Ed "Jean-Luc" Kleefield (pictured) is a New Yorker with a French soul—hence his nickname, and his menu, which supplements bistro standards like steak au poivre and lobster bisque with some of the menu's more newfangled notions. The room is equally eclectic, mixing chocolate leather banquettes and Biedermeier chairs with second-century mosaics. Bar menu, too. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld
Recommended Dishes
Steamed California artichoke, $11; crab cake, $11.50; steak au poivre, $27
9.0
"Highly Recommended" Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10
of the hotties at the bar, that is...
I went with a small group of friends on a late Friday night and got a table across from the bar. The food was delicious (the coq au vin was beyond amazing) and service was highly attentive (when someone knocked over our bottle of wine, it was replaced without question). At about 11, disco lights came on over the bar, which was a surprise and a bit amusing... but also gave us a great vantage point from which to enjoy the scene.
If you are going with a date, I would suggest asking for a table in the back room - a bit quieter and a bit more private...
This place if fabulous! The food is great, the
atmosphere and crowd are very lively and
Jean-Luc is a very friendly and personable
host, unlike what I've experienced at Aix and Oeste. I've also seen a celebrity at Jean-Luc every time I've been. And Ladies! Check out the hooks under the bar for our purses! So nice . . .