Patois

===THE RESTAURANT IS CLOSED AND NOW KNOWN AS GROTTA AZZURRA!!! LADIES NIGHT STILL EXISTS THOUGH≠==
I wrote this review on Grotta Azzurra’s page, but thought it would be helpful to post it on here as well. Grotta Azzurra took over when Patois closed but Ladies Nite still exists! Same format!
Drinks and food: Drinks are 50% off and each lady get 2 appetizers for free when you order a drink! Great deal right? And the appetizer portions are quite huge. I would say they are more of entrée size than appetizer size.
Drinks are very nice although I cannot recall the name of the drink I ordered.
For appetizers, I had the mussels and tri color salad. There were a good amount of mussels, I would say about 20. But it wasn’t very tasty and I felt like it wasn’t very fresh. It wasn’t bad but I definitely had much better mussels elsewhere. The salad was very very good though. All the ingredients, especially the arugula and cheese were very fresh. My friend had the salad and the bruschetta. Bruschetta was also very good. Zesty tomatoes and crunchy bread. Yum!
Service: Beware that there’s a mandatory 20% tip. Also, I have to say, our waiter was not the nicest. In the beginning when he wasn’t so busy, he kept on coming to our table and was kind of annoyed that we haven’t decided on our order. But when we did decide, he took forever to come take our order. Also, my friend and I weren’t in the mood for drinks and asked him if we can order non-​alcoholic beverages and pay the same as the alcoholic drinks and get the appetizers and he very rudely told us no.
Anyways, I would still recommend this place if you are going out with a bunch of girlfriends. You definitely get the bang for your buck.

=== Reviewing for Ladies Nite only ===
Great deal for ladies night! I went there with 4 other girls and we shared 10 appetizers… all for free! We also had about 3 glasses of martini each and shared a pitcher of sangria. Total came out to be $ 22 per person (incl. tip & tax). I am not easily swayed by cheap HH deals, but the drinks here were delicious (St. Germain martini & peach mango martini) and some of dishes were pretty good too. Try Insalata Caprese, bruschetta, and pizza.
Lastly, Patois is located inside Grotta Azzurra… and ask the server to serve you martini in the silver glass!

I was looking for a non-​hipster invaded bar in the neighborhood and I stopped in here because the bar was not super crowded. I figured out why.
The bar tender (who was not behind the bar most of the time) has no sense of customer service. He growled at me and rushed my order as if I was in his way. The servers are rude, don’t speak English and are just angry at the world.
Oh… and they don’t even need to try to be nice/​kind/​good at their jobs because they automatically add 20% gratuity to everything.
Why would I go back?

So, we live local and have been to a few amazing places in Little Italy. We stopped in this place last night and although the food was pretty good, I was sad to see that they «suggested» bread like it was free when it was really $ 6, «asked» if you wanted Parmesan cheese on your food and then charged you $ 1, and then added 20% tip on the bill without mentioning it.
It’s not the money but more the principle. If we hadn’t looked at the receipt (like we usually don’t) we would have ended up tipping 40%, which I’m guessing happens more often than not. If it was just one of those cheesy tricks then maybe but they pulled out every sleazy one. I travel a lot so have read warnings from people all over the world on little tricks like this to look out for and was really sad to see it happen here as this is definitely the exception rather than the norm.
In my opinion, there are too many good places in Little Italy to eat to have to worry about being scammed because you’re a tourist.

Came here for $ 12.95 prefixe brunch with a friend. Ordered the duck confit hash with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. The duck was dry, tasteless, and full of little bones that I had to keep picking out. The salad that accompanied it had more flavor. The mimosas had way too much juice and not enough alcohol. I was surprised the bill already included a 20% gratuity. I don’t think I’ll come back to this place.

I really want to thank this restaurant for accommodating about 15 of us the other night for ladies night and not slacking on quickly bringing out the food and drinks!

