A.O.C.

The Scene – Postcards of French starlets and vintage posters decorate the dining room, where locals engage in laid-back bistro activities: They read papers, nosh and talk, and watch old movies projected by the clubby wood bar. The enormous, partially-covered garden (with a portioned smoker's den) is more casual at night, when inside tables are draped with linen. Servers give good service when they're not spread too thin. – – The Food – A.O.C's familiar French bistro menu offers all the classics. Stick to the Roquefort-endive salad or a simple cheese plate--though its…

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Editor's Tips

What to Drink:: The full-bodied, spicy Cahors is fairly priced at $28, but there's little room for experimenting with only a handful of wines by the bottle. Still, bottles are your best bet: Prices for small glasses hover around $7.
Know Before You Go:: A.O.C. is a double entendre referring to both geographic wine designations in France (Appellation d'origine controlee), and the name of a popular 1976 French culinary comedy called "L'aile ou la Cuisse (The Wing or the Thigh)."
Delivery:: There is a $10 minimum on all deliveries.

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User Reviews (36)

ambiance	95.83000183105469% positive	“wish they had live music - it would be a great atmosphere for some nice french jazz.” “Small intimate french place with a calming atmosphere, excellent service and food.” “Great food, great ambience, great service.” “The relaxed atmosphere lends itself to the perfect romantic date, buisness meeting (as you are never rushed, however the staff was always attentive without being overwhelming) or just getting together with friends.” “Great location, and generic but ok bistro food but why bother when the staff are rude, sullen, have an attitude, and obviously don't enjoy what they do.” “coffee/tea. The ambiance was great.”
drinks	80.0% positive	“My server was pleasant and my coffee cup was never empty.” “coffee/tea. The ambiance was great.” “no need to splurge on expensive wine.” “The wine & beer selection was good as was the tasty cuisine.” “Great food, friendly bar staff”
food quality	94.13999557495117% positive	“Great food” “goat cheese salad is excellent.” “Not to mention they had a projection of Beat Street in French on the wall, the place just so friendly and welcoming and the food was comforting at a great price.” “Unlike places like Balthazar, you can enjoy your eggs in the peaceful garden or inside by the window without breaking the bank.” “Mediocre food, horrible service” “cannot say enough good things about my dining experience at the A.O.C. And I say "experience" because it was more than just the amazing food - it was the flawless service, the perfect lighting, the fabulous seating.” “Small intimate french place with a calming atmosphere, excellent service and food.” “The food was most excellent, I ordered the endive salad and the vegetable risotto, the salad was so big that I didn't get a chance to finish the risotto, which was nonetheless possibly the best I've ever had.” “The food was outstanding, both brunch and dinner, and I understand that the restaurant is now under new management” “The wine & beer selection was good as was the tasty cuisine.” “Good food (the lamb sausage sandwich is tops) and the service is good.” “I've been to AOC several times, and everytime the food has been great and the service attentive and friendly.” “The food is great and I always” “Great bistro food!” “There are many restaurants to choose from in this area, though AOC really has great service and food.” “We were able to order right away -- but over half an hour later no food or server to be found.” “The plus side was sitting by the windows watching the people walking by (to eat decent food - presumably!)” “Great food, great ambience, great service.” “Great food, friendly bar staff” “Great location, and generic but ok bistro food but why bother when the staff are rude, sullen, have an attitude, and obviously don't enjoy what they do.” “recommend the french toast.” “The burgers are also very good.” “The food is astonishingly good value (try the mussels or even the tuna burger).” “The food is pretty good, and so is the service, though on my first visit I told the waitress I wanted my tuna black-and-blue and she had no idea what that was.” “Good food and garden, poor service” “Consistently good food, friendly service” “Generally speaking, not overpriced, and not a risky bet for a decent meal.”
menu variety	50.0% positive	“The wine & beer selection was good as was the tasty cuisine.” “The menu is a bit overwhelming but the standard French fare was solid.”
overall	100.0% positive	“must try for all those in the Village, A.O.C. is a great place where I have already returned twice.” “good place for couples or small groups of friends (no more than three).”
service	90.43000221252441% positive	“Consistently good food, friendly service” “get good service.” “staff is friendly.” “Small intimate french place with a calming atmosphere, excellent service and food.” “Our server was so nice.” “The plus side was sitting by the windows watching the people walking by (to eat decent food - presumably!)” “There are many restaurants to choose from in this area, though AOC really has great service and food.” “I've been to AOC several times, and everytime the food has been great and the service attentive and friendly.” “Why put up with rude staff?” “The service was so incredible.” “Not to mention they had a projection of Beat Street in French on the wall, the place just so friendly and welcoming and the food was comforting at a great price.” “(Extremely cute waitress for those interested in that sort of thing) Solid Bistro all around and a good value” “and the staff really made our experience memorable.” “Our staff provided the best service I've had in.” “Great food, great ambience, great service.” “Good food and garden, poor service” “Good food (the lamb sausage sandwich is tops) and the service is good.” “My server was pleasant and my coffee cup was never empty.” “The relaxed atmosphere lends itself to the perfect romantic date, buisness meeting (as you are never rushed, however the staff was always attentive without being overwhelming) or just getting together with friends.” “Great location, and generic but ok bistro food but why bother when the staff are rude, sullen, have an attitude, and obviously don't enjoy what they do.” “Mediocre food, horrible service” “We had a really friendly waiter.” “Great food, friendly bar staff” “We were able to order right away -- but over half an hour later no food or server to be found.” “cannot say enough good things about my dining experience at the A.O.C. And I say "experience" because it was more than just the amazing food - it was the flawless service, the perfect lighting, the fabulous seating.” “love the staff.” “The food is pretty good, and so is the service, though on my first visit I told the waitress I wanted my tuna black-and-blue and she had no idea what that was.”
value	83.33000183105469% positive	“no need to splurge on expensive wine.” “. . . I was greeted immediately each time and upon leaving the restaurant, the Manager waved good-bye with a huge smile, as she did with every customer!” “Not to mention they had a projection of Beat Street in French on the wall, the place just so friendly and welcoming and the food was comforting at a great price.” “(Extremely cute waitress for those interested in that sort of thing) Solid Bistro all around and a good value” “Generally speaking, not overpriced, and not a risky bet for a decent meal.” “The food is astonishingly good value (try the mussels or even the tuna burger).”

