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I've been going to Lucien for about 10 years now. It's still one of my favorites. It's definitely cramped and you may wait a long time, even with a reservation, but it's worth it! I get the same thing every time: endive salad, scallops grenobloise and the cinnamon ice cream (normally served with the tarte tatin, I skip the tarte). It is so good and it has been every single time I've been there. The baguette is also very good (crisp outside, tender chewy inside) and they always have nice Bordeaux wines available at reasonable prices. The staff is wonderful, but I guess it helps when they know you from being a regular. Everyone I've ever brought with me to Lucien has always loved it too, I'm surprised to read the negative reviews...

After the movies on Houston Street, my friend and I walked to a very close restaurant called, Lucien. It turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. The food, which included a Duck and a beef dish were excellent. They were plentiful and very tasty. The service was wonderful and we felt very comfortable at the restaurant. We can't wait to return.

I have been here several times, and have always had a satisfying and delicious meal. The atmosphere is laid back, yet sophisticated, you can go in a nice dress, or a t-shirt and jeans. Lucien is by far the best restaurant owner I've known, and has always given a free glass of wine or even grapa! Service is ok, depending on the waiter of course. The food is amazing and it's a real great experience. I would recommend, and have, to anyone and everyone.

When my husband and I go to Lucien, we always order exactly the same thing: salad frisee, mussels and fries ,and fillet au poivre. OK, so it's predictable, but it's always very, very good. The restaurant also seems, despite the criticism of some reviewers, to be a lot more charming and genuine than most "bistros" in New York. Perhaps it is because we go fairly early, but we have always found the staff to be funky, sweet and attentive (and not in that intrusively fake way that the Upper West Side "bistros " generally are). We always feel good after a meal at Lucien -- and that's a lot more than we can say about many of the restaurants that we try in the city.

If you want to make a resveration and then upon arrival wait 25 minutes while people after you come in and are seated and then finally sit down by the front door which I may add is not provided with a vestibule, but rather a cloth curtain to keep the temperature at a bone chilling 60 degree indoors and drafty then come to this snotty restaurant. We have visited this establishment before and the food was average french food and the service was as expected by a french restaurant less than accomodating. But after this last visit I will never set foot near this place. The host was obnoxious and unfair and sat down his buddies rather than a frequented customer. If you do visit this place bring a eskimo jacket and be ready for rude attitude.

This used to be a pretty good spot but sadly its lost its flavor and charm. The food was less than average, the service okay but the staff seemed lifeless and robotic. Too bad, because it used to have really good food and have an upbeat feel, now its its all doom and gloom, the food and service leaves you wanting. So long Lucien, I won't be back!

The title just about explains it. The food is really quite good here, but you should come to the restaurant prepared for long waits, cramped quarters and generally poor service. Your standard wine crimes are committed: bottles brought out warm to the touch, cruddy glassware, wrong vintages listed on the menu versus what is brought out to the table.