Charming French Speakeasy and Bistro
Description
Loulou: Charming Chelsea Bistro with Speakeasy, Dining Room & Cabana for Events
Discover Loulou Petit Bistro & Speakeasy, a captivating multi-experience venue nestled in the heart of NYC's vibrant Chelsea neighborhood. Seamlessly blending classic French elegance with energetic New York flair, Loulou offers several distinct and charming spaces perfect for hosting your next private event, from intimate gatherings to lively celebrations.
Explore Loulou's Unique Event Spaces:
Loulou provides diverse settings across its different levels, each with its own special ambiance:
The Main Dining Room: Experience the warm atmosphere of a traditional Parisian bistro combined with rustic, modern, and industrial touches reminiscent of a chic NYC loft. Featuring exposed beams, cascading greenery, and warm woods, it's ideal for group brunches, lunches, or dinners enjoying expertly crafted French cuisine and cocktails.
The Speakeasy (Lower Level): Step through an unassuming vintage vending machine door into an enchanting, hidden lounge. Adorned with a captivating jungle-inspired mural, a gleaming gold bar, and sumptuous velvet fabrics, this space offers sophistication and charm. It's perfect for intimate private dinners (up to 36 guests seated) or lively cocktail receptions (up to 80 guests standing), complete with an extensive, tantalizing cocktail menu.
The Cabanas (Outdoor): The Loulou Cabanas are not your run-of-the-mill outdoor dining structures! Each one is partially enclosed, with functional windows, pitched ceilings, hardwood floors, chandeliers and beautiful florals, as well as heating and cooling capabilities.
With a capacity of up to 22 for seated dining and 30 for receptions, these quaint spaces are ideal for intimate celebrations of all types.
*Please note the Cabanas are available April 15th - November 15th, but not during the Winter months
Exquisite French Cuisine & Impeccable Service:
Indulge in a symphony of flavors inspired by the finest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Loulou's menu showcases classic French delicacies alongside innovative creations. Impeccable, attentive service is a hallmark, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and cared for throughout your event.
Host Your Chelsea Event:
Loulou specializes in crafting customized experiences tailored to your unique style, making it ideal for:
Corporate Soirées & Client Dinners
Intimate Family Gatherings & Celebrations
Birthday Parties & Engagement Events
Bridal & Baby Showers
Cocktail Receptions & Social Mixers
Choose Loulou for its prime Chelsea location, unique combination of distinct and beautifully designed spaces (bistro, hidden speakeasy, elegant cabanas), delicious French-inspired cuisine, exceptional cocktails, and commitment to high service standards, ensuring a truly unforgettable event.
Getting to Loulou:
Location: 176 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
Cross Streets: Located on 8th Avenue between West 19th Street and West 20th Street.
Nearest Subway Stations:
14th St Station (Lines: A, C, E, L at 8th Ave) - Very short walk.
18th St Station (Line: 1 at 7th Ave) - Very short walk.
Bus Routes: Accessible via the M20 bus route running along 8th Avenue / 7th Avenue, and the M14A/D crosstown route on nearby 14th Street.
Nearest Famous Landmark: Situated in the heart of Chelsea, known for its art galleries and brownstones. Close to the Joyce Theater and walkable to Chelsea Market and The High Line.
Capacity: 30 people
Our Cabanas take outdoor dining to the next level! Partially enclosed with functional windows, they feature stunning pitched ceilings, hardwood floors, elegant chandeliers, and beautiful floral accents. With heating and cooling, they’re perfect for any season and any occasion. *Please note the Cabanas are only available for booking April 15-November 15, but not during the Winter Months
Capacity: 80 people
Behind a door disguised as a vintage vending machine, you’ll find a lounge with a mix of 19th-century charm and fairy tale whimsy. With a jungle-themed mural, gold bar, and velvet accents, it’s a setting your guests won’t forget. Ideal for private dinners of up to 36 or receptions for up to 80.
Capacity: 150 people
The Main Dining Room has a cozy and welcoming vibe, with exposed beams, wood accents, greenery, and iron finishes that give it a modern, rustic feel. It seats up to 76 people, plus 20 at the bar, and offers extra indoor-outdoor seating in the summer. With room for 150 standing guests, it’s a great spot for anything from small gatherings to large events.
Capacity: 250 people
Loulou offers a rare balance of a space both suited for mingling and seated events. The Main Dining Room is ideal for seated celebrations, with room for up to 76 guests plus 20 additional barstools. It's warm, loft‑inspired design creates a comfortable setting for brunches, dinners, and corporate gatherings. For events centered around movement and conversation, the space transitions seamlessly into a mingling‑friendly environment with a standing capacity of up to 150. Guests naturally flow between the bar, dining areas, and bistro seating. The lower‑level speakeasy adds another dimension: an intimate, atmospheric lounge perfect for private dinners of up to 36 or lively cocktail‑style receptions for up to 80. With its vintage‑meets‑fairy‑tale aesthetic, gold bar, and nightly music, it’s especially well‑suited for social, high‑energy gatherings. For large groups or events that need multiple zones for dining, dancing, and mingling, all spaces can be combined for a full‑venue buyout accommodating 250+ guests. In short: Loulou excels at creating a magnetically charming and vibrant atmosphere that can be tailored to whichever style best fits your celebration.
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Booking Policy
For parties of 6+, we do require a credit card to be placed on file, in accordance with our cancellation policy: if these parties cancel under 12 hours of the reservation, a fee of $15 per person is incurred otherwise there is no charge.
Location
176 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Reviews
4 total reviews
Amazing birthday brunch experience...
by Lauren Burrell
Amazing birthday brunch experience! Brought my mom here during our weekend in NYC for her bday. Everyone acknowledged her birthday and made us feel welcomed as soon as we walked in. Iggy was our server and he was the best! Attentive and fun! He told us about the menu, made recommendations and got us started with some yummy mimosas. His service was great and the restaurant overall provided amazing service. The food was a 10/10. Steak and eggs and croissant French toast are a must! Will definitely be back and will request Iggy every time.
Amazing Service, Incredible Atmosphere After a rough...
by Yuiko Zhang
Amazing Service, Incredible Atmosphere After a rough experience at pizza parlor yesterday, I needed to treat myself to a place where great service could lift my spirits—and this spot delivered. From the moment I walked in, the service was impeccable, making my entire brunch experience delightful. While the food was just okay, the ambiance more than made up for it. It’s the perfect place for a date or a cozy chat with friends. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a relaxing, feel-good outing!
We stumbled upon Loulou when looking...
by Anna M
We stumbled upon Loulou when looking for a pre-theater dinner. Conveniently located right across the street from The Joyce Theater, we decided to check it out and have not been disappointed! Went for a light dinner - mussels, lamb chops and a drink. The meat was cooked to perfection - medium rare was just that. Melt in your mouth chops tasted as good as they looked. Mussels were meaty, in a spicy broth, they'll be perfect on a cold winter evening next time we visit. I ordered Black Magic as my drink and it did not disappoint. Perfectly balanced, boozy just enough to enjoy a couple of those. And presentation was on point. I have been recommending LOULOU to all my friend now. Not sure why I have not visited this gem before. Cozy setting. Friendly staff. Delicious food. What else can one ask for?
Love this place, it feels like...
by Jazmin Cadiz
Love this place, it feels like a tavern, I love all of the wood and greenery. The cocktails here are DIVINE ! I opted for a glass of wine since it was just me dining. I had the baked Camembert with rosemary and honey. I had to ask for more bread but it's okay haha they brought it out quickly and without judgment. I want to come back and try the burger !! It went past me to a table and smelled heavenly.
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