This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. To all the haters, you know nothing. This place has the most comfortable ambiance, phenomenal service, fantastic cocktails, and even better food. I could go on and on and ON about all that I have ordered here, but there is no need. Order from the specials and you will not be disappointed. Or try a classic dish. Or sample one of the appetizers! It's all unreal. Also, side note: the restaurant is SPOTLESS. Not a speck of dust or grime in the whole damn joint. And I am a crazy neat freak. I have been frequenting this place for 4 years, bringing friends and family, Club Lucky is always a hit!!!! Keep it up, you guys! We love you.
(5)
Charles K.
Second time here, sat in the cafe/bar side this time and prefer it over the more formal side. Ordered the Bolognese w rigatoni-split it with a friend, still had leftovers probably be we filled up on the delicious warm bread they offer upon arrival. The rigatoni isn't home made which is sort of a bummer considering they do make some noodles in-house and the atmosphere offers a very old school Italian feel that's warm and comfortable. Ramon was our server. Very kind. The busser however was a younger boy w brown wavy hair who lacks enthusiasm and friendliness.
(5)
Pete P.
A classic Chicago Italian restaurant! I love the atmosphere, the food, drinks, and service. The building is quaint and charming. The usual Italian specialties are well made. Although they only have a couple of steaks on the menu, they must be quite good as I noticed they sell a lot of them. The restaurant had a strong steak smell throughout. I'll definitely get one the next time I go. Be sure to get the special house salad. It's awesome in every way.
(5)
Eve P.
If you want some good, filling Italian food, this is the place to visit. When I first walked in, I thought the place was a small bar with just a few seats but if you walk to the back, there is a big dining area. The food is very filling, so if you are hungry, you better believe that you will leave here full and satified! It was the middle of the week and this place was packed with people. Try to get a booth if you can because there will be a tad bit of foot traffic. Bring all of your friends and/or family, order different foods. There will be enough to share. If you are in the neighborhood and just want to grab a few drinks, you can also do that here. There is a bar area when you first walk in that is separate from the dining area.
(5)
Randall K.
We have been going to Club Lucky for Mothers Day Brunch since the first one about 6 years ago. I almost want to keep it our secret, but it is a great place for this event. Food is really good and plentiful. Sometimes a tray is empty, but rest assured, it will be full (and fresh) the next time around. The mix of breakfast and Italian lunch is always great. It has become a tradition over the years. They have valet parking for 9$. Well worth it with the wife, mother-in-law, and the kids. What I really appreciate is the "homey" feel. I know where I'll be next year!!!
(5)
Jackie C.
This place is a really cute, old Italian restaurant! We came with a big group so I'd love to go back with a smaller group to have more of an intimate experience. I had spaghetti and meatballs, it was delicious! Everyone loved their meals! As a warning, they can only split bills on 2 or 3 cards so just bring cash incase.
(4)
Jet S.
Great neighborhood Italian spot. Very family friendly but not just a family place. Food has always been consistent and good, nice portion size and always friendly service. I recommend this place.
(5)
Delightful D.
Went here for my friends bday lunch. I thought food was okay not amazing but I would like to try other things if I go again. I tried bruschetta, italia sausage and chicken tortellini with peas dish. The tortellini I. Vodka sauce was delish. I Def enjoyed it. The appetizers were just ok. I would return for Italian if in area and had a taste for it,
In a city where you can be featured in Chicago Magazine's "Best New Restaurants" one month, and be closed for good just a short time later, it's pretty remarkable that Club Lucky has been holding its own for nearly 25 years. I visited last night, after not having dined there for a number of years, and was a bit surprised that the menu is pretty much exactly the same as it was when it first opened. They're not reinventing the wheel here. You won't find carpaccio or risotto on the menu, but rather standard red-sauce Italian fare. It's reliable and enjoyable. The service is great. It walks that fine line between being attentive, but not pandering. Our server made great recommendations on cocktails and entrees, and she knew the menu well. Club Lucky kind of dropped off my radar over the years, but it's a solid choice for dependable, better-than-average Italian food.
(4)
L. L.
From the minute we walked in the door we experienced terrific service and enjoyed excellent food. Great ambiance, very retro/midcentury decor with a lively bar, a separate dining room and covered outdoor seating. Our server recommended the Club Lucky salad as a starter, it was loaded with vegetables and easily shared. We each had delicious entrees from the daily specials list and enjoyed their famous martinis. A neighborhood gem in Bucktown, not to be missed.
(5)
Paul R.
'6 star experience every-time' CL has my favorite "beverage-program" in town. You and a dozen friends want a nice bottle of armagnac or absinthe... They got you. Maybe a house made limoncello. Hungry? Don't stop at the a.w.e.s.o.m.e appetizers the entrees and deserts deserve your attention. The look and feel of Club Lucky is easy to be in for me and they go all out decorating for the holidays. The patio seating makes a few hours just breeze by. I have booked nearly a dozen dinners with 2-3 dozen folks and have been wowed with the attention paid to us before, during, and after. They even have worked up menus for us that are not "on the menu". (not that I could tire of the very thoughtful menu) Planning a special night or need one at the last second, Club Lucky has you covered.
(5)
Colleen D.
Wow was that good! Love this place - it's in a neighborhood - they have valet. We made reservations and got right in. It was full on a Friday night but not uncomfortably packed. The service is amazing. Our server (Stephen V) was so nice, knowledgable and just pleasant. Even the bus folks were so friendly and easy going. The food came out fast but I never felt rushed and it was so good. I would have been happy with the table bread - that is amazing - warm, soft, delicious. We changed our mind several times but decided on eggplant parm for me and chicken parm for my man. He asked to have the chicken baked extra crispy and he tells me it was perfect. Our server checked back to see it was done as he desired. Then we had the cookie for desert.....I could go back now and have another one...so good!! I love this place and can't wait to go back!
(5)
Zhebtian L.
Ordered Club Lucky Salad. The dressing has a good tangy vinegar flavor to it. I'd order it again.
(4)
Tomislav L.
This is one of my faves in Chicago. Ever since I lived in Wicker Park. The Martini's are great and the atmosphere both inside and out is wonderful.
(5)
Rachel E.
I love coming on Tuesdays for their 6 dollar martinis. There's free parking on parts of Wabansia and all of honore. I love the outside seating in the summer and the food has been great.
(4)
Mehran F.
I have now been going to Club Lucky a few years...promoting them to a four (maybe a 3.5 is more fair). It is a nice neighborhood type of place. Nothing extraordinary but comfortable and unpretentious. There is one server (who actually also does standup comedy) whose name I have forgotten...she is a bundle of character and a joy to chat with. Bread is delicious. Food, depending on what you order is reasonable to delicious. Price-Value-Ratio as the Dutch would call it is fair.
(4)
Kristi K.
Very accommodating of vegetarians. They have good knowledge of which dishes are or are not made with animal products, and are happy to ask the chef if they don't. Very easy to order, even if you want something modified or substituted. Most components in the menu can be had with most other components. Extensive alcohol selection, and they specialize in martinis. The table service is frequent and friendly. We live around the corner so I can't comment on the valet parking, and it would be a conflict of interest for me to recommend street parking.
(5)
Kim S.
This is a 5 star review and shout out to our bus boy. He was doing his best to keep all of his tables happy under difficult, short staffed conditions, and especially when people weren't being very patient or kind to him. Everyone has a bad day, and this kid deserves a high five for trying his best to keep his cool and a smile on his face!
(5)
Nikki H.
Nailed it. Went in here with a couple girlfriends before the hawks game on Friday and it was fantastic. We were seated immediately which was shocking for the day and time so we were pumped. Busser immediately brought bread and waters (YES BREAD) and our server was really helpful with the wine selection and we settled on a midrange Cabernet. Delicious and well paired for all of us. Tried the mozzarella fritti and the sauce made us extremely anxious for our meals, super tasty! I had the penne arrabiatta which absolutely killllled me. Perfect amount of spice and the pasta was the perfect al dente. We will absolutely be back!
(5)
Bobby O.
I have been coming to Club Lucky for a long time but have not been here recently. I have to say that I was disappointed. I am used to waiting in the bar area nursing a martini while you wait a bit for your table but having said that and waited our turn we were seated against the wall (no problem at first) thereby we got comfortable with the waiter promptly refreshing our drinks, when I realized that our aisle was like the Dan Ryan Expressway. I kid you not, both my menu and my wife's menus were separately knocked out of hands and the passing people never even flinched. I had several conversations with passing small children whose parents never realized they were mingling with the guests LOL. Even the staff was grinding against us while carrying ginormous food trays blah blah blah. Enough of that...lets talk food. I ordered mu usual Salmon Vesuvio and the wife ordered a seafood pasta special. This was preceded by little neck clams and the seafood salad. Both were good. The entrees came out after what seemed like a long time, but it just may have been that I was staffing the toll booth on the Dan Ryan...Anyway the waiter arrives and sets down my Vesuvio and my wife's chicken dish. Hold on doctor! She ordered a seafood pasta. Apologies...apologies...Now I have my dish and it sits alone as we converse. 10 minutes later her plate arrives with the top of the pasta slightly charred. Rush job...we accept it and say no more. It was not good. The waiter brings one complimentary glass of merlot even though we both have dinner cocktails and we order a chocolate cake fudge thingee...It was good. Overall I felt rushed...seated on a highway...disappointed. Next time I will not settle for that nonsense.
(2)
Blythe B.
I was brought there on a first date, by someone who has lived in the area a long time, and both his parents were long time Chicao food critics. It is a nice comfortable place . . . it reminded my of the well-loved Cruise Room in the Oxford Hotel in Denver. It's nothing fancy, just good ole GOOD homestyle Italian! My date wasn't that hungry (WHAT?? He knew we were going on a date for days, and he's not hungry for our 'clearly a dinner date"? O well). I was in a weird mood to eat pasta (I am usually a no carbs person after lunchtime), but i ordered the Rigatoni with Veal Meatballs. Pretty good - I'd say in the B+/A- range. Meatballs were definitely tasty. He got a special - flat noodles with a sausage cream sauce. I am usually not a fan of sausage, but I liked his better. We sat outside, which was a perfect night for it. The flower boxes are pretty and the BASIL plants are beautiful - if I was facing them, I would have torn off some and added them to my dinner. The place is cute as heck inside - retro 50''s. Since I live in the burbs, I won't go out of my way to go here, but it's definitely solid good food and I would suggest it as a place to try.
(4)
Kevin D.
Awesome food. Slow service. Order the Grilled Calamari!!! YUMM!! Linguine and white clam sauce.
(5)
Rachel W.
I really love this place during Christmastime...it's so cozy & old-school. We love to go sit at the bar and listen to the tunes & warm up under the decor. I haven't specifically gotten any entrees made vegan, but instead tend to choose random sides and make a hot mess of a meal. For example, a side of the roasted garlic (a whole head of perfectly roasted spreadable garlic) is awesome on toast, with a side of steamed broccoli or sauteed spinach or escarole. Or, a side of marinara w/roasted potatoes. Great Italian salad too sans cheese...sometimes it's not about what they can't do (at the least, you can get penne w/marinara and veggies) but that's a boring vegan option for me and it's fun to get wild with sides and be glad you're somewhere warm and cozy ;)
(4)
Mike V.
Really slow service and so so food. We had reservations on a Saturday night and were seated immediately. We put in our drink order and then began our wait. Nearly 10 minutes before the drinks were dropped off, the waitress said she would be right back, then spent the next 10 minutes taking care of a large party next to us. The restaurant was fairly busy, but had about 20% of their tables open, so certainly not just temporarily overwhelmed. We had another longer than normal wait after we ordered, and when the food did arrive, my order was wrong. Not wrong as in undercooked, or missing something on the side, but the entirely wrong dish. My wife started eating as we waited for them to spend the next 10-15 minutes making my correct dish. The food (when it finally arrived) was fine, but found the sauces to be bland, and really nothing special otherwise. Short from the brief apology, no effort was made to compensate for the extremely slow service or the incorrect dish. We paid our $75 tab and got out of there. If you are looking for a casual Italian restaurant, look for something else in the neighborhood. I don't see any reason why we would return here.
(2)
Dawn F.
Love this place was here last weekend and had breaded clams , club lucky salad and chicken fettuccine with asparagus and oil garlic. The meal was excellent as always. I have been visiting this place for the last 5 years and have always enjoyed there martinis and food :)
(5)
Jaclyn C.
A hidden gem! My husband and I come to club lucky for every valentines day celebration. The food is fantastic and the service is great. Make sure you go on an empty stomach because the portions are large and it is very delicious. The house martinis, like the lemon drop, are a perfect way to end the meal. There is booth seating that is preferred, but we've sat at the tables before and it is not too bad.
(5)
Stephanie P.
Fantastic lounge atmosphere. Perfect music, bartender, and well mixed cocktail. Exactly what we were after. My boyfriend says they have one of the best Aviators in town. I enjoyed my CL Blood and Sand. This place will definitely be on our regular rotation. Watch out though - the drinks are a little on the pricey side, but worth every penny.
(4)
Redrose R.
It's a great Italian restaurant with a nice service and the food is excellent. The chicken parmesan is fantastic!
(5)
Jennie T.
This place is solid, but you will be just as happy going to Olive Garden. I had the shrimp scampi and then cheesecake for dessert. It was all just fine. I tried my daughter's ravioli which was better than my dish. I don't think I'll be back- there's just too many other (better) restaurants out there.
(3)
J B.
This is our go-to-spot for home cooked Italian, the way it should be done. Bread & herb-infused oil to start, then caprese salad with reduced balsamic. I like the veal/chicken parm, also shrimp fettuccine alfredo- but bring an appetite! Usually too stuffed for dessert, but had their tiramisu- amazing, and I'm not a tiramisu lover, until now!
(5)
Julia D.
This place sums up everything I love about Chicago. You are walking down this beautiful residential street mixed with vintage low rises and ultra modern homes. And there you spot an awning on the corner "Club Lucky" just tucked away all innocent and unnoticed aside from the valet sign which appears obviously out of place and unnecassary from what appears to be a neighborhood dive. Finally you walk in and boom!! Feels like the setting for a 50-60s mob movie. The front section has a nicely sized bar with TVs and some dineresque booth seating, very dark. Walk to the back section and get a seat in the well lit and fancier dining room. You sit down and feel like you'll spot Liotta, Pesci, and Deniro at another booth giving you the stink eye for finding their hideout. You open the menu and can hardly decide between the seafood, pasta, steaks, wines, etc.... Your food shows up and its just like Nonna woulda made it, I mean fah-getta-boutit! And the portion is also the way nonna woulda served it / fucking enormous. If you are looking for an authentic hidden Italian Gem, this is it. Mangare bene!
(5)
Ed M.
Excellent meal. For the third time in a row now, the ditzy bartender has made my meal less than pleasant. I used to come in and sit at the bar after a long day for a nice meal and welcoming service but it seems that she can't get the simple things that make a restaurant welcoming right or get your requests right. She walked by me three times (and I am the only one at the bar) and didn't acknowledge my presence even though I was looking directly at her to ask for something. By the time she finally asked what I wanted I was just ready to go. Paid $45 for a meal and walking home now steaming instead of satisfied.
(3)
Elaine W.
Meatball salad and pasta. Wonderful! Their warm bread and butter compliments everything. The atmosphere and the service is great. Everyone is friendly and knowledgable about their menu.
(5)
Ross R.
Great food, great service. Call for reservations, seriously. Club Lucky continues to be a fave. I don't know who does the hiring here, but they do it right. The new bartender Kat is both lovely and excellent.
Pure Italian food. Whatever form of 8-finger-rolled noodle I ate at Club Lucky was single handedly the best noodle type I've ever tasted. Club Lucky is a neighborhood staple.
(5)
Gary S.
Met a couple friends here for a little business meeting. First we had a couple drinks and an appetizer, then my friends left and my girlfriend and I actually also left, took a walk around the beautiful neighborhood, and then came back for dinner. Sat inside for the appetizers, and outside on the veranda for dinner. Everything was very, very good. First, the Decour and vibe of the place is awesome. Either it really is, or has been made to look exactly like a "Little Italy"Chicago restaurant from the 50s. Right down to the multicolored worn tile floor. They play cool music, not the tired old Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Italian restaurant standards. The cocktails we had were outstanding. Well-made and not over complicated. Great drinks made by great bartenders, not "craft cocktail" nonsense. For food we had three appetizers, calamari, sausage and peppers, and their incredible fried artichoke. All wonderful. Get the calamari Calabrese style. For dinner we shared a pasta dish, again spot on, plus had an espresso and Italian cookies for dessert. Also had a glass of grappa which was one of the best I've had recently. We had the same server for both the appetizer and then when we came back for dinner. Of course she remembered us and took excellent care of us. Pretty much in a nutshell: Club Lucky is a fantastic neighborhood Italian restaurant that does everything right without being pretentious or stupid. Just a fantastic and well run restaurant. Highly recommended.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Awesome place!! I love Italian food, but hate how stuffy some places can be. This place is super delicious and approachable (feels like you're back in the 60s!) On the flipside, if you're looking for something super romantical, then you probably won't find your fix here. I'll definitely be coming back for dinner, or even cocktails and apps!
(4)
Conor M.
Super bummed guys. It's 9:15 and still haven't received my food. Ordered at 7:22pm. I know you use an outside company for deliveries, but c'mon. Sad because you're my fave. I can reheat food, but can't remove the disappointment.
(2)
Patrick F.
Really a great place. Wonderful selection at the bar. Also service is wonderful, more of a neighborhood feel. And the filet is dynamite, more so for an Italian restaurant. We visit here frequently.
(4)
Dustin H.
To say this is place is a neighborhood spot would be an understatement. The manager seemed to know everyone by name, and did a good job of making us feel welcome. We sat in a booth located in the bar section of the restaurant. The lighting is REALLY dark. After we placed our orders we were presented a giant 1/2 loaf of hot italian bread. Clearly homemade, it was shaped like a traditional american white bread loaf but with a very fluffy inside and flaky crust. It's served with a beautifully garlicky olive oil. Keep this in mind. It was a lot of bread and sort of negated the need for ordering appetizers. My wife got the carbonara, which was on the daily special menu. I ordered the chicken vesuvio on recommendation of our server. I was offered a half or whole chicken and am kind of blown away they even offer a whole chicken. That's a hell of a lot of food. My wife's pasta serving was huge, but the white sauce was just a bit too light in flavor. Leaning more towards white wine than cream. Good but not what she expected. I felt somewhat the same with my dish. It was delicious, don't get me wrong. But everything just sort of tasted the same. Both of us ended up lusting for red sauce and decided that next visit we'll get dishes with a bit more variety. Seasoning was also a little underwhelming and I ended up hitting the salt shaker a bit too much. At one point I got the "you've put too much salt on your meal" look from my wife. Yes, I have salt issues, but it was pretty bland. Atmosphere is awesome, and you really do feel like you're in a time capsule from a time long passed. The friendly attitude from the staff and the funky vibe are worth the visit along. Dining on a weeknight, it wasn't crazy busy, but I would probably not stop by on the weekend. I can imagine it gets nuts. Great value for the amount of food you get, for sure. You will not leave hungry.
(3)
Cindy S.
We had a great dinner here celebrating a birthday. The bday guest received a complimentary tiramisu that was the best I've ever had. Service was prompt, personable and knowledgeable. Calamari was perfect. Eggplant parmesean got raves from a loyal eggplant parmesean eater. I loved the salmon dish I ordered (I can't remember whuch one...it had sauce and potatoes on the side) it was cooked perfectly and delicious. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Anthony S.
Ambience is great and so is the food. Fun place to go and enjoy your meal while socializing. I had one of the best veal Parm dishes ever! The penne was perfectly al dente and the sauce was delicious!
(5)
Alonzo T.
If you've ever eaten in Chicago with a Sicilian family, Club Lucky is like a warm hug from the friend that prepared those home meals. Firstly, their red gravy (known to the rest of you as marinara sauce) is impeccably bright and flavorful. The eight finger cavatelli is nothing but noodles and sauce, but it's one of the best meals I've ever had. Likewise the string bean salad with blue cheese and tomato seems to be a Chicago Italian Family classic and it delivers just like the real thing. My favorite however, is the eggplant parmigiana. There must be a dozen or more thinly sliced layers of eggplant breaded and layered with cheese and sauce. It's remarkable. The venue itself used to be an old VFW hall and it retains all the charm and volume of a 1950's dance hall. The retro interior designs and gorgeous classic bar evoke a real sense of Chicago's past. For all these reasons, Club Lucky is one of my favorite restaurants. If you're in the mood for family style Italian (not experimental fine dining Italian, not 1980's neo cuisine interpretation of Italian, not gastro pub Italian) don't miss out on this rare gem.
