Loulou Petit Bistro & Speakeasy Reviews

We were to meat a friend we hadn't seen for years, but we also had tickets for an afternoon performance at the Joyce Theater, so brunch had to be somewhere close by. Loulou is just across the road from the theater, so was perfect! We had a lovely time here. The food is standard NYC breakfast - avocado and poached egg toast, omelettes etc – but very very good. Our server was delightful. The Bloody Marys were punchy and delicious. And we whiled away a good three hours before the show.

Fabulous French restaurant with all the greatest hits done well and not crazy expensive. Server Michael was a amazing - incredibly efficient and friendly and wearing the most stylish gold lame shoes. Go for a fun time and really good food.

Recent visit, we sat out in the little outdoor room which was cute, the inside vibe is probably a bit better but we were a group of 7. The cocktails are so fun, the glasses are quirky and cute, very strong but nice. We all really enjoyed our food, the mussels were great and so was the beautiful plump prawns i the prawn cocktail!

Loulou is a stylish French bistro in Chelsea that serves up some excellent cocktails often in unique glasses. Stopped in for some late-night drinks. Our waiter had a great sense of humor yet was also a professional. Attractive restaurant/bar that was atmospheric and with good vibes.

We waited over an hour of our reservation time, and the hostess staff was horribly rude. The food and drinks look nothing at all as they present in photos, and things were undercooked. We had to ask for basic things numerous times like napkins and utensils, as they were never brought. I would not waste your time or money here.

Authentic French staples far above its peers. Escargot was divine and came with crusty grilled bread - phenomenal. Salad nicoise had sliced ahi tuna, black olive paste, and watercress among other fresh ingredients. Our daughter got a pizza margarita she loved. Husband got French onion soup with rich broth and mussels as an entree. We sat outside in an enclosed casita decorated with flowers. Waiter Mickael from France was a pleasure.

This is a good spot to meet up with friends. The service is friendly and the food is good. Not cheap, but also not crazy expensive. I've never had red snapper tatar before which was a neat dish. Also, they passed a big test as octopus is soooo hard to make well. It was perfect. All in all a positive experience and worth a visit if you are in this part of town.

Place is nice and food was ok , little overpriced for what you’re getting . Service was slow and automatically charged 24% tip ,had to change to min of 20 % no other option.So be ready to spend some $$$.

This place has been on my radar, especially for their speakeasy. But, we actually went for a brunch. It was not hard to find, with their beautifully decorated exterior. The name Loulou comes from the owner’s adorable rescue dog, and they serve French classics. We started off with some cocktails, and just like others seeking social-media-worthy item, I was drawn to these drinks.. So we ordered Mexican Stiletto and The World Is Yours. They were pricey but strong and high quality you can taste. For food, we ordered Steak & Eggs and Loulou Burger. We substituted regular fries with truffle fries for additional $2. The steak was tender and juicy, egg was cooked just right, and the potatoes were tasty too. The Béarnaise was almost whipped, nice and fluffy, and added extra flavor. Classic brunch dish done right! The burger was super juicy!!! The bottom bun starts to get disintegrated with the super juicy-ness. Cheese was lovingly cuddling the thick patty, and the patty was cooked to perfection. Packed with flavor! We ended the lovely brunch with White Flat and Croissant Pudding to share. The pudding was really great! Doughy in a good way, and had a great buttery flavor. It was genius how they mixed the chocolate croissant AND almond croissant. You get the melty chocolate and crunchy, nutty almond all in one! All the staffs were really nice, and our server, Andre took a good care of us. With their enticing menu, I would love to go back for more!

Bustling neighbourhood bar and restaurant. Stopped by for happy hour drinks. $7 for a beer and $15 cocktails. Service was excellent and drinks delicious. I throughly enjoyed the Lagunitas IPA. The Rabbit Hole cocktail was also delightful. Sat outside and watched the world go by on a lovely NYC summer evening. Wonderful!

Popped into Loulou for some early morning bites and fell in love with the interior, the flowers and of course Loulou - the cutest little rescue baby ever! The croissant French toast is to die for, and they have a phenomenal coffee and tea menu. The staff makes you feel so welcome. It's like a passage to France, and I can't wait to return on the weekend to brunch or on a week night to catch one of the shows at their downstairs speakeasy - the coolest space ever - Adelaide's Salon. I peeked down there and it was astronomical - lots of candles, a grand piano, chandeliers, and just an overall sultry sexy underground vibe. They have monthly magic shows and more assorted performers on a rotating schedule. A must visit if you're a NY native or just visiting!

First we went to the main bar area upstairs, but became intrigued once we heard there was a speakeasy and went to check it out. The entrance is super cool – resembles a large Coca Cola machine. The vibes at the speakeasy are hard to summarize, but it’s a super cool spot. Eclectic decorations, a shimmering disco ball, and mood music. The drinks are focused on wellness, which was unique and refreshing.

