269792 Thu Apr 18 13:02:57 -0700 2002 20 17 What's My Craving? 0 1421502 I'll be accompanying my husband on a business trip to NY in a couple of weeks and was trying to think of some foodie quest I could go on. Then it hit me - moules frites, that wonderful Belgian combination of mussels and fries. And, of course, a Belgian brew to wash it all down. MMmmmmm, can't wait! I know you fellow chowhounds will be able to steer me in the right direction. We tend to gravitate towards little hole-in-the-wall places but will put up with "the scene" (and prices) if the food is worth it. My mother was from Belgium so I grew up on frites, real Belgain waffles (for snacks, not for breakfast) and chocolate (often at breakfast!). Thu Apr 18 13:02:57 -0700 2002 0 Suzan 1 1421504 We had a spate of Belgian places open a few years ago, but now we're down to just a few: Cafe de Bruxelles, on Greenwich ave & 12th St in the Village -- been around 20 years; Markt, 9th Ave & 14th St; and Petite Abeille, in several locations. I've never eaten at Cafe de Bruxelles, but of the other 2 I prefer Markt over Petite Abeille. Mostly on the attitude they project. Markt was really trendy when it opened, but I've always had pretty good service, and slightly more value for my money. Service at Petite Abeille still can be totally un-accomodating, and I thought it was a rip-off the (only) time I had gauffres there. But I'm sure others will have other opinions. Also, there are other places that do not bill themselves as Belgian but DO serve moules frites. Thu Apr 18 13:28:03 -0700 2002 1421502 0 CTer 2 1421506 I haven't eaten at Cafe de Bruxelles for a few years, but I remember it as a homey kind of place. It was the only Belgian restaurant in New York for years, and as such I think escaped having that "trendy vibe." They serve moules many different ways and all their entrees come with frites & homemade mayo. Good beer selection too. Thu Apr 18 13:42:15 -0700 2002 1421504 0 Stephanie L. 3 1421514 I eat at Cafe de Bruxelles fairly regularly (about once a month) and allways leave very happy. Big bowls of moules served many differnt ways, tasty fresh fries that keep coming, nice service, not a dump but not pompus either...and best of all a beer menu thats longer then many a resteraunt's wine list. (a couple good beers and moules will set you back ~$30 a person. Fri Apr 19 10:03:09 -0700 2002 1421506 0 JoshA 4 1421700 Had wonderful moules frites at the Chelsea Bistro on 23rd recently. Mon May 06 10:21:03 -0700 2002 1421514 0 Tracy Miller 1 1421508 Jubilee (347 E. 54th St.) is defined as a French bistro, but mussels are the house specialty. I believe you have a choice of 6 or 7 different preparations. Not a spectacular place, but a good, reasonably-priced one. Thu Apr 18 15:09:54 -0700 2002 1421502 0 Dena 1 1421509 Again, not Belgian, but Artisanal has some of the best moules and best frites I have had period. Thu Apr 18 15:44:23 -0700 2002 1421502 0 Caitlin Wheeler 1 1421510 If you want to enjoy the frites and mussels in an appropriate setting (a bar) then try Le Frite Kot on West 4th in the Village. Well priced and the fries are tasty. Didn't like the honey mustard dip though Thu Apr 18 16:28:11 -0700 2002 1421502 0 MD 2 1421516 Isn't the bar / restaurant called Vol de nuit? Or is that a different place? Fri Apr 19 12:29:37 -0700 2002 1421510 0 The Rogue 1 1421513 I would go to: Café de Bruxelles Greenwich Village 118 Greenwich Ave. (W. 13th St.) New York, NY, 10011-7704 (212) 206-1830 THis place is great. Its not a exalty a "hole in the wall" but I think it has the type of characther you mean. Fri Apr 19 09:59:34 -0700 2002 1421502 0 JoshA 2 1421529 I had terrible mussels at Bruxelles, overcooked and funky tasting. It was my first (and only) time there so I didn't think to send 'em back, only to write the place off forever. Maybe it was just a bad day or a bad batch, but I'll never know. I'm currently in search of good *moules frites* too Fri Apr 19 22:58:12 -0700 2002 1421513 0 MNS in Chelsea 1 1421517 Thanks for all your input - leaning towards Cafe de Bruxelles although Mrkt and Petite Abeille sound interesting as well. Maybe we'll have to try all three! (As well as some street frites!) Fri Apr 19 12:50:37 -0700 2002 1421502 0 Suzan 2 1421520 Street frites?!?!? If you find any, let us know! Well, there is that stand on 2nd avenue near 7th? street -- but an actual street cart as in Europe? This I've gotta see. Fri Apr 19 14:58:42 -0700 2002 1421517 0 CTer 1 1421518 It's French, not Belgian, but the meal you described (Mussels, Fries, and Beer) is awesome at La Bicyclette on 85th and Columbus Nothing else there is above average, I've found. Fri Apr 19 13:36:22 -0700 2002 1421502 0 Peter 1 1421543 Petite Abeile in Tribeca has been my usual destination. Their lunch special Moules Frites includes a bottle of Stella Artois and chocolate pudding for desert. Was $20 the last time I was there. I have not been there for dinner. Mon Apr 22 12:57:41 -0700 2002 1421502 0 smaturin 2 1421544 there's a really really good one on... 4th street between 6th and Macdougal, through a courtyard in the back -- all they serve is Moules Frites and beer galore... incredible. Mon Apr 22 13:32:02 -0700 2002 1421543 0 Maya 3 2841000 Maya...do you know the name of the place btw 6th and Macdougal? Mon Aug 13 11:38:35 -0700 2007 1421544 117731 happyapple 4 2841121 It's probably vol de nuit aka The Belgium Beer Bar www.voldenuitbar.com Mon Aug 13 12:03:38 -0700 2007 2841000 107418 steeltowngrl 1 1421557 this is not a suggestion for moules frites, but if you are in search of great belgian waffles and baked goods, try le pain quotidien for breakfast. this belgian bakery has chains through out the city (one is on 19th and Broadway, another is on grand street in soho) and they have really delicious coffee and pastries. very authentic too, my belgian friend tells me! its a great place for brunch, breakfast or an afternoon break. Tue Apr 23 14:01:36 -0700 2002 1421502 0 layla 1 2841238 I'm not sure how well this place rates on Chowhound, but I happened on BXL Cafe a few years ago. As I remember it, they had 3 or 4 types of moules frites. They also had a bar inside the restaurant. It's near Times Square, so take it for what it's worth... Mon Aug 13 12:33:55 -0700 2007 1421502 11955 silleehillee 2 2912838 Sorry; I'd have to vote against BXL. There's no ambience, and the food's just OK, in my opinion (though it's close to my office, so I end up there sometimes). I'd love to find a great moules frites place! I'm going to try Vol de Nuit. Wed Sep 05 11:27:01 -0700 2007 2841238 69178 bread for breakfast