Good food, great music, lovely waiter. The manager Eduardo called me a bitch in front of my 83-year-old grandmother. (He wanted me to move to another seat, and I tried to explain that I got accidentally hit on the head by a passing waiter while in that seat earlier in the meal, and would rather not move back. Having said that, even if the situation were different, there's no possible reason for a bar manager to call a customer a bitch and try to intimidate and demean her.) read more

We used to dine or drink at this establishment on a regular basis. After the terrible service we experienced and the equally terrible food, never again. We waited over one hour for three burgers and never received an explanation or apology from our waitress as to the delay. The manager was more incompetent and rude than our waitress-how was this possible? As a former waitress, I tend to sympathize with restaurant staff. But, when you start slamming drinks down after I inquire into the whereabouts of my food, we're going to have an issue. Here's how this should have played out: manager "I am so sorry, we seem to have misplaced your order. Would you like an appetizer while you wait? Let me comp the second round of drinks you just ordered." Instead, we were asked by the manager in a less than friendly and exasperated tone, if we still wanted our order. He made it obvious we were inconveniencing him and that he would prefer we leave. Given that we were starving and had been waiting now for an hour, we chose to stay only to have him slam down our drinks and then scream at us when he overheard us saying how astounded we were by his actions. When we finally received our burgers, all were overcooked and flavorless. Although we finally received a sincere apology from the general manager, it was a bit too late. So Bar Tabac, au revoir. read more

My visit to Bar Tabac was a roller coaster ride. We came on a Friday, around 4 pm. The drinks (margarita and 128 smith) were delicious, the cheese plate and black linguini were great, and the prices were also good. However, the burger was suuuuuper dry and well done (I asked for straight up medium, so I didn't get what I wanted at all). The service was also all over the place. We had three people taking our order, which was never communicated amongst them because they were clearly confused, and somewhere at the end of our visit when we ordered dessert, our request got lost in translation. We ended up waiting 15 minutes for an order bread pudding and a slice of cake until we gave up and just asked for the check. The waitress gave an attitude and didn't really apologize for it. That was sort of annoying, since we didn't ask for anything complicated and they forgot about us. Bar Tabac also only accepts cash and AMEX, which is...odd, to say the least. We sat outside, which was wonderful due to the beautiful weather, but we kept getting whiffs of garbage and other nasty odors. Maybe this restaurant is better if you sit inside, or just have to deal with one waiter during your visit. read more

As a self-professed Francophile, I had a hankering for this place and they delivered on all fronts. Warm ambiance. Cool wait and service staff. Well executed menu. The shrimp toast was a great way to kick things off. The special: canard avec purée du patate douce was a brilliant display of balance. The bœuf à la Bourguignonne would make Dame Julia jealous...and the recommendation of a vin Malbec francois was the perfect accompaniment. Loved it. Have been going for years and will definitely go back again soon. Next time: moules marinières. read more

this place is legit. all other "bistro" posers should watch and learn from Franck and co. best burgers in brooklyn? possible. read more

Coming in from a rainstorm on an wet, dreary Sunday morning, I was surprised to find this place packed to the kilt. The cafe was lit warmly by the cheerful colors around as well as by the live, jovial music coming from a trio playing near the corner entrance. I ordered the eggs benedict (my usual breakfast/burnch fare), which was spot on. The service was a tad bit slow (we had to wait for the check for 20 minutes), but understandably with the big crowd. Definitely can't wait to come back! read more

Once you get past the lovely outdoor seating, delightful Jazz band, and damn good sausages, sadly you're left with some of the most prickish service I've encountered in New York. And I'm pretty sure you can only pay in Euros. read more

I really, really hate to have to do this. Our meal started amazingly. Great atmosphere, nice glass of wine, a delicious appetizer (the calamari). The main dish came out, and it was very flavorful and filling. I got the duck salad and fries as an entree, and was pleased with both. The fries came with the ketchup/mayonnaise mixture that I love. My friend got the coq au vin which was also delicious. Then...something awful happened. We had just finished, and another couple sat down at the table next to us. Suddenly, their eyes were trained at a spot on the ceiling, and I found myself looking at what they were pointing out. A HUGE cockroach was crawling on the ceiling. Needless to say, the couple next to us packed up and headed out. We quickly asked for the bill and a box to wrap up my food. The manager/owner (not sure) came over, and I explained to him that there was a monster cockroach on the ceiling. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted it on the floor near us. BLECH. We ran to the front of the restaurant, and they brought our stuff up to us. Then, not an apology, not an offer to comp anything, nothing. We paid our bill and left. And this was no "cheap" meal. I spent more than I usually do, for atmosphere and some good food and drink. A cockroach should not be included in that price. Honestly, it pains me to do this, but the way the situation was handled was not what I consider good customer service. Not even decent service. read more

This place has been well reviewed here, but I must say that it's another of my downtown Brooklyn go to hangs, particularly because they serve food until at least 1:00 AM. They've got a real authentic French cafe vibe working well - it's mellow, with gentle but lovely service, and not too expensive. They've got great croque monsieur, steak frites, burgers, and lots of good little plates, which adds another element because you can go there for a bottle of wine or beers and some snacks. They've also got a few tables outside when the weather is nice. read more

