Rue Saint Jacques

Yeah, yeah, yeah...I heard you. You just tried to say your favorite upscale frenchy fix can only be satisfied at the one, the only: Fleur de Lys. But really, it's a recession we're in, I say...and you've never tried the amazing food at Rue St. Jaques. My first dish there was venison--and not just any venison--it was so fresh and so good I had to ask where it came from. ""Let me check weef zee chef--I sink it eez road kill!"" Said the waiter. But alas, it was not. Flown in via Fed-ex that morning from New Zealand. The menus boast mostly local and all organic ingredients. At a $35 pre-fixe for a 3 course meal that rivals the great Huber Keller, I had to wonder...how do they do it? Did Superman fly in that venison himself? Lobster risotto, rabbit (affectionately referred to as the ""bunny"" when served), the most succulent and decadent duck you've ever tasted...all lovingly prepared by a guy who obviously loves food as much as food loves him. Romantic to a fault, they play tango music while you eat, which might make your tongue want to do naughty things to that chocolate mousse, or at least, your date. Still too cheap to spring for a $35 3 course meal? Go early, and get the ""theater crowd"" early bird special for $25...for the same 3 courses. They also do impressive upscaled holiday menus, for a pittance more. Pros: Organic, seasonal, and locally grown ingredients Cons: The 3 course pre-fixe isn't a 5 course more

A bit expensive... but the food was outstanding and the service was excellent. more

A bit expensive... but the food was outstanding and the service was excellent. more

Had my birthday party at RSJ last Thursday, we rented out the whole restaurant. Chef Lanvert took personal care of us to organize everything. Special menu customised, he patiently took extremely good care of us. The menu was so well prepared with hors d'oeuvres to start, Maine lobster risotto, Rack of lamb, Foie gras......just amazing dishes one after the other, and Kudo to the staff Pros: great for groups more

Me.. a fan of French dishes came to this place with my Husband last month when we went to visit our friend from CA, I absolutely love it. The Cassoulet, Bouillabaisse, Choucroute comme a la maison was delicious! I would definitely come back again! Pros: Love it lol more

food was great, very affordable. the place was small.we were immediately seated but it was quite a long wait for the food to be served. tables are near with each other. not a romantic place to dine. ambiance average. i recommend that you make reservation since the place has limited seating. more

We happened on this place last night at 6:25 p.m. The pre-theatre menu price of $22.95 expires at 6:30 so we high-tailed it in and ordered. SO had composed salad, steak frites and creme brulee (glass of wine included). I had cream of asparagus soup, halibut and chocolate mousse (wine included). Everything done to perfection. The halibut was not the normal dense steak but a tender filet, if there is such a thing. Beware! Everything is tasty but rich! The only extra we ordered was coffee and a generous tip totaled $70!!!! Food delish, service quite charming (matches the ambience) people from the neighb and beyond. We most definitely will be back as we've found our latest favorite SF place! Pros: Quiet when there but may get crowded later. See above! Cons: what cons? more

I was so authentic. The servers were French. The pre-fix menu is great. Anything on the menu for $35. Appetizer, entree, and dessert included. There are a few items that are an extra charge. I had Escargot. WONDERFUL, then rabbit special (ok but large portion compared to some others), the poached pear. Even though some of the entrees looked small you will get filled up if you order all 3. The wine menu does not have very many by the glass thou.\r \r My aunt wasn't feeling too good and didn't fininsh her entree, but are salad and dessert. So they offered her hot tea and only charged her for salad and dessert. We also needed a cab and the called us one, then walk us out and opened the door when it came.\r \r While we were waiting, I was folding the napkins in designs. I waiter came up and showed me a new one.\r \r I would absolutely recommend this restaurant. Pros: Pre-fix menu good value, very authentic Cons: limited wine by the glass more

This place simply rocks... How can a place right on the Powell Street Cable car line be so delicious and consistent? I've been here three times and never once disappointed. The $35 prix fix is the only way to go... in my mind as you will want to try everything. Go hungry and be wonderfully satisfied. The decor and service are fine... never a problem. But the food, oh... Do not go if you are on a diet.... Pros: Great value for delicious food Cons: reservations required more

