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
- 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.
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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
02/21/2008 Posted by hmcb
A disappointing experience. The service was unrefined with a clear focus being fast turnaround of tables. If a waiter offers the check without being asked for it one would at least expect that he inquires if his guests would like to order anything else. With main courses arriving in less than 10 minutes fast turnaround seems to be a general scheme. The menu does not lead one to expect that the food could arrive so quickly. Neither service nor food justify the wait for a table. The only plus is the well-selected wine list. This is not a restaurant I would go back to.
Pros: Wine list
Cons: Service
02/10/2008 Posted by whawhat
My wife and I were excited to try out Bar Boulud. It was nice to see a new, more adventurous restaurant open in our neighborhood. We usually have to head downtown for something interesting. Food was great, the service was terribly spotty - the hostess refused to seat us in a booth because we did not have reservations, even though it was empty. We had to request menus numerous times, and it took time to clear plates, etc. But the food and wine was exceptional. Give it till Spring and I am sure they will be running smoothly.
Pros: Exceptional Food and Wine
Cons: Spotty Service
