197687 Fri Nov 01 15:50:33 -0800 2002 8 18 Manhattan 0 1054734 Anyone been here? A friend from out of town picked it. Fri Nov 01 15:50:33 -0800 2002 0 beatrice 1 1054736 As I've said many, many times before on this board, the food's good. However, seating is so close that a sardine would feel squished, smoke from the usually packed bar area in front wafts over the dining area, and the noise level is so loud that conversation with one's tablemates is nearly impossible. Other than that.... Fri Nov 01 16:15:49 -0800 2002 1054734 0 RGR 2 1054777 is the downtown location all sardine-canney as well? Sat Nov 02 08:28:06 -0800 2002 1054736 0 Jayask 3 1054787 Not quite as crowded. The front room is very smoky, though. Sat Nov 02 11:35:02 -0800 2002 1054777 0 SF bluefish 4 1054852 Is the food about the same quality downtown as at the original Les Halles??????? Sun Nov 03 13:50:24 -0800 2002 1054787 0 erica 5 1054951 Yeah, same mediocre food as midtown. Mon Nov 04 16:22:31 -0800 2002 1054852 0 Nina 5 1056386 I think its a a lot better. Sat Aug 02 14:26:52 -0700 2003 1054852 0 Tbear 1 1054781 Yes, it is definitely tight seating there, but it is all part of the ambience, non? For me the frites there are worth any amount of discomfort... Sat Nov 02 09:46:53 -0800 2002 1054734 0 CityChef 1 1054805 I went there for my birthday this summer and wasn't really impressed with their food. The dishes that we tried weren't really sophisticated and the portions were too big. For a bistro, I'd pick A Table in Brooklyn. Sat Nov 02 15:22:43 -0800 2002 1054734 0 Hanako