Came with friends -4 of us. Seated right away as we had reservations. Orders were taken quickly. I ordered a rose wine and it tasted more like water. Wasn't very good. My friends ordered nicoise salads which looked pretty tasty. I ordered the eggs benedict with pork belly. The food tasted fine however the eggs benedict were on pieces of toast which I feel were a bit delicate for the heaviness of the egg. The toast just became soggy. All in all the food and service was pretty average. For average food I probably wouldn't go back for the price because the prices were not average. It was just a so so experience.

Cool dining spot in Chelsea! Ate here for late brunch and the place was packed. Definitely make reservations on the weekends! Inventive craft cocktails and a focused menu provide bistro classics.

This was our first girls night out in NYC from London for my 40th and what a welcome to NY! From the moment of walking through the coke machine, being escorted to the best seats in the house and seeing THE most incredible performance from Matthew Piazzi and The Debonairs for the evening we couldn’t have been more content and happy. Unreal live music and I even got a birthday song and dance. The music and vibes really made this a night to remember. Thank you for the delicious cocktails (we tried many) - old fashioned is the winner however, the live music and singing. POW - took us right back in time ❤️ thank you for the lifelong memories LouLou. See you soon!

Colorful and boisterous venue. Very lively and NOISEY. Each dish was very well prepared. Best beet salad and large enough to share. The baked Camembert is a great dish and recommended. The duck confit is a great recipe but it was the smallest duck leg I have ever seen. I asked which of my. two red wine choices was the better choice. I was sadly disappointed. Drinkable but a sad selection. The service is perfunctory. People are going through the motions. We had a reservation and we were warmly greeted. Then the mechanical efforts kicked in. Good for a young crowd that wants to party.

This is our second visit in one month and yet another Absolutely amazing dining experience at this wonderful French bistro / brasserie . Delicious menu choices, beautiful ambiance and great service. Some of my favorite dishes are: Steak Tartare and Baby Beets Salad . Also flatbreads are delicious option, we have tried both Margarita and Truffle Mushrooms. Seriously you can’t go wrong at this place.

I visited Loulou with my wife and daughter on a Monday afternoon for an early lunch. We chose to sit outside, as the weather was pleasant. The area was not busy. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, especially with my mechanical wheelchair. They helped us find a comfortable spot outside and made sure we had everything we needed. I The food was delicious and authentic, with a variety of dishes to choose from. And yes, I forgot to take photos of the food, again. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. We also enjoyed the crafted cocktails and my first French beer which were refreshing and well-balanced. The portions were generous and the prices were reasonable. We had a wonderful time at Loulou, and we would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy and charming French bistro in New York City. The service was attentive and courteous, the food was exquisite and satisfying, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. Loulou is a gem in Chelsea, and we can't wait to go back!

My wife and I had a wonderful lunch here with friends. The restaurant is beautiful inside with a wonderful wood and brick decor. There’s nice separation between tables and there’s lovely outdoor seating as well. I had one of the best beet salads ever with amazing flavor, ingredients and balance and a generous portion size. My wife had a delicious tomato soup with a side sandwich but I got to taste as well. The service was great as well and the music is fun and not too loud. Highly recommended!

A perfect 5/5 rating for every aspect: the cuisine, atmosphere, customer service, cocktails and pleasant speakeasy with live entertainment. It couldn't have been better.

I was nervous to visit since I had seen LouLou popping up all over social media which can often mean the place is “instagrammable” but not necessarily great. But no - from atmosphere to service to food, the entire experience was 10/10, even in the rain! Get the Camembert to start, it’s delicious! The steak frites was very good but the cavatelli was one of the best pastas I’ve had and was full of summer veggies. Finished the meal of by sharing the croissant pudding - not too sweet and so tasty. I’m making another reservation asap.

This is an attractive restaurant. They have lots of room inside and out (in covered annexes). The lighting is excellent and the service efficient and charming (singling out Flo, who was extra patient with me, really lovely; although I left a generous tip she had already finished work so I felt really bad). The Foie Gras was good, but I wasn't sure it was actually what I understand as Torchon, the accompaniments however were spot on, perfect. The duck confit was also excellent and I planned if I was still peckish to try the burrata with Turkish figs, which lopoked delicious. The only fly in the ointment was the fries. I went for the truffle and Parmesan Fries but left 95% of them. At $16 I don't expect to be served what were clearly frozen fries that had been reheated more than once and consequently had zero appeal in taste or texture. What a pity that such a stylish place would let itself down with maybe the cheapest costing (for them) thing on the menu.

