Excuse My French Introduce
In the vibrant and ever-evolving neighborhood of the Lower East Side, Excuse My French stands out as a charming and authentic slice of Parisian life. This cozy, upscale bar and bistro offers New Yorkers a genuine taste of France without the transatlantic flight. More than just a place to grab a drink, Excuse My French provides a full sensory experience, blending the casual, friendly vibe of a neighborhood spot with the sophistication of a classic French bistro. The establishment is proudly Latino- and LGBTQ+-owned, contributing to the diverse and inclusive atmosphere that defines New York City. Whether you're in search of a quiet, romantic evening, a lively happy hour with friends, or a solo dining experience at the bar, this place delivers.
The ambiance at Excuse My French is a key part of its appeal. It’s both casual and elegant, with a trendy, intimate feel that makes it perfect for a date night. The low lighting, stylish decor, and overall cozy atmosphere create a unique setting that feels both welcoming and special. Beyond the aesthetic, the bar is celebrated for its commitment to quality. The menu is a carefully curated selection of French-inspired small plates, classic cocktails, and a wine list that could rival many of the city's top restaurants. The staff is known for being attentive and efficient, ensuring every visit is as seamless as it is enjoyable.
## Location and Accessibility
Located at **96 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002**, Excuse My French is perfectly positioned in the heart of the Lower East Side. This lively and easily accessible neighborhood makes it a convenient destination for New Yorkers from all over the city. The bar is just a short walk from several major subway lines, including the F, J, M, and Z trains at the Delancey St-Essex St station, making it highly accessible via public transit. The surrounding area is bustling with art galleries, boutique shops, and other popular nightlife spots, making Excuse My French a great starting point or final destination for a night out.
While the interior is an intimate space, the bar also offers **outdoor seating**, which is a fantastic option during warmer months. This allows patrons to enjoy the lively streetscape of the Lower East Side while savoring their food and drinks. The restaurant's policy of allowing dogs in their outdoor seating area adds to its welcoming and neighborhood-friendly charm. For those planning a visit, it's worth noting that the space can fill up quickly, especially during peak dinner hours, so making a reservation is highly recommended to secure your spot.
## Services Offered
Excuse My French offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient dining and drinking experience.
- **Dine-in and Outdoor Seating**: Enjoy your meal and drinks in the cozy interior or take advantage of the delightful outdoor seating area.
- **Curbside Pickup and No-Contact Delivery**: For those who prefer to enjoy their French-inspired meal at home, the bar provides convenient curbside pickup and no-contact delivery options.
- **Brunch, Dinner, and Dessert**: The kitchen serves a full menu for both brunch and dinner, along with a tempting selection of French crepes and desserts.
- **Happy Hour**: Take advantage of special pricing on both drinks and food during happy hour, perfect for an early evening outing.
- **Table Service**: The attentive and friendly staff provide full table service, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience from start to finish.
- **Reservations**: While walk-ins are welcome, the bar recommends making reservations, especially for dinner, to guarantee a table.
- **Accommodations for Children and Pets**: The restaurant is family-friendly with high chairs available and also allows dogs in its outdoor seating area.
## Features and Highlights
From its unique atmosphere to its exceptional offerings, Excuse My French is full of standout features that make it a local gem.
- **Great Cocktails and Wine List**: The bar is renowned for its expertly crafted cocktails and an extensive, well-curated wine list that features a variety of French and international selections.
- **Fast Service**: Customers consistently praise the efficiency and speed of the service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
- **Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere**: The interior is designed with a keen eye for detail, creating a warm, intimate, and romantic setting that’s perfect for a date night.
- **LGBTQ+ Friendly and Transgender Safespace**: Excuse My French is a welcoming and inclusive space for all, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable and safe.
- **French-Inspired Small Plates**: The menu focuses on small plates (**tapas**), allowing diners to sample a variety of classic French dishes like **escargot** and **frog legs**.
- **Organic Dishes and Vegetarian Options**: The kitchen offers a variety of organic and vegetarian dishes, catering to a range of dietary preferences.
- **Late-Night Food**: The kitchen remains open late, making it a great spot for a post-show snack or a late-night bite.
## Contact Information
For more information or to make a reservation, you can reach out to Excuse My French at the following:
- Address: 96 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA
- Phone: (212) 780-9600
## What is Worth Choosing
When you step into Excuse My French, you're presented with a menu full of enticing options, but a few dishes stand out as must-tries. The **Frog Legs**, a customer favorite, are consistently described as "so tender" and flavorful—a dish that shouldn't be missed, even if you're a first-timer. Similarly, the **Escargot Persillade** is a wonderful choice for those looking to experience a classic French appetizer, and it is praised for being "wonderful" and perfectly prepared.
Beyond the unique tapas, the beverage program is a major highlight. Whether you're a connoisseur or just looking for a good glass of wine, the **great wine list** offers plenty of excellent selections to pair with your food. The bar's **great cocktails** are another reason to visit, with a mix of classic and creative drinks that are expertly made. For dessert, you cannot go wrong with the crepes. The **Salted Caramel Crepe** and the classic **Lemon And Sugar Crepe** are perfect ways to end your meal, and the portions are generous. The **Chocolate Coulant** is another decadent choice for a sweet finish.
