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Lucy's Lair Ethiopian Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Ethiopian Restaurants Vegetarian Food Specialty Food Ethnic Food Ethiopian, Vegetarian, Ethnic Food [Edit]
10063 N Maple AveFresno, CA 93730
(559) 433-9775
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
51 reviews for Lucy's Lair Ethiopian Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Spicy Red Lentils: The favorite of the veggie items."
(in 4 reviews)
"the $9.95 vegan delight feeds two people easily."
(in 3 reviews)
"...wait to try try the cabbage with potatoes which is one that..."
(in 4 reviews)
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Bruce M.
Fresno, CA
12/14/2011
Now the ONLY reason I give this place 5 stars is this is the only place I have found to have Ethiopian food. Very spicy, ( I ordered it that way), Sue thought it was a bit much, but was happy with it. I will have to go a few more times, and try more of the menu. Give it a try.
P.S. Also, you need to eat with your fingers, it's part of the experience. -
Review from Timothy S.
Visalia, CA
2/2/2012
I tried Lucy's Lair for the first time 2 nights ago. What a great experience! The restaurant was very clean. We were greeted immediately as we walked in by very pleasant staff. The waitress was really kind and helpful giving us ideas on how to order. Awesome vegan selection! The doro wat was incredible! Service was timely and they checked back often to be sure we did not need anything. Unique dining experience and I am glad that we have this locally. I will definitely go back!
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Review from Kermit F.
Clovis, CA
1/12/2012
I've never left this restaurant hungry--that's for sure. I don't really have much locally to compare it to, so I can't say whether it's the best Ethiopian around, but I'd say that for around 90% of my visits, I've gotten great service and great food.
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Review from kelley q.
Fresno, CA
1/8/2012
We had dinner with friends last night. The food was fantastic!
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Review from Tamar F.
Fresno, CA
12/18/2011
This place is a true find. I lived blocks away and never took notice of it until someone told me about it. I have been a faithful customer ever since. The food is all freshly made; this is why it takes a little but longer...but so worth it. Friendly service and to top it off VERY reasonable. Especially the vegan delight. You will find atmosphere and an authentic culinary experience. I recommend this place highly!
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Review from Stephanie B.
Fresno, CA
1/3/2012
I LOVE this restaurant. We always get 2 Vegan platters, and every time I am amazed at how absolutely delicious it all is! It is always of the same quality each time we come too. I could eat here 3 times a week. I promise you can't go wrong with the Vegan options, even if you are not a vegan. :) Try the dark beer too-it is delicious!
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Review from Ron S.
Colorado Springs, CO
5/13/2011
I took my Grandparents here a while ago. This is a true Ethiopian Restaurant--no shine or polish anywhere... extremely cheap furniture, and tables without tablecloths. The folks that work here have very limited English, but they're very pleasant. (On a side note: my Grandpa speaks Amharic. They were very surprised by this, and told him his accent was very good.)
There are some nice pieces of art on the walls (such as a big silk tapestry about King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.) The food was all excellent. I had some hot Ginger Chai tea, and ordered the lamb Tibs (my favorite). Between all of us, we had Doro Wat, Yebeg Alecha, and a funny-sounding salad that I didn't think I'd like (I'm not a fan of salad), but was quite tasty.
It was a fun dining experience, and Ethiopian has always been my family's favorite. We were the only people in the restaurant the whole time we were there. I ended up buying a bottle of Ethiopian Red Wine ("Dukam") to take home. -
Review from Amanda H.
Fresno, CA
11/3/2011
Great find in Fresno. The food was great with a homemade feel to the atmosphere. The service could have been a little better, but overall they were very friendly and hospitable. The prices were great and this is definitely a great place for big groups.
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Review from Jeremy P.
Visalia, CA
5/9/2011
This place is AWESOME! How great that we have such good Ethiopian food right here in Clovis! We drive from Visalia (50 min) to eat here every month and it is always sooooo worth it!
The restaurant is family owned and run. It's nice to see the Owner/Chef's kids waiting tables and meeting the customers.
If you're looking for something different for dinner, yet less aggressive than India food, this is the place to go!! -
Review from Kiel T.
Clovis, CA
2/7/2011
Tucked away, this restaurant is a great, relaxing place to dine.
