Papillon

This place reminds me of my college relationship - based totally on a lie. Two Irish guys running the place - HUH??? Supposed to be a French bistro. Figure that one out. The place itself is beautiful - if you don't mind creepy owners staring at you from every direction you look. How these middle-aged men still have the dexterity to pop up in every corner you are is beyond me. For that, they get a good review. Creepy meter at a high. All the bartenders are so tense like they are working in a four star restaurant - especially Tommy. Maybe that's the way the Irish run ship. If you're looking for a ""French bistro"" that serves mozzarella sticks this is your place. Mozzarella. Sticks. Come on. Pros: scottish bartender Cons: bathrooms smells like *&*&^%$^ more

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 more

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. more

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 more

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 more

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. more

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

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

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. more

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! more

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 more

I have eaten at Papillon a couple of times for both brunch and dinner and have always enjoyed my experience. I have always had attentive and knowledgable waitstaff and the bartenders make a great dirty martini. Papillon was also on channel 11 last night on the 10:00 news! From what they said Papillon is completely trans-fat free - another great reason to dine there! more

The worst Restaurant I have ever been to in my entire life The Food was alright our waiteress was not good She's not professional the busboy spilled a glass of water on my wfe the waitress knelt down to open ours bottole we were destract by the music it was beyond loud the service is really amateurish more

My husband and I went to Papillon and had a wonderful time, beginning with the beautiful grandiose entrance. We decided to eat upstairs by the window Our waiter was attentive and very knowledgable about the food. We shared the French Onion Soup, which was amazing. I ordered the scallops and my husband had the lamb chops, both cooked to perfection. We did not feel rushed or ovwhelmed, just very pleased with our experience. I like it so much that since dinner I have been back for weekend brunch! more

tHIS PLACE WAS RECOMMENDED BY A FRIEND WHO IS VERY PICKY IN HER CHOICES OF EATING. sHE ONCE AGAIN WAS RIGHT AT PICKING PAPILLION.THE SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT THEY WERE VERY POLITE . THE FOOD WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD I TOTALLY RECOMMEND THE SCALLOPS . THE PRICES ARE REASONABLE . more

This is a great, fun place to hang with friends! First of all, the place is beautiful. There are two levels: the downstairs which is mainly a bar room with a really cool room in the back with a pool table. It's pretty laid-back and the bartenders are awesome! Friendly and never leave you wanting a drink. They also serve these enormous samplers in case you get hungry. So far my favorites are the potstickers and spring rolls. You can order off the main menu and stay downstairs or climb the stairs and have dinner in the dining room. It's a little more ""grown-up."" Elegant when compared to the downstairs area, but still casual and comfy. There's a smaller bar up there too, but still a fun spot. Off to the side is a cool little alcove if you want a quieter time with your friends. It's more lounge-y with couches and cute cushy chairs. The dining room itself is cozy. To the right are huge windows and the trees just outside are lit up with lights. Romantic and pretty to look at while dining. Pros: Great barstaff, huge downstairs bar, free pool table, ambience more

THIS IS THE BEST RESTURANT I HAVE EVER BEEN TO THE FOOD IS FANTASTIC THE WAITERS ARE WONDERFUL AND PLEASEANT THE DRINKS ARE JUST MADE RIGHT I WOULD DEFINETLY RECCOMEND THIS PLACE more

I was told about this place by a friend........It has become the After work hang-out spot. Call it A Hip and Classier ""CHEERS"".... Where everybody knows your name! Staff there are all friendly and really make you feel welcome. Pros: Its a Great Place, price wise it beats lots of places around the area. It's a MUST GO Cons: I don't live close to the Place more

I very much enjoyed my recent evening at Papillon. Beautiful oysters to start, followed by the best scallops I have ever tasted, all washed down with a delicious Chablis which was reasonably priced. Papillion really know what they are doing. A really great spot. more

Great Food! Wonderful atmosphere. Totally recommend it. I went there with some family and friends. we all had a wonderful time and was thoroughly stuffed. Pros: Food and spacious restaurant. 2 floors! Cons: reservation more