What truly makes Excuse My French a great choice is the combination of its atmosphere, quality of food and drinks, and the welcoming nature of the staff. It's an ideal spot for a romantic evening where you can enjoy a conversation over delicious small plates and fine wine. It also makes for a wonderful solo dining experience at the bar, where you can watch the staff in action while enjoying your meal. The fact that it is an inclusive and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community further adds to its appeal, making it a place where you can relax and be yourself. The blend of a cozy, romantic setting with a menu of delicious French-inspired comfort food makes Excuse My French a true gem in the heart of the Lower East Side.
Excuse My French Food & drink
Snacks
- Mixed Nuts $8.00
- Cerignola Olives $12.00
- Provencal Marinated Olives $11.00
- Fig And Goat Cheese Toastine $17.00
French baguette with caramelized fig and goat cheese and pomegranate seeds
Salads
- Burrata Salad $29.00
fresh burrata cheese with heirloom cherry tomato, basil, balsamic and olive oil over a parmesan bell pepper paste
- Watermelon Salad $21.00
Fresh cut watermelon, with goat cheese, baby arugula,roasted pine nuts in a lemon-lime dressing
Charcuterie
- Saucisson Sec Charcuterie $14.00
With condiments and baguette.
- Duck Rillettes Charcuterie $25.00
With condiments and baguette.
- Country Style Pate Charcuterie $24.00
With condiments and baguette.
- Prosciutto Charcuterie $24.00
With condiments and baguette.
Cheese
- 2 Cheeses $22.00
Choice of two cheese, comes with sliced green apple, grapes, French Baguette and fig jam
- 4 Cheeses $29.00
Choice of four cheese, comes with sliced green apple, grapes, French Baguette and fig jam
- 6 Cheeses $36.00
Choice of six cheese, comes with sliced green apple, grapes, French Baguette and fig jam
Tapas
- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Tapas $24.00
Includes balsamic, almonds and cranberries.
- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Tapas With Lamb Merguez $28.00
Includes balsamic, almonds and cranberries.
- Steak Tartare Tapas $21.00
Ground beef prepared a la minute, with the classic tartar sauce. Includes quail egg yolk and toast.
- Escargot Persillade Tapas $22.00
Includes garlic, butter and parsley.
- Beef Sliders Tapas $19.00
Includes emmental, tomato, homemade mustard and chips.
- Croque Monsieur $26.00
Ham, gruyere and bechamel, with a salad
- Butterfly Salmon Tapas $24.00
It is a filet of salmon with a lemon pepper crust that is cook at flat grill and comes over a bed of our homemade ratatouille provençale.
- Frog Legs $29.00
Lightly breaded frog legs with a garlic butter dipping sauce
- Ratatouille Provençal $24.00
A classic recipe of cut yellow squash, tomato, onion, eggplant, bell pepper and herbs
- Chimichurri Rice $24.00
Basmati rice with coriander, fresh tomatoes, radish, garlic, jalapeñ0 and cucumber in a chimichurri sauce
Crepes & Desserts
- Nutella Crepe $14.00
- Suzette Crepe $13.00
- Lemon And Sugar Crepe $11.00
- Salted Caramel Crepe $14.00
- Chocolate Coulant $12.00
Dairy and gluten free.
- Cinnamon & Sugar Crepe $11.00
- Grandma's Secret Recipe Crepe $11.00
Butter & Sugar
Excuse My French Details
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
- Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Excuse My French Photos










Excuse My French Location
Excuse My French Reviews
cheffrog legsbrussel sproutscrepesteak tartareescargotduck confithappy hourraviolistory
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 110/10 experience! From the staff to the food to the atmosphere this place is exactly what you’re looking for in a night out! Extra bonus points because of the chef’s excellent EDM playlist. Everything on the menu is delicious but I highly recommend the frog legs - don’t let them scare you!
June 09 · Jamie AshFrog legs were so tender! The dressing of beet salad added too much acidity. Escargot was wonderful. Crepe was huge. Visited on restaurant week and found it a nicely decorated bar hidden in Chinatown.
February 11 · Han YangWe came here on a Friday night around 8pm and the place was at about 60% capacity. They are known for their frog legs, am I recommend trying them. We also got the Brussels sprouts and salmon and loved both dishes! The salad we ordered was a bit heavy on the dressing though, so watch out for that. Overall the vibe, good and service were great. This is an awesome spot for a date!
October 07 · Martina RusevaAll the dishes were packed with flavor! From appetizer (simple yet juicy olives, cheese) to main courses all were delicious. Definitely worth breaking my usual vegan diet for. They also have a few good vegan/vegetarian options for main courses. The ratatouille was especially flavorful. Also as someone who does not like alcohol, I certainly enjoy the couple of drinks I've tried here in the two times I've been. Service is always friendly, fast and also impressive (because the guy just memorized all the orders without writing it down!). Loved that the kitchen is integrated in the restaurant, making it feel cozy and more transparent.
March 06 · Mandy KuoLoved this place. Once we saw "French tapas" we were sold and had to try it out. First time trying frog legs, and while it wasn't my favorite food, it was really fun to try. We had some other great dishes as well and the service was very friendly. Cozy place, great for a get together with friends before heading out.
September 16 · Kevin Barry Cook
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