Balthazar 80 Spring St. (Broadway & Crosby St.)
SoHo
212.965.1785
Balthazar:
If Lucky Strike is Keith McNally’s call to arms for a hip, ultra-chill hangout smack in the midst of the SoHo elite, then Balthazar is the equivalent of that, for your parents. Much more commercial than his other outfits, McNally’s Balthazar rings a tad mainstream and conventional. The space is cavernous, but packed with lots of brass and glossy restaurant tables. The front bar, while impressively lined with vino, is aesthetically run of the mill. (Granted, the wine selection is anything but, with over 400 bottles to choose from.) Not so middle of the road are the freshly cut flowers planted beautifully in gargantuan vases around the brasserie, which serve to heighten the romantic Parisian mood. Go to Balthazar for a little ooh la la, but skip it if you’re interested in kicking the coolness factor up a notch.
This French restaurant shows what parisians are known for: arrogance. If you're not somebody then the seat you will most likely get is sure to get you the best view of the back wall or the kitchen. The food is mediocre and the service can definately be improved.
