BXL Zoute, New York NY

Sara, where are you?

For over a decade, this has been one of my favorite spots for delicious food and the ability to dine with dogs (lots of cozy and heated outdoor space). I had long, fun chats with the staff and gave free dog training advice. But with the absence of Sara (not sure of her spelling) and Finda (also spelling?) over the last month or so, I’m feeling an intense void and realizing the charm of BXL has always been the laid-back servers who don’t judge me for ordering a beyond burger and wanting salt.

I avoid most French and Belgian restaurants because I fully expect to be snubbed for being a vegetarian, or just because they feel like fulfilling a cultural stereotype, but no one here has EVER been that way, least of all Sara and Finda. Until now.

I’m hyper aware of things, and often too tuned-in, but in this case I’m absolutely certain they say something to the effect of “pouah, it’s zee Americane weeth zee oowful tazte” when they see me coming in. The new people call me the supervegetarian (nope, I eat bacon, most meat avoidance is just about icky texture for me) and once said "we know about you. " Granted, they could just say "we won't make that, because we hate you for wanting it, ” but they didn’t, and they HADN'T been overtly rude, until today.

Today I walked in and asked if they could manage my having dinner outside with a huge football crowd (see, I said football, not soccer!) inside, and was assured it would be fine and then got promptly ignored in the cold for over an hour. Never asked if my meal was good or if I needed anything. After an hour and twenty minutes I walked in to pay and was further ignored. So I left, then came back a half hour later to pay my tab. Americane girl weeth bad tazte was angry.

I’m well aware of the oversensitivity, anxiousness, obesity, entitlement, hyperbole and overall perceived obnoxiousness of Americans, and I haven’t even traveled (it’s a fear thing). I just don’t want to be a reminded of it when I dine and drink and pay a fair bit for it. Sara and Finda, please come back. You made me feel accepted. And you would never have left me out in the cold.

The atmosphere was great and it was empty, so we were able to dine with 4 people and 2 Toddler/Baby’s. The food was delicious but the sizes were rather small.

Watched the world cup quarterfinals here with a few friends! It was a great atmosphere. Delicious beer and food. Highly recommend the steak sandwich

The staff created an incredible atmosphere, and the waiter was one of the most memorable I've ever had! The food was on par with the service. I would definitely recommend trying it to get a taste of authentic Belgian food.

Love this place! Big fan of both this location as well as the BXL in times square, but I can confidently say this location is much more comfortable to eat at. Food is delicious (leans savory) and the draft beers pair extremely well. Share the mussels and get an entree; all of them are good, but I definitely recommend the puff pastry and steak tips!

Low-key pub that serves up some delicious food. Drinks are solid. Probably a little quiet for a Friday night in the city, which makes it a good date option

Great brunch food. The croque madame was tasty and the fries it came with were fried perfectly. The liege waffle came with tons of fruit and were a perfect dessert complement. One complaint is that everything is pretty pricey (even a cup of coffee, while large is 7$ which is more than one more an actual cafe). But would come back if in a big group - around noon on a Saturday seating was easy to get.

Beer selections, ambience and food are exceptional. I live so close and only just visited for the first time. Totally going to be my local from now. Just go, you won’t regret it!

Delicious muscles and frits. Belgium waffle for dessert is a must have. Amazing selection of Belgium beers

Bone marrow was delicious. Moules frite were on point. Belgian waffle was the best my son has had - according to him. Cute vibe. Staff was very friendly. We’ll be back!

We have been to this place twice for dinner and to their sister restaurant near Times Square. The flemish stew is excellent. The moules are outstanding. The salmon is wonderful. The service is friendly. The atmosphere is relaxed and yet there seems to be a steady stream of regulars. The beer list is everything you would expect from a Belgian specialty restaurant! We will return again and again.

Hands down, the best moules I have ever had in NYC. Went there with a party of six for a birthday, and they were incredibly accommodating to put us at a round table as requested. Wait staff was absolutely wonderful. You will not be disappointed!

The food is good, the drinks are good, the restaurant is roomy but the atmosphere isn’t is. I’ve been multiple times to the location next to Time Square which apparently is run by the same people. The location in Time Square is super welcoming and friendly. The bartenders will talk to you, joke with you. (Don’t confuse my comments for overly chatty people who get in your business when you’re talking with someone) At this location I guess they don’t feel that they are opened for customers but more for their little group of friends. I’m belgian and my first language is french. I went there to experience a little of home however this place is not warm to customers. The bartender will serve you your drink or food, barely acknowledge your existence. By that I mean that if you ask for something he won’t reply with “no problem I’ll get that for you” or something similar he’ll just walk away. Sure you’ll get what you ask for and that’s why I’m not giving 1 stars. After he serves everyone he’ll will go talk to his group of friends/boss/waiters I don’t even know who works at this location or doesn’t. I’ve been there twice and I had the same experience twice. I won’t recommend this place to friends and I will keep going to the Time Square location where the people are very lovely and the food menu is the same anyway.