"Keith McNally’s Lucky Strike never garnered quite the same adoration as his megahits like Balthazar or Pastis. There were no Sex and the City tour buses making pit stops for photo ops or tourists vying for a corner booth, as at the restaurateur’s other French-American bistros. This is exactly the reason why New Yorkers have loved the Soho institution — not to be confused with the bowling alley — since it opened in 1989. Yes, the lighting was flattering, and the gently priced menu meant you could always order just one more plate of french fries with another cheap glass of red wine. In its 31 years of business, this neighborhood hangout was for the regulars even once the Hollywood celebrities stopped dropping in at all hours of the day. The fashion crowd considered it a favorite long after Grand Street could no longer be described as grungy. But it was the devoted staff in the front and back of the house that set Lucky Strike apart. Many of the employees had worked there for more than 20 years, according to McNally, and even when the spot didn’t make “any money,” he kept it open because, “I like them, and I like the staff… I am fond of all of them.”" - Eater Staff
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