Tried to go on last week but it was closed. Not sure if it was a one-off night or more long-term.
Louis Dorescenzi
Food was good, atmosphere was okay, very quiet. Friendly service
EdwardH
Food preparation is hit or miss. Fried olives very good, but recommended wine, Amontillado, was not available. To bad they would have been perfect together. My chicken picatta was good. Chicken breast almost overdone, but acceptable. Sauce was creamy but good. Fried kale was bitter and greasy, not a success. Wife's vegetarian pasta did not finish the pasta with sauce in a pan, merely added the pasta to sauce and served. Result was a watery sauce. Vegetables were also not in abundance. Wine list quite good enjoyed J Dusi Pinot Grigio. Service was very good. Overall, would not go back.
Hungrygak
In a word. TERRIBLE. We should have gone without. It was the only place with availability as it was Monday night. Felt we were rushed by the staff. The salad was good but the flat iron steak was disgusting. Was told it was so good by the server. Served with a stone cold rice croquettes! Save your money and eat at McDonals. Don't know how they have survived!
MikeS
First time at the Black Cat, so we didn't know what to expect. We had great service and we enjoyed the dinner and dessert. Ambience left a little to be desired as we expected a little more upscale environment, but our server was very attentive and knowledgeable.
Tracy F.
Looking for an open table on a busy Saturday night, we stumbled into the Black Cat. While the decor could use a refresh and was definetly a bit dark and dated, the food was delicious and the service was attentive and helpful. Our sauted mushrooms were a perfect start and everyone loved their entrees. The chicken picata, shrimp and steak were all hits and plates were almost licked clean. Highly recommend looking past the decor and giving this place a chance. Are you going for fancy art or food after all?
neil
Outdated furnishings & run-down interior. Server forgot our wine. Her service was efficient but not careful - Felt like she was doing us a favor by doing her job. Appetizer(olives)overcooked and yet under-prepared. Main dishes were correctly seasoned and cooked. (Salmon & calamari). Dessert (lava cake) was microwaved with whipped cream out of a can.
Winewalkabout
Nice setting in a very convenient location near downtown. Good meal options at decent prices. Had a wonderful half rack of lamb that was absolutely delicious. Would not hesitate to go back.
TerriK
Wonderful menu. Appetizers and mains were perfectly cooked. We had the duck, piccata, seafood pasta, crab cakes, and bruschetta. Nice wine selection too. Our servings were ample. Crispy kale came with the chicken piccatta.
RobertV
We were really looking for a relaxed evening of delicious food and wine, and the Black Car Bistro did not deliver. After getting a replacement cup of soup for the cold version initially presented, the food was acceptable but unremarkable. The duck breast was cooked well but the pork chop was greasy and weighed down with too much cheese. Our server seemed to be squarely focused on the check toward the end of the meal. The check was brought before we finished eating, and she asked repeatedly if she could take it before we had finished our meal. We felt uncomfortable finishing our wine with the constant hovering. This is simply unacceptable when spending $150 on a meal. A truly disappointing evening.
Another reviewer said their experience was mediocre. I'd agree. While service was attentive I found it rushed. Silverware semi-tossed on the table, "are you ready to order" asked nearly immediately after being seated. The food was ok. Not exceptional. With so many choices in Paso Robles I'd give this place a pass the next time. Maybe folks were having a bad day.
MrsR
The food was just ok. Place looked cute and fun from the outside but was odd once inside. The staff was very nice but overloaded. I understand that it's hard to get staff but they needed more than three people. We will not be going back.
TSRA2001
Very disappointed. Went to the one in Cambria many years ago, and tried this one based on recommendations from food loving friends. It was a quiet week night, just as they opened, and there were only 2 other groups of diners by the time we finished. Server was not busy at all during our meal but she mainly stayed near the kitchen, reading her phone. We poured our wine throughout the meal-- perhaps that is the standard at this restaurant? Brussels sprouts and gnocchi were both outstanding-- highly recommend. Salmon/mashed potatoes/vegetables were lackluster-- salmon dry, overcooked, salty; potatoes and vegetables very salty (and we like salt); told the server who just said "thanks for letting us know." Will not return.
LTEll
It was very bare minimum as far as decor & ambiance. The steak was horrible & should have been sent back, mostly fat & grizzle and overdone. The salmon was also dry & we had to ask for more sauce. All the entrees we ordered had the same side of vegetables, no variety or creativity. One order was totally wrong, ordered chicken & got pasta. The Brussel sprouts appetizer were good & I would order them again. Pricey for average almost banquet style food. I would not recommend or go back with so many other choices in downtown Paso.
LTEll
It was very bare minimum as far as decor & ambiance. The steak was horrible & should have been sent back, mostly fat & grizzle and overdone. The salmon was also dry & we had to ask for more sauce. All the entrees we ordered had the same side of vegetables, no variety or creativity. One order was totally wrong, ordered chicken & got pasta. The Brussel sprouts appetizer were good & I would order them again. Pricey for average almost banquet style food. I would not recommend or go back with so many other choices in downtown Paso.