(Preface: This place is on my "Two-Week List," in which I list the top twenty restaurants and bars that I'd go to if some soothsayer came up to me and told me that I only had two weeks to live. Check out the full list on my profile!) I love coming here alone. (How often do people say that about bars?) They have free, live music all of the time, and it's wonderful. This place has a southern France vibe to it-- it feels rustic and loved. There are a lot of regulars, of all ages and backgrounds, and I enjoy that so much. I usually just get wine, listen to the music, and chat to the bartender and/or people around me. I've had a lot of fun when I've gone here with people, though. The plates are really fantastic (duck, pate, cheeseboards, oh my!) and it's a great place to go with people who like to try and share a lot of different things. I've gone to a lot of places on Smith, but this is always my favorite. It's always where I go when I want to have a "me" day. I'd much prefer a glass of wine here to Apartment 138, or to Provence en Boite. (I actually really was not at ALL impressed with Provence en Boite, so if you're deciding between French places, look no further.) read more

I'm no francophile and I certainly don't blend in with the Euro-trashy hipster crowd that normally hang out here. I do love their signature burger - one of the tastiest I've had in Brooklyn. I had it medium rare with swiss. It comes with baby greens & fries. The meat is juicy and has a mild maple sweetness to it. Also, the fries are pretty good with its crispy outer layer and combination spicy-salty flavor. Service is decent but can also be slow during the busy brunch hours. I recommend you ask for seating at the bar since it gets crowded here all the time. read more

Just was here for the first time a few days ago. The food was pretty good. I had the salmon and it was pretty tasty. It has lots of outdoors tables, and it's a great place to people watch. Only drawback is that it gets pretty crowded and the tables are very close together. read more

Bar Tabac is hands down my favorite restaurant in Brooklyn. This is namely due to the giant $4 side of mushroom risotto. It rich, it's creamy, and the doesn't lose the delicate taste of the mushroom as so many sub-par risottos often too. Best of all a side of of this is a much larger portion than you would often get for more than twice the cost in Manhattan. that's more heaven for my greedy little gut. Their French onion soup is divinity another brassiere staple that could easily go down the toilet. Perfectly cheesy, slightly sweet, and the crouton is always crunchy. Add in the fact that they will feed my boozed up belly until 2 am every night and you have true love forever, even with the snotty hipster service. read more

This place is good to eat outside, very popular and always crowded on the weekends. They have live music for brunch which is nice. Food is nothing to write home about (altho if you are in the area....they make a very good moules frites...AND give you mayo without having to ask!), but I kind of like the "french" decor....oh and the brad pitt look alike is easy on the eyes..you know who i'm talking about! Anyway... what I don't like is the terrible service. I don't understand the purpose of this. Do people want to pay to be treated poorly? I am no masochist. Next! read more

Sorry but the meal and drinks were mediocre at best.

Oscar, you made our final week in our city amazing. Our fondest memories will be of our home in Cobble Hill and our final week eating at Tabac every single day and chatting with you. Thank you for the best food, service and attitude. Eat. Lasagne. :) read more

I recently went to Bar Tabac for some late-ish night food and drinks with friends. I was not very hungry, and got some french fries that I liked. But my friends all got some yummy bites, including some delicious tuna tartare. The beer selection was nice, and the service was attentive and friendly. The vibe was also very refreshing. I would definitely recommend. Just bring cash. read more

Meh. I don't know, mediocrity seems to be the norm lately in Brooklyn, or else I'm batting zero-here, the slope, etc. I really like eating out, but I also cook, so it kind of spoils me for good food. Or educates me, if you will. I like to be told the specials; I like to be asked if I want my beer in a bottle (which i do), or a glass (which I got); the duck salad looked indifferent (and went unfinished), the fries were soggy and definitely reheated; the burger was okay but nothing special (I mean, if you can't make a decent burger...) And roaches???!!! Bar me from crossing their doorstep. So many people gave this place good reviews, I may be overly harsh. Your call. But there are only four thousand other places to eat in Brooklyn, I cannot see why I would return. read more

I was glad that I saw Bar Tabac when I was in the neighborhood and decided to check it out for lunch. The food was good and so was the drink but I thought that the experience was a little awkward for me. I felt my order took a little while to be ready. I wish the person in charge of the bar should've said that they don't accept credit cards the moment I sat down not after I'm ready to pay the check with my card and that the ATM dispenses big bills starting at $50. I thought it was a little strange that he didn't let me know right away. read more

Such poor service! With these egotistical waiters/waitress's, the patrons are always wrong and the word "sorry" does not exists in their vocabulary. Whether its getting your drink wrong, serving your food cold, they'll argue that there was a reason, come up with all sorts of reasons, whereas they could just say "sorry". With so many great options in this neighborhood, I'd avoid this venue. read more

