French Roast Uptown
“I've always been a fan of the location in the Vill, and this spot on the Upper
West Side, while different has a lot in common with it.”
“In the warm months, their outdoor seating is perfect for sitting outside with a drink in hand for people (and dog) watching.”
“Unlike downtown, being on the UWS, the street noise was kept to a minimum so if the weather calls for it, don't miss out on eating outside!”
French Roast Uptown
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Four dinners, and all of them were four-star, including the service and setting. I think of French Roast as a step above a diner in quality and price.
Here's the deets from our latest dinner, for three (04/19/2015):
Sauvignon blanc – glass, 10
Calamari, 9.25: A unique crunchy corn-meal coating and sliced jalapenos mixed in.
Mahi-mahi paella, 20
Ratatouille, 7: nicely-done, with all the vegetables retaining their individual flavors
Salmon moroc, 20: Perfectly-cooked, medium rare
Brownie coupe, 9: large, indulgent dessert with the brownie warm in a parfait glass with gelato, whipped cream and chocolate syrup
TOTAL, 92
Cute, quaint French bistro with an awesome wine list. I tried a chardonnay and the specialty wine and both were excellent. Prices are pretty good and the menu expansive enough to leave those wary of French fare with options.
Great choice to grab a quick drink – outdoor patio area had a cool ambiance. Fruit and cheese appetizer was delicously fresh. Service leaves something to desire, but not horrible by any means. Worth stopping by if you're in the neighborhood.
Seeking breakfast after the big snow proved difficult as many places were opening late. Found French Roast after getting off the 1 train at 86th St. Looked good so I went in.
At first I thought it looked a bit expensive for breakfast but saw some plates come out and saw that the food was done nicely. Not just diner eggs.
I ordered the polenta and eggs which came with pancetta. OMG. The presentation was very nice, the eggs sat atop the pancetta which sat upon the polenta. A perfect pile of deliciousness. The eggs were fried nicely and not turned over so it looked really good.
The place is tight seating-wise. The service was very good.
Worthy.
I am surprised reviews are so all over the place. My best friend and I have been here twice recently and although service can be spotty (we loved one server the other a bit absent) but this place really shines because of the food.
I have gotten the Shakshuka both times and good lord it's the stuff of dreams. Amazing peppery sauce, perfectly runny eggs, expertly cooked spinach and feta in your own little cast iron skillet with a little mitt over the handle. And did I mention the perfectly toasted baguette on the side. Why yes yes it is there too. My best friend has gotten both the Eggs Benedict and the oatmeal and really loved both.
And as their namesake goes the coffee is good too.
Come for the shakshuka and thank me later.
Love this place…so cute and super vintage decor. Food is also pretty good and they have a wide selection of choices. I would go here before you hit up the movies in the area for a nice casual date night : )
Late on a cold Wednesday night, French Roast had no crowd as well as an inviting atmosphere with a healthyish food selection. Free bread to start is a plus, especially warmed up and served with soft butter.
Entrees are on the expensive side, so we stuck to the appetizers/small plates. Settled on the Endive Salad ($11), Glazed Baby Carrots ($7), and Truffled Fries ($7). The salad started off really well – the combo of feta and cranberries drowned in a sweet honey vinaigrette is divine. However, halfway in, the endives overpowered the rest of the meal, as the flavor is especially onion-like. Glazed carrots are superb, cooked thoroughly with just the right amount of seasoning. Truffled fries don't seem to be truffle anything – your standard fare – though they give you a lot. Also ordered the Mulled Wine ($11) to warm me up with the meal…refreshing.
I'd say this spot is 3.5 stars (up and downs) yet the service was top-notch, thus the rounding up. Wouldn't mind coming back for another warm drink and a snack.
Nice patio outside with typical diner food at diner food pricing.
We walked up around 8:30am on a Saturday and got a sweet corner patio spot.
Our waitress was very kind! Really attentive, and very fast in getting everything we needed.
The food was pretty good… I got eggs florentine and the spinach was perfectly cooked. My hott date got the omelette with lamb sausage and that was excellent. Portions were also pretty big for around $15/pp.
Overall not the most impressive place… Could use an update on the interior and perhaps a friendlier manager looking lady ;).
So I've been to both French Roasts and can honestly say I prefer the downtown location.
Food is the same and very good quality, however, the difference lies in the service.
Downtown has a more "ready to help" vibe while this place certainly makes you wait.
Both places are busy, but downtown is much faster and friendlier. Maybe it's the downtown vs. uptown topic, but it makes a difference.