Pastis

I've eaten at Pastis several times during the day and it has always been great - the food, service, etc. I was there yesterday afternoon and again, it was wonderful. However, I tried to have dinner there with a friend about 3 months ago and it was mobbed, there was an hour wait for a table, and the bar was so packed we couldn't get near it. I suppose if you're looking for a 'scene' you'll really be happy, but otherwise, just go for breakfast or lunch during the week.

This is a great place for brunch if you don't mind the feeling that you/your table would be more tranquil and less jostled in Penn Station or Grand Central at Rush Hour. Our skin-headed, multi-tattooed waiter achieved greatness in the areas of rudeness and inattention. Particularly admirable was the fashion in which he completely abdicated any responsibility for repeatedly forgetting to bring items we had to order by speculation (he didn't seem to want to bring menus either). I suppose it was out-of-line for my 8.5 months pregnant wife to ask for a glass of milk. Rest assured, our waiter put her in her place, though. She won't make that mistake again. The food is good. Look into take-out or load up on Xanax if you plan to eat in. Remember not to inconvenience the wait staff.

NYC people watching at its finest. Decent food, OK value. One downside: very busy & the service seemed to suffer because of it.

An active atmospheric French bistro. Very crowded at the usual meal time. Go at an off hour and enjoy great French bistro food. Has the same owners as Balthazar.