5 stars for their Ladies Night.
Seriously, where else can you get 2 free appetizers and half off all drinks (including bottles of wine)? I have come here with 5 friends and between us — we finished 4 bottles of white wine ($ 25 a bottle, but half off during ladies night) and had 10 appetizers total– all for a grand sum of $ 18.00 per person plus tip and tax.
The appetizers aren’t spectacular — but it is certainly good for free. The best appetizer is definitely the mussels. Order the mussels.
Where else can you find this crazy deal? Nowhere.

I did not want any alcohol but they would not let me substitute the two obligatory mimosas for anything. Not even for religious reasons (I asked). Crappy. What if you are pregnant? They included a 20 percent service charge. Food was tasteless.
Ok that was my friend. My review– this place is disgusting. The waiter was a jerk. I ordered a rare burger and said «please, as rare as can be» and he gave me a burger cooked well done. When I returned it, he said «well, what is that?» seriously? Then the waiter disappeared halfway through our meal and NEVER returned and nobody took his place. We had to walk up to the bar anytime we needed anything. It was 2 pm. The food was suburbia quality– think friendly’s, etc. And they add a 20% service charge to every check. DON’T COME HERE!

Brunched here this afternoon. Really great value, but nothing to write home about otherwise.
Mimosas were a bit heavy on the orange juice but I can’t say I blame them for what a deal it is (13.95 for brunch, coffee and 2 mimosas or 1 bloody mary).
Everything was going quite well until one of my friends noticed (just before taking his first big bite) that there was mold on his hamburger bun. The waitress (the nicest person working there) apologized and took it back immediately and replaced it. Another friend who came in a little late and also ordered a hamburger– except he received it on an english muffin instead of a bun… with no explanation… Did they really think we wouldn’t notice? Hmm, okaaaay… Well, we had a few laughs about it and it wasn’t the biggest deal in the world. Overall, everyone was mostly satisfied and left overstuffed.
It’s a great deal if you’re looking to brunch on the cheap, but there’s just too many brunch spots in NYC I have yet to try to really bother going back to a place that doesn’t absolutely wow me.

*ssssh!*
It’s Ladies Night, and I’m only revealing this wonderful secret as I am indebted to many Unilocalers for enlightening me with other such vital information in the past… So 3 things you need to know:
1. FREE appetizers– all you pay is tax+tip (the fried mozzarella with capers and sundried tomatoes is especially amazing– would happily pay full price for a slice!)
2. HALF PRICE on ALL drinks… (Sangria– $ 3! Wine $ 3! Cocktails $ 3!!)
3. How to be a lady. I have attempted trying to cross dress several male friends in order to enable them to take part in this awesome deal — none have been quite successful as of yet…

As others have said, not so French. Not so great service. Good food for what it was. Let’s face it, I was only there for brunch. I was also told that we couldn’t get a refill on our Mimosa… guy didn’t even say we could pay for another one, or that they were out. It was merely … no you can’t have anymore. So weird.
The food was quite good though. I believe I ordered duck confit hash with poached eggs and hollandaise. Quite good! The duck was super tender and flavorful. Eggs were poached correctly and hollandaise tasted good too.
We must’ve spent a couple hours there at least. Still no improvement in service. I was so disappointed. The food and drink seemed good. The concept seemed like a work in progress, but if they went all French they could nail it. The service killed the entire experience.
I do recommend you try it out for brunch as the menu is good, the prices are good and the mimosas are good. However — please don’t disregard the service. Evaluate it for what it is. I was not happy. Hopefully they will improve.

— went for ladies night with a couple of friends
— the menu was about as french as french fries, it’s an italian restaurant posing as something more
— we ended up getting around $ 50 worth of free food due to the ongoing special which automatically earns them at least an extra star
— aside from the array of free food, I felt guilty for not drinking (I had stopped) so I also ordered off of the regular menu, the steak was cooked perfectly but the sauce left something to be desired (and though au poivre is listed on the menu, they do not actually have it: sadness:)
— attentive service

Now that it’s not in Brooklyn (last time I went a couple years ago, that’s where it was), Patois doesn’t seem to be a French Restaurant. Everything was Italian. We were seated outside for brunch. I noticed the woman next to us eating spaghetti and notified the waitress about it. Unfortunately for us, outside seating was only for Grotto Azzurra, not Patois (they are both in the same restaurant).
So we go back inside and everyone is eating Italian food and there are Italian memorabilia everywhere. Not one French flag anywhere.
Once we were seated, we were given a carafe of mimosa.
The wild mushroom and goat cheese olive was good but a little dry. It came with four small pieces of potatoes.
The service was ok, but a little slow. We were next to a huge party of people who were eating the Italian food.
What I loved about this place is that even though it was a little slow, they did check on us and even gave us another carafe of mimosa after we ate. They didn’t try to kick us out or anything.

