Le Figaro Restaurant

The appeal of Le Figaro Café was warm and layered. The culture championed a combination of eccentric thought and rigorous relaxation. The crowd spanned from international celebrities to ‘round the block Greenwich regulars. It was for everyone, at any time. As that reputation evolved, the café’s identity self-manifested into a mecca for artist and deep thinkers. The hours spent writing, gossiping, playing chess, or watching the snow fall over a drink and cigarette, all immortalized the story of the iconic hot spot. The name Le Café Figaro was born through the layers of the French newspaper Le Figaro covering the interior walls. Named after the main character in the opera-comedy The Marriage of Figaro, the publication was founded on satire and poked fun at privilege. The motto of the publication proudly states, “Sans la liberté de blâmer, il n’est point d’éloge flatteur” or “Without the freedom to criticize, there is no true praise” – ironically fitting for the beatnik crowd the Café attracted. It is in this spirit that the culture of Café Figaro bloomed into the living legend and the heartbeat of Greenwich Village.