Brasserie 8 1/2
(212) 829-0812
9 W 57th St
New York,
NY
10019
40.7633
-73.9743
Neighborhoods: Midtown Center, Midtown
What People Are Saying About Brasserie 8 1/2
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
A sweeping spiral staircase allows everyone to make a grand entrance at this subterranean spot. The space is blessed with two bars--one near the lounge rotunda filled with low slung leather chairs; the other stretches the length of the spacious and colorful dining room. Executive Chef Julian Alonzo, a Bouley disciple, cooks new American cuisine with French and Asian influences. Zucchini blossoms and crab cake are among the first courses, with arctic char, roasted pig, filet mignon as entrees.
User Reviews
MichelinStar
May 09, 2009
First of all, the food was horribly over-priced, over-salted and the proportions were a joke..and simply put, not good. Second of all, the restaurant feels like a huge war bunker or underground airplane hanger with no windows and no sun. They should have built a mall there instead. And last but not least, the manager appeared to be 80 years old, probably living there like a hermit and in serious need of a hearing aid and an english dictionary. Nothing worse then asking a simple question three times and having the other person scream out WHAAAT?? Rue 57 is across the street with fresh air, city views and good food. Hope this was helpful.
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MisstheBoat
February 25, 2009
This place is gracious, beautiful and expensive but worth it! A staircase leads to the lounge. Sit back on great, comfortable couches and choose appetizers from a wonderful bar menu, and cocktails as low as $8.50! Continue to the beautiful main floor where you will be greeted with graceful, relaxed, and completely professional service. Our server, Peter, made our experience one of the best ever. He appears to LOVE his job, and couldn't wait to make our dining experience the best. We left there feeling like we had a new friend. The food! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! The 12-oz Steak Frites is so flavorful with its incredible bearnaise sauce. The Crabcakes are the best I have ever tasted. And, don't miss out on ordering a side of the Macaroni and Cheese with Lardo and Truffle butter. It will melt in your mouth! My only criticism is that I cannot understand how a restaurant with a chef of such high caliber insists on condoning the use of Foie Gras! (Even West Hollywood passed a resolution to ban its use.) I am asking Chef Julian Alonzo to please take a stand against this cruel menu item. It will only increase the integrity and "heart" of this otherwise, wonderful restaurant.
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hart22
January 21, 2009
Frozen Banana Praline Souffle is reason enough to trek up to 57th Street, and if you need another, get the mac and cheese made with some sort of ham and truffle butter. Went to dinner there after a friend recommended we go there for the Filet Mignon. It's huge, the au poivre sauce was perfect, and the fries made my heart sing. More importantly, the service was so attentive--- not stuffy either-- actually felt like they cared if we enjoyed our experience, which, simply, was refreshing. Oh, and the other cool thing--- they're doing 25% off all their wine bottles. I believe until March. We were able to try some wines we would otherwise not have to opportunity to enjoy.
read full reviewThe Details on Brasserie 8 1/2
Know Before You Go:
The staircase was featured in an episode of "Sex and the City" where Carrie Bradshaw cleverly pointed out the ladies who were dressed to the nines at Brasserie 8 1/2.
The Extras:
An attached dessert bar, called After 8.5, is open Tue-Sat from 8:30pm until closing, and serves sweets to be shared, cocktails, dessert wines, ports, champagnes, coffees and teas.
When to Go:
On Sundays the lounge converts to an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet equipped with carving and crepe stations, accompanied by live jazz band---all for a mere $27 per person.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Fine Dining, Brunch, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Dine At The Bar
General Info:
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Julian Alonzo