People have complained about the service being slow, but think about what you're getting in return.
Your food is prepared and cooked exactly as you request, it comes out fresh and the temperature it's supposed to be, and provides plenty of time to enjoy some of their unique beers.
It's worth it. -
Review from Virlie B.
Portland, OR
9/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Socina was very pleasant. Definitely new, personal experience. The food is good but if you're not one of those kinds that are willing to try new food, this isn't for you. There's portraits done in pencil and charcoal all over the wall, and they are all pretty good. I want to come back to try the one hour coffee experience.
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Review from Laurie S.
Fresno, CA
7/29/2011
I'm new to Ethiopian food and it was a fun experience. It was a little spicy for me, but good, clean flavors. I liked the buckwheat tortilla-like bread and even the Ethiopian wine was good.
If you are looking for something new & fun - give Lucy's Lair a try. We will definitely be going back to try more items on the menu. -
Review from Megan S.
San Diego, CA
8/22/2010
It's great that Fresno has a solid Ethiopian restaurant.
It's too bad that the service is extremely slow.
We ordered 4 vegetarian items and 1 meat entree all served family style on injera bread.
Spicy Red Lentils: The favorite of the veggie items
Carrots and Green Beans: Pretty good
Chickpeas: Similar to the red lentils, but less spicy
Spinach and collard greens: There was a smoky flavor in this; okay
Chicken Tibs: Really excellent! The chicken came out piping hot. It was very tender and moist and cooked with garlic and onions which gave it an great flavor. This was better than the chicken tibs I had at a Los Angeles Ethiopian restaurant!
If you are looking for a unique dining experience and willing to try something different, come here. Be prepared to share with you dining companions.
My fellow yelpers are right on about the service - the place was practically empty but our order wasn't taken for a good 10-15 minutes after we were seated. Really? Makes me wonder how much they want the business... -
Review from V L.
Fresno, CA
9/6/2010
My wife and I thought to stop by here after church. Originally, they are not open until 2pm on Sunday's but their "Open/Closed" sign was flipped to "Open" and we saw people coming out.
It turns out the owner was doing a trial run on her Sunday brunch with family and friends. The place was packed with Ethiopians. How often do you find yourself in a restaurant where there is not even one Caucasian or one Hispanic person? We really did not feel like this was Fresno during the entire time we were there.
The owner was kind enough to invite us in (akin to having us over for a large family gathering, which it really was) and join in the sampling of the buffet. All the offerings were very tasty and would certainly come back again.
I agree that the location is very, very odd. You really have to seek this place out because there is no easy way to find it or get to it if you do not live in this area or happen to drive by. Look for the Shell gas station on the corner. -
Review from Phillip C.
Fresno, CA
6/25/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I love this place. Everything I've had here has been wonderful. For an added bit of fun, find out about and get in on the coffee roasting demonstration.
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Review from Akkara S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2010
I'm glad that there's an Ethiopian restaurant in Fresno. I'm disappointed that my first visit wasn't more enjoyable.
The interior of the restaurant wasn't as formal as I'd hope. I wasn't expecting complete formality, but the interior here felt more like a deli or just a little better than a fast food restaurant. Some better lighting and getting rid of the tile on the walls would help.
I hate to say it, but the service was really bad. We had to wait awkwardly at the counter as the hostess came to greet us. She wasn't as forthright as I would expect of a hostess. The greeting felt really weird, as if she wasn't sure why we were there. We mentioned our reservation. She told us where our table was but did not escort us over. That wasn't a big deal, but the service just got worse and worse as the night progressed.
Basically, there was only one woman doing everything for awhile. I would venture to guess that she was probably cooking in the back too in between orders. As a result, nobody came to our table for at least 20 minutes, if not longer. We ordered some drinks and that didn't come for another 10 to 15 minutes. In the meantime, another server came to work, and she was the one to bring us our drinks.
The drinks came but she forgot to bring me a glass with my beer. She also happened to totally overlook the fact that our water glasses were still turned over and had never been filled. We had to ask her for water. Again, she didn't come back for awhile, but when she did, she forgot my beer glass again.
Finally, about 40 minutes after we arrived, we finally got our food. Even though my friend and I both ordered separate vegan delights, all the food came on one platter, which isn't a big deal because of the type of cuisine, but it was definitely awkward because our orders were mixed together so it wasn't even conducive to sharing a plate. Some of my food was on her side and vice versa. It just wasn't a comfortable dining experience.
