Cafe Luxembourg

The Scene – Two decades have made the yellowed walls with that tobacco-stained feel, red banquettes, art deco lighting, tiled and mirrored columns, and bamboo chairs feel even more authentic. A sophisticated 30-50 year-old set of celebs, homesick Euros, politicians and loyal locals bask in the blend of Manhattan glamour and Parisian bistro food. – – The Food – Dishes that might seem passé on paper become brand-new once on the palate. Just when you thought you were tartar-ed out, fresh salmon chunks sitting on hot-chili marinated cucumbers bring a kimchee-like…

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Editor's Tips

Save Money:: Daily prix-fixe menus include $30 for a three-course lunch and $44 for a three course dinner.
Know Before You Go:: Specialties like duck hash with eggs any style and smoked salmon benedict make this a popular brunch and breakfast spot, too.

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User Reviews (22)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“This is one of our favorite neighborhood standbys for a good meal, excellent service, casual yet elegant ambiance and a consistent kitche.” “There's an insane scene at the suit-and-stiletto-packed bar, but if you can slide past and get a table (and bear with the occasional inadvertent jostle from the crowd) the food and the service are worth it -- as is the scene, viewed at a comfortable, non-” “The atmosphere has not changed much - a good thing since it's a nice, relaxed vibe.” “Great food, service and atmosphere for a meal.” “Great spot- fun casual bar scene- great food- great service- great atmoshpere.”
dessert	100.0% positive	“We had a great cheese plate for dessert and then went to the movies.”
drinks	77.77999877929688% positive	“There's an insane scene at the suit-and-stiletto-packed bar, but if you can slide past and get a table (and bear with the occasional inadvertent jostle from the crowd) the food and the service are worth it -- as is the scene, viewed at a comfortable, non-” “Great spot- fun casual bar scene- great food- great service- great atmoshpere.” “It's been there forever and is always good for either a full dinner, a drink at the friendly b.”
food quality	100.0% positive	“Rarely do I leave Cafe Luxembourg without having had a good meal.” “particular favorite of mine is the schnitzel pork chop, but you can?” “While the onion soup is delicious, it would be nice to see the gruyere cheese oozing everywhere and bubbling over.” “There's an insane scene at the suit-and-stiletto-packed bar, but if you can slide past and get a table (and bear with the occasional inadvertent jostle from the crowd) the food and the service are worth it -- as is the scene, viewed at a comfortable, non-” “This is one of our favorite neighborhood standbys for a good meal, excellent service, casual yet elegant ambiance and a consistent kitche.” “The wait staff has always been attentive and the menu, while constantly changing, has always provided a great selection of good food.” “Great food, service and atmosphere for a meal.” “While the service may vary, the fish, the chicken and the bistro fare is pretty good.” “The food was absolutely delicious and the service exceptional!” “The food was outstanding, the pork chop was perfectly cooked and paired wonderfully.” “The food is consistently good (sometimes great), the pricing is decent, the service is reliable, and the scene is classy, mature and comfortably hip (no overbearing Gwen Stefani lookalikes here).” “If I'm going to spend $15 for an omelette I would like chunks of black forest ham in it and not chopped up deli meat like you would find at a corner deli.” “We ordered the somewhat average steak tartare and proceded for entrees with the skate in muscle broth (a great choice if u love muscles) and lamb.” “Great spot- fun casual bar scene- great food- great service- great atmoshpere.” “You might even play "spot the celeb"; I've seen everyone from Liza Minnelli and Bernadette Peters to TV's Caroline Rhea happily basking in the savory food and flattering lighting.”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“The wait staff has always been attentive and the menu, while constantly changing, has always provided a great selection of good food.”
overall	100.0% positive	“This is my favorite neighborhood restaurant.” “What a great place!”
return potential	100.0% positive	“would recommend dining here and will be sure to return.”
service	80.95000267028809% positive	“This is one of our favorite neighborhood standbys for a good meal, excellent service, casual yet elegant ambiance and a consistent kitche.” “The wait staff has always been attentive and the menu, while constantly changing, has always provided a great selection of good food.” “The food is consistently good (sometimes great), the pricing is decent, the service is reliable, and the scene is classy, mature and comfortably hip (no overbearing Gwen Stefani lookalikes here).” “Great spot- fun casual bar scene- great food- great service- great atmoshpere.” “fantastic service” “There's an insane scene at the suit-and-stiletto-packed bar, but if you can slide past and get a table (and bear with the occasional inadvertent jostle from the crowd) the food and the service are worth it -- as is the scene, viewed at a comfortable, non-” “The service was very good and attentive.” “Great food, service and atmosphere for a meal.” “want to say that our service was amazing (wish I had gotten his name, but it was several fridays ago at the end of june), and we enjoyed ourselves greatly and left quickly.” “Our waiter was rude and inept.” “have lived in NYC for over a decade and have yet to recieve such poor service.” “While the service may vary, the fish, the chicken and the bistro fare is pretty good.” “The food was absolutely delicious and the service exceptional!” “It's been there forever and is always good for either a full dinner, a drink at the friendly b.”
value	100.0% positive	“The food is consistently good (sometimes great), the pricing is decent, the service is reliable, and the scene is classy, mature and comfortably hip (no overbearing Gwen Stefani lookalikes here).” “Cafe Lux is on the pricey side, but it's a wonderful neighborhood restaurant.” “There's an insane scene at the suit-and-stiletto-packed bar, but if you can slide past and get a table (and bear with the occasional inadvertent jostle from the crowd) the food and the service are worth it -- as is the scene, viewed at a comfortable, non-”

