Paris Cafe

bad service, expensive, bartender doesn't know hus drinks and itakes forever to receive them

Posted 05/06/09

I have been going to Paris Cafe for over a year now, since I moved into the Financial District last summer. I was surprised at some of the reviews I've read here. Either things have changed dramatically for the better, or I'm just extraordinarily lucky to always have a good experience there.

The service has always been excellent for us. (Annette is just about the nicest person alive.) The burgers are the best we've ever had. The fried calamari competes with just about any I've ever had at a seafood restaurant. The steaks are always thick and perfectly cooked. And the view of the Brooklyn Bridge is just the icing on the cake.

The service is fast, the prices are reasonable, and the place has a real neighborhood feeling that we like. I really can't recommend it highly enough.

Pros: service, burgers, setting

Cons: sometimes too hot!

Posted 11/18/08

Below average explains it. Food is not great and is pricey, most of the appetizers are $10 and you don't feel like you are getting much value from a bar serving traditional American style cuisine. Thumbs up for the ample amount of TV's surrounding the bars and the video games (love buck hunter). I have been here a handful of times and the service from the bartenders was way too slow. Ordered nachos once and they were stale as can be. Would rather go to Nelson Blue or even Jeremy's Ale house around the corner.

Pros: TV's for sports, location is cool

Cons: service, food not cheap and not great

Posted 11/07/08

Went there with a few friends for burgers. Horrible! Expensive and burgers had no flavor at all, wouldn't feed it to my dog! You'll get a better deal at Jeremy's next door!

Cons: Flavorless burgers

Posted 04/28/07

Always have a good time there. Nice cozy ambiance. Staff were attentive, fun people. Had dinner there too, crab cakes were pretty good.

Posted 10/19/06

There's a reason this place is "always empty" and seating is "prompt"! It's terrible! If microwaved diner food is your idea of perfect late night snacking then I guess you'd like it. The staff are plain rude and the food is terrible. It's a glorified sports bar...but not too glorified!! It's not at all a "local bar" unless you count miserable looking guys from the financial district getting really drunk after work as "regulars". The bar tenders are the worst in the city. It's the only place I have ever felt it neccessary not to tip them anything! There are far better bars and far, far better restaurants all around. Avoid this place!

Cons: rude and surly staff, poor food

Posted 08/24/06

The Paris is a standby for us since it is reliable for a good meal. Their menu isn't too adventurous, but that's the beauty of it. Prices are a little higher than what you'd expect from this old new york bar but the ambience is nice and comforting so that makes up for the cost. We live in the neighborhood, and we've never seen this place busier than 4-5 tables full so service is good and it's quiet. The tourists definately miss this place, which is a relief. Fish smell from the market is prominant.

Pros: no tourists, always empty, comfort food

Cons: , fish smell

Posted 04/06/04

we went there around 1am(yes, it was late) and were very happy that we went there. They serve food until 2am but open bar untill 4am. Loud and dark but food was excellent. Especially raw oysters and chicken fingers(it's made from thick breast meat and fried in fresh oil.) Around sea food market so smells like one too but if you can tolerate the smell around the neighborhood, it's just great place to eat. But I do agree...Nothing french about this place.

Posted 11/11/02

Historic site with the original bar. The fish is fresh and prepared nicely. Good for a business lunch of fish and pints of beer.

Pros: old NY ambience, friendly waitresses, good fish platters

Posted 07/23/02

Waitstaff is friendly, food is excellent, and they pull a fine pint of Guinness.

Posted 05/21/02