A charming garden oasis for absinthe and oysters, offering a magical, romantic escape with expertly crafted cocktails.
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Maison Premiere, a Williamsburg establishment that has maintained its charm and quality for over a decade, offering a timeless New Orleans-inspired experience with exceptional cocktails and a standout raw bar.
This Brooklyn establishment offers a timeless New Orleans-inspired experience, transporting diners with its French Quarter ambiance and a focus on classic flavors. It's renowned for its exceptional cocktail program, featuring historical drinks and impressive tableside service, as well as an outstanding raw bar with a wide array of oysters. The enchanting garden patio provides a particularly magical setting, making it a top choice for romantic evenings.
The restaurant is celebrated for its exquisite seafood, particularly its extensive selection of oysters from both the East and West coasts. Customers rave about the expertly crafted cocktails, with many highlighting absinthe-based drinks and tableside cocktail service as unique draws. Dishes like the Bay Scallop Crudo, Steak Tartare, and Montauk Shrimp Pasta receive high praise for their flavor and presentation. However, the Lobster Roll has been noted by some as a dish to avoid.
"The oysters are consistently praised as a must-try, along with the creative and well-executed cocktails, especially those featuring absinthe. The Bay Scallop Crudo, Steak Tartare, and Montauk Shrimp Pasta are also highlighted as excellent choices."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its exceptional food and cocktails, with many specifically recommending the oysters and unique absinthe-based drinks. The ambiance, particularly the garden patio, is frequently cited as a major draw, contributing to a romantic and charming dining experience. While generally positive, one review noted an issue with the martini olives, and another found the lobster roll disappointing.
Important Note
The lobster roll is noted as a dish to skip due to an unfavorable brioche to filling ratio. Additionally, one review mentioned that the martini olives were on the mushy side.
"Maison Premiere is listed as a recommended restaurant."
Neutral"Maison Premiere is recommended."
Positive"Maison Premiere is recommended."
Positive"Maison Premiere is recommended."
Positive"This comment sarcastically noted that tableside cocktail service at Maison Premiere should only take forty minutes."
Neutral"Maison Premier was identified as a top choice for oysters and advised booking in advance."
Positive"Maison Premiere was suggested as a place for oysters and cocktails, with an emphasis on their tableside cocktail service."
Neutral"Maison Premiere was recommended for oysters and cocktails, suggesting it as a precursor to dinner at St Anselm."
Positive"The commenter adds that the back garden can be quite romantic if a table is available there."
Positive"The commenter suggests trying the 'Old King Cole' drink if the diner enjoys dry martinis, noting it's a great tableside experience."
Positive"Following a recommendation, the commenter booked a reservation in the garden."
Positive"The Oyster Bar option is for a small bar within the dining room, not the main horseshoe bar. The commenter recommends requesting the main bar or a table in the garden for a better experience, based on their experience working there."
Positive"The commenter prefers the cocktail bar side and recommends any bar over tables, emphasizing the fun experience. Sitting at tables makes it feel like just another restaurant."
Positive"The commenter prefers sitting at the bar to watch the bartenders make drinks. Alternatively, a table in the back garden offers a quieter experience."
Neutral"Maison Premiere was mentioned by the commenter."
Neutral"Includes Maison Premiere on a categorized list of restaurants."
Positive"Maison Premiere in Williamsburg is recommended for its romantic ambiance and ease of getting a table, making it a good option for a romantic celebration."
Positive"Maison Premiere is mentioned as a place with innovative cocktails, focusing on classics and absinthe."
Neutral"Maison Premiere was highly recommended as a great rainy day cocktail bar in Williamsburg and is noted to be open all day."
Positive"Maison Premiere is suggested as a place to enjoy an oyster."
Neutral