I came across Patois awhile back when I first set off on my quest to find a cheap and delicious brunch spot. Priced at 13.95 per person (all inclusive) (tip included on bills) there is a great selection of brunch items from omeletes to burgers with unlimited mimosa by the pitcher, even the french toast is delicious. Each portion was large and overly satisfying. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a restaurant with such friendly waiters either. Brunch goes until 4pm and then dinner is served in the sister part of their restaurant. Dinner can be on the pricer side but the frozen cosmos and the spaghetti were both amazing.
My only wish is that more people ventured off to Little Italy as this place is often empty but such a great find. It’s a short 5 minute walk off the 6 train to Spring street… so perhaps venture on over.

If I could give this place one million stars, I would. I came here for their Ladies Night special on Thursday night. My friend told me that girls eat for free. As soon as she told me this I wondered what the catch was. I am here to tell you, there is no catch! I probably shouldn’t even be telling you this, but the dedicated Unilocaler inside won’t let me stay quiet.
At first I expected to pay full price for drinks, and meet a minimum to eat for free. This wasn’t the case. We had their frozen cosmos which were half off at $ 5. (As if the free food deal couldn’t be sweet enough). Then I thought the food would consist of mini weiners and stale crackers. Not so either. They offer fresh pizzas, salads, calamari, mac and cheese and a lot more. There is also no limit to how much you can order. Then I thought there would be a long wait to get a table. No again. Not only was there no wait, the whole place was empty. There was only one other group of women in the restaurant enjoying the free fare. Finally I thought the waiters would be pissy because they were giving away food, or the place would be a tourist trap. But our waiter was so friendly and helpful. The atmosphere of the bistro was so nice too. Warm lighting, not cramped, with a seating area and a small bar.
All in all I paid $ 7 for a strong drink and a table full of food. Some things you should know before you go… your group has to be ALL women or they won’t let you eat for free. They also add 20% gratuity to your bill. But considering drinks are half off and food is FREE that is not a bad trade off at all.
Now…it better not be overcrowded with Unilocalers next time I go!

In many ways, j’adore Patois.
I love a good Prix Fixe brunch, mimosas included, and the Prix was certainly right at $ 13. I got really excited reading the menu — smoked salmon, trout, duck confit… french resturant menus are the world’s best poetry.
And no wait at all — ce n’est pas possible! We were immediately ushered to a lovely corner booth upon entry. In fact at 1pm the restaurant was nearly empty!
Here are the things that make Patois only comme ci comme ca for moi:
— automatic 20% tip for a party of 2… I understand that this street probably draws a fair amount of foreign tourists who perhaps do not understand American tipping norms, but something about this seems presumptuous
— if you’re going to offer «unlimited mimosas» then let them be unlimited! I felt the server was a bit stingy with the drinks. I mean, come on, we’re your only table! you have a whole pitcher of mimosas already made up! pay attention to us! Don’t let me sit there for half my meal with an empty glass.
— additionally on that note, the service was, in general, stand-​offish and not particularly friendly. I could understand if they were busy, but we were legitimately the server’s *only* table.
Overall I’d say the food was quite good and judging on that alone I’d give it 4 stars. A good bet for a nice brunch. Nice price, no wait, and you will leave full.

