Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bistro 197

    4.1 (97 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    Order Bistro 197 Takeout or Delivery

    Bistro 197 Photos

    Business Info

    BISTRO 197 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Upscale

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Bistro 197

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Menu
    Wanda C.

    Excellent food. Love the eclectic condiments tonight was blueberry, blackberry butter for the bread, and a curry butter for the steak. Make sure you make reservations if it's on a Saturday night! We saw several people get turned away. Wonderful jazz ensemble started at 6 PM. Excellent ambience.

    Bartender's choice, and mint & blackberry muddled bourbon
    Mars A.

    My wife and I stopped in for dinner while visiting the town, the space was quiet with a upscale look. The bartender, Genevieve, hands down has the best customer service and vibe. She recommended some drinks and guided us through what's the best on the menu. We had a couple of drinks while we waited for our food to take out. Drinks were absolutely amazing. Cajun blue catfish was lacking the Cajun seasoning, but it was cooked well. The rice & beans in the dish had missed the flavor. The Short rib dish had an amazing glaze, but wasn't marinated, but it was cooked well. The pasta had a hint of truffle, but also lacked flavor as the meat.

    Helles lager
    Stephanie S.

    I always have had great meals here and look forward to my visits home to my parents, as we usually dine here at least once. The special Friday night was a beer battered fish (I cannot recall if it was cod or haddock) and I asked our server about the batter, as I've never had a beer battered fish anywhere that wasn't overly battered and the fish dry. She reassured me that it was lightly battered, so I decided to give it a try. It was hands down the BEST beer batter one could hope for. It was light, crispy, and the fish was moist and tender. Two of my dining companions agreed, as they'd ordered the same. We'd also ordered some raw oysters as our starter and they were equally delicious. A truly excellent meal in a cozy atmosphere.

    Menu
    Tattiana P.

    The atmosphere is a laidback classy feel which I enjoy. It means that you can dress up as you would normally without having to go through the extra bells and whistles. However, the food here always gives up an upscale style and taste that has not disappointed. The menu is known to change regularly which was surprising at first because I wanted to try something I enjoyed eating previously. But my shock was quickly replaced with awe after eating the beef short rib over gnocchi. The meat was so tender that I was able to slice through without a knife or a hint of difficulty. While dining inside we were also able to listen to a few performances by a local artist which was a pleasant change of pace from normal dinner talk. The music was something that was agreeable for everyone and it set the mood for the audience. I'm looking forward to what I'll be able to try on the menu next time!

    Nashville hot wings with house ranch and pickles.
    Daniel L.

    This place just knocks it out of the park everytime. Bill and his staff are top notch. The food is exquisite, much thought and care is taken when coming up with and preparing these dishes. I've had brunch there that is wonderful, some fresh hash and eggs if I recall were wonderful. I went on my birthday a week ago and got the Nashville Hot wings and a steak. The wings were very spicy, just perfect, a great combo of hot and sweet as it should be. Wings were perfectly cooked, crispy and juicy. I also got a steak which was perfectly cooked, my wife got the special which was pasta with a nice tomato sauce with cherry tomatoes with a bit of a kick, and topped with ricotta mixed with pesto... it is now my favorite sauce on pasta, so rich and creamy, it was amazing. I hope I can recreate it at home. Also, the drinks are expertly crafted. I'm not a big drinker anymore, but I make sure to try a cocktail each time I come. The Earth gin and tonic is my favorite. In closing, this place is one of the few in this area offering such high-quality fare. I've been all over the country, this is top 5 places in my list. If you're in the area it's a must visit.

    Cajun Catfish

    Service was amazing, Mark is a very friendly and nice server! Food was fast and delicious, went around 2pm for lunch. Fine dining but comfortable ambiance! Will definitely be revisiting, highly recommend plus drink list is unique and extensive!!

    two plates of food on a table
    Keisha P.

    The bistro is my favorite go to restaurant for fun vibes, great service and amazing food. Nestled right in downtown Oswego, parking outside is limited but you can find a spot across the intersection - which is only a quick walk to an amazing atmosphere. Most days the bistro offers live music to enjoy with dinner. Many times a small 1-3 person band sets the mood for an intimate dinner with loved ones. Sean and his whole staff create a wholesome dining experience that makes you want to come back for the great service and even better food. 10/10 recommend if you take a trip to Oswego, NY!

    Crab encrusted salmon and French onion soup.  Delicious!

    See all

    Photo of Ryan C.
    66
    14
    8

    11 years ago

    Amazing place to be located in Oswego. The drinks are a little pricey but well worth it!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Best oysters around!!! Amazing service and great food!!! Steak was cooked perfect and fresh bread is always a delight!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    killer food and the bar/lounge has an awesome upscale feel for a small college city fueled with college bars..

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - Bistro 197

    Do you have outside dining in the good weather?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    The Flashback Lounge - Great job on the BBQ, slaw, and cornbread guys!

    The Flashback Lounge

    3.9(8 reviews)
    47.1 mi
    $$

    Wouldn't recommend this place! Was excited to go and see their grand re-opening as they had…read moreadvertised they would be having some BBQ specials and new beers. HORRIBLE and rude customer service. Will not go back.

