Raoul’s: 50 Years as a New York City Cultural Hub
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Raoul’s, the iconic SoHo restaurant, has served as a backdrop for celebrity romances, a haven for artists, and a surprising target for organized crime over its five decades in operation. From dodging mob “protection” rackets to unknowingly hosting Mick Jagger without recognition, the restaurant’s history is as colorful and captivating as the personalities who have frequented its tables.
For 50 years, Raoul’s has been a fixture of New York City’s evolving cultural landscape. The restaurant’s enduring appeal lies not just in its classic French cuisine—steak au poivre and martinis were early staples—but in its ability to adapt and remain relevant through decades of change.
From Factories to Fame: The Early Years
In the early 1970s, Guy and Serge, a chef and businessman respectively who had recently emigrated from Alsace, France, took a gamble on a lease in SoHo. The neighborhood was a far cry from the upscale destination it is today, largely comprised of factories, warehouses, and a nascent art scene. They transformed an old Italian restaurant into a gathering place for the local crowd, staying open until 2 a.m.
However, their early success attracted unwanted attention. According to one account, the Mob regularly targeted the restaurant, breaking windows in an attempt to extort money for “protection.” “They liked us! One of their guys used to come here every night. We had no real problem until they blew in our windows. Every Friday night, they would blow in the windows. People would come in just to see that. Anyway…” the owner recalled, seemingly unfazed by the ordeal.
The Saturday Night Live Effect
A turning point arrived a few months after opening when James Signorelli, a producer for the burgeoning Saturday Night Live, discovered Raoul’s. The restaurant quickly became the go-to spot for cast and crew to unwind after the show, transforming it into a bohemian hangout for Manhattan’s creative class.
The clientele soon expanded to include actors, musicians, artists, and gallerists. The Belushi brothers were frequent visitors, as were Quentin Tarantino and Sarah Jessica Parker. Raoul’s became synonymous with a particular brand of downtown cool.
Love and Life at Raoul’s
The restaurant has also played a role in some notable personal stories. Julia Roberts famously recounted falling in love with Benjamin Bratt after meeting him at Raoul’s, describing the moment as feeling “like something hit me over the head with a bat.” While that relationship ultimately ended, another blossomed within its walls. Julianna Margulies met her husband, Keith Lieberthal, at a friend’s birthday party at Raoul’s in 2007, a relationship that continues to this day.
Raoul’s has proven remarkably resilient, navigating decades of change and maintaining its status as a beloved New York institution. Its story is a testament to the enduring power of good food, good company, and a touch of indifference in the face of adversity.
