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Balthazar Bakery
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Balthazar Bakery
8.9
Opened in 1997 by restaurateur Keith McNally, Balthazar is a benchmark SoHo brasserie for towering seafood platters, textbook steak frites, and one of the city’s most copied onion soups. Locals and visitors use it for everything from power breakfasts to late-night suppers in a room that still feels like old downtown New York.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup gratinée, Steak frites, Seafood plateau
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Classic SoHo French brasserie with serious seafood, steak frites, and buzz.
Who should go: Diners wanting iconic, lively French brasserie energy.
When to visit: Weekday breakfasts, brunch, or early dinners before peak rush.
What to order: Onion soup gratinée, steak frites, a shared seafood plateau.
Insider tip: Book weekday breakfast or mid-morning to experience the room without the dinner crush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in SoHo; expect metered spots to be limited. Several paid garages sit within 1–2 blocks, but no valet is offered.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished. Jackets not required.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during brunch and peak dinner. Conversation is doable but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though prime noon hours can build a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including salads, pastas, and sides; not a fully dedicated menu but workable.
Vegan options: Limited; most dishes contain dairy or butter, though some salads and vegetable sides can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free choices (seafood, steaks, salads), but no specialized prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm brasserie lighting, iconic room, and polished service create an instantly charming backdrop. Go during off-peak hours for slightly quieter energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, especially for breakfast, late lunch, or off-peak dinner. Evenings and brunch almost always require a reservation; try walking in early for bar or café seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle a lively, bustling room. High chairs aren't common, and the menu skews adult, but staff is accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere, classic brasserie hits, and all-day versatility—from power breakfast to late-night dining—surpass many nearby French spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, strictly modern French cooking, or extensive vegan/gluten-free accommodations.
Balthazar Bakery
8.6
Attached to Keith McNally’s classic brasserie, Balthazar Bakery runs on an all-day stream of baguettes, croissants, and cannelés baked for both the restaurant and walk-in counter. Locals dart in for coffee, viennoiserie, and rustic French loaves that have been part of Soho’s fabric since the late 1990s.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cannelé, Butter croissant or pain au chocolat, Baguette or country loaf to-go
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic French bakery counter supplying Balthazar’s dining room and Soho with consistently strong breads and pastries.
Who should go: Fans of traditional French viennoiserie and serious bread.
When to visit: Morning through early afternoon for peak pastry freshness and shorter lines.
What to order: Cannelé, croissant or pain au chocolat, a baguette or country loaf.
Insider tip: If the main counter is slammed, grab a few pastries to-go and eat them at a nearby Soho park bench.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoHo; expect metered spots to be scarce during daytime. Nearest paid garages sit within a 2–3 block radius on Crosby and Lafayette.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; bakery counter service means anything from athleisure to office wear fits in.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a compact takeaway bakery with steady foot traffic but no sustained dine-in chatter.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the bakery closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during the pastry rush, often no wait mid-afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most pastries, breads, and sweets are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — a few breads qualify, but classic French pastries rely heavily on butter.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — traditional wheat-based baking dominates; no dedicated gluten-free program.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure meetup — grabbing pastries and strolling SoHo works well; not ideal if you want a sit-down setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables to reserve; it’s a takeaway bakery. For seated dining, you’d need the main Balthazar restaurant next door.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick visits — pastries, cookies, and breads suit most ages. Space is tight, so strollers may require maneuvering.
Best For
Better for: Consistently well-executed classic French viennoiserie and breads with long-standing reliability in SoHo.
Skip if: You need gluten-free pastries, vegan options, or a sit-down café environment — nearby cafés may be better suited.
Balthazar Bakery
8.8
Since 1997, this bustling SoHo brasserie has been serving classic French dishes in a room filled with red banquettes, mirrors, and tightly packed tables. It’s a lively but undeniably romantic setting for steak frites, oysters, and Champagne that feels like an evening in Paris more than downtown Manhattan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Plateau de fruits de mer, Duck confit
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic SoHo French brasserie where classic fare meets bustling romance.
Who should go: Couples wanting old-school French brasserie drama and energy.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners; brunch for lively, daylight dates.
What to order: Steak frites, seafood plateau, duck confit.
Insider tip: Request a banquette and linger over dessert for peak atmosphere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoHo; expect difficulty after 5pm. Nearby paid garages along Crosby and Spring Streets are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jackets not required but elevated attire fits the room. Chic tops, dresses, or polished jeans with nicer shoes all work.
