Seemor
La Compagnie, Centre StreetB+Worth Trying
249 Centre St, New York, NY 10013
· Wine bar
· 4.6/5 Google (561 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Destination wine bar with deep by-the-glass list and chef-y snacks; excellent hospitality most nights, but noise, pricing, and occasional service lapses divide opinion.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
La Compagnie delivers solid neighborhood wine bar performance with exceptional wine guidance and warm, inviting ambiance that justify its destination status among enthusiasts. However, inconsistent execution and tight quarters that strain comfort at peak times prevent grade A territory. Strong service and food quality make it worth visiting, though premium pricing and occasional service lapses temper the experience.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with brick walls and low light, a downtown wine den where staff often guide your night. One guest noted, "We let the server choose wines and they nailed it." However, expect lively noise at peak and premium pricing that some find steep. Cooking leans elevated and ingredient-focused rather than flashy, pairing classics with thoughtful twists like French onion grilled cheese and duck with citrus. Wine service is the star, from a deep French-leaning list to a playful blind-pour challenge. This is ideal for wine-curious diners who enjoy sommelier-led experiences. For families, options exist but are limited; kids might nibble grilled cheese or lemon pasta, yet the environment skews adult, with tight seating and high volume on weekends. Those seeking a relaxed kid-forward meal should consider an earlier visit or look elsewhere.
At a Glance
- Deep by-the-glass list with friendly, non-pretentious guidance
- Cozy atmosphere and event programming keep visits fun
- Pricing feels high for some pours and portions
- Loud at peak, tight seating
- Surprise fees mentioned (kitchen/service)
What Sets It Apart
- deep_by_the_glass_program
- blind_guessing_game
- seasonal_small_plates
- strong_sommelier_guidance
What People Love
- Sommelier-led recommendations that hit the mark
- Playful blind-tasting game
- Comforting grilled cheese done with finesse
- Basque cheesecake as a sweet finish
- Relaxed early-evening walk-in access
Points of Concern
- Pricing and pour sizes feel steep to some, especially outside happy hour
- High noise levels make conversation tough on weekends
- Service inconsistencies: from exceptional to inattentive depending on night
- Review patterns show some polarized value perceptions; fees and policies frustrate certain guests
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-75 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the duck a l’orange with a mature Champagne or lighter Burgundy by the glass
- Balance rich grilled cheese with a high-acid white
- Snack progression: olives → stuffed dates → lemon spaghetti share
Perfect For
- Letting a sommelier curate your evening
- Date night with snacks and a special bottle
- Pre-show glasses and a light bite
- Wine students seeking broad French coverage
Location Insights
Area: Trendy downtown corridor drawing wine lovers, creatives, and date-night crowds; lively evenings.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; standard downtown vigilance at late hours.
Nearby: Near boutiques, galleries, and bars across SoHo, Nolita, and Chinatown; easy pre/post-show stop.
SoHoSoHo offers a dynamic dining environment with a mix of high-end restaurants, casual eateries, and trendy cafes. The social atmosphere is lively and fashionable, often bustling with visitors and locals enjoying the artsy and upscale vibe.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–00:00
Tuesday17:00–00:00
Wednesday17:00–00:00
Thursday17:00–01:00
Friday17:00–01:00
Saturday15:00–01:00
Sunday15:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →