10/29/09

My Favorite Neiborhood Restaurant

by YA932

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.

• Pros: The steak tartar is out of this world

04/08/09

Excellent food, nice atmosphere, good service

by cubefarmer

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.

• Pros: Food, service, wine
• Cons: A bit pricey

11/13/08

delicious French Cuisine

by THow57

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.

• Pros: ambiance,food'service

04/28/08

Average!

by Franz07

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.

12/01/07

Bad food and additute from manager and waitstaff

by uesprincess

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.

• Pros: easy to park
• Cons: rude service, over priced.

Response from this business

madisonbistro– February 08, 2008 at 20:05:20 PST

I can not find the words to justify such disappointment. I will just address you my apologies and would like to ask you to give us an other chance. That time the bill will be on me and I will show you that the experience you had at Madison Bistro was an unfortunate accident. Sorry for tacking so long to send you a response, call me and we will arrange you diner again with your friends. Sincerely, Claude Godard, Proprietor.

08/07/07

Great food, a bit pricey

by wisebrain

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

12/31/06

I Got Ripped Off

by irab

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.

08/18/06

Vive la France!

by bodacia26

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.

• Pros: The Food! Relaxed atmosphere.
• Cons: Service not the best, but 'con' was outweighed by the 'pros'.

Editorial Review

by Contributor

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

06/18/05

Great bar

by 419nicba

Never eaten here, but have frequented the bar and found the service and value to be excellent. Even better prices during happy hour. Everyone is friendly and people meeting each other, nice management and bartenders. Lots of regulars. Consistent.

• Pros: atmosphere, drink prices, free chips at bar