Authentic Cajun/Creole flavors with praised gumbo & desserts, but some find food underwhelming & pricey.
This Tribeca establishment offers a taste of authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, with gumbo and shrimp and grits being signature dishes. While some patrons praise its unique flavors and consider it a top spot for Southern fare, others have found the food to be disappointing and overpriced. Despite mixed reviews on the food, the restaurant is noted for its ambiance and potential as a neighborhood joint.
The restaurant specializes in Cajun and Creole cuisine, with gumbo and shrimp and grits frequently mentioned. While some reviews highlight the quality and authenticity of dishes like the Chocolate Praline Cake and Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Pudding, others describe the food as underwhelming, overly salty, or lacking flavor. There are also mentions of issues with accompaniments like bread for oysters.
"The Chocolate Praline Cake with salted caramel and alcohol, and the brown butter bourbon bread pudding are highlighted as delicious desserts. The gumbo has also been recommended by some patrons."
Customer sentiment is divided, with some praising the authentic Cajun/Creole flavors and specific dishes like gumbo and desserts, while others express significant disappointment with the food quality, seasoning, and overall value.
Important Note
Some diners have found the food to be overly salty, lacking in flavor, or generally disappointing, and some have had negative experiences with service.
"This user noted that Robert Sietsema likes Filé Gumbo Bar but had a personal experience where the jambalaya was unremarkable."
Neutral"This user felt that File Gumbo Bar in NYC was just okay for Cajun food."
Neutral"Filé Gumbo is consistently recommended by the commenter because they love it."
Positive"Filé Gumbo in SoHo was recommended for its very good food, and it's noted that it's not a difficult reservation to get."
Positive"This user had a positive experience at Filé Gumbo Bar during a Thanksgiving pre-fixe and brunch, enjoying it with their boyfriend from the South."
Positive"A brief, firm reiteration to avoid Filé Gumbo Bar."
Negative"In response to a negative review of Filé Gumbo Bar, this user expresses surprise, noting its strong average Google rating."
Neutral"Responding to a suggestion of Filé Gumbo Bar, this user strongly advises against it, stating the food is horrible and to avoid the establishment."
Negative"Filé Gumbo Bar, located at 275 Church St., is suggested as a place that might serve the requested traditional Southern New Year's meal."
Neutral"This user noted that File in Lower Manhattan is one of the few remaining places in NYC that serves dishes like jambalaya, implying it's a notable option."
Positive"This commenter considers File Gumbo their new favorite Cajun spot and also notes they have a decent happy hour."
Positive"File Gumbo was recommended as a Cajun food option in NYC."
Neutral"File Gumbo is recommended as a neighborhood joint that can accommodate walk-in diners."
Positive"Recommended the gumbo at Filé Gumbo Bar in Tribeca as legit."
Positive"File Gumbo Bar is advised to be skipped due to its lack of flavor depth, watery gumbo, and overall unimpressive and overpriced food."
Negative"A commenter strongly warns others against eating at File Gumbo Bar, emphasizing it should be avoided."
Negative"The food at File Gumbo Bar was deemed terrible, specifically a dish called "Louisiana BBQ Shrimp" described as "shrimp in some red water with cold bread," leading to a strong "do not recommend" stance."
Negative"File Gumbo Bar is criticized as overhyped, with its food being a disappointment."
Negative"File Gumbo Bar is strongly not recommended due to inedible and overly salty food (shrimp and grits), stale bread, abysmal service, and being charged for the bad bread."
Negative"A commenter expresses a desire to try File Gumbo Bar and is pleased to see it endorsed, assuming positive reviews."
Neutral
