Ouest

We came here for my birthday dinner, with some trepidation. We had a disappointing experience on our last visit, and also had read some bad reviews. I discussed my concerns when I made the reservation, and wow, the manager and waitstaff were terrific! We were seated within five minutes, given a lovely booth (even though I had been told no booths would be available), and the waiter could not have been more attentive and pleasant! The manager sent appetizers on the house, in view of the problems we had had on our previous visit (when the management would not accept a valid coupon). The salmon gravlax with a chickpea pancake appetizer was one of the best dishes that I've eaten in my life! My picky, "it's never rare enough" friend was absolutely delighted with his tuna, which was prepared exactly how he wanted it, as was mine. My college grad son raved about the pork dish. We were very, very happy with our meal, and I'm glad we gave Ouest another chance.

Won't be returning. Cold white wine served in a hot glass directly from the dishwasher, broccoli rabe ordered with oil and garlic delivered totally dry, no garlic, and at room temperature, inedible sorbet, and coffee order cancelled after twenty minute wait. All this plus rushed, inattentive service.

Ouest went from being one of my 'go to' on the UWS to 'don't go'...The room is great - we had a great table - staff was unattentive...tired, uninterested, bored? Server was a 'mess'. Sommelier was unhelpful then pompous when wine wasn't what was ordered. Waited for everything - food fine..but not amazing, not even close. So disappointed! But, the reception was welcomingt..if I had to say something nice.

Here's my review which went viral on the web tonight. For a place that prides itself on being better than the rest, this place fails miserably. The martinis were "short", the waiter was pushy to get us to order, and to top it off, he made me one of the worst espressos I've ever had. Rather than try to get me a real one, he immediately said he would remove it from the check. Then he brings back another one that's as bad as the first. If this place prides itself on being better than the rest, why don't they hire a barista or train the waiters to make a decent espresso? I'll think twice about ever going back here again!

I've been to Ouest many times--summer, winter, spring, fall, lunch, dinner, upstairs, downstairs, bar, whatever. It's always good. There are few places on the UWS that meet the standard of Ouest. One of the best gin menus I've ever seen, anywhere. Wine list is fantastic. Great, creative cocktails. The house smoked sturgeon is on of the best dishes in the city--hands down. Setting is also beautiful. I prefer upstairs so we can look down at the room, but the large round booths are gorgeous and fun. All the reviewers moaning about piddling things--ignore them. Ouest is for people who have experience with and appreciate a French-inspired menu/bar and enjoy a night out on this stretch of Broadway.

I've had good meals at Ouest, but not lately. It would take so little to bring it back into shape, but right now it's coasting. Just an example: we got the dessert menu, then waited 15 minutes for the waiter to return to our table. By then all we wanted was to pay the check and get out. Too bad.

Went the other night for our anniversary. First time there. Everything was terrific. Fresh inventive balanced. Great service. We look forward to many more meals there.