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  5. Harlem

Chez Lucienne

3.8
3.8
707 Reviews
$30 and under
French
We welcome you to Chez Lucienne bistro, the first authentic restaurant in Harlem where you will find signature French Classics with a touch of Provence. The front bar is perfect for cocktails before dinner where patrons will mingle like good friends in an upbeat ambiance. We have an exciting wine list with a fun cocktail program. Join us for mouth watering dishes such as Moules frites made 5 different ways, Bavette a l’echalotte, homemade Sausages, Saumon roti Moutarde grilled to perfection. Chez Lucienne’s dining is convivial with a friendly service and delicious food made with premium ingredients. The décor is warm with brick and mirrored walls, ceiling fans and dimmed romantic lighting, reminiscing of Colonial era. The bistro is in the heart of Harlem with its vibrant energy and history.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    French, Provencal

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Daily: 11:00pm - 4:00pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 4:00pm - 2AM - Brunch Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm

  • Phone number

    (212) 289-5550

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Fidencio Cortes

  • Catering

    We cater for parties of 5 to 100. We rent the restaurant (or part of it)and provide outside catering. We also have discounted group menus for 10 or more for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner at the restaurant or for delivery. We are now offering Corporate Accounts.

  • Private party facilities

    At Chez Lucienne, our goal is to bring you on a Parisian escape without having to find your passport. Come visit us at Harlem's first French bistro.

  • Private party contact

    Cameal Russel: (212) 289-5550

  • Neighborhood

    Harlem

  • Cross street

    125 street

  • Parking details

    Park meters all around. You do not have to feed them after 7pm. Garage on 126 street, between Lenox and 5th avenue.

  • Public transit

    Subway #2 and #3 to 125 street and Lenox avenue.

  • Entertainment

    CHEZ LUCIENNE WAS VOTED RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN THE 2011 MICHELIN GUIDE ZAGAT RATED: FOOD-22 SERVICE-20 FEEL THE HARLEM SPIRIT ON THE WEEKENDS AT CHEZ LUCIENNE

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 707 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.8
3.8 based on all time ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 3.8Service
  • 3.8Ambience
  • 3.4Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. Hink

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Chez Lucienne was a no-show. After receiving your email that the restaurant was no longer associated with Open Table, I tried to call (many times) to confirm our reservation. The line either rang interminably or was busy or I got a message saying my call could not be completed as dialed. I also tried to contact the restaurant via their website ("Contact us") but received no answer. In the end I gave up and booked another restaurant for my friend's birthday celebration.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Reviewed on June 14, 2017

    overall3foodserviceambience
    Looks like it closed little over a week ago. There is a notice about expired liquor license in the window, and the building has a "for sale" sign up. My wife saw workers removing bankettes or other furniture from the restaurant ... their phone only rings busy, and their website is down ..
  3. Harry

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We really enjoyed our dinner. Good food, good service.
  4. PhilipA

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great family get together brunch the food and the service were great. And the mimosas were huge! You
  5. Eater

    New York Area

    63 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2017

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Solid bistro food.
  6. Lainee

    New York Area

    24 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2017

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    I took a friend to this restaurant for her birthday on Wednesday, May 17th. I looked online at the pre-fixe menu which I had enjoyed several times in the past, and selection looked good. When I arrived we were given the regular menu, so I asked waitress for the pre-fixe one. She said she was only there two weeks and checked. She came back and said there was no pre fixe. I asked to speak to the manager and was told he wasn't in. Waitress was the only one working that night. It was slow when we arrived for 6:00 reservation, but got busier as it got later. Service was a little slow but we didn't blame her. When we finally got the bill I paid by cash because we would have been there another twenty minutes with a credit card transaction. As I got up to leave my jacket got stuck on the back of my chair and ripped. I will say the food was good, but I resent that the restaurant does not update their website. Later, I remembered that I had gone there about two years ago with a friend on a Sunday evening. When I asked for the pre-fixe they said they didn't have it on the weekend. At that time I spoked to the manager and pointed out that the website stated prefix was every day, 4-7 p.m. He didn't seem too concerned but when the bill came we weren't charged for dessert. Now it is two years later and they still haven't updated their website. This is not right and I would't want anyone else to be misled. I left a message about this on the restaurant's website comment section on Thursday morning, but I haven't heard back from anyone.
  7. Gabby

    New York Area

    31 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2017

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    I have enjoyed Chez Lucienne in the past. Not this time. Mussels were very good. My husband's dish was so so. Great wines. Service spotty due to understaffing. Waiter did his best to get us served in time for our Apollo theater event, but he was the only one serving along with another server. That's it. And it was packed. Wish so many good French food options in this 'hood I will not be returning soon.
  8. Jason

