Filming Location Spotlight | Raoul’s
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Broadway Stages takes pride in supporting our vibrant local communities. Our Filming Location Spotlight series highlights local shops, restaurants, landmarks, and venues where productions that call Broadway Stages home have filmed "on location." We encourage our readers to explore and support these unique spots and join the film and television industry in helping sustain our neighborhoods' economies and culture! In this edition, we take in the iconic French Bistro Raoul’s in Soho.
The upcoming FX series "The Beauty," co-created by Ryan Murphy and Matthew Hodgson, delves into a world where an illness grants beauty but proves fatal. Based on the graphic works of Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, the series boasts a stellar cast, including Evan Peters, Ashton Kutcher, Anthony Ramos, and Jeremy Pope.
A production of this caliber merited the kind of classic cool locations that only New York has to offer, like Raoul's in Soho.
Raoul's: A Timeless SoHo Bistro with French Flair
Since 1975, Raoul's has been a beloved bistro, known for its dimly lit, art-filled interior and intimate, bustling atmosphere. This historic charm, combined with its status as one of the city's most sought-after dining experiences, creates a unique connection to its legacy that diners can't help but feel.
A Cozy, Vintage Setting with an Unmistakable SoHo Vibe
Stepping into Raoul's feels like stepping into another era. The restaurant's low lighting, vintage mirrors, and deep leather banquettes create a romantic and relaxed setting. The walls, adorned with an eclectic mix of paintings and photographs, tell a story of decades past, giving the space a charm that can't be replicated.
The small, intimate bar is a popular spot for pre-dinner cocktails. It offers a selection of expertly mixed drinks that perfectly complement the menu. Whether sipping on a classic French 75 or a decadent, smoky Old Fashioned, the ambiance makes every drink feel more special.
For those lucky enough to snag a seat in the hidden back garden, dining under the twinkling lights adds another layer of magic to an already unforgettable experience.
A Menu Rooted in French Culinary Tradition
Raoul's menu is a masterclass in French bistro cooking. It offers dishes that balance richness with refinement, delivered with thoughtfully prepared, high-quality ingredients.
For starters, the house-made pâté, plated alongside cornichons and Niçoise olives, is a crowd favorite, bringing bold, savory flavors to the forefront. For the main course, the undisputed star of the menu is the legendary steak au poivre. This perfectly cooked, peppercorn-crusted filet mignon, paired with an ultra-creamy cognac-infused sauce, is accompanied by crispy hand-cut French fries. Fans of this dish often say it's one of the best steaks in New York City, and it remains one of the most popular orders night after night. This is just a sampling from their dinner menu. Click here to read more.
If you're dining at brunch, start with the French ham and Comté beignets, a crispy, golden-brown delight served with a fragrant winter truffle remoulade that adds an earthy depth to every bite. And don't miss the Soufflé Pancake with apples, salty toffee sauce, and whipped crème fraîche. Or choose the steak tartare with cornichon salad, croutons, and quail eggs to get a sophisticated start to the weekend. For more, click here to see the brunch menu.
Service That Feels Like Old-School Hospitality
Raoul's isn't just about the food — it's about the experience. The restaurant's staff is known for being warm, knowledgeable, and attentive, making everyone feel like a regular.
One satisfied diner shared on Yelp, "The service at Raoul's is unmatched. The staff remembers your name, your favorite wine, and even how you like your steak cooked. It's like stepping into a family-run bistro in Paris — right in the middle of SoHo." Another reviewer on Google noted, "From the moment you step in, you feel taken care of. The servers are friendly, professional, and they genuinely love what they do."
This combination of attentive service and an inviting atmosphere keeps diners coming back year after year.
Hours of Operation and Social Media Connection
Reservations at Raoul's are not just recommended, they're essential. With tables filling up quickly, especially on weekends, it's crucial to plan your visit in advance. Raoul's is open for dinner service from 5 p.m. on weekdays and offers a weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m. You can make your reservation on Resy by clicking here.
Check out Raoul's on Instagram and Facebook for a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant's stunning dishes, classic cocktails, and lively dining scene.
Broadway Stages knows that institutions like Raoul's are part of New York's magic, adding authentic character to the city's cultural landscape and making them ideal filming locations. By partnering with independent restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses across the city, the film and TV industry is able to enhance the authenticity of its productions and also contribute to the success of these businesses that make New York special. Whether it's a pivotal scene in a television show or a quiet moment in a feature film, locations like Raoul's offer a unique sense of the city we love.
Broadway Stages is proud to support New York's thriving food and hospitality industry, and we encourage everyone — whether you're a local, a visitor, or a film buff — to experience the magic of Raoul's firsthand. And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!
Look for Raoul’s in "The Beauty," slated to premiere this fall on FX.
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