(5)
Annie P.
This review is for the bar- fabulous. A rare Chicago gem. Mixology is fantastic too. Jukebox is perfect and ambience is one of its kind. Can't wait to get back here
(5)
Carm B.
I have been coming here for many years and I have always been a huge fan..this last time, not so much. After enjoying a drink at the bar we were seated at a 2 top against the wall where everyone and their mother walks past you, bumps into you, and interrupts your meal. We had delicious appetizers of clams and the seafood salad along with their fantastic bread. I ordered a special on the menu for my entree and when our food was ready, they brought me out a chicken dish instead of the shrimp dish I ordered. Our server apologized and took it away but my husband was left to either eat without me or wait and have his food cold. When my dish did come, it looked scorched on the top like it was put in a broiler to warm. I was not impressed with my entree. It actually tasted like macaroni & cheese with shrimp. I didn't eat very much of it. We went with the server's dessert recommendation of a chocolate chip type cake, which was very good but a bit too rich. I'm hoping this was just an off night for us. I love Club Lucky and have always looked forward to eating there.
(3)
Jeffrey R.
Ate here last week. Food was absolutely amazing, as usual. However, the service was less than desired. The bus and support staff was more attentive than our server. Had to ask for our bill, wrong meal was brought for one of our guest. The rest of us had to eat cold food. Nothing was done to rectify. Very disappointed for a $95 bill.
(2)
Lary S.
This place is so awesome. I like how its in the neighborhood but only a block away from a busy street. Started out with the Antipasto Meat & Cheese tray and it had tons of goodies on it. Also tried the Calamari Calabrese which is the most tender calamari i have ever eaten and very task. For my meal, my mother and i split an order of lasagna which was great and the steak pizzaola which was so awesome. My step-dad has the eggplant parm, which he enjoyed. For dessert, cheesecake, tiramisu and i had strawberry with chocolate chip gelato. I will be there again and I hope you try it. Staff was great and service was great.
(5)
Jacob J.
Stopped in for dinner the other night to celebrate an occasion. My first time there for food and on a previous occasion for drinks. The food was standard Italian, nothing too special or memorable for myself. The highlight of the meal would be the warm bread served with infused olive oil which was abundantly offered to the table. My recommendation is they could go an extra mile by offering meat sauce or straight marinara with their warm bread (to be enjoyed) while waiting on the main course. Being that this restaurant / bar is off the beaten path and not as busy as much of the nightlife in the area, this would be a good start point for a couple cocktails and checking out the scene. Throughout the evening, lovely women in small packs were in abundant supply. I'm curious about whether this was a one time anomaly or a weekly occurrence. Much of the clientele for dinner service on this warm Friday night were of the ages of 30s - 50s with a few families mixed in.
(3)
Monika M.
Ridiculous overpriced lasagna. For 16.95 you'll get an appetizer! Don't order hungry...
(1)
Lauren D.
Calamari. I will say it again. Calamari. Club Lucky does it amazingly well. Huge pieces of squid fried to perfection beneath a light coating. Not heavy at all, and it comes with a heavenly marinara dipping sauce. The sauce could have used a little spice but it definitely didn't take away from the overall result. This place is perfect for a quiet dinner for two or a small group. And if it's nice outside, don't pass up the opportunity to sit on the patio. Our server was phenomenal: attentive and personable and just downright a nice guy. In fact, everyone we encountered there was polite and welcoming. My husband and I split the Meatball Insalata and Chicken Cacciatore. The meatballs were large and in charge, drowned in a sweet and beautifully red tomato sauce. They come alongside a basic house salad dressed in red wine vinaigrette. It felt light and yet very filling and comforting. The Chicken Cacciatore was divine, with the chicken browned nicely on the outside but super moist on the inside. Sadly, we were too full for dessert, but I have no doubt we will be back again soon and will make room. Club Lucky: I'm the lucky one for trying this place!
(5)
Karen M.
The food is fair. My big issue is with the leftover containers-they cram-and I mean cram-everything into a very small Chinese food container-even at the cost of cutting or folding your food up so it fits. Won't be back.
(2)
Brenda D.
When you walk by a place that is this busy on a Sunday night, you know the people inside know something you don't. We wanted to join them. We ordered the Antipasti for the table to start and it was an excellent mix of items. The stuffed olives were mouth watering. They have a great selection of wine in which we indulged. We finished with the Fettuccini De Campo - three words...Oh My Goodness. It was simple yet delicious. A perfect blend of grilled chicken, asparagus and roasted tomatoes with olive oil. The flavors of the foods were able to speak for themselves. This place is going to be on the must eat at list next Chicago visit.
(4)
Beth G.
I loved the experience of dining at Club Lucky. I went there on Valentine's Day, so obviously it was bustling. Still, we got greeted quickly by a maitre'd, who suggested we have a cocktail at the bar while we waited for our table (we were about 15 minutes early). I had a well-made Manhattan and took in the happy scene. The old-fashioned feel, the great smells, the cheerful bartenders. Then we were lead to our table, in the dining room that was crowded but not cramped. We shared a Caprese salad, which was delicious (even though it's hard to find acceptable tomatoes in February in Chicago). For my entree, I had homemade tortellini, filled with chicken and herbs, finished with peas, pinenuts, and vodka sauce. Delicious! Our waitress, Samantha, was cheerful and didn't make us feel rushed at all, even though it was obviously a busy night. (And it took us a while to get through our bottle of wine.) Prices are on par with similar Italian restaurants in the city ... pastas in the $10 to $18 range, second courses are $18 to $35. The menu features relatively basic Italian fare -- nothing shi-shi or over the top, but the food is made well. I would definitely go back soon to try another entree and enjoy the atmosphere.
(4)
Mark V.
It's a run of the mill Italian joint that tries extra hard to be old-school. And while it somewhat succeeds on that front, it disappoints in just about every other aspect, making you wait way too long and pay way too much for mediocre food. With so many spots in Chicago that are legitimately old-school (and not contrived), and so many spots in Chicago that offer superior meals at more reasonable pricing (and with actual service), I simply can't recommend Club Lucky.
(2)
Emily K.
Delicious Italian food and martinis! Pasta dishes are generously portioned and mouth watering. You always get lucky eating here. Get the calamari.
(5)
Casey F.
This is a great Italian place with lots of charm and great customer service. I've dined here many times and always loved what I got. This isn't the best Italian food I've ever eaten but I didn't expect it to be. The bread is awesome, and I crave the Club Lucky Salad. I've taken my parents here and they claim its the best calamari they've ever tasted. They also have a dog friendly outdoor patio as well as a huge water bowl and never ending treats they put out front. It's a staple for all the neighborhood pups. My dogs love this place as much, if not more than I do as a result. It's definitely worth checking out!
(4)
RJ W.
We had our wedding reception here, after going here to eat more times than I can count. Everything was absolutely, positively perfect. Being in the hospitality business for well over 20 years, I am wired to look for issues and solutions. Frankly, there was not a single thing we would have changed. The owner and managers were so easy to work with in the planning, the staff on site were amazing and the food was great (we had family style) Honestly, we could have easily spent 4x the amount we did and the reception would not have been better. Highly recommend if you have the need for a locally owned, caring food destination for a group. Again, was perfect. How often can someone say that about a wedding reception!!!
(5)
Philly G.
Great food. Large portions. Tiramisu and cannoli's are an absolute must try. Very homey feel.
(4)
Mr. S.
I couldn't recommend a better local place to eat! The staff is friendly, the food is amazing and it's all placed in a family friendly atmosphere. My compliments to the chef, owners, and waitstaff. I look for excuses to eat here. Luckily I work close by, so that isn't an issue.
(5)
Paloma C.
Classic. Been coming here my entire life. It's a great family place, but it's versatile enough to be your special date spot, too. You can't really go wrong at Club Lucky. I love the penne with meat sauce, chicken marsala, and shrimp scampi on spinach. Also best fried calamari in town!!!!
(5)
Liz A.
Giving it two stars for the lovely outdoor seating and the good martini. Everything else was pretty disappointing. Our waitress was not attentive...I mean, we had to flag her down to order more booze! The bottle of wine that they recommended was terrible and we were not able to try it ahead of time. My chicken was dry and their "famous calamari" was bland and totally average. Really bummed about this place as we are new to the neighborhood and it had so much potential! Won't be back.
(2)
Omar C.
Rude! Don't know about their food because I didn't bother donating to them after un accommodating attitude.
(1)
Fran B.
Great food, drinks and atmosphere. Highly recommend !!!! The chicken Marsala was to die for.
(5)
Nicholas B.
If there is a more generous and delicious rack of ribs in Chicago, Id love to know about it! Excellent!
(4)
Rick F.
This place has been around forever. I've heard so many good things. i'm glad I went. A good friend was celebrating a birthday, free booze and free food. What a compelling offer. Wow I loved it. Cozy, warm italian comfort food at its best. Loved it! Moscow Mules, excellent. I rarely see breadcrumb stuffed artichokes on a menu, my mom makes these every holiday, excellent. Antipasto plate was great. The whole place was awesome
(4)
Manya T.
I've been here a few times- once on a Sunday evening when the place was pretty busy but not packed to the gills; another time on a weekday in the very early evening/late afternoon when the place was empty; and once via takeout, which, granted, isn't really being there. I don't remember the quality of the service, but nothing stood out to me at the time as particularly slow or disappointing. The food, though, is incredible. I have wandered far and wide in Chicago to find the simple ravioli I'm looking for in a tomato sauce that accentuates but doesn't completely overkill the pasta. THIS is the ravioli of my dreams. It's ricotta filled, fresh, simple, delicious. I want to like a lot of the Italian places over on Grand Avenue, I thought I'd be impressed by La Scarola... but Club Lucky was just far, far better tasting. My husband had the chicken tortellini and said it was excellent. His only desire was for a bigger portion for the price. Yum!
(5)
Shannon S.
We have been a few times as we live on the neighborhood. It's pretty basic stuff and a bit pricey. The tiramisu is amazing, though, so we do go for that often.
I came here to eat Wednesday night with a couple friends. Our waiter, Steve, was awesome. He gave us great recommendations and answered all our questions. The fried calamari was one of the best I've had. All of us enjoyed our dishes. We sat outside and it was very calm and relaxing. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Brenda H.
I was not expecting the main dining room to be so big, considering how cramped the entrance felt. My cousin kept raving about this place so I decided to try it. We ordered a few appetizers and I really liked the mozzerella fritti. The fried calamari wasn't good enough to blow my mind but it was good enough to make me want to try their other versions. The bread at the table was warm, soft and delicious. I had the linguine with garlic and olive oil with shrimp. The shrimp size was bigger than I expected and the dish was a little spicy. The portions are big and filling, good value overall. I don't drink alcohol but they had quite an extensive drinks menu. My cousin ordered a martini with rumchata that wasn't overpowering. I'd probably order that if I wanted to celebrate a birthday with a drink. I think I'll be coming here for my birthday, just for that reason alone.
(4)
Jessica B.
Highlights: the calamari with peppers- can't remember the name. Amazing. Sleigh ride martini is perfect for winter. This is just a great old school Italian restaurant. Nothing fancy, just great food and drinks. Also kudos to our server. We had a 5:30 reservation and came one by one with the last group arriving at 6:15 because of traffic. He was totally understanding and accommodating. Oh and the bread tastes just like my nonna's did.
(4)
Linda G.
Consistently good. I like to bring out of towners here since it's off the beaten path and tucked into the neighborhood. Service is excellent both at the bar and inside at table. We never have a bad meal. These are the old-school typical American-Italian favs.
(5)
Anne L.
Club Lucky, despite its odd name, is a fun, retro Italian restaurant. You enter through a narrow bar, like in all the good mafia movies. Bar in front, restaurant hidden in back, you know, just in case you need a few extra seconds to climb out a window. The decor is 1940s and the restaurant is spacious, if not a little noisy because of it. That's ok because it just kinda adds to the experience. This is not a stuffy place, but it's not low-rent, either. Just kinda quirky and I liked that. The menu is extensive and all of us enjoyed the food immensely. The stuffed artichoke and pasta e fagoli were outstanding. Nothing was overwhelmed with garlic, which often happens at Italian restaurants. Gelato and some anisette to finish off the evening. I'm not in that area often, but if I am, I would definitely go back. May try the bar next time.
(4)
Steve J.
Hot bread. Thick soup. Firm Italian Sausage- the list goes on. Club Lucky improves each year, from their friendly and accommodating outdoor cafe to special events in their Club Room, the owners, managers and staff at CL aim to please and please they do. Bring the family and enjoy large portions! Now if they'd only stay open a bit later...
(5)
Yayasis P.
Talk about a true neighborhood restaurant. Club Lucky is Bucktown at its best. I have dinned there for years and even had family parties for special occasions. The food Is always great. The music and the decor are a blast from the past. This is a must when in the city.
(5)
Terry F.
Great meatball salad. Linguine with clams perfect. Bartender top notch. Christmas decorations are very nice. Waiter was busy so not the most attentive.
(4)
Janette L.
Maybe I am biased having lived in Italy for a semester in college?? But even on a poor study abroad student budget, I spoiled my taste buds. So maybe it is not fair to compare? Still I would describe the food here as average at best. I have always had good service, but the food is less than memorable. I can't even tell you what I have ordered here the times I went. Salad? Pasta? I do remember their bread was good. Still my friends love this place so I find myself here at times, and again there are no major complaints - I just think there are better options of Italian in the city.
(3)
Benjamin D.
Living in Wicker, this is the restaurant that I frequent more than any other in the city! Reason for that is that besides the quality food, it serves so many great purposes. Whether my girlfriend and I want quick a quick salad, or I want to take out-of-town buddies for drinks, or even when I don't want to go to other bars three hours in advance for Hawk's playoff games, Club Lucky never disappoints! It's old school, with Louis and Frank on the Juke, red vinyl and classic Italian food. However, my favorite thing to do is just sit at the bar where the tenders free pour every drink tall, and slurp down grilled calamari (a personal fave). It's also cool that the restaurant is nestled away in a great residential area and has patio seating for the warmer months. The only real reason I won't give them full stars is that some of their dishes are too reliant on heavy uses of a mozzarella that I think could be better quality. Aside from that though, I love the grilled calamari, the veal meatballs, the Club Lucky salad, the eggplant parm, and the Fish Salad (which really should be called the "insane amounts of cold seafood salad) and pretty much everything else! Date, guys nights or quick eats at the bar, Club Lucky is top choice!
(4)
Jenn K.
I might be the only person in Chicago who doesn't like Club Lucky. Sorry folks. I've never had an impressive meal here, though they do a great job of describing food that could potentially be tasty. I think that makes it extra disappointing, though. I recently had a special of Rigatoni in a rosemary cream sauce with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes. Sounds yummy, doesn't it? Bland bland bland. The only flavor came from the sundried tomatoes. I must admit, they didn't skimp on any components (so many places give you two mushrooms or a smattering of sundried tomatoes), but there was no flavor and everything had the same texture-- chewy. Also, I really couldn't taste any rosemary in the sauce. I'm a bit of a wino-- not a wine snob, by any means, but I drink plenty of wines from different places and at different price ranges. I think I'm not entirely wrong when I say "Club Lucky's wine list is lousy". There are so many great, small Italian winemakers with cases and cases of not-prohibitively expensive wines. Why, oh why does Club Lucky insist on having an entire list of big mega-producers? "Let's just get whatever Olive Garden's getting. Can't be bad." Uggh. And I think they store their red wine in the boiler room-- it's consistently the temperature of bath water. I'll concede, however, that their appetizers are good. I've never met a fried calamari that I don't like and you can't really mess up an antipasti platter (okay, you could, but I think the Health Dept would intercede first...). It would really be more convenient for me if Club Lucky were good. It's a cute place, a bit of an institution, has a good vibe... But I'll take my pasta needs elsewhere.
(2)
Virginia T.
Really more like 3.75 stars..... I have a fond attachment to this place because we had our "luncheon" there they day we got married. The service has always been good. The decor is fun and retro....The food has ALWAYS tasted good. But my biggest complaint are the prices. It's nearly $18 for fettucini alfredo with chicken! And there are NO free refills- even on the coke! It's good food, but the prices are pretty ridiculous.
(3)
Jayson B.
Great staff, atmosphere, and music. We LOVED the food. The salad was the first sign that we would have a great meal. It was enough for both of us. The main course was great, and we each rinsed it down with a 1/2 carafe of the house wine, which was good in itself. We loved the meal so much, we plan on going there again, several times!
(5)
Crystal M.
For brunch only: This place met my expectations exactly in the sense that it was a predictable failure for brunch. It was a classic case of a primarily dinner restaurant that is really ill-equipped to serve breakfast doing it anyway because they think it's an easy cash cow. I ordered eggs in a basket, which turned out to be cooked in olive oil and garlic rather than butter. In my opinion, the oil, which it was absolutely drenched in, overpowered delicate taste of the egg. It was...gross. Furthermore, it was just painfully obvious that the staff wasn't trained for a brunch service (or maybe any). They were friendly and well-intended, but the service was mediocre and awkward. Unless a meatball sounds like breakfast to you, I would most certainly skip it because the actual "brunch" is a misguided after thought.
(2)
Bill M.
This swingin' retro Italian supper club serves good food in a cool environment. The appetizers are good, and so are the large entrees.
(4)
Patty D.
I had a pasta dish with shrimp and the shrimp were old ass shrimp... Auggh!!! I don't know if we got there too late, toward the end of the shift but nothing pisses me off more ... just say, "Our shrimp aren't fresh tonight... how about the salmon?" --- sumthin! Yes portions are huge but if the food is so-so - then what's the point - too many italian places to choose from... this one is okay.
(3)
Emily T.
It's good. It's a restaurant, No real wow factor for me. Well, maybe the homemade pasta. Here is the thing- it's one of those places that I just say, its a good place to eat when you are hungry and want to stay in the neighborhood ( assuming you live in it).
(3)
Peter M.
Yep, another 5 of 5 for me. I really do not want to come across as a softy or that I am handing out 5 of 5's like it's going out of style, but Club Lucky really earned this one. Not only do they have the best fried mozzarella and marinara in the city, but you can wash it all down with an imperial quart of the Champagne of Beers. You had me at the fried cheese.
(5)
Donna C.
My half-Sicilian boyfriend, who never wants to go out to an Italian place, actually likes this one. We've had some very decent meals here. They seem to use good, fresh ingredients in their dishes. The only disappointment is the calamari, which is cut too thick. And they don't give you the tentacles!
(4)
Andy G.
Club Lucky - average Italian food. There's not much more I can say about the food. It's a cool, old-school vibe inside. They have a few outdoor tables, which is nice in the summer. The bar inside is pretty sweet. But if you're going to eat (which is usually why I visit restaurants) the food is the most important part of my experience. Everyone thought the food was alright - but nothing to write home to mom (or Yelp) about. The only exception was the carrot cake, which I wish I could have eaten about 1,000 pieces of. If you're in the neighborhood and hungry for some spaghetti that mom or anyone else could make - I would recommend this place. If not, there are much better destination Italian restaurants in the city, at about the same price point.
(3)
Bill E.
Had really good Pasta Fagioli here, and the bartender made a good drink. She was kinda funny too. I'm sorry I can't tell you more, but it was late and I think we'd been out earlier, I think.
(4)
Stephanie H.
I have to say this is one of my favorites, I really like this place! The martini's are out of this world (1 is not enough, 3 is too many!). Wine selection is great too. The grilled calamari and Brushetta are great. Good music, a very unique juke box collection. Very 'cool' ambience. A great stand-by and worth a special trip to check it out.
(4)
Jenny S.
Awesome place to go with a group. When my parents came to Chicago with my grandma it was hard to find a place in the 'hood that was cute and fun but not so trendy that good ol' mom & dad would get freaked out or not want to eat anything on the menu. Club Lucky certainly worked out. The food is delicious--good old fashioned Italian and the decoration is adorable.
(4)
Scott N.
The food is really good and I have eaten something different every time I go and it's been totally consistent. The atmosphere is also great and the wait staff do a really nice job.
(4)
Ryan G.
I really wanted to like it but I was not impressed at all....the veal parma was really not very good...almost like market day frozen quality not fresh....shrimp scampish was ok reason for 2 star....wine 9 a glass and smallest pour I've ever had:(. Had calamari recommendation of waiter the one in white wine with tomatoes or something very soggy and not my style actual calamari was ok....cool place cool workers was not cheap by any means...the food just was ok at best I will be sticking to Lucias.
