Le Charlot

- 19 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021

Le Charlot is a quintessential French bistro, a beloved neighborhood gem nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side. For New Yorkers seeking an authentic, unpretentious, and consistently satisfying dining experience, this restaurant offers a delightful escape to Paris without leaving the city. It's a place that captures the essence of a classic bistro, where the focus is on solid, well-prepared food and a warm, inviting atmosphere. As one long-time patron noted, it’s exactly what you'd expect from a casual bistro—"nothing over the top, just solid, satisfying French food in a cozy setting." This philosophy is at the core of Le Charlot’s appeal, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.

The charm of Le Charlot lies in its dependability and its commitment to classic French cuisine. While many restaurants in the city chase trends, Le Charlot stands by its timeless menu, offering dishes that have pleased palates for years. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a cozy and romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a special date or a relaxed dinner with friends. The bistro’s interior evokes the feeling of a quaint Parisian café, creating a sense of intimacy and comfort that is hard to find elsewhere. It’s a place where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious meal at a leisurely pace, whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply grabbing a bite on a weeknight.

Beyond the food and ambiance, the service at Le Charlot is a key reason for its enduring popularity. The staff is consistently described as "warm, attentive, and kind," making every guest feel welcome. This genuine hospitality is what truly sets the restaurant apart and contributes to its reputation as a dependable and friendly neighborhood spot. The combination of a classic menu, a charming setting, and impeccable service makes Le Charlot a true standout on the Upper East Side. It’s a place where consistency and quality reign supreme, earning it a loyal following who appreciate its "no-frills" approach to excellent dining.

Located at 19 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, Le Charlot enjoys a fantastic and highly accessible location on the Upper East Side. Its prime spot places it in a beautiful, historic neighborhood and offers incredible convenience for both locals and tourists. The restaurant is a short and pleasant walk from some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, including Central Park and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). This makes it an ideal spot for a post-museum lunch or a pre-park stroll dinner, allowing you to combine a cultural outing with a delicious meal.

For those traveling by subway, Le Charlot is easily accessible via several lines. The Q train at 69th Street and the 6 train at 68th Street are both within a few blocks, providing convenient access from other parts of Manhattan and the outer boroughs. The location also makes it a great choice for those exploring the Upper East Side's boutiques and galleries. For drivers, paid street parking is available, though it can be a challenge in this bustling area. The availability of outdoor seating also makes it an appealing option on a nice day, where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the sights and sounds of this elegant neighborhood.

The accessibility and fantastic location are a big part of Le Charlot's appeal. It’s a spot where you can often "just walk in without a reservation," which is a significant convenience in a city where booking tables weeks in advance is common. This, combined with its central placement, makes it a go-to choice for a spontaneous or planned meal. The ability to easily reach the restaurant and its proximity to major attractions solidify its status as a top dining destination in the area.

Le Charlot offers a comprehensive range of services and dining options to cater to various preferences and occasions. The bistro is designed to provide a classic and flexible dining experience.

• Dining Options: The restaurant offers a full-service dining experience for brunch, lunch, and dinner. It also provides a variety of seating arrangements, including indoor seating, a bar, and outdoor seating for enjoying the beautiful Upper East Side weather.
• Takeout Service: For those who want to enjoy Le Charlot's delicious food at home or in the office, a convenient takeout service is available.
• Reservations: While it is often possible to walk in, reservations are recommended, especially for brunch, lunch, and dinner, to ensure a table during peak hours. This planning option is a great amenity for busy New Yorkers.
• Beverage Program: Le Charlot boasts an excellent selection of drinks. Offerings include "Alcohol," "Beer," "Cocktails," "Hard liquor," and a "Great wine list." One customer praised the "very good" Sauvignon Blanc and a "treat" Bordeaux by the glass. "Great coffee" is also a highlight, perfect for ending a meal.
• Cuisine & Menu Variety: The menu includes classic French dishes and a variety of options to suit different tastes. From "Small plates" to "Vegetarian options," there’s something for everyone. The menu features an array of appetizers, salads, and main courses, including "Les Viandes" (Meats) and "Les Poissons" (Fish).

These services collectively make Le Charlot a versatile and reliable choice for any dining need, whether it's a quick lunch, a leisurely dinner, or a special occasion.

Le Charlot stands out from other restaurants in the neighborhood due to several key features and highlights that contribute to its charm and popularity. These are the elements that make it a true "neighborhood gem."

• Authentic French Bistro Experience: The restaurant offers a genuine, no-frills bistro experience. Its "casual," "cozy," and "romantic" atmosphere, combined with the classic French menu, transports diners to a small eatery in Paris. This authenticity is a major draw for patrons.
• Consistent & High-Quality Food: The kitchen is known for its "solid, satisfying French food." Dishes like the "Steak Au Poivre & Frites" are described as "always a reliable choice, rich and well-prepared." This consistency is a hallmark of Le Charlot's reputation.
• Exceptional Service: The staff is a significant highlight. Described as "warm, attentive, and always kind and welcoming," the service contributes greatly to the pleasant dining experience. This attentive service makes guests feel like they are part of the Le Charlot family.
• Great Beverage Selection: The "Great wine list" is a major feature, with a variety of excellent choices. The availability of great coffee and other drinks like cocktails and beer also adds to the overall appeal, making it a perfect place for both a meal and a drink.
• Accessibility & Convenience: With "Wheelchair accessible seating" and the option to "just walk in without a reservation," Le Charlot is highly accommodating. Its fantastic location near Central Park and the Met adds to its convenience, making it a top choice for a wide range of outings.
• Outdoor Seating & Pet-Friendly: The option of outdoor seating is a highlight, allowing guests to enjoy the Upper East Side ambiance. Additionally, the restaurant is "Dogs allowed outside," which is a fantastic feature for pet owners.

These features, combined with the overall atmosphere and high quality of the food and service, make Le Charlot a standout dining destination in New York.

For reservations or inquiries, you can reach Le Charlot at the following contact information:

Address: 19 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA

Phone: (212) 794-6419

For anyone in New York looking for a French dining experience, Le Charlot is absolutely worth choosing. Its primary appeal lies in its unwavering commitment to providing a genuine and consistent bistro experience. In a city full of high-end, often over-the-top dining options, Le Charlot offers a refreshing alternative—a place that is cozy, comfortable, and focused on the simple pleasure of good food and good company. The atmosphere is perfect for both casual gatherings and more intimate, romantic dinners, and the "unpretentious" vibe is a breath of fresh air. It’s a place that feels like a discovery, even for those who have been coming for years.

The menu is a compelling reason to visit, offering a range of classic French dishes that are consistently well-prepared. The "Steak Au Poivre & Frites" is a fan favorite, praised for being "rich and well-prepared." The salads, like the "Endive Salad" and "Lobster Salad," are simple but "well done," a testament to the kitchen's focus on quality ingredients and execution. Unlike places that strive for a "Michelin experience," Le Charlot's charm is in its reliability and the comfort it provides. As a patron noted, its consistency is what makes it feel like a true bistro in Paris.

Beyond the food, the overall value and experience are what make Le Charlot a standout. The prices are "very reasonable for the area," a significant bonus in an expensive neighborhood. The service is a highlight in itself, with a staff that is "always kind and welcoming," making the entire dining experience a pleasure. The fact that it's a place where you can often "just walk in without a reservation" is a major convenience for busy New Yorkers. In short, Le Charlot is a dependable, charming, and consistently enjoyable restaurant that truly embodies the spirit of a classic French bistro. It's a place that you'll want to return to again and again.

Le Charlot

19 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, USA