TLDR
Reliable French brasserie, go-to for late-night cravings & classic vibes. Still great after all these years [1].
Instagram Posts References
L'Express is showcased as an ideal summer dining destination, particularly for its inviting outdoor patio. The post emphasizes the pleasures of dining al fresco, enjoying good food and drinks while people-watching. It positions the restaurant as a great spot for date nights, lunches, dinners, and brunches, highlighting its French bistro ambiance. The overall sentiment is positive, encouraging readers to visit for a quintessential NYC summer experience.
Details
A classic French brasserie, L'Express is celebrated as a reliable and aging gracefully establishment in Manhattan [1]. It's frequently recommended for its central location and late-night dining options, often staying open past midnight [2], [3]. While many praise its comforting atmosphere and consistent quality, some recent feedback suggests it can be hit or miss [4].
Food Overview
L'Express is known for its classic French brasserie fare, with steak frites being a consistently solid recommendation [1]. It's also highlighted as a place with good options for vegetarians [1] and a memorable lamb burger for late-night indulgence [2]. However, some recent feedback indicates that the quality can be inconsistent, with one user describing it as 'hit or miss' [3]. The Creme Brulee is also noted as a must-have dessert [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"Steak frites are consistently solid, and the lamb burger is a fondly remembered late-night treat. For dessert, the Creme Brulee is a must-have, and the fries are also noted as being very good [1], [2], [3]."
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally view L'Express positively, praising it as a reliable classic brasserie with good late-night options [1]. However, a few have experienced very negative feedback concerning food and service quality.
Caveats
While often lauded for its late-night availability, L'Express does have closing times, noted as midnight on Sundays, and at other times, 'late' but not necessarily 24 hours as it once may have been [1], [2]. One diner reported a very negative experience with both food and service within the last year [3], and another found recent visits to be inconsistent [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About L'EXPRESS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Really Need Advice On A French Restaurant For A
"The fries at L'Express are also recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Really Need Advice On A French Restaurant For A
"L'Express is noted for its classic French decor and ease of getting a table, though it's not near the user's hotel but accessible by subway."
PositiveFrom post: Really Need Advice On A French Restaurant For A
"L'Express is mentioned as a good alternative since Les Halles closed."
PositiveFrom post: Really Need Advice On A French Restaurant For A
"L'Express is described as the standard for casual, yummy French food and a NYC classic."
PositiveFrom post: Really Need Advice On A French Restaurant For A
"L'Express is recommended, and their Creme Brulee is highlighted as a must-have dessert."
PositiveFrom post: Really Need Advice On A French Restaurant For A
"L'Express is a favorite and recommended by the commenter."
PositiveFrom post: Really Need Advice On A French Restaurant For A
"L'Express is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Authentic French Food For A Native In
"This commenter recommended L'express in Gramercy for its 24-hour service, unpretentious and cozy atmosphere, and solid food."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite 24 Hour Eateries
"This user simply listed L'express as a late-night option."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite 24 Hour Eateries
"This user simply listed L'express as a late-night option."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite 24 Hour Eateries
"This user expressed their love for L'express."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite 24 Hour Eateries
"This user expressed their love for L'express."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite 24 Hour Eateries
"This user mentioned that L'express is open until '3 or 4' based on information from the hostess."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite 24 Hour Eateries
"This user mentioned that L'express is open until '3 or 4' based on information from the hostess."
PositiveFrom post: Backup Options Near Gramercy
"L'Express is mentioned as a dining option."
NeutralFrom post: What Is A Great Steak In Nyc Not At A Steakhouse
"L'Express is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Dim Lit Cozy Dinner Date Recs
"L'Express was recommended as a potential choice for a cozy, dim-lit dinner date."
PositiveFrom post: Places To Eat That Are Open Late
"L'Express is recommended for a burger and is open until 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Restaurants That Are Opened After
"L'Express is mentioned as a late-night dining option."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Restaurants That Are Opened After
"L'Express is recommended as a late-night option."
Positive