Noise level: Lively and conversational; you can talk comfortably but should expect classic brasserie buzz rather than quiet intimacy.
Weekend wait: Plan for 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes free up faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically a short wait or none, though peak noon hours can see a brief queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—French staples like salads, onion soup, and vegetable-focused plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can assemble a vegan-friendly meal from salads and sides, but entrées are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—several proteins and salads are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions, but bread-heavy dishes cannot be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm lighting, classic brasserie charm, and energetic but romantic atmosphere help ease conversation. It feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—but waits vary. Arrive early, try for bar seating, or check in right when doors open for your preferred service to improve odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally suited for adults and older teens; the tight layout, noise, and pace make it less ideal for young children, though they are not unwelcome.
Best For
Better for: Classic French brasserie ambience, people-watching energy, oysters and steak frites, and milestone dinners that feel cinematic.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dining room, modern French cooking, or easy parking and spacious seating.
Balthazar Bakery
8.8
Since 1997, this landmark SoHo brasserie has turned out classic French plates, raw bar towers, and strong coffee in a room that feels like old Paris. Sidewalk tables under the awning double as a prime, dog-friendly perch for brunch and people-watching.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Seafood Plateau, French Onion Soup
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Classic SoHo French brasserie with high-volume brunch and dog-friendly sidewalk tables.
Who should go: Downtown diners craving lively French brunch with their pup.
When to visit: Weekday breakfast or brunch; late dinners for classic buzz.
What to order: Steak Frites, seafood plateau, French onion soup.
Insider tip: Request a sidewalk table under the awning so dogs stay comfortable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in SoHo; rely on nearby paid garages along Crosby and Mercer.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Lively and bustling, but conversation is manageable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; sidewalk tables may move quicker.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though brunch hours can draw a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options, including salads, omelets, pastas, and vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 adaptable dishes; most items contain dairy or butter.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be made gluten-free, though bread-heavy items have no substitutes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm brasserie glow and energetic room make for a memorable first date, though the buzziness suits confident conversationalists more than shy diners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, especially at breakfast or off-peak lunch; for brunch or dinner, walk-ins should expect a wait but sidewalk tables may free up faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who can handle a lively dining room; limited space and tightly packed tables make it less ideal for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Classic French staples, polished service, and high-energy SoHo people-watching—especially outdoors with dogs.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, vegan-friendly menus, or ample personal space; the room is designed for bustle, not serenity.
Balthazar Bakery
8.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Since 1997, Keith McNally’s SoHo brasserie has been a reliable setting for steak frites, raw bar platters, and long, reservation-worthy business lunches under soaring ceilings. Weekday midday service is polished and efficient, making it a go-to for dealmaking or client meetings that still feel distinctly downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Seafood Plateau, French Onion Soup
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Classic SoHo French brasserie where bustling room energy meets buttoned-up service.
Who should go: Teams hosting clients who expect iconic New York atmosphere.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before peak noon rush for quieter tables.
What to order: Steak frites, seafood plateau, French onion soup.
Insider tip: Ask for a banquette along the wall for better acoustics during meetings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in SoHo; expect metered spots to be limited. Nearest garages are on Crosby St and Mercer St, typically $35–$50 for midday stays.
Dress code: Smart casual; button-downs, blazers, and polished denim are common for business lunch. Suits not required but never out of place.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; the room hums during peak lunch, but banquettes offer manageable acoustics for business conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; the bar area fills early.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait with a reservation; walk-ins may face a 10–20 minute wait depending on the hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—salads, omelets, and a few entrées accommodate vegetarians comfortably.
Vegan options: Limited—salads can be modified, but mains are minimal; confirm with servers for off-menu adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Several options available, and many dishes can be adapted (e.g., swapping bread, avoiding roux-based sauces). Inform the server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, iconic New York backdrop; less ideal if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting. The energy leans polished but bustling.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—weekday lunches are easier for walk-ins. For peak hours, especially dinner, you’ll likely wait at the bar unless you arrive just after opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—older kids and teens fit best. High chairs are limited and the room can feel crowded for strollers, so not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: High-touch, efficient service and a quintessential New York brasserie atmosphere that suits client lunches and celebratory midday meals.
Skip if: You need a quiet, private space for sensitive discussions or want adventurous, modern cuisine—other SoHo spots may better match those needs.