In the early 2000s, when Montgomery’s dead downtown (the only signs of life were nine-to-fivers in state government offices and law firms) was resuscitated and revitalized, it marked the beginning of an eating and entertainment renaissance in the capital city. Ever since, the dining options have increased and improved. Frenchie’s, which started welcoming guests in June 2023, is on the small side, and it’s not downtown, yet it’s a key addition in the city’s continuing culinary expansion, bringing Montgomery its first French-focused eatery.
The long, slim dining space is cozy but not crowded, hemmed by leather banquettes on one side and a mirror-backed bar on the other. Shadows dance in dim lighting, aspects of its dual personality: sophisticated but never too serious. “There’s candlelight flickering, and then there’s a disco ball,” says executive chef Eric Rivera, “so it’s fancy but fun. I think it’s one of the most relaxed upscale dining experiences in the city.” (Rivera is the executive chef of Vintage Hospitality Group and spearheaded Frenchie’s opening; late last year, Brian Morrison joined Rivera on the VHG team and now helms Frenchie’s kitchen.)
Frenchie’s lands another neat trick, too, managing to be both a clubby neighborhood hang and an escape. “The ambiance transports you to a small bistro in France late at night,” Rivera says, “but you’re also right at home, in this great Southern city. It’s kind of a hole-in-the-wall but swanky and friendly.” Thanks to classic French dishes one might tuck into at a corner café in Paris—bright and lemony shrimp “provencial,” tangy tuna niçoise, and homey coq au vin—Frenchie’s is a passport for the palate, too.
The menu is built on locally sourced ingredients (including items from ownership group Vintage Hospitality’s shipping-container farm, MGM Greens) and nods to its deep South location with “mac et cheese” and a bit of barbecue flair added to the croque madame smoked onion jam. Caramelized onions also star in a fan favorite, the creamy French onion dip, their sweetness warmed with woodsy thyme, which is best enjoyed with a glass from Frenchie’s old-world-heavy wine list.
Can’t Miss at Frenchie’s
Blackberry 75
This twist on the staple French 75 is one of five “75” varieties and features a fruity-sweet pop balancing sour lemon.
Salade Verte
This refreshing starter of crisp lettuces, crunchy radishes, fragrant herbs, and shaved shallots tossed in a zingy citrus vinaigrette becomes a meal with the addition of sliced steak or plump Gulf shrimp.
Flounder Noisette
Flaky and mild, this ultra-fresh flat fish is pan seared, becoming the perfect canvas for the toasty, nutty flavors of browned butter and Marcona almonds.
