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Lucien
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lucien
8.1
A cramped, candlelit East Village bistro that feels like it’s been there forever—because it basically has—serving straightforward French classics with a scene-first buzz. Order like a regular: one rich, traditional main and a simple starter, and let the room do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Duck confit, Cassoulet
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Old-school French bistro cooking in a famously packed little room.
Who should go: Dates and downtown diehards chasing classic bistro energy.
When to visit: Early dinner on weeknights for the smoothest experience.
What to order: Steak frites, duck confit, cassoulet.
Insider tip: If the dining room is slammed, try the bar for faster pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited and difficult after 6pm. Rideshare or subway strongly recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but this is not a sneakers-and-hoodie room.
Noise level: Loud and intimate—expect close tables and raised voices, more vibe than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation; bar spots may open faster if you’re flexible.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days; one of the calmer windows to experience the room.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—usually a salad, fries, and possibly one rotating vegetable-focused option.
Vegan options: Very limited—may require custom ordering; not an ideal choice for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some naturally gluten-free mains available, but no dedicated accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want instant chemistry and atmosphere—the candlelit chaos breaks the ice, but it’s not the place for long, quiet conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—arrive early, be open to the bar, and expect a wait. Weeknights improve your odds significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? No—tight seating, loud energy, and a grown-up menu make this better for adults only.
Best For
Better for: Classic French bistro energy, scene-driven dining, and feeling like a downtown regular in a legendary room.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, dietary flexibility, or guaranteed seating—larger, calmer French spots will serve you better.
Lucien
8.1
A packed, charmingly worn-in French bistro where steak frites and au poivre land like the obvious date-night decision once you’re inside. It’s tighter and louder than a classic steakhouse, but the scene and late hours make it a strong second-stop anchor for the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Filet Mignon au Poivre, Steak Tartare
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A high-energy East Village bistro where steak frites fits the night perfectly.
Who should go: Couples who like a buzzy, shoulder-to-shoulder room
When to visit: Late seating for peak scene and momentum
What to order: Steak frites, filet au poivre, steak tartare
Insider tip: Go later and treat it as dinner-plus-drinks in one tight stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages within a few blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy—jeans are fine, but dress it up a notch for date night.
Noise level: Loud and lively—expect close seating and raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8pm
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening and late-night destination
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries, salads, and a few vegetable sides, but the menu is steak-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible to piece together sides, but not ideal.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free steak and protein options, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you like energy and chemistry—it's buzzy, intimate, and conversation-forward, but not ideal if you want quiet or personal space.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—late nights are your best bet. Walk-ins after peak dinner hours have a better chance, but waits are common.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—tight seating, loud energy, and late-night vibes make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Late-night date energy, scene-driven dining, and a lively French bistro take on steak rather than a traditional steakhouse experience.
Skip if: You want a quiet, spacious steakhouse, have dietary restrictions, or need a predictable reservation-friendly dinner.