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2017

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    Horrible experience that ruined Mothers Day. When we arrived the staff acted like they didn't even know we had a reservation despite having made it several days in advance. After 14 minutes we were brought upstairs, which we thought might be a positive improvement; however it turned out to be worse. Our wait staff basically forgot we were there so our unlimited mimosa became two glasses. Then we ordered dessert which was brought up from the main level and placed on the bar where none of the servers brought it to our table (apparently they didn't know which of the three tables ordered it) until the vanillas ice cream on the plate was practically liquid milk. Was a total disaster. Totally ruined mom's special day.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    So about a couple days before Mothers Day I was informed by the managers that because of the special day they would be opening early at 9am. I promptly made a reservation because I've eaten here before on many occasions prior and had wonderful experiences, that was not the case this morning. I arrived promptly with my mother, sister-in law, brother and 1 year old nephew and was denied entry because they informed us they were not open yet. We explained we had a reservation and after a lot of convincing they finally let us in and just told us to grab any table. We sat for about 15 minutes before anyone offered us menus or gave us water and finally our waiter then informed us that he was actually a cook in the kitchen and that the restaurant did not actually open until 11am so there were no servers or anyone to cook at the present time! So basically the perfect situation for 4 adults who woke up early to get there and a hungry 1 year old! After sitting for about 30 minutes we began to hear arguing in the kitchen that they did not have the supplies necessary for most of the dishes we had ordered. To make an even more frustrating situation worse my one year old nephew had understandably lost his patience and as we repeatedly asked how much longer for food he began to melt down while we were just ignored every single time we inquired. After about 40 minutes we were brought a freezing bowl of soup and at that point, between the argument to get in the doors, the screaming one year old and that they obviously had blatantly lied and they were not actually open when they had informed us we left $30 in the table for the soup and coffee and left with screaming/hungry child in tow. If I could give them negative stars I would, but instead I will never give them my patronage again. As a manager in the restaurant industry I would have never expected such poor service or such blatant lies, but rest assured I will make sure to spread the story of our awful experience.
  10. DebbieS

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2017

    overall2food3service5ambience3
    When we arrived it took way too long before anyone paid attention. The bread was disgusting! shameful for a French restaurant to serve this kind of soggy bread. The website stated a pre fix and special wine 50% off a bottle of $42 on Wednesdays. NONE of these 2 options were available. Very unprofessional! The waitress was sweet and said that the info on the website was old. Unacceptable. My wine glass broke, and they offered us a free drink and dessert. The food was nothing great. Coq au VIn came with noodles, which was not mentioned. It was too salty. I asked for mashed potatoes, which arrived 15 minutes later. Very disappointing experience since I read the NY Times review and chose this place based on info on their website and review, which was very different than what I experienced.
  11. FishandChips

    Toronto

    17 reviews

    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2017

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    Waited 30 mins for table. Offered a bottle of wine which was nice. Food very unsophisticated.
  12. david

    New York Area

    107 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    107 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2017

    overall4food4service1ambience3
    SERVICE IS TOTALLY DISORGANIZED HERE--- WHAT A SHAME AS THE FOOD AND AMBIENCE IS GREAT! MANAGEMENT; GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER. THE SERVERS ARE VERY PLEASANT, BUT IT'S CATCH THEM AS YOU CAN AND BEG FOR MENUES, DRINKS ETC
  13. Tangoer

    New York Area

    37 reviews

    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Everything was fine with the exception of the waitress asking how did we want the meat to be cooked in the Boeuf bourguignon. There is a need to educate staff on menu. Other than that it was a very nice evening!
  14. JeanM

    Portland

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Three friends & I had a relaxing & delicious lunch here. Nice to see a traditional menu with the classic French dishes. Would like more vegetarian choices too. Our server kindly hailed a cab for us when we left.
  15. ArchieNY

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2017

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    This was a very disappointing experience. There seemed to be no one in charge. No greeting when we arrived. The service was terrible. We had to summon a waiter for: "Could we have some bread?" Thanks. Next we had to ask "Could we have some butter with the bread?" Then, "Could you refill our water glass?" It was amateur night. Staff might learn the words "You're welcome" when a patron says thank you. The menu was much less enticing in person than on the website menu: tilapia instead of tuna steak. No duck breast as an entree. Check your bill for accuracy. Both entrees were overcharged from the menu's price. When we mentioned this, it was blamed on a computer glitch.
  16. Joey

