Lots of critics have written that Bar Boulud isn’t up to the standards they’d expect from Daniel Boulud. Is it fabulous? No. Is it a pleasant bistro where you can get a very serviceable pre-Lincoln Center dinner or a bite after the movies? Absolutely.

First, the staff at Bar Boulud is incredibly welcoming. When we tried to eat at the bar around 6:30 one night, they helped us scout for seats. When we returned after a movie, around 9 pm, they welcomed us back. And the service, once we sat down to eat, was friendly and efficient.

I like sitting at the bar, and at Bar Boulud, it’s the best place to be. That’s because you’re cheek by jowl with huge slabs of pate arrayed along the long blonde counter. You can watch the folks behind the bar slicing it up. And if you want to taste something—say the chicken pate—they’ll obligingly cut you a slice to try. If you hadn’t planned on ordering chacouterie before watching this performance, you will afterwards.

We had a terrine made with lamb, sweet potatoes and eggplant. It was pleasant and earthy, but I wasn’t sure what all the ingredients added up to. Grilled shrimp served on a wedge of polenta was perfectly done, while my frissee salad was loaded with lardons and chunks of chicken liver.

Be sure to visit the restrooms downstairs. All along the walls of the corridor leading to them are floor-to-ceiling wine racks. If you hadn’t known about Bar Boulud’s deep wine list before, you certainly will after visiting the loo.

Bar Boulud
1900 Broadway
NY, NY
212 595 0303

Related posts:

1. A Holiday Dinner at Bar Boulud
2. Upper West Side: Daniel Boulud Plans New Lincoln Center Restaurant
3. West Branch Satisfies Upper West Side Bistro Needs