Tried to go on last week but it was closed. Not sure if it was a one-off night or more long-term.
Food was good, atmosphere was okay, very quiet. Friendly service
Food preparation is hit or miss. Fried olives very good, but recommended wine, Amontillado, was not available. To bad they would have been perfect together. My chicken picatta was good. Chicken breast almost overdone, but acceptable. Sauce was creamy but good. Fried kale was bitter and greasy, not a success. Wife's vegetarian pasta did not finish the pasta with sauce in a pan, merely added the pasta to sauce and served. Result was a watery sauce. Vegetables were also not in abundance. Wine list quite good enjoyed J Dusi Pinot Grigio. Service was very good. Overall, would not go back.
In a word. TERRIBLE. We should have gone without. It was the only place with availability as it was Monday night. Felt we were rushed by the staff. The salad was good but the flat iron steak was disgusting. Was told it was so good by the server. Served with a stone cold rice croquettes! Save your money and eat at McDonals. Don't know how they have survived!
First time at the Black Cat, so we didn't know what to expect. We had great service and we enjoyed the dinner and dessert. Ambience left a little to be desired as we expected a little more upscale environment, but our server was very attentive and knowledgeable.
Looking for an open table on a busy Saturday night, we stumbled into the Black Cat. While the decor could use a refresh and was definetly a bit dark and dated, the food was delicious and the service was attentive and helpful. Our sauted mushrooms were a perfect start and everyone loved their entrees. The chicken picata, shrimp and steak were all hits and plates were almost licked clean. Highly recommend looking past the decor and giving this place a chance. Are you going for fancy art or food after all?
Outdated furnishings & run-down interior. Server forgot our wine. Her service was efficient but not careful - Felt like she was doing us a favor by doing her job. Appetizer(olives)overcooked and yet under-prepared. Main dishes were correctly seasoned and cooked. (Salmon & calamari). Dessert (lava cake) was microwaved with whipped cream out of a can.
Nice setting in a very convenient location near downtown. Good meal options at decent prices. Had a wonderful half rack of lamb that was absolutely delicious. Would not hesitate to go back.
Wonderful menu. Appetizers and mains were perfectly cooked. We had the duck, piccata, seafood pasta, crab cakes, and bruschetta. Nice wine selection too. Our servings were ample. Crispy kale came with the chicken piccatta.
We were really looking for a relaxed evening of delicious food and wine, and the Black Car Bistro did not deliver. After getting a replacement cup of soup for the cold version initially presented, the food was acceptable but unremarkable. The duck breast was cooked well but the pork chop was greasy and weighed down with too much cheese. Our server seemed to be squarely focused on the check toward the end of the meal. The check was brought before we finished eating, and she asked repeatedly if she could take it before we had finished our meal. We felt uncomfortable finishing our wine with the constant hovering. This is simply unacceptable when spending $150 on a meal. A truly disappointing evening.
Restaurantji Recommends
Another reviewer said their experience was mediocre. I'd agree. While service was attentive I found it rushed. Silverware semi-tossed on the table, "are you ready to order" asked nearly immediately after being seated. The food was ok. Not exceptional. With so many choices in Paso Robles I'd give this place a pass the next time. Maybe folks were having a bad day.
The food was just ok. Place looked cute and fun from the outside but was odd once inside. The staff was very nice but overloaded. I understand that it's hard to get staff but they needed more than three people. We will not be going back.
Very disappointed. Went to the one in Cambria many years ago, and tried this one based on recommendations from food loving friends. It was a quiet week night, just as they opened, and there were only 2 other groups of diners by the time we finished. Server was not busy at all during our meal but she mainly stayed near the kitchen, reading her phone. We poured our wine throughout the meal-- perhaps that is the standard at this restaurant? Brussels sprouts and gnocchi were both outstanding-- highly recommend. Salmon/mashed potatoes/vegetables were lackluster-- salmon dry, overcooked, salty; potatoes and vegetables very salty (and we like salt); told the server who just said "thanks for letting us know." Will not return.
It was very bare minimum as far as decor & ambiance. The steak was horrible & should have been sent back, mostly fat & grizzle and overdone. The salmon was also dry & we had to ask for more sauce. All the entrees we ordered had the same side of vegetables, no variety or creativity. One order was totally wrong, ordered chicken & got pasta. The Brussel sprouts appetizer were good & I would order them again. Pricey for average almost banquet style food. I would not recommend or go back with so many other choices in downtown Paso.
It was very bare minimum as far as decor & ambiance. The steak was horrible & should have been sent back, mostly fat & grizzle and overdone. The salmon was also dry & we had to ask for more sauce. All the entrees we ordered had the same side of vegetables, no variety or creativity. One order was totally wrong, ordered chicken & got pasta. The Brussel sprouts appetizer were good & I would order them again. Pricey for average almost banquet style food. I would not recommend or go back with so many other choices in downtown Paso.