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2017

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Great ambience, especially the lighting. Authentic bistro cuisine with friendly service.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2017

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Quite possibly the worst service I've experienced in a long time. Inexperienced wait staff who totally ignored us. Took forever to place a drink order. Took for ever to order food. Took forever to get our food. The food was mediocre at best. Coq au vin was dry and pasta was over cooked and bland. Very disappointing for a restaurant just recently reviewed by the NYT.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2017

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    I am not new to this restaurant, been going there for years though I live way downtown. This experience was the worst ever. The waiter was so awful, I did not leave a tip and I am the type who tips 25 - 30% or more since I am in the service business myself. It would have been a total disaster had I not ran into a number of acquaintances and friends in Harlem that I was able to catch up with what projects they are working on and I want to support. In addition, I met a lovely young couple in show business and fashion that I want to engage with. Bottom line, it will be a cold day in hell before I ever return there when there are now many other establishments to dine at in Harlem.
  19. Charles39

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my first visit. Before going to Chez Lucienne, I had read some negative reviews and almost thought about canceling my reservation. What a mistake that would have been! From the first moment I entered the restaurant to the time I left, I was enchanted. I have lived in France and in Quebec and have dined at renown restaurants in both places. Chez Lucienne serves authentically French dishes which are superbly prepared and a delight to the palate. The ambiance was great and the service friendly and efficient. It was obvious from the animated conversations that everyone was having a good time. Chez Lucienne is a jewel. I will definitely return and will tell all my friends and acquaintances about this wonderful dining experience.
  20. Rektwo

    New York Area

    48 reviews

    4.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Love this place. Even the slightly laconic service. No rush, no pressure. Good food. Great people.
  21. rdrd

    New York Area

    95 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    95 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    This is one of our highly reliable longstanding favorites: a nice French bistro with reasonable prices (especially week night specials) to go out in our neighborhood with friends who live nearby or come from far away.
  22. MsStyle

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2017

    overall2food4service2ambience3
    Unfortunately, we made reservations for 8pm for a large group of people and didn't sit down until 9:30pm. The staff looked overwhelmed at times and management did not have control of the situation.
  23. eater

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2017

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    We took my mother here for her 70th birthday. The staff was very nice, and because of that, I feel bed leaving a poor review. But the bottom line is that it wasn't a good dining experience. My waiter (who was very nice) must have been new or training. As nice as he was though, he made mistakes on pretty much every part of our order. From our drinks taking a long time to come out, to not bringing us bread with our cheese plate, to messing up on our entrees (He brought out a duplicate of one of the dishes that wasn't what was ordered. So two of us sat with our food while we waited for my mother's dish to get made. Luckily a manger saw what was happening and came out to expedite things). Once the dishes were delivered, the waiter disappeared and he didn't come by our table for a good half hour. We did see him running around working on things so maybe they were understaffed for the night. We were able to ask for the things we needed (like more bread, a steak knife, and another round of drinks) from other staff that was walking by. All this would have been worth it if the food were good, but everything was way too heavy. As a topper, we were overbilled incorrectly for the dish we returned. But on a positive note, we did get comped on a round of drinks, which I thought was nice. Overall, the evening wasn't a special dinner for my mother's birthday and that was disappointing.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2017

    overall4food2service4ambience3
    I/we were EXTREMELY DISSAPOINTED with our orders of mussels. Half of these two entrees were empty mussel shells. Waitress and kitchen manager were notified. Apparently the explanation offered was that the kitchen staff was aware of the empty shells upon serving. Their reconciliation offer was to give a free dessert. This offer, too much sugar, worked against my medical condition and hence my health. Management should have made it known to us not to order the mussels on that day.
  25. Dani

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    They did not honor our 3 PM reservation. We waited for our table until 3:30. There were others waiting and they too left. We ended up eating at another spot.
  26. JayL

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2017

    overall2food4service1ambience1
    Unfortunately, the restaurant was overcrowded and restaurant management was not respectful of the my reservation slot. I had at least a half hour wait in the entry way of the restaurant with wait staff pushing past my family and with food orders and such. Once seated, we were ignored by the waitress for another 20 minutes. She attended to a tabled that was seated after us. Eventually, the manager was called over and he took our order. The food was not bad the service was deplorable!
  27. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    It was a bit packed for Easter brunch, so service was quite slow...we ordered coffee and didnt get it until after we finished our meals 😐
  28. Foodienyc