(2)
Jason L.
One of the best dirty martinis in the city. Delicious bread. And the most tender bbq baby back ribs. At an Italian place! Yeah, weird, huh?
(5)
Benjamin B.
I definitely like this joint. The wait staff has always been nice, but not too nice... prompt, but not too prompt. I like the food here, it is solid. Never been disappointed. They have some interesting beers and a good bourbon selection. Not the best place ever, but certainly not the worst. Every time I go here, I always feel a tinge of pain from the price... I feel that they do over-charge a bit. I think their prices should be 10% lower than what they are. At any rate, it is a decent change of pace on occasion and the decor is pretty neat if you stay in the first room. I dun care for the back area much though. They've got Maker's though. Kudos to that.
(3)
Elizabeth A.
Great, traditional italian!!!!! Can't say enough good things about this spot. Every dish I have tried is delicious. Go here if you want hearty, red sauce pasta dishes just like Grandma used to make in a CASUAL atmosphere! A favorite spot to take my parents. I highly recommend the 8 finger cavatelli. It is perfectly cooked and the portions are big.
(5)
Jenn C.
This is the first place I took my fella after we made the 1100 mile trek across the country to move him here, He loves Italian. And I mean loves!!! We were exhausted, starving, and I wanted to introduce him to the quality that exists around the corner from our casa. Viva Italiana! I think I have created a monster. I fuzzy pink heart Club Lucky. From the fluffy warm bread, the carafes of wine for the budget conscience, its hypnotizing black and white art deco walls, the consistently gracious staff, to the take out "chinese" food boxes-- kiss kiss hug hug. Not just a place for families, although I cant wait to bring the whole Texan clan in here, my girlfriends and I frequent this spot on occasion- normally gossiping while sharing a plate of calamari, 2 entrees, and a tiramisu. And the 3 of us escape stuffed and only around 35 bucks each lighter. Their food is large. Then again, it reads "family style" on the menu (doesn't mean I haven't taken down an entire plate of capellini all on my own, once...or twice! But come on, its like the chef was channeling God when he put breaded eggplant, capers, and black olives in a spicy red sauce and on the third day named it Siciliana!) But thats why the prices are a tad higher than at other middle of the money road Italian joints. Plus, to date- I still have yet to leave without a delicious amount left for lunch the next day...or later that night- Guilty as charged! I go nutty over their pepper salad- and yes, they sell the dressing along with the nummy marinara sauce. Many a time I have done a drive by saucing in preps for the lonely linguine in the pantry. Cuz, honestly, we cant afford to eat in every time we are salivating for the Lucky monster.
(5)
Erin K.
Love the calamari calabrese and the drinks! And the ambience, ahhhh.
(4)
Josh S.
Great, food, expansive menu and fantastic appetizers (the aranchini was probably my favorite appetizer of all time). The atmosphere is unpretentious and I like the 1940's throwback supper club. This place is kind of off the beaten path and I like the fact it's not overpriced and touristy like most Italian restaurants in Chicago. I highly suggest getting a group of people when you want a low key night and a good bottle of wine. My favorite items on the menu are the chicken Vesuvio or chicken parmesan. Not my favorite Italian restaurant (see Trattoria Poretta in Portage Park) but still tasty and great ambiance.
(3)
Kristina B.
The service = Great! The fettuccini alfredo = Great! The atmosphere = Great! The apple martinis = Beyond great! Average all of those out and you have one 'great' rating. :)
(4)
D H.
Did not know what to expect when I went here, you walk in the front door and it just looks like another little bar. Then you go around the corner into the dining room. Wow, that came as a surprise, very retro chic. Started with a Martini as they claim to be the house specials, not a bad claim! some of the best I have ever had and I have had a few :) The bread was delicious, follow by their pork chops, which were divine. cooked with peppers, onion and something a little spicy and served with roast potatoes, beans and carrots. I am looking forward to my next trip to Chicago, this is on my my visit list!
(4)
mike l.
okay, everyone loves this joint, so I'll slide my thoughts under the door & be on my way. We just got home, so the food is still stuck in our teeth. Most importantly, the food. Definitely good. Tasty, although pricey. Not "Save it for a special occasion" pricey, but still above average. We had the veal francese & the seafood linguine. The veal was great, tender, flavorful with a nice citrus pop to it. The side of spinach was pleasant too. The seafood was especially good. They didn't chince out on the shrimp or the scallops either, which is always a good sign. I don't know what everyone else ordered, but the portions were certainly NOT huge. the service was a little unattentive and kinda weird. the waitress would disappear for hours at a time, and then pop in really abruptly. My vodka tonic was also really light for the price. But, not a deal breaker. thankfully, the food is good and that's what matters most, right?
(4)
Gamaliel E.
I wouldn't say this is the best Italian food in Chicago, but it certainly is a good spot to eat Italian food. I've yet to have a bad experience at Club Lucky. Club Lucky is located in the middle of a residencial area, and offers valet service in the very difficult to find parking area of Wicker Park. The interior has a retro feel, with class...but not overly classy where you feel stuffy. The bread is nice and warm on the inside and has a nice crispy crust. I first ordered the shrimp scampi here, and fell in love with the dish. It comes large shrimp with spinach in a light brothy sauce. The portion size is good, not obscene like that at Maggianos. I recently ordered the linguinie with italian sausage and was very happy with it. I was close to licking the bottom of the bowl. They do have the Italian style wine glasses which was throwing my fellow guests off....they felt they didn't have much wine in their glass. I'm thinking it was an optical illusion. Anyhoo.....its a safe bet to take your guests to Club Lucky.....no luck needed to be served a nice meal here.
(3)
Misse D.
I met my former roommate here for dinner on a Saturday night. Since I arrived early, I settled into the bar. I actually liked the ambiance of the old-school bar and the patio seating more then the food. My meal was good but not fabulous. There was entirely too much olive oil used to cook my pasta, which was NOT al dente. Regardless, the food was tasty enough that I'd bring someone here for the experience.
(3)
Jim P.
Six people in our group, several had drinks and all have a dinner plate. Our bill was $164......a bit pricey for the the taste of the dishes. The Alfredo sauce was watery, looked like soup and a bit tasteless. Service was great, accommodating and friendly. OUR BIGGEST ISSUE....I had a tortellini dish that is normally served, in my book, with Alfredo sauce. They served it with vodka sauce. I asked if I can have it with Alfredo instead. SURE....we spent $164 and the bill showed I paid $2.50 for the Alfredo instead of vodka sauce. My brother also wanted Alfredo on his pasta, on the side. He was also charged $2.50 for a two shot glass size cup. Doesn't work for me. If you go...and you want something make sure you ask if there's an extra charge. REALLY BURNED ME UP. Really??? for that 'soup' Alfredo? Also be sure you have the flashlight app installed on your phone, could not read the menu in the lighting.
(2)
Kristen S.
I have been coming to Club Lucky for about 10 years now, and I still love it! Great service, great food, and great atmosphere have all been consistent. The neighborhood is great; however you may have some trouble parking nearby. Valet parking is available - Club Lucky turned the empty lot next to it into a valet parking lot. Valet will run you 7-11 dollars. When you walk into Club Lucky, you will have to walk through the retro-looking bar and a few booths in order to get to the dining room or the "party" room. The Juke Box is located near the door as well, playing "Oldies", Big Band, and Jazz, all to reflect the retro-chic atmosphere. Once in the dining room, the decor echoes that of a past era. If you read thoroughly, you will note that the fixtures are modeled after those made for the Empire State Building in New York. Needless to say, they are very cool! The String Bean Salad, Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, and unique Pasta Squares dishes are all highly recommended. Many of the noodles are made in-house. Save room for Tiramisu if you can! It is soaked in rum and the marscapone is freshly made. If you are planning a party, Club Lucky is very helpful and affordable (5-course meal for $27pp). Your guests will love the uniqueness of the spot. The management at Club Lucky is very accommodating!
(5)
C M P.
This neighborhood diner is the perfect place for solid italian cuisine. I'm never disappointed with my selections. The eggplant parm, veal parm, & chicken parm are excellent. Calamari as an app. is a good choice. Penne with vodka sauce is also very good. The meatballs are just as good as mom's. I expect that some day they'll do a show on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives on this place. If you eat by the bar try out the jutebox with plenty of oldies and blues. Christmas time has the place full of xmas lites! Try it you'll like it.
(4)
Angelina P.
I love club lucky. The food there is always consistent as well as it is amazing and the service is always prompt. I usually prefer to eat in the booths in the bar area but the patio is equally as nice too. This place is definitely a little gem tucked away in wicker park.
(5)
Cris M.
Went on a Monday night...wasn't very busy. Began to look at the menu and except for basic pasta nothing was under $15. We ordered Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna, and Chicken Parmesan. The Alfredo had no flavor all. Zip, Zero. Nada. My other two friends were eating so I asked for a Fettuccine with marinara sauce. Awful. and the sauce on all three dishes were exactly the same. Not one bit of difference. And the bad part is the sauce had no flavor. Essentially it was a horrid evening. We didn't get salad or soup or anything with the dishes. It was all ala-carte.
(1)
Maya T.
Meh.... Went with a big group of people when visiting the city last spring. The food was pretty mediocre but the people I was with made it a fun night. For my entree I had the veal with spinach (again meh). I'm pretty sure there was something bad in something I ate because about 20 minutes after we left, I yakked spinach chunks all over the place for about 20 minutes! Sorry for the visual... :oP It greatly impaired my ability to get as drunk as everyone else that night! Too bad...
(2)
Aaron T.
I usually steer clear of Italian food in this price range, but Club Lucky surprised me. First, the retro vibe inside is great. It's casual, yet classy, and unique. The food is good, but not excellent. The prices, however, are very reasonable, and the portion sizes are generous. I've had leftovers to bring home both times I went. The spaghetti with meatballs was surprisingly good for such a simple dish (the cheese on top was killer), and the salmon oregatano was decent. Don't overlook the specials, as they are often the highlight of the menu. The service is OK, but not great. I've had to go to great lengths to flag down my server a couple times. Unfortunately, the wine I've had at Club Lucky was below average. You get lots of good food here for a decent price, but nothing will really blow you away.
(3)
Brian M.
Fun spot for late night nosh - or good martini. I really liked the decor, and friendly service. Used to live in the neighborhood, and loved stopping in, getting simple italian food, and making my way... I reccomend it to anyone nearby.
(4)
Rachel K.
I visited Club Lucky yesterday evening and I was very pleasantly surprised! It has everything you want - good atmosphere, good attentive waitstaff and most importantly, great food. I had eggplant parmagiana and the only complaint (if it could be called a complaint) is that it was too much. Definitely recommend it!
(4)
Sarah F.
This place was just okay. It was tomato-y red sauce, pasta, and not much else. A typical, american-ized Italian menu (which I can appreciate, yes), but just not as tasty as other places that have similar, simple americanized Southern Italian menus. The atmosphere was kinda weird, cafeteria-ish. I am not sure I loved that. I didn't hate it - just didn't love it. My eggplant parm was good, but nothing too too special. The side of meatballs were kind of meal-y, and not that appealing. I just can think of many other places, with a warmer atmosphere, where you can get the same type of food, and it's better.
(2)
Gino W.
Having been to Club Lucky twice, I can say that while it's never as good as the first time, the second time may be way better. I went for brunch a year ago and gobbled a tofu scramble and a plate of malted waffles. If I smoke, I would have had a cigarette, for sure. On my second trip I was overwhelmed with food happiness. Mojito. Bruschetta. Arribiata. As I have mentioned on my blog about Italian restaurants, the bartenders are far from sloppy, as the drinks are incredible. Bruschetta on grilled bread with plump tomatoes and olive oil simply cannot be beaten. And I should have had a pack of Marlboro's after I had the spicy arribiata. I may not have indulged a smoke afterwards, but I did waddle away thoroughly sated.
(5)
Thomas M.
Club Lucky is an Italian place that has been around for quite some time now, so it may not wow you with new, inventive cuisine. But, there's a reason why Club Lucky has withstood the test of time. It's a classically themed, cozy Italian restaurant. The portions are generous (especially the pasta) and the martinis are great. Personally, I recommend the chicken vesuvio.
(4)
Cassidy A.
Homemade Italian food in Bucktown. The homemade chicken tortellini and homemade profiterolles were the best in Chicago. Delicious bread and $6 martinis!
(4)
BurtReynolds D.
Burt wishes he could give a 5 star. But the food isn't up to par. Great little old school restaurant. Nestled away in a cool neighborhood. It's like a time machine inside. Like your a kid again out to dinner when you were 5 years old. And Burt loves that - BUT- the food just isn't good enough. There isn't one thing on the menu Burt looks forward to eating there. Great outdoor summer sidewalk space. Great small bar with booths. Comfortably old dining room. Just not great food. The one good thing Burt can say about the food is the table bread is fantastic! And the lamb chops are good. Please Club Lucky hire a great Italian chef and change your menu. Burt begs you
(2)
K L.
I used to go to Club Lucky a lot because I lived just down the street. Now that I live a little further away, I'm not so anxious to go there. My husband and I went the other weekend, and it was pretty much how I remembered it - decent, but not great. It was definitely busy (we were squeezed in-between other tables), and very loud. I really only like a few items on the menu - the Mozzarella Fritti, Fettucine De Campo, Homemade Ravioli, and Homemade Tortellinis. The starter bread is also pretty good if served warm, but it has been hard and almost stale on some occasions. The atmosphere of Club Lucky is kind of cool - old school Italian. But it is very dark and crowded in there, so I just don't find it very pleasant.
(3)
Abe R.
I had been here numerous times before my last visit, only to frequent the bar and sip on shots of Fernet. This time around though, the couple I was out with suggested we eat here when the line for us to get a table at Piece was 1.5 hours. Damn glad we did.. Our Order: -Eggplant Parmigiana: Layers of thinly sliced eggplant baked with provolone and tomato sauce served with penne pasta. Hell yea, this dish was great. It's really traditional if you have ever had any Italian friends and luckily been invited over for a meal. Here they cook it as perfect as I have ever had it, as the eggplant was extremely tender, just the way I like it. -Linguine Pesactore: Freshly made linguine, perfectly al dente, smothered in a red wine sauce with garlic, and covered with baby clams, calamari, jumbo shrimp, salmon, and spinach. This is always a go to Italian dish for me since I cannot ever get enough seafood. The great thing about this dish is finishing all the linguine and seafood, only to find leftover broth just begging you to sop it up with the homemade fresh Italian bread they serve to you. All in all this place is a well run establishment. The bar up front is great, the service is just right, and the portions to cost ratio is definitely in the patrons favor. I am glad that after all the visits to the bar I finally took the time to sit down for a meal. It was well worth it... Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(4)
Megan G.
I went to this place with high hopes, but ended up being a bit disappointed. We went as a group for a girl's dinner a few months back. Now, I love Italian food (having grown up in an Italian neighborhood on the Jersey shore) and I was quite excited to attend what I heard was a Bucktown institution. The food was okay, but not the best I had ever had. The salad seemed to have too many carrots and celery and not enough of anything else, plus was doused in dressing. Then my fettuccine alfredo was already cold by the time we were served, but it had already taken so long to get the food that I just attempted to eat it rather then send it back. Finally, the service wasn't the greatest- our waitress rang out credit cards up wrong, and then kept telling us that we had done something wrong until after 10 minutes of arguing she checked it again (and realized her mistake). Don't think I'll go back (and I ended up getting food poisoning too- bleh!).
(2)
Janet S.
Sometimes you just walk into a place and its like you came home. In a residential area, we stumbled in from the snow and were greeting by a long bar - old 50's crooning on the jukebox and red leather booths. We opted to sit here - there is a huge dining room on the other side of the bar with more of the same. The calamari was indeed probably the best ever - ever so lightly breaded, not too chewy , a couple of plates of meatballs, some red wine, tiramisu and a couple of glasses of strega and we had the best Italian fix in a long while. $70 felt just about right. The portions and pours were large and the service A1. We loved it so much that we are flying back to Chicago for 2015 Valentine's Day here.
(5)
Justin B.
I love Club Lucky b/c it's less than a 10-minute walk from our house. But whenever I move away from Bucktown, I have a feeling that I'll move to greener Italian restaurant pastures. I've only been twice in nine months--a further testament to my thoughts on the food--but when I have been, I've been happy with the service, the space and the prices for the serving size. But the taste of the pasta has been average (wow, even last month's run to Two for their duck egg pasta was better) and I have not been told Club Lucky's does any one thing at a truly amazing level. This past Friday, I did the fettucine alfredo, and while I thought it was tasty, it wasn't tell-all-my-friends-to-check-this-place-out tasty. The chocolate cake was okay. However, on both visits, the major standout: warm, fluffy bread was served first and it almost destroyed my appetite for the main meal.
(3)
Alyson K.
Great bar atmosphere. The food was ok. A solid Italian, family-style meal. The service was pretty slow. I don't know if that was a result of there being several large tables, or if that's a normal Saturday night.
(3)
Natan P.
Pleased to say Club Lucky is back in my good graces. Dined there recently and the food was delicious. Service was a bit slow, but I get the feeling that could be intentional...it's a neighborhood Italian eatery, vintage, so take your time, enjoy the company! Looking forward to another return trip soon!
(4)
Cory C.
Wonderful Service, fair pricing and amazing food. The meatballs are out of this world. The bread is downright addicting. Add some well poured drinks and this is and wonderful place.
(4)
Kelsie S.
I will start by saying that this is by no means the best Italian food I've ever had, but our experience here was so great that I had to give it five stars anyway. We first went to Club Lucky on a Speakeasy tour. We learned about it's Mob background (look for the bullet still lodged in the bar!), which was very cool. The atmosphere inside was awesome, and the drinks we had were good. We were excited to come back again. We went last night and had one of the best experiences we've had in a while. The service was just excellent. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Our waiter was one of the best I've ever had at a restaurant up there. They just made you feel welcome. The sangria was delicious, as was the bread with olive oil and the toasted ravioli. It is pricey, yes, but we didn't mind. We were also able to sit outside, and the cute, quiet neighborhood made that an enjoyable experience, as well. We're excited to go back!
(5)
Mara A.
5 stars because they have a bucket of dog treats and ice cold Agua for the pups. 3.5 stars for the place itself. Food is good, nothing spectacular. Wait staff is friendly.
(4)
Michael L. And Michelle G.
This place is set amoungst a residential neighborhood, so it attracts the youthful locals of this seemingly urban professional mixed with young white collar up-and-comer apartment dwellers, amidst vintage rehabs and occasional modern tear-downs, as well as every other person in the City who wants to make the very effective scene this place creates of a mix of great Italian comfort food, art deco and prohibition era decor, ... a social scene in the bar with a dinning experience to-boot. It stands out on the corner with a throwback looking sign and you enter into its neon lit and subtly 20-30's decor, rounded edges and vinyl seating, art deco lighting and juke box. After you pass through the bar you enter a dinning area to match with high celings and open kitchen. In the summer the outdoor seating is cozy and on the sidewalk. The menu brings you from top to bottom the usual great Italian dishes done right, easy, and gracefully fresh with great salad choices, appetizers you would expect and clever things that work like pork chops with pepperoncini peppers. The red gravy sauce by which all Italian restaurants are to be judged, yummy to be sure. Come for a Sunday family meal kids and all or come Friday or Saturday night with your date or friends to make the social scene in the bar and enjoy their many craft concoctions and have a great meal.
(4)
Emily W.
We're big fans of Club Lucky! We've both stayed/dined in and have ordered for delivery. We are very pleased every time we choose Club Lucky. It's great comfort, Italian food - we would definitely recommend it. When we dine in, the wine selection is great and the staff is lovely. They are more than happy to recommend something and the service is quick. The atmosphere is fun and feels authentic. The last time we had food delivered, at first they said it would be an hour - which is typical for a Saturday night. Then we were very happy when it came in half the time and the delivery woman was very pleasant. Sometimes you get people who just drop the food and run. As far as food goes, we've had the basics, all of which we would recommend: Fried Calamari, Stuffed Artichokes, Caesar Salad, Club Lucky Salad, Penne Bolognese, Chicken Francese, Chicken Parm, Cannoli and Tiramisu... to name a few of our favorites ; )
(4)
Melissa D.
This place seemed like a hidden gem, but after talking to a lot of friends, it seems like everyone knew about it but me! It was so great, with amazing food and service! I got the traditional pasta squares, but everyone I was with loved what they got. The staff was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. I recommend one of the dishes with their homemade pasta noodles. Their house sauce was also great! Next time (and there WILL be a next time) I'd like to get a salad so I can try their house dressing.
