Boucherie Union Square is a French brasserie and steakhouse at 225 Park Avenue South, on the Gramercy and Union Square edge of Manhattan’s Flatiron District, built around dry-aged prime steaks, classic bistro dishes, and a bar known for its absinthe selection. Part of the Boucherie group, which also runs La Grande Boucherie, West Village, Upper West Side, and Petite Boucherie locations, the restaurant is conceived as a blend of an indulgent steakhouse and a refined Parisian brasserie, drawing on the spirit of La Belle Époque. Diners come for steak frites, French onion soup, and a long list of French wines in a dining room that feels transported from Paris.
What to Expect at Boucherie Union Square
The menu follows the brasserie tradition: French classics and timeless bistro favorites alongside a selection of prime meats and dry-aged steaks. The kitchen’s stated philosophy is to source and prepare food by the most natural methods possible, which shows in the restraint of the plating. Steaks arrive with the sauces a Paris brasserie would offer, such as béarnaise and peppercorn, and the supporting cast of appetizers, raw bar items, and rich desserts keeps the meal firmly in the French canon.
The bar is as much a draw as the dining room. Boucherie is one of the few Manhattan restaurants where absinthe is treated as a featured pour, served in the traditional French manner. Weekend brunch starts at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday, making the restaurant a popular choice for a long French-style morning meal beside Union Square Park.
- Dry-aged steaks: Prime cuts aged in house and served in the steak frites tradition, the restaurant’s calling card.
- Absinthe program: A bar list built around absinthe and French aperitifs, unusual for a New York steakhouse.
- French bistro classics: Onion soup gratinée, escargots, and other staples of the Parisian brasserie repertoire.
- La Belle Époque design: A dining room styled after turn-of-the-century Paris brasseries, suited to date nights and celebrations.
- Weekend brunch: Saturday and Sunday service from 10 AM, with the park a short walk away for a post-meal stroll.
Boucherie Union Square at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 225 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Union Square / Flatiron District, Manhattan |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday 11 AM to 12 AM; Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 12 AM |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission. Price tier $$$ (dry-aged steaks and brasserie mains) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Union Square-14th Street station (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W); street and garage parking nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | boucherieus.com, +1 212-353-0200 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings; tables can be booked through the restaurant’s reservation page or via the official website. Weekday lunch and early-evening seatings are the easiest to secure and offer a quieter room. The Union Square-14th Street subway station is a short walk away and serves the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W lines, so no car is needed; parking in this part of Manhattan is limited to metered street spots and commercial garages.
For accessibility, guests with mobility needs should call ahead at +1 212-353-0200 to confirm entrance and seating arrangements. The restaurant sits steps from Union Square Park and its Greenmarket (open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday), Strand Bookstore on Broadway at 12th Street, and the shops and cafes of Park Avenue South, all within a 5 to 10 minute walk. Gramercy Park and Madison Square Park are roughly 10 to 15 minutes away on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit Boucherie Union Square?
The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11 AM to midnight and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to midnight. Weekday lunch and early dinner are the calmest times, while weekend brunch and Friday or Saturday dinner are the busiest.
How much does a meal cost and do I need a reservation?
Boucherie Union Square sits in the $$$ price tier, with dry-aged steaks and French mains priced accordingly. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch, and can be made through the official website or the restaurant’s online booking page.
How long should I plan to spend at Boucherie Union Square?
Plan on 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a full dinner, including a cocktail or absinthe at the bar. A lighter lunch can be completed in about an hour.
Is Boucherie Union Square suitable for special occasions and groups?
Yes. The Belle Époque brasserie setting and steakhouse menu make it a strong fit for date nights, birthdays, and business dinners. Contact the restaurant directly at +1 212-353-0200 for group bookings, private events, or accessibility questions.
When planning your New York travel guide or browsing verified steak house in New York, pair this stop with standout local spots including Lotte New York Palace, LongHorn Steakhouse, New-York Historical Society, and Gramercy Tavern (0.1 km away).
