Bar Boulud

Famed French chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud is at it again. This time, he’s emphasizing the casual at Bar Boulud on the Upper West Side. Located just across the Park from his famed eatery, DANIEL, this bar dispenses with the staid white tablecloths in favour of a more casual atmosphere. Nonetheless, elegance abounds but in a more understated way.



A long communal table fills one side of the space, while cozy and intimate booths line the wall opposite. Both the tables, chairs and booths are made of white oak, a material typically used to construct wine barrels (talk about attention to detail). A swooping roof is the most unique architectural feature of Bar Boulud and gives the entire place a wine cellar-esque feel to it. Dim lighting and warm tones give the large space a feeling of Old World intimacy, all in the heart of the Upper West Side. Unfortunately, the restaurant is served by a single aisle for traffic, ensuring that backups and ped-lock will occur.