(5)
Angela S.
This place is tricky. If anyone knows me, I can handle my drink, but for some reason I can't get past one martini at this place. So I've learned to be sure to eat first.
(4)
Chris T.
For year I have lived right across the street from Club Lucky. I love the atmosphere and the service. The manager is wonderful and wants to keep the customers happy. The food is pretty good...I mostly go for the drinks (wonderful cocktail selection) and the atmosphere. I love the 60s pop music they typically play.
(4)
D B.
First time at Club Lucky! The atmosphere was very quaint and welcoming, like an old Italian club. The host, bus staff, and valet were attentive and very friendly. Even the manager came over to gab and make recommendations. The only glitch of the evening was I believe we had new server, as she was a bit awkward and often missing. Thankfully, her absence only allowed us to shovel in more fabulous pasta, drinks, spicy olive oil, bread, and amazing tiramisu with out interruption and enjoy the beautiful Chicago summer night! I would totally return and highly recommend!
(5)
Christina K.
I love this place! The decor is retro and charming, they have outdoor seating in the summer which is very pleasant, and their martinis and cocktails are always poured with a heavy hand. Yahoo! Expect hearty, traditional Italian food (with leftovers) at Club Lucky. The homemade pastas, Club Lucky Salad, and cannoli are a few of my favorites. I haven't had a bad meal here. If you want a pasta and sauce combination that is not on the menu, just ask! Service is always top notch. I've brought in groups of 10, picked up a take out order, and stopped by with the beau for a drink before meeting friends - same nice consistent service no matter who I interact with. (Also, my parents used to go on dates here *aww* so I like to uphold that tradition).
(4)
Mike Z.
My gf and I love this place. The food is delicious and we've never had bad service. We went this last Friday night and got a table right away. The bread is unbelievable and I highly recommend the mozzerella fritti for an app. I think they have the best ravioli in the city. Also instead of doing valet just down the street there is plenty of street parking with no pass needed. Price was $80 (tip, tax included) 2 glasses of wine, app and 2 entrees. Not bad at all.
(5)
Erica W.
Club Lucky is a Bucktown institution, yet it took me over a year of living here to finally check it out. Italian is my absolute favorite cuisine...the more carbs, the better, is my motto. Pretty much everything I'd heard -- that it's good, but expensive -- was right. I sound like my mother, but the first thing I noticed was that it was SO DARK. The waiter gives you a flashlight so you can read the menu. Maybe some candles would help? We had the arancini appetizer special, which was quite tasty, and the bread and olive oil were delicious as advertised. The pastas were good too, but at $18 a plate, this place is making a killing compared to their food costs. I'm glad I checked it off my list, but I probably won't be back unless they do a deal.
(3)
Roger J.
Loved this gem buried in the neighborhood. Upon arrival I wasn't so sure if I was in the right place. Good thing we stayed. This place is just a great Italian restaurant with friendly staff, great food, killer drinks and feels like Chicago roots. We enjoyed a meatball appetizer that was excellent, a couple of tasty pasta dishes (try them all) and some very good martini combinations. Upon leaving the manager made sure to ask how the dinner was and introduce himself so we could reference him upon our next visit. You cannot go wrong with this place. Street parking.
(4)
Joe R.
This place is awesome, I order some pasta dish with their vodka red sauce, and it was amazing! I will come back just to get that sauce again, I licked it off the plate it was so good!
(5)
Kelly B.
Club Lucky is a great Bucktown neighborhood eatery that serves old school Italian upscale cuisine, great martinis and has a retro feel that will surely make you feel like you are part of something that was before your time. The restaurant sits in the middle of a residential street and has a nice side patio that adds to the charm. The dishes are big and saucy. A tad heavy and pricey, but you get lots of it and you will eat every bite. I had the seafood pasta special and they allowed me to sub out my pasta for a different type. My pasta was a bit overcooked, but that is easy to do with capellini. Still delicious, especially after a few yummy cosmos. The cannoli dessert was pricey too, but to die for.
(4)
Rokey T.
Don't let the name throw you off. It's not remotely a club. I'd say it's more of a diner feel with a bar. Some of best Italian food in this part of the city. The owner/manager goes out of his way to greet you and say goodbye. Just a nice place all around!
(4)
Ila L.
I really don't understand how anyone can dine at Club Lucky when Lucia's is just a few blocks away. Lucia's is really quite good. Club Lucky was just a big disappointment. We tried three things and all three were mediocre at best. The only good thing was that we didn't get sick. Go to Lucia's on North Ave.
(2)
Bob H.
Went here with my Fiance and my little brother over Christmas last year and loved it. The atmosphere was a combination of old dinner and a big family dinner. Aside from the part where we had to duck out in shame because my little brother asked for ketchup to go with his chicken parm it really was perfect. The food was good - not quite 5 star blow my mind why am I not there every weekend good, but it's exactly the kind of food you expect at a good italian restaurant. I feel the same way abou the service. Even though I wouldn't call it a 5 star restaurant (and I didn't rate it as such) I'd still go here before many 5 star places.
(4)
Paul M.
Loved this place. Pre marathon meal did not disappoint.
(4)
Maricela R.
Yes! I love club lucky our waiter was super nice always passing by serving us refills with out asking. I had mozzarella fritti which was AMAZING! I also had a martini with rumchata, shrimp linguine, and ALOT of fresh bread with cheese and olive oil dip :)) overall it was delicious!
(4)
Kyle P.
forgot how much i love this place......waiter outside was awesome, bread is best in city, calamari with the peppers is excellent and the meatball salad is a way to tell people you had a salad.....its not a salad
(5)
Dana M.
I like this restaurant. This is the second time I have been here and both times had really nice waiters. This time I had Fettucine De Campo: Grilled chicken, asparagus, roasted tomato, garlic, and olive oil, it was pretty tasty to me. I also had Gelato for dessert, yummy!
(4)
Ellen K.
A group of friends and I celebrated New Year's this year at Club Lucky. A lot of my friends are regulars there, but it was my first time since I don't live in Bucktown. They raved about the food, so I expected something really great. We had made our reservation for 10PM but called that night at about 8:30 to check on the status and to ask if it would be possible to add one more chair to our table, making us a party of 8. They were really friendly and said it was no problem to add a chair, and they let us know that they were running about 10 minutes behind. We arrived at about 10:15, but we were not seated until a little after 10:30. In that time, we had to wait in the bar area, which also has booths and the bathrooms as well as the only access to the entry, so those 15 minutes felt a lot like riding the Red Line at rush hour. When we were finally seated, we were very pleased. Even with the extra chair, I don't think any of us felt cramped or crowded. The main dining room was decorated with thousands (literally) of helium-filled balloons, while the bar area had tons of giant snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. The place really had a great ambiance for the celebration. The warm bread and olive oil was really great, though for a table of 8 we probably could have done with a bit more bread than one loaf. For apps, we ordered fried and grilled calamari. Both dishes had a great flavor, but the texture of the calamari was a little rubbery for my taste. I ordered the 8-finger cavatelli as my entree, and it was OK. I added broccoli to it, and I think the dish would have been really boring without it. If I go again, I'll probably order something else. (I would have liked to try the lobster ravioli special, but they were out of it by the time we got there.) My favorite thing that I tasted was the Horse's Head cocktail. That I will definitely try again! Where Club Lucky really shined was their outstanding service. I feel horrible for forgetting our waiter's name already, but everybody working there seemed to be in a friendly mood for having to work on a holiday. New Year's festivities at Club Lucky include a bottle of champagne per couple, hats, noisemakers, poppers and streamers, and a live band with a dance floor. Reservations were $25, and that seemed really reasonable for everything you got. We had a really good time!
(3)
Chris D.
I love Club Lucky!! Never have had a bad meal here. The place is not much to look at. Not going to win ambiance awards. But if you want great rib sticking Italian, then this place gets my vote. Again, this place is about as hole in the wall, old school Italian as it get's. It looks like a diner when you first walk in. Professional staff!! Friendly!! Outstanding wine list!!
(4)
Liz B.
I was excited to find a little hole in the wall Italian place while visiting Chicago. This place got amazing reviews so I thought I couldn't go wrong. Unfortunately it was TERRIBLE. I'm not picky, but WOW. Everything was over-cooked, not fresh, and service was mediocre. I was extremely disappointed. The decor is adorable, but they over pack the place (so it's super loud) and bump the heat. The person behind me hit into me 3 times. Maybe they had a new chef tonight? Either way, I will NOT be returning to this place.
(1)
Jeremy E.
I really enjoyed my time here. I see alot of complaints about the service in other reviews, but my service was outstanding so I can't complain. Food was the highlight though. They make fresh bread which is delicious with their oil blend. For the apps, you have to get the sausage and peppers. May have been the best thing I ate all weekend. For dinner I went with the veal parm. If you can't do that right, you aren't an Italian joint. And they knocked it out of the park. Perfectly cooked and sauced. Everything I had tasted fresh and authentic. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Marisa P.
This is a fun, laid-back Italian joint which is a nice change from the typical romantic and quiet Italian restaurant playing Sinatra. The food is solid and the bread served before our meal was insanely good. We were seated right away on a busy Saturday night and had a great server. Fair warning though, this place is SUPER loud on a Saturday night!
(4)
Juliana R.
My bf and I came across this cute little joint when we were on our way to a different restaurant and decided to try this the next day, so happy we did! We had the rigatoni marinate with italian sausage, and the chicken stuffed tortellini with pesto sauce which was incredible! I highly recommend it to anyone! For drinks we tried their martinis that are supposed to be best in the city. We tried the mangotini and the flirtini, they were ok, definitely not the best, and $11 was a little excessive. The interior so cute, very 50s/diner feel to it, and a great outdoor patio which is where we dined. Staff is very friendly and attentive, all in all, we loved it here!
(4)
Nikki K.
First, I love that Club Lucky is less than a 5 minute walk from my place. Second, their food is delicious! I highly recommend the homemade tortellini - you will not be disappointed! Also, they make some delicious martinis! I love sitting in the bar area next to the jukebox and enjoying the retro decor. Great, friendly waitstaff in a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Rachel S.
Oh Club Lucky, you rogue. BF and I came here the first summer we lived in Bucktown and loved it. Therefore, we decided to return to this neighborhood gem for our 6th anniversary dinner. The verdict after nearly 3 years? Sad. Sad. Sealion. I ordered linguine with clams (red sauce) and BF ordered the chicken marsala. My linguine tasted great, but nearly every one of my clams was sandy. All the props I gave them for serving fresh littleneck clams were cancelled out by the fact that the chef(s) don't know you have soak clams in water for a few minutes so they release the sand they've accumulated. Yuck. BF's chicken marsala was oddly sweet and overall disappointing. The broccoli on the side was bland, just steamed. It was reminiscent of the lean cuisines of days gone by, before they figured out they had to make their food taste good. I told our server that my clams were sandy, and they brought tiramisu for dessert on the house, which was tasty, but, pretty darn difficult to screw up. Will not be going back, unfortunately.
(3)
Amber J.
Every time I come I try something new and fall in love all over again. Great outdoor dinning area.
(5)
Sam L.
They gave me horrible food poising from clams manager sent me $50 gift certificate we waited a month to try again for the price the food is just mediocre every time I've had it you just know better is out there especially in this city! Oggi trattoria.
(2)
Danielle K.
I make a special track here almost weekly because my boyfriend loves their salad. We always order the 'Club Lucky Salad' which is big enough for two people and I think it is $12. The bread is very good, soft and thick slices, just the way I like it. Comes with parmesan cheese and EVOO for dipping. We also sometimes get the side of italian sausage which comes with marenara sauce. Service is good even when they are busy. On Valentine's Day they gave out free roses to the ladies which was a nice touch. Make a RESERVATION if dining on the weekend. It gets busy.
(4)
Alyssa K.
the service and food never disappoint. I love this place.
(5)
Jon O.
Club Lucky serves up some decent Italian food. The inside kinda gives me the feel that I'm in a old Italian dinner or something. I guess it's the red and black and white theme with the chairs, booths and tiled floor..... The food is good as it gets and when we went we ordered family style and all shared a little of what came to the table. For starters we had the antipasto and caprese salad. The salad itself was exceptional as well as the antipasto. The antipasto had a great assortment and was almost a meal in itself. For main courses we had some chicken parmigiani and sausages. The chicken was well prepared and so was the pasta that came along with it but the grilled sausages with peppers really stood out as delicious as all get out. The service was decent and our drinks never went dry but was nothing that really stood out. I think this is because they have kinda limited seating and a large crowd on the weekends so it feels like they are trying to turn tables over as quickly as possible. But I'm just guessing there. Anyways, check it out if you are in the mood for some good Italian food. For sure try the sausages if your inner carnivore is screaming out.
(4)
Julie A.
I live right near Club Lucky, and have been there several times now. Every time, it gets worse. The last time, we got there and were told there was an hour wait. That's fine, we waited at the bar. It took us 30 minutes to get one drink at the bar. When they sat us, it was super loud and we could barely hear each other. The waiter came and took our order--two glasses of wine, a salad to start, and two dishes (linguine marinara with mushrooms and eggplant parm). The food arrived...literally...two minutes later. They slopped some pasta in a bowl and brought it over. 5 minutes later, the salad arrived. Iceberg lettuce in a bowl with some dressing on it. Then, our wines came when we had finished eating 15 minutes later and the waiter brought the check over. We sat at a table for about 20 minutes in total, paid over $80 for something I could have microwaved at home, and we shuffled out the door to turn the table over. I will never go back.
(1)
Ellen S.
Club Lucky is great for a large group dinner. We went for a birthday dinner and they offered wonderful service and good food. They allow you to bring your own cake, which they will cut and put candles on for just a dollar. While my family was singing "Happy Birthday," other families seated around us began singing along as well. The atmosphere is very friendly, and laid back. The food is solid, but nothing that stands out. This is a good place for dinner if your family is not adventurous when it comes to food, and if your looking for a less expensive city option.
(3)
Colleen G.
I love Club Lucky! I recently had my birthday here on a Friday night with 10 guests. They were extremely accommodating to our large party and our waitress was great! I ordered the Lobster Ravioli and it was great! (The bread is out of the world as well) Their cocktail list is also very impressive. I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)
Jessica C.
I went to Club Lucky for Valentine's Day! My boyfriend had made the Reservation 2 weeks in advance to insure a good time slot at 7:15 PM. We got there right on time. The Bar was packed with couples getting drinks and waiting to be seated. We went to the back of the bar and was greeted by a Host. He had us stand and wait a few minutes while they got some other people seated. Everything seemed to be going efficiently. When we made it to the Dining room it was packed. The tables were close together and the tables were long so I felt like I was far away from my boyfriend. It was also loud because of all the people. That's the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. The waiter was on point and listened to out requests even though he seemed very busy. I got the Salmon Oreganato. The Salmon came out perfect and it was probably one of the best Salmon I've ever had! I had a great experience and everything went well for our Valentine's Day Dinner! :)
(4)
Shelly S.
What a nice surprise. It's not a club, but a great Italian restaurant in a nastalgic setting. The bread was great and they have a nice selection of martinis. Salads were cold, crisp, fresh and yummy. The homemade tortellini was excellent. Really enjoyed Club Lucky.
(4)
Ali C.
I enjoyed Club Lucky with a group of 3 this past Wednesday. We arrive just after 5 and were able to enjoy the patio seating. Our waiter was helpful and friendly without being overbearing, and support staff was always present. We shared the Sausage and peppers and Calamari Calabrese which were delicious and generously portioned. Also, the infused olive oil and fresh bread was AMAZING! For dinner we shared the Tortellini and the special roasted chicken of the day, both of which were lovely . The grilled peppers and mushrooms served with it were actually my favorite over the chicken itself, so fresh and flavorful! I also ordered the lemon-drop martini, which was pretty good. Overall we were well taken care of and left very happy and full. Very good service and tasty food.
(5)
Joshua N.
300th review on Yelp goes to Club Lucky! Don't let the exterior full you it's actually pretty nice inside. The place has this weird diner/fancy Italian motif going on but it was fun. It's a little loud as well but I think that's more because there were a lot of groups the night I went. After a little confusion among the wait staff who was to take care of our table we got some drink orders in (awesome Moscow Mule) and order their "famous" calamari and I got the special raviloi bolognese they were offering. They kept the bread coming which was a great touch and filled our water of course. The calamari was fantastic and was plenty for 2 people. My raviloi was fine. And part of why I didn't go over 3 stars. I've had some insane Italian food but this wasn't mind blowing. Not for how much everything cost. I still had a good time and the staff was great. I just don't want to hype the food up.
(3)
Stacy C.
I just went to Club Lucky and cannot say enough good things about it. They have the friendliest staff that make you feel right at home. Everything I have ever ordered has been delicious and is a huge portion.
(5)
Kathleen C.
Ah, Club Lucky...I had been giving glowing reviews to anyone who would listen about you! What have you done? So, in all fairness, I have only visited Club Lucky twice...once on the patio and once inside (both for dinner). My first visit was superb. The food was delicious, the service was great and I thought the pricing was very reasonable. I would have given you a 4 Club Lucky! For my second visit, I was with a group and we were trying to carb load (sort of) for a race, so I figured Club Lucky would be a perfect place to visit. I will say that service of the host is fantastic. We were disappointed to hear about a 45min to an hour wait, but hey, we didn't have reservations, so shame on us. However, after about 20 min, the host let us know that a reservation had bailed, so we could have their table - yay! so, a 5 for the host! Service at the table...however...left a bit to be desired. Our server was nice enough, but I would call him overbearing. One of my friends commented that he only seemed to come around to try and up sell us something (wine anyone?). The most blatant up sell was his attempt to get us to order more appetizers...we had already ordered the sausage as well as the pizza bread (plus the bread that came with the table was also there...) for a table of 5. He was pushing calamari on top of that (thankfully, we declined). And for the 5 of us...we had too much food in terms of appetizers, so not sure why he seemed so skeptical of our order. He also came multiple times to try and get us to order wine (now, this is not unusual at restaurants, but when a few of us didn't order glasses, he kept asking and asking....). We had to decline dessert a few times... So, this server, while friendly enough I guess, annoyed us..and is bringing service all the way down to a 3. The atmosphere is nice (nicer on the patio) and really loud inside, so I'm going to with a 3. Bathrooms - quite nice and clean, so a 4. On to the food.... The first visit was delicious. I was not so impressed by my second visit. My chicken Parmesan was not very flavorful and tasted like something I could get anywhere. It was ok, but not spectacular. I tried one of the pastas and it was really salty. The general consensus of the table was that the food was ok, but not great (well, aside from the lamb special which was devoured). So, a 3 for food...ok, but nothing special. The value is pretty good. I would say that you get a lot of food for the price, so that's nice. A 4 for value. I was so disappointed in my second visit....I wish it had been more like the first!
(3)
Robert P.
What a great place. Really great food and incredible drinks. Thanks Laurie!!!!
(5)
Kori E.
We have been talking about going to Club Lucky for quite some time, and finally made it here last Friday night and this place was packed! The dining room literally has table upon table pushed up against each other to accommodate the masses! We sat down at our table, and looking around the place I seriously felt like I was back in time! HA! I loved it! We ordered the special appetizer - the mussel and they were delicious! Especially the garlicky salty piece of bread stuck in the broth! mmm! I got the Penne Arrabiata, ever since I came back from Italy two years ago I have been hunting down that delicious spicy arrabiata sauce, and its not easy to find! Club Lucky did a pretty good job with it. It was spicy and delicious! My boyfriend got the Pork Chop Vesuvio - I dont eat pork, so I have no idea what it tasted like, but the spinach and potatoes that went with it were very good! We ordered the tiramisu for our dessert and it was nothing special at all, we could have done without. The reason I am giving four stars is because of our excellent waitress! She was probably one of the best waitresses I've had in a very long time! All and all, I'm pretty sure we'll be back...
(4)
Taryn T.
Out with friends and want a super affordable, delicious, sit-down Italian dinner? Get the family-style portions here. Four of us ate a three-course meal (salad, brick chicken, pasta, broccoli, and cannolis and coffee for dessert) and the total was $60... meaning $15 per person, plus tip. YES, you read that correctly. Club Lucky has a nice-sized patio section, and the people watching there is great - the restaurant is tucked away from the main Wicker Park drag and surrounded by single-family homes, so it's very calm and you'll see a lot of awesome dogs being paraded around on the sidewalks through the course of your meal. Loved it and would definitely go back!
(4)
Vanessa R.
This place is way too overpriced for the quality of the food... I've had better italian from Buitoni!!! BUT they serve a nice stiff drink!