This is a special spot in Chelsea. During this crazy year, the vibe outdoors is lively and vibrant. The cocktails will make you smile, not just because they’re perfectly made but they’re also beautifully presented. The duck leg confit was spectacular and the grilled lamb chops were perfectly cooked. My friends and I had a variety of mains ranging from the burger, to the half chicken and everyone cleaned their plates. This place proves that NYC’s dining scene is alive and well and not going anywhere.

If there were a minus-one option to rate this place I would have picked that. Loulou's Restaurant has done nothing but take over our sidewalks and streets with not just 1 Restaurant Shed, but now 3 - and tables and chairs on our sidewalks, to the point where we can not walk up and down this street anymore. They've also installed two dividers, also on our streets, one to the left and right of their entrance, and the other between 8th and 7th Avenue to block off their tables and chairs section. We have asked him to take these obstacles down so we can use our sidewalks again but he/ the owner of LouLou's, has refused. LouLou's is a bad neighbor to have on your block and we here in Chelsea New York will be showing up to future Community Board meetings to prevent this owner from expanding and or opening up other restaurants in our neighborhood and beyond. The audacity of this owner is jaw-dropping...

Beautiful and interesting restaurant with delicious food, wine, and great service. We especially loved the charcuterie board, sauvignon blanc, and LouLou burger. Atmosphere is fun. Highly recommend!

Great atmosphere, great food, great service. Festive and charming. Visited LouLou both for brunch and dinner. Can definitely be recommended.

We came here for brunch and they had some really nice veggie options. I really liked the seating outside but at some point it got way too crammed and they ended up having to move one of the tables as 2 people couldn’t even sit near each other. They also just felt a bit chaotic with service. It took them over 40 minutes to bring our dessert, we had to ask 3 times before it actually came and by then we were just over it. They also messed up our fries - we found bacon in it and we are vegetarian so it was not okay. The server did apologize and gave us a new basket of fries but in situations like this I always except the manager or someone similar to come over and check in when they mess up this big. The avocado toast felt basic and plain and considering how much they charge for it I would think there would be more to it. The quinoa bowl was a good portion size but it felt dry and the potatoes were bland. I don’t think I’d come back here especially considering the prices and the quality of food and service.

We visited in September and it was packed! The food was fantastic, we ordered the LouLou Burger and the Steak Frites. The fries were so amazing. The drinks were served in fun glasses! They make for great pictures and they also taste great! We ordered the Mexican Stiletto which was served in a glass that looks like a bird. We got the Chocolate Mousse Glace for dessert and it was delicious. Overall it was a little expensive, but that's to be expected in the city. I can't wait to visit again in the future!

En utrolig hyggelig restaurant. Really fine decorated and with super operation of Iggy. We ate from the brunch menu and it was really good, with good red wine and drinks to. Not the last time we are eating there ❤️

Ooh la la! I’m pining, longing, absolutely desperate for my annual trip to Paris; so much so that I can hardly contain myself. But when I just cannot bear the thought of the walk along the Seine from the Tuileries to Notre Dame, usually on the the Left Bank, I come here. And I’m never disappointed. The Camembert is divine, the tomato soup delectable, the flatbread amazing, the croissant bread pudding salacious, and the feeling of sitting somewhere in the beating heart of Paris, other worldly. <stopping for a cigarette> That’s just the food. The ambience, well, let me tell you. I have no idea what the live music schedule is, but it feels like a treat from a by gone era. I also find the staff attentive, solicitous, and engaged. Last time, my drink order was caught in some confusion between the waiter and the bar tender, but we worked at it, and the results were magnifique! The owner, Matthias, and the lovely Loulou are like the caramel ice cream on your croissant bread pudding - the extra touch that makes you feel like the red eye to CDG and the fourteen doses of espresso were worth it. Except you didn’t have to drift even into midtown. One last note, on cocktails. Order them. I have never regretted my order, and I’ve never seen one of their cocktails that I didn’t think, “next time...” Really, I should tell you, “Don’t go” so I don’t have to worry about you taking my table, but like France itself, it’s just too magical not to share.

We went here for a special birthday dinner. Service was slow, the bartender was slow, the food was average and the price was a bit too high for the quality of food. Also, quite noisy once it got crowded. Will not be going back.

I wasn’t super impressed with the food. It was decent. However our server was beyond annoying. So this review is based off if that unfortunately. I wish I had a better time I was so excited for my sister bday. I wanted to start with a soda and right off the bat won’t stop talking about adding tequila to every drink we asked for. Not everyone drinks alcohol and I said multiple times I didn’t want a cocktail. Commented that oh so i guess you guys are eating much. 2 cocktails 3 appetizers and 3 meals and dessert. He needs to work on his upselling skills. Oh and $20 for bottle water. (That’s a little excessive. ) Asked if I wanted to add protein to my vegetarian dish. I couldn’t wait to leave unfortunately. Our server didn’t know it was a bday. I put it on the reservation and the hostess asked and acknowledged. So idk if that message was given to the server.