This is a 4-​star worthy place for the value. I can’t complain whenever I discover a brunch spot that includes unlimited mimosas with brunch. So it started off with me just trying to find a brunch spot near where I was going to get my haircut.
I stumbled upon Patois on Unilocal and decided to give it a try… for such a great deal I thought it’d be hustling/​bustling and packed. But it was the exact opposite — completely empty except for one other table! I’m not picky when it comes to spots to eat at, but this place just wasn’t «cute» like the other spots I go to. It looked more like a divey bar, not fancy nor modern.
But still, can’t complain… i got the omelette with smoked trout, and it was ginormous… I mean it was in the shape of a HUGE circle on a HUGE plate. Tasty, but wish I had some sides with it for variety. My friends got the goat cheese/​spinach omelette (very good), and the others got egg’s benedict and duck confit hash. I heard them all say it was good. The mimosas were a steal. I would eye the waiter everytime my glass was empty and he’d come to refill it.
All in all, a pretty good experience, but I do like seeing a more crowded place knowing everyone else is having a good time. Really can’t beat $ 16 incl tax/​tip in Manhattan.

Best Brunch Deal in Manhattan!
The special was $ 12:95 for brunch with unlimited Mimosas. Wow, they were good Mimosas and the French Toast was awesome. It’s a pretty small venue so it was easy to get refills from the waiter.
It was a rainy Saturday so we didn’t get to sit outside but that would have been a bonus. Cool French stuff on the wall in the middle of Little Italy made for an interesting ambiance. Overall, I was very pleased and would go back.

Value brunch! $$$$
Under $ 15 gets you a boozy brunch with your choice of champange, mimosas, etc.
The food was decent, stay away from the french toast and burger… way tooo much food… wayyyy too bland. I had the eggs benedict which was decent.
Only gripe were the drinks. I understand ebbing the flow of alcohol after we’re nearly done eating but 20 mins after ordering, starting to eat and receiving my first drink I had to ask for a second glass.
I had ask for my 2^nd drink! After 20 mins! At an all you can eat/​drink brunch!
Service was spotty. One waitress was nice. Our waiter was clueless. Me: «What do you think is good?» Him: «Umm, well everyone likes something different. If you look at her plate (fellow diner), that’s french toast. I’ve heard that was good but never had it. Hmmm, what else is popular…(30 second pause… no results)?» Host was a pompous you know what.
Probably won’t be back. The only allure was the value and even that didn’t stick.

Went here for my birthday based on the plug it got in Thrillist for having reasonable brunches.
We ended up being a party of 12. They wouldn’t seat until we were complete (even off by two people) and the host kept disappearing. Even when we were complete (and the ONLY party waiting) we had to wait 15 minutes be seated. Reservation was for 1pm and we were complete by 120 (dude, it’s brunch, we all run late). We still didn’t get seated until 135. We weren’t seated in Patois at all, they sat us in Grotta Azzuria or whatever, the adjacent attached restaurant. When we WERE seated, the places weren’t even set and it took longer than I wanted to get mimosas.
The price is a steal– $ 12.95 for brunch and all you can drink mimosas, coffee, assorted breads. BUT, the bus boys were more attentive than our waiter could ever hope to be. Remember– it was a rainy Sunday, so it wasn’t too busy– the waiter still wasn’t attentive.
The food was ok, nothing special in my book, although my friend who got the duck confit dish really liked it. Then, the stupid part happened.
The waiter just dropped our check. We weren’t asked for coffee (which is unlimited apparently) OR dessert. In fact, I wanted a dessert and a shot, it was my birthday, right?
I know what you’re thinking, «You must have been one of those loud groups», but we weren’t! We were respectful, no one had complicated orders, and were low maintenance. So when he dropped the check and I asked for the dessert and shots, I was told, «No, we need the table». BUT, there were other empty tables and no one was waiting at the host stand. I pushed back and explained that dessert and a round of shots would add minimum $ 100 plus tip to the check. We searched for a manager, but by the time we found one, we decided to pay and leave.
The manager was apologetic and offered to remove the standard (unadvertised) $ 20 gratuity and give us free desserts, but because it took so long to get service, we just left. And I promised him I would Unilocal about it. This place did not add to my birthday, and should have stayed in Brooklyn with the other d-​bags.
We went to the Spring Lounge afterward, which was fantastic and almost made up for the poor service.