The food... the food was pretty good. Not the best I've had but definitely not the worst. If you're craving Ethiopian, this would hit the spot, although it's nothing to write home about.
I think the best part of my meal was learning about the lunch buffet, which apparently is weekdays from 11 to 2. $4.99 - can't beat that. I'd definitely check that out. Then we wouldn't have to wait forever for everything.
Overall, I think this place could definitely improve, and I hope it does. I think on a Saturday night, there should be more than two people working the place. And if there can only be two, then at least come over and check in every now and again, even if it's to give updates on how long the food's going to take. By the way, our table wasn't the only one that was being neglected. Judging from what we witnessed, I can tell we weren't the only ones that were annoyed with the poor service.
All this aside, I'd recommend giving this place a try, especially if you've never had Ethiopian. I'd recommend calling ahead with your order. I noticed a few tables had done that and now I know it's the way to go. Enjoy. -
Review from Wesley S.
3/30/2009
To say that Lucy's Lair is the best Ethiopian restaurant in town is misleading, because it is the ONLY Ethiopian restaurant in town. However if there were another Ethiopian restaurant in town, they would be hard pressed to be any better than Lucy's Lair.
There are not many places where I can say that I like just about every item on the menu, but Lucy's Lair is on the short list of places that can claim that honor. In the many times I have gone there, I have yet to have a bad meal.
The service is always good, the waitstaff are always pleasant, albeit a little quiet. The food quantity is good, I always leave being EXTREMELY full, and most importantly the food is DELICIOUS.
If you are afraid to try Ethiopian food, don't be. It really is a unique type of food, and you would be hard pressed to find any other type of cuisine that comes close. -
Review from Delaine Z.
Fresno, CA
12/18/2007
It's always hard to figure out where to eat when our vegan daughter comes to town. This is definitely NOT a vegan sort of town so when I hear of places that do vegan food, I keep it in mind. After reading about Lucy's on Yelp, I knew just where we would go when she was again in town.
The location is terrible...unless you live north of Shepherd. There is this tiny little strip mall on the corner of Maple and Behymer that you could easily miss, and Lucy's is tucked at the end, facing Behymer.
The food is very good, both vegan and carnivore. My husband and I shared a communal plate (giant platter) of beef and chicken that was so tasty with all the spices. Our daughter had the vegan choices and was pleased with the tastes and textures. Her least fav was the cabbage and potatoes, but I liked it as a contrast to the heat of the meat.
Be forewarned, this is NOT AMERICAN restaurant. Serving sizes are normal, not humongous. And you do eat with your fingers. My one complaint there is that they did not offer hot, steaming towels when we were finished as I have had in other places where it's "hands on."
Another reason for minus one star, the coffee maker was awaiting repair so we did not get to try their coffee. The hot tea, however, was delightfully spicy. Just right for a cold winter's night. -
Review from Alvin S.
Fremont, CA
5/16/2009 2 photos
I'm not sure if it's me or if I'm noticing that many of Fresno's yelpers are a bit on the liberal side of awarding their Yelp Stars... My rating from today's dinner was a 3.
I took my friend from Sacramento who was visiting me this weekend. I literally live within walking distance to this place which is extremely peculiarly located in a northermost suburban part of Fresno/Clovis away from freeways or large strips malls which may help its business but thats a diff story.
The place is small and at peak capacity could probably sit only 12 tables and it gets pretty full with what I presume to be some of Fresno's most open minded and liberal eaters to drive all the way up here to sample Ethiopian cuisine.
My friend and I ordered two entrees. The menu is small and simple which as a first time Ethiopian eater I appreciated. However, I would have appreciated if they asked if it was our first time and perhaps gave us a bit of a walk-thru in terms of the way to eat and common courtesy or practices of eating their food. No such luck.
If their food was able to come out faster, it probably took at least 30 minutes for them to get our platter out which they served both our orders on. So if you go, be prepared for a little bit of a wait.
We ordered the DORO TIBS in mild... a Boneless Chicken breast sauteed with peppers, onions and herbs that had a strong taste of lemon and lime, The meat was a bit on the dry side but it held its flavor which i appreciated. My friend was not the adventurous one so he opted for the Rice instead of the injera.
