On December 9, just after 8:30 p.m., the doors of Raoul’s opened to a vibrant spectacle. Burlesque dancers arrived, performing to a jazzy twist on Britney Spears’s classic, …Baby One More Time. While lively entertainment on a Tuesday evening might seem unusual, this was no ordinary night—it marked the 50th anniversary of a New York institution.
Raoul’s has long been a fixture in the SoHo landscape, its ambiance a contrast to the ever-evolving neighborhood. Once a hub for artists and creatives, the restaurant has remained a beloved gathering spot despite the transformations around it. From its inception in the 1970s, frequented by notable figures like John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, to the present, Raoul’s continues to draw in New York’s coolest crowd.
A night to remember
Amidst the celebrations, Chloë Sevigny, who co-hosted the evening with Karim Raoul, the founder’s son, reminisced about her first date at the bistro. Dressed in a chic black outfit adorned with diamonds, she recalled, “We came here for the burger.” This sentiment resonated throughout the room as guests indulged in the restaurant’s famed steak au poivre, a staple on the menu since day one.
The eclectic guest list
The soirée brought together an array of personalities, from Jennifer Lawrence and her husband, Cooke Maroney, to DJ Mark Ronson. Among the attendees, Lauren Santo Domingo, who has collaborated on a special collection inspired by Raoul’s, expressed her admiration, stating, “Raoul’s is one of those rare New York institutions that feels forever cool.”
The evening unfolded with a delightful menu featuring dishes like pumpkin ravioli and organic chicken with truffle jus, yet the perennial favorite remained the steak au poivre, illustrating the enduring appeal of Raoul’s culinary offerings.
The legacy of Raoul’s
Founded in 1975 by Alsatian filmmaker Serge Raoul, the restaurant has witnessed the evolution of SoHo. With a layout that features a pressed-tin ceiling and walls adorned with art, Raoul’s has preserved its vintage charm despite the rapid changes in the city. As Karim Raoul reflects, “Raoul’s has stood the test of time, embodying the essence of old New York amidst a wave of modernization.”
The changing landscape of New York dining
Karim identifies a noticeable shift in New York’s dining scene, contrasting the free-spirited past with the financial pressures of today. “In the past, there was a sense of freedom to experiment and create,” he notes. Now, with sky-high rents and investment demands, the spirit of community that once flourished is harder to cultivate.
Despite the challenges, Raoul’s remains a beacon for both the old guard and newer generations. The bistro has adapted while retaining its core identity, a delicate balance that has allowed it to thrive for decades. Karim shares, “The connection to our roots continues through the patrons who came with their parents and now bring their children.”
An enduring ambiance
The unique atmosphere of Raoul’s is not merely a product of its decor but also of the people who bring it to life. Rob Jones, the legendary maître d’, became a symbol of the restaurant’s spirit. Although he passed in 1989, his legacy persists through the staff who embody the same welcoming energy.
Each new staff member brings their own flair, enhancing the dining experience. Karim emphasizes the importance of personal connections: “It’s not just about reservations; it’s about relationships.” This philosophy ensures that Raoul’s remains a lively space where patrons feel at home.
The future of Raoul’s
Raoul’s has long been a fixture in the SoHo landscape, its ambiance a contrast to the ever-evolving neighborhood. Once a hub for artists and creatives, the restaurant has remained a beloved gathering spot despite the transformations around it. From its inception in the 1970s, frequented by notable figures like John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, to the present, Raoul’s continues to draw in New York’s coolest crowd.0
Raoul’s has long been a fixture in the SoHo landscape, its ambiance a contrast to the ever-evolving neighborhood. Once a hub for artists and creatives, the restaurant has remained a beloved gathering spot despite the transformations around it. From its inception in the 1970s, frequented by notable figures like John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, to the present, Raoul’s continues to draw in New York’s coolest crowd.1