So having arrived here on a Saturday in between the lunch serving time and the dinner serving time we were only left with the option of the raw bar and / or desserts. The place was still busy and... More

So having arrived here on a Saturday in between the lunch serving time and the dinner serving time we were only left with the option of the raw bar and / or desserts. The place was still busy and there was a slight wait for a table near the bar, so it must be the place to be. The four of us opted for tying the Le Grand option from the raw bar.. the patient waiter let us know that it included oysters, clams, crab, some ceviche, snails and periwinkles (smaller snails). It's actually quite an impressive site as they bring out two large trays of ice smattered with the multiple raw offers and place it on a tower on the table. It almost seems decadent.... mmm... but was it good. Everything tasted quite freshed, although the ceviche may have been a bit overdone. We thought we'd have room afterwards for dessert, but we were actually stuffed. This option definitely isn't for the faint of heart, but if you like raw bar and you like snails (not drenched in butter and parsley), this is a great experience!
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Whenever I meet up with a certain set of girlfriends we always end up here. Why? Could be the steak and frittes. Could be the great wines by the glass. Could be the stiff martinis. Could be the... More

Whenever I meet up with a certain set of girlfriends we always end up here. Why? Could be the steak and frittes. Could be the great wines by the glass. Could be the stiff martinis. Could be the masculine attitude and feel to the place. Hard to say really, but we keep coming back.I know we don't return for the wait staff (rude) or anything on the menu that didn't moo at some time (or get fried in oil). It's all about the ambiance and the cute bartenders I guess. Whatever it is it works for me and I'll be back and ready to plunk down $50 again soon.
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Great when you are hungry at 2am, Balthazar is truly wonder food for the soul. Macaroni au Gratin, Ham and Guyure on a Baguette, a dizzying selection of oysters, and a great wine list, I love this... More

Great when you are hungry at 2am, Balthazar is truly wonder food for the soul. Macaroni au Gratin, Ham and Guyure on a Baguette, a dizzying selection of oysters, and a great wine list, I love this place after hours ona wednesday night. Service is a bit haughty but its a french bistro! You should expect no less.
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Kind of crowded and less romantic than I imagined, but the food here is very good. As usual, go for the deserts and appetizers if you can (getting maybe two appetizers rather than a main dish),... More

Kind of crowded and less romantic than I imagined, but the food here is very good. As usual, go for the deserts and appetizers if you can (getting maybe two appetizers rather than a main dish), since these are the best things on the menu. Since this place is known for its breakfast/bakery shop, in fact, you can be assured that their desserts are *especially* good - so my recommendation (since this is a pretty pricey place) would be to go here for a light meal in the evening or for breakfast/brunch on a weekend.
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A great restaurant with amazing decor, Balthazar is one of those places that you just must eat at one day. At least, that's what all the guides to NYC seem to agree upon. All I know is the few times... More

A great restaurant with amazing decor, Balthazar is one of those places that you just must eat at one day. At least, that's what all the guides to NYC seem to agree upon. All I know is the few times I've dined there I've always throughly enjoyed my meal which obviously is the most important part of a dining experience. Still, what I like most about Balthazar is it's bakery. Far more inexpensive than a meal at it's neighboring restaurant and far tastier to this sweets loving gal, Balthazar's bakery is chock full of French delicacies. My absolute favorite is the chocolate bread, which sadly is only available on weekends. Word to the wise, try stopping by 8PM when what baked goods are left face a hefty discount.
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Balthazar is special - good food, great service, fair (for NYC) prices. Enter the room and it transports you to another time and place. Are you in Paris? Are you in this century? Who can tell? ... More

Balthazar is special - good food, great service, fair (for NYC) prices. Enter the room and it transports you to another time and place. Are you in Paris? Are you in this century? Who can tell? But the food is really the star here. We go for brunch - parking is a snap on a Sunday AM. Get here before 10:00 AM and you are limited to a continental breakfast - breads, granola (my favorite), soft boiled eggs with toast "soldiers" and a killer Quiche. After 10, all the classic brunch dishes are available (plus a raw bar). Their French Toast is outstanding. The coffee perfect. Their service is very good. The whole experience is so civilized - it makes me smile for the rest of the day.
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