    So the reviews here so far range from bizarre to brief, but I wanted to highlight their food more…read morethan most have so far. I'm at my second visit now- Bluegrass, Blues, and BBQ is the event, Boots and Shorts is the band tonight. The wife and I are enjoying the music, and our BBQ plates are long gone. Hopefully they revisit this again, the flavors from the smoked pork, chicken, and ribs were testament to the time invested in their preparation. Our previous visit was on their first shot at featuring local stand up. The jokes were a little rough, but we really enjoyed trying our friend's recommendations for menu options. I'm not a fan of "hamburger pizza" in the least bit, but believe me when I tell you- try the bacon cheeseburger flatbread! I think it's the special sauce, but bacon is rarely a let down either. Their onion rings are easily among my favorites in town, and the chicken tenders are decent too (our friend raved about them, but I think he over sold them a bit- they weren't as mind-blowing as he was talking them up to be, maybe I just got a mediocre batch). Also, even while not being a big fan- the sweet potato fries were a way better option than the regular fries. Unfortunately there weren't any fried cheese curds (of course they're out- they're delicious!), and unfortunately there isn't any room left to stuff more food, but I look forward to being a repeat customer to work myself through their awesome menu and continue to sample the large variety of local beers. P.S. Love me some retro games, but with they'd flash back to the penny or nickle arcade game days...I still suck at most of these.

    Photos
    The Flashback Lounge - Cayetana on stage! great lighting and sound

    Cayetana on stage! great lighting and sound

    The Flashback Lounge - From the side

    From the side

    The Flashback Lounge - Some of the games (the instruments aren't usually piled in front there!)

    See all

    Some of the games (the instruments aren't usually piled in front there!)

    Lux Lounge

    Lux Lounge

    3.9(161 reviews)
    59.1 miSouth Wedge
    $

    Lux is a different experience every night depending on what is going and who is DJ. Some things…read morestay the same regardless of when you go: great vibes, quick bar service, cheap drinks, and a long bathroom line. Definitely more a hole in the wall in terms of charm, but you'll have a good night there regardless.

    Reviewing again, because it just gets worse and worse. Management obviously doesn't give a fuck, I…read morehaven't seen them show concern or respond to a single review. Before I actually bring any of this up at a city council meeting, here's why this place needs a change of management, or just to be shut down. -Bartender refused to serve my friend, said TO HIS FACE that "you look really douchey", and had a horrible attitude the entire time. Bar was practically empty. She had no reason to be acting like that and that was probably the rudest bartender experience I've ever had. Told another bartender about it, he apologized, I also mentioned this in my first review, and yet she's been here every time I've been back. -Another bartender yelled as loud as humanly possible in my face (I'm hard of hearing and it's a loud bar) when I didn't hear what he said. Appreciate you saying it louder bud, but he was clearly extremely annoyed with me. He had some sort of hat on, and angrily yelled "YEAH, THIS HAT ISN'T A PSYCHIC HAT". Sorry someone shat in your cornflakes, dude. -Just about every month, I hear about someone's drink getting spiked. They either don't give a shit about blacklisting these scumbags, or just don't care that it's happening in the first place out of fear of losing business. They try to cover it up every time it happens. -Behavior of the patrons is extremely judgy, rude, and uncomfortable. Very old men hitting on younger women. Creeps everywhere. People looking to start a fight. -Almost always unclean inside and out The only benefit is the fact that it's cheap. I would really love it if the staff gave a shit here, because on paper this place should be one of the best bars in ROC.

    Photos
    Lux Lounge
    Lux Lounge - SoulCake 7/29/2022

    SoulCake 7/29/2022

    Lux Lounge - SoulCake 7/39/2022

    See all

    SoulCake 7/39/2022

    Emerald Cocktail Kitchen - Holiday decor mid-December

    Emerald Cocktail Kitchen

    4.0(61 reviews)
    32.8 mi

    I was super excited to have dinner here and it did not live up to my expectations whatsoever... we…read moregot there and the speakeasy was closed for a privated event, which is completely fine. Drinks and food was being prepared and served in the core lounge instead and it was a mess to say the least. It took 30-40 minutes for our food to come out and when the Brie board first came out of the kitchen it was sat on the counter for another 10 minutes, leaving the Brie to have a film over the top and was no longer soft. The flatbread was a disappointment, there was no sauce on the pizza and it was just way too bland for the price.... The service was extremely slow with 3 people working and all the customers in the lounge seemed to be sitting around in the same situation that I was in. Won't be coming back...

    This was my first time here along with my sister in law's. We came to celebrate her birthday, and…read moreso happy we've picked it. The atmosphere was relaxing with each level and their own vibes. We checked out the coffee lounge first and got espresso martini and chatted. The decor was a homey feel and I can see myself coming back meeting up with friends for coffee and catching up. Then we headed to the speakeasy and had the seasonal cocktails and just ordered salads and sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious. The salads and fries were simple and I like my "girl dinner" lol. I was told to come back for their brunch so that's on the list. The atmosphere and vibes were cozy, a great place to unwind and catch up or like us celebrate a special occasion. Both service in the coffee lounge and speakeasy were welcoming. I see that they host tons of events so I'll definitely have to check those out. Also can't wait to check out the rooftop lounge once they warmer weather returns. They are utilizing the space with bubble tents with reservations, so that's a fun idea. A cute and fun spot on Tipp hill to definitely check out.

    Photos
    Emerald Cocktail Kitchen - Old fashioned

    Old fashioned

    Emerald Cocktail Kitchen - Strawberry and basil and venom

    Strawberry and basil and venom

    Emerald Cocktail Kitchen - Second floor dining room.

    See all

    Second floor dining room.

    Bistro 197 - french - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...