05/18/09

really great experience

by missblakley

On arriving to Papillon, I was amazed by the beautiful space, like stepping back in time. Its a French Bistro for a time gone by. Twenty six of us were having a private sit down dinner in one of their three private party rooms. The food was delicious and the service was top notch. But the second best thing was for what we paid for that area was a really great deal in such a fabulous establishment. Now the best thing was how friendly all the staff and managers were. Thank you Papillon for making our night so memorable and enjoyable

• Pros: Best atmosphere and least expensive in area

01/20/09

Great place for an event

by dww4

We planned a professional women's networking event at Papillon and had a wonderful experience. We were able to get the back room on the second floor, had passed hors d'oeuvres and paid for the drinks a la carte (there was a drinks package, but at women-only events, the bar bill tends to be less than at mixed-gender events). The staff was very helpful when we arrived, and allowed us to set up two posters for the event so that people coming in downstairs could find us, and then stored the posters so we could pick them up the next day. Our waitstaff was also fantastic. The only hitch in the plan was that it was a bit difficult confirming the event with the event coordinator (first he didn't return a call, there was a mix-up on the contract...etc.) Otherwise really great.

10/16/08

dinner with friends

by sharmagirl

The first time I came here I went with my buddy who is a big fan of seafood and the like just as I am. We were seated upstairs and had a wonderful time with some great food and drinks on the upstairs level, almost a year ago. I went here recently for lunch by myself to conduct some business in a quiet area while I ordered the tuna white bean salad. The lemon vinaigrette dressing was flavorless and the tuna was coarse and dry. Also, shortly after being seated a party of 12 sat next to me in the quiet area that was completely empty and I was unable to make my calls without being interrupted by loud lunch-time drunkies. Damn european tourists!

• Pros: location/fast service/nice staff
• Cons: food not spectacular for the price

10/12/08

2a.m. on Saturday and the service was excellent.

by mohctep

They have a really international beer list . Try Check or Finnish beer they are really delicious. Atmosphere is really nice, music is good, service is great, I repeat at 2 a.m. service was great. I did not ask they name of the waitress, but she was really warm and she has a great style to boot. We only tried bar menu but it was good.

• Pros: Service, atmosphere

06/13/08

Good deal in midtown

by mileyJay

I recommend this place, the beer selection is unbelievable, the food is good especially their crispy french fries. Nice ambience, locations is great as well, just one block from MoMa and few blocks from Rockefeller Center.

Amour de la vie et Bon Appetit

01/02/08

Very nice bar, haven't eaten here... but it looks expensive!

by wisebrain

This place was fun to go to on New Year's Eve. Didn't eat here but it looks expensive!

12/04/07

Average at Best

by nymetsie

I have had business lunch here a dozen times. Only because its a short walk for my boss.

Food is only so-so and the waitstaff is not good. The hostess will provide the best service you'll get at papillon. Safe choices burger, beer and salads. Worst choices Fish and Chips and Croque Monsieur.

Kinda pricey for food on par with Burger Heaven.

09/04/07

Beautifull food.

by norseman_uk

My wife and i stumbled across this cool joint by chance one afternoon, and as regular visitors to NYC we have dined there as often as possible any time weve returned. The food has been incredible every time, and we are very hard to please! Weve had breakfast (the eggs benedict is superb), lunch and dinner, and tried a wide selection of foods from the menus, and they all have been excellent. My only complaint i suppose, is that it does feel slightly understaffed sometimes, where the waiting time at the tables can be lengthy after youve been seated, and after youve placed your order. However, the food forgives any little complaints, and for that, i cant recommend this place enough. Great location in the heart of the city as well. Cant wait to return to NYC in late september, and where will we dine on the first night?

• Pros: Location, ambience and gorgeous food.
• Cons: Occassionally slow service, and the price is a little on the high side.

02/05/07

Lunch was fab!

by menumaven

New to the midtown dining experience, ( I used to work so far downtown, it was practically Staten Island), I took a gander at the subtle red awning of Papillon Bistro and invited my colleagues in for lunch. Beginning with the friendly smile from the host to the courteous and knowledgeable server, I was impressed with the service and approach by the staff. The crispy calamari appetizer had my mouth watering and the seared tuna sandwich impressed. Though I didn't indulge (after all, it was lunch), I was impressed with the beer and wine list. My coworkers enjoyed the meal as well. Whether I was planning a casual dining experience or a lunch meeting with clients, I'd recommend Papillon Bistro again and again. Bon Appetit!

12/11/06

What Restaurant Ruins a Toys-4-Tots Benefit Party... seriously?

by brodowsp

Papillon, that's who. A group of 4 or 5 of our near-30 yr-old Manhattanite friends tried to give back a little by putting together a Toys-4-Tots benefit party... having everyone bring a donatable toy in order to get in. They contractually put down their own money to rent out the nice upstairs space w/ simple hors d'oeuvres to be provided (chicken wings & strips), packed it w/ a friendly, charitable crowd paying $35 for a full open bar for 4 hours (good deal, right?), and waited for a worry-free evening. After all, what could possibly go wrong? How about: No one at the door to collect money (one of our friends had to step in instead), grossly understaffed bar (1, sometimes 2 rude bartenders for 150 guests), contract disputes over the open bar (they cut it by an hour as some people were still paying $35 w/ what turned out to be 1 hour left), and running out of glassware an hour into the party (I really enjoyed drinking my two $17.50 Jack & Cokes out of a long-stemmed wine glass... classy). The sign outside read "Plan your next party with us!"... but I'd highly discourage it unless you don't mind the restaurant being unprofessional and illprepared. Through all of these issues our friends did a great job of keeping the evening cheerful, and there will be a lot of happy kids this holiday season because of them. I'm sure next year's will be bigger and better... and NOT at Papillon.

• Pros: Ambience, party space
• Cons: Illprepared, Rude Bartender, Shady w/ Parties