Eating at Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôte NYC. $35 Steak Frites Menu at an Iconic French Restaurant 

Nice to hear of its reopening when so many have permanently closed. Les Sans Culottes shut down in 2013 (give or take). Both their locations closed due to high rents. A budget friendly French restaurant with complimentary pates, smoked sausages and crudités. The three course meal often included a complimentary glass of wine. All for the low price of $19.95 for lunch and $24.95 for dinner. A few blocks away is another gem, Isle of Capri on E 61 Street and Third Avenue (near Bloomingdales). Opened in 1955. Also family operated. I was introduced to this restaurant by famed photographer and friend Francesco Scavullo. It was my first time having broccoli rabe and loved it ever since. The decor is a time-warp experience. The food always comforting. Thanks again for sharing your experience.

You can't argue with value like that. Rent and cost of staff alone must be eye-watering. Good to see you had a glass of wine, which must help them out a lot and seems quite on point with the idea of the original founder!

I went to a Italian restaurant in Cape May that had the same style of seating. The food was great but probably will never go back because of the seating. Love the channel ❤

I've been to the UK restaurant. It was amazing! The service I got was impeccable and you're right about that sauce. Such a basic meal, but done so well.

You deserve millions of subscribers, hope you get there soon, brotha!

It's solid. 50 bucks after tip for two full plates of fries and steak, it's a good value for Manhattan. Sauce is nice and savory, 8/10

Omg I didnt know there was one here in the US! This is a bucket list place for me in France but now I'll just have to scoot over to NYC for it, looks delicious and great review!

On this channel, since you had couple hundred followers, waiting for the first 1m

Another superlative review, presentation and production...except for the music. I've been going there since 2009, at the Lexington Avenue location. It's started at $25.95, went to $29.95, and now $35. That's not bad. I quickly learned to order the Steak Frites...that's it. I'm not a dessert or wine guy. I get out of there for $46, all-in. We were there on November 9th and service was exemplary...as good as the sauce. And you sure hit the nail on the head...the bread is the ultimate vessel for the bread.

Hey James, just got this before. I was about to head out, but had to watch.😀 thanks for another great review! Steak and frites did look so good. I wonder if it would have been smarter to put the sauce on the side because not everyone likes it on top of their steak. Did the close proximity of your dinner guests bother you at all? I also liked how you were so fair and forgivable to the restaurants opening situation 🙏🏼. Although no butter with the bread.?? I think they should also reconsider that because I do love butter with my bread🤩

In Paris there are 2 locations, and the price is 29€ and no tipping needed (Service Compris). Profiteroles- 8,50€. A bottle of the house wine costs 22€.

