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Steak Frites Bistro

496 9th Ave, New York, NY 10018
$$$
Steakhouses, Wine Bars, French, Steakhouse

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Steak Frites Bistro 8.0
Hell's Kitchen
A French-leaning bistro that keeps the mission tight: steak, fries, and a wine-first rhythm that suits Hell’s Kitchen nights. The best move is to treat it like a dependable bistro dinner—one strong steak plate, a classic starter, and a glass (or two) that matches the room’s buzz.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak Frites (hanger steak), French Onion Soup, Escargots
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 7.9 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A steak-and-fries bistro that prioritizes simplicity, speed, and wine-friendly comfort.
Who should go: Date nights and pre-show diners
When to visit: Weeknights around 6pm for easiest seating
What to order: Steak frites, escargots, French onion soup
Insider tip: Go early for the best pacing, then linger over a second glass.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby garages in Hell’s Kitchen typically run ~$20–30 in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—date-night bistro energy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but expect background buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; mostly a walk-in crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. Starters like soup, salads, and sides work, but no dedicated vegetarian mains.
Vegan options: Very limited. Fries and a few vegetable sides can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Partial. Steak without sauces and some starters work; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The menu is simple, the wine list does the heavy lifting, and the room has enough energy to avoid awkward silences without being chaotic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you arrive early. After 7pm or on weekends, expect a short wait or plan to sit at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. It skews adult and date-focused; better for teens than younger kids, and there’s no children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed French-bistro steak experience with faster pacing and lower prices than classic Midtown steakhouses.
Skip if: You want a big-cut, white-tablecloth steakhouse, extensive vegetarian options, or a quiet, formal dining room.
Steak Frites Bistro 8.3
Midtown West
A French-leaning steakhouse bistro that’s quietly strong for dates: dependable steak-and-fries execution, a cozy bar-forward room, and a menu that rewards ordering tight. Best for a low-drama Midtown West dinner where you share a bigger cut, keep sauces in play, and finish with a proper soufflé.
Must-Try Dishes: Hanger Steak Frites, Chateaubriand for Two, Chocolate Soufflé
Scores:
Value: 6.6 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Classic French steak frites done with real technique and sauce discipline.
Who should go: Couples who want steakhouse vibes without a white-tablecloth tone.
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner for the calmest room.
What to order: Hanger steak frites, chateaubriand, chocolate soufflé.
Insider tip: Share one larger cut and add a second sauce—more fun, better value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; paid parking garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—this is a date-night bistro, not a slice stop.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively bar energy, but conversation is easy at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, sides, and occasional vegetarian starters.
Vegan options: Very limited. Possible with sides only; not ideal for a full vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free steak and salad options; sauces and fries may need confirmation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room feels intimate without pressure, the menu is easy to navigate, and the pacing supports conversation rather than spectacle.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early dinner, late lunch, or a bar seat improves your odds; peak weekend dinners are tougher without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. This is best suited for adults; there’s no kids menu and the vibe skews date-night and bar-forward.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed French steakhouse energy with strong sauces and shareable cuts—less formal and less expensive than classic white-tablecloth steakhouses.
Skip if: You want a buzzy, high-drama steakhouse or need extensive vegetarian/vegan options.