Epicerie Cafe Charbon
(212) 420-7520
170 Orchard St
New York,
NY
10002
40.7212
-73.9884
Neighborhoods: Lower East Side, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Epicerie Cafe Charbon
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
The owners of Flea Market, the French-bohemian haunt in the East Village, have recreated a Parisian street scene, Epcot-style. Faux storefronts lead into Cafe Charbon, a veritable Gallic bar adorned with aged-wood tables, white tiled floors and Gauloise-puffing bon vivants. Next door, Epicerie's casual dining room is playfully postmodern: Stocked with everything from French laundry detergent to fancy foodstuffs, it looks like a Target advertisement en Francaise.
The Food
The daily changing menu, scribbled on chalkboards and translated by friendly, French-accented servers, features reasonably priced, unpretentious bistro fare. Rustic dishes outshine elaborate efforts: Creamy duck terrines and oversized bowls of mussels delight, but anise-scented escargot are under-seasoned. Crispy duck confit and bacon-wrapped mahi mahi are simple and succulent. The caramelized coconut-banana tart is worth the trip alone.
User Reviews
girlgirlgirlie
February 01, 2009
I recently went here for a friends going away party and was very happy w/ the whole experience. The lighting was mellow, crowd friendly and stylish, bartenders were attentive and friendly and music kicking. I ordered a Heffe Blonde and the bartender gave me a small wine glass of skittles to go with it and it was surprisingly amazing! I tasted the rainbow. Mingled with some hotties on the dance floor and the bathrooms were big and roomie with enough room for two! Great great great night and place. Would go again for sure.
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Tee17
November 09, 2008
This place was awful! First we had to get our own drinks since the waitress was nowhere to be found. Then they spilled tomato sauce all over me since the kitchen staff decided to serve the dish over my head. Ruined my white sweater and favorite scarf. Would have been a funny story if they had not offered to comp the meal till we asked. None of us will be going back!
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arealnewyorker
August 14, 2008
The atmosphere is fine and our food was o.k., but the service was beyond atrocious. After dining, we waited almost an hour, for our waiter to return. I decided to talk to the manager. That's when our waiter sprung into action and rushed over to find out what he could do for us. Too late loser. The apology and the two free drinks didn't take the sting out of it. I will never return. Unbearable.
read full reviewThe Details on Epicerie Cafe Charbon
When to Go:
DJs draw a crowd on Wednesday through Saturday nights, though there's no dancing allowed--it doesn't have a cabaret license.
Know Before You Go:
Epicerie opens an hour early (10:30am) on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. On Friday and Saturday nights, the full dinner menu is served until 4am.
What to Drink:
Wines by the glass range from $5 to $10 and the bottle list includes many excellent French values less than $35.