I came here because I commented on the review of their London restaurant and RU-vid pushed your video to me so I thought I would copy my comment here to give you an idea of my feelings about the original Paris restaurant. "I live a few minutes away from the original one in Paris and, over the years, it has become a cherished memory with my daughter that I've been taking there every odd Sundays for almost 30 years now. She's almost vegetarian now but she would never say no to a lunch there because it's not just about great meat, it's about her childhood and the happy moments. She'll eat salad one week before and one week after but she won't say no to the Relais de Venise. That place never disappoints because it's always the same. Like the great Talking Head song, Heaven :) As a result, if you don't count the tourists, it's a family restaurant at heart. Lots of single dads taking their kids there on weekends and also a lot of old and sometimes very old couples that probably took their kids there decades ago and still enjoy that time travel experience of having exactly the same delicious and regressive food than when they were younger. If you come to Paris, you got to try that but don't just look at your plate: look around you (which is not easy in such a small and overpacked restaurant) and realize that this place is not selling beef and fries: it's selling timeless happiness !" A few words about the service because obviously it was not to your liking in New York but you mentioned that the restaurant had just reopened. It's actually the exact opposite over here since the restaurant has been thriving for decades but it's still an interesting case to mention. From my customer eye, their Paris restaurant is a living hell for the waitresses. The place is very tiny and completely overpacked with tables: when you need to sit a customer on the wall side, the waitresses actually have to pull the table in the aisle but it then blocks the traffic for everyone. Not mentioning that the stairs to the first floor are so narrow and steep that I can hardly use them without getting dizzy while the ladies climb them with one plater of meat and one plater of fries on both arms. And the place has a 50 meter line outside from opening to closing hours so it's a hectic mess and, still, all the waitresses that I got to speak to told me that they loved working there. It's a mystery to me but over the 30 years I've been a customer, I've always experienced busy but very efficient and charming ladies (too bad the waitress that I was in love with didn't fall to my charms otherwise I may have been able to tell you the reason why they like the place or the recipe of the secret sauce...). I guess that it's difficult to replicate that experience when you are just one of the million restaurants in NYC. Of course we also have a million restaurants in Paris but Relais de Venise is an "institution" over here. It's probably something that you are proud of on your resume when you work in that line of business and I suppose that they treat their staff well which never hurts. One last comment about the word "institution". The Relais de Venise is serving great food but it's not a fine restaurant by any mean. As mentioned above, their business is to sell happiness and I think that Americans should understand that because I've seen a lot of videos about things such as "who makes the best philly sandwich in the world ?" (replace "philly sandwich" with any other regressive local food that can apply) and, each time, you see very humble joints with what looks to me as very basic food but I can feel that they are places that mean something for their customers and it's probably the same thing: honest and genuine food that hasn't changed in decades and will never change. You were taken there as a kid, you took your kids there and your kids will take their kids there. That's what Relais de Venise is for me. It's family tradition and nothing tastes better than that :)

New subscriber, love the videos.

In France, people do not eat French bread with butter at lunch and dinner, only at breakfast. But this restaurant is located in NYC and Americans like bread and butter. I would have asked for butter as that is such a great combo. The restaurant decor was very clean, fresh and charming. Love the bistro look. The deal breaker for me would have been the seating. I will not eat at a restaurant with French seating. One long seat with people shoulder to shoulder. Every meal should be enjoyed to the fullest without having to feel awkward or uncomfortable. The food looked tasty and perhaps the service will get better like you said. Opening day is always is always iffy. Thanks for the video!

I'm French and I can say the service is also a small issue in France, due to the fact that the restaurant is always crowded to full, and I guess not enough waitresses to keep up. But I always nearly lick my plate because of the sauce and the steak (^w^)

I’m glad it’s reopened , it’s the best steak restaurant in NYC ,

I can’t wait to visit New York and try this restaurant. Food looks amazing.

We have butter. I usually spread salt on the bread & butter. It's a great restaurant, once every 2 months or so

James , I ate there years ago when they first opened . I think it $24.99 same dell but I recall seconds on fries but not meat. Considering the price of steak , a great deal. Compare that to Odeon's Steak Frites, French country salad and profiteroles for dessert. I imagine now over $100 w tax and tip. Keep up the tasty work!

You and UAEats need to do a collaboration. You go to almost the same exact spots. Pretty amazing given how random this particular restaurant in the grand scheme of NYC dining.

Watching this at the airport and this is gonna be my spiritual airplane meal 🥘

They have a couple of restaurants in London and it used to be a favourite for lunch. You’re never ever disappointed.

As always, I enjoyed your succinct and honest review. I was a major fan of the restaurant, prior to its closing, and I'm certain that the bumps in the road will iron out over the next few weeks. NOW, let's talk about your beanie and dark sunglasses and French pronunciation. Oh my. I so wish you had contacted me prior to your visit. I'm only a few blocks away. Sheesh. You're still adorable and your facial expressions continue to slay. Thank you again monsieur.

James, thanks for your terrific review of L'Entrecote NYC. Keep up the good work! I love dining at the Paris locations, but I am glad to know there is one nearby. That green sauce is so delicious. The Paris L'Entrecotes have perfected a style of service where highly professional female servers get diners in and out while being friendly and efficient. They're not perfect, but I think they deliver terrific value and a unique experience.

I get that it’s a grand opening, but 20% was generous for the service you received. Such a nice guy.

This seems like a setup for quality eavesdropping and people watching! Of course, I'm glad the food was decent, too.