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Do not waste your time or money! Made reservations for easter. We still waited almost 45 minutes to be seated. Service was the worst. Food was bad. And their telephone doesn't work! I don't know how this place is still in business. Awful! The worst dining experience in a very long time! They shouldn't be on OpenTable!
  29. TimB

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2017

    overall3food5service3ambience3
    While the food is quite good the wine list us surprisingly short and has few French wines.
  30. DanD

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2017

    overall2food2service1ambience1
    Mediocre everything
  31. RoseEllen

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    We were greeted and seated promptly. There were two other customers at one table. We then waited for ten minutes while being completely ignored by the two-person wait staff. I then went next door to Red Rooster to inquire about seating. I returned to tell me companion that we were having dinner at Red Rooster. As soon as I had walked out the door, my guest was noticed by a Chez Lucienne wait person. Definitely too little too late. Not only would I NOT recommend this restaurant to a friend, I wouldn't recommend it to an enemy. I believe that Chez Lucienne has changed owner/management within the last few months. This is, sadly, not the place it used to be.
  32. Marie

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2017

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    Wait staff was horrible. Food wasn't properly prepared. The bar had no drinks available. Our drink orders kept having things flowing around in them.
  33. billr

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The restaurant was not open, yet they took our reservation. Very strange.
  34. NYCmahattan

    Charlotte

    21 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The restaurant was closed.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The restaurant is no longer in business. Open Table should stop taking reservations.
  36. AllieG

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Shocked to arrive for dinner to find the restaurant was CLOSED!! Exceptionally strange! As one of my favorite neighborhood spots, I was both stunned and incredibly frustrated to see the restaurant dark at 7:00 on a Wednesday! Have continued to call them to no avail...please advise, OpenTable
  37. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2017

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    I've been to Chez Lucienne a number of times over the years and service has always been a little spotty, but the ambience is usually charming and the food is solidly good. This time was different. The service was WAY off. Our server was brand new, but that wasn't the problem. Nobody was paying any attention at all to us - it took a half hour before anyone came to take our order, and another half hour to get our bill. This was despite the fact that the place was half empty. The meal was just meh - extremely mediocre. I could make a better skirt steak at home. This place used to always be packed - but this time it was half empty on a Saturday night. Something is definitely wrong. I really hope they get it together, because they're not going to survive at this rate and I'd hate to lose what was once a neighborhood gem.
  38. ASH107

    New York Area

    36 reviews

    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2017

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    As always, a lovely staff and a pleasant room, especially if you sit at the tables by the window. I was very disappointed that my favorite dish, the frisee salad with lardons and a poached egg was no longer on the menu. The salad that came with the crepe was absolutely outstanding, however, and was dressed perfectly. The crepe was good, if you like smoked ham, which I don't. The green salad was the star of the show.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    A great Harlem neighborhood option. French with a Provencal flavor. Great staff, who remember you from one time to the next and provide polite, friendly and attentive service.
  40. Corinne

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    1.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    We didn't even get to eat or sit down. The moment we got there, there was a lot of police activity and people yelling... It was just not a safe place, so we left immediately. I was really looking forward to coming here as I live in the neighborhood and enjoy trying new places. I came with my 6 year old for our weekly date night who is also a mini-foodie and she was really bummed we couldn't go in.

FAQs

Chez Lucienne is rated 3.8 stars by 707 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Additional information

  • Cross street

    125 street

  • Neighborhood

    Harlem

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Daily: 11:00pm - 4:00pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 4:00pm - 2AM - Brunch Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm

  • Cuisines

    French, Provencal

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Park meters all around. You do not have to feed them after 7pm. Garage on 126 street, between Lenox and 5th avenue.

  • Public transit

    Subway #2 and #3 to 125 street and Lenox avenue.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Fidencio Cortes

  • Entertainment

    CHEZ LUCIENNE WAS VOTED RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN THE 2011 MICHELIN GUIDE ZAGAT RATED: FOOD-22 SERVICE-20 FEEL THE HARLEM SPIRIT ON THE WEEKENDS AT CHEZ LUCIENNE

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (212) 289-5550

  • Catering

    We cater for parties of 5 to 100. We rent the restaurant (or part of it)and provide outside catering. We also have discounted group menus for 10 or more for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner at the restaurant or for delivery. We are now offering Corporate Accounts.

  • Private party facilities

    At Chez Lucienne, our goal is to bring you on a Parisian escape without having to find your passport. Come visit us at Harlem's first French bistro.

  • Private party contact

    Cameal Russel: (212) 289-5550

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