Cercle Rouge

French

This traditional French brasserie comes from the owner of Smith Street's Bar Tabac and Soho's Cafe Noir. In a space adorned with expected touches—tiled floors, aged mirrors, and vintage Centre Pompidou posters—executive chef Pierre Landet sticks to Gallic staples. Waiters don floor length aprons, fitted red leather vests, and suitable European accents. For dinner, there’s a frissee aux lardons, heaping portions of mussels done three ways (white wine or Dijon mustard), and a slab of Steak Frites to choose from. The crowd remains light-hearted. After Sunday brunch—a $21.50 prix fixe includes strong coffee and a cocktail—play a round of table football on the pretty sidewalk patio as you digest your oeuf a la Toulousaine, a soft-boiled egg surrounded by sausage and then breaded and fried, served over roasted tomatoes. - NY Magazine

• Taste participant since: 2011
• Cuisine: French
• Location: 241 W. Broadway
• Phone: 212.226.6252
• Links: Cercle Rouge