Once you climb the one step and walk through the wrought iron and glass door at Bistro Le Steak you are transported into a casual Parisian neighborhood bistro. Greeted at the door by the ever-pleasant staff, you'll be given the chance to dine in one of three areas. Immediately in front of you and to the right is the enclosed sidewalk café, which looks over Third Avenue. Immediately to your left, meanwhile, is the main dining area, and farther to your left, through the graceful glass-paneled doors that usually remain open, lies the enclosed cafe that overlooks 75th Street. Although the people-watching in this particular area is a bit less exciting, the room provides a more temperate climate during brunch, as its counterpart overlooking Third Avenue receives a fair share of sun in the late afternoon. If you'd prefer to completely forget that you are in New York City, and you'd rather daydream about an afternoon in Paris, choose the main dining room. This provides the option of seeing the bistro in all its glory, including its rich wooden walls, the brass fixtures, the romantic sconce lighting, the tile floors and the beautiful bar area. Mirrors align the walls, along which tables are strategically placed -- one to a row in most instances -- adding to the intimate, almost romantic feeling. Music plays throughout the day and evening.

Adding to the bistro experience is the elegant, dark wooden bar in one corner off the main dining room, which is separated from diners by a freestanding wooden wall that extends about two-thirds of the way up from the floor, featuring a windowless cutout that's decorated with brass fittings. The bar itself is comprised of dark-hued wood and several rows of bottles. Interesting columns separate areas that are decorated with beautiful stained glass patterns of abstract flowers and French denizens in sunset and jewel tones. Chandeliers and spot lighting provide just the right authentic touch to make you feel as if you just wandered off of the Champs Elysse and into a quaint neighborhood bistro. For those who still need evidence that they are in New York, a small television plays at one end of the bar to keep them in touch with the day's current events.