08/09/09

Wine bar menu changed - makes place radioactive - stay away

by Trollerboy

There has been a menu change at the Etats-Unis wine bar (this is not a comment about the regular restaurant). The new menu is a disaster, and the items that neighborhood regulars used to visit for (cuban sandwich, lobster club, burger on english muffin, vietnamese beef salad) are all gone, and replaced with disasters. In addition to the place looking terribly tired (please change the lightbulbs), it seems that cost cutting is at work. For example the filet that was part of the vietnamese steak salad has been replaced by a tasteless flank (a/k/a cheaper) steak.

Our neighborhood group of 10 or so will not return to this place until they bring back the menu that people came there for. How can you have a wine bar without those sandwiches. Anyway, whoever is running this place now, you're making a large mistake.

* Pros: they still have Toshi's desserts

* Cons: everything else - any good food items are gone

• Pros: they still have Toshi's desserts
• Cons: everything else - any good food items are gone

12/11/08

Good food but really, really expensive

by tbrax

We enjoyed our meal here, but for the price I expected a bit more. The food was good and the portions more than adequate, but there wasn't any real creativity or excitement about it. The paella was probably the most interesting item we saw in that it was deconstructed--rather than being integrated there was some arborio with seafood and sausage nicely arranged on top. Nice presentation, but the rice ended up being a bit bland for a paella. I did think the appetizers were more interesting and a bit better than the entrees; if I go back I may just have two apps instead of hitting the main courses.

And the prices...wow. It cost more to eat here than in most other upscale restaurants and I didn't see enough difference in the food to justify the expense.

Service was a tad sluggish but not bad by any means, and I like the more casual vibe of the place. It is a small room but wasn't overly loud and didn't feel that crowded once we were seated, though getting from the door to the table required some contortions to avoid the various obstacles in the way.

• Pros: good food, ample portions, casual environment
• Cons: price

10/08/07

A hidden find with fine food, swank environs and a hip little bar across the street.

by Contributor

The Scene
Inside, it looks more like a minimalist gallery than a dining room, with shiny white plaster walls, sandstone panelling and tendrils of green leaves artfully arranged on a single windowsill. Despite the diminutive size, harsh acoustics and tightly arranged tables, the Rapp family makes diners feel exceedingly comfortable. Service is personalized, tableware is elegant and a reverent mood surrounds the open kitchen. But don't even attempt an impromptu visit--a tony crowd keeps this hidden find's reservation line on speed dial.

The Food
The seasons inform this internationally-inspired menu, where top-notch ingredients and careful preparations fetch top dollar. Mexican influences shine through beautifully roasted, shrimp-stuffed poblano with sweet corn emulsion, and succulent Niman pork shoulder falls from the bone in a chili-powdered mole. Homemade pappardelle is simple and sublime, but more ambitious dishes, like rosemary-laced lamb with sweet figs with a potato-broccoli rabe gratin, are worth the splurge. Though the name is French for "United States," the only Gallic hint is an underdone--though insanely rich--soufflé.

08/14/07

Excellent

by sonia10021

Creative but simple.

I have never left Etats-Unis disappointed.

The Restaurant side has a better seating arrangement to fully enjoy your dinner and company.

My favorite!

07/02/07

Best Restaurant on UES

by charlesmstam

As an Upper East Side resident, I am often frustrated by the overpriced and underwhelming restaurants in my neighbordhood. Eating at Etats Unis is always a lovely experience. I have been eaten at Etats Unis twice and have come away pleased both times. The food interesting and creative and the service is attentive and unpretentious. The decor isn't anything fancy, but it suits the restaurant well. The only downside to this place is the cost, but if you order wisely you could avoid a big check. The winebar across the street is very cute but can be cramped and uncomfotable and the no reservation policy doesn't help. I would stick to the main dining room.

• Pros: Creative food, Attentive Service, Great Bar
• Cons: Price, Cramped Quarters

01/09/07

Perfect Place to Eat with Your Lover or Best friend

by ahkilah

Oh yeah!!! This place was exactly what I needed. My college buddy and I enjoyed a simply splendid winter evening in this quaint little restaurant. The mojito?s were great. I loved my short ribs, which were served over a bed of tasty mash potatoes. The evening was topped by the simply splendid chocolate souffle (that they make to order while you are enjoying your dinner), with which we ended the evening. Engaging and polite staff members only add to the warm and inviting environment of this delightful treat.

• Pros: Good Food, Great drinks, Nice staff
• Cons: Expensive, Small DIning room - so you may have to wait

12/12/06

Bar Etats-Unis

by jdmogul

Let's stop reviewing and keep this place sacred for the local followers. It's getting too popular :-(

• Pros: Food, Drink, Staff,
• Cons: Parking

05/01/05

Good food, but prices ran high

by vjgoel

We went for an early Saturday dinner. The restaurant is small, but intimate and the service is great. The date pudding is absolutely spectacular. However, the appetizers and the main course, while good, didn't seem at the same level you would expect from a restaurant at this price point.

09/10/03

Uniquely Superb

by mazedancer

Divine. A reason to win the lottery is to be able to eat there every night. They love food here. They know how to cook it. Don't go here if you don't know food. Go as often as possible if you want excellent service, quiet, and fabulous delights on your plate. It's tiny. And wonderful. The flashy part is the cooking not the surroundings. You can eat at the bar across the street, too. And get the incredible guacamole there.

• Pros: fabulous food
• Cons: can't move in

08/18/03

Small but Stylish

by lancemanhattan

A cramped room is where you can find excellent fare. I had a scallop ceviche, and a codfish dish which was great. Beside the small room, the decor was nice and the food was definately worth the trip.