Epicerie Cafe Charbon
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 420-7520
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Stanton Street
- Directions:
- F, V at 2nd Ave; F, J, M, Z at Delancey St
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 11:30am-4:30pm, 5:15pm-12am, Fri-Sat 11:30am-4:30pm, 5:15pm-4am
Editorial Review for Epicerie Cafe Charbon – by Dana Bowen
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.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkWines by the glass range from $5 to $10 and the bottle list includes many excellent French values less than $35.
When to GoDJs draw a crowd on Wednesday through Saturday nights, though there's no dancing allowed--it doesn't have a cabaret license.
Know Before You GoEpicerie 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.
User Reviews for Epicerie Cafe Charbon
03/11/2008 Posted by phinee16
I was attracted to this place due to the great review by TONY for the all you can eat mussels, which were great. However, I must say the service was pretty obnoxious. I received my bill which was separated out to food and drinks. I tipped about 20% of the food and left the restaurant. However, realizing I left my bag and returned to retrieve it. The waitress asked if everything was good and I replied yes. To my surprise she says " Well you usually tip 20% of the bill" Well I know of no written etiquette on tipping, and I may be wrong but I believe tipping should be up the customer number one. Last I checked, tipping is usually 15-20%of the food service, why would you separate food and drink on the receipt otherwise. AND you defnitely don't tip based on the taxed amount. I did tip 20% of the food total, which I now regret, and how dare you come chasing after me because you weren't satisfied with your tip. If I ever come again, which I won't, you should just do awful things to my entrees . At least your boss would still appreciate the business.
Pros: Great food
Cons: Awful attitude from waitress about what she expected for tip
01/15/2008 Posted by sorenhbech
Had a great meal on Sat night at this cute French bistro/bar with my partner. Calamari was fantastic, and definitely recommend the hangar steak with pepper sauce - YUM! And make sure you save room for the molten chocolate cake which was among the best in the city! Wine list was good. Food was a great value as well. Had been here before with a large group - food is consistent and restaurant is versatile for either a romantic night or a group outing.
Pros: Great food, great value - romantic but also good for groups
Cons: Service could have been a little more prompt
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