(3)
Stephanie C.
I went here for a friend's surprise birthday party and really had a great time. We had a large party (about 14 people) and were given a room in the back of the restaurant which we shared with another large party. The service was great; wine came out a regular clip and they allowed us to take our time ordering, eating and didn't rush us out at point. We had a bunch of different appetizers, the calamari and caprese salad were on point and great for large parties. Everyone ordered their own entrees and I think the majority of folks ordered a pasta based dish. Only one person said they weren't thrilled with their order (ravioli), but everyone else seemed to be pretty happy. We had almost one of each desserts were equally tasty as well as some grappa and limoncello. This place can get loud, but is a great neighborhood location.
(4)
Rick S.
This one of my favorite places in Chicago for really good Italian food. It never seems to disappoint me, even if its been awhile since I have visited. The food is always great, the martinis excellent, the prices reasonable and the atmosphere wonderful. A wonderful place to meet for a special date. And a great place for a more mature crowd.
(5)
Liz L.
Good solid food, everything tastes fresh, and enough options for vegetarians to keep me happy, although there isn't a lot. The staff is friendly and, best of all, they have plenty of outdoor seating if you want to tie your dog next to the table.
(4)
Maggie M.
really good food, but it was very loud.
(4)
Kate G.
The bread alone is worth going; great service, atmosphere and skilled bartenders make you want to come back again and again as a local joint. Italian food is decent... large portions. Went for eaarly dinner on New Years Eve, they really went all out... they do have a special package, but we just wanted to grab dinner. Wait staff and Manager are tremendous!
(5)
Philip P.
I have recently re-visited my favorite italian restaurant in the chicago land area to find my night to be more warming and delicious then the last time our family enjoyed a home style meal at the Club. The food was served to us at the perfect time with such a strong tasty aroma that ensured a delicious homestyle dinner. The next week we were happy to enjoy our first italian/american style brunch at Club Lucky. Unaware of what to expect, my eggs benedict and light buttermilk pancakes were unlike anything I have experienced. And all washed down with delicious fresh squeezed orange juice! It was really something else. The people at Club lucky have always been good to us. I find myself enjoying many meals here and always enjoy their famous Lucky Martini. This is a great place, must see for Chicago. Club Lucky is very much Chicago. Thanks guys!!
(5)
L N.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Sit at the bar, order a martini and enjoy staring into your companion's face while you get toasty. Then order a bottle of wine and some appetizers such as the beef meatballs, the roasted garlic, and a salad to share. The bread is fresh and chewy and the olive oil and parm for dipping are abundant. You will be happy and full when all is said and done. It's fun to make friends at the bar and the music is usually great too.
(4)
Michelle S.
I wanted to like Club Lucky because I begged my husband to go here to for like a year. I should of listened to him and stayed away. The service, food and atmosphere are the definition of average. I ordered the special, but our server brought me the wrong dish (50 Min LATER). I seriously saw everyone else get served before my own eyes. I seriously think that we were forgotten. The dish I ended up getting, and reluctantly eating was just OK. No apologizes or comps from the server or staff. Maybe I'll get around to giving this one more shot- but someone else will have to do the begging this time.
(2)
Zuri B.
Every day on my way to work and home I drive by the big Club Lucky sign so when a friend recommended it (knowing Italian is my favorite of all foods) I couldn't wait. I was very disappointed in the service, the food, the look of the place and its overall cheap feel. Don't get me wrong, I love Bucktown and I wasn't expecting Bijans downtown but I felt this place is very "one and done". I rather eat with the kids from Jersey Shore than go back to this wannabe Goodfellas diner. But that's just one man's opinion...
(1)
Jordan B.
Short Version - Terrible Wait - Great Drinks - Amazing Appetizers - Good Food Long Version A friend of mine lives across the street from Club Lucky so we decided to keep things close and have dinner there on a Saturday night. The only real downside of the evening came right at the beginning. We asked how long it would be for a group of five and they told us two and a half hours. Normally I don't crazy waits like this, especially at 8pm on a Saturday night. But with my friend living across the street, we decided to go have some drinks at his house while we waited. The general manager even took down our cell phone number and offered to call when our table was ready. 90 minutes later we got the call that our table was ready. Upon walking into the dining room I was really surprised. This place is twice as big as it looks on the outside and it was packed, always a good sign in my opinion. We started off the night with a round of martinis. Everyone ordered something different but they were all amazing. The gin blossom I ordered was maybe the best I have ever had. While waiting for our drinks, they brought out the bread and olive oil. My friend had been talking it up all night I was thought I was going to be let down. But to my surprise, it was unreal. I can easily say that they served the best bread and olive oil that I have ever had in my life. The olive oil is infused with garlic and Italian seasonings and the bread is soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. From there we ordered some appetizers. We had the calabrese calamari and the stuffed artichokes. I personally can't speak to the calamari, allergic to shellfish, but the table loved it. I did have some of the stuffed artichokes and they were good. Finally on to the meal. Among the table we tried the veal parm, fettuccine alfredo, and cavatelli wth vodka sauce. Everything was good but nothing was amazing. I would have to say that the cavatelli was the best. Its a pasta made from gnocchi ingredients. All and all, it was an amazing evening. We had sub par dinner the night before at Gene & Georgetti's and Club Lucky saved Chicago's food reputation.
(4)
Josh V.
How the heck have I not reviewed Club Lucky yet?! I've eaten here more times than I can count. And actually, more times than I can remember. They have some delicious martinis... The food is generally good here. It's not out-of-this world amazing or anything, but I know I will always get a big portion of something tasty. I prefer to order off their special menus most of the time, since they usually have stuff that is yummy and unique. Their regular menu is fine, but mostly standard Italian fare. I do like their chicken parm! They also have pretty good pasta fagioli and bread. The service is for the most part better better than average, though they can have off nights like most places. The people that work there are friendly and the servers are professional. They have a full bar (did I mention the delish martinis yet?) and a respectable wine list. For some reason (perhaps this is an Italian thing?) they serve wine in what looks like little juice glasses, rather than standard wine glasses. I'm not sure how wine snobs feel about that, so this is an FYI for you. When the weather is nice, they have very pleasant outdoor seating. It's located on a quiet side street, which is a good atmosphere for dining al fresco. However if you're looking for people watching or to see-and-be-seen you won't find much of that here. The inside is nice too. It's dimly lit and clean. The main dining room can get quite loud at times. It can be a bit pricey, so it's not an every night place. But I try to get here once a month or so.
(4)
Allison T.
My husband and I had our rehearsal dinner at Club Lucky in October--It was the perfect place for us, because that's where we met 3.5 years ago! In short, we would highly recommend it for any private event! The restaurant offers two spaces to choose from: (1) the private dining room, which seats about 30 people, or (2) part of the main dining room, which seats more than 30 people. We used the private dining room, which was great for our group--It was certainly "cozy" with 4 tables of 7-8 people each in a relatively small space, but that was the feel that we were going for. The food was fantastic--Club Lucky starts you off with their homemade bread with olive oil and parmesan cheese, yum! We chose a menu of sausage and peppers and calamari calabrese for appetizers, the Club Lucky and Caesar salads, lasagna and a special pasta, chicken marsala for the entree, and an assorted dessert platter. All of the food was delicious! The food was all served family style, which helped everyone (who didn't know each other well beforehand) get to know one another better. The restaurant offers drink packages or you can pay by consumption--We just ordered 3 bottles of wine (1 white and 2 red) per table ahead of time and just ordered additional bottles as needed throughout the night. I think this was more cost effective than the drink packages. The service was outstanding! Jim Higgins, one of the owners, was awesome to work with through the planning process, and he even allowed us to choose a pasta (housemade cavatelli with parmesan infused red sauce, sausage, veal, fresh ricotta and basil) to serve that was on their specials menu one night when we dined there. Club Lucky went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great night! If you go on a regular night, I highly recommend the Club Lucky Manhattan, meat/cheese Antipasto platter, carrot cake, and housemade limoncello!
(5)
Alli W.
I love the atmosphere - we sat outside yesterday night and it was the perfect setting, not too loud and you had enough room. The fresh bread and olive oil is a great starter. I wish the menu was a tad bigger, but the overal dining experience and friendly, attentive staff makes up for any shortcomings. I will be returning!
(4)
Crista L.
Club Lucky is a neighborhood gem, set back in Chicago's greatest neighborhood, Bucktown, just one block north of North Avenue. Upon entering Club Lucky, you'll notice the warmth of the place... and the jukebox. With retro decor and traditional italian food, Club Lucky will make anyone feel warm, cozy, nostalgic, comfortable. Perfect for a date night, a quick meal, friends night out, family, kids, or large groups. Casual dress. I've never had a bad meal at Club Lucky, one appetizer I will ALWAYS order is the Calamari Calabrese. This is the BEST CALAMARI I'VE EVER HAD!!! My friends & family agree. I've never experienced bad service at Club Lucky, the staff are all very friendly and accomodating. Love doggies? Club Lucky ALWAYS has fresh water and treats (we call them Scooby Snacks) right outside their door. It's adorable to watch all of the neighborhood doggies wag their tails as they approach the restaurant.
(4)
anthony m.
The absolute worst Italian lunch we have just had. The lunch for 5 people came to a little over 87.00. And here is what we recieved: Burnt fries,so bad they were hollow and awful burgers , bad meat, and definitely NOT a half pounder as they claim , Mcdonalds would be superior compared to this poor excuse for food!!! Soggy old salad, yesterday's bread, three pats of butter for 9 slices, pasta with a tasteless greasy bolognese sauce with barely any meat, underdone penne pasta soaking wet. no grated cheese, no red pepper, and an extremely uninformed staff..all this for a mere 87.00...WOW!!!, hold me back..I would not recommend this place to an enemy, let alone a friend. To have to endure such slop is not only disgusting, but it is rude...especially with the favorable reputation this bucktown eatery has.They will definitely NOT be on my short list, I will endeavor to inform all my bucktown nieghboors what an awful lunch experience this has been, and we definitely WILL NOT be entertaining any clients there! I live and work in Bucktown , and entertain 6 nights a week, and trust me...I would rather starve then even consider visiting this miserablke excuse for a restaurant ever again.
(1)
Diana P.
I wasn't blown away by Club Lucky but if you're looking for good hearty Italian, come here. It's a diner-like atmosphere however the lighting is very low, almost making it difficult to see what you're eating (and uncomfortable). The sauces are amazing and I have never had fried mozzarella like I had here-THE BEST!!! I was disappointed at the high prices due to the atmosphere and casualness (is that a word?). I'd imagine that this place would be great for a large group because portions are big so this restaurant is nice for sharing. Overall, Club Lucky is one of those neighborhood restaurants where there's no flash just good, simple Italian dishes (pasta, parmesan, etc.)
(4)
Jill D.
Good drinks- it's a cute diner looking place - nothing too special but the food and service was good.
(4)
Tiffaney G.
Old school Chi-town secret! The service is good, but the food is better. I have been here a handful of times, and I can't help but buy their homemade sauce at Whole Foods every week for our family meals. I have had a different dish every time I have visited and never been disappointed.
(5)
Andrew S.
This is our go-to place for out of town guests and low key nights out. We always enjoy the fresh hot bread, the pastas, and my personal favorite, ribs. The cocktails are also incredible. The only thing holding me back from giving 5 stars is the bad lighting and very crowded seating. If you aren't lucky enough to get a booth, you can count on being bumped into every 5 minutes by a waiter or patron leaving their seat.
(4)
Lisa S.
Club Lucky is always solid, not AMAZING, but solid. The drinks are definitely superior for a neighborhood restaurant. I had a dirty martini with blue cheese olives. My friends tried other martinis, and all were good. For starters, I had the stuffed artichoke, which was very tasty and not too heavy on stuffing. The chicken tortellini was very good, and the vodka sauce had just the right amount of cream to not be too heavy. The pine nuts in the sauce add just the right touch. Dessert was ok. We shared gelato, tiramisu and cannoli. The cannoli was a little dry, though I'm not a big cannoli fan anyway. To be honest, the pistachio gelato was probably the best dessert. I wish we had ordered the profiteroles, but oh well.
(4)
Kammie G.
This is a cool restaurant hidden in Wicker Park. We sat outside in the patio and my friend said it reminds him of LA: the tables are very close together, cars driving by, the food was really good. The staff was accommodating although not as attentive as they should be. The veal marsala was delicious, and it was the first time I had veal in a restaurant (my mother makes it at home quite often though) and I have to say it was a pleasant experience and only deepened my appreciation for veal. We also shared the Club Lucky Salad which included a variety of grilled and raw veggies. The bread was warm and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. We had to ask for a plate with olive oil as they did apparently bring out the bread only with butter (yuck). The wine is served in cute little glasses although I think I like traditional wine glasses better, but that's all up to the person. In general, I liked being at this restaurant and will return.
(4)
Tim S.
We used to go here when it was one of the few places in the hood and were never let down so when my old friend, who introduced me to the place, came in we decided to go check it out after all these years. It was a slow weeknight so the service was beyond attentive, when asked if they could make a specific dish we were happily accommodated. Servings are more than ample and very tasty, just like I remember. We retired to the bar for drinks and to watch the game to find the level of service carry to the bar as well. I will happily reintroduce it into the rounds after all these years.
(4)
Steve M.
Ate outside at the buck town garden walk. The beer garden menu was pretty sad. Not much choice. Had the fried ravioli. I could see the cheese in it, but could not taste it. Cannot recommend the place.
(1)
Emily P.
My grandma never cooks anymore, which makes me sad. With that said, Club Lucky had the best gnocchi I've had in YEARS. And an amazing cocktail or 3 to go with. The staff is incredibly friendly, our waiter was EXTREMELY attentive, and the servings were just right. I had going to a restaurant and they give me this giant serving that goes to waste because honestly...who can finish it? I still had leftovers after eating here, and gladly ate them for lunch the next day. This was my first visit here and I went with my boyfriend, who said he had been there before and it had improved drastically.
(5)
Don H.
I always confuse this place with Silver Cloud. No reason to since they couldn't be more opposite. The first time I came to Club Lucky was during the holidays, snowy and all. When I walked in to pickup takeaway, it was a winter wonderland inside, albeit a much warmer version. Fast forward a few years, my partner and I decide to take our foodie friend for a celebratory (but late) birthday dinner. We stumbled here after other options were closed (it was a Sunday around 4p) and our friend hadn't been here for a while. The front was understated, though still drenched in a 1930s-era whiteness. The backroom and main dining room with something I didn't expect: almost a 1930s-era supper club. I actually was waiting for the same smell I've experienced in the cabin of, say, a 1937 Hudson Terraplane. We did it up with apps and dinner. We are not shy eaters and the portions did not disappoint. This is the type of restaurant I could take my dad: good value, giant portions and a doggie bag. It's also the kind of understated place to come on a second date (it's just a tad too loud for a first date). I got the rigatoni with sausage. For classical, simple Italian food it was rather good. Good flavors, a bit on the salty side. Classy food like this doesn't come cheap, however. With two apps, three dinners and no alcohol, the bill came to $90 without tip. Not cheap. But nice.
(3)
Anthony M.
I am a little torn on this review...I use to be a regular at this restaurant about 14 years ago...this was my go to place where I brought my clients in from out of town and they just loved it. In fact, they would ask me to take them there when they were in town. Fast forward to today...yes it has been 14 years since I was here and I decided to take my wife here for lunch. Let's talk about the positives. Good thought in all of the Christmas decorations..they really care about the holidays because it takes time to hang everything in here. It is definately a nice festive atmosphere. The bread that hits the table is amazing...fresh, soft, crunchy and warm...just like I remember it...the bread gets 5 stars...best bread in the city. We had the Italian Pastina Soup...that was amazing...lots of pieces of shredded chicken in the bowl and really delicious. We also had the chicken Parm and this is where there was a let down. The side of pasta and red sauce was so good but the chicken parm was really bland. It was like the chef forgot to season the batter because it was lacking any taste at all. The chicken was also not juicy...it was a little dry. So that is where I am torn...everything was great except the main course and for 15 dollars you would think that the chicken would have been perfect...also it was less Chicken parm and more like 4 little bland chicken fingers covered in sauce. The management and chef really need to look at this because it is completely wrong. The waiter was amazing and really friendly...he did ask if everything was alright but I didnt have the heart to tell him that the chicken was terrible. I hate sending back food because I am afraid that they will add some special sauce to my order when it comes back to the table. Still a great location, great staff, amazing atmosphere, most of the food was really good too but I am talking about free bread, soup and the side...the main course was lacking in any wow factor!!! I wish Yelp had a half star because my review would be more of 3.5 Stars!!!
(4)
Lori Taylor R.
Calamari! So many places offer it, so few do it right. Luckily, we've finally found amazing calamari and it's super close to home. The serving size was more than needed for a party of four. Although, our tiny two top table had no complaints polishing off the entire plate. This was by far the best calamari we've had in Chicago and possibly ever! It was cooked to perfection. Not overdone, tough or rubbery, but tender and flavorful. The pieces were enormous, not the typical thin rings, but large thick slices. Several preparations are offered. Even though, my review only mentions the Calamari - Our overall experience was great, but the Calamari is what my husband and I continue rave over.
(4)
Mark A.
I have been to Club Lucky a few times and every time it seems to be getting worse. It is a shame because I do remember really enjoying it years ago. I am hoping they can get out of the rut they seem to be experiencing.
(2)
Kerra C.
Great American-Italian joint. Cozy but so dark you can't even see the menu!
(4)
Erika G.
This was my first "restaurant hangout" when I moved back to Chicago after a brief respite in heLL-A. The food was great, and after all those martinis I drank at CL (baby's grown up now, and is not so stupid), the food was a necessity. Best calamari in town, still. Vinegarette dressing, broiled, done - and sop up the rest with the delicious bread instead of having breaded calamari. Why bread something as delicious as calamri? Utterly yummy pasta, and always enough for a meal the next day. I love the family-style, somewhat boisterous vibe. Absolutely great for a group. My favorite bartender, that used to work here (see following review for Avec) is not here anymore. I used to bug him incessently about making me a martini with a baby gherkin garnish. Cute, huh? For awhile, there was a jar of baby gherkins behind the bar, just for me. I had my 32nd birthday here, ah yes. Meeeeeeeemmmmmmmmriiieeees!
(4)
Michelle S.
I'm a huge fan. I went to Club Lucky in search of salmon. It was an early dinner (around 5pm) and I sat at the bar where a friendly bartender greeted me. I ordered hot tea, which was also refilled through out my experience. I modified my salmon to my liking and it came out perfect. It wasn't over cooked or undercooked, easy to eat with a fork, and perfectly seasoned. I will definitely be back. I couldn't wait to tell my friends about going there for our next dinner. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Christina G.
This is a nice casual diner-style restaurant with good Italian food. I didn't try the bread but my family loved it and it came out warm which is a plus for bread. I see other people think the prices are high, but really I feel like the prices are reasonable. One nice thing is you can add a donation when you get your check to the National MS Society.
(3)
Brian M.
Been here a handful of times and every time I'm impressed with Club Lucky. They have some amazing dishes that really stand out amongst Italian restaurants across Chicago. First the bread is great, hard and crusty, fresh baked. Their Calamari both grilled and fried will come out cooked to perfection. The Fish salad is a great app, but also goes great as a meal, I've had it for lunch a few times and it's really a great mix. I've had the veal oreganato here when it's on special, it's incredible, I recommend it to anyone that would normally order a parm or vesuvio dish. You'll be blown away. Also had the lasagna with veal meatballs. Very rarely will i order lasagna at an Italian restaurant, since it's not that hard of a dish to make ok, but to make it great, it's pretty tough. Well Club Lucky does a fantastic job with their lasagna, a great blend of cheese, meat, sauce, and pasta. Also the veal meatballs are great and much better then any meatballs I've ever had.
(5)
Robin R.
Went to Club Lucky on a recent Saturday night fairly late (9:30), I live pretty close and walk by a fair amount and there always seemed to be people there so I put it on my list to try. The fact that they serve food late is a major plus in my book. The service was quite nice and friendly, but I was surprised by the menu, it's what I would term "very traditional american" italian, but that's not itself a bad thing. The food was a solid meh, my girlfriend got the tortellini with vodka sauce, the tortellini seemed to be homemade but the sauce seemed premade, my linguini with olive oil and garlic and grilled chicken was good and quite flavorful but didn't feel worth $16. In the end $55 for 2 beers, 1 bruschetta, 2 pasta dishes (not fresh pasta) was dissappointing. I'll not go out of my way to dine at Club Lucky again but probably would go if I was craving generic Italian
(2)
P A.
