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Pastis
Master Critic Review
Pastis
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Pastis is a revived Meatpacking French brasserie where steak frites, shellfish, and bistro classics play out in a lively, see-and-be-seen room. It’s better for relationship-nurturing lunches than tight agenda sessions, especially with clients who appreciate a little theater.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Moules frites, French onion soup
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: An iconic Paris-style brasserie where classic bistro dishes share the stage with a high-energy dining room.
Who should go: Clients who enjoy buzzy rooms and French comfort
When to visit: Early or late lunch to avoid peak crush and noise
What to order: Steak frites, moules, a bistro salad or omelette
Insider tip: Terrace and banquette tables feel more private than center-of-room seating for work talk.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in the Meatpacking District; nearby paid garages on 9th Ave. and Little West 12th St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; polished jeans are fine but most guests dress fashion-forward.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak lunch; side banquettes allow workable conversation, but center room can be challenging for detailed discussions.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak patio weather.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short wait or immediate seating if you’re outside the prime 12:30–1:30pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — salads, omelettes, and several vegetable-forward bistro dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — can piece together salads and sides, but few true entrées.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some dishes are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide substitutions, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want lively energy and a classic brasserie setting; less ideal if you prefer quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at off-peak lunch or late afternoon; during prime hours, expect a wait and consider bar seating as a backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — the menu has approachable classics, but the room skews adult and busy; best for older kids comfortable in lively settings.
Best For
Better for: High-energy business lunches, people-watching, and classic French comfort with a polished downtown setting.
Skip if: You need a quiet table for serious agenda-driven meetings or prefer more modern, lighter interpretations of French cooking.
Hours
Monday8am - 11pm
Tuesday8am - 11pm
Wednesday8am - 11pm
Thursday8am - 11pm
Friday8am - 12am
Saturday10am - 12am
Sunday10am - 11pm