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All Reader Reviews of...

Brasserie 8 1/2

9 W. 57th St., New York, NY, 10019
nr. Fifth Ave.
212-829-0812

Avg. Rating

8
Food: 9
Service: 8
Décor: 8
"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

83% would go back.

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I never expected this

By emily1 on 8/26/2004

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

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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352 out of 749 people found this review helpful.

Class in West 50's

By martin_chamois on 5/21/2003

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

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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381 out of 815 people found this review helpful.

Brasserie Gourmet Dining

By yvonne16 on 3/15/2003

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

For Gourmet French food at reasonable prices dine at the Brasserie. The food divine the service impeccable and the atmoshpere cosy. A great place to go on at date!

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94 out of 209 people found this review helpful.

Count Me as a Regular

By johnfarrell01 on 3/24/2013

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

I love Brasserie 8 1/2 for its ambiance, food, and service. Its attractions start with its sleek and spacious layout -- who doesn't feel like a Grand Duke (or Duchess) walking down the sweeping staircase? The food is nouvelle American and always well-prepared, innovative, and fresh. I am a particular devotee of Sunday brunch with its wide selections of the traditional and the unexpected. Once again, freshness and meticulous preparation are the keys. The triumph of Brasserie 8 1/2, however, is its service. Not everyone agrees with me, but I think that one of glories of Manhattan dining is that wait staff are often young people coming to New York to break into creative fields. That seems to be the case at Brasserie 8 1/2. Besides being well-trained, courteous, and efficient, the waiters are attractive, intelligent, witty, and interesting. I single Don, David, and Carieanne out as the best of the best.

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2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Birthday Dinner

By singbodyelectrik on 7/26/2007

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 6
  • Yes, I would go back!

Loved it. Especially the desert

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210 out of 506 people found this review helpful.

Out-of-towners' Delight

By mknowski on 12/8/2004

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

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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345 out of 784 people found this review helpful.

Brasserie 81/2

By sahw on 3/7/2004

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

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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327 out of 744 people found this review helpful.

8 &1/2? I give it a 9.5!

By adsong on 6/27/2003

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

"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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304 out of 713 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful desserts!

By poscherry on 2/12/2004

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

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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359 out of 729 people found this review helpful.

Siberia

By artthedime on 7/1/2003

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

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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402 out of 759 people found this review helpful.

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