I ordered the Vegetarian delight where you order either rice or Injera which is their Crepe like bread you use to pick up your food. The owner says that it takes them 3 days to make injera from scratch. It's delish.
With the veggie delight you get to pick 4 dishes and I do think if you can bypass the meat, go with the veggies you get more for your buck.
I ordered the Tekil Goman- Cabbage and Potatoes which was ok, but a bit on the sour tang side and tasted like curry.
Also, Fosolia which is basicaly a mis mash of Carrots and peas, the Kosta which is collard greens and spinach... i loved this one, and the Azifa which is whole lentil beans with garlic onions, green chili and other spices. and I loved this.
The price was a bit on the steep side at $12.95 and $13.95 respectively.
Ethipian beers are $5, if it was cheaper I think I would have tried one.
Also we had to ask for napkins and silverware to eat our salad and rice which at first made things really awkward when there are no silverware or napkins I litearlly thought we had to just eat rice salad and the rest of it using the Injera.
All in all, I would go back, but only with someone special again because at $27 it is a bit over my budget for what I expect. I give them a minor pass on the service since they are a TRUE mom and pop place.
And until proven otherwise, it is one of Fresno's most unique dining experiences in terms of the food itself. Fresno sure needs more places that bring a taste of the world here. -
Review from Jay P.
Clovis, CA
7/27/2009
When i was eating there, I was having a blast and I really liked the food, the service, and the presentation.
When I left I swore I'd be back.
I've not been back since and I think the reason is that, in retrospect, nothing on the menu seems especially memorable. All of the dishes are tasty and exotic, but I get the feeling that many people are rating it highly because they tried something a little bit daring and (surprise!) came out having had a fine meal--so that it is as much about surviving the experience as relishing it.
Make no mistake, you'll be treated spendidly here and you'll probably discover a few new taste buds you never knew you had. But on the whole, Ethiopian cuisine cannot hold a candle to Middle Eastern, Indian, Italian, Mexican, etc. A fine diversion, but (cringe!) nothing special.
I do hope it stays in town and does well, however. It's one of those places that I am very glad is here. -
Review from pongo p.
Fresno, CA
9/14/2008
Lucy's Lair has vegan options, so that's awesome. it's kind of out there for most fresno residents, even a few miles from where i live and we're in north fresno.
this is the third ethiopian place i've been to (1 in seattle, 1 in LA). The food at Lucy'a Lair was good, but the atmosphere and decor weren't as nice as the other places.
We got two vegan options, and in our experience, there's usually plenty of food and 2 people can often split one platter. We asked the server (who I think was the owner) and he said the platter was only for one person. So we ordered two, and it was tons of food, and we probably could have split one platter, thereby saving a good chunk of cash.
The place is somewhat pricey ($12.95 for the vegan platter), but it is a lot of food and I guess it's comparable to other restaurants I've been to. But we could have saved by splitting a platter.
The atmosphere and decor could have been better; i thought i saw a review that said there were a big bone motif and there were bones on the walls and stuff---maybe i didn't read that at all and made it up, but i was expecting hominid fossils and artifacts. i mean there was a bone in the text on the menu and the door and a few decorative items around, but not what i was hoping for.
also, the dining set-up wasn't as traditional as the place in LA. The traditional woven-material table (and seats closer to the ground) with neat patterns and this cool lid was displayed in various forms in the restaurant, but weren't for eating as in the LA restaurant.
but overall, the food was good, and the servers were friendly.
oh and they made us bring take-out menus home to give to friends, so if anyone has a question about the menu, i'd be happy to give information from it. -
Review from Chelsea C.
Fresno, CA
10/16/2011
Great service, great food! Loved this place? Anyone know if it is still open?
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Review from Matt W.
Fresno, CA
3/13/2010
I've only been here once and it was over a year ago. I would go to Lucy's Lair weekly if it weren't so far out.
This place would make a killing if they opened a location in the Tower!
Small dining room, very friendly staff, authentic and fresh Ethiopian food.
Their injera bread is like a sourdough crepe-AMAZING. -
Review from Deborah L.
Pleasant Hill, IA
6/14/2011
Amazing food and atmosphere. They are under new owner and they are wonderful. I have never had a bad meal there
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Review from Dolly B.
