Craving French food that transports you to Paris (minus the jet lag)? Boucherie, a charming brasserie in New York City, is a solid bet. True to its name, French for “butcher shop,” it’s the place to go when you want steak frites, escargot, and a glass of Bordeaux to feel effortless. The restaurant works for a date, a long lunch with a friend, or that first big group dinner back in the city after a summer away, when one glass of wine easily turns into two. With four locations across Manhattan, Boucherie has become a go-to for traditional French classics done well.
The Knockturnal recently stopped by the West Village location (99 7th Avenue South) for a tasting, and we were wowed by the food and the hospitality. Housed in the historic former Circle Repertory Theater, the space sits just steps from the Christopher Street subway stop. Inside, the multi-level dining rooms hum with energy and are dressed in vintage photos and ads, with white subway tile offering a subtle nod to the restaurant’s butcher-shop roots. Order just an appetizer, and you’ll likely end up staying for three indulgent courses. That’s exactly what happened to us. Each dish was better than the last, and the food matched the room’s bustling, yet laid-back energy.
Courtesy of Boucherie
Boucherie’s menu covers the French classics and timeless favorites, including foie gras, Niçoise salad, croque monsieur, and boeuf bourguignon. But it’s the steaks where Boucherie really shines: the signature 8-oz Wagyu Boucherie Burger, a 12-oz, 21-day dry-aged NY strip, a 14-oz ribeye dry-aged for 28 days, and even premium A5 Japanese wagyu for those looking to splurge. We tried the filet mignon, and it was flawlessly cooked, tender, juicy, and full of flavor, a testament to the quality of the meat. It came with mashed potatoes and green peppercorn cream sauce, and it was so good that we can’t wait to order it again. The steak frites (a 10-oz, grass-fed NY strip) was also a winner, presented with herb butter and fries that were crisp and expertly salted.
If steak isn’t your thing, the menu offers plenty of other proteins, including duck breast, lamb chops, grilled swordfish, and salmon served with leek vinaigrette and Champagne caviar sauce. Pasta lovers can choose between lobster linguine and artichoke tagliatelle bolognese.
The rest of our meal held its own. The French onion soup was a standout, with onions caramelized into a rich, naturally sweet base, a deeply savory broth, and a bubbly, golden cheese crust. We also recommend the grilled octopus, which was tender, meaty, and clean-tasting, while the mac and cheese was gooey and comforting. The steamed spinach and the green and yellow string beans were delectable, too.
Courtesy of Boucherie
Be sure to save room for dessert, especially the crème brûlée. Each bite delivered a great contrast: a crackling caramelized top giving way to a silky, custardy center. The Basque cheesecake, served with vanilla crème fraîche and mixed berry coulis, was equally memorable and a lovely way to close out a rich meal. There’s also a robust cocktail menu and a wide selection of French wines to round out the evening.
As for the service, the staff, led by Yusuf, the captain, was exceptional. He and the rest of the team were prompt, attentive, and genuinely friendly. They never hovered and were quick with recommendations. From the moment we sat down, we felt warmly welcomed, and Yusuf’s suggestions made the meal even better.
Whether you’re there for the steak, the crème brûlée, or a lingering glass of wine with friends, Boucherie has a way of making every visit feel a little bit special. It’s that effortless joie de vivre, paired with excellent food, that delivers a slice of Paris, no passport required. Reserve a table now, and you won’t regret it.
