Status Quo Bistro & Lounge

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  The food here is way above average for a small local bar/restaurant but the price is way less than average. The owner (Manny) is friendly and accommodating. The kitchen is usually open until after 11:00 PM which is later than most of the other restaurants in Forest Hills. I think the decor is dated and the beer list needs to be expanded. But if you are looking for a friendly, casual bar and tasty, well prepared, fresh food at a reasonable price, this is the place.

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  Posted on 07.08.13 Marc R.

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  Loved this place. The food was a worldly like Europe in your mouth. The music is enchanting and the wine selection is worth coming back for.

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  Posted on 06.07.13 Elizabeth G.

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  Just an overall no. I came here to have dinner and maybe a drink or two. I ordered a rum and coke. The coke was flat. It was dark and smelled like something was burning in the kitchen. I opted out on ordering food after my experience.
  
  The waitress' English was not all that great. When asked what kind of beer they had, she responded with "The usual."
  
  I'm sorry, but I'm not quite sure what the usual is.

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  Posted on 05.05.13 Antoinett R.

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  Absolutely 5 stars.
  My husband and I always come back
  here every time we go out. you know, we want to explore other places but when you know a place that's always as amazing as the other times of visits, you just can't resist.
  
  What always catches our attention is food. Oh my, their pasta is especially outstanding.  Manny and Kim are such lovely people, who always remember the conversations they've had with you.  I totally love the homy and intimate environment, where the volume of the music is just perfect. Will continuously go back!

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  Posted on 04.16.13 Midori T.

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  Status Quo  is the  most classy artistic restaurant,bar in the  irea of Forest Hills.
  Very European style from the decor to the music, the lamb burger w/ feta cheese was yummy and I must say was the most delicious Sangria I've ever had! It looks a family run business with excellent service. My favorite place

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  Posted on 03.31.13 Sara M.

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  This is the best kept secret in Forest Hills.  
  
  I also posted this review on the "Network" page - since folks are still posting on other page  (it isn't called "Network" any more).
  
  Status Quo Bistro & Lounge has become one of my favorite places to stop on my way home from work.  "Network Cafe" was a confusing name, I thought.  There is the same ownership - a lovely, hardworking European couple.  The husband may seem at first, a little "tough" - but he is talkative and amiable and funny.  The wife is helpful and cordial and friendly.
  
  There is always enjoyable "French bistro" & jazz music or old R&B or blues music playing, at a pleasant volume.  I love the colorful, romantic decor, and friendly staff.  You can sit in the cozy dining area or at the bar (if you can find a seat).  There are French doors on the store front - I can't wait until it's warm  enough to sit by those open windows!
  
  I was able to get there the other day early enough for happy hour, which goes until 7 - I had a delicious glass of wine for $5, and little plates of cubed apple and cheese were placed on the bar, rather than typical salty nuts or chips - nice touch!
  
  The menu is simple and flavorful...a little Italian, a little Spanish, a little Mediterranean.  I haven't eaten anything I didn't like.  I adore the kofte kebab... lamb patties with salad and rice and a side of delicious grilled pita with tzatziki sauce!  Heaven!  I'm also loving the Ropa Vieja with Spanish rice and sweet platanos!  And unlike many of the area restaurants, after you eat, you don't feel rushed to leave, but to stay and relax for a while.
  
  This is one of the only places I go to get a decent glass of red wine in the area.  The owner knows red wine; he keeps a nice selection, knows what to recommend, and is not afraid to discard a bottle that has been open for 24 hours (it spoils).  Status Quo is not a place that has the standard, generic Merlot & Cab sitting for days on a shelf, which the college student bartender doesn't know or care anything about.   I've been enjoying a nice Rosso Toscana there lately, and sampled a yummy Spanish Tempranillo last week.   It's so nice to be able to go out with my honey for a decent glass of wine, listen to good music, and not have to venture to Astoria or Manhattan. A wonderful option so close to home!
  
  It is NOT an over-loud yuppy/hipster hangout & not a mob scene - for which I am eternally grateful!  The last place I want to unwind in, is another place crowded with drunks or kids.  Or drunken kids.  It is one of the few places (as a single woman) I feel comfortable coming to alone, and sitting at the bar, without worrying about being hassled.  Every time I go in there, there are people I recognize - a crew of regulars who know a good thing.
  
  There is a lounge area downstairs, which is open on the weekend... with an eclectic mix of furniture.  Nice and quiet for privacy (I sat there for a little while to take a call).  You get downstairs via an interesting spiral staircase - which may get tricky if you overindulge or insist on wearing stilettos.
  
  The bathroom (which is also downstairs), is small and not fancy - but it was clean and serviceable.  How much time are you going to spend in the bathroom?
  
  All in all, I love it.  Good people, good food, good wine (the women at  the bar were raving about their martinis), reasonably priced, nice ambiance.   I wouldn't call it "pristine" - but that isn't what I go there for.  I go for the atmosphere, and the character and the quirkiness and the personality.  Much more interesting than your typical Forest Hills cookie-cutter operation.

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  Posted on 03.29.13 Gray A.

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