Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations & Hours

Do you take reservations?

Yes. We strongly recommend reservations, especially for Friday and Saturday dinner and weekend brunch. You can book online through OpenTable or call us directly at (646) 851-0810. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability.

What are your hours?

Lunch: Monday – Friday, 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dinner: Monday – Thursday & Sunday, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Friday & Saturday, 4:00 PM – 11:15 PM

Is there a dress code?

No formal dress code. Our vibe is upscale-casual — the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable in a blazer or a clean pair of jeans. Come as you are, but bring your appetite.

Do you serve brunch every day?

Brunch is only available every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with live jazz and bottomless cocktail options. Lunch service is available Monday through Friday.

The Food

Gumbo is a signature dish of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole culinary traditions — a rich, slow-cooked stew built on a roux base (a carefully developed mixture of fat and flour), the “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell pepper, and your choice of proteins. At Filé, every bowl is made to order at our steam kettle bar. It’s finished with filé powder — the dried and ground sassafras leaf that has been part of Louisiana cooking since the 18th century.

What’s the difference between Cajun and Creole food?

Great question — and one we love answering. Cajun cooking developed among the Acadian settlers of rural Louisiana and tends to be rustic, bold, and spice-forward, often built on pork fat and dark roux. Creole cooking evolved in New Orleans among a more cosmopolitan, urban population influenced by French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions. It’s often more refined and tomato-forward. At Filé, we honor both traditions — some dishes are distinctly Cajun, others Creole, and many exist at the intersection of the two.

Do you have vegetarian options?

Yes. Our Gumbo Z’Herbes (Green Gumbo) is a fully vegetarian bowl built on a meatless roux with Swiss chard, collard greens, black kale, parsley, and Cajun spices — finished with gremolata and served with white rice. We also offer the Collard Greens & Black-Eyed Pea Succotash, vegetarian sides, and can accommodate dietary needs with advance notice. Please inform your server of any dietary restrictions.

Do you have gluten-free options?

Some of our dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be modified. Please notify your server when you’re seated and we’ll walk you through the options. Our kitchen does handle gluten-containing ingredients, so we cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free environment.

What is Leidenheimer bread?

Leidenheimer Baking Company is a New Orleans institution that has been producing authentic French bread since 1896. Their bread — thin-crusted, airy, with a distinct chew — is what makes a real New Orleans po’boy. We’re proud to source Leidenheimer bread directly for our po’boys and crawfish bread, because authenticity matters and the bread really does make a difference. (See our blog post for the full story.)

Is the food spicy?

Cajun and Creole cuisine is flavorful and well-seasoned, but our dishes are designed to be approachable — not punishing. We use spice as a tool for depth, not just heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, let your server know and we can point you to dishes that fit your preference.

Groups & Events

Can you accommodate large groups?

Absolutely. We have dedicated group packages for parties of 9 or more, including prix-fixe dinner menus starting at $60 per person and a $75 per person weekend brunch package with bottomless cocktails. All packages are family-style and include a two-hour seated experience. Visit our Group Reservations page or email us at info@filenyc.com.

Do you host private events?

Yes. Filé Gumbo Bar is available for private dining buyouts, corporate dinners, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, and more. We work with event planners and direct clients to design customized menus and beverage packages. Contact us at info@filenyc.com to discuss availability and pricing.

Do you offer catering?

Yes — we bring the flavors of Filé to events across New York City and the surrounding area. Our catering menu features Tiny’s Gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, shrimp and grits, and more. Visit our Catering page or contact us directly (646) 851-0810 to request a quote.

Location & Getting Here

Where are you located?

Filé Gumbo Bar is located at 275 Church Street (at White Street) in Tribeca, New York City 10013. We’re close to the 1 train at Franklin Street and the A/C/E at Canal Street.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available in Tribeca depending on the time of day. Several parking garages are within a few blocks of the restaurant. We recommend using SpotHero or the ParkWhiz app to find and reserve nearby garage parking, especially on weekend evenings when street spots fill quickly.

Are you accessible?

Yes. Our dining room is wheelchair accessible. If you have any specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance at (646) 851-0810 and we’ll ensure your visit is comfortable