Hmmmm.... I've been shopping weekly at the Bistro for about a year and a half. I had a puzzling experience this afternoon. I went through the Buffet for a quick bite of Cashew Chicken. They now charge you by weight of food that you put in a To-go box. A normal sized portion that you get anywhere in Springfield (cashew chicken capital of the world)for $5.50 was $16.66. Thats right.... sixteen dollars. The cashier was incredibly defensive. I understand there is seafood pasta and steak on the buffet but don't make us pay surf and turf prices for cashew chicken. Needless to say I'm very aggravated!
Review Source:What I'm reviewing here is the hot food buffet, not the grocery store/coffee house/liquor store/bar that are all also attached.
And in fact, the buffet, as of four days ago, isn't a buffet any more but a hot food line where you scoop food onto a plate, they weigh it, and you pay them $6.99 a pound. We came for the buffet and got more a deli hot food experience.
Firstly, let's note that none of the food is marked. Fried chicken is obviously fried chicken, and mashed potatoes are obviously mashed potatoes. Some other dishes however, some kind of Mexican rice dish, looked good, but since I didn't know what was in it, I didn't get it. Same is true for enchiladas--are these pollo verde? Looked like it, and they were, but still, I would have liked some little signs to let me know what I was eating, or maybe eating. Placards?
Another small problem: You don't know how much food you're getting until you hand them the plate. Honestly, I didn't know if I had 1 pound or 3 pounds of food when I went up there. It turned out to be just over a pound, which made my meal almost $9, and that's fine, but I might want more/less, and really, until I know what I'm paying, that's hard to determine.
As for the food, it's all above okay. It's better than the Golden Corral/Old Country Buffet spread in that things seem a little fresher, the meat seems a little meatier, and there was some nice variety (but then again, I've been to Golden Corral recently, and honestly, the steak I had there was as good as any steak I've had in a restaurant in years). The green chicken enchilada was pretty good, and overall, it was a nice experience. It's also a fun, festive atmosphere in Downtown Springfield, lots of people walking around, a bar off behind us, and some hipster decor.
Nothing's great, though, and overall, it's buffet food, food that sits under lamps until someone eats enough of it so the cooks make more of the same. No individual item was as good as ordering it individually at a traditional restaurant, and nothing there is ever going to make me say, "You know what I'm craving? Bistro Market's _____! Let's go right now!" A really good restaurant, 4 stars or above, will do that.
So, worth a try, for sure, but nothing to run out to right now.
Im writing this mainly because I am trying not to waste thirty minutes of my life watching cupcake wars while I wait for Iron Chef America. That being said, the Bistro Market is much like cupcakes. For some reason, beyond me, everyone has a huge hard-on for the craze. I find their prices and food offerings ridiculous. Ridiculously over priced and ridiculously pathetic, just to clarify the distinction of the two. I guess i dont know what I was expecting. But the first time i walked in to check the place out, I sure wasnt expecting a giant WTF bomb to go off in my head. I mean seriously, macaroni and cheese? fried chicken? toasted ravioli?
They should also have things priced out separately so you can pick and choose and pay for what you actually want.
I guess i was expecting awesomeness, and all I have found is lazyness and the inability to successfully portray the idea of a bistro concept. But I guess maybe they will call me next time for my opinion. I hope they do because their food offering really lacks effort in the thought arena. But hey, Springfield is pretty good at enjoying meritocracy  when it comes to food and service. There are only two places downtown that you cant get into during lunch without waiting at least 20-30 thirty minutes.  And the bistro market is not one of them.
It should be called the Bistro Convenience Store. Thats the only reason I go. Well, its also because im drunk after the bar scene, but its still convenient and does actually have a decent selection of alcohol.
Go and be disappointed for yourself. Dont just take my word for it. And keep in mind that I am speaking more from a culinary perspective on food offerings. I have never shopped here for anything other than beer, lunch (only once), and once for fish but was turned off by price. By the way, it is kind of a cool place to day drink and people watch out the giant windows. Cheers
I had Panna Cotta gelato this evening and it was delicious! This was the 4th time I've had gelato and every time I get a different flavor. This wasn't my favorite, but it was very good. So far, the first one I tried, mango, is still the winner.
Being Friday night, there was live music. Probably not a good move.
You know, I don't even know what I think about this place anymore, but I still want to talk about it. I find myself here a lot and I think this place is like those old haunted grave yard myths you hear about when you are young: if you ever go in, it steals a part of your soul and you have to keep returning to get it, but every time you go back it steals more of a part of you.
As much as us downtowners don't want to admit it, this place is still a grocery store. And honestly, I'm just not sure a grocery store can ever really be cool-hip-comfortable etc. I was hopeful at first, but now we'll still be at least one inside joke away from the coasts-I've heard of Trader Joes and others, but come on! This is the Midwest after all. Until we get one of those, I will think they are merely delightful fantasies like that our parents don't have sex or that our Presidential voting actually matters.
What's interesting is that now every time I critique the Bistro it reflects my own prejudices and cynicism more and more. For example, I find myself judging the hell out of the "street folk" who have taken over the front porches and find it more appalling that they can pass out/drink cheap liquor, cat call women and use really poor grammar loudly. How dare they get in my view for the 10 seconds I spend walking in and out of this place!
Gone are the cheerful/hopeful looking young people that seemed to populate the kitchen staff at the opening. I noticed that 417 Mag gave this place "Best Burger" award, but also noticed that none of the kitchen staff seemed to give a shit. I got a bison burger and had too much time to ponder my situation while waiting for the food. I waited and listened to other numbers being called out. I saw my burger come out and no number called. Yes! Good thing I was watching like I didn't trust them. Also, they don't have the homemade aioli anymore for the fries. That being said, it was still really good. But I don't want to eat here. The Grotto has the same ordering approach essentially and the burgers are  each delicious in their own right, but why do I hate eating here and not at the Grotto? Ahhh yes, its a grocery store and I stare at people lining up at a buffet. That's it.
What's funny is I can't stop coming here. The ONE brand of Pita bread they have I prefer over the others down the street at Dillans. The beer selection somehow keeps growing which pleases me, but I buy maybe one beer every two-three months here. I still buy more stuff at Mama Jeans and Brown Derby. Its the proximity we love downtown. We also love the facade. We need this facade. But, its eroding away. We are becoming aware that life isn't full of Trader Joes everywhere. Not every cashier can have sweet bangs, tattoos and listen to bands you've never heard of. Instead we get returning adult students who interject all the time in class and the high school kids who failed open book tests because they slept through them. I think that I need this place to deliver on the WHOLE of the expectations of opening a "downtown" market. Basically, I want Mama Jeans downtown. That's it. Ultimately, the Bistro has become like when I figured out that the nice looking men in nice restaurant restrooms handing out cologne while looking nice, at the end of the day, still work in restrooms.
All in all, this isn't helpful perhaps, but I just wanted to share. Oh yeah, and they did cover up that gang tag with a sign...so one complaint rectified.
So like a lot of people I was excited for this to open. It is a great idea to have such a place in the middle of downtown. It has a great look to it and good vibe. You can eat in or shop. After quite a few trips to it my tolerance and love for going there has decreased. Here are some personal reasons:
1. Price. Everything there is marked up. Yes, it is convient that it is downtown but not that convient.
2. Selection. There is a terrible selection in the shopping section of the Bistro. It lacks some simple things and some common sense things. They carried Cap'n Crunch in a couple different flavors but didn't have Rice Krispies. We wanted to make Rice Krispie Treats!
3. Deli. This is my biggest gripe right now. Actually it might be with this one guy. There is one guy who cannot cut deli meat or cheese correctly. I asked for thin cuts the other day and when I got home they were the thickest slices of Black Wax Sharp Cheddar Cheese I've ever had. I wanted a half pound and I got it but in about eight slices. I like Boars Head meats and cheeses too but I won't get it there until they get some skilled people back there.
4. Starbucks. I'm really confused by their decision to place this in the center of downtown. We have two very popular and good coffee shops right down the street. So much for the Bistro supporting local economics and business.
5. Dining. The dining part is ok. Basically felt like I was at a Ryan's.
That is all for now. I'm not going to trash it because it does fill a need in our downtown area but it could be way better. I'll give it some more time.
I've only been to the grocery side of this place and I have to say that I'm PROUD! It's a downtown MARKET; it's not Wal-Mart, or even Dillons with the cold fluorescents and generic tile, crappy produce and lack of interesting selection. Not that Wal-Mart & Dillon's don't serve their purpose; they do, but they don't provide the same satisfying experience. I usually walk out of those places yes maybe with "exactly what I came for", but also with a migraine and the need for a stiff drink. I'm not certain that I've ever actually ENJOYED grocery shopping: browsing, wandering and finding new and creative elements that I could substitute or improve over what I was "planning" on buying. The other less satisfied posts seem to indicate an overall lack of service-oriented staff at the buffet, etc. The individual I dealt with on the grocery side was incredibly service-oriented and went out of his way to accomodate- I had special requests and he worked with me unhesitatingly. He mentioned if there's something we would like to see stocked, they do take requests. There are NO generic brands on the shelves according to what I could see, and surprisingly I didn't miss them.
I may have to revise once I get in to check out the other features, but at this point I'm definitely a fan!
I grow more and more weary of this place. Since it is so close me, I feel compelled to go here. It is expensive. It is minimal. Nearly $9 for the buffet and you have to coerce staff to dish your food out to you. Sure, it helps prevent theft and keeps the food a little more sanitary, but when you get a minimum-wage "I hate it here" employee, you get smaller portions at the embarrassment of "give me food." I don't want the salad bar--I just want General Tso's chicken--don't make me pay for salad, dammit! God forbid you find clean seating or any seating at all. In order to get soda fountain fillups, you need to badger a busy bartender across from the buffet. Pretty soon you'll have to show receipts.
Yes, it is the mainland and fresh fish is expensive. But CHRIST! $30-40 for a pound of sea bass? Everything is nearly 30% more expensive here than anywhere else in town. If anything, this is a status symbol. "I have money, and I'll frivolously spend it" is the motto for anyone shopping here. Go to Dillon's if you want to save money; go to Harter House if you want quality; go to Bistro Market if you want to "der, der, der" your way to bankruptcy.
Aside from the over-priced grocery items, this place is a glorified, upscale Heritage Cafeteria. Â I may be a little steamed while processing through this review; mostly because two of the people supposedly serving us were more interested in texting than actually doing their job, and after paying and stepping up to the food bar we were ignored by the person working that station. Â
The food was okay. Â That's it. Â Nothing to brag about. Â Step up your game, BM. Â And as a side note, the gelato is supremely better at Gelato Mio. Â And... I'm a twelve-year-old because "BM" makes me laugh.
I was super excited when this place opened up. I'm a college kid, gone for summers, and was expecting to return to the same, drab "square" I had rummaged through a million times. While downtown hasn't completely renovated itself, the addition of some cool new eateries, like this one, is definitely a start.
I've only been to Bistro Market once, but I was pretty impressed at what Price Cutter had done. The idea is relatively unique for our little area, having a buffet/restaurant/diner/gelato bar/alcohol bar/coffee shop in front, then a Whole Foods-type store in back. They had a pretty nice selection of au-naturale products and lives up to its name as a market...it's not an entire grocery store, and options are fairly limited in regards to available brands, but it certainly does the job if you're into the whole organic, fresh produce, hipster scene.
With that said, if you're actually seriously into the aforementioned "scene," Bistro Market doesn't hold a candle to Mama Jean's; they have a much better selection and don't incorporate the normal grocery store items into the organic and locally grown stuff. However, if you're wanting to feel in the mix of things, with the hubbub of dining customers in the front, couples wandering in for a posh scoop of Italian ice cream and college kids watching sports at the mini-bar, come here. It certainly makes you feel cool, if nothing else.
I had the chocolate peanut butter gelato, and it was really good. However, it's really expensive for a very small amount. They serve their small size in what looks like a tester cup, and it came out to a little over $2. I was a little disappointed at first, but the gelato itself was so rich and tasty that it was almost justified...almost.
Anyway, it's no big deal if you've ever left the city of Springfield, but for the people that are stuck in this hell-hole, it's a friendly reminder that some people still know what's up.
Pretty much everyone in Springfield is creaming their jeans over the new Bistro Market. Yeah it's completely hip, and I am actually proud of it. But the hype might be a tad over the top. If you don't mind weaving through crowds of gawkers, then it is totally worth the trip...
Yank open the door and peer beyond the sprawling clusters of people, and you will notice dark floors, exposed air ducts, and brick surroundings that envelope your shopping experience.... It feels so loft like....so un-Springfield. Our new fangled bistro market feels like a baby Whole Foods in little downtown SGF. This place has some pretty noteworthy features, like Boar's head meat, Memory Lane milk, a machine to make peanut, cashew, and almond butter, and a wall of dry goods that would make any health food nut shit their pants with delight. (It looks like they took some notes from the successful local Mama Jean's)..
Yep, the Bistro is pretty damn cool and it is a decent sized leap for Springfield. I almost hate to be nit picky, but there are a couple of drawbacks that must be made mention of. First off, I know that Starbucks is kinda Price Cutter's thing, but it just seems like a dick move to go ahead and cram a Starbucks inside the market when there are a number of local coffee places a stone's throw away that boast of fair trade and organic products. Not to mention that the other downtown coffee shops are LOCAL... I think we could do without the "trendy" conglomerate Starbucks... in this instance.
My other point of contention has to do with the alcohol selection.. (or lack of). Okay so you open a fancy pants store that obviously caters to people with perceptive and advanced palettes. Then you put in a bar, so people can grab a drink too. Shit yeah! But wait, they put Miller Light, Bud Light, and Michelob, to dominate 3 of the 5 tap handles.. BOO! Seems like they are catering to frat crowds or good ole' boys with deadened taste buds. I'm not saying that they shouldn't offer these beers..., but perhaps put them in a bottle.. and reserve the tap space for something unexpected, something people can't get everywhere. Let's challenge people to ALSO have taste with their beer selection. How about a Boulevard Smokestack on draft, or a Goose Island, or a Great Divide? It's pretty damn hilarious that they list fries as Pomme Frites on the menu. This is the traditional Belgian and European way of naming deep fried strands of potatoes. If you expect your clientele to understand this level of food culture then demand more out of them at the bar too!! Â
Speaking of Pomme Frites, I have had their fries alongside a burger. They were skin on, homemade, and had an irresistible buttery Yukon gold flavor. Nothing about them resembled the Pomme Frites that I had in Belgium and Germany, but they were delicious in their own right...
All Complaints aside, I am still pretty pleased about being a regular at this store. Especially since I can easily set out on foot or my bicycle. It is a promising step for Springfield, and I am looking forward to seeing how this place develops in the upcoming months once the hype settles down.
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