When you have a sibling restaurant (Libertine) that was one of the best openings of 2023, you have a lot to live up to. Enter in Chateau Royale, the latest inspired French supper club to arrive on the scene that’s reminiscent of the Brat Pack days.

Overview

It’s clear that the New York City supper club of the days Frank Sinatra roamed the city is back. You know, the kind of places that you dress for dinner, where a jacket is not at all out of place and waiters kick it old school in formal wear. Enter in Chateau Royale, the latest venture from the team behind Libertine in the West Village. While Libertine channels charming Parisian neighborhood bistro, Chateau Royale is its fancier sibling. When Libertine landed in 2023, it was on our favorites list, so expectations for Chateau Royale were high and hopeful. Because after all, we love a success story and the team behind Libertine defines heart.

Atmosphere

Located in a duplexed old carriage house in the Village, Chateau Royale channels old school glamour from the moment you walk in. It’s dimly lit, intimate and designed with old school velvet banquettes. There are two options for dining; the Bar Room on the first floor and the Dining Room on the second. The Bar Room is on the first floor and is the more casual, late night option. In my opinion though, it’s just as elevated in decor as the Dining Room upstairs with its white table cloths and slightly dimmer lighting. I especially liked the Bar Room for a spot to drop in impromptu late night with a date to snag a spot at the bar. It’s a good place to have in your back pocket to continue a good night out.

The Dining Room continues to channel elegant vibes in a space that isn’t too fussed. Where more traditional supper clubs would have the walls filled with photos of previous famous patrons, Chateau Royale is more minimalist. It’s not a large room either, with 50 seats done into various table configurations. The result is an intimate, grown-up yet lively enough place where you can have a conversation with your dinner companions without any pretentious airs. The crowd matches the vibe – more local New Yorkers than tourists who are looking for an elevated night out.

Food + Beverage

Food selection is so French it hurts, but in a good way. Any place that serves lobster Thermidor and a begger’s purse has my attention, both of which I naturally ordered. I’ll shortcut the food review to say that I wanted the dishes to be better than they were. I love to spend money but the caviar in the begger’s purse was light, and I probably wouldn’t order it again. The Thermidor was beautiful in presentation, but was just lacking in that extra special something that Libertine has in their execution and creativity. The Hokkaido scallop in its herby Grenobloise was flavorful, but also not something I’ll remember a year from now. My friend liked her steak au poivre and the frites were worth the calories. But once again a lot of spots in New York serve up a good French steak. Of course I would come back in a heartbeat with friends at their suggestion, as I really did like the full experience. There was just that something extra missing for me in the predictable execution of the food.

The wine list is French and like Libertine, focused on natural wines but thankfully also has the French classics. Since I’m not a fan of natural wines in general, this was a major bonus and plus for Chateau Royale. The super power of Chateau Royale is their cocktail menu, and specifically their martinis. Bow-tied waiters roll out the beverage carts and with great ado shake up your martinis table side. Even if you don’t drink martinis, you should drink them here.

Service

I don’t know about you, but when a waiter is in bow-tie, I tend to take him more seriously. When he wheels out a cart and can make a darned good martini, it’s a 10/10 for me. Service is elevated but not pretentious and clearly the team believes in what they’re shipping. Servers know the menu well and execute your experience flawlessly. Like at Libertine, the team in general is coordinated and it shows through in the full experience. It’s nice though when a place doesn’t take itself so seriously and treats you effortlessly well.

Overall 7.9/10

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FAQs

Q: Where is Chateau Royale located?

A: Chateau Royale is located at 205 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012 nestled between Bleecker and West 3rd Streets in Greenwich Village.

Q: Do you need reservations for Chateau Royale in New York City?

A: Reservations are highly recommended at Chateau Royale in New York City as the restaurant is quite popular. Reservations are available on Resy as Chateau Royale in New York City does not have  a published telephone number.

Q: What are the hours of operation of Chateau Royale?

A: The hours of operation of Chateau Royale are as follows: