It’s date night in NYC, and there’s nothing more romantic than French food.
Dim lighting, a glass of red, and of course, your boyfriend answering his finance emails over a plate of escargot.
You scan the menu looking for the perfect dish to split (as if you haven’t already stalked it three times prior).
If you don’t decide what you’re ordering before you arrive at the restaurant, are you even a real foodie?
See Also: The 13 Most Perfect Parms In NYC, From Traditional To Outrageous
You land on Steak Frites, a dish that screams “I have good taste in food, but I’m not a total snob.”
As you take a bite of the salty goodness in front of you, you almost forget that your mans hasn’t looked up from his phone in over ten minutes.
Ahh, the power of the Steak Frite.
Keep reading for the best in NYC.
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113 MacDougal St, Manhattan/Website
Yes, the burger is fantastic. Yes, the martinis are fire. But have you ever tried their Steak Frites? Well, if you haven’t, you must run to this ‘’hot ticket-tavern’’. Immediately. Diners can choose between the maître d' butter or sauce Béarnaise, and we can attest from personal experience, both are 10/10. The steak is cooked to absolute perfection, and the shoestring fries are certifiably addictive. Run don’t walk to Minetta Tavern.
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180 Prince St, Manhattan/Website
Practically synonymous with Steak Frites, Raoul’s serves one of our favorite versions of this dish in town. While it’s very difficult to get a res here (mostly because of this exact dish!), it’s totally worth the incessant Resy stalking to snag a seat. This authentic French eatery calls its dish “Steak Naturel au Poivre,” which is peppercorn-encrusted beef made with Cognac and heavy cream. Dip the handmade Pommes Frites into the sauce, and we swear, you will not regret it. Oh, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to sample one of their very limited burgers.
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80 Spring St, Manhattan/Website
Many of you associate Balthazar with James Corden and ridiculously long wait times, but we know it for its Steak Frites. Rest assured, this iconic French brasserie knows how to make a mean piece of meat. Juicy and loaded with flavor, this steak is absolutely irresistible. And let’s take a moment of silence for the french fries. Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these fries deserve to be written about in history books.
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1900 Broadway, Manhattan/Website
If Chef Daniel Boulud has anything to do with it, you know it must be good. Inspired by Boulud’s childhood in France, this Parisian-style eatery is the real deal. Naturally, their Steak Frites are just as iconic as the chef himself. Diners have the option of substituting the meat for a dry-aged New York strip or Prime Hanger steak. Other standout dishes include the Coq Au Vin, Frenchie Burger, and the beet and goat cheese ravioli.
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Multiple Locations/Website
With four locations across Manhattan, this opulent French restaurant is taking NYC by storm. And yes, that means you can have their outstanding Steak Frites at four different spots in NYC. Did somebody say #blessed?! Served with grass-fed New York strip steak and herb butter, this dish is sure to impress even the pickiest of palettes. The other steak options are incredible as well, with our personal favorite being the Filet Mignon Au Beurre De Truffle.
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241 W Broadway, Manhattan/Website
Dining at this Tribeca haunt does come with a price tag, but boy, is it a delicious one. And yes, while they technically don’t serve Steak Frites (although we’re sure they could if you ask nicely!), Frenchette serves the most delicious Steak Tartare Frites we have ever tasted. Made with fresh grass-fed beef, this tartare will please even those who are scared of eating raw meat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, ask the waiter for their off-the-menu Duck Frites. It is life-changing.
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411 Park Ave S, Manhattan/Website
Located in the legendary Brasserie Les Halles space, La Brasserie brings authentic French cooking to the heart of NYC. Their Steak Frites are called “Hommage a Anthony Bourdain Steak Frites,” which pays tribute to one of the most celebrated chefs of our time. A dish that the great Bourdain would approve of? Naturally, it’s one of the best New York City has to offer. Diners can choose between café de Paris, béarnaise, or pepper sauce, and you really can’t go wrong with any.
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Multiple Locations/Website
As evident in the name, the Steak Frites at Quality Eats are nothing short of quality. The classic steak joint offers Hanger, Filet, Bavette, Sirloin, and Don Amache Filet cuts, along with a choice of curly fries or salad. If you choose the salad option, we don’t like you. Along with the steak house (which is on the house!), additional accompaniments include Au Poivre sauce, Cajun butter, gorgonzola, or truffle butter.
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52 Gansevoort St, Manhattan/Website
One of our absolute favorite restaurants in NYC, Pastis makes Steak Frites writing home to mom and dad about. Patrons have the option of Hanger steak prepared with maître d’hôtel butter, Filet with sauce au Poivre, or Entrecôte with sauce béarnaise. The Meatpacking bistro also offers Lobster Frites, which are pretty incredible, too. And how can we forget about the viral Pastis burger heard ‘round the world?
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456 Greenwich St, Manhattan/Website
When we think of our most memorable meals in NYC, Brasserie Fouquet’s ranks pretty highly on the list. Located in the posh Fouquet’s hotel, the Parisian-style atmosphere is equally as impressive as the food. The prime-aged Ribeye does come with a cost ($145), but we aren’t exaggerating when we say an experience here is priceless. Served with quite arguably our favorite french fries in New York City, this dish is truly worth every penny.
Photography by: Courtesy Getty Images
