Experience authentic Cajun/Creole in NYC, but be warned: reviews are polarizing, with some loving the gumbo and desserts, while others find the food underwhelming and overpriced.
For those craving a taste of the Big Easy in New York City, Filé Gumbo Bar in Tribeca offers a journey into Cajun and Creole flavors. While the atmosphere might impress, diners' experiences with the food have been quite polarized. Some have lauded the authenticity and deliciousness of dishes like their gumbo, with one reviewer calling it "legit." The sweet side of the menu has also seen praise, with the Chocolate Praline Cake being described as decadent, complemented by a salted caramel drizzle and a hint of alcohol. For those with a penchant for richer desserts, the brown butter bourbon bread pudding is even cited as a superior option. However, a considerable number of patrons have left feeling underwhelmed. Common complaints include a watery gumbo lacking flavor, shrimp and grits that were deemed inedible due to over-salting, and grilled oysters served with stale bread. The Louisiana BBQ Shrimp also received a negative review for its uninspired presentation and taste. Despite its promise of authentic Southern fare, the inconsistency in food quality and high price point have led to strong recommendations against visiting for many.
Filé Gumbo Bar offers Cajun and Creole cuisine, with gumbo being a highlighted dish. While some reviewers have found the gumbo to be "legit" and enjoyed other offerings like chocolate praline cake and bread pudding, a substantial amount of feedback indicates a negative experience. Specific criticisms include the shrimp and grits being inedible due to excessive saltiness, grilled oysters served with stale bread, and a general lack of flavor depth in the gumbo. Some found the Louisiana BBQ Shrimp dish to be particularly disappointing. The restaurant appears to have limited vegetarian options.
"The Chocolate Praline Cake and brown butter bourbon bread pudding have been highlighted as delicious desserts. The gumbo has also received a "legit" recommendation from one user."
Customer feedback for Filé Gumbo Bar is notably mixed, with a significant portion of reviews expressing disappointment. While some patrons have praised specific dishes like the Chocolate Praline Cake and brown butter bourbon bread pudding, others have found the food underwhelming, citing issues such as watery gumbo, overly salty shrimp and grits, and stale bread. The restaurant's perceived value has also been questioned, with some finding it overpriced for the quality received. Despite some positive mentions of the ambiance and its unique Cajun/Creole offerings, the recurring negative feedback regarding food execution and consistency presents a significant concern for potential diners.
Important Note
The restaurant has received significant criticism for food quality and consistency, with some dishes being described as inedible or disappointing. It may also have limited vegetarian options.
"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"File Gumbo Bar in Tribeca is mentioned in the context of serving shrimp and cheese grits."
Neutral"Based on multiple underwhelming reviews, the user decides against visiting File Gumbo, noting its positive social media appearance contrasted with negative real-world experiences."
Negative"The user was deeply underwhelmed by File Gumbo when they visited it the week it opened, noting that it did not meet their expectations for authentic charbroiled oysters and they have not returned."
Negative"Agreeing with a previous comment, the user states that while File Gumbo has a nice place and vibe, the food itself was disappointing."
Negative"The user found File Gumbo underwhelming despite it appearing nice online. They recently dined there."
Negative"After acknowledging Claud's popularity, the author shouts out Filé Gumbo Bar for their delicious Chocolate Praline Cake with salted caramel and alcohol. They also mention the brown butter bourbon bread pudding as even better."
Positive"Cajun restaurant with limited vegetarian options."
Neutral"Suggests trying Cajun/Creole food at File Gumbo Bar as a uniquely American option, especially if not visiting New Orleans."
Positive"Fil o Gumbo Bar (Tribeca.) Expensive but excellent"
Positive
