An 'au poivre' style masterpiece and one of the city's most exclusive burgers. The patty is seasoned similarly to the steak and topped with Saint-André triple-cream cheese, wilted watercress, and piquant pepper mayo. It's served with a small cup of the famous cognac cream sauce for dipping. Only 12 are served per night at the bar, making it a true 'if you know, you know' NYC food experience.
Tips from diners
There are only 12 per night and they're bar-only. Arrive at 4:45 PM (before the 5 PM opening) to claim a bar stool if this is your goal.
Widely regarded as the benchmark steak au poivre in New York City. A thick filet mignon is heavily encrusted in cracked black pepper and seared to a perfect medium-rare, then smothered in a rich, velvety cognac cream sauce. It's served with a mountain of thin, crispy shoestring fries cooked in duck fat. The sauce is so celebrated that many diners ask for extra bread just to mop it up.
Tips from diners
The peppercorn sauce is the star. Don't be afraid to ask for extra—it transforms the already excellent fries into something even better.
A classic bistro starter that has been on the menu since the beginning. A large, perfectly steamed artichoke is served chilled, intended to be plucked leaf by leaf and dipped into Raoul's signature sharp, mustard-heavy vinaigrette. It's a simple, interactive dish that perfectly sets the stage for the richer mains.
A textbook execution of the bistro classic. Bitter frisée lettuce is tossed with chunky, salty lardons (bacon) and a warm vinaigrette, topped with a soft-poached egg that creates its own sauce when broken. It's savory, bright, and an excellent example of traditional French balance.
Raoul's is a true Soho institution, maintaining its bohemian energy and impeccable French standards for nearly 50 years. The dimly lit, narrow space is decorated with vintage photos and red banquettes, creating an atmosphere that feels like a classic Parisian haunt transported to Manhattan. It is as famous for its world-class steak au poivre as it is for the legendary burger that is only available at the bar in limited quantities.
Reservations are notoriously hard. They open 30 days in advance at 10 AM on Resy. If you can't find a table, the bar is always held for walk-ins.
The back room has a glass-enclosed garden feel that is much quieter, but the front room and bar are where the real Soho energy is. Choose based on your mood.
Raoul's is one of the best spots in NYC for solo dining. The bartenders are pros and the bar energy is infectious. Order the steak and a Martini.
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