First Look: Poulet Bleu reopens after 3-year hiatus
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The new-and-improved patio. Photo: Courtesy of Poulet Bleu
One of Lawrenceville's most beloved restaurants is finally back.
The intrigue: Fans and staff have waited patiently for popular French restaurant Poulet Bleu to reopen after a three-year closure, and it's paid off with reservations booked for the next three months.
- Axios Pittsburgh got a sneak peek inside on Monday.
⏰ Catch up quick: The restaurant has faced a series of unfortunate events causing an extended hiatus.
- A burst pipe caused by cold temperatures in late 2022 closed its doors.
- It was ready to reopen in December 2024, but a storm damaged the roof and led to more construction.
⛲️ Zoom in: Poulet Bleu revamped its patio, which will now be heated and open all year.
- It has a large water fountain, plants, and patio tables meant to transport you to Parisian streets.
- The restaurant will maintain its kitchen that diners can see, restaurant general manager Kate Hanly tells Axios, and new seating at a bar in front of the kitchen will eventually be used for tasting-menu reservations.
💭 Ryan's thought bubble: Poulet Bleu retains its extremely French feel, but it's a bit more open and brighter than before.
🍴 Dig in: Chef Graham McCollum will keep the menu Paris-inspired, but with a few new twists, said Hanly.
- The crowd-pleasing chocolate souffle returns.
- Hanly said their pâté de campagne ($18) rivals those made at French institutions in New York City.
- She said the Parisian-style gnocchi ($32) — which is made from choux pastry and is lighter than its Italian counterparts — will surprise diners.
📆 Between the lines: DeShantz Restaurant Group owns Poulet Bleu and many of the staff members worked at other DeShantz restaurants while waiting for the bistro to reopen, said Hanly.
- "A lot of our staff stayed within the company and waited to come back to work here. That speaks volumes."
🍾 What they're saying: Hanly is thrilled about the excitement for the restaurant reopening, and she said the staff is too.
- "Every day is going to feel like Saturday."
If you go: 3517 Butler St. in Lawrenceville.
- Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm-10pm.