Had an amazing pasta experience here on 2 occasions. My hubby and I agree, this pasta is so fresh, so perfectly made, the sauce and meatballs are the best, the absolute best so far that we have found in the City of Chicago. This pasta fills us up, it is always steaming hot, genuine, delicious, aromatic and more. WE DO NOT FEEL BLOATED after eating here, which amazes us because we also eat so much of the bread as well while dipping in olive oil. The ambience is nice here and the service so far has been very professional. I had a french martini, good but the glass was too small and chincy - not like to big fancy martini glasses at Mortons.....so I'm confused why they claim that they are famous for martinis while there choice of the glass is so small.....
(5)
Tom M.
I go there annually 5 years running w/ my buddy to take the edge off the night before the Chicago Triathlon. This time we dined al fresco w/ 2 other friends also participating in the event. I think they changed the menu a little this year but figured it out w/ the help of the always attentive staff and ordered the old stand by Caprese salad, grilled Calamari, and for the main course Filet Peperonata which honestly could use a couple more potato wedges (my only criticism). Polished this off w/ a couple cold beers to carb load for the next days race and left w/ a full belly and looking forward to returning again next year.
(4)
Erin M.
I really wanted to love this place but the food was lacking that wow factor. The bread is homemade, warm and amazing. The soups and salads are fantastic but as far as the actual dishes go, they just are passable. Ambiance is great. Service is friendly too.
(3)
Richard C.
I lived in this neighborhood for a year and less than a block from Club Lucky. I finally went tonight and it was just OK. We went on a Friday night and had to wait 30 at the bar, which was OK, but the drinks weren't cheap and I didn't see anyone drinking beer. Also, this will sound weird, but the ergonomics of the bar are bad. I felt like my feet kept hitting the wood and I had to make a huge effort just to lean my whole body over the bar to hold onto my drink. You'll know when you go there. The linguine, garlic, and olive oil entree with grilled chicken was actually quite tasty. I could tell the garlic was fresh, chicken grilled well, and olive oil was quality. The bread appetizer was fresh and hot, too. The atmosphere, however, was awful: TOO LOUD and TOO DARK. I couldn't hear my waiter and then had to use my iPhone as a flashlight to read the menu, whose descriptions are in 6-point italics. Weird that most people complain about the food and love the atmosphere. I'm the opposite. I might return to try the patio so I can escape the jail-cell-like decor while still getting the food, but the prices are kind of a rip off anyway.
(3)
Jeffrey W.
10 years ago I would have given Club Lucky 4, maybe even 5 stars. I've only been here twice in the past 18 months, because their prices keep going up and nothing has really changed. We went to dinner this week and it was the overall experience was less than average. The good: the stuffed artichoke, the bread and the lasagna. The bad: the drinks, linguine with clams and the overall experience for the price. $10 for a stuffed artichoke? Really? I had a glass of the most expensive cabernet ($9.50) and my glass came only half full. The linguine with clams was bland and the clams did not seem fresh. I'm not sure I'm every coming back here. I'm not a hater as I once loved this place when the food tasted better and the prices were more reasonable. $14.95 for basic pasta squares?? Come on, these used to be $8.99 7 or 8 years ago. But hey, all the new yuppies and families that live in this neighborhood are happy to pay those prices, so whatever. So our total bill for the stuffed artichoke, two entrees and two drinks was more than $75 (with tip). No thanks. This doesn't mean that I might not stop back for a martini, which is still the only thing that remains good.
(2)
Ben K.
Club Lucky is alright. The food is solid (a tasty if atypical penne arrabiatta and very nice calamari). The atmosphere feels fairly casual but seems to attract a trendy, well-dressed crowd. There's a nice outdoor patio. My only real complaint is the price. There are a ton of great italian restaurants around and this one totally lacks authenticity. If I'm paying $17-20 a plate for a nice italian meal, I want to feel like I'm getting something real. This experience was kind of cookie cutter.
(3)
Amy H.
All I knew of Club Lucky was that it was a stop on the annual Chiditarod - Epic Urban Iditarod. The interior was cool...I liked the bar-stools...and the bathroom was clean. Beyond that, the only experience that I had with Club Lucky was drinking beerz in the side lot while I protected my shopping cart from sabotage. Well, the other night I actually dined at Club Lucky. It was good. I enjoyed my chicken parmigiana and a few glasses of pinot noir. The grilled calamari was yuuu-huuuu-my!! The little squids were covered in a garlicky tomato sauce with capers in it. Odd...but it worked. I wanted to lick the plate, but thought my date would think it was tacky...or he might have been impressed. Who knows? Now here is something that really irked me. They were filming a commercial of some sort on the night I was there. The guy that was doing the filming did not ask the people dining if they wanted to be filmed...he would just shine his bright klieg light on them and start rolling. As my server was delivering my chicken parmigiana the film dude told the server to take my plate away and serve me again so he could get it on film. Huh??? First, I don't want to be filmed. I want to enjoy my meal. Second, I'm farking hungry and I want my food!! Third, how about asking if I would like to be part of this little commercial and asking if I would mind being re-served my dish before you take it away??? I pulled the manager aside and he said that if I didn't want to be filmed they would take me off, but it was too late. I was already irritated by the film dude. This is something that he should mention before he started randomly filming people. I really just wanted to enjoy my meal and the added distraction and akwardness of the film dude made it impossible. That the owners/management of Club Lucky allowed this to happen makes me deduct one star.
(3)
Caitlyn M.
This place does not disappoint! We go for the ambiance and the food, we always leave happy and STUFFED! I wake up dreaming of the Calamari Calabrese - it's delicious! I also would recommend their red sauce, the lasagna, the arrabiata sauce and their bread (careful not to eat too much before your giant meal comes!). You will not regret topping all that off with their Tiramisu or Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake! Mangia' italiano!
(4)
Kari S.
I used to love club lucky, now I will probably not go back. A week ago my husband and I took my parents for dinner. We shared two salads, numerous glasses of wine, and each ordered an entree. I asked for several pieces of rotini pasta for my 9 month old baby, and was shocked when we were charged $5.00 for it. I needed about 5 pieces to cut up, they brought about 10. Regardless of the 5 or 10 noodles, I am completely appalled that we were charged $5 after what our bill amounted to with all of our dinners. I fully understand charging for kids who actually eat, but I just needed something to give my daughter to keep her busy. I would have gladly given her some of my food but there were pine nuts, and that is an allergen (you aren't supposed to give to babies under 1). I hope I am not sounding like one of those parents who think that because they have kids, they deserve ___ (let me also note we tip extra because of said eater-in-training), but I really don't think I'm off base with asking an ITALIAN restaurant to give me just a few pieces of cooked pasta. Let's agree that the cost of cooked pasta is negligible and that what they charged us was borderline robbery. Ciao Club Lucky.
(2)
Scott F.
Awesome neighborhood spot with kickass Italian food and the best damn martinis in the hood. Scotty is one of the best bartenders around. Seriously, if you haven't, check this spot out!
(5)
J W.
I so wish I could give the 4 stars Club Lucky deserves, but closing out the bill was such a circus that I just can't do it. 6:30 reservations for 7 people on Friday, we were seated in the dining room. Only a few other tables, but within an hour the number of diners had risen appropriately for the city dinner hour. The bread is as amazing as everyone raves, just don't fill up before dinner! Drinks are reasonable and they have a nice list of custom cocktails and specialty wines- you're sure to find something you like. The tortellini is out of this world, I love pine nuts and the sauce was perfectly thick and tasty without being too much. Someone had the sausage and peppers, someone else had the ribs, someone else ordered their October pink pasta (proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness)... everyone was pleased with their food!!! WIN!!! I spoke with the server before we ordered to alert her that we would be having three separate tabs, she said it wouldn't be a problem, that she could not split it up while we were ordering but that she could do it when we were closing out. 8:00 Given the check, with everything on one tab 8:10 Server stops by, I ask her if she could please split it up as we previously discussed? No, the system won't allow it, you have to do it yourself 8:20 Server stops by, she sees that we split it up by card ie: card #1 gets this, this, and this... No, I need you to do the math and tell me how much goes on each card 8:30 Math Math Math (not fun after several cocktails), server stops by and picks up the math and the cards 8:40 Server comes back, she can't split the tab after all, it all has to be on one card. Really? You didn't know that before? She gives us back the three cards, we give her one card. Math down the drain I guess. 8:50 Server comes back, she was able to put the tab on the three cards after all, she presents us with the receipts for the three cards that she has already given back to us!!! How is the correct math on these three cards when you just said it couldn't be done??? 9:00 Tab paid. We can leave now. Am I hungry again? This additional hour of frustration and confusion really put a kibosh on an otherwise lovely experience. My father spoke with the manager, who blamed the whole ordeal on their ancient PoS system. Technology can be updated and servers can be trained, time can't be returned. And on top of that we walked outside and there was a massive line of people waiting to be seated. It is unfortunate that those people had to wait an hour to drink and eat when they could have been seated a while ago... (I'm not a heartless person, I've been a server and I know it gets busy and hectic- but I always appreciated the upfront table who would give me a heads up about separate checks, and if it wasn't possible to accommodate their request I would verbalize it, this particular situation had minimal to no communication and we really did far more work than I ever imagined) I have always had a good time at Club Lucky but I felt terrible that my out of town guests had to sit through the ordeal. I will go back, but not with a large group and maybe I wait until they get a new PoS System.
(2)
Ela G.
Hi Neighbor! I live right across the street from Club Lucky, so when I'm so lazy and tired that I can't even be bothered to make myself cereal, I go to Club Lucky. I've been there enough now to know that there are a few things they do really well, and a few that are just "Eh". Here are some highlights for me: Bread - crusty and delicious and warm. Hook me up with some olive oil and parm cheese. Yes. Club Lucky Salad - so simple but their dressing is the perfect combination of tangy and tart. Shrimp Scampi - Delcious and garlicy to the max with tons of flavor and lemon. On the menu you have to choose between spinach or fettucine, but I say order it with BOTH. There's an up-charge but so worth it. Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parm, Lasagna, etc. etc. - If you're looking for the traditional italian favorites, I think Club Lucky is great. It's not outside the box in any way, but the relaxed atmosphere and dependable food will satisfy your craving for italian well-enough. Also check out the bar - on any night of the week it's a great time with friends. Also the special menu often times has the best selections on the menu, so investigate that. The service is almost always excelletn here, and I especially thank the busboys who are friendly and attentive. Note for improvement - I WISH they made their own pasta - that would totally take club lucky to the next level...PLEASE!
(3)
Matt S.
Tucked away on the side streets of Bucktown, this is a place that we truly stumbled upon. After moving into the area, we stopped one day for a quick brunch and were pleasantly surprised with the options and vowed to come back for dinner. In the midst of summer, on Friday night we decided to make our way back. Thinking (mistakenly) that we wouldn't need reservations, we just walked over. The place still appeared to be the quiet neighborhood joint we thought it was after brunch. Not. So. We opened the front door and entered a raucous, loud (stereotypically Italian) restaurant where the host/owner appeared to know almost everyone there. We had to wait an hour for our table and spent the time having a martini and their calamari. The menu is your typical Italian, but everything is homemade and the quality of ingredients is top notch! You can't miss with the lasagna and they also have a very nice healthy(ish) pasta with chicken, asparagus that is tossed in olive oil. Highly recommend this place!
(4)
Andy M.
Another great Chicago lounge and eatery. The back Italin food area is great but pricey. They have a front bar with no beer on tap for you lounge snobs. The decor and hidden location makes this another bucktown trendy place to go for locals. This is a nice retro neighborhood eatery that those who live nearby should be ashamed if they never gave it a try. The prices are high but if you can afford to live in this area you should not complain about food prices of places near by such as this that makes your area awsome.
(4)
Lydia T.
Club lucky..you are definitely missed! Even though I live in the Italian Market area in Philly I still think of you fondly. Totally should be visited if you are in the neighborhood!
(3)
Tomas M.
dont listen to any negative reviews of this place. it's a good solid bucktown eatery. has been consistent over the years. food is good, great atmosphere if you like low lighting. good energy in the dining room. not very trendy. food is great. all in all a good spot with good value.
(4)
Megan M.
The food is good, but expensive, and for the price, the portions are small. The extra charge for chicken/meat is very expensive and you only get a couple pieces. The host was really friendly, but the waitress rarely came by the table.
(2)
mark s.
PROS: Great Atmosphere - a place like Dean Martin would have hung out. Excellent hot bread and butter no charge Excellent house salad and Pasta Fiazole soup both a must order. The best Chocolate cake in bucktown The best Coffee CONS: Low value for the $$ Quality of food is average Wine pours by the glass are small Service only average Loud CONCLUSION Unique Italian dining experience, but you'll pay for it. Probably better on a week night when service is better.
(3)
Dee W.
Warm cozy setting for dinner or lunch; I once hosted a group luncheon here - the management was very accommodating and the food is always A++ I used to live around here and come here frequently for dinner and lunch. And their dirty martinis are an absolute steal. I've been here for a company dinner and that was a great experience, as well. About the group luncheon that I hosted, it was for about 30 people and we got the private room in the back, it was family style food and about $20 per person for salad, appetizer, entree, and dessert. What a great deal and wonderful food, service, and staff!
(4)
Matt N.
This place gets better everytime I go to this supper club- meets retro / trendy Bucktown spot. Fun bar area complete with Jukebox and the outdoor sidewalk cafe makes it a fun summer hangout. Affordable and reliable makes this one of my favorites.
(4)
Mary B.
Friends and I went to Club Lucky for dinner. The food was outstanding. The service was exceptional and the overall atmosphere was fantastic. We all were raving by the time we left. I'll most definitely recommend this restaurant to others.
(5)
J. C. G.
I'm a huge fan; old-school italian food with great service and a tremendous bar. Relatively inexpensive, excellent food and fun, diverse clientele. I feel cooler when I eat there.
(5)
Rob L.
I went out with friends from work, I was impressed! It may be because of who I was with, apparently they come to the place quite often. Thank God for valet, parking can be a pain. It has a kitschy kind of feeling to the place, like an Italian kitchen in the 1950's but in a slightly more upscale way. Service was very good, always got what we needed pretty quick, and the food was great, (it's amazing how good pasta can be when cooked al dente and not like mush!). Though I will say I only had a few minor complaints, such as the bruschetta being more than lightly toasted. I had a really great time. This place seems perfect for a group, (there were plenty of them there) or with just one other person, and fairly casual place, friendly and welcoming.
(4)
Jonathan A.
I am defending Club Lucky despite mixed reviews. I agree the dishes are maybe overpriced and "nothing special", but then again, I feel that way about most Italian food, even in Italy. "You can find better Italian, cheaper", probably, but I always feel I could have made that at home anyway. I think the food is good. Americanized? Yeah. But whatever. However, what Club Lucky may or may not lack in the food area, I feel it makes up for with atmosphere and service. The reason I go here is more for the bar area. It is a cool 40s-ish, Rat Pack style bar that serves the best blue cheese stuffed olive Martinis I have had. The bartenders are always really nice even when they are slammed. We used to live in the neighborhood, and would come more frequently. Even now that we come in less, they still remember us and comp us drinks now and then. Christmas time it is decorated very nicely. The jukebox is great, playing a mix of 40s Rat Pack music and 70's Motown and Soul at the PERFECT volume so you can hear it but still have conversation. Ask for some bread and ask specifically for some olive oil with it, because I believe you have to request it now. The olive oil is great. The dining room is cool and all the waiters wear old red traditional bell uniforms. It's big and open and great for casual family dinners, you can also eat in the bar which is fine too. The service and atmosphere is friendly, unpretentious and when it used to be just me and my girlfriend, we used to love coming in and drinking martinis at the bar. Now we bring our family and extended family here for dinner.
(5)
J J.
Thumbs down. Overpriced spaghetti = $15 for a bowl. Although they tout their "homemade spaghetti sauce," tasted suspiciously similar to Ragu. Cramped dining area, loud so you can't talk to your table, and makeshift wobbly tables. Bucktown tries so hard to be cool, like that easy girl in high school feels who everyone feels sorry for now with her 3 kids, $8.50 an hour job, and bad skin. Yeah, Bucktown's hey day is over.
(1)
Jonathan C.
Food here was good, I thought. Five finger cavateli (or however its spelled) was very nice. I like the place, decent atmosphere, big back room. Americanized yes, but so am I so whatever. Avg prices/portion sizes. No parking in the hood though.
(4)
jeff m.
The patio was pretty nice last summer, but the food was just at par. It you want a good outdoor dining experience go to Lucias just a few blocks away on north. there outdoor pation is great for that romantic dinner or just ten bottles of wine. Either sound great to me!
(3)
Dave S.
This was a pretty decent place. It wasn't out of this world but it wasn't horrible either. The decor was definitely 1950's and I felt like I should be smoking a stogie in a tuxedo while drinking brandy as i was "making someone an offer they can't refuse" I ordered the lobster ravioli which were very good. I think that this may have been our waiters first waiting job. We were not in any hurry to place our order and he did seem a little impatient. He was friendly though so I didn't hold it against him. I won't go out of my way to go here again but at least I can say that I have been there. Although I only gave the establishment 3 stars if I was factoring my date into the equation it would have been an easy five star experience!
(3)
Valerie A.
Club Lucky is probably the restaurant I have been to the most in Chicago. I use to live right around the corner and still live in the area, so I just seem to wind up here frequently. It's best to sit outside and eat in the summer. I love their martinis, very icy and delicious. It's a good place to go with a group or bring people from out of town. The grilled calamari is great, as is the green bean salad. And the service is always pretty good. Although once the server did something super weird at the very end of our meal. He asked the person I was with if he was REALLY over 21. He then told my 28 year-old friend he'd made a "rookie mistake" when ordering his drinks. (We'd had two mixed drinks each.) We both had no idea what he was talking about. It was very odd.
(3)
Stella S.
I've been here a few times for dinner and also to have a drink at the bar w/friends. I looooove dirty martinis (extra dirty) with bleu cheese olives. And these have you craving another the next day. When we went for dinner our waitress was so nice and didn't mind bringing me extra olives, and the martini was super cold and shaken to perfection! The bread was so good that the resturant I work at got the same bread vendor after my owners ate there. I had the lasagna which was awesome, and the time before the baked clams which were ultra yummy!!! I really want to go back but I'm pregnant rght now and have a hard time tolerating red sauce and boo!! I can't have a dirty martini so I think I'll wait until I have the baby to go back!
(4)
Ron D.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city. I've now lived in the area for 5 years and frequent Club Lucky a few times a month. Everything I've tried is fantastic, service is top notch and personable, they never rush me from my table and the manager is always walking around making sure everyone is happy. Highly recommend the Eggplant Parm and Meatballs Insalata.
(5)
James J.
Abodonza! What a great place for quality, authentic italian food in great surroundings. Really nothing to complain about except the lines that form sometimes in the summer. Be patient and enjoy.
(4)
Ali G.
SO LOUD. There may have been a few large parties, but I couldn't hear myself think. Spaghetti was wonderful and even better the next day. As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for great spaghetti without meat. This was perfect although a bit over priced.
(3)
Ren H.
The portions are big but this place is kind of hit or miss... we went once and it was gross and then we went again and it was awesome! At least you can always count on great drinks and atmosphere.
(3)
Paul L.
We only go for drinks, but it's a nice change of pace when you don't want a dive and you don't want to be at a place where everyone's looking at everyone else. I feel like I've traveled back in time to an era where it was less about what you wear and what you do, and more about how you do those things.
(4)
Cassie B.
wow i really enjoyed the heck out if this place - we went for private party and the atmosphere was amazing - we were in a back room and the waiters were all on top of things, very attentive. we had a group family style dinner (I love family style) which started off with a vegetable platter- awesome! and good warm bread, then salad, and chicken with potatoes. food was very good. when we left at 8:15, the main dining room and front bar were PACKED - especially the front with good-looking people waiting to eat. you could definitely tell it was a destination not just for drinks, or not just for dinner, but for both. if i lived in this neighborhood, i would be here all the time. the only thing was, the drinks were quite expensive - nothing on tap, $4.50 for domestic bottle and $7.50 + for wine. ouch!
(4)
Steve R.
So-so italian joint. There's a lot of hoopla about this place and it always seems to be crowded, but I don't see why. The food has never been better than average when I've been there. Service is pretty good.
(3)
Katherine E.
The food here was actually gross. For real, it was gross. I ordered the Eggplant Parmesan, and I think this is how dog food would taste. It was mushy and had a really nasty taste to it. I wish I could describe with more subtlety the flavors of this dish, I really do. But I can't. It was gross. The service was fine though, I just wish the food tasted like human food.
