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Raoul's
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Raoul's
8.6
A SoHo fixture since the 1970s, Raoul’s is a dim, classic French bistro known for peppery steak au poivre, escargots, and a small but coveted bar burger. Regulars lean on it for late-night dates, celebratory dinners, and a transportive room that still channels old downtown energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak au poivre with pommes frites, Bar burger, Escargots
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running SoHo bistro for steak au poivre, martinis, and moody charm.
Who should go: Date-night diners craving classic, slightly rowdy French bistro vibes.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings or late reservations for full nightlife energy.
What to order: Steak au poivre, escargots, and the off-menu bar burger if available.
Insider tip: Ask about bar seats for a shot at the limited bar burger instead of only booking the dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in SoHo, especially after 6pm; nearest paid garages are within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; dark denim is fine but most guests skew polished for date-night atmosphere.
Noise level: Lively and buzzy; conversation is doable but expect raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open unpredictably.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Raoul’s does not serve weekday lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable; a few starters and pasta-style mains can be adapted.
Vegan options: Very limited; expect only 1–2 possible modifications and no dedicated entrées.
Gluten-free options: Some items, including select mains and salads, can be prepared gluten-free; staff is accustomed to requests but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, tight tables, and old-school bistro energy create a romantic setting, especially if you want something lively rather than quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — bar seats are your best shot, and going early or very late increases your chances. Prime-time walk-ins are tough.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal; the space is narrow, noisy, and geared toward adults. Teens comfortable with bistro menus may be fine, but it’s not suited for young children.
Best For
Better for: Classic French comfort dishes, late-night dining, and a moody, nostalgic SoHo atmosphere that feels more original than many newer bistros.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, broad dietary flexibility, or more modern, lighter French cooking — newer brasseries handle those needs better.
Raoul's
8.6
This 1970s-born SoHo bistro is legendary for steak au poivre, martinis, and a bar-only Burger Au Poivre that many consider one of the city’s great burgers. The pepper-crusted patty, St. André cheese, and cognac au poivre sauce make it a richer, more French take on the burger canon.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burger Au Poivre, Steak Au Poivre, Pommes Frites
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: A bar-only French burger au poivre that channels the restaurant’s iconic steak.
Who should go: Dedicated burger hunters chasing a peppery, French bistro rendition.
When to visit: Early evening to line up for limited bar burger slots.
What to order: Burger Au Poivre, extra au poivre sauce, frites.
Insider tip: The burger is bar-only and limited—arrive early or target brunch service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoHo is extremely limited; expect meters or paid garages within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish lean—jeans are fine, but most guests dress up for the bistro vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially at the bar; still manageable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Bar seats for the burger can involve a 30–60 minute wait without arriving early.
Weekday lunch: Lunch tends to be calmer with minimal wait, though the burger may not always be available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—expect a salad or vegetable-forward appetizer, but the menu skews classic French and meat-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan entrées; modifications are challenging.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be made gluten-free, but the signature burger is not due to bun and sauce components.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its dim, romantic bistro setting and polished service create a classic SoHo date-night atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-ins are sometimes accommodated early in the evening, but bar seats for the burger fill fast; arriving at opening is your best bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—the space is narrow, lively, and geared toward adults enjoying cocktails and bistro classics. Best for older teens, not young children.
Best For
Better for: A refined, French-inflected burger experience with iconic SoHo bistro energy—ideal for diners wanting depth of flavor over size or speed.
Skip if: You prefer casual, high-volume smashburgers or need substantial vegetarian/vegan options; other spots will suit those needs better.