Downtown French bistro w/ cool vibe. Classic dishes like steak frites & escargots, but some say it's overrated & too scene-y.
This French bistro in the East Village offers a quintessential downtown New York dining experience with a lively atmosphere. While some patrons praise its classic French dishes and vibrant scene, others have noted a decline in quality and an increasingly pretentious crowd. Despite mixed reviews on ambiance and service, the food, particularly dishes like steak frites and escargots, often receives positive mentions, though some find it underwhelming compared to the overall vibe.
The food at this French bistro is a mix of classic French dishes, with steak frites and escargots being frequently mentioned. While some customers highly recommend these, others feel the food is mediocre and does not justify the overall experience, especially given the perceived pretentious atmosphere.
"Steak frites and escargots are frequently recommended dishes. One user also recalled exceptional sweetbreads that had to be ordered specially."
Customer sentiment is divided, with some appreciating the classic French bistro experience and lively atmosphere, while others express strong disappointment with the food quality and pretentious clientele.
Important Note
The restaurant may have a pretentious clientele and can be very loud. It has also become increasingly difficult to get reservations due to its popularity with influencers.
"Lucien is described as having a cool downtown vibe, though it is more casual."
Positive"Lucien is listed as a French restaurant recommendation."
Neutral"Lucien is considered one of the least favorite spots due to being obnoxiously loud and having unappetizing food."
Negative"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."
Positive"The commenter acknowledges potential negative comments about Lucien possibly due to a younger crowd at the bar but maintains that the food is great."
Positive"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."
Positive"Lucien is recommended as a French dining spot."
Positive"This user recommended Lucien."
Positive"Lucienne is listed as a recommended coffee roaster."
Positive"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."
Neutral"This user lists Lucien as a French restaurant recommendation for a budget of under $35 per person with no drinks."
Positive"This commenter suggested Lucien."
Neutral"This user recommended Lucien, located in the East Village."
Neutral"This commenter suggests going to Lucien after Le Dive."
Positive"Lucien was recommended as a French dining option in NYC."
Positive"The user lists Lucien as a recommendation."
Positive"This user feels Lucien has declined from its former status as a staple, becoming more of a 'Dimes Square clubhouse' and is now a less desirable dining spot."
Negative"The user notes that Lucien, once a favorite, is now difficult to get into due to its popularity with influencers, and reservations are hard to obtain."
Negative"Luciene was mentioned as a distant second choice after Raoul's for steak au poivre."
Neutral