04/11/12

Great pre-theater restaurant

by Debbie Harris

This place is a hidden gem in the Upper West Side. My friend suggested we go there before our 8pm show and I am glad I discovered this place. The food is non pretentious but very good. I had the Trout which was served with a tasty chick pea and celery salad and my friend had the codfish: equally delicious. The staff is efficient and friendly. They are obviously used to the pre-theater crowd and they make sure your food comes out on time. We had such a great meal that there was little space for dessert so we opted for biscotti and capuccino! A nice laid back atmosphere and good food. I recommend it

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12/26/10

Good food, annoying service

by NYC foodie50

This is quite a fine place...good comfort foods-though the staff is a bit bothersome.

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11/28/09

Upper West Side Classic

by jay2002

I suppose its the Balthazard of the Upper West Side, a brasserie like place that is great for brunch lunch or dinner. Big with the theatre crowd, we like to go there before walks in the park (mostly in winter since this place gets no light and is very warm). Had brunch at the bar last week, 2 egg dishes and 2 mimosas and dropped $80. Not sure its worth the price tag but if you choose more carefully off the menu (we got the specials) you should be able to do better...

Pros: Classic joint & dishes
Cons: Can be expensive for what it is

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03/08/09

Have never stiffed a waiter until now

by dreamer9

I have lived in NYC for over a decade and have yet to recieve such poor service. Our waiter was rude and inept. Our main course was overcooked and over salted. Brian, our waiter, continued to ignore us while we sat in the midst of a milling crowd of arriving guests who hovered over our table. He then followed us out of the restaurant to complain about the lack of tip he received.

Pros: none
Cons: service, food

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03/01/09

Upper West Side Staple

by LSmith23

I have been coming to Cafe Luxembourg for twenty plus years and while it has some ups and downs, the past few years it has been one of the most reliable restaurants on the city. The wait staff has always been attentive and the menu, while constantly changing, has always provided a great selection of good food. Rarely do I leave Cafe Luxembourg without having had a good meal.

Cafe Luxembourg

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What People Are Saying About Cafe Luxembourg

Kathleen Squires

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Editor's Tips

04/11/12

Great pre-theater restaurant

by Debbie Harris

12/26/10

Good food, annoying service

by NYC foodie50

11/28/09

Upper West Side Classic

by jay2002

03/08/09

Have never stiffed a waiter until now

by dreamer9

03/01/09

Upper West Side Staple

by LSmith23

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