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headband Jun 17, 2007 08:12 PM

Inexpensive French?

Any recommendations for inexpensive French (less than $20 for an entree) downtown?
I'm looking for reasonably traditional- it would be a bonus if they had escargot.
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›12 Replies . Latest Jun 19, 2007 by nokitsch
  1. n
     nokitsch Jun 19, 2007 10:10 AM

    Jean-Claude is a favorite by a mile. It used to really cheap, and it's still cheaper than most French restaurants.
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    1. b
       beck Jun 19, 2007 07:08 AM

      Ivo & Lulu in SoHo has delicious French Caribbean and it's VERY reasonable. It's BYOB and the most expensive entrée is $14. It can be a long wait, though, so go early. Their sister restaurant, "A," is on Broadway on the UWS.
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      1. b
         berna Jun 19, 2007 05:37 AM

        We had a lovely dinner at Chez Jacqueline on MacDougal. Had some wonderful mussels, brandade and steak tartare. Plus we sat by the windows with the shutters open looking out onto the street--almost felt like being back in provence.
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        1. s
           S R Jun 18, 2007 06:14 PM

          Le Tableau, 511 E 5th, betw Aves A and B. Main courses ~$18-$25. Absolutely delicious, with genuine French saveur, and Moroccan accents to boot.
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          1. b
             batterypark Jun 18, 2007 10:22 AM

            Le Jardin Bistro has some main plates which fall into your price range.
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            1. h
               hbeeman Jun 18, 2007 08:40 AM

              Tartine is good and also very cheap (BYOB too), though they don't take reservations and the wait is sometimes long. West 11th & West 4th.
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              1. c
                 ChefJune Jun 17, 2007 10:55 PM

                Gascogne, 8th at 18th
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                1. r
                   RGR Jun 17, 2007 09:22 PM

                  Not sure if this is far enough downtown for you, but La Petite Auberge, on Lex, b/t 27th & 28th Sts., serves traditional French bistro cuisine. The food is always solidly prepared, and the escargots bourguignon -- one of my favorites -- are excellent. They are also noted for their wonderful souffles served for two: chocolate or Grand Marnier. If you want one, order it at the beginning of the meal. Many of the main course items are priced within your budget. There is also a 4-course dinner prix-fixe for $27, with a $3 surcharge for the escargots.

                  Enjoy and Bon Appetit!

                  http://www.lapetiteaurbergeny.com
                  ›4 Replies
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                  1. re: RGR
                    d
                     drumwine Jun 17, 2007 10:11 PM

                    Cafe Loup...13th St. bet. 6th/7th Aves.
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                    1. re: RGR
                      t
                       theworldaway Jun 18, 2007 12:29 AM

                      Zucco, on Orchard and Houston
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                      1. re: theworldaway
                        Wilfrid Jun 18, 2007 07:13 AM

                        Zucco is good, although it can be a tight squeeze. A little further down Orchard, L'Epicerie or Flea Market on Avenue A are good for cheap French food, although I can't say the wine is great.
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                        1. re: Wilfrid
                          k
                           KTinNYC Jun 18, 2007 10:31 AM

                          Flea Market is good but I like Casimir better.
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