Pastis

08/04/2008 Posted by sicnyc

I experienced hands down the worst service I have had in my entire life at Pastis last week. I went there for lunch with three girlfriends to celebrate one of my friend's birthdays. Even though we'd reserved a table and despite the fact that several tables were free, we had to wait to be seated. Then they sat us in the sun on a 90-degree day. When we requested to move under the shade, we were told no, even though there was a table vacant. After some coercing, they reluctantly agreed to let us move, although they told us this was not protocol and was a hassle for them. Service was lazy and our waiter was arrogant at best, downright rude at worst. They forgot to bring a set of cutlery, and sugar for the $5 DIY lemonade (called a "citron presse" so they can charge twice as much). Then, when we finally managed to get our waiter's attention to order after about an hour, he told me that I wouldn't be able to dine there as I am allergic to nuts. Seriously! It's the second most common allergy in the world but they can't cater to me! Apparently making money is of no consequence to them (or I guess they make enough by overcharging for average food). Finally, after reassuring them that it wasn't necessary to promise me that every component of my salad had never come into contact with a nut, but just to not add nuts to the meal, they agreed to serve me -- albeit with eggs in the salad, which I had requested to please be left out. This whole scenario was not only frustrating and uncalled for but put a real dampener on my friend's birthday celebration. In case you're wondering, we are four young, well-dressed, respectful women who certainly fit into the downtown scene, so there was no reason for the attitude. I will absolutely never go back to Pastis and would warn you not to either. You can get better service anywhere else! And better food too. I don't know how it's survived this long. Pastis is passe and pathetic.

Pros: Location, celeb spotting

Cons: Service, value

08/01/2008 Posted by CR2

Are you from North Jersey? Long Island, perhaps? Do you own a lifetime supply of self-tanner? Does your girlfriend/wife look like she was sculpted at the Mattel factory? Does your boyfriend/husband's head resemble a lacquered pin cushion? If you’ve answered yes to any of the above questions than this pseudo bistro is a perfect fit for you. A novel idea when McNally first opened its doors back when the meatpacking district was on precipice of becoming NYC’s next “it” neighborhood, Pastis, like so many of its neighbors, has gone the way of wannabe Carrie Bradshaw pit-stop to an even more vapid representation of social pretense: bridge and tunnel. The service stinks, too.

Pros: People watching

Cons: Being near them

06/16/2008 Posted by mfs0314

Wasn't please with the food, have had better, and for cheaper. And I wasn't pleased with the extremely slow service. It took me and my friend an hour and 15 minutes just to eat a shared sandwich and salad. Besides that, I loved the atmosphere, the location and the waitress, when she got to us, was friendly and knowledgeable of the food.

Pros: Wonderful atmosphere, great drinks, incredible coffee

Cons: Slooooow service, bad sandwich, sloooow service

06/06/2008 Posted by blastfx

Went for an early dinner on a Friday night (630) and the place was just starting to fill up, we were seated outside immediately. I had the Salmon which was excellent and my fiance' had the Mediterranean Tuna Fish which was also excellent. Service was prompt and friendly and made for a very nice start to the evening.

Pros: Ambience

05/29/2008 Posted by NYCsamsam

The food was fair, but the service was super slow. It took the waiter more than 30minutes to get me another drink & 45 minutes to ask us do we want dessert . Don't let the crowd fool you. Oh the bathroom smell like public bathroom in the subway! Don't use it unless emergency.

Pros: Bread & Draft beer was good

Cons: Super slow service & stinky bathroom

03/07/2008 Posted by cassidmi

Went here last night w/ friends...the food was amazing! I had the French onion soup, mushroom ravioli...friends had the fish and chips/fries that I tried and was sooo good....and for dessert we shared crepes and choc cake, to die for! ...w/i blocks from ACE/1239 line, at 14th stop....great atmosphere and service! tables were a little close but promoted socializing w/ your neighbor. =)

Pros: food!

Cons: table set up

01/08/2008 Posted by restaurantexpert

When I made my trip to NY I was told that I HAD to go to Pastis...well we went and were extremely dissapointed. I really don't know what all the hype is about. I would have had a better meal at any diner. The servers are snotty and the food is bland and below average. Dont bother, it isnt worth your time or money.

12/09/2007 Posted by dion101

Visited twice in the last few months, each with slightly different experiences. I was looking for someplace to satisfy my craving for steak frites. On my first visit, the steak was a little overcooked but the bearnaise sauce was perfect. I gave it another try late last week and was thrilled by how delicious and delicately flavored the steak was. If you can tolerate the noisy crowds of trendy downtown almost-hipsters, then Pastis is a terrific mid-priced alternative for a quick dinner.

Pros: Wonderful steak frites!

12/07/2007 Posted by bakerloo

I went to Pastis the other week on a Thursday night and it took us an HOUR to get in WITH a reservation! Luckily the hostesses were very nice & when we did sit the dining experience was lovely! I enjoyed Pastis because it's not posh, but warm & welcoming & friendly! The food was delicious, and our waiter was very informative. (Try the codfish - excellent!) The drinks were expensive, but the people watching and ambiance was fantastic! I'd go again, but this time on a less busy evening! Great first date place!

Pros: Excellent ambience & attentive staff

Cons: Having a reservation & not being sat for 1 hour!

11/18/2007 Posted by evillagefoodie

this classic was great before the meatpacking district got hip. The food and service are always on point and the bar scene at night is also fun and energetic.

Pros: Location

Cons: can take a while to be seated