Great experience. The atmosphere is warm and charming. The food is excellent with a nice list to choose from, healthy to yummy temptations. The staff is smiling and dynamic. Cleanliness is perfect. Mr. Mathias, the owner, and Lou Lou are living examples of hospitality and the French touch. T hanks

Great brunch and very cute scenery! The drinks are delicious! Must try the gin globe! The food was delicious as well! Friendly staff! Have been there 2/3 times for a fun casual brunch and would go again!

It’s a good comfy joint with decent food and great drinks. The ambiance is very relaxing and cozy. We had the sandwich and the burger. The burger was the better one out of the two.

Excellent staff and really kind and welcoming for us bringing our baby. Lovely open window setting. Great atmosphere, fantastic food with good vegetarian choices. Everything we had was delicious. Great wine.

Visiting NYC on a very hot/humid day. Used TripAdvisor to locate a lunch restaurant near our parking garage. Didn't want a long walk to car on a full stomach. Found LouLou and menu looked inviting. We were quite pleased. Quiet, comfortable atmosphere (and cool!) Seated immediately by hostess - good table separation. Relaxed for a few minutes with cold water. Waiter then took our order. I chose the cheeseburger with a glass of Pinot Noir; my wife selected the Frisee Salad with a glass of Chardonnay. Wine came immediately and meals shortly thereafter. The Salad was excellent; prepared very well with fresh, crisp lettuce, poached egg, pancetta and citrus vinaigrette. My hamburger was also very good; ample size burger, cooked to order, juicy, fresh tomato, lettuce and pickles. I noticed that it was a popular choice among customers. It came with fries. The only issue was the bun was too small for the burger making it messy to handle. My Pinot Noir was particularly tasty, and I am looking to pick up a few bottles soon. Atmosphere in LouLou was relaxed; we never felt rushed. Prices were typical of NYC, e.g., $ 15 glass of wine, $ 22 hamburger. What we would expect. We will definitely go again when we are in that section of NYC.

Extremely unpleasant overall. Welcomed by a surly host. Mediocre but very expensive food (ridiculous charcuterie platter for example) and very questionable service. Overall a terribly mediocre restaurant, best avoided.

If you enjoy the 'Euro-chic' attitude where the staff acts like they are doing you a favor by letting you stand in the lobby, this is the place for you. We were sent here by their sister venue (Bistro 29 in the Ace Hotel) after a booking error left us stranded. Instead of fixing the mistake with grace, the manager (Foued Mokrani) treated us with open hostility. When I asked for his business card, he walked away and deliberately left us standing there for 20 minutes just to frustrate us. It was a masterclass in performative arrogance. I contacted the restaurant owner, asking them to check the security footage of his staff's behavior. He couldn't be bothered and did not resolve the customer service failure. This group led by Mino Habib and Matias Van Leyden (MVMH Hospitality) seems to think that 'French Hospitality' means treating guests with disdain. It doesn't. It just makes them look like amateurs playing dress-up. Avoid at all costs.

Lovely bar great relaxed atmosphere friendly staff fab cocktails definitely recommendthis place if you're in the area

LouLou was such a wonderful brunch spot! The best thing about the experience was the service, LouLou had many typical brunch classics (like steak and eggs or pancakes) while bringing in some French spins (like, my personal favorite, the niçoise salad). Vibe was amazing! Really good crowd and music. Cocktails are very delicious and creative. Fun brunch for big group celebrations!

Wonderful spot for a pre-theatre cocktail and appetizer! Mo was a friendly and highly skilled bartender. Super friendly. Great drinks, warm atmosphere. Will definitely be back.

Lovely place to visit for a drink. Cocktails are really good and served in very funky glasses. We didn't eat here but the food looked lovely. The staff are very chatty and friendly.

Loulou is the place to be in the nyc night. Great food, great team (thanks Jeremy!) and a very good atmosphere. Great vibes !

Charming and unique little neighborhood restaurant away from the crazy tourist areas. We stopped in for lunch. The decor is very appealing and the perfect "feels special but not too fancy". Excellent cocktail list. Fresh and not run-of-the-mill menu. We each had the "down the rabbit hole" cocktail and the seared tuna sandwich. Delicious! So much so that I forgot to take pictures until it was too late. The best part of this cafe??? LouLou, the proprietor's dog who is in residence and carefully & quietly watches over things.

We went to Loulou’s tonight as it was close to where we were staying… I can’t say enough about the experience. The food was phenomenal and our waiter Rodrigo was exceptional. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Don’t miss this restaurant if you visit NY!!

Very beautiful French restaurant. very nice atmosphere, kind helpful staff. very good food and coffee. Nice location.