Le Cirque
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 644-0202
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between 3rd Ave and Lexington Ave
- Directions:
- 4, 5, 6, N, R, W at Lexington Ave/59th St
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 11:45am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 5pm-9:45pm
Editorial Review for Le Cirque – by Erin Behan
The Scene
A lively front bar boasts moneyed septuagenarians downing cocktails and socializing. Jacketed waiters buzz about the subdued circular dining room, topped with a lighted shade that's reminiscent of a circus tent; three-ring-themed plates and whimsical animal artwork expand on the theme.
The Food
Though the dishes may sound exotic, they are wisely aimed at a crowd for whom the very idea of experimentation is enough. The appetizer trio of English peas and mushrooms is at its best with the pea ravioli, in which the pea essence shines. The well-executed foie gras terrine gives off the expected silky smoothness with complements from sweet wine gelee and fig chutney. Mains take the simple route: A smallish steamed branzino gets sea flavor from its bouillabaisse sauce, while duck is unadorned, save for a crisped orange glaze. Desserts include the classic creme brulee served in the restaurant's signature dish (the recipe appears as you polish off the dessert).
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe list of wines by the glass is short, and the $12 pinot grigio is a good bet. Know that the bartenders are deft with classic cocktails and mix a mean but pricey martini ($17 for top-shelf).
Know Before You GoThe Cafe at Le Cirque, opposite the main dining room, serves a different, less expensive menu, including a $23 lunch box. Neither jackets nor reservations are required.
ParkingThe restaurant's location in the Bloomberg Building means it's unusually car-friendly. The parking garage across the street is $20; but pull your car into the courtyard, and Le Cirque's valet will park your car for $35.
User Reviews for Le Cirque
02/20/2008 Posted by watchmesparkle
I actually visited le Cirque last Friday after work - my fiance went to a game, and I said to myself, "I am going to have a drink at Le cirque, I've always wanted to go there". Mind you, I was dressed *very* casually in jeans and my black mink and flats- definitely not dressed for dinner. At any rate, I walked into the restaurant, went to the bar (which was crowded with young and old alike, not all old people like I'd read about before) and proceeded to sit at a nice little chair at a bar table and observe the scene. I ordered a grey goose dirty no olives, and it was exceptional but very expensive ($17, I think). The server girl didn't seem too happy, but what I will *not* forget was that both the gentleman host and another older gentleman (must've been a manager) came up to me twice to ask me how I was doing - they were so nice! I think they were concerned for me because I was alone, but they seemed genuinely curious as to why I was sitting by myself. I asked the manager how he was, and he actually smiled at me and said, "Now my day is better because you are here"... wow. WOW! I was quite charmed. I wish I had more money to spend at this place...but if you did, I would go their quite often! I've never experienced kindness like that in this city.
01/06/2008 Posted by network
Dinner for 4 adults on a Friday night. Service was attentive and knowlegable...although it took our waiter a long time to recall the name of the chef! 4 appetizers and 4 entrees and 6 cocktails. $540!!!!!! It was not an equitable exchange. Food was very good......but not THAT good! Bigger issue for us was that the Maitre'd sat a young couple next to us. The 'woman" was dressed in a strapless, leopard print bustier that had her ample bosom popping out over its top. Worse yet, they proceeded to coo and nuzzle and kiss and "touch" for the next 90 minutes. I'm all for expressions of affection, but this one stopped just short of an all out lap dance! We expected more and better "discretion" on the part of management of such a pricey and supposedly exclusive restaurant. Won't go back
Pros: service
Cons: food quality does not warrant price
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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