Bar Boulud
New York, NY 10023
Phone: (212) 595-0303
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between 63rd Street and 64th Street
- Directions:
- 1 at 66th St-Lincoln Ctr; A, B, C, D at 59th St-Columbus Cir
- Specialties:
- Wine Bar
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 12pm-3:30pm, 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-3:30pm, 5pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Bar Boulud – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
Restaurants near Lincoln Center tend to cater toward the fur-draped opera set, but Daniel Boulud's bistro lures a more downtown crowd with its eye-catching look. Wine cues the design, whether it's the shape of the dining room, roughly resembling a bottle on its side, artful photos of wine stains, or the round communal tasting table that wears a sparkling crown of suspended glasses.
The Food
Chef Boulud can pour himself another victory toast for his exquisitely prepared bistro delights. On the house-made charcuterie menu, the pate grand-mere might blissfully kill its namesake relative with its moist, heart-stopping blend of chicken liver, pork and cognac. Hearty coq au vin boasts a sauce so complex, you can practically analyze the "nose" on it. Tart flavors shine elsewhere, in lime-dressed snapper crudo with candy-striped beets that's almost too pretty to eat, sea bass enhanced with Meyer lemon, and, for dessert, a parfait layered with a puckering grapefruit gelee and sorbet.
Hits: The cooking is earthy and refined at the same time, while the room provides a buzzing, dramatic backdrop.
Misses: Other than the private dining rooms, there's no real space for casual groups larger than four.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe wine list is massive, but the sommeliers are helpful without being snooty or resorting to upsells. Try the reasonably priced Domaine Boisson Massif D'Uchaux ($34), a versatile red that works well across the menu.
Where to SitIf you don't have reservations, the communal wine table is reserved for walk-ins.
Private RoomsTwo private dining rooms can be booked for parties of 20 to 50 people.
User Reviews for Bar Boulud
09/28/2008 Posted by olivier17
2nd time going there, after a bad 1st experience... This time it started with the waiter bringing me a white wine instead of a red one, and for sure, he had many other things to do before taking care of this mistake. They didn't give us new fork/knife for the main course, which is what you can expect from any basic restaurant... I was surprised to see waiters eating bred just behind my girlfriend: maybe they don't feed them here at Bar Boulud! It was the first time I have a waiter asking me if I have some more food coming to know if he can clean the table!! Don't you know what's going on? What's your job? It may be one of the only - if not the only - place where you get a steak tartare without French fries (at least they could propose...). And what a nice finish: they brought the bill at the same time as dessert, whereas there was no rush at all. So you see, service is unique!
Pros: food
Cons: service
08/05/2008 Posted by christita
I went to Bar Boulud on Sunday for Brunch. We came at a very busy time and we were treated very well. We were sat at a lovely booth and the servers really took care of us. The food was great. I highly recommend the pate on the brunch menu. Amazing! A bit pricey for brunch but still worth it!
