Looking for a French Bistro for a weekday lunch in Manhattan

Travel, Wine Tourism, and Restaurants Forum
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First time in New York City outside of a whirlwind college tour with my daughter 15 years ago. Only in town for a couple of days next week and would enjoy a casual lunch at a classic French Bistro. There’s lots of choices, a little overwhelming for a out of towner. Thanks for any advice!

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Le Veau d’Or

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I like Benoit on 55th bet 5th and 6th. Good wine list. Good location. Good food.

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pick (and ask for recs) based on the area you in. e.g. the differences between the recs you’ll get here aren’t significant enough to travel that much out of your way, particularly among those open for lunch

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I would respectfully disagree with that. Differences based on price and style yes but to say all French Bistros in NYC are the same is just not true.

Also - If you are up for dinner and want something a little more edgy and don’t mind getting there early I would recommend Le French Diner. It is where a lot of Chefs and restaurant industry frequent.

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I should have been more specific in limiting those open for lunch vs. all instead of only alluding to lunch.

I’d still say I wouldn’t travel from downtown to mid/uptown for french lunch. If dinner was an option you are correct and I should have been clearer.

Without confirming everything is open for lunch my guesses are
downtown - Raouls, Pastis, Frenchette, Buvette, Balthazar (wouldn’t be on my list)
BK - Le Croc
Mid/Uptown - Benoit, Bar Boulad, Le Veau, Le Rock

Bar Boulad and Le Veau are the only two IMO that you could argue would be worth the trip but personally I wouldn’t think it is worth it for just lunch (but would consider if you made other plans up there that were appealing)

Edit: 1. I also haven’t checked that everything i’m assuming is closed dinner isn’t open for lunch and 2. I’m assuming weekday for some reason (maybe I imagined it) but if that is wrong, it would open up my lists a decent bit I assume

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https://www.barboulud.com/nyc/
Closed

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Yes Bar Boulud is closed. It will be reopening as Brasserie Boulud this winter.

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Will waive corkage on one, if you buy one. I like the decor and service too. I have only been for dinner.

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Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I should have stated that dinner was not an option as we are committed to family and friends each evening. Location isn’t an issue, we’re going to be all over town. Thanks again for pitching in,greatly appreciated.