(1)
David R.
Interesting, but fun atmoshere with good food. Maybe not my first choice for Italian food in Chicago, but wouldn't hesistate to go back.
(3)
Amanda G.
Club Lucky is an interesting restaurant. The food isn't the best I've had and the service is only fair, but despite that I always have a great time! The atmosphere is very retro and cool, as if Frank Sinatra might be at the booth next to me. I'm a fan.
(3)
hillary w.
Club Lucky's brunch is a score! I found this spot on my way to another place. there was no line and it seemed nice so i decided to give it a try. Awesome!!! the food was great and the portions generous. i had the eggs benedict, it was delicious. i give their bloody mary an a plus! Not only did it taste good but it came with a real bloody mary flag, not just a piece of celery, instead you get a skewer with peppers, cheese and salami! The wait staff was really friendly too. The atmosphere was pretty hip to. It has a 1950s vibe to it. I think ive found one of my new favorite spots!
(4)
Vanessa P.
Ok, I've been here 3 times now and every time I think "I wish that it was better." The food's ok, the drinks are a bit better, but I must admit that the atmosphere is pretty cool. I mean the restaurant used to be a speakeasy - so that's pretty cool. I just wish the food was more on than off.
(3)
Coco C.
Lame and overrated. I had eggplant parmesan here once and it tasted suspiciously of old socks - and I haven't been back since.
(2)
Drucilla D.
I actually went to Club Lucky for a baby shower so I may have to update my review if I ever go on a regular evening out. This was a pretty cool place! The food was pretty delicious and the bar area was cool - I dug it! I was a little weirded out to find some sort of garnish floating in my coca cola, but I got over it. Definitely seemed like a great place for a party!
(4)
Doug S.
Great Italian food and even better service. The room is low lit and charming (can I say charming?). It is a tad pricey, but the portions are huge, they give you unlimited fresh bread with olive oil, and they have a stocked bar with a great beer/wine/liquor selection. I have had dinner with friends and dinner with family here. All around a very good dining experience.
(4)
Kathy H.
You can always get a feel for an italian place by the kind of bread they serve. Warm, thick, crispy outside and incredibly moist and soft on the inside... coupled with the lighest garlic flavored oil, however, a perfect match. Great calamari... all 4 of us went our separate ways for the entrees and everyone was all smiles. Chicken oreganatto -- has to be my favorite thus far. Absolutely will be visiting this restaurant again. The place itself has a funky beat to it that you appreciate right from the start.
(5)
Liz H.
Club Lucky is just plain cool. It is a retro-style restaurant and cocktail lounge serving awesome Italian dishes. You can taste the freshness in each bite of the pasta. Club Lucky isn't really meant to be a "family style" restaurant, but I love getting a salad and a couple of entrees for a group of people to share. The green bean salad is surprisingly marvelous. And if you can manage to save room for dessert (a hard task for sure) the tiramisu is some of the best I have had! The restaurant gets very loud on the weekends, but I have never seemed to care because I am so into my meal!
(4)
Shannon S.
The food here is alright, but I can think of many other Italian places I would rather go. The portions are huge, there are definitely plenty of leftovers. Also, our food came out pretty quickly after we ordered. Some of the best service I have had in a while.
(3)
Bruce N.
I find myself drawn to Club Lucky a couple of times a year. I'm not too sure why, though. Maybe it's the warmth of the bar area, possibly the "old school" supper-club feel of the place. It's certainly not just the food. A few of my closest friends and I had dinner there on Saturday night. The pre-dinner drinks were great (they certainly know how to make a fine martini) and the bartenders, though a bit disorganized, were pleasant enough and rather cute. The issue that I have is the "only slightly above average" food. This place prides itself on the retro feel and menu. The first red flag is no meat sauce. Really, a plate of veal parm or pasta (to me) practically BEGS for meat sauce. The veal, though tasty, was merely OK. The Chicken Vesuvio was fine, as was the chicken-filled tortellini. Desserts, like the rest of the meal, were fine but didn't dazzle. Overall, I guess I'll be back in six months to a year, but there are better tons of choices for Italian food in the city.
(3)
Patrick F.
Whenever I am in the need for some good pasta, I make my way over to Club Lucky. The food is very good, the portions are good enough for two meals, and the atmosphere is bustling.
(3)
Michelle W.
Club Lucky has always proven to be great. They have definite I need a box to take home portions and the food is always very yummy. It is nice to be in a restaurant that is a bit off the beaten path too. Just make sure to order a martini and don't plan on eating anything else the day you go.
(4)
Paula O.
Good food and service, staff was quite patient with our large party. Not cheap, but not ridiculous either. I'll be back!
(4)
Kelli M.
I love Club Lucky! The food is great, huge portions. Try the lamb chops! Call for a reservation for dinner because it is usually crowded. The only complaint is that the bar is too small and gets really packed with people waiting to eat dinner.
(4)
Liliana S.
Portions are huge; good atmosphere. great ribs! Good place to come for a drink and appetizers.
(4)
booby d.
my god. my waiter smelled like diaper, dirty diaper. food was gross. salad obviously came from a bag. i was charged extra for garlic at a freaking italian restaurant!?! thats the main ingredient in everything! fifty dollars and we only got one entree and the guy kept trying to get us to purchase more. The place was crowded and you can't even hear the person next to you. Go to this place if you like the smell of fart.
(1)
Jo M.
I've been here twice and both times the food has been good, service has been good, and I've been able to get a table right away. Prices are a little high, but that's not unusual for the city---every place is overpriced. Both times I got to sit by the window--awesome. I walked from the el so I didn't have to worry about parking, but I think they charge $7 for vallet. I can't wait to return for a 3rd time! Another bonus, the bread is really good!
(4)
Stacy L.
Gorgeous little hidden gem, great brunch. Would definitely come back!
(4)
elizabeth g.
I like the food but the lighting and sound are terrible in the dining room is terrible. I went there on Saturday and noticed every table around us using their phones to read the menu
(3)
Mojo M.
The key to a great evening at Club Lucky: 1. Get a booth. Order cocktails, make friends with your server and busboy 2. Relax. 3. Have another cocktail, order an appetizer. 4. Relax 5. Split one of the ample entrees, but order your own glass of wine 6. Relax Not the right evening to hit at least five of the six points? No worries, come back when you can.
(4)
Laura L.
Always come here with big groups from outta town! Even saw a rehearsal dinner there last time. Great menu...great food...great drinks! Nice loud and Italian...how life should be! I think it would also be nice to sit up front at the booths for an more intimate setting!
(4)
Ashley B.
My boyfriend and I have been looking at buying a house on this street for a few months now, and just recently got to try Club Lucky. My friend had raved about it, so stepping into this unassuming little spot was strange. We had to wonder if we were in the right place. But honestly, it was charming. There's a bar on one half and a restaurant in the other. It looked very diner like but the menu was lined with amazingly tasty traditional Italian dishes. My boyfriend ordered pomodoro and I had lasagna and both were amazing. I don't even know how we managed to eat it AFTER we had all the amazing bread they gave us as an appetizer! Overall I love this place and I love that I'll (hopefully) soon be near it! I will definitely be coming back and hopefully be a regular someday! UPDATE: Just went back here a day ago with another friend, coincidentally on the first Weds of the month, which happened to be $6 martini night. We had a couple martinis over the span of a few hours and chatted. I ordered the shrimp special with a sherry wine sauce that was delicious. However, the next day I felt TERRIBLE. I don't know if there was something wrong with the shrimp, or if I'm developing a shrimp allergy like my mom did. Either way it was not fun! This will not deter me from coming back, I'll say that much!
(4)
Nicholas F.
Really fun, cool spot. Food was quite good but I have to admit not the absolute best Italian I've ever had. Bartender also very friendly and nice, but please don't put a ton of sugar and blueberries in my old fashioned! What the heck!
(4)
Jessica S.
Really good italian food! Cool atmosphere as well - old school Italian. They have a bar in the front and full restaurant in the back. Definitely will go back.
(4)
Peter H.
My first, attempt here was very lackluster. It was good, but not remarkable. It's good for families. It's a bit loud. There's a lot of space. However, I think it survives, because in that neighborhood there's not a ton of competition.
(3)
Eric B.
I ate here again for the first time in a long time, and I felt like I was touched for the very first time. By a big fat tomato. I enjoyed it, I think you will too. First things first - cocktails! Any good old school Italian joint must take pride in their cocktails, and Club Lucky takes the new cocktail school and wraps it in the old school. Rye cocktails are featured heavily here, and they are delicious. If you are a clear liquor fan they'll fix you up with a gin or vodka martini, too, no worries, kiddo. As for the food, it is good, filling, large portions. Get the Italian Sausage and peppers, and anything with meat sauce. Perhaps not the best Italian you've ever had, but it is good and you get a lot of it; perfect for reheating the next day after a few too many cocktails. For a fun, laid back night out on the town where you don't have to get too dressed up but they'll like you even more if you do, head to Club Lucky.
(4)
Lora R.
We pulled up to the restaurant (I'm from out of town- someone else suggested it) and we thought we were at the wrong place. Surprise! We came here with a group of three families for my sister's college graduation- they made sixteen people very happy. While the food is your standard Italian fare in terms of options, everything was good quality. We ordered the calamari (both fried and grilled), the meat/cheese plate, Club Lucky salad- all to share. I ordered the chicken parm, which was served on a plate (as opposed to in a warming dish), but that was the only way in which it shorted my expectations. While the ambiance is dark, but it's a fun family atmosphere. If I lived in the area, I would return.
(5)
Tricia D.
I wondered why the outside of this place looked so familiar to me... (thinking, thinking, thinking)... oh yeah, it's the area I got lost around trying to find my parked car after a recent Wicker Park dinner at Piece. If I had to summarize the atmosphere in 3 words, it would be "diner with swag". But keep reading! By no means does Club Lucky serve up diner food. It's neighborhood Italian food, and beyond that, my, they have a mean cocktail list! Highly reco the french martini. Had I not been so stuffed after the meal, I would have loved to try one of the dessert cocktails, mixed and named after classic desserts like strawberry shortcake and key lime pie. Crusty on the outside and warm and soft on the inside, the pre-dinner bread was awesome! I inhaled a couple slices without hesitation or regard for displaying any kind of dinner manners. Do the crumbs on my mouth make my butt look big? C and I shared the tilapia special and chicken stuffed pesto tortellini special, and our waitress Brandy was absolutely right in claiming the pesto sauce was phenomenal! Entrees run about $20, with pasta dishes a couple bucks under that. C found this hot spot in a bridal magazine and was scoping it out for her rehearsal dinner, and Jeremy was warm and friendly and extremely attentive in providing us a tour of the private room and answering questions. I will definitely be back! P.S. +100 on Opentable!
(4)
Tera D.
Finally played the part of Bucktown local and took a stroll to Club Lucky for dinner. Yes, the atmosphere is old school and kind of cool, yes they have outdoor seating which is a plus, but people, the food is the epitome of mediocre. And I'm sorry, but mediocre Italian in Chicago just isn't going to cut it in my book. We shared the Club Lucky Salad and the Veal Parmesan. The salad was fine - it had what you expect, nothing more, nothing less. The veal, on the other hand, was dry, tough, served with WAY too little sauce and cheese, and alongside undercooked penne that also had too little sauce. 4 days later the leftovers are languishing in our fridge, which is a crying shame when it comes to Italian, but I just don't see the point in a second sub-par Italian meal.
Here's lookin at you, kid. Goodbye present-day Bucktown and hello Chicago circa 1940s. My husband and I were just taking a walk enjoying the spring evening when we walked right past a giant ad for Club Lucky painted onto the brick exterior of a building with an arrow pointing down the street. On a lark, we decided to follow it and found ourselves at Club Lucky, which looked like it came straight off a movie set starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. We didn't feel like waiting 30 minutes for a table outside so we opted for a booth in the main dining room in the back. Good thing we did, because I happen to love booths and this one was just like butta baby. The dining room was large, with a floor made for dancing and dated drapes and fixtures. You can kind of tell this place must have been the shiz back in the day, but I had no idea it was even nestled here in my own neighborhood. The bread was warm and chunky, served traditional style with all the olive oil, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese a girl could want. We also ordered a bottle of Moscato (I'm a fan of dessert before dinner) and started with the Mozzarella Fritti (freshly breaded and fried buffalo mozzarella) which was deeelish. I ordered Chicken Parmigiana (one of my standby Italian food staples) and it was good, but not as breaded as I normally like. It was huge though so I ate it for lunch two days later and somehow it tasted better as leftovers. Can't decide if that's a good thing or not. Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed the family style feel of this joint, and the food was good enough to want to come back and try something else. 3.5 stars for sure.
(3)
MP J.
Food is fine, not great but good. Have eaten there several times but ordered tonight via grub hub, why not, had a promo code (Club Lucky is a bit overpriced for a run of the mill Friday night). In any event not sure if the problem is grub hub or Club Lucky but the promo code did not work, no discount. I'm not much one for second chances with restaurants or, really any service provider so unlikely I will use grub hub or order or go to Club Lucky again. Too many other choices to live with bad service.
(2)
Marni P.
Club Lucky- The Boy and I met here 6.5 yrs ago. I thank you for that (most of the time). Kudos to you for offering gluten free pasta. I don't need it, but it makes me feel good and skinnier anyways. Eggplant parm is my go-to dish here. Thin and layered, like lasagna. Warm bread and olive oil (you have to ask for it) is a can't miss! We lived across the street up until a week ago. Would've thought we'd be much more like regulars here, but we just found ourselves elsewhere more often. Love the patio during the summer and the dog-friendliness of it all. Good food, great casual vibe, upbeat atmosphere.
(4)
Nicolas H.
Huge fan of the bar here. I've had a few of the appetizers and they were damn good, don't get me wrong, but for some reason we keep coming back to the bar to hang out and always have a good time. The drinks are great, especially since I had my first anchovy stuffed olive here. Oh, and don't forget the service, some of the best bartenders in the city...
(5)
Heather S.
Wonderful meal - food and service were great. Very good italian food. We sat outside on a gorgeous day! The drinks were really great!!
(4)
MELEK L.
Never heard about nor seen Club Lucky before. Apparently I am the only one! My friends told me this used to be THE place to be "back in the day". It seems to me that they haven't changed much in all those years. It is extremely old skool with gigantic booths, ironic drapes, and that general checkered floor feeling. I ordered the Spicy Penne and my date had the Chicken Parm. Though my date never offered me a bite (shame), his dish looked pretty good. Plenty of cheese and a generous side of pasta. My penne was simple yet tasty with the perfect amount of spiciness. Honestly a little boring and not loaded with "plenty of basil" as stated on the menu. Sadly the dining room was lonely with only a few tables occupied. But there were two things even more sad. The way the waiter shuffled around, for instance. I don't know exactly why, but this drives me nuts. Pick up your feet!! And the sad, sad lump of cookie they plopped on the table for dessert. (Brownstone's cookie skillet has completely ruined all future cookie desserts for me.) It was maybe 1.5-2 inches thick and rock hard. Thankfully it was topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, so I could pretend to get my sweet on. The thing that impressed me most about Club Lucky was the manager (I assume) who made sure to thank us on our way out. The thing that impressed me the least was the dirty bathroom. Still, I would go back.
(3)
Susan S.
Truly loved this place. Found it in Time Out Chicago and tried it. I always look for baked clams so this was why I chose it. It's nothing to look at from the outside, but what a place. I love the bar; it's so Mad Men era. Anyway, the clams weren't anything to write about, but we had the special pasta with tomato cream sauce and sausage and it was just so delicious! I had the drink special; the one they concocted on their own and it was quite fun and tasty. I just loved the atmosphere and the food. I love Italian salad dressing; being a NY'er I always look for a good, basic house italian vinegar dressing and it was just what I wanted. I will definitely be back. It was nice to sit outside in a quiet neighborhood sort of atmosphere, as well.
(4)
Bess R.
I've been going to Club Lucky for the 6 years I've lived in Chicago, and it's always a good standard. We had a great time last night with a group of 6. Went for an early reservation (6:15) and were seated right away. The bread was perfect, and we had the waiter bring us some olive oil which we quickly mixed with some fresh parmesan cheese. mmm... We started with the Bruschetta and Grilled Calamari. Both were tasty (and the calamari was very tender!). I had the Chicken Parm for dinner. It was exactly as expected - tender chicken and zesty marinara sauce. My hubby had the pork chops and liked them a lot. They now offer gluten-free pasta too! Everyone actually loved their meals. Their food is standard Italian and perfectly done. Down sides? Drinks were WAY expensive. 8.50 for a little vodka soda? hmm. Couple screaming kids too, but I guess there's not much you can do about that. Great night, great meal. We'll be back!
(4)
Lynsay L.
I love the classic vibe that this restaurant gives off. From the music to the decor, it has a cozy "mom's kitchen" feel. And if your mom gets down in the kitchen like mine does...then you know what I'm talking about. After a few drinks at the bar (kilo kaitini...yes, please), serviced by a super friendly and witty bartender, we capitalized on the gorgeous weather an opted to sit outside. Continued great service, outstanding calamari, tender filet, and yummy, yummy gnocchi (both Specials for the evening.) Warm tollhouse cookie for dessert. Done and done. I was definitely feelin' Lucky.
(4)
Ryan T.
This place is just classy. I go hear about once a month, it is a great place during the day to meet with a friend or hold a business meeting. At night it is a killer neighborhood hang out. Everything they serve is top notch. They have great soups in the winter, their salads are crisp and delicious. Their bread is amazing. All of their entrees are goud (I like the eggplant sandwhich), though be warned a bit on the large side (it is Italian food after all). They make a great dring too. The beer is always cold.
(5)
Christine L.
I love you Club Lucky. Let me count the ways... One. Your supper club charm. From the first moment I stepped foot into your door and into a picture of the 40s and 50s I was swept off my feet. Two. Your amazing Italian fare. Never have I been disappointed with the fruits of your kitchen. From the homemade noodles and sauce of your pastas to the chicken marsala and the eggplant parmesan. Every morsel is satisfying and filling. Three. Your generous portion sizes. Dinner for tonight and lunch for tomorrow? Why of course! The morning after one of your mouth watering meals is a test to my willpower to save my delectable leftovers until the lunchtime hour. I may or may not have eaten your fare for breakfast on occasion. Nom, nom, nom. Four. Your party atmosphere. Your dining room is filled with laughter and voices and chaos, making me feel as though I am in the kitchen of a long lost Italian grandmother and surrounded by friends. Five. Your private party room. My love of you Club Lucky is apparent and what better place to hold my wedding rehearsal dinner than in an atmosphere I adore? Sharing a five course meal and dozens of carafes of wine with my closest family and friends was a perfect evening. Your private party room was perfectly sized for our group of 35. Accolades from all in attendance of course. So many reasons to adore you Club Lucky, and one more? Why your convenient location within walking distance of my abode. Singing your praises till my next excursion...
(5)
Tess G.
We sat outside because it was so nice but the charm of the inside was great! The pastas were delicious and you could definitely tell they were homemade----not to mention the bread as well! This is a great spot tucked into a neighborhood---will definitely go back.
(4)
Kathy J.
Went here on a Saturday night mostly due to location and easy access via public transit. The food was very good. We had the veggie antipasta which was a plentiful array of fresh grilled vegetables. Our pasta dishes were good also.We were quickly and warmly greeted by the host and were seated right at our reservation time. The service went downhill after our initial welcome. The service was slow and not very cordial. In addition, our waiter tried to make us feel responsible for his lack of attention. We asked for wine with the meal. The meal was delivered by our busman. After we had been eating for a while I looked around for our server. He was no where to be found. When we finally did see him and flag him (literally) down. He said "I didn't forget you pal, I was waiting for the food to come out." I am not sure how he would have known the food came out as he didn't follow it out and he was not in the dining area. Long after we had finished eating and were ready to leave he finally came to check on us and said, "yeah it looked like you weren't interested in dessert." Again, I don't know how he would have known that. One person in our group asked him for marinara which eventually did come out after quite a bit of time, thanks to the busman- but again, our server was not very attentive. Actually, there were many busman hustling around but few servers available. One waitress came out on the floor eating. The dining room was very noisy and made it difficult for conversation. For $170 dinner for 4 I would have expected a better experience, a more interested server, and a quieter environment.
(3)
Nick R.
Steve is the man! Great suggestions. Fantastic meals always and a regular customer! Outdoor seating in the summer too.
(5)
Mary Ann C.
