TLDR
Legendary French bistro in SoHo known for its classic ambiance and exceptional steak au poivre and burgers. A go-to for romantic dinners and great martinis.
Instagram Posts References
Founded in 1975, Raoul's is featured as one of New York City's iconic and legendary restaurants, valued for its historical significance and classic ambiance.
Details
Stepping into Raoul's is like stepping back in time, to a classic SoHo French bistro that has maintained its allure since the 1970s. It's a place that balances a bohemian, artsy atmosphere with consistently delicious food, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Diners rave about signature dishes such as the pepper steak au poivre, often hailed as one of the best in the city, and their burgers, which are a subject of much discussion and adoration. Beyond the steaks and burgers, the menu also features delights like crab beignets and a classic profiteroles for dessert. The martinis here are also frequently mentioned as being exceptionally well-made. Raoul's offers a romantic ambiance, making it a great choice for special occasions or a sophisticated night out. While it's a place that many return to time and again, be aware that some of the most sought-after items, like the bar-only burger, have limited availability, and securing a reservation can sometimes be a challenge.
Food Overview
Raoul's is celebrated for its classic French-American cuisine, with particular acclaim given to its steak au poivre and burgers. These dishes are frequently cited as must-tries, with many deeming the burger the best in NYC and the steak au poivre exceptionally well-prepared. The restaurant also offers other notable dishes like crab beignets and profiteroles. While most feedback on food is positive, one recent diner found the burger too peppery and the fries to be a letdown. The restaurant's martinis are also frequently praised.
Highlights / Recommended
"The steak au poivre and burgers are consistently lauded as standout dishes, with the steak frites also receiving strong recommendations. The restaurant's martinis are also frequently mentioned as being exceptionally good."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •burger(10)
- •steak au poivre(4)
- •martini(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a positive view of Raoul's, often highlighting its classic French bistro atmosphere and reliable food quality. The steak au poivre and burgers receive frequent praise, with many considering them among the best in the city. The restaurant is also noted for its good martinis and romantic ambiance. However, some comments suggest that reservations can be difficult to secure, and one reviewer found the burger to be overly peppery and the fries disappointing.
Caveats
The highly praised burger is often only available at the bar and in limited quantities per night, sometimes requiring specific timing like weekend lunch or arriving early.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About RAOULS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Recommendations For A Blowout Romantic Dinner
"Raols is recommended as a romantic option."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For A Blowout Romantic Dinner
"Raoul's is recommended as a romantic dining option."
PositiveFrom post: Sunday Night Dinner Solo Diner Bar Seating
"Raoul's in Soho is listed as a favorite spot for dining alone at the bar."
PositiveFrom post: Best Duck In The City
"Pinch Chinese is recommended for its Peking duck, though it's not a traditional style. Raoul's across the street is suggested for a non-Chinese preparation."
NeutralFrom post: Best Duck In The City
"Raoul's is mentioned as having elite duck."
PositiveFrom post: Besides Corner Store Whats The Hottest Vibe
"Raoul's was listed as a top vibe place, confirming its suitability for the user's request."
PositiveFrom post: Besides Corner Store Whats The Hottest Vibe
"Raoul's was suggested as a place with a good vibe."
PositiveFrom post: Besides Corner Store Whats The Hottest Vibe
"This restaurant was suggested as a hot vibe place with good food, fitting the user's criteria for a work dinner."
PositiveFrom post: Best Place For A Martini And A Good Vibe Downtown
"Regarding Raoul's, the user noted that the overall atmosphere or 'vibes' can be inconsistent."
NeutralFrom post: Best Place For A Martini And A Good Vibe Downtown
"A user points out that the overall atmosphere or 'vibes' at Raoul's can be inconsistent."
NeutralFrom post: Best Place For A Martini And A Good Vibe Downtown
"The user praised Raoul's for serving an exceptional martini."
PositiveFrom post: Best Place For A Martini And A Good Vibe Downtown
"Raoul's is highly praised for its exceptional martinis."
PositiveFrom post: Risotto In Nyc
"Raoul's is suggested for its lobster risotto, although the comment notes that securing a reservation there is challenging."
NeutralFrom post: Visiting Nyc And Bringing Wife And Daughter For
"Raoul's burgers are primarily available for weekend lunch, and the user suggests that the steak au poivre is excellent, while also noting Minetta's burger is superior."
NeutralFrom post: Visiting Nyc And Bringing Wife And Daughter For
"The commenter states that Raoul's is also overrated."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting Nyc And Bringing Wife And Daughter For
"The commenter confirms Raoul's serves the best burger in the city but cautions that it's only available in limited quantities, often requiring a Sunday visit."
PositiveFrom post: Sneakers At Chez Fifi Havent Been Somewhere With
"FootpathDriver mentioned having the Au Poivre burger at Raouls and found it phenomenal, though they hadn't tried the steak frites there."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting Nyc And Bringing Wife And Daughter For
"The commenter advises checking with Raoul's about burger availability with a reservation, as they recall it's only served at the bar in limited quantities."
NeutralFrom post: Visiting Nyc And Bringing Wife And Daughter For
"The user clarifies that Raoul's burger can only be ordered at the bar and cannot be reserved for tables."
NeutralFrom post: Visiting Nyc And Bringing Wife And Daughter For
"The user informs the original poster that the burger at Raoul's is not typically available with a dinner reservation."
NeutralFrom post: Bday Dinner And Drinks In Soho
"The commenter suggests Raoul's, stating it is 'pretty good', especially if having a tablecloth is a priority for the dining experience."
PositiveFrom post: Recs For Solo Dining In Nyc
"Raouls is mentioned as one of the most common recommendations for solo dining in NYC on the subreddit."
NeutralFrom post: Recs For Solo Dining In Nyc
"Raoul's is highly recommended for its martini and steak frites, which are described as unmissable."
PositiveFrom post: Reservation Advice Nyc
"Raoul's is recommended for its 'iconic burger with au poivre sauce,' with a note that only 12 are available per night and to arrive at 4 PM for the 5 PM opening."
PositiveFrom post: Best Steak Au Poivre For Tonight No Reservations
"The user finds Raoul's steak au poivre amazing and considers it the best in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Best Martini And Burger Combo
"Raoul's is praised for having the best burger in the city and also offers a good martini."
PositiveFrom post: Best Martini And Burger Combo
"Raoul's is mentioned alongside two other restaurants as a recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Best Martini And Burger Combo
"This user strongly loves Raoul's burger, expressing sadness that another user couldn't finish it, despite acknowledging it might not be for everyone."
PositiveFrom post: Best Martini And Burger Combo
"The user found Raoul's burger to be excessively peppery, to the point they couldn't finish it. They also highlight the fris\u00e9e salad as an "unsung hero"."
NegativeFrom post: Best Martini And Burger Combo
"Raoul's is the user's first choice for a burger and martini combo, specifically praising their martinis as "killer"."
PositiveFrom post: Best Martini And Burger Combo
"Raoul's is simply recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Martini And Burger Combo
"The user visited Raoul's, finding the burger very good (8.5/10) and the martini good but needing to be colder (7/10). However, the fries were poor and the service at the bar was lacking, leading to a mixed overall experience."
NeutralFrom post: Solo Dining This Friday Where Should I Try To
"Raoul's is believed to have declined in quality, becoming overly packed at the bar, and a recent steak experience was negative."
NegativeFrom post: Solo Dining This Friday Where Should I Try To
"Raoul's is strongly recommended, specifically for its bar-only burger, which was described as exceptionally good."
PositiveFrom post: Solo Dining This Friday Where Should I Try To
"Raoul's is mentioned as a place to consider."
NeutralFrom post: Did A Burger Tour Last Week 4 Charles Red Hook
"A user expressed disappointment with Raoul's burger on a recent visit, stating it was 'more than disappointing' despite previously loving it."
NegativeFrom post: Did A Burger Tour Last Week 4 Charles Red Hook
"The user had a reservation for Raoul's but did not end up going, as Monkey Bar became available."
NeutralFrom post: Did A Burger Tour Last Week 4 Charles Red Hook
"A user suggested Raoul's as another restaurant to try."
NeutralFrom post: Best Service In Nyc
"The commenter lists Raoul",s as a restaurant with great service."
PositiveFrom post: Laid Off And Looking To Eat
"It is suggested to try the burger at Raoul's bar."
NeutralFrom post: Laid Off And Looking To Eat
"Raoul's is suggested as a dining option."
NeutralFrom post: 2 Days In Nyc Where To Eat
"This user recommends Raoul's for a burger fix, noting it's an off-menu item served at the bar and only 20 are made per day."
NeutralFrom post: Dinner Recommendations Italian Burger Steak
"The author lists Raouls as a recommended option for burgers in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Gramercy Tavern Burger Just Wow From An Italian
"The commenter suggests the OP (who loved the Gramercy Tavern burger) should try the burger at Raoul's (presumed from 'Rapul's'), implying it is a comparable or noteworthy option."
PositiveFrom post: Need A Good Steak
"Recommends Raoul's for steak, noting their steak frites is $64 but includes fries, unlike many places. Highlights their au poivre sauce as incredible, suiting someone wanting more than plain grilled steak."
PositiveFrom post: Weekend Food Report From A Londoner Spoiler
"The author expressed love for Raouls overall, rating their burger 8.5/10 and particularly praising its poivre sauce. They also mentioned that the steak au poivre is equally good."
PositiveFrom post: Wedding Dinner
"The author recommended Raoul's, a French bistro, as a restaurant option for the couple's wedding dinner."
PositiveFrom post: Solo Dining
"Raoul's is recommended by author Henrygrins for solo dining, noting that the restaurant staff often treat solo diners like regulars."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In
"eringobrah21 enthusiastically praises Raoul’s Au Poivre sauce, saying they want to be drowned in it."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In
"Henrygrins recommends Raoul’s for both its food and atmosphere."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In
"eringobrah21 recommends Raoul's as a place to go in SoHo/Greenwich Village."