A place like this is very necessary in NYC. To some, this would be an expensive meal one would have to save up for and good this fills that void. Also: that sauce is dreamy -- I want to try it.

Ha! I used to live near there. Food is pretty good. Service is super mediocre. Drink at least one bottle of wine and you will love it

This is thee 2nd vlog I've seen on this venue! Great value & good upfront video!

I'm guessing (guessing) Skirt Steak had a price promotion funded by investment capital, and once the proof of concept worked, they jacked up the prices (think LYFT and UBER). That's more than just a "beef prices are increasing" boost! James - as usual - a great video today; I like that you come in with a "clean palate" in terms of your POV, and let the experience unfold in whichever way it does. Keeps me coming back to this channel even if we're on the other coast! :) BTW your salad looked a lot better than the leftovers served to UA Eats on another recent Le Relais YT video :)

Thank you for being honest about prices v.s quality.

You described the steak as a "sirloin" in the video and said it wasn't the best cut. I'm fairly certain that the original recipe from Paris actually uses NY strip/striploin steak, I think New Yorkers sometimes call that cut "sirloin". It's probably a prime cut and not the tougher cut further back that you're thinking of, IMO.

Loved your review thank you

Had one of these across the street from me in Paris. Ate there several times and really enjoyed it

This american perspective on a classic french/european bistro and its quirks (like seating, menu, server behavior) is hilarious. cool review

I heard the secret ingredient for the sauce is MSG

definitely some growing pain, but that's expected for a new business. Heard the line is growing, so glad you got the first bite. :) hopefully the hype will die down soon as i would love to take my mom there. too bad nothing for vegetarian :(

James, fair play for understanding the service was probably impacted by the opening. Keep up the great work 👍

It’s a French restaurant. Don’t expect American portions

Godfather movie.... "Leave the cheesecake, take the gold card"! LOL, just kidding.... I already found a video recipe of that sauce and will be trying sometime during the winter weekends ahead. Thanks.

If you haven't been served by a slow waitress with an attitude, you've clearly never been to a bistro in France....that's the authentic experience. It's all about the food, not the service. Not that its 'right' of course, but hey, it is what it is!

this one seems up my alley

You know you're doing something right when a viewer subs after just one video.

I've met a lot of friends by sitting close to them in restaurants.

Definitely looks worthwhile especially at that price. Seems like the restaurant has made smart decisions to balance affordability and quality. And sauce definitely holds it together. Your next video should be you going undercover to discover the secret. Infiltrate the kitchen saying you're a health department inspector 🕵‍♂️

Yet again another mini masterpiece James. Bravo buddy!! 😊🙏💯👍❤️👋👌

Get there early

Definitely a great deal. Too bad about the service. Sometimes a good waiter/waitress makes a meal that much better. Nice review James

Best thing about this restaurant is the inexpensive price and very simple concept food.

I been hear. The family that own original Paris location turning this into new Cheesecake Factory.

Really awesome review, James! I feel I don't see reviews that offer good criticism but give praise where it is deserved.

Headwaiter crystal river fl. Any where in Manhattan this was the bargain that is hard to find! Wine prices were great and dessert. Nice inside and once they fine tune the service this will be crowded from opening till close. I remember our opening nite it was a little chaotic in Florida and most patrons where understand ING just like you are. People generally have no idea how difficult it is to serve and make it look like it's no effort at all. Love your videos and attitude with reviews that are low key and precise.

Another stellar review James. Your soundtracks are getting better and better. They really add to the experience. Cheers

Thank you for making it to this cute restaurant there in New York. ☺

There is nothing wrong with MSG. it just makes food taste better.

Another great review James. $72 seems a little steep though, this one is not on the top of my list. Thanks as always!

When I ate there I tried to guess what country my waitress from. I practically went through every Euro nation except Macedonia where she from.

Je n'irai jamais là! Me faire bousculer au restaurant ? Jamais... vive mon bon goûter à la maison...

