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Dirty French
Master Critic Review
Dirty French
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Dirty French is Major Food Group’s high-energy French bistro in the Ludlow Hotel, known for bold riffs on classics, late-night buzz, and a dedicated second-floor private dining room with its own entrance. It’s a Lower East Side go-to for milestone dinners and company parties that want restaurant-level cooking with room to themselves.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken for Two with Crêpes, Duck à l’Orange, Mushroom Mille Feuille
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A splashy French bistro with a true private dining room featuring its own bar and windows over Ludlow Street.
Who should go: Teams or friend groups planning upscale, French-leaning celebrations
When to visit: Weekend evenings for peak energy; earlier midweek for quieter events
What to order: Chicken for two with crêpes, duck à l’orange, mille-feuille dessert
Insider tip: Use the private entrance to keep VIP arrivals discreet and brandable for hosted events.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Ludlow and surrounding blocks is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Essex and Delancey usually have space but can fill on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish lean; polished denim is fine, but most guests opt for dress shirts, blouses, or elevated evening wear.
Noise level: Lively to loud, especially on weekends; the private dining room offers more controlled noise and smoother conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes even with a slightly early arrival if you're trying for bar seats; the private dining room is reservation-only.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; Dirty French primarily operates dinner service, with minimal daytime wait if open for hotel guest dining.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options, including vegetable-forward starters and sides, plus a few customizable mains.
Vegan options: Limited; the kitchen can adapt a couple of dishes but the menu skews rich and dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Moderate; select dishes are naturally gluten-free, and staff will guide substitutions, but no fully dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for high-energy first dates—dim lighting, bold flavors, and a buzzy room create instant atmosphere. For quieter, more intimate conversation, consider the private dining room or an early-evening seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable; walk-ins may find bar seats earlier in the evening or late-night. For groups, a reservation is essential, and the private dining room must be booked in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children due to loud energy, late-night crowd, and a menu built around bold, adult-leaning flavors. Teens comfortable with upscale dining will fare better.
Best For
Better for: A high-style, celebratory French bistro vibe with a true private dining room—ideal for birthdays, company dinners, and nights where atmosphere matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You prefer calm, low-noise dining; need extensive vegan or gluten-free choices; or want relaxed neighborhood pricing instead of a polished, scene-driven experience.