PositiveFrom post: Which Meals Have Blown You Away
"The pepper steak au poivre at Raoul's is a standout dish that blew the author away."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendation For French Restaurants A Tier
"Recommends Raoul's."
PositiveFrom post: Im Part Of A Burger League Trying 20 Burgers In
"Describes Raoul's burger as the most delicious they've ever had and something they dream about."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendation For French Restaurants A Tier
"Recommends Raoul's."
PositiveFrom post: Im Part Of A Burger League Trying 20 Burgers In
"Suggests Raoul's."
PositiveFrom post: Im Part Of A Burger League Trying 20 Burgers In
"Expresses love for Raoul's for brunch."
PositiveFrom post: Im Part Of A Burger League Trying 20 Burgers In
"Expresses surprise that people often miss the Raoul's burger, implying it's excellent and well-known."
PositiveFrom post: Im Part Of A Burger League Trying 20 Burgers In
"Claims Raoul's has the best burger in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Im Part Of A Burger League Trying 20 Burgers In
"Suggests Raoul's."
PositiveFrom post: Im Part Of A Burger League Trying 20 Burgers In
"Recommends Raoul’s as a top burger spot."
PositiveFrom post: Im Part Of A Burger League Trying 20 Burgers In
"Considers Raoul's to have the best burger in their opinion. Recommends going during brunch to guarantee getting the burger and making a reservation."
PositiveFrom post: Best Restaurants That Are Also Amazing Drinking
"OP likes Raouls, describing it as a great bar with incredible food."
PositiveFrom post: Name A Place That Actually Lives Up To Its Hype
"The user agrees Raoul's lives up to its hype, specifically mentioning the steak au poivre, and also praises the fun party atmosphere."
PositiveFrom post: Name A Place That Actually Lives Up To Its Hype
"The user specifically mentions Raoul’s for its burger, implying it lives up to the hype."
PositiveFrom post: Whats A Place That Everyone Recommends But You
"The author mentioned Raoul's Burger Au Poivre (limited availability) is reportedly quite delicious."
PositiveFrom post: Where Should I Go What Isnt Worth It
"Recommends Raoul's (along with Lupa) for a complete meal, calling it a classic NYC spot."
PositiveFrom post: Where Should I Go What Isnt Worth It
"Suggests having Champagne and Frisèe aux Lardons at Raoul's."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For French Birthday Dinner
"The commenter lists Raoul's as a potential recommendation for a French birthday dinner."
NeutralFrom post: Dinner Suggestion For The Indecisive
"The user suggested Raoul's as a dinner option."
PositiveFrom post: Birthday Recs For A Solo Diner
"Suggests Raoul's as an option for the user's solo birthday meal."
PositiveFrom post: Food That You Wont Find Anywhere Else In The World
"Recommends Raoul's as a classic NY spot."
PositiveFrom post: Im Super Overwhelmed About My Trip On Where To Go
"The commenter lists Raoul's as a recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: The Vibes Vs The Food What Do Yall Think About
"The restaurant's neon sign is mentioned positively as an example of good vibe implementation ('used sparingly'). The commenter values vibe but emphasizes it shouldn't compromise food quality."
PositiveFrom post: Solo French Restaurant Recommendations
"Recommends Raoul's in Soho as a classic French bistro offering phenomenal steak frites and unique, limited burgers available only at the bar."
PositiveFrom post: Solo French Restaurant Recommendations
"Recommends Raoul's for solo French dining."
PositiveFrom post: Advice And Recommendations
"Reviewer notes that Raoul's is insanely hard to get into."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurant Recommendations For Hungry Europeans
"Included in a list of recommended Manhattan restaurants, known for French cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Estela Vs Frenchette For Warm Neighborhood Vibes
"Recommended Raoul’s for its warm service, intimate atmosphere, and very good pepper steak."
PositiveFrom post: Help Me Impress My West Village Friends
"Lists 'La Rapielle' (likely typo for Raoul's or similar French bistro) as a great little French place, mentioning an angry owner but a fun experience."
PositiveFrom post: Soho Restaurants Any Of These Worth Revisiting
"User suggests Raoul's as another option in the area that is still 'on point'."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Lastminute Birthday Dinner
"Raoul's is not available"
NegativeFrom post: Looking For Lastminute Birthday Dinner
"Raoul's is cozy and European with good food. Not pretentious at all."
PositiveFrom post: First Timer Staying At Hotel Chelsea
"French: Raoul's (Soho) still a scene after all of these years and they have great steaks"
PositiveFrom post: Steak Frites 10pm Wednesday Night
"Can’t speak to Raoul’s but just tried Le Petit Village on Perry and 7th and their steak frites was fantastic."
NeutralFrom post: Best Typically Impossible Reservation Spot For A
"Raoul r s has always been a super easy reservation to get, unless something has changed in the last year or two."
NeutralFrom post: Best Typically Impossible Reservation Spot For A
"Raoul r s mentioned as a recommendation."
Neutral