balthazar: review

Don't have a reservation? The best place in the city to walk in for dinner is the bar at Balthazar. A space always magically opens up. The waiters are friendly and the place is packed with jovial regulars. The food is consistently excellent.

Balthazar's steak frites is the best in the city. It's a great piece of meat and is always perfectly cooked. I ask for medium...but that's me. Fries are always fresh and some of the best in the city (the best if you disqualify the Spotted Pig's for being too skinny to compete). The steak au poivre is almost as good, with a great peppery cream/cognac sauce and some spinach.

Everything else on the menu is good, including the desserts. Wine by the glass is reasonable.

I always take a stroll through the tables on the way out. Spotted Bill Nighy this time in a booth with friends.

grade: A+

Balthazar

balthazarnyc.com

80 Spring Street

(212) 965-1785