Raoul's

- 180 Prince St, New York, NY 10012

For five decades, Raoul's has stood as a beacon of classic French bistro dining in the heart of New York City. Located on Prince Street in SoHo, this legendary restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a living piece of New York history. Opened by two brothers from Alsace, France, in 1975, Raoul's quickly became a hub for the downtown art scene and has maintained its status as a vibrant and essential culinary institution ever since. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of cozy, romantic, trendy, and historic, making it a truly unique dining destination. The "vibrant" and "loud" energy is a part of its charm, creating a festive and engaging environment that is a large part of its appeal.

Raoul's has achieved legendary status by consistently delivering exceptional food and an unforgettable dining experience. The menu is a careful balance of time-honored French classics and seasonal, elevated dishes. The "Steak au Poivre" is a signature dish that has garnered a reputation for being "exceptional" and is a must-try for any first-time visitor. Beyond the famous steak, the menu features a wide array of meticulously crafted dishes, from perfectly chilled "Oysters du Jour" to comforting "Savoy Cabbage 'Farci'" and elegant "Dover Sole." The commitment to quality ingredients, like "La Belle Farms seared Foie Gras," ensures that every dish is a culinary delight.

The experience at Raoul's extends beyond the food. The service is impeccable, often described as "effortlessly chic" and "attentive." The bar, a lively and integral part of the restaurant's charm, offers "great cocktails" and a "great wine list" to complement the meal. The energy is vibrant and dynamic, with a buzz that is part of the "fun." Whether you’re stopping by for a special occasion or simply a spectacular meal, Raoul's delivers an experience that is both sophisticated and fun, blending the casual charm of a Parisian café with the vibrant energy of New York.

Location and Accessibility

Raoul's is situated at 180 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, USA. Its location in SoHo, a neighborhood renowned for its cobblestone streets, artistic heritage, and upscale boutiques, makes it a prime dining destination. The restaurant's historic storefront with its classic cursive signage and striped awning adds to the overall charm and character of the area.

Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch. The restaurant is well-served by public transportation, with several subway stations within walking distance, including the N and R trains at Prince Street and the C and E trains at Spring Street. While parking can be challenging in this bustling neighborhood, the convenience of public transit makes it easy to get to. The restaurant also has high chairs for kids, making it a family-friendly spot.

Services Offered

Raoul's provides a classic, full-service dining experience with several convenient options.

• Dine-in service with table service in a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
• Delivery and takeout options are available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home.
• Brunch and dinner services with an extensive menu for each.
• Accepts reservations, which are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.
• Full bar with a great selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and hard liquor.

Features / Highlights

Raoul's has several features that make it a standout institution in New York City.

• Iconic Steak au Poivre: A signature dish that is widely regarded as one of the best in the city.
• Historic and Romantic Atmosphere: A cozy, historic, and trendy space that feels like a brief escape to Paris.
• Great Cocktails and Wine: The bar offers a fantastic selection of classic and unique cocktails and a wine list that complements the French cuisine.
• Brunch Reservations: A highly popular brunch service on weekends, for which reservations are strongly recommended.
• Vibrant and Loud Energy: The lively and fun atmosphere is a key part of the dining experience.
• Exceptional Dishes: The menu features a variety of elevated French dishes, from "Crispy Brussels Sprouts" and "Escargot" to the "Soufflé Pancake" and "Maine Lobster Vol au Vent."
• Inclusivity: The restaurant is family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safe space, making it a welcoming place for all.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to contact the restaurant, you can use the following details:

Address: 180 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Phone: (212) 966-3518

What is worth choosing

Choosing Raoul's is an excellent decision for anyone seeking a truly special and memorable dining experience in New York City. The primary reason it is worth choosing is the quality of its food, particularly the iconic and "exceptional" Steak au Poivre. As one reviewer noted, the steak is "seared to perfection and served with a luscious peppercorn sauce, rich and flavorful," a sentiment that captures the essence of the dish. The consistency and excellence of the cuisine, from the "perfectly chilled" oysters to the "golden and crispy" schnitzel, are reasons why it's a place patrons return to again and again. The presence of a vibrant and delicious brunch menu, with standout dishes like the "Soufflé Pancake" and "Raoul's Burger au Poivre," provides another excellent opportunity to experience the restaurant's culinary prowess.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a major draw. The "effortlessly chic" and "reminiscent of a stylish Parisian café" vibe makes dining at Raoul's a unique and immersive experience. It's a place where you can feel the history and energy of New York while enjoying a top-tier meal. The attentive and impeccable service ensures a seamless experience from the moment you are seated. The "great cocktails" and "great wine list" also make it a destination for a full evening out. While it can be loud, as a reviewer pointed out, this is part of its charm and adds to the lively "fun" of the experience. The fact that it's a "50-year-old NYC legend that is still hot and vibrant" is perhaps the most compelling reason of all to visit. For anyone looking for a classic, sophisticated, and celebratory French meal in the heart of SoHo, Raoul's is an unparalleled and truly "spectacular" choice.

Raoul's

180 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, USA