Madison Bistro

Doesn't Recommend

Soizic F.

Joined 1 year ago

Some of the worst faux French service in NYC. Very rude wanna-be french maitre d' who was condescending from the moment we walked in. Their wine list is poorly laid out - it listed Moulin a vent as 2007/2008. One would assume they had both 2007 and 2008 as a wine list must have a vintage attached to the wine. According to the know-it-all maitre d', this was not the case. It was one or the other: 2007 or 2008. They only had one. He acted as though it was normal to list several vintages although they only had one. The condescension continued throughout the meal. When we told him that we were both ordering the prix fixe and that we planned to share all the dishes, he insisted that we tell him who was ordering which dish for "placement" purposes. We had already told him we were sharing. When I pointed that out for the second time, he said, "Fine. It doesn't matter." Half of the dishes were good, some were mediocre. The tarte flambe was good. The bread was mediocre. The seafood overcooked. We had a Bloomspot that gave us $30 off the $142 bill. The maitre d' said, "You didn't tell us about this." I said, "I did. When I called. That's what the Bloomspot instructed to do." He then took it, and said, "Next time, give it to use when you walk in." What - so I could get even worse service? When I told him I was giving him a tip commensurate with his service, he became enraged. He followed outside the restaurant and asked us why. I explained to him how he was condescending to us the entire meal. He threw up his hands, exasperated, and said, "Fine!" As we crossed the street, he screamed, "And you used a Bloomspot!" Yeah, buddy. For $30. That's the cost of a digestivo, which a lot of good French restaurants give you for free. You get better service from Subway than from this fake Frenchie. Note that his review is the ONLY review at this point from 2012

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YA932

Joined 4 years ago

My Favorite Neiborhood Restaurant. I Go there at least one night a month for dinner with my wife and about once a week for business lunches with clients. The food is always fresh and delicious and the service, always impeccable. The atmosphere is perfect for a business lunch or for an intimate dinner. The back room is also great for large groups as I had my birthday dinner there a couple months ago with about 14 of my friends. The beautiful bartender makes a mean apple martini too.

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cubefarmer

Joined 5 years ago

Excellent food, nice atmosphere, good service. Went here recently on a business trip and enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere was nice, albeit a bit dark. The food was excellent - the bouillabaise is a real winner, the raspberry and chocolate soufflés excellent, the french onion soup savory. We also received a complimentary mini-appetizer of what appeared to be avacado, tomato and basil. The service was good, and the wine very good.

It was on the pricey side and, as such, probably a place I would not go often were it on my own dime (personally speaking). My entree was, I believe, $30, and the soup around $12.

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THow57

Joined 5 years ago

delicious French Cuisine. This may be my favorite restaurant in New York. It is not too stuffy for a nice French restaurant, and very well done all around. They have a bustling atmosphere yet quiet enough for real conversation, beautiful decor, delicious French cuisine.

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Franz07

Joined 5 years ago

Average!. I received a gift certificate for this restaurant, so we decided to check it out. We were seated on the lower level, up against the stairs. It was crowded, the tables are very close together, and it was quite noisy. We were sat right next to a big party- not romantic at all. The food and drinks were okay, a bit over priced, but what isn't in New York??! The customer service was great and much appreciated, but the environment was a let-down.

Doesn't Recommend

uesprincess

Joined 7 years ago

Bad food and additute from manager and waitstaff. We were four people on saturday night. Three of us ordered the steak friete. When the steaks came they were hard and could not be eaten. We called the waiter over, he called the manager and after making a big show of it allowed us to order something else. We then ordered coffee which was cold, twice. No apologies, no explenation, except that we were the only ones that had a problem all night. No wonder the place is always empty. When we asked for the check and asked that a large bill be changed, the manager claimed not to have anything smaller than $20s. We paid for the check but still needed change of $20.. We asked the waiter if perhaps he had the change. His answer was "didn't the manager just tell you that we had no change", and finally snatched the bill out of my friends hands and gave us 20 singles. I had a large tip prepared for him, but gave him a much smaller one at the end. I wish I had the nerve to give him nothing. I happen to be in the restaurant business and my staff or I would never treat a customer like that. I will never go back to that place. It's over priced, the staff is rude and the food if obviously not that great. The manager was busy flirting with some girls at the bar and was annoyed to be bothered by us.

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wisebrain

Joined 6 years ago

Great food, a bit pricey. This restaurant was very good, it's small but good atmosphere. I am totally down with it just wish it was cheaper.

Doesn't Recommend

irab

Joined 7 years ago

I Got Ripped Off. I got a Gifty Card gift of meals for 2 ands chose to redeem at this restaurant. I mentioned that when making reservations and when the wait person came over to take our order. It wasn't until the check came that I learned that the offer was only good for prix fixe. I should have been told before ordering.

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bodacia26

Joined 7 years ago

Vive la France!. I come to NY on business several times a year and go on numerous client dinners during my trips. Upon exiting Asia de Cuba one evening, I noticed this little restaurant across the street and decided to give it a shot the following night.

This is without a doubt the best restaurant I've eaten at in NY ever - hands down. I went with two friends and each of our dishes was succulent. In addition, appetizers were wonderful, the souffle was excellent. The restaurant's atmosphere was very condusive to lingering over your meal - I never felt like my server was itching to 'turn' my table.

What a gem! I'm so glad I happened upon this place.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Bustling French restaurant and bar serves three-course prix fixe dinners along with its extensive selection of wine and champagne.