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Café Henri

10-10 50th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
$$$
French

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Café Henri 8.6
Hunters Point
A neighborhood French café that feels equal parts bistro and all-day hangout, built around classic plates that work for both brunch and dinner. It’s at its best when you lean into traditional staples—mussels, coq au vin, escargot—and keep the meal paced with a glass of wine and a dessert finish.
Must-Try Dishes: Moules frites, Coq au vin, Crêpes (seasonal/sweet)
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8.8 Food Quality: 9 Atmosphere: 8.3 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: All-day French bistro classics with a real neighborhood-café rhythm.
Who should go: Brunch people and easy-date diners
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Mussels and fries, coq au vin, escargot
Insider tip: Go early for a calmer room, then add dessert before it gets busy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable during the day but difficult after 6pm. Plan extra time or use rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but it leans polished—especially at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversation-friendly earlier, buzzier at dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak brunch-to-dinner crossover
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several solid options including salads, omelets, and vegetable-forward starters.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable dishes, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free plates; staff can advise but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially earlier in the evening. It’s charming, relaxed, and polished without feeling formal, which keeps things comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during weekday lunch or early dinner. For weekends or peak dinner hours, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during brunch and daytime hours. The menu and atmosphere work well for well-behaved kids, but evenings skew more adult.
Best For
Better for: All-day flexibility—brunch, lunch meetings, casual dates, and low-key dinners all work equally well here.
Skip if: You want a high-energy nightlife scene or cutting-edge French cuisine—this is about comfort and classics, not spectacle.
Café Henri 8.2
Hunters Point
A small French cafe that works unusually well for daytime meetings: quick enough for a real lunch window, but comfortable enough to linger through coffee. Aim for a savory main plus one pastry or crepe to keep the meal complete without slowing service.
Must-Try Dishes: Eggs Benedict, Mussels & frites, Crepe (savory or sweet)
Scores:
Value: 7.5 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 8.2 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Meeting-friendly French cafe energy with all-day usefulness.
Who should go: One-on-one lunches and quick team check-ins
When to visit: Late morning into early afternoon
What to order: Eggs Benedict, mussels, a crepe
Insider tip: Go off-peak for faster food and easier conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; generally manageable midday but tighter during brunch peaks. Many locals walk from nearby offices or transit.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but polished tops or a blazer fit the room well for meetings.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively cafe hum, but still easy to hold focused one-on-one conversations.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this spot is primarily a daytime cafe.
Weekday lunch: Short waits or no wait most days; brief line possible during late-morning brunch crossover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple egg-based dishes, salads, crepes, and pastries work well.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads or sides can be adapted, but it’s not a vegan-forward menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some mains and salads are naturally gluten-free, but pastries and breads dominate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for daytime. It’s relaxed and polished without feeling formal, which keeps conversation easy and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially late morning or early afternoon. Peak brunch hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably so for calm, older kids. High-energy toddlers may feel out of place during busy lunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Daytime meetings, solo lunches, and brunch-adjacent business meals where you want speed without sacrificing comfort.
Skip if: You need a long, formal business lunch or a quiet, private dining room — larger French bistros or dedicated restaurants handle that better.