This quiet and quaint bistro evokes those neighborhood haunts that make Paris the cuisine scene that it is. Far from the glam and glitter that marks so many eateries in this town, Madison Bistro evokes Parisian culinary tradition, comfort food and the joy of sitting down to a fine glass of wine and a bite to eat.

Enter a room that feels as if it has been suspended in time, the kind of place writers and artists would frequent for a drink and a little conversation. A few tiny tables inhabit the front window area, just in front of the bar, where most of the action takes place. Here, Happy Hour features $5 cocktails and peek at the dining room on the lower, split level.

The menu is inspired by traditional French plates, such as foie gras and charcuterie) with Mediterranean touches (taboule and grilled sardines). Try the sliced tomatoes with red wine reduction sauce and basil sorbet, or the grilled asparagus with sliced parmesan. The best items are those that appeal to the comfort-food lover, such as the rack of lamb, the braised short ribs, the bouillabaisse and the steak tartar. Desserts are not are as exciting as they could be. Better quality chocolate might help.

The service is just what it needs to be for the place that it is; the staff do no aspire to be 3-star attentive. The best thing is that they let you talk and enjoy your meal without interrupting you to ask if you want more Pelligrino or other such thing. In short, you almost feel as though you are in your own home or among friends.