal. When the food arrived, I was very happy with my choice. The portion was very generous, but even better was the juiciness of the meat and the pearl onions that were sprinkled throughout. The stew was very yummy and was served with mashed potatoes and broccoli. I make a lot of stews at home and this one tasted truly homemade, it's like it had been sitting in a pot for hours! I had to send compliments to the chef of course. Overall, I am glad that I tripped upon this spot in my adventure for food that first week at my new job (before I made lunch buddies).

I ordered a Nicoise salad which is $16. I got a very small salad with a sliver of Tuna and over cooked green beans. The ice tea for $4 was delivered in a soup container with no ice and no lemon. The strawberries and creme came is a teaspoon of creme. No utensils were delivered with the order, which put me in a postion because my office doens't have any. If the restaurant does not care about those they deliver to, then I assume they do not care about the customers going there to eat. Would not reccomend this place.

Actually, all of the food is superior.This is a wonderful place for lunch or light dinner, much better than the typical fare in the theater district (it's just south of the theater district but an easy walk to plays in the Times Square area)and reasonably priced. I loved the hamburger and the soup we had was excellent, full of fresh vegetables and flavorful. The bread pudding was out of sight and had raisins and walnuts. The place is a real find. Highly recommended. oh, there is a real bar scene on weekend nights but I'm too old for it. If you are in your twenties and thities, the crowd was really enjoying themselves.