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Brasserie 8 1/2
9 W. 57th St., New York, NY, 10019
nr. Fifth Ave.
212-829-0812
| 8.0 | "Recommended" Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10 |  |
New Years Eve Disaster
pas703 from 10016 | Posted on 1/2/08
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It is New Years Eve 2007 and my wife and I had to wait 1 1/2 hours sit down at a table with reservations guaranteed by a credit card. We were not alone as dozens of other people had to wait as well, some even longer. Many just walked out vocalizing their disgust with management on the way out. At one point I asked the Manager if we were ever going to get a table and his reply was he did not know. The food service was poor as we had to constantly track down the waitress to get the next course. Totally unbelievable.
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Birthday Dinner
singbodyelectrik from 11743 | Posted on 7/26/07
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Loved it. Especially the desert
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Does Not Live Up!
viones from 11357 | Posted on 12/11/06
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I have been to many resturants and I usually order a bottle of wine for $100 or more. When my glass is empty I would expect them to refill the glass. I had to fill both of our wine glasses and water glasses the whole night and the waiter took forever to bring the check. The food was good but I wasn't blown away. My Medium Steak Au Poive was Black and Blue, in other words cooked on the outside and RAW in the inside. I didn't send it back but I expect more from a nice place.
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Out-of-towners' Delight
mknowski | Posted on 12/8/04
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Brasserie 8 1/2 offers a casually elegant atmosphere hosting some of the most scrumptiously delicious dishes at reasonable prices. New to New York, I was interested in taking my parents, visiting from Philadelphia, to a restaurant that boasts both a unique atmosphere and culinary delights. Up against a good repertoire of competition, both in Philadelphia (Le Bec Fin, Striped Bass, Stephen Starr, Marsha Brown’s) and New York (Tao, Asia de Cuba), Brasserie 8 1/2 definitely held its own. The food is phenomenal; we feasted on cornflake crusted crab cakes ($14/$28) as appetizers; seared tuna with faux gras ($35); diver scallops, angel hair and truffles ($45) and horseradish crusted sea bass ($35) for dinner. All dishes were prepared with the perfect balance of taste. My dad summed up our dinner, stating that one simply cannot find such dishes elsewhere. For dessert: the Chocolate Box ($10) and Frozen Banana Praline Soufflé ($9). Even if you are not hungry, you need to order dessert. As good as the food was, the service could be improved upon. The staff was attentive, but did not match the caliber of the dishes (taste and price). Regardless, we will definitely be back, with more Philadelphians in tow.
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I never expected this
emily1 | Posted on 8/26/04
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Brasserie 8 1/2 was one of the best overall dining experiences I have ever had. From the foie gras to the enchanting sorbets, I was pleasantly surprised with every bite. The service was outstanding and for those of you who fear the typical mid-town bistro, fear not!
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Brasserie 81/2
sahw from 10019 | Posted on 3/7/04
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Slick looking midtown delight. Brunches are amazing and not at all expensive. The buffet goes on forever, with chefs at different stations ready to cook your favorites.
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Wonderful desserts!
poscherry | Posted on 2/12/04
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I went with a few girlfriends to celebrate a birthday, and I felt like a movie star walking down the beautiful staircase into the equally stunning restaurant. Our waiter was very friendly and indulged us even though we were very indecisive while ordering our drinks. Our entrees were good, though nothing unforgettable, but the desserts were creative and delicious. I would go back just for that alone!
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Siberia
artthedime from 07043 | Posted on 7/1/03
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Why should such an excellent restaurant offer us one of their worst tables, near a staircase? We had a reservation, and were presentable. However, when I refused the table in Siberia and asked for a booth, they did give us an excellent one, even though there were on;y two of us.
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8 &1/2? I give it a 9.5!
adsong from 10019 | Posted on 6/27/03
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"Sex In The City" did a segment for its series in this beautiful restaurant. Its been voted one of New Yorks Best .Its been one of MY favorites for quite a while.walk down the sweeping stairs,which leads you to the sprawling and inviting bar area,Then to the left, a seating area, and further in, the pretty, spacious restaurant.8.5 serves up tasty Brasserie degustations, and orgasmic(sorry) desserts. Here's an example of its menu for your edification and comfort:Turbot a la Plancha white beans, golden raisins, truffles with a foie gras emulsion 26.Seared Atlantic Salmon with wild ramps, morels, english peas and a peanut butter foam 21.Horseradish Crusted Striped Bass with yukon gold potatoes, golden beet borscht 26 Wild Arctic Char in a Scallop Crust with asparagus, squash blossoms and chive broth 24. Filet Mignon au Poivre with pommes frites 29. Steak Frites with herbed butter 24.Accompaniments, each 6. Not quite better than sex,but close!.
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Class in West 50's
martin_chamois from West 50's | Posted on 5/21/03
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This restaurant is all about NYC Class. Walk in and be greeted, then walk down into a stylish subterranean décor and allow the Professional staff to seat you and serve you promptly. There is an excellent recently updated menu and the food prepared by an outstanding chef and his staff not only matches but also exceeds the promises. Stop in the bar/lounge before or after to adjust your mood. Exit up the spiral staircase and rejoin the real world of 57th Street and 5th Avenue with an improved attitude.
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