🥖 St. Louis Food Hunt 8/30 | Affordable French Bistro 🍷: A Cozy, Atm

I recently revisited Brasserie by Niche, a French restaurant near the 100 block🌟. I was hooked by its French charm on my first visit, and it still didn’t disappoint when I brought friends along this time! 🍴 Ambiance & Service: A Quick Trip to a French Bistro The moment I walked in, I was struck by the vibe! Warm, dim lighting paired with vintage French decor made me feel like I’d stepped into a tiny Parisian eatery—even the air felt gentle. It’s perfect for both friend gatherings and dates～The staff were incredibly thoughtful too. When they saw us puzzling over how the duck stew and beef braise were made, they proactively explained in English, detailing the ingredients and cooking steps. The experience was top-notch! 🍲 Dish Reviews: Classic French Fare—Highlights & Minor Letdowns ✅ Must-Try Picks (No Regrets!) Fresh Onion Soup 🧅 A table staple! The bowl is topped with a thick layer of cheese, grilled until golden and slightly crispy—its aroma hits you the second it’s served. Scoop a spoonful, and you’ll get rich onion soup tangled with melted cheese, savory with a hint of sweetness. Sipping it warm is so comforting. If you’re with a group, just ask the server to “split” it—they’ll serve it in small bowls, super convenient! Roasted Chicken 🍗 The smell alone was amazing when it arrived! The skin is golden and crispy (a satisfying “crunch” when you bite down), while the meat inside is juicy and tender—every strand is packed with flavor. It’s nothing like those American-style roasted chickens that are “seasoned only on the outside”; this was a nice surprise～ The mushroom cream sauce on the side is a bonus, though the bread soaked in sauce at the bottom is a bit salty—pairing it with the chicken balances that out. Bistro Steak 🥩 The steak is perfectly seasoned—tender but not tough, with rich meaty flavor, and it’s not overly salty. The biggest surprise was the side of small French fries: crispy outside, soft inside, sprinkled with salt and spices. I couldn’t stop eating them—total “dark horse” side! ⚠️ Average (Depends on Taste) Escargot 🐌 The garlic and butter aroma blends beautifully. The snails are chewy, and dipping bread in the garlic butter is delicious—great for anyone craving escargot. But compared to Pizza Hut’s escargot, the seasoning here is milder; those who love bold flavors might find it lacking. Chicken Liver Mousse The mousse is smooth, served with crispy crackers, and has a faint sweetness. Fans of chicken liver will love it, but those who aren’t fond of liver might find it ordinary—it’s a solid, not outstanding, appetizer. Goat Cheese Tart The cheese aroma is rich, and the first bite is crispy and savory—super impressive! But it gets greasy if you eat too much alone. It’s best shared with a group, paired with a drink to cut the greasiness. ❗️ Minor Regrets (But Still Worth Trying) Braised Beef 🥩 It’s full of classic French flavor! The beef is so tender it falls off the fork, coated in a rich sauce with red wine and spices. It’s perfect with carrots and mashed potatoes. However, it’s on the salty side—order a glass of red wine or dip the complimentary bread in the sauce to balance the salt. Cassoulet 🥩 My favorite confit duck leg was gone (seasonal item, sad 😭), so I got duck breast stew instead. The duck is tender and flavorful, stewed with beans for a hearty bite—but the portion of duck is a bit small. If you want to try the confit duck leg, wait for fall—I had it last autumn and it was amazing! 🍿 Overall Thoughts & Tips The French ambiance here is unbeatable. The food isn’t “blow-your-mind” amazing, but it’s classic and solid—paired with the service and atmosphere, it’s great value.🌟 Pro Tip: Always reserve on Google Maps! The restaurant is busy no matter when you go, and you’ll probably wait a long time without a reservation～ #HiddenGemRestaurant #FrenchCuisine #AtmosphericRestaurant #StudyAbroadFoodHunt #PrivateNicheRestaurant #StLouis #WashU #WUSTL