11/05/11

Great Food, Nice Garden

by penuts2009

I love this place > the food is good and the service is good (not French at all ,, lol)

I love the Salmon , its a wild Salmon and they prepared just the way you would like it.

I love the garden in the summer and its my favorite place to bring visitors from out of town or for any special occasion .

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02/12/11

good food & atmosphere

by coastalvr

good food and people watching, saw Giselle B here not too long ago..I swear she was eating french fries - which I could look like her & eat that ;)

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11/29/10

Terrible experience - botched orders

by maplewooddrive

We arrived to find the water glasses on the table all had to be removed as they were dirty. Then we ordered, and 10 minutes later were informed that one of the dishes (tuna burger) wasn't available, so a reorder was issued for a veggie panini. 4 out of 5 of us were served, and 10 more minutes passed before the person who was forced to change her order received her meal. Problem was, it was the wrong thing - instead of a veggie panini (as she's a vegetarian) she received a turkey and bacon panini! 15 minutes passed before she received her veggie panini and at that point everyone else was long finished. They still charged us for the panini. Not one of us will ever return to A.O.C.

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01/13/10

Where the angels don't eat

by EmilyFF

"When one has tasted it he knows what the angels eat" - Mark Twain.

Let me make it clear that this was a place that even the ghost of Mark Twain wouldn't venture near.

I went here with a few friends and ordered the escargot & confit de canard. The ecargot were chewy and sadly done. The confit de canard was surely reheated and an unfortunate choice.

The plus side was sitting by the windows watching the people walking by (to eat decent food - presumably!)

I might visit again but not to eat - more to sit by the window and watch the world go by...

Pros: Window to watch the world go by
Cons: Awful food and bad service

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10/10/08

I think I'm in Love

by THow57

I cannot say enough good things about my dining experience at the A.O.C. And I say "experience" because it was more than just the amazing food - it was the flawless service, the perfect lighting, the fabulous seating...

Our staff provided the best service I've had in....gosh, maybe forever!!! That person floated in and out, always attentive, but never interrupting or over bearing. Server made amazing suggestions and took on all of our special requests. The Soupe A L'oignon was to die for and I had the lamb chop whic was delicious.

I think I'm in love!

Pros: ambiance,food,garden
Cons: none

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Editor's Tips

11/05/11

Great Food, Nice Garden

by penuts2009

02/12/11

good food & atmosphere

by coastalvr

11/29/10

Terrible experience - botched orders

by maplewooddrive

01/13/10

Where the angels don't eat

by EmilyFF

10/10/08

I think I'm in Love

by THow57

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