05/25/07

good food, terrible service

by foodcriticgirl

My Husband and I decided to give this place a try. Well we did not have reservations, not even sure if they take reservations. We waited for probably 10-15 min before someone even noticed us, then we had to wait about 30-40 min for a table. We almost left. When were were finally seated it took even longer to get a menu. Anyway as you can tell it is a loooong wait for your food. But when it arrived it was very good. My husband had a cocktail and I coffee. The coffee however tasted terrible, it was luke warm and very burnt tasting. Not sure yet if we will be back

• Pros: good food, lively place, great cocktails
• Cons: long waits, staff not to friendly, bad coffee

11/26/06

Great panini sandwiches!

by heathley

I love this restaurant's panini sandwiches. I've strayed away from my favorite on occasion and was fairly satisfied.

10/03/06

Great food at a fair price

by mlagrand

The food is always good here; I've never had a bad meal. I've never had a worse bloody mary thought. The service is spotty; I've had some great service and some awful service. There almost always is a wait on busy nights or for brunch, but the food is worth it.

• Pros: The food is terrific!
• Cons: Service is spotty; you don't know what you are getting into. There almost always is a wait.

09/22/06

Our Favorite East Sac Eatery

by angelshark

The Bistro is wonderful. It is our favorite neighborhood spot, hands down. I have enjoyed absolutely everything I have ever had there, and I've been there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and even just drinks. The ambiance is great, the service friendly, and the food delicious. They have a great drink menu and an awesome/affordable "small plate" menu. Sometimes we walk down there late in the evening just for the french fries with three different dips (the peach catsup is amazing), the shrimp cigars, and martinis. Also, their salads are incredible. Once in awhile the service will be slow, but that's pretty rare. And if they are slow, they make up for it by taking something off your tab. Word to the wise: try to go at off-peak times, otherwise you will wait awhile for a table.

• Pros: the FOOD, value, ambiance
• Cons: service sometimes slow, sometimes crowded

04/21/06

Oh the choices

by mootilldawn

At first glance everything on the menu sounds delicious, so my boyfriend and I went for a clam chowder, caeser salad, and the steak sandwich. The clam chowder was good with nice crispy toppings but it could've been hotter. The caeser salad dressing was unique and the attempt was appreciated, but it came off bland and average. The steak sandwich was good with high-quality ingredients (especially the steak) and it went really well with the gourmet cheese; however, it was a little too mayo-y. Great ambience, interesting menu (we still plan on coming back and trying more), reasonable prices, and fast service but average food.

• Pros: Ambience, Prices, Interesting menu
• Cons: Average food

02/26/06

Enh....okay

by catmando2002

The place is cute - nice vibe. The service leaves something to be desired - don't expect to attended to frequently. The food is good, but it's not great. I'd says it's average bistro grub.

09/20/05

Awesome Paninis!

by divine9004

Their sandwiches (panini) are absoutely fabulous! Also try their french fries that comes with three assortments of dipping pleasures.

08/05/05

Favorite Neighborhood Eatery

by lboo

I love the 33rd Street Bistro! It simply can't be beat for Upscale Casual Dining at extremely reasonable prices!

I have never had an average meal here and love everything I try. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are always satisfying and a taste treat. The panini sandwiches are amazing and the pizzas are excellent. All of the breakfast items are incredible. Save room for dessert - the creme brulee, the chocolate espresso pot de creme and the unique sweet and salty caramel cheesecake are standouts!

Everytime I bring someone here who wants a decent priced meal, I can see their eyebrows raise when they see the ambiance and the food going by, but they have huge smiles once they are satiated by the delicious food and see the very reasonable bill!

• Pros: Food, Ambiance, Prices
• Cons: Can get crowded

07/24/05

Great for two or four...

by Groovologist

First, I have to say this is one of my favorite Sacramento restaurants. I have eaten there probably 20 times. The food is very good -- not complicated but creative and well-done. The prices are good, too -- not a bargain, per se, but reasonable. One issue I have had with the place is that they have never seemed to master the art of making you feel welcome upon arrival. Because I know from experience the wait service is generally good, I don't let it bother me. It's a great date place, perfect for two or four people but not particular good for larger groups. The physical space gets tight and the service starts to break down for a larger party, especially if there is another large party there. Decent mid-priced wine list and great cocktails.

• Pros: great food, reasonably priced, great drinks
• Cons: not for groups, hostess can be aloof, outside very near st.

07/04/05

Very disappointing evening...

by mkh929

Party of six, Sat 7PM. Noone offered to seat us until we roamed aimlessly around the restaurant until snagging a passing server--sat at the bar to wait for our table to be prepared. No one told us our table was ready, even as other members of our party began arriving and standing at the bar while staff members chatted and hung around. Service continued to be dissapointing-- empty glasses, finished plates, very little checking in even with the restaurant only about half full. Steak was terrific, and the fish with berries (a special), unfortunately the rest of our party was unimpressed with the food. Don't recommend the mushroom ravioli, the chopped salad, or the cobbler. Won't be back.

• Pros: Nice wine list, Easy parking, casual atmosphere
• Cons: miserable service, average food