VIBE

Completely designed around wine, this swanky cave à vin of a restaurant features a long, vaulted ceiling and extensive cellars dedicated mainly to the Rhone Valley and Bourgogne vintages (adding a nice personal touch by focusing on the chef’s native region). The wine-soaked scene is accented by a charcuterie bar, blonde oak furnishings, slate flooring, and photographs of wine stains, while the menu specializes in old brasserie favorites such as coq au vin. Seating options abound, from booths to a tasting table to a communal table.

CROWD

Food enthusiasts, theater goers, wine connoisseurs, and French foodies.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s a stylish crowd; we suggest a classy but comfortable top, hip-label jeans, and fancy flats.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; family; significant other; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s just the right amount of cool and casual without seeming like it’s trying too hard to be trendy. We like how the wait staff is dressed down and laidback yet perfectly professional. And the communal table only adds to the fun.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Due to its close proximity to the theater, this spot gets particularly crowded before and after shows. If you want to beat the rush, plan your dining time around these busier periods.

GOOD TO KNOW

Daniel Boulud is chef-owner of many restaurants within Manhattan. In addition to Bar Boulud, he also has his hand in DANIEL, Café Boulud, DB Bistro Moderne, Boulud Sud, Epicerie Boulud, Bar Pleiades, and DBGB Kitchen and Bar. He's also the chef-owner of Café Boulud, one of our favorite restaurants in Palm Beach, and Maison Boulud, one of our go-tos in Beijing. At Bar Boulud, there are three private wine-themed dining rooms reserved for private parties (while these are tastefully decorated, they’re in a windowless basement). The tasting table also hosts smaller parties for customized tastings led by a personal sommelier. The communal table is reserved specifically for walk-ins, but anyone adventurous enough can choose to be seated there. Outdoor dining on the Broadway sidewalk terrace is offered seasonally. The wine cellar is downstairs, and you can actually walk through parts of it if you head to the restroom.

OTHER LOCATIONS

London; Maison Boulud (Beijing); Café Boulud (Palm Beach; New York); db Bistro Moderne (New York; Miami; Singapore); DANIEL (New York); Boulud Sud (New York); Epicerie Boulud (New York); Bar Pleiades (New York); DBGB Kitchen & Bar (New York)

CLOSEST COMPS

Café Boulud (New York); DB Bistro Moderne (New York); Café Boulud (Palm Beach)

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