Brasserie Julien

I started coming here a few months ago when I happened to walk past Brasserie Julien's offering of Tuesday night's happy hour. Free fondue and sponsored drink specials were all my girlfriends and I needed after a tough day on the job. Since then, we've been back for more on the other nights for various dates, b-day gatherings and simply for some fantastic french cuisine at reasonable prices. Why schlep downtown when we can chill in such a fantastic ambience a stone's throw away from home.

Pros: beautiful decor, wide variety on menu, charming owners

Posted 03/18/03

Boasting some of the most fatuous and narcissistic barkeeps in New York, BJ is nonetheless a fun place to spend some time. The bar is pleasant, the drinks are well-made, and the food is actually quite good, including all the classic bistro staples. The fondue, in particular, is a wonderful winter treatbut it has to be shared or else you'll wind up having a coronary and then one of those cliched Frenchmen would bungle the CPR.

Pros: ambience, nice bar, decent food

Cons: fatuous Frenchmen, odd odors

Posted 02/10/03

(Sorry about the title; Citysearch asked for it!)
My wife and I live in the neighborhood and, along with another couple, have been "making the rounds". This place has quickly become one of our favorites. The menu is extremely interesting and deep, and it changes seasonally. The food is excellent, the service first-rate, and the ambiance lovely. The only thing I can't comment on is the dessert, because none of us ever has any room!

Pros: ambiance, decor, service

Posted 02/05/03

The ambience in Brasserie Julien is nothing short of transcendent...fusing the deep crimson and
velvet aesthetic of Paris to the heart of the Upper East Side. The drinks are made to perfection. Be prepared to conduct yourself as one who is familiar with the ways of the world. This is not the bar for lackeys of posers. An unpretentious sexy atmosphere lends itself to the above average wine-list and a menu that can stand-up to any other restaurant in NewYork City (or Paris). If you are lucky to make it there on a Tuesday evening, you'll find delicious cheese and chocolate fondue in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The ambience, wine, and food combine to form a greater whole making the brasserie experience that which it was intended to be. Visit Brasserie Julien.

Posted 12/14/02

My husband and I dined tonight at this charming little brasserie. The atmosphere is like a slice of 1920s Paris--art deco lighting with bugundy velvet seating, irridescent silk sheers and a live jazz sax/guitar duo playing. It's rare my 6'5" husband leaves a French restaurant filled up, but the bison steak he ordered was enormous. The beaujolais was superb. But the biggest plus to this place was the service--EVERYONE was attentive & kind, from the hostess who gave us a romantic corner table, to the waitress who came by many times, all the way to the OWNER who was walking by the tables monitoring everything all night. He went out of his way to make sure we were happy. All in all it was a romantic and special dining experience. Highly recommended, especially for intimate dates or a double date with some old friends.

Pros: Service, Ambient, Large portions

Cons: Pricey

Posted 11/29/02

French with Eastern-inspired accents, the best mussels, wonderful fries. Huge portions, delicate flavors, reasonable prices. Beautiful art deco location, warm, romantic, and relaxing.

Pros: Delicious food, Large portions, Lovely decor

Cons: Slow service

Posted 10/18/02

Classsic brasserie food prepared my a master-with a bit of a twist at times. Everything on the menu is excellent. Enjoyable enough to go once a week and never get bored.

Pros: comfortable, nice people, great food

Cons: noisy at times, boring decor

Posted 08/09/02

Be transported to Paris at this neighborhood French bistro on the Upper East Side.

Vive la difference. Last year's addition of a new chef and renovated decor combine to provide a wonderful, warm ambiance and delicious menu selections.

Pros: sidewalk seating, good portions, wine list

Posted 08/07/02

This is one of thsoe places you kind of just walk by on the Upper East and don't think about it. It was a great place. Service was great and friendly, menu was creative and had a wide variety, and great beer. A definite recommend foir a date or even just drinks up front in the comfy chairs.

Posted 07/23/02