I think that's strange that they would give you another serving of steak before you finish the first serving. It would make more sense to wait to see if the customer actually wanted a second helping. Most likely the servers were a bit confused being it was the first day. Also, can you ask for butter? Ketchup? Piccadilly chow chow?

Thanks for sharing another informative restaurant review

Great video man

And I think it was $35.00 last week! At $45 definitely a ? for a visit! And they must need to max out the square footage! I don't think you have enough walnuts on the salad and the cheese cake. The question is would you eat that steak sans sauce. I am going to guess the thin slicing and sauce masked the quality of the meat. I wish you need a steak sandwich with the bread. Maybe, I will visit for post shakeout meal.

Nice, sir! I am excited about this re-opening... I was hoping to get there this week, but my job had different ideas 🙄 This is definitely on my list over the next few weeks tho! Thanks, as always, for another great review!

There is a much better French bistro on 49th and 2nd called chateau 49. The food is great. The owners are there running the place every day. I recommend it highly 😅

Steak Frites looked amazing. In spite of all this place’s shortcomings.🥩

Hey! I was there that day!

Going tomorrow! Thanks for the vid!

There should definitely be a menu/wine list (albeit small but decent).

I can’t imagine to have steak frites without a good glass of red wine. Such is heaven made of… Shit - I would bring a couple of pats if I knew, though!

Great videos! Love your content!

Thanks, I won’t go……😊

In the People's Republik Of New York!

Can you get the sauce to go?? LoL

Great vids as always and yeah u should give it a month to get a better feel

No butter is wild but i guess it makes sense since butter is expensive

The old location was OK. The new location is OK. It’s a good lunch place if you work in the area. But they don’t have any ketchup in this place. And I’m not eating a mustard sauce with my fries. I passed on dessert. I thought the service was fine.

I think that sauce also has anchovies in it.

That seating arrangement is very strange, do you have to ask everyone next you to move out when you leave?

I loved when it was on lex and 52 st haven't been to new place yet. Years ago they didn't give you free water so many complaints they changed it. Last sun went to Buvette for brunch had waffle eggs bacon and syrup my friend had cheese croissant steamed eggs on toast and steak Tartar then took them for Cronuts it was great waffles is great like pancakes at chez ma tante. No reservations have to wait online

Love it! Do a segment on Dutch Treat dating.....Women expect the $300 dinner out and that's a scam!! Timmy C Arizona

No butter with the bread at a French restaurant?!! The main ingredient with French cooking IS butter! Odd. I think with most things in life “you get what you pay for”.

Let me ask: how sure are you that there is chicken liver in the sauce? That grosses me out and I was originally planning to go to this restaurant!

So to clarify you did receive 2 servings of steak but only one serving of fries as it was unclear with what you said at 7:50

Fantastic video as always! So in France, many times there is no wine list and everyone just drinks the house white or red especially in bistros. Secondly, traditionally butter isn’t served with bread in France, it usually is accompanied by rilette or pate or plain so perhaps they wanted to keep it authentic just like in France?

Sauce definitely contains anchovies.

Wait…no butter?? Wow. Now wine menu, the seating arrangement? I’ll pass. I can get a great steak and fries at another establishment. I understand that it’s their opening, however small things like a wine menu and having butter for bread should not have to wait a few weeks down the line.

Raw!

I'd never eat in that restaurant with the tables so close. Clearly they are putting profit before any sort of dinner experience.

Hi great choice of vocabulary.

That's a lot of nuts! But hey, how can you serve top sirloin in a restaurant called entrecote? (rib steak)

Tried it years ago. It was ok.

3:50 wait.. so if you got seated in the middle, how do you get out to use the washroom or something? You have to ask other diners to get up and move? That's insane.

It's funny, we American see french fries as junk food, but in Europe, it's considered gourmet food.

big w for the orient

she was probably an actress

Well you did a great review which was this place was bad. Lol.

With the close seats, now we know why they closed, the restaurant economics don’t work with half seating or To-go

28 to 45 dollars. Thanks, Brandon.

A french steak restaurant named the Venice Inn. Could be a clue to just how horrific that meal is. Yuk

your generation needs to learn a lot more about what good food is.