Bar Les Freres: 'Chic, 'Marvelous,' 'Cool Without Trying Too Hard'

There haven't been too many unkind words about Bar Les Freres, Zoe Robinson's latest venture, since it opened in November. In fact, most St. Louis-area food reviewers have praised the Clayton eatery's champagne drinks, friendly staff and its ability to transport diners to an elegant French bistro--in spirit, at least.

Here's a roundup of recent restaurant reviews, in case you're hoping to make a stop soon.

About the food:

• “French bistro fare doesn’t get more French bistro-y than cassoulet. The rustic, slow-cooked meat-bean stew is a dish I cannot resist, which is why I broke my no-specials policy as soon as our server mentioned it.” –Evan S. Benn, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
• “The menu is brief, the wine-and-cocktail list is short but marvelous…” –Ann Lemons Pollack, St. Louis Magazine
• “If you’re going to begin the evening at Bar Les Frères, do it with bubbles.” –Ligaya Figueras, Sauce Magazine

About the atmosphere:

• "For a moment — rather, for the entire time I’m here — I forget that I’m in Clayton; Les Frères feels like a chic bistro in a Parisarrondissement.” –Evan S. Benn, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
• “You cannot outdo [owner Zoe Robinson] Pidgeon, but you can join her. And you should, especially when you yearn for a touch of elegance – be it in the glass, on the plate or within the portrait gallery-esque space that characterizes Pidgeon’s petite bar and restaurant. –Ligaya Figueras, Sauce Magazine
• “When you walk through the door the usualness of your day drops away as your coat is gently lifted from your shoulders and you find your perfect seat among the tables and settees.” –Amy Burdge, Feast Magazine 

The bottom line:

• “Bar Les Frères hasn’t set out to reinvent the wheel. There is no fusion, no foam, no fancy plating that requires tweezers and microherbs. I respect that. Les Frères is romantic. It’s cool without trying too hard.” –Evan S. Benn, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
• “Expect attentive service, folks having fun at the bar, and a good amount of noise. For a romantic dinner, though, you’ll have plenty of privacy, without anyone overhearing you pitching woo.” –Ann Lemons Pollack, St. Louis Magazine
• “Lady friends, Bar Les Frères is the best reason of late to don the black dress and grab a drink. Guys, your attire doesn’t matter. Jeans? Fine. Just hold open the door. And please, let her order first.” –Ligaya Figueras, Sauce Magazine

ALIVE Magazine also profiled Bar Les Freres in January.

Read the latest on other Clayton restaurants:

• New Raw Vegan Café to Open in Clayton
• Update: Two Weeks Left to Contribute Kickstarter Funds for Katie Lee's New Restaurant
• Clayton’s Araka Being Replaced With Steakhouse