Bagatelle - NYC

Tuna Tartare

Okay...if you only read one Bagatelle review, you need to read this one. I'm going to give you the FULL rundown of Bagatelle boozy-brunch Sundays.

SO! To start, you better make a reservation. Don't even think of trying to come to Bagatelle on a Sunday brunch day and expect to be seated at a table. That's laughable. You MAY be able to get in and stand at the bar but who the hell wants to do that? Reservation time? This depends on if you want to eat beforehand. If you want to eat in peace without sitting in darkness and hearing music so loud you can't talk to anyone at the table then make it for 2:30/3pm. That will allow you time to order food and eat it before the madness starts. At exactly 3:30 the music starts going full-on. Make sure you also arrive within 10/15 minutes of your reservation or you risk them not allowing you to sit at your reserved spot.

Second of all, if you come with just a party of 2 for brunch, be prepared to have a shitty table. Yeah, I said it. I didn't see one party of 2 people that had an even halfway decent table. Two of the 2-top tables are literally in like the hallway/walkway of the restaurant so there will be tons of people blocking the view of the place. If you come to Bagatelle and want to do it right, get at least 4 people and make a day of it.

Third of all, at tables for large parties it's bottle service only. You can get some relatively cheaper wine bottles so it's not like you'll be shelling out thousands of dollars on boos but just keep that in mind that everyone will be pretty much drinking the same thing. They have this huge (I don't even know how to really properly describe it) almost like a vase thing filled with boos and there are like 10 straws in it so you can share (if wine and champagne isn't your thing). Basically, everything alcohol-wise is shared.

Food. Yes, order food here. It is after all, a brunch. I ordered the tuna tartare. I was a little skeptical because I hadn't had Bagatelle food in a long time and ordering raw fish was not the first choice for me but I didn't want something super sugary (pancakes/nutella) or super fattening (lobster mac & cheese/pizza) so I went with a much healthier option and it did not disappoint. Seriously, it was the best tuna tartare I've ever had (see photo that I uploaded with my review). It comes with chips to dip which I did not show in the picture, but seriously this is a must-order even to share as an appetizer (or main-course).

Now on to the scene. Yes every girl will be wearing a Chanel bag and look like she just took 7 hours to get ready. Yes you may see some creepy dudes with sunglasses on who look like they have a Jersey Shore audition after brunch but come on people, this is Bagattelle. It is to be expected. Just set your expectations properly.

If you order certain bottles of champagne and alcohol, they do their own show just for you in front of everyone. I believe it's $1,500 minimum but they deliver your bottle in really unique ways and never the same way twice. For instance, they can have 5 guys holding up one guy with your bottle and he's dressed as superman. The music cues as well so it's a big eye-catching production. If you want to see and be seen, I'd opt for that.

Now, on to the bill. I left early and gave him cash towards the bill for my portion of everything. I informed my friends of this and told them how much I gave so they could make sure that the bill was properly adjusted. He did not tell them at all that I had paid anything nor did he adjust it off of the bill. So, had I not told them exactly what I gave him, he would have tried to play it off like I never paid. I didn't like this at all because it just showed how shady he was. I think that they assume people get so drunk and want to take advantage as many others have stated in the reviews as well. SOOO be very careful with what your order. Even though you're having a good time, just try to monitor exactly what you guys order so that no surprises come at the end.

All & all, this is a really fun brunch spot for a special occasion. I wouldn't make this an every week thing, but it's a fun thing to do once in awhile. I have also had dinner here on regular nights and wasn't disappointed but the music was too loud for dinner. Anyways, for brunch, this is a go-to spot.