Bar Tabac
Tucked into the heart of Brooklyn at 128 Smith St, Bar Tabac feels like a little slice of Paris brought to New York. With its red awning, sidewalk seating, and a vibe that’s effortlessly cool, it’s the kind of spot that pulls you in for a quick drink and keeps you there with live music and a lively crowd.
Walk in on a weekend and you’re likely to catch some jazz playing in the background while locals sip wine and dig into French classics. Speaking of which, if you’re into comfort food with a French twist, their Onion Soup Gratine is something else—warm, cheesy, and deeply flavorful. But the real showstoppers? The Steak Frites and Grilled Hanger Steak. Perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, and yes, perfectly paired with a glass of red.
Bar Tabac isn’t just about food, though. It’s about energy. It’s casual but not sloppy, buzzing but not chaotic. Happy hour here is more than just discounted drinks—it’s an excuse to unwind with friends or even bring the kids along. It’s got that rare balance of being good for groups, yet still intimate enough for a quiet bite.
Not to be missed is the Croque Monsieur, which might just ruin you for any other version of the sandwich. And if you're rolling in late for brunch, Eggs Benedicts with their buttery hollandaise is the move. Service is warm and relaxed, and you never feel rushed—even when the place is packed.
Whether you’re a Brooklynite looking for your new go-to spot, or just passing through and craving something with heart and flavor, Bar Tabac delivers an experience that’s as charming as it is memorable.
Reviews
Great spot for a late-summer afternoon happy hour drink. Open air bar space is the best of both worlds for someone looking for a cozy, indoor space, but who wants to experience fresh air and city-street energy
It has been twelve years since I last reviewed Bar Tabac, and I think I appreciate it more and more with each passing year. This has gradually become one of my favorite places in the neighborhood to spend a warm evening. It's a beautiful blend of Brooklyn and France, and sharing a table outside as the live music gets going, lingering over a bottle of wine...even I can get lucky. Not that I do, but I could. In theory. Now that I have children, it's become a go-to for them as well. Especially because they have french fries. Good ones. That the whole family wants to get down with. Other winners are the very solid burger, the croque madame (my favorite thing on the menu), onion soup gratinee that hits the spot, the impossibly rich and flavorful duck salad, and the pan-roasted hanger steak with mushroom risotto which is a saucy, full-flavored alternative to the steak frites, and easily blows it out of the water. On the kids menu, I love that their chicken fingers and fries are simply non-breaded bits of chicken breast (and a generous portion), and my kids love the pasta with tomato sauce and a generous pile of parmesan on the side. These dishes are not going to blow minds, but they are consistently delicious, the service is always warm and friendly, and if you run into friends sitting at the next table, it can become a magical evening. It's an institution in the neighborhood, and a driving force behind the best Bastille Day celebration this side of the Atlantic. I'll see you there.
Super cute bistro with friendly staff. We were happy to get a table outside and enjoy the warm weather. The food, while not extraordinary, was of decent quality, and the ambiance, as I mentioned before, made the experience worthwhile. Every once in a while, you find a restaurant that makes you think, "Now this is the place I have to show [so-and-so] when they come to town," and to me, this was one of those. My boyfriend ordered the pork schnitzel, substitute mashed potatoes for roasted, which he seemed to like, and my burger tabac was alright, though I think it would be more fun if they had a signature sauce beyond my slathering of ketchup and mustard that I had to ask for. After all, it's 2023- don't restaurants know no one (except maybe children and particularly picky eaters) wants a dry burger? Hoping to be back in the neighborhood soon to try more from the menu.
This has always been a classic spot. Recently started frequenting the area and we had lunch at Bar Tabac. The Niçoise salad was delicious. The tuna was nicely cooked and the composition was good. We also had the salmon burger which was good. The outdoor seating is a bonus but beware of loud noises from the traffic. Good food And good value and nice atmosphere. Service is friendly but a bit slow since they tend to get busy.
That nasty bartender is gone and the place is back to its former glory. This is the best French restaurant in NYC, everything is cooked to perfection. I always come here when I crave steak tartare. Very reasonable prices and fast service.