Restaurant (1998)

75% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
38% of users liked it
(744 ratings)

Eric Bross directed this drama of romantic roadblocks and racial issues between a group of waitresses and bartenders waiting for their "big breaks." Former alcoholic Chris (Adrien Brody) is a playwright who works as a bartender at the popular Hoboken, New Jersey, restaurant J.T. McClure's, a… More Eric Bross directed this drama of romantic roadblocks and racial issues between a group of waitresses and bartenders waiting for their "big breaks." Former alcoholic Chris (Adrien Brody) is a playwright who works as a bartender at the popular Hoboken, New Jersey, restaurant J.T. McClure's, a gathering spot for a variety of creative wannabes. At a local theater, rehearsals are underway for Chris' play, an autobiographical drama echoing his past relationship with Leslie (Lauryn Hill); for the fictional Leslie character, Chris has cast the vulnerable vocalist Jeanine (Elise Neal), and finds himself falling for her. Meanwhile, the actor playing the role of "Chris" has been sleeping with the real-life Leslie, adding to the real-life Chris' confusion. Providing philosophical guidance is the wise-guy best friend Reggae (Michael Stoyanov), a fellow "Newark boy" whose main creative energy goes into scoring drugs. Restaurant was one of the much-discussed stand-outs at the 1998 L.A. Independent Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Eric Bross
Written By: Tom Cudworth
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 28, 2000 Limited
On DVD: Aug 22, 2000
Studio: Palisades Picture

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
The secondary characters are as well-defined as the leads.
A.O. Scott, New York Times
At its best, this is a movie of unusual integrity and insight.
Amy Taubin, Village Voice
Attempting to ratchet up tension, Bross relies on forced crosscutting and stagey clichés.
Steve Simels, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Brody, who has the lean-and-hungry charisma of a skinny young De Niro, turns his potentially cliched, tortured artist character into somebody from whom you'd actually want to buy a drink.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
I don't know anything about the background of director Eric Bross or screenwriter Tom Cudworth, but I'm guessing at least one used to be a bartender.
Joshua Tanzer, Offoffoff
There are a million stories in the big city, we understand from the start -- and this isn't one of them.
Dan Jardine, Apollo Guide
The film is blessed by two fine lead performances, as Brody and Neal both offer naturalistic, understated interpretations.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
Solid performances, capable visuals, and the honesty of the interracial subject matter make Restaurant stand out from the typical 'I'm an artist, not really a waiter' pack.
Athan Bezaitis, Filmcritic.com
Thankfully, the film itself is a whole lot better than the name might indicate.
Wesley Morris, San Francisco Examiner
Restaurant is like an hour long TV drama caught somewhere between Showtime and WB.
Dak, culturevulture.net
Maybe you'd do better cooking at home than heading for this Restaurant tonight.