There's a secret restaurant inside Bloomingdale's in midtown Manhattan that looks like a 19th-centur
Posted by
Sherie Connelly
on
Sunday, June 16, 2024
2015-06-16T16:41:00Z
Tucked away on the sixth floor of Bloomingdale's in midtown Manhattan is Le Train Bleu, a quaint restaurant remodeled after the 19th-century luxury French night express train, the Calais-Mediterranée Express.
Since opening in 1979, Le Train Bleu has had its array of regular customers, but for many, it has managed to stay a hidden gem in the city for over 30 years.
The Calais-Mediterranée Express was nicknamed Le Train Bleu because of its dark blue sleeping cars. Business Insider/Talia Avakian
Marvin S. Traub, president of Bloomingdale's at the time, created Le Train Bleu in 1979 at the flagship store on 3rd Avenue and 59th Street in New York City.
Business Insider/Talia Avakian
Take the escalators up to the sixth floor and walk to the end of the housewares department, where you'll see the restaurant's sign hidden in the back.
Business Insider/Talia Avakian
Head up the staircase to reach Le Train Bleu's entrance.
Business Insider/Talia Avakian
Once you walk up the steps, you'll see a narrow hallway lined with vintage train ads from the period.
Business Insider/Talia Avakian
Inside the restaurant, you'll be transported into a cozy, dimly-lit atmosphere adorned with Victorian lamps and brass luggage racks.
Business Insider/Talia Avakian
The restaurant is wider than a train car, but the French music and velvet interiors take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For Jack Hruska, Bloomingdale's Executive Vice President of Creative Services, the restaurant has been an "unintentional secret" for years.
Business Insider/Talia Avakian
"It's an iconic New York experience to be able to do some shopping, tuck away into this train car, and feel like an insider," said Hruska of Le Train Bleu.
Business Insider/Talia Avakian
Le Train Bleu is also known for its food. Start with the Louisiana Crab Cakes.
Business Insider/Talia Avakian
And then dig into the Le Train Bleu Burger, which is smothered in blue cheese and served with fries.
Business Insider/Talia Avakian
The restaurant serves lunch every day, but is especially popular for brunch on the weekends.