Thomas Beisl
"Beisl is Austrian slang for 'pub' ... The comfortable, wainscoted restaurant serves Viennese classics along with traditional bistro food," Time Out New York explains. Peter Meehan of the New York Times gave the place a solid review way back in 2004: "Pork cheeks cooked in sauerkraut ($16), boldly seasoned with caraway, garlic and marjoram, are spoon-tender; beef cheek goulash ($16) has an almost chocolately suavity...The celeriac schnitzel ($12), golden fried finger-thick slices of lemony celeriac, was the come-from-behind winner of the schnitzel-off. It was one of the best things I had eaten in months." (Since this review was published, the price of the celeriac schnitzel has increased to $14.)
As for more recent reviews, there are plenty of complaints on Chowhound about this place — but it also has some fans. One one hand, starfish, says "I have never had a good dinner at Thomas Beisl." But fellow 'Hound buttertart says, "We've eaten at Thomas Beisl at least 15 times and have never once had a bad meal." Whose side are you on?
Reviews (11)
wasder wrote a review on September 3, 2008 12:15 PM
I personally love this place. As a nice spot for a casual dinner or a drink before or after BAM. Its very friendly, neighborhoody and the food, while not AMAZING, is solid. Highly recommended as a cool neighborhood joint.
plgdude wrote a review on September 3, 2008 12:26 PM
I had a good schnitzel there this summer--and a nice cold tap-drawn beer. it was exactly what the doctor ordered. i did notice there weren't a lot of other people in the restaurant though.
new2hood wrote a review on September 3, 2008 12:27 PM
It's just not as fun as it should be. Food's good, though.
rocky4 wrote a review on September 3, 2008 1:25 PM
Their Apple Strudel is the best around!!! I haven't had dinner there (slim pickins for vegetarians), but I will check them out for lunch.
BH76 wrote a review on September 3, 2008 1:58 PM
new2hood is right -- it is just not fun!Everything is right -- locaiton, food is fine. I think the menu turns off too many people.
1842 wrote a review on September 3, 2008 2:32 PM
Friendly service and always enjoyable if you're up for some Austrian fare and a good beer.
Sean wrote a review on September 3, 2008 2:32 PM
I have been going there since it opened, and have always had good experiences. The food is pretty heavy (big surprise), but good for what it is. I've always found the service to be fine. Overall, a solid neighborhood place.
tinarina wrote a review on September 3, 2008 3:46 PM
Ate there some years ago and the food was okay. Recently we went there before BAM without a reservation and the hostess was unbelievably rude--she sat us, not even together and squished in, at the communal table. It was like the wrath of Brunhilda. We did not stay.
treehouse wrote a review on September 3, 2008 4:26 PM
What is great about this place is that it is not an overhyped = overpacked place. I thought it was oddly quiet on occasion but this has come to be what I like most about it. There is always room for a big table of friends (if BAM has not unloaded!).
The food is comforting and there are several dishes I return for time and again...goulash, schnitzel and they always have nice specials and salads. This might not be for everyone's palette and it isn't Danube but it sure is tasty and reliable. The service has always been very warm and natural.
stoep2conquer wrote a review on September 3, 2008 5:23 PM
I had high hopes for this place, but the service was slow, even lethargic (and on a slow night!) and the menu was anything but inventive. Even the beer menu was sub-par for a typical establishment in suds-loving Brooklyn. so sad.
Knickerbocker wrote a review on September 3, 2008 7:12 PM
Just want to let everyone know that this place is kid UNFRIENDLY. They do not have booster seats or high chairs.
This may be a good thing in the minds of some readers, and that is fine, but for parents of young kids like myself it is a slap in the face.
Having eaten there before I had a kid, I can say that the food is bland and below average when compared to the old and vanished "Germantown" restaurants on East 86th Street like Heidelberg or Cafe Geiger. But, it is not terrible, and also it is good to have a local restaurant that serves this type of food. As I recall, the service was ok, but not great.
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