How did it all start? We began as an intimate boîte in Manhattan’s Upper East side. The year was 1986 and we had only 35 seats. Yet each night felt like a special family reunion as we entertained regulars and royals, celebrities and chess masters, artists and editors, Euros and Americans. Everyone united in good, fanciful fun. Such was the excitement that in 2013, we moved to a larger NYC space (seating over 100 guests). And we’re still having fun.

We never thought the party would continue this long, but no one seems to want to go home. Or maybe … they’re already home. Bilbo, as we are affectionately called, has caught on far and wide. We’ve expanded to locales such as Denver and Palm Beach, Sag Harbor and Atlanta. We also have our petit Café Bilboquet in New York and neighboring Mediterranean Fleming. Each restaurant is unique in its character, design, art work and local specials. The consistent thread? The same beloved cocktails, the classic comfort dishes (including the owner’s own Cajun chicken recipe), the jovial service and inimitable Euro vibe.

We’re often been asked how we remain current. Le Bilboquet was the whimsy of a French, bon vivant–Philippe Delgrange– living out his American dream to the fullest. Delgrange always puts his heart and soul into Bilbo: Encouraging guests to table hop, converse, make bold culinary choices, let their guard down and have that extra glass of champagne! Because in the end, life should be celebrated!

So welcome to Le Bilboquet. Make it your home. And please, don’t let too much time pass before we meet again.

A bientôt!