Like its warm almost nostalgic style, there is more than a bit of magic in the way The Odeon entices neighborhood regulars to sit and enjoy a classic burger while the urbane and business elite fill the tables to furnish the bustling ambiance. Such places are rare, not because there aren't many which have the au fait and sophisticated queuing to get a table, but because it is one of a select handful which manages to remain simultaneous chic and friendly. More than simply meeting this tricky challenge, The Odeon has been doing it for more than twenty years without fail.

The menu is a classic French bistro affair, offering a range of beautifully prepared dishes some of which have their own touch of nostalgia. Not to suggest that they belong to a different era, just that they are the kind of authentic delights which make for a truly nourishing a lip-smacking meal.

The onion soup with gruyere is the ideal introduction to a menu which eschews notions of pretension and prides itself on simple, classic bistro food created with passion. Those looking to explore traditional bistro flavors might start a lunch with the soup and have the fabled Croque Monsieur as worthy follower. If lunch is the main meal of your day, you might want to head for one of the delectable entrees, like the Eden Brook Trout, served with Chinese long beans, confit tomato, capers and almond puree.

If you prefer the uncluttered charms of a hearty cut of prime beef, the Grilled NY Sirloin Steak Frites is a red blooded treat, although to have it au poivre with roasted garlic butter is a toothsome decadence to be savored. A classic dessert of profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce or the warm doughnuts with raspberry jam and maple dripping sauce are both good reasons for the sweet-toothed to leave just a little bit of room.

Busy for lunch and dinner, you might have to take to the lovely bar and enjoy some Crispy Calamari or classic Steak Tartare while you wait for a table to open up, but that's part of the pleasure of this great New York Restaurant. Waiting at the bar is an experience in itself. Not only are some of the tastiest morsels served there, but there are a some beautiful cocktails and prize single malt whiskies to sip slowly while you take in the ambiance. House versions of margaritas and martinis flow like fountains, glasses resting comfortably next to open bottles of good French wine and, in all likelihood, someone will be sipping a fine yeasty Champagne from an elegantly stemmed flute.

Whether for brunch, lunch or dinner, The Odeon offers consistently great food and that quintessential NY atmosphere which sees smart bankers and artists sit together in a vibrant mix of style, color and culinary profusion. If you can't squeeze in at the bar, there is no reason to worry, there is a great selection on the take-out menu and delivery is available.