Seemor
Dirty French New YorkA-Worth Trying
180 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
· French restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (904 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively, stylish French spot with creative twists, strong raw bar and steak frites, very good brunch, uneven service at times, and high prices that fit a hotel-restaurant vibe.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Dirty French delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—tuna tartare, steak frites, and little gem salad earn consistent praise—and a beautiful hotel setting with garden seating and warm ambiance. However, quality variation (overcooked steaks, thin burgers) and occasional service delays prevent grade A territory. Strong brunch destination with polished execution, though dinner pricing and incomplete plates require strategic ordering.
Restaurant Summary
Step inside a LES hotel dining room that feels chic and warm: dim accent lighting, a garden nook, and a buzz that reads celebratory more than stiff. Servers are often gracious and on it, with some calling out favorite servers by name. Expect polished plating and a soundtrack that keeps the space lively but conversational. The cooking skews French with playful global twists: tuna tartare on crepe Indochine, bourguignon oysters, and a peppercorn-sauced bavette. Bread and butter win raves, as do the little gem salad and brunch pancakes. Not everything lands—occasional overcooked steaks or thin, salty burgers show up in complaints—but when it hits, it is stylish, bold, and satisfying. For families, brunch is the safer bet: pancakes, eggs, fries, and a burger make it kid-friendly enough without dumbing things down. Dinner leans pricier and more adventurous, with some mains arriving without sides, so plan on ordering vegetables or potatoes for a complete plate.
At a Glance
- Stylish hotel setting with a lively, chic vibe
- Standouts include tuna tartare, little gem salad, and steak frites
- Service pacing can be slow or rushed depending on the night
- Some mains do not include sides; costs add up quickly
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- hotel_lounge_plus_dining
- creative_french_with_global_accents
- garden_seating_ambiance
What People Love
- Warm bread and spreads that start the meal right
- Fresh, silky tuna tartare
- Beautiful dining rooms and garden seating
- Attentive servers who guide choices
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($25+ brunch mains, $50+ steak) and sides may be extra
- Service inconsistencies: reports of long waits or rushed ordering on busy nights
- A few quality misses (overcooked steak, rubbery calamari, thin salty burger)
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff shout-outs and hype language), though overall credibility is solid
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$62-88 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Tuna Tartare ($21) with Green Salad ($12) for a lighter start.
- Steak Frites ($51) for a satisfying main; add Haricots Verts ($12) to round the plate.
- For brunch, Omelette Maison ($18) or Eggs Benedict ($21) are reliable picks with Pommes Matin ($7).
Perfect For
- Celebratory brunch with friends
- Date night with cocktails
- Out-of-town guests staying nearby
- Pre-show drinks and small plates
Location Insights
Area: Trendy Lower East Side corridor mixing boutique hotels, bars, and dining; draws locals and destination diners.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked nightlife zone; typical city caution late nights but generally safe.
Nearby: Inside/adjacent to The Ludlow Hotel; near Katz’s, galleries, and nightlife on Houston/Ludlow.
Lower East SideThe Lower East Side offers a dynamic dining scene with a mix of traditional delis, innovative eateries, and hip bars. It is known for its energetic nightlife and cultural diversity, attracting a crowd that enjoys eclectic food experiences and a lively social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–22:00
Tuesday07:00–22:00
Wednesday07:00–22:00
Thursday07:00–22:00
Friday07:00–23:00
Saturday07:00–23:00
Sunday07:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →