Paulette's

Suresh K.

Joined 5 months ago

We went to Paulette's tonight for my wife's birthday which was previously communicated to the establishment. The experience was thoroughly disappointing. We have dined at Paulette's for nearly 20 years, including at it's prior location in Mid Town. So this was not our first experience here, and this turned out to be our worst experience ever.

We had a 7.30 PM reservation and arrived at 7.15 PM. Even though several tables were open, the hostess insisted on making us wait till our reservation time rather than have the table immediately set up. It then turned out to be a bizarre experience. The waiter who took our drink order was too busy attending to a large table and had to be backed up by another waiter. It took him 45 minutes to get popovers, which were cold and are a trademark of the restaurant, and our appetizer orders. One of the appetizer was not warm since the waiter had obviously not served it at the proper time. Upon complaint to the manager, we received exaggerated attention but the the evening and the moment was gone. The customer satisfaction we experienced at Paulette's was terrible and we doubt we will be back after 20+ years of loyalty.

I realize Memphis does not have a plethora of restaurants which provide the quality of dining experiences as in major metro cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc. But there are great, consistent restaurants in Memphis such as Erling Jensens which Paulette could emulate. I am sorry that we will be severing our long term ties with your establishment.

SAK

PS: Manager, this refers to our dining experience on 12/15/2012.

Doesn't Recommend

memphislefty

Joined 4 years ago

Fine French Dining? I think not.... My wife and sister (who is a foodie) looked forward to an evening of fine dining. It was clear them quite early that Paulette's has been slipping for some time. First, they bristled at being called "Hon" and "Y'all" in what is supposed to be an upscale French Restaurant. That you would expect in Bob Evans. Bari, which has far better food and more reasonable prices has a much more professional atmosphere. Secondly, they described the decor as "shabby." Third, they were given glassware with lipstick on it. If that were not enough, their server, when bringing my sister-in-law a new wine glass for a new and different glass of wine, ACTUALLY DUMPED THE CONTENTS OF HER NEARLY FINISHED GLASS OF WINE INTO THE NEW ONE.

I am not kidding.

When I asked my wife why they didn't walk out, she answered "because we kept telling ourselves, it can't get any worse than this, and it just kept getting worse. After a while, we stayed simply for the comic value."

Recommends

bbsister

Joined 5 years ago

Delicious desserts, excellent service. It's a lovely place to stop for dessert and coffee after a movie at Studio on the Square. The desserts are very tasty (and varied), and the service is effecient, polite and unobtrusive. For dinner, the food is very good and reliable if a bit stodgy. The place is old-fashioned but charming - the popovers are such a sweet touch. It's a good safe place to bring guests for a special dinner or brunch.

Doesn't Recommend

Momster3

Joined 5 years ago

Did not live up to the rave reviews.. We were placed in a cramped corner, the services was, at best okay. When we arrived, the restaurant was not crowded. We did have attention, then. Soon after, when business picked up, server was non exhistant. We did not receive one of the appetizers we had ordered, when we ordered the wine, the hostess had to eventually bring it over. The main course was very dissappointing. The 'souffle" came out as crepes'. They were very "mushy" and cold. Tasteless. The crabcakes my husband had were ok but the next day, let's say.........His stomach was not agreeing with them. I was not please with the visit to Paulette's.

We try to find different places to eat around town and this was definately a let down from the reviews.

We will not be returning to Paulette's.

Doesn't Recommend

mammfissmangonewild

Joined 7 years ago

Slip, slippin' AWAY. Everybody suggested I eat here when I moved to the area...whoa...are these people for REAL ?? THE food is below average, but prepared at least with a bit of french flair, but look, this place is not even a 3-star experience in my book, but there again, Memphis doesn't have much anyway that's different or even excellent true 'dining'

Doesn't Recommend

memphis_sadie

Joined 7 years ago

Doesn't live up to hype. So many people tell me that this is their favorite place. It's hard to imagine why in a town that has so many more interesting choices. The menu almost never changes and is VERY formulaic. The servers are still dressed like Guy Buffet even though they are mostly female (and this is not a flattering look for females). The place can be deafening (which certainly undermines romance). And finally, the food comes out through a wind tunnel and rarely makes it to the table hot. The one thing they are very good at is special events like rehearsal dinners and graduations.

Recommends

waitingintn

Joined 8 years ago

One of the very best. Paulette's...loved it when I lived there...and I drive back every year for my anniversary. The food is excellent...especially the Steak Paulette's...and the Crepes...WONDERFUL!

Recommends

jtharvey

Joined 8 years ago

Disappointed.... After moving to Memphis, we were told Paulette's is THE place to go for a nice dinner. However, we were disappointed. The atmosphere and ambiance were as expected-cozy and romantic. But the food and service was not. Service was slow and inattentive. The food was average at best-not a great value for the money. But..i would go back to try it again since most people love it here and i hear the brunch is wonderful...

Recommends

merigold307

Joined 9 years ago

All Time Favorite. Delicious creme brulee, excellent coquilles san jacque, and the Kahlua pie is simply awesome. My grandchildren ordered the french toast and loved it and the popovers with strawberry butter. My favorite since when I lived in Memphis

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

An elegant yet casual retreat for dinner, lunch and weekend brunch.. The Scene
Paulette's offers a pampered getaway for diners who want to relax and savor fine food in casual yet elegant surroundings. With its cozy European ambience, dim lighting and graciously attentive staff, a visit here is sure to remind you of dining days gone by. Dine to live piano music during the popular weekend brunches.

The Food
Choice-cut steaks top the dinner menu, grilled to order and seared with a sizzle of real butter. Feathery spinach crepes come filled with shrimp, scallops or crab meat and are topped with rich Mornay sauce. For brunch, hearty Hungarian gulyas (ghoulash) is sure to please. Save room for the airy, not-too-sweet popovers, served hot with creamy strawberry butter.