Is Tartine worth the wait?

[brenklein]

I have a friend coming in town this weekend and was thinking of Tartine for Saturday night- for the "New York experience." I have heard bad things about the wait, the service, and the size of the place...but great things about the food...Thoughts??

[androidland]

Okay, I think someone needs to come out and say that the food at Tartine is downright bad. I got a croque madame, which was hard in places, to the point of being inedible. I forget what my girlfriend got, but I remember it being pretty bad as well. This kind of food would not fly in France.

For a little more money (not much more), I would recommend La Luncheonette:

http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile...

[RCC]

I think Tartine is good for what it is. The food had not compleltely wowed us over - some good French bistro dishes and freshly-baked dessert and bread items, and we have not had anything to complain about the service. The BYOB-friendly policy (I like digging into my stash, whether paid corkage or free BYOB) and the bearable waiting time (30 minutes, at most) makes it an OK place to go to.

[enrevanche]

Tartine is a very good neighborhood place, but not destination dining. I eat there with some frequency because I live around the corner and work from home, and can easily go at odd hours when there isn't a line; frankly, I would not stand in line for it.

[RGR]

I agree! I've had lunch once at Tartine when I happened to be in the neighborhood and was able to get a table without waiting. The food was very tasty, but I'd never consider standing in line for it. But then, I wouldn't stand in line for any restaurant no matter how good the food might be.

[calypsogirl]

i absolutley LOVE the orchard. i think the food is so delicious.

i recommend the duck confit, the warm mushroom flatbread, the yellowfin tuna tartare and the gnocchi!! my favorite.the agnolotti with butternut squash and brownsugar puree is also excellent, and the halibut was nice and flaky.

[brenklein]

Not set on it by any means...Just wanted something "New Yorky" - she has only been here once...and BYOB- we are both wine snobs but cannot affrord to be. The Orchard was my first thought and that is probably where we will go...

[jens]

I've been to The Orchard twice in the last week-- highly recommend it. Food and service are fantastic. Haven't been to Tartine because of the wait.

[danoots]

I find it's one of those places that, while dining, you need to remind yourself it's a "value". I've never had anything bad, but I've never been wowed by anything. Additionally, you need to be prepared to wait for a table, and possibly eat in rather cramped quarters. Not trying to discourage a visit, but if your budget isn't the primary concern, you may want to consider one of the other bistros around the city.

[calypsogirl]

i think the food is great, and i like that it is byob. the place is TINY TINY. i haven't experienced bad service there, though, nor a wait at all, except for a brunch on a Sunday.

are you looking for french food in the village only?