Fresno, CA
5/4/2008
Ethiopian food is my very favorite food, and I was thrilled when after 12 years here in Fresno, I learned there is an Ethiopian restaurant here! (We've actually made trips to the Bay Area, on some flimsy premise, just so we can get some Ethiopian food. Serious!)
So, my husband and I and another couple went to Lucy's Lair last night, and it did not disappoint--it was wonderful! I would like to go back again today if I could.
We all had the vegan dinner, and we got three dinners for the four of us (they put everything on one tray). That was plenty-- no one was hungry, but honestly, since this is my favorite food in the world and we hadn't eaten all day, we probably could have eaten all four.
We tried all the vegan dishes on the menu, except for the cracked wheat, which our friends had tried before and hadn't enjoyed. We loved EVERY dish we got--my favorites were the red lentils, the greens, the cold lentil salad with onions, and the cabbage and potato dish. My husband really liked the green beans and carrots. Everything is so flavorful that YES, you really do walk away thinking about how intensely delicious the CARROTS are--how often does that happen?
I agree with everything that has been said about the friendly and helpful service. All of us were experienced Ethiopian-food-eaters, so we knew what we wanted, but if I had been a newbie, I would have felt completely comfortable asking questions.
A few notes--some of the dishes are not as spicy-hot as I have had at other places. For instance, usually the red lentils is a very spicy dish. I'm guessing that the heat was removed in order to appeal to more people?--nothing we ate last night qualified in my mind as even remotely hot--however, it was extremely flavorful, delicious, and satisfied my Ethiopian food cravings 100%.
I agree with the person who mentioned that they didn't enjoy getting one can of soda when they ordered soda, I prefer getting a refill if I want one. Small point. It would not stop me from having dinner there, heh.
The injera bread was good, but it seemed a little different from what I've had elsewhere. Whereas injera is usually the color of white bread, this was the color of wheat bread, and tasted a little more "wheat-like". Still delicious. Our friends mentioned that the owners actually use some wheat in their injera bread, in addition to the traditional grain from which it is usually made (called teff). It was a bit different, bit didn't take away from my enjoyment of the food. Someone with a wheat allergy might want to know that it has wheat in it, though.
I agree with what other reviewers said about the location being not-so-convenient. I never would have gone up that way except for the Ethiopian food. BUT...it is sooooo worth the trip. I would like to see these lovely people and their wonderful restaurant succeed. Last night --a Saturday night--it seemed a little quiet.
Go, you won't be disappointed! -
Review from Barbara O.
Merced, CA
1/1/2011
Each time I've gone here, I've left happy. I loooooooooove the injera (bread) and all vegetable dishes! The lamb stew dish is great too - they give a dollop of yogurt to dip it in because it's a little spicy. The Ethiopian Chai is delicious and smells amazing.
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Review from David M.
Fresno, CA
3/21/2010
I first went to Lucy Lairs Ethiopian restaurant over a year ago and went back today for an early dinner. On my first visit, I really was not impressed by the food, service, or decor, which explains why I haven't been back in a while.
Today, however, was a different experience. While the decor hasn't really changed and actually looks more like a fast food joint, the service appears to have improved. The waitress, who was the same one over a year ago, was quite friendly, and even offered me water while I waited for my 'to go' meal. She however missed to provide napkins to a couple that were the only other customers in the restaurant besides me, and did not notice their attempts to capture her attention for a while. She appeared to spend more time at the back in the kitchen than she did at the front even though she was the hostess. This ,however, may have something to do with the fact that it was only 4:15 PM, and bussiness appeared pretty sluggish.
Due to some reviews I had read on Yelp, I decided to go with a vegetarian dish other than the meat dish I had last time. I ordered their collard greens and spinach dish, red lentils, and two other spicy bean dishes(can't remember the exact name on the menu). You have a choice of 4 selections from a whole list of 9 vegetarian dishes on the menu.
To say the least, the vegetarian dishes were fabulous, and for abt $13.00, which is an unbeatable price for the quality of food you get, and the generous serving size. The dish also came with 2 oversized injaras (a kind of Ethiopian bread) that were a great compliment to the meal. The entire dish was simply spectacular.
