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La Mercerie

53 Howard St, New York, NY 10013
$$$

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Master Critic Review

La Mercerie 8.0
SoHo
A design-forward French room where a prix-fixe structure fits the space: polished, orderly, and paced for a long lunch or early dinner. It’s a strong pick when you want a tasting-like progression without the intensity of a strict chef’s counter.
Must-Try Dishes: Boeuf Bourguignon, Buckwheat Crêpes, Seasonal Pastry Selection
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 9 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A French prix-fixe-friendly room where design and pacing lead.
Who should go: Long lunches and style-forward diners
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the calmest experience
What to order: Boeuf bourguignon, buckwheat crêpes, pastry
Insider tip: Go midweek at lunch to enjoy the room without the crush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; street parking is limited and difficult, especially midday and evenings. Nearby paid garages in SoHo are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to polished—jeans are fine, but lean fashion-forward. This is a style-conscious room.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch, lively but controlled; evenings trend louder as the room fills, still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak Saturday hours
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait midweek; brief waits possible around noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-driven starters and mains, and the prix-fixe can usually be adapted
Vegan options: Limited but possible with advance notice; some courses can be modified
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options available; staff can guide, but this is not a fully gluten-free kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for daytime or early evening dates. The setting feels special without pressure, and the prix-fixe pacing removes ordering friction.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At weekday lunch, often yes. Evenings and weekends are tougher—bar seating or off-peak arrival improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who can sit through a structured meal. The atmosphere is calm and refined rather than playful.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward dining, long lunches, and tasting-style progression without the formality of a chef’s counter
Skip if: You want a high-intensity tasting menu, bold experimental cooking, or a loud, late-night energy—look to more chef-driven or nightlife-oriented rooms instead