I had to write after I saw something about poor service. Something about coming here always makes the night a little special. The menu is a mix of french brasserie and restaurant classics like juicy steak with french fries with some traditionals such as ceasar salad, and franco-cal dishes like goat cheese puffs that are pretty sublime. I don't generally go here to be surprised by unique dishes but to eat great food. Ie it's not innovative like Rockenwagner. The fish is also excellent. It's no inexpensive but seems well priced. \r
The service: yes occasionally it seems slow, but it's part of the charm that they don't try to get you in and out in 1 hour. It's a different pace, and while I get antsy I usually find myself enjoying the extra time. The waitstaff are very professional and it's refreshing to have service that is not intrusive -- not ""Hi, I'm so and so and I'll be your server tonight..."" Very much like the excellent service at La Cachette, although obviously slightly more casual. They do what needs to be done and don't bother you all the time. What a nice change. Oh, and they know about wine, so if you are like me and not an expert on french wine, they can suggest wine for specific dishes. \r
As the place gets fuller it becomes noisy, but not too loud. You can tell everyone is having a great conversation; in other words, not a place where people are worried about making connections in the biz, checking each other out; but intent on full enjoyment of a meal with their friends/lovers/family. \r
PS I'm pretty allergic to cig. smoke. If you are or if you find it unpleasant then you should ask about it when you book; once they put me on the patio and I had to move. I think people smoke when they are outside. If you want to self-park there are many residential streets behind the restaurant that are fine for parking.
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