You’re walking through the Financial District, the sun is hitting the terracotta of the Beekman Hotel just right, and you think, "I really need a table at Augustine." You pull out your phone, ready to hunt for Augustine New York reservations, and then... nothing. The website is a ghost. The OpenTable link is broken.
Here is the cold, hard truth: Augustine is gone.
It didn’t just close last week. It’s been shuttered since the summer of 2020. I know, it’s a bummer. Keith McNally’s crown jewel in the Beekman was one of the most beautiful rooms in the city, but it fell victim to the same pandemic-era rent disputes that claimed so many legends. If you’re looking for a reservation there today, you’re basically chasing a ghost.
Why You Can't Book Augustine New York Reservations Anymore
Honestly, the story is pretty typical for New York real estate, but that doesn't make it any less of a tragedy for the dining scene. McNally—the guy behind Balthazar and Minetta Tavern—couldn’t reach a deal with the landlord at 5 Beekman Street.
When the city went into lockdown in March 2020, the high-ceilinged French brasserie went dark. Most of us thought it would be a temporary thing. We were wrong. By July, McNally confirmed on Instagram that the doors were staying locked for good.
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It’s weird because the space is still there, looking all regal and French. But the "Augustine" we knew—the salt-baked oysters, the cheese soufflé, and that specific "McNally glow" from the vintage mirrors—is a memory.
Don't Get Confused by the "Other" Augustine
If you search for Augustine New York reservations right now, Google might try to be "helpful" and show you a place called Augustine’s Salumeria.
Don’t get it twisted.
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That’s a fantastic Italian spot, but it’s in Mamaroneck (Westchester), not Lower Manhattan. If you show up at the Beekman Hotel expecting a salumi board from Mamaroneck, the doorman is going to give you a very confused look.
So, What’s in the Space Now?
If you were specifically looking for a reservation because you wanted that "Beekman vibe," you aren't totally out of luck. The hotel didn't just leave the space empty to rot.
- Le Gratin: This is the big one. Legendary chef Daniel Boulud stepped into the old Augustine footprint. It’s a Bouchon Lyonnais, so it’s still very French, but with a focus on the soulful cuisine of Lyon. If you want those hand-painted tiles and that specific atmosphere, this is where you book.
- Temple Court: This is Tom Colicchio’s spot, located just a few steps away under the massive nine-story atrium. It’s more "Old New York" than "Parisian Brasserie," but the drama of the architecture is the same.
- The Bar Room: Perfect for when you can't get a formal table but still want to feel like a 19th-century oil tycoon.
How to Actually Get a Table at the Beekman
Since you can't get Augustine New York reservations, you have to pivot. If you want the "Augustine experience" (high-end French food in a stunning room), Le Gratin is your best bet.
Here is the move:
Go to Resy. That’s the platform the Beekman restaurants primarily use now. Don't bother with OpenTable for this specific building; you won't find what you're looking for.
Tables at Le Gratin generally open up about 30 days in advance. If you're trying to snag a weekend spot, you need to be on the app by 10:00 AM. It’s not quite as impossible as getting into 4 Charles Prime Rib, but it’s definitely a "plan ahead" situation.
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Is it the same?
Sorta. The room still feels like a million bucks. The lighting is still moody and expensive-looking. However, Boulud’s menu is different from McNally’s. While Augustine was all about the "greatest hits" of a French brasserie, Le Gratin is a deeper dive into Lyonnais specialties—think Quenelle de Brochet (airy pike mousse) and lots of gratins (obviously).
Actionable Steps for Your Night Out
If you’ve read this far, you’ve realized your Augustine dreams need an update. Here is exactly what to do:
- Stop searching for Augustine: You’ll only find outdated Yelp pages and heartbreak.
- Book Le Gratin on Resy: If you want the exact same physical room and decor that Augustine had, this is the current occupant.
- Check Temple Court for Atrium Views: If your goal was "the pretty hotel with the hole in the ceiling," Colicchio’s place is the one with the direct view of the atrium.
- Head to Balthazar or Minetta Tavern: If you specifically wanted the "Keith McNally experience," his other spots are still very much alive and kicking in SoHo and Greenwich Village.
The Financial District has changed a lot since 2016, and while we’ll always miss the steak frites at Augustine, the corner of Nassau and Beekman is still one of the best places in the city to grab a cocktail and pretend the 21st century hasn't happened yet.