Honestly you go there mainly for the music and the French cliche. The service is a bit obnoxious and the food ok but expensive for what it is ... Have seen better French food in the neighborhood. read more

The Croque Monsieur was amazing!! There was a live band that was really good. It wasn't too loud so you can still talk. Service was fast and the staff was friendly. read more

Je me souviens de Paris!! this is really what france taste like! its amazing place, the staff and the customers are all french or at least they speak it really good!! i became already a fan and if you wanna do a quick trip to france while being in brooklyn como to Bar Tabac et prendre un bierre de pression! The only thing as all have said is they only take amex or cash... read more

This place is filthy. Last time I came here I found a hair right in the middle of my burger. Which means it was in the meat before cooked. That's awful. And place overall always had a funky smell. Be warned read more

oh, Bar Tabac, it's been far too long since I've stopped over for drinks. Your bartender never lets us down. And with Sixpoint Sweet Action on tap, everyone's happy. I love this Smith St. institution. read more

Brunch at Bar Tabac is fantastic. Good omlettes and very spicy bloody marys. Plus the location is key and the ambience is great. Also, there are plenty of options for vegetarians. Yum. read more

EEEK! Pate was cold hard and unspreadable....plus not tasty. Snails were fishy tasting and drenched in that butter melt...Steak I ordered was undercooked & when I sent it back it didn't taste much better... Slow service, cramped seating....Can't appreciate this spot. read more

We had a great brunch there today. Service was excellent. Food was on point. The bar tender was friendly and made awesome drinks!! Try his speciality if you go... It's called the screwdriver something or other and it was delicious!! read more

Had brunch yesterday - eggs norwegian (fancy for smoked salmon on poached eggs) were good. Ate outside on a beautiful day. Service was okay. read more

Whenever I come to Brooklyn I always come here for late night dinner/snacks and drinks. They serve good food until like 2am and not just terrible bar food! My girlfriends and I were here last weekend and all got some serious delicious food and drink. I got the Mushroom brochette, which was basically fresh mushrooms, zucchini and onion kabobs. So fresh and flavorful. My sister got the tuna tar tare which was awesome. They have a great beer selection and fun atmosphere. Great music too! Will be back as always whenever I am in Brooklyn. read more

What I do enjoy about Bar Tabac is it's bar scene and outdoor availability. You don't often have to wait for too long - and there is a really good energy and vibe which comes from it's trendy customers and from the live music. It's cons are that the wine list is lacking and their french food is just mediocre (steak frites & mussels). They do a decent burger. read more

They have small plates for $5, wonderful fries, and this place captures the energy of the neighborhood that you just don't get in Manhattan (West Village excluded), which is why a Manhattanite like me actually makes trips to come out to the BK. Great for dinner or just drinks. read more

i went there last night in between the rain with a friend and i had the cauliflower soup and goat cheese salad with a side of spinach. the soup was delish. the goat cheese salad was nice but i wished they placed the cheese in the salad as opposed to on slices of baguette. the side of spinach was only ok, but maybe it was also i got too much food and wasn't too hungry for it. davey got the scallop appetizer, which he said was amazing, followed by some other fish entree. the mashies looked good! we split a bottle of the malbec, we talked, caught up and laughed the dinner away. our server was super cute and friendly. we didn't turn it up too much since we were both tired from the night before (election revelry). the last time i was there it was another rainy night (i love a rainy night, such a beautiful sight!) but this time i was no where near the level of drunkness as last time. which was a good thing. this place is super fun and i loved how when i called to ask if they took reservations for 2 for dinner they busted out in french that only for parties of over 6 or something do they accept ressies. vive la france! read more

brunch was chaotic, service was poor. I did enjoy my Croque Madame thoroughly. Maybe it's tacky to complain about no free refills on soda, but no free refills. read more

I like this place a lot. The food is always good and the staff is nice. Service is smooth as well. Burger is yummy, the mussels in white wine sauce is delish, steak and frites, yum. only gripe I have is the cash/Amex only deal which isn't a deal breaker but sometimes it can be annoying. read more

Had an amazing dinner here. Fun French restaurant with a great vibe, reasonably priced, and delicious menu!

I hit Bar Tabac as soon as it opened in the neighborhood back in the day. My friend Stacy and I were regulars there for quite a bit. The first night we ate there...they gave us champagne at the end of our meal...just because we came in. Whenever we talk to the staff they tell us something interesting about the specials...like the tomatos were grown by the chef in his garden or something. Still consistently good after all these years. read more

I think I have been to this place just about every time of day and I have never been disappointed. Good fish, great breakfast and I love that the fruit tarts taste like they are made that day and aren't just pulled out of the fridge and thrown on a plate. Prices are good. Service is sometimes good sometimes ok, depends on who you get. Still one of my favorites. read more

Want a great place to hang out and eat well? Here you go.. Food is consistently good. The little bar area is always cool and friendly. Good live music for brunch and dinner. Oh and one of the BEST burgers in NYC. Who knew a french restaurant would do burgers so well? read more

Great steak frites, really great music (live band on Wednesday night) and overall a good time. Would def be back