I'm a French expat and i have been to RSJ several times and I love it each time as it reminds me very much of home well prepared dishes such as Cassoulet, Bouillabaisse, Choucroute comme a la maison more

I live in the neibourhood I go 3 times a month avg\r they have a $35.00 3 course prix fixe \r any item frommenu one apet one entree one dess\r it is the best deal in town I have never been disapointed\r I particularly like the cassoulet it was awarded the the best cassoulet in the US \r they change items on the menu often so they keep you coming back more

As a neighbor, I've always felt personally invested in the success of this restaurant. The food was very good, the atmosphere happy and fun...until about 9 months ago. Nevertheless, because of the convenenience, I decided to give it another try. Unfortunately, my friend and I were both disappointed with our entrees (the veal and lamb dishes), both tasted like they were ""recently frozen"" (frozen, thawed, frozen, thawed and reheated). The desserts, a historical weak point for the restaurant, was surprisingly better. The service also, was the speediest and most attentive I've experienced since they opened - mostly likely because they have finally doubled their wait staff. Too bad the ""facade of happiness"" is gone and the food quality has gone down hill. They offer a $35 3-course prix fix menu, but make sure you double check your bill before paying! Pros: convenient if you live in the neighborhoood, good desserts. finally Cons: no parking more

The terrific food is only outdone by the quaint ambience at this small local French bistro. Excellent service, delightful food, and a wonderful time. Very romantic, highly recommend! Pros: Great food, Great Price! more

I go to RSJ 3 times a month on average, I've always enjoyed the food. It is authentic and somehow down to earth. No fuss but sophisticated. I love the rabbit, the Cassoulet, the Salmon. And when I feel like steak I used to get the Filet Mignon, but they dont have it on the menu But I also enjoy the NY steak au Poivre. And the value is great. They have a $35.00 prix fixe. You can have any appetizer, any entree and a choice of a dessert at that price. more

After one pleasant visit last December, we were incredibly disappointed with our recent visit. The restaurant appeared understaffed, and the food, while promising on the menu, failed in execution. After promptly taking a wine order, we waited 30 minutes to order food, another 30 for appetizers, and 45 minutes for entrees. An hour after ordering, we were informed that there was ""a problem"" with the tuna, which had been presented as a special that evening. The mussels were delivered at room temperature, and one of 5 entrees lagged the others by 15 minutes. We were offered no apologies for the inattentive service, no refills on water, and no butter for bread. We certainly are sympathetic to the challenges associated with an understaffed front room, but at least an apology would have gone a long way. There are many, many better meals at a comparable price point in the city. Pros: Quaint setting Cons: Terrible service more

If you are looking for a casual and affordable setting to host 60 people for dinner, this is the place. Chef/owner Eric Lanvert was the perfect host, helping me organize this event from across the country in Philadelphia. Our guests loved the neighborhood feeling because it was unlike the typical business/banquet dinner location. The food and wine were delicious, and the price per person was unbeatable. The only issue I encountered was that the courses were brought out as they were ready, but no one seemed to mind since they were all engaged in deep conversation. The staff was great and extremely accommodating. Thank you Eric and Antoine for a successful evening. more

Rue Saint Jacques has the best Escargots I ever had, they are not the usual escargots in garlic sauce they are realy yummy in a tomatoe sauce with bacon, catalan sausage... try also the confit of rabbit in an olive sauce it is perfection rabbit more

this place is realy charming with rustic walls and settled art work . It is conveniently located right in my neibourhood and I go to Rue Saint Jacques at least twice a month. The food is very good and Never boring. The chef uses very good ingredients, so fresh I can see him from my window when he comes back from the market. I Love this unpretentious and inexpensive retaurant. more

I'm a regular at RSJ, I've been there since their beginning and I've always enjoyed it. The staff is great and professional. The ambiance is warm and charming and the food is first rate and beautifully presented yet without any extravagance or complexity. more

We had dinner at Rue Saint Jacques on Friday night. They were very busy but they still remembered to put a candle on my husband's cake for his birthday. The lamb was delicious as was the cassoulet. They have a beautiful cheese tray that we enjoyed very much.\r and the desserts are exquisite. Try the floating island with caramel. It is simply delicious.\r And let the server pick a nice wine that goes well with the food. more