Steak Frites at Balthazar NYC: A Timeless French Classic with New York Soul
In the heart of SoHo, inside the golden glow of Balthazar NYC, there’s a dish that speaks a universal language—a dish that bridges the elegance of Parisian brasseries with the bold appetite of New Yorkers. That dish is the Steak Frites.
Simple. Iconic. Unforgettable.
A Parisian Tradition, Perfected in Manhattan
At its core, Steak Frites is a classic: a perfectly seared steak paired with a generous portion of golden, crispy French fries. But at Balthazar, it’s elevated to an experience.
The cut of meat—usually a prime sirloin or entrecôte—is selected with care, aged for optimal flavor, and seasoned with restraint to let the quality speak for itself. Grilled to your preference and finished with maître d’hôtel butter or a silky béarnaise sauce, the steak arrives at your table sizzling, aromatic, and impossibly tender.
The fries? Hand-cut, double-fried, and salted just right. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. True to the French tradition, they are not a side dish, but an equal partner.
Why It’s a Guest Favorite
Consistency and Craftsmanship
Many dishes come and go on New York menus, but Balthazar’s Steak Frites has been a constant favorite since 1997. What sets it apart is consistency—the same level of care and execution whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
It’s a dish that pairs well with everything: a bold Bordeaux, a crisp Sancerre, or simply a cold glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
An Atmosphere That Complements the Plate
At Balthazar, you don’t just eat—you dine. The Steak Frites arrives on a white-linen-covered table beneath antique mirrors and glowing chandeliers. The clink of wine glasses, the murmur of conversations in French and English, the soft jazz in the background—every detail enriches the experience.
It’s not just a meal. It’s a moment.
Perfect for Any Occasion
-
A solo lunch with a glass of red and a good book
-
A celebratory dinner with someone special
-
A business meeting over a plate that never fails to impress
-
A tourist’s first French experience in New York City
Whether you’re dressed in jeans or in evening wear fresh from the theatre, the Steak Frites welcomes you. It belongs to everyone—and yet always feels like it was made just for you.
A Legacy in Every Bite
Over the years, Balthazar’s Steak Frites has become more than a menu item. It’s a ritual. A New York tradition with a French heart. It reminds us that perfection lies in simplicity when executed with skill, passion, and love.
Pro Tip from Our Chef:
“Order it medium rare with béarnaise sauce and a glass of Saint-Émilion. You’ll thank us later.”
Final Thoughts
In a city overflowing with innovation and reinvention, Balthazar’s Steak Frites stands as a testament to the power of tradition. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t shout—it speaks softly and stays with you.
So if you find yourself in SoHo, hungry not just for food but for something authentic and soul-satisfying, take a seat at Balthazar.