After my experience today, I am definitely planning to take some friends back to the restaurant for this amazing ethnic experience. I definitely recommend the vegetarian dishes here... Can't wait to try try the cabbage with potatoes which is one that earns high raves on Yelp. Thankfully, I only live a stone's throw from the restaurant! -
Review from Stephanie Z.
Fresno, CA
1/2/2011
I love this place. This place is great to share with many, since it's family style, dig in!! My friends & I usually order all the vegetables & a meat entree. I love the lamb, the beef & chicken are just okay. The lamb is yummy. The ambiance can be a little more ethnic, I personally like to feel the whole experience. Overall I enjoy Lucy's Lair each & every time
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Review from Juan F.
Houston, TX
5/24/2010
I first experienced Ethiopian food in Washington D.C. and West Los Angeles, and was immediately hooked. Being a Fresno native, I was thrilled when this Ethiopian joint set up shop! I've been studying/living out of town for 4 years now, but every time I visit Fresno I make a trip to Lucy's for their awesome weekday lunch buffet deal (5.99 for all you can eat, i think). The food is great, the family that owns it are very traditional and sweet and hospitable. 5 stars.
Everyone should try their honey mead (wine) at least once. It is like sipping on honey, but at the same time you get a nice buzz (bliss). -
Review from Jennifer P.
San Mateo, CA
12/28/2007
Oh, it's SO nice to see vegan food finding a niche in the valley! AND I have to say that the vegan choices seemed so much better than the meat option that my parents got.
For the vegan option, they have a list of about 10 different items, and you can choose 4, and they come out on this HUGE plate, on top of a type of flat bread. I loved the lentil and the chickpea items - they were my favorite. Spicy! Mmmmmmm..... :) Very yummy and healthy. Another great reason to head back down to Fresno for a visit. :) -
Review from Curtis A.
Clovis, CA
10/17/2007 4 photos
An Ethiopian workmate gave me the heads up that this restaurant was coming, and now that it's here, I'm not disappointed. In our group, five adults ordered two vegan plates and two meat dishes. With the injera (flat bread), we had enough food to fill up everyone, and a large togo box. The quality of the food is as good or better than an other Ethiopian restaurant I've been to (mostly S.F.). Be warned, the owners value quality over expediancy, and the foods that it makes a difference, are made fresh. This can take some time. I'd consider ordering ahead if you're in a rush, or just don't want to wait +45 mins for your food. I think you can ask what will be quick and bypass the wait, but I'm not sure.
I really going to push this restaurant with my pals. It truely deserves the attention, and Fresno can surely use the variety. IMHO, if you like Indian food, you'll probably will love this food.
**UPDATE: I've been told that Lucy's Lair is now offering a lunch buffet to speed up that midday feeding. -
Review from marathon r.
Fresno, CA
11/20/2007
We went for lunch on Monday, Thanksgiving week, and not surprising, since it Lucy's is in a residential neighborhood, we were the only customers.
We were greeted with friendly service and ordered two of the Vegan Delights so we could sample most of the selections. You get four items, and that would allow us to get eight of the nine listed on the menu. However, we were given each item on the menu, and a couple that weren't so that we could fully sample what the restaurant had to offer. This was unexpected and cool.
We were told we could have forks if we liked, but Ethiopian food is traditionally eaten with fingers and for the full experience, we chose that method. A couple of items are difficult to eat that way and a bit messy. If you are sharing as we did, make sure you go with someone who has clean hands and you are not squeamish about.
The food was delightful and flavorful. We very much enjoyed most items. It didn't look like a lot of food at the start, but we found that in spite of the great taste, we could not finish it all. We talked about it and may on our next visit share one vegan delight, and get a couple of yogurt sides. Yes, we will definitely eat here again.
The restaurant is a former Italian deli, so not much it looks or comfort, which makes me want to only give 4 stars, but there is the oh so good food and friendliness. -
Review from Paul H.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2009
I've eaten here a couple of times and both the meat and vegetarian dishes/sides have been very tasty and they're generous with the injera. The prices are fair and there's also a good choice of Ethiopian beers.
I'm not too crazy about the atmosphere as it's mostly decorated the same way it was when the place was Choices, but that's not going to keep me from going back. -
Review from Ashley Alvera B.
