TLDR
Shabby-chic East Village French bistro w/ a competitive scene. Vaping, small dogs, and art talk are common. Still great food despite the scene.
Details
Lucien, an East Village French bistro established in 1986, is known for its enduring shabby-chic aesthetic and lively atmosphere that attracts downtown socialites [1]. It maintains a competitive scene where patrons vape between bites and engage in conversations about the art world [1]. Despite its popularity and the difficulty in securing a table, the food, including dishes like Steak au Poivre, is still considered great by many [1], [2].
Food Overview
Lucien offers French cuisine with some patrons specifically recommending the Steak au Poivre [1] and sweetbreads [2]. However, some reviews suggest a decline in quality or a shift in atmosphere, with one user describing the food as unappetizing [3] and another questioning its French identity due to a menu featuring American fare and cocktails made without a liquor license [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"Steak au Poivre and sweetbreads have been specifically recommended by diners."
Customer Sentiment
Customer feedback is mixed, with some praising the classic French fare and lively atmosphere [1], while others note it has become difficult to get into due to its popularity, with long waits and a potentially
Caveats
Some recent feedback suggests that Lucien may have lost some of its former status, becoming more of a trendy spot with a younger crowd and long waits, even with reservations. There are also comments questioning its authenticity as a French restaurant due to its menu and lack of a full liquor license [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LUCIEN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Soupe De Poisson Rouille Not Bouillabaisse
"Lucien was mentioned as a potential restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Planning A Fullday Europeanstyle Dining Itinerary
"The commenter questions Lucien's French identity, noting its menu mostly features American fare and that cocktails are made with shochu or sake due to lacking a liquor license."
NegativeFrom post: Planning A Fullday Europeanstyle Dining Itinerary
"Lucien in the LES is suggested for dinner, described as a French place."
PositiveFrom post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy
"A follow-up comment criticizes Lucien for cramped seating and overpriced food for its quality."
NegativeFrom post: Best Place For Buying Coffee Beans
"Lucienne is recommended for high-quality, specialty coffee beans, suitable for light to medium roasts. This was part of a comprehensive list of recommendations."
PositiveFrom post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy
"This comment warns that Lucien can involve long waits even with a reservation and that the staff can be difficult."
NegativeFrom post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy
"Lucien is mentioned as another option, following the recommendation for Wildair."
NeutralFrom post: Cool Anniversary Restaurant
"Lucien is described as having a cool downtown vibe, though it is more casual."
PositiveFrom post: Three Nights And Three Different Cuisines Where
"Lucien is listed as a French restaurant recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Battle Of The French
"Lucien is considered one of the least favorite spots due to being obnoxiously loud and having unappetizing food."
NegativeFrom post: Sweetbreads
"The commenter states that Lucien used to have the best sweetbreads they had ever tasted, noting it was not listed on the menu and had to be ordered specifically."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc French Restaurant Similar To Les Halles
"The commenter acknowledges potential negative comments about Lucien possibly due to a younger crowd at the bar but maintains that the food is great."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc French Restaurant Similar To Les Halles
"Lucien is listed as a great French restaurant option. The commenter notes that while it might attract a younger crowd to the bar, the food is still considered great."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc French Restaurant Similar To Les Halles
"Lucien is recommended as a French dining spot."
PositiveFrom post: Your Steak Frites Recs With A Catch
"This user recommended Lucien."
PositiveFrom post: Bring Home Coffee Beansbest Coffee Roaster In The
"Lucienne is listed as a recommended coffee roaster."
PositiveFrom post: French Restaurants That Arent Expensive
"This commenter asks for an update on Lucien, noting they used to go often but moved away and heard it became an 'instagramer hangout' and hard to get a table."
NeutralFrom post: French Restaurants That Arent Expensive
"This user lists Lucien as a French restaurant recommendation for a budget of under $35 per person with no drinks."
PositiveFrom post: What Current Nyc Restaurant Captures The Old Les
"This commenter suggested Lucien."
Neutral