Le Bistroquet (BXL Zoute) — Restaurant in New York

Sara, where are you?

For over a decade, this has been one of my favorite spots for delicious food and the ability to dine with dogs (lots of cozy and heated outdoor space). I had long, fun chats with the staff and gave free dog training advice. But with the absence of Sara (not sure of her spelling) and Finda (also spelling?) over the last month or so, I’m feeling an intense void and realizing the charm of BXL has always been the laid-back servers who don’t judge me for ordering a beyond burger and wanting salt.

I avoid most French and Belgian restaurants because I fully expect to be snubbed for being a vegetarian, or just because they feel like fulfilling a cultural stereotype, but no one here has EVER been that way, least of all Sara and Finda. Until now.

I’m hyper aware of things, and often too tuned-in, but in this case I’m absolutely certain they say something to the effect of “pouah, it’s zee Americane weeth zee oowful tazte” when they see me coming in. The new people call me the supervegetarian (nope, I eat bacon, most meat avoidance is just about icky texture for me) and once said "we know about you." Granted, they could just say "we won't make that, because we hate you for wanting it,” but they didn’t, and they HADN'T been overtly rude, until today.

Today I walked in and asked if they could manage my having dinner outside with a huge football crowd (see, I said football, not soccer!) inside, and was assured it would be fine and then got promptly ignored in the cold for over an hour. Never asked if my meal was good or if I needed anything. After an hour and twenty minutes I walked in to pay and was further ignored. So I left, then came back a half hour later to pay my tab. Americane girl weeth bad tazte was angry.

I’m well aware of the oversensitivity, anxiousness, obesity, entitlement, hyperbole and overall perceived obnoxiousness of Americans, and I haven’t even traveled (it’s a fear thing). I just don’t want to be a reminded of it when I dine and drink and pay a fair bit for it. Sara and Finda, please come back. You made me feel accepted. And you would never have left me out...

Overall - 10/10 I've been coming to BXL Zoute for over 4 years now. I keep coming back because the people that work here have become my NY family. It's a Belgian Bistro that is very much a neighborhood spot, that is both kid and pet friendly. The staff here are always so happy to see everyone and that makes the experience a warm and welcoming one. If that wasn't enough, the food here is consistently delicious. I've dreamt of the moules frites and burgers on multiple occasions (not kidding). I've tried everything on the menu, including the daily specials, and have never had anything I didn't like. They have a full bar and are skilled at making cocktails. The beer selection is enough of a reason to visit... with over 70 beers, it's hard not to find something you like! The staff is also very well versed so they can definitely help you find something you like! The atmosphere is a very chill and welcoming. The music is always on point (I'm constantly Shazaming what ever is on!) and the heated outdoor patio is great for any occasion!

Food & Drinks - 10/10 With Belgian classics like moules frites, endive salads, and of course Belgian waffles, there's really no other place in the city with such authentic and great tasting Belgian food. I believe they might have the best tasting fries I've ever had! The drink selection is always great, with a vast selection of beers, wines, and spirits it's hard not to find something you don't like.

Atmosphere - 10/10 It's rare to see a restaurant that caters so well to both families with children and pets as well as larger groups. You will always find folks from the neighborhood dining here, which is a testament to the quality of the restaurant.

Service - 10/10 The staff is super friendly and always accommodating! I send all my friends here, even if I'm not with them, and they have ALL returned every time they visit NYC.

Price 10/10 Prices are what you would expect of a quality establishment. It's a Belgian bistro so it won't break your wallet. The food is definitely worth...

Pretty nice place -- very helpful staff, both over the phone and in person. Good brunch, pretty quiet, nice setting.

Note: the sign out front is hard to see until you're pretty close to it, because even though it's large, it's a similar color to the building, and it's a bit recessed, with what might become some outdoor seating in nicer weather.

One of our party needed gluten-free food, and the staff were very helpful in pointing out a pretty good selection of gluten-free options over the phone, and they were delicious in person.

The portions were a bit small for my appetite at the time, but it was all really good. There was good free bread and butter to make up for it.

When we opened the tops of our hot water pots for tea, I thought that was a near-universal signal to request more hot water, but our cups and pots were collected before I could react. So I guess the service was super-efficient. :-)

There weren't many customers when we went, and the four of us stayed like noon to two-ish, and they were super accommodating. We had a (well-behaved, mostly sleeping) baby with us, and again, the staff were helpful and patient with us.

The setting was pretty quiet -- just enough music that one didn't hear other people's conversations. The furniture is nice, comfy enough. Definitely the intended European vibe. We didn't have any alcohol, but there was a nice selection on display. Overall a very...