Madera, CA
8/18/2009
Excellent food! It was my first time trying Ehiopian food, but I loved it! The food was wonderfully spiced without being too salty. I had the Vegan platter and we ordered a side order of a chicken dish. There was two of us and we definately could not finish what we ordered!
They should really consider slapping some paint on the walls and making it a little chic-er...because the decore should match the food...amazing! :) -
Review from Corie D.
Fresno, CA
1/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing for vegetarian or vegans. Great food.
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Review from Maria Elena K.
Oakland, CA
10/8/2010
This is a review from my experience two years ago. My food was coldish. not hot. The service was fairly slow. I've had better Ethiopian food.
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Review from P M.
Fresno, CA
10/10/2007
A buddy and I decided to eat at Lucy's Lair last night after hearing about its existence here and, after a thoroughly delightful dining experience, I can unreservedly give it my whole-hearted recommendation. Until now, I had only been able to try Ethiopian food in the Bay Area and in and around Los Angeles (hopefully I'll be able to try it in Ethiopia sometime) and Lucy's is at least on par with any of these establishments, and far surpasses them in many ways.
I asked our server (who turned out to also be the owner) to recommend the spiciest dish on the menu, which ended up being the chicken doro wat, and it was delicious. Spicy is relative, and while it doesn't hold a candle to Laotian or Thai cuisine (as far as hotness goes), the flavor was excellent. The vegetables were cooked and seasoned to perfection as well.
Speaking of which, as a guest observed above, the vegan selections are quite varied and featured prominently on the menu. Speaking as a non-vegan, I appreciate having a healthier option as long as the flavor and texture aren't too bland, and what I tried more than satisfied.
We also sampled the gamut of Ethiopian beers they had in stock, and I would buy any of the three I tried if I saw them for sale at BevMo or Trader Joe's. Apparently they're having some trouble getting the imported mead or honey wine, though, which was disappointing. I've always wanted to try it.
The food is served on a communal platter, and is eaten sans utensils. Instead, the injara flat bread is used to grab the food. It may take a bit of getting used to for some, but it's a lot of fun with a family or group of friends. My friend and I debated whether or not this makes Lucy's a suitable place for a first date. He thinks not, as it might be a little informal (and potentially messy) for a date when you would normally want to create the best impression possible, but I maintain that it would serve as a great litmus test. You would know if the chick (or dude) is "down" right from the start. If she's squeamish or timid here, I don't think that would bode well for things to come.
Finally, the owners were absolutely delightful. They were friendly, generous, and one could tell how proud they are of their new establishment.
And they have every right to be. Go eat at Lucy's, and take a group of friends. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Los Gatos, CA
1/3/2008
Delicious! And so unexpected, in the middle of a suburb.
I had chicken, and sampled from the vegan plate. Everything I tasted was superb, and the cinnamon chai is perfect! I even liked the Ethiopian beer my friend ordered, and I'm not usually so excited about beer.
It's super clean and tidy and the staff are superb. -
Review from Jasmine R.
Fresno, CA
2/28/2011
I don't know why their vegan dishes are so pricey, and the portions are so small. Potatoes and lentils are relatively inexpensive, so this makes no sense to me. We have been going to this restaurant for a few years now, and it the past couple times we have visited it has been hit and miss. I always get the Vegan Delight. The last time I ordered it, my spinach/kale was cold in the middle, as if it had been nuked left overs from lunch....and the portions were very small. I usually get the Vegan Delight and my boyfriend gets a meat dish. Usually that is more than enough for the two of us. This last time I left the restaurant feeling hungry because the each of the vegan dishes were about two tablespoons each....dissapointing. In a town where chain restaurants are the norm, it is sad to see cool places like this disappoint. I'd rather go here than Dai Bai Dang or Applebees.
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Review from Kraig T.
Fresno, CA
10/5/2007
Excellent new dining experience. The owners are warm and genuinely care. We were assisted in ordering since this was our first time having Ethiopian cuisine, The food is very flavorful and there was more injera(flat bread ) than what I could finish. My wife ordered the vegan plate in which you can choose the items to be served and I was adventurous and had Kitfo( Ethiopian Steak tar tare, Oh so good. Also excellent value, were talking dinner for my wife and I with our two year old with a glass of wine for 30.00 plus tip
