A la Maison Bistro
| Address: | 53 Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003, USA |
| Phone: | +1 484-412-8009 |
| Site: | alamaisonbistro.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM Closed |
Location
Photos 31
Reviews 13
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A Private User
This has been a favorite for some time, and friends and I looked forward to a nice evening catching up after nor seeing each other for some time. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to us, there was to be "live" entertainment: we were "treated" to a middle-aged a capella group (at least twelve members strong) trying to revive their Whiffenpoof-wannabe glory days by serenading unsuspecting diners with truly dreadful music. At least two members of our party have had children involved in a capella groups in high schools and in their Ivy League institutions; so we are not on principle adverse to the genre, but it was pathetic to see these old guys singing just barely in tune to a captive audience. While we were expecting an evening of convivial conversation, we were instead shushed when we tried to converse just above the horrible singing. When we registered -- politely-- our objections, the waitress became hostile and advised us that the "live" entertainment had been advertised for some time. However, when we had made a reservation by phone, no mention was made that we would be subjected to mediocre harmonizing as part of our dining "experience." I would love to comment on the food, but frankly, all I remember was the uncomfortable feeling that we had inadvertently wandered into a private private party for Elis who never grew up.
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Dean Chia
Somewhat pricey, but the portion sizes are very fair and will guarantee you dont leave hungry. The bread they gave was good. There was a nuttier bread that I thought was too dry at first, but then realized it left such a wonderful aftertaste and that I had not yet understood its amazing understated flavor. The seafood Boulleboulaise (forget the spelling) was good. The seafood broth was not at all salty. The grilled shrimp was also decent, with very yummy tomatoes and cannoli beans (is that the right word?). (Seriously, the tomatoes were amazingly flavorful.) The stunner was the special dessert that day, a wonderful, refreshing mixed berry tart with raspberry mousse and a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Any negatives? I was a bit disappointed that when I pointed out that one of the clams in the seafood broth did not open, I did not receive anything special or get a discount, though the server did say sorry. Overall, a more than decent dinner, and I dont feel like I really overpaid. The quality was certainly there. The wait time was also reasonable. Do make a reservation if you want to go!
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A Private User
We tried this place 3 times (our fault for thinking it would get better). The first time, some of the food at our table was horrendous, but for the most part, decent, service was horrible. The second time, the service was horrible, food was okay. Third time, service was BEYOND horrible. Ive had better service in an airplane. We had 10 people and 7 got their food, 3 of us waited another 45 minutes! The place wasnt even full! There is NEVER a manager on duty, so we had to go in to the kitchen and yell ourselves, the chef flipped out, the waitress was clueless. HORRENDOUS. I REPEAT, HORRENDOUS. DO NOT go especially if its an important occasion. The decor is awful, no music, too loud. I cant even believe this place is still open.
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Jaimie Manley
A friend from my work who used to work there would bring their food in. I then decided to get my own because everything he ordered looked & smelled amazing. I read some of the older reviews which I thought were nonsense. It is a cute little restaurant with friendly people and amazing food. The food is priced right for the quality. Its a little gem in the chaos of Ardmore. I told my aunt about this place and she was so happy with the whole experience. She lives about 30 minutes away from Ardmore and on Thanksgiving she told me she is now trying to get a few friends together to treat them to lunch here. I felt good that I recommend a place that was a hit with her (she is hard to please!).
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A Private User
Your in for a treat in regards to the food. At times they seem to oversalt dishes, where they do not in France. Thumbs up for being a BYO, but your not exactly saving money here, but you are guaranteed great food in a warm atmosphere. The staff are present and accomodating, but the two times I have eaten there the server lacked the warmth that a country french bistro in the US should have. All in all, its probably the must hit dining establishment in Ardmore.
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A Private User
This place is terrible. Come on way overpriced, and like everyone says to loud. I feel like im in detention, no sense of elegance just a cheap feel; except for their prices. The food is ok at best, you give me canned escargot for twelve dollars! The service sucks, management is on the phone(forever) ignoring us. Will not be back. I did find a new spot next to them that i never knew existed, some promising news.
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Howard Lewis
The rating is low because the service here has always been spotty, but the last time I went it became ludicrous. We waited over a half an hour between soup and our salad, and when the salad came it was completely mis-prepared. It was supposed to have warm cheese that was refrigerator cold. The menu has also become very thin at lunch with few choices. It has fallen off a lot over the past couple of years.
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Bill Kaufmann
OMG, this place was outstanding. The service was perfect, and the food was even better. The staff was helpful, attentive and friendly without being intrusive. We loved the escargot, European bread, salmon and a huge, wonderful bouillabaisse seafood dish. The dessert menu was a bit disappointing as a French restaurant, but our cheesecake selection was wonderful. Well be back anytime were in the area!
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Shawn
The menu was a bit pricier than expected, but completely worth it. The restaurant is small and welcoming, with a comfortable outdoor area as well. The waitress was kind, came by regularly, and made great suggestions, which we took. Everything we had tasted delicious, including the pâté plate, the escargo, and a mocha cheesecake. I honestly couldnt recommend this place more.
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D Newman
Stopped in a on Saturday at 5:10 p.m., and although the place was virtually empty, they did not have a table for two. Ok. Maybe they were expecting a big crowd at 5:30 or 6:00. Walked past at 6:30 after having eaten somewhere else, and there were three tables outside empty and a few inside. We felt very blown off by the staff and would never go back.
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A Private User
New chef has taken this to a different level. Its classic bistro fare, executed near-flawlessly. The one thing holding it back is the service; Ive been four times in the last few months, and the disparity between the service and food is consistent. Regardless, its well worth a visit.
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A Private User
I was a cook myself in a french restaurant in town and have eaten all over europe and I was thoroughly impressed when I stopped in for dinner the other night with my partner, who is also a veteran restaurant worker. Best french food Ive had outside europe!
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Judith Dederick
Delicious, authentic, creative menu, lovely service in a very appealing space. Dinner was superb until we were driven out by painfully loud live music. The music itself was appropriate--if only it had been soft and intimate rather than eardrum-bursting.