We brought a group of six here tonight for dinner and had a lovely time! I have wanted to try this place for years, and we finally got the chance tonight! Service was great. The decor was lovely. There were plenty of families (which made it better for us, as we have a toddler) but also many couples. Fresh, warm bread was readily provided, and we paired it with calamari. Yumm! Can't go wrong with either of these! I had the chicken tortellini for dinner, served with peas and pinenuts in a red cream sauce. It was lovely! Others at the table enjoyed the chicken vesuvio and lasagna. My daughter was gobbling up my sister's chicken and spaghetti. However, at two, I am not sure if she was just having fun or if she is a reliable reviewer for Yelp! This was a great spot for a family outing, and we can't wait to go back!!!
(5)
Frieda H.
Club Lucky is one of our favorite places because of the combination of good food, relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and close proximity. My husband and I like a wide range of items on the menu especially the Grilled Calamari, Shrimp Scampi and Linguini with Shrimp and Broccoli. I also recommend the Tilapia special from our last visit. We have to restrain ourselves with the warm bread they bring you because you can make a meal out of that with the olive oil for dipping. Love just sitting at the bar with friends for martinis and listening to the excellent selection of 70s and 80s music on the juke box. Lots of trendy places come and go in Wicker Park but Club Lucky is reliably consistent.
(4)
robert m.
We had dinner on New Years Eve. Having arrived about 30 minutes early for our reservation, I was surprised they sat us immediately. The service was friendly & generally spot on. Our server was there when we needed her & not when we didn't. A big win there. The foood was solid. We started off with standard fried calamari & the Calabrese Fried Calamari. The plain rendition was cooked well. However, the breading could use a kick up in the seasonings. The Calabrese version was excellent! For our entrees, I had the special Filet & Scallops, my wife the veal parmigiana, my son the pork chops (all veggies on the side), and our friend had a linguine dish. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The portions were so large, we had plenty to take home. I wouldn't call this the best Italian in the city, but it was very solid on this night. Oh, I forgot to mention the bread. It is ridiculously good. Very fresh, excellent recipe. I wish they would serve it with an herbed butter though. But one shouldn't be picky! In summary, great night! Good service, Good Food!!!
(5)
Stolie G.
AWESOME! AWESOME! I'm a very picky eater, especially when it comes to italian food, I came here to celebrate a new job... we came kinda late, they still let us in and gave us the best service.. The food was Delish!! I would highly recommend coming here.. it's also a perfect date spot.
(5)
Manuela Z.
Married to the Mob meets Town Hall wedding DJ. Love the decor - 40's style bright red leathah booths big enough to sleep on. Buhht the town hall wedding music has to go. I kept looking around wondering when the dollar dance was going to break out. I walked in expecting tables of good fellas and their precious head smacking families but got oodles of noodles and decent meatballs. Not like mom used to make but not bad either. OH and watch out for the screaming kids.
(3)
amy h.
Love this place. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere. Really, what more could you ask for? You should save room for the carrot cake, for sure.
(5)
Heather N.
Went last night for a nice dinner and just felt let down. A friend and I went a few years back after trying the sauce at Whole Foods and loved it. What happened? Got a table quickly and then came the waiter. He was pushy, extremely unfriendly, and made me want to leave. The food is good (bit overpriced) and extremely filling, which seemed to be the one plus. Still love the house sauce. Long story short, don't go on the weekend and sit in the back. You'll feel like you should have just gone elsewhere and waited.
(2)
Andy T.
Food is solid. Really enjoyed my martini. I love the location and atmosphere. The place is fun without being too pretentious. I quite like the veal meatballs. There are other Italian spots I prefer for food, but something about this place always keeps us coming back. The portions are quite large and the taste is simple but solid. I think it would be really great for a smallish gathering with friends and family. Kind of a comfortable noisiness to the place.
(4)
Carrie B.
I've dined at Club Lucky many times, but just decided to review it for the first time. While the menu offers plenty of Italian options including pastas, chicken and seafood, I find the food to be just average. I'd much rather go to any of the Francesca's or Tuscany for my Italian fix. I always get pasta or chicken Parmesan, so I thought I'd get something I've never tried and ordered the Chicken Francese. It was okay, but SO much better at Maggiano's. My boyfriend had the homemade ravioli, which was pretty good. Also, be warned that you WILL wait at least an extra 20-30 minutes even with a reservation. We had an 8:30 reservation on a Saturday night, and didn't get seated until close to 9 pm, and that was after my boyfriend complained twice to the manager and hostess. While waiting at the bar, I had a Flirtini martini, which I didn't like at all. The bartender was rude and not friendly when we asked her for drink suggestions. Seriously, I've had nicer bar service at some hole in the wall dives! There goes your tip, lady. After waiting, we get seated in the worst possible table - a table meant for 4, literally right in front of the kitchen. So awkward but at this point we were just hungry so we dealt, but not such a great ambiance with waiters, busboys and waitresses running back and forth in between our table shuffling plates above their heads right past me. It's like they were trying to stuff one more table in, and placed it directly in the back to the point where you are basically sitting in the kitchen. (In past experiences, I've always had a nice booth or two-top table.) Once we left, the manager stopped us and apologized for the long wait and handed us his business card to call him in the future. We didn't really care, because as my boyfriend pointed out, if you want to really take care of your customers, send them a round of drinks or comp the bill or something, not hand us your stupid business card! Too late, buddy. I want to like Club Lucky more - it's always packed, I really like the atmosphere and the cute patio in the summer time - but I have found the food to be just alright, nothing special, the past few times I have come in.
(3)
Mark K.
Favorite place to go for a night out. Good bar, good tunes and good food. love the ribs and fish dishes.
(5)
Emilee J.
I don't have much new to add, I see most of the other reviews covered the GREAT food and OK service. Our waiter was nice, but should have stopped by more often and I think the kitchen was running behind. BUT worth the wait! Will be coming back again, getting hungry just thinking about it
(4)
Chris P.
I recently moved right around the corner from Club Lucky and it has become a staple in our lineup since moving to the neighborhood. The outdoor area is great and the interior is large and comfortable. Service is always excellent as is the food. I would recommend the Club Lucky salad and recently served a tray of it at a small party I had at home. Valet is great as this area is difficult to park if you are coming from a different hood. We'll be back again and again.
(4)
John H.
Service was great at the outside patio. The food was beyound delicious and the clamari was fresh and perfectly prepared. I always say Greek Islands has the best , but Club lucky hit a home run. Stay away from the fried version as it is way too salty. The shrimp were huge and perfectly cooked. I shy away from sea food at many restaurants, but not at here. The restaurant is just a joy to go too, especially because you are attended to so well.
(5)
Vickie L.
After years of seeing the signs for Club Lucky on North Ave, we finally ventured in for some Italian food (as Lucia was closed for a private event.) We were hesitate upon walking in because the bar area is small and narrow, but around the corner was a huge dining room. It is so darn cute inside, lots of character, like eating in someone's home. There were a lot of people eating here on a Sunday night. They brought nice fresh baked bread to the table and it was warm and crusty. We ordered Bruschetta to start and got 5 big pcs, there were huge chunks of tomato on top, yummy. Even better with the parmesan they leave on the table. Entrees - I got one of the specials of the evening which was homemade tortellini with chicken, in a tomato cream sauce with peas. The tortellini was pretty tasty, very thick, too big for 1 bite. I thought there were too many peas in the dish. The sauce was very good, but needed salt. I added parmesan cheese instead. Portion was not very big, but I exercised some self restraint and only ate about 2/3 leaving 1/3 for lunch the next day. The 3 other people at the table both got the spaghetti w/ marinara. They charge $3-4 extra to add 2 meatballs or 1 sausage link. The meatballs were quite big, but the sausage link was kind of a ripoff. The waitress said it was big but she must have been thinking the size before cooking, because it was quite small when it came to the table. Oh well. There was nothing spectacular about spaghetti, in fact it was quite under whelming. From what I tasted, it kind of tasted like a Lean Cuisine pasta dish. It needed a lot of salt and it was not sauce enough. They had to ask for extra sauce. Prices - I think they were a bit high priced for italian staples, and the portions were a little bit oversized, but for the prices they charged, you would expect a lot bigger portions. I didn't think they were "family sized" portions. I also don't get why they charge so much for extras either. The $3-4 for meatballs/sausage, and it's an extra $6 for chicken on the fettucini alfredo! They better give you 1/2 of a chicken for that! Service - Service was very good. Our server was very attentive, and they filled our bread bowl twice and water was filled a lot. Total at the end of the meal including tax (not tip) was $60 for 1 appetizer and 3 entrees.
(3)
Jet L.
The service is friendly and great- the dinner is cute especially around Christmas- lots of lights and dim lighting... I LOVE the club Lucky salad- one of my FAVORITES!!! But beyond that just for me everything else is ok that I have tried- but good.... the Bread and oil are good- the prices are fair to high though...
(3)
Will H.
Mediocre, watered-down, Americanized, pseudo-Italian, overpriced food and drinks.
(2)
mimi r.
Went on a Monday night so not rushed or crowded. Great atmosphere. Really tasty house salad (olives, peppers, tomatoes). Shrimp scampi needed a little more garlic or seasonings. Spinach was perfect. Very pleasant for a week night group, all decorated for holidays.
(4)
Ern E.
I went here with my boyfriend last weekend. I picked it out so it's kind of my fault not knowing what the place served. Aside from that, neither of us were all that hungry. My boyfriend got the calamari appetizer, while I just got a house salad. He seemed to be happy with the mammoth-portioned appetizer, while I really, truly loved this damn salad. I'm a picky, picky, picky eater...and the pickiest with salads, and this one was a surprise that knocked my socks off! Seriously, it was so simple and to the point, but done very well. What it comes down to: despite the menu being pretty limited, kind of pricey and not all that appetizing (massive portions of kind of boring, Americanized Italian food), I really loved the old school supper club atmosphere this place has. And if you like seafood, try the calamari appetizer, and if you like salad, try one of theirs! I would like to come back to this place again soon when I'm on an empty stomach. It may bring more stars next time around! :)
(2)
Javier B.
On a roll with mediocre Italian retaurants! I have been to Club Lucky a few times over the years. I like the atmosphere and it is always fun to walk the streets of Buck Town. The food here is very average and basic Italian food. Really, Italian food for beginners. The problem...it is incredibly over-priced! When you pay $18 for a plate of pasta with bolognese sauce, you can't help but think that you have just been horribly ripped off. Also spotty service. Basket of bread with butter? OK, I guess not that weird, but at least also offer olive oil. Asked the server who then proceeded to dissapear for 10 minutes. Guess that can happen sometimes in a busy restaurant, but when you are getting ripped off, at least give good service.
(2)
valiha s.
Big fan of this place. Great pasta... great atmosphere and service. Every time we've been we've been greeted like we were old friends. Did i say great pasta? We've had all sorts of menu items and they've all been dynamite. The specials are always good... the last time we went my husband ordered the gnocchi and it was so fluffy and held the sauce. So good. Portions are large and we always say, lets just go and get appetizers at the bar... but end up walking in and wanting apps, meals and cocktails! Totally recommend this place.
(4)
Becky H.
great little spot... late evening al fresco dining. cool neighborhood makes for good people watching & snippets of interesting conversations buzzing past. very sweet staff.... cant remember our waitress's name, but she noticed I had my hair done & told me to work it :) had a nice glass of white with my pasta. prices were a bit more than i expected but a solid experience through & through.
(4)
Donna J.
All they had going for them was their sauce. My boyfriend had the cheese stuffed ravioli and I had penne arriabata. I guess I'm just not a big fan of 'al dente' pasta because my pasta was definitely still hard. The prices are too high for what you get. I've had better.
(1)
John K.
This place defines traditional american italian food. Great place to bring your parents. Neat atmosphere (was an old mob hang out). This is like a higher quality version of olive garden or magiano's. Always have nice specials. WIne is cheap. My parents love love love this place. I prefer Antico down the street.
(4)
Lisa B.
I hate to do this....for years I've considered Club Lucky one of my favorite restaurants. Its kind of expensive, so I don't go very often. Went in on a Friday after having a long, crappy week, excited to relax with some wine and enjoy some comfort food. My first mistake was veering away from my usual favorite, fettucini alfredo with broccoli. I decided to order something different for the first time and went for the penne arrabiata and broccoli; my boyfriend ordered ribs. We were both sorely disappointed. The ribs looked like mushroom soup had been dumped on them, and the potatoes they came with were quite raw. Whatever the strange, green/brown sauce was on the meat was disgusting. I'm a vegetarian but even I could see from across the table the color of the meat indicated it was WAY overcooked. My pasta was just....boring. It was described as "loaded with basil" but it wasn't loaded with anything but blandness. I mean there was no salt or pepper or A N Y T H I N G. Hint of spicy, but that's it. We could have saved $75 and made pasta at home - would have been way, way better and much cheaper. Our waitress neglected to ask if we wanted a second glass of wine until we were done with our meal. And how we had 2 glasses of wine and 2 entrees only (no dessert, no appetizer, no second drink) and the total was that much, I have no idea. Sorry Club Lucky, its just not worth it.
(1)
Julia F.
eh. the first time i went (albeit after two martinis), i was WOWED. the second time, not so much. we had a 7 p.m. reservation. arrived at 6:59. the first thing the host said to us: "just so you know, we have an 8:30 reservation for your table. not to be rude." i said, "so - are you going to kick us out at 8:30?" oh and FYI buddy - that IS rude. also, the food was just OK. and they were clearly rushing us out - our food arrived literally within 1-2 minutes of us ordering. not cool.
(2)
Hans M.
Killer Itallian!! Started with the calamari and club lucky salad. The sausage and peppers were on point also. Ended with the penne bolognese, superb. Awesome Chi Town eatery.
(4)
Randi S.
Favorite place in the city for Italian! Best fried calamari, meatballs, and sauce! Every time we have a great meal. We frequently recommend this place to friends and family. The atmosphere is classic, with it's retro look and jukebox. I absolutely love the patio in the summer. The service is fantastic - I especially like the bartenders who make great martinis.
(5)
Ashley K.
I like that this place is a little off the beaten path. It's much more relaxing of an environment than the six corners. Had a Caprese sandwich that was piled high with fresh mozzarella, so you can't complain with that. That day, one of the owners was covering for the bartender and he was very nice and welcoming. I will be back.
(4)
Brittany F.
This was about our third trip to Club Lucky and again it was very satisfying. The atmosphere is very inviting with a dimly lit, vintage 50's style corner neighborhood bar feel. While the food is not going to blow you away, its been consistently good each trip. The Club Lucky salad to share is probably my favorite menu item. This place can be a little pricey, but the portions are so large and there's a wide range of stiffly made cocktails and irish coffees for after dinner that make it worthwhile for a nice dinner out.
(3)
Carol K.
Club Lucky is always a consistent choice! From it's Naugahyde booths to its retro 50's style bar this is a comfortable place to enjoy your fav Italian dishes. Went there the other night and had the cavetelli (yummy!) and the penne with sausage. For an appetizer, try the antipasto plate (not the vegetable one but the one with the variety of meats and cheeses. ) What comes for a mere $13 is a nicely arranged assortment of provolone and Parmesan cheeses, salami, ham, prosciutto and olives. Couple this with the bread that is served along with dinner and it's almost a meal in its self- but save room for one of their great pastas! Service is attentive but not overbearing. The bar makes a great dirty martini and the juke box is filled with great songs- many of which I hadn't heard in years! The bartenders are friendly and are willing to strike up a conversation with you at a moments notice! Street parking is often difficult but they do have valet parking for those of you driving in the neighborhood. For predictable Italian that everyone will love- Club Lucky hits the mark. It's like going to your Italian grandma's house on a Sunday afternoon!
(4)
Rhonda R.
I so wanted to love this place. I live nearby and was meeting a friend for drinks and snacks after her hair cut at Art+Science on Milwaukee. We knew we would sit at the bar so expectations were minimal. It was packed. Mostly people waiting for tables in the dining room. Seemed like a nice mixed crowd from the neighborhood. It was loud and lively. Nice start for a Friday. It took forever to get a drink. I drink a lot and I would have loved to catch a buzz but the bartender was ... I would like to have thought he was swamped but he just wasn't that busy. For me to have just two drinks in three hours sitting at the bar I can only assume I was being ignored. My friend is really hot and I think she could only get two drinks as well. We finally got a look at the menu. Nothing special there. We ended up with calamari, the fried cheese discs and an over dressed caesar salad. I had to ask for more olive oil twice with extended waits to get anyone's attention. We would have ordered wine with our food, something after and possibly dessert. We thought we ordered a night cap but they were not received. We finally canceled the order and got the check. As it was our bill was over $75!!! WTF. There was one really annoying moment when the bartender passed a drink between my friend and I to a guest behind us. We were in the middle of a conversation. We had to stop talking and move apart to keep from being hit in the face by a beer bottle. It was among one of the rudest, most unprofessional restaurant/bar experiences I have ever had. Chicago has certainly caused me to lower my service expectations. I am still surprised when even my lowered standards are exceeded. The food was passable, the bar service was pretty ... off. I won't go back. There are too many other great Italian places.
(2)
Benjamin V.
Homemade Italian-themed menu which is overall average but there are a few gems I've found: 1- Club Lucky salad. 2- any dish which includes their meatballs. 3- homemade pistachio gelato. The service is not strikingly good nor bad. The ambiance is retro, cozy, and laid-back with plenty of room between tables. Similar to other reviewers, I found the lighting too dim in the dining area.
(3)
Amanda Z.
This place, like many fantastic restaurants in this town, sends you back to another era...in a fantastic way. The decor is very retro, and the service is fantastic. Great list of wines and cocktails, you won't go thirsty here. The mangotini was delightful. We had a good sampling of the offerings at dinner: fried calamari to start (delightful), fettucine alfredo, pasta special with rock shrimp, and tilapia special (which was divine in a white wine and caper sauce...mmm!). We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Our service was quite good (we had some assistance in ordering from this hot young chef). A few drinks at the bar with the friendly bartender and the bar full of lively folks topped off a lovely evening with my fabulous girlfriends. It's tucked away in a neighborhood which adds to its charm. Great for a date, a girls night out, or a family dinner, this place could adapt to fit the bill for nearly anything.
(4)
Ryan W.
This is not fine dining. This is the best Italian-style--strike that--goodfellas-style dining there is. Good wine, good pasta, excellent service, and a really cool atmosphere. This is not A Tavola or Terra Gusta or Bice or any other upscale Italian trattoria. This is a quintessentially American, mob-flavored experience, replete with good booze, and delicious Italian flavors treated with respect. I've waited for a table for 30 minutes in the (over-crowded) bar whilst sipping a well-prepared martini, happy as a displaced Irishman in Napoli could be, only to be pleasantly surprised by the meal to come. (The bolognese is terrific.) I've also taken my family here on a Thursday night at 9:45 PM, when we had the whole place to ourselves. And I need to say something about the guy I assume to be Lucky, if there is actually a Lucky. He is awesome. Whether we call late to see if they're still serving, or wander in (as was our first experience) on a busy evening, he's always there to welcome you. He always makes it seem like there's no problem that your appearance might sprout a few more gray hairs out of his noggin. This is a fun little neighborhood trattoria and worthy of a try. May not be for everyone, but for its purpose, it succeeds admirably.
(4)
Jake R.
I've been here a couple of times, and I honestly can't remember what I got. I know it was good, but not amazing. The desert, however, is fantastic. The Tollhouse Cookie is incredible (not as good as the Legendary Cubby Cookie from Cubby Bear) and the apple pie was great. Overall, a pretty good place to eat.
(3)
Carol M.
I went here on a date over the weekend. We were both very impressed. Our waiter was really on top of things and even pretty patient when we weren't ready with our order yet. Dinner comes w/ some good hearty white bread that they serve with olive oil laced with red pepper (I wasn't really a fan...little too spicy for me). I had the fettuccini scampi with spinach in a light oil sauce. I loved it! Great seasoning on the shrimp and the pasta was perfectly "al dente". My date had the chicken parmigiana and couldn't stop raving about it (although he admitted his doubts about this place when I first recommended it). The cannoli's were good. Three bite sized per order, but I was looking for the chocolate chip pieces and didn't find one till the last bite of the last cannoli. But I'm a little cheap and I like massive amounts of food for a $17ish pasta plate and the portions were merely decent. (what can I say..I'm american!) So I'll probably save this place for special occasions. 5/52
(4)
pellet s.
Such a waste of atmosphere, location and former glory. Club Lucky wasn't spectacular when it opened 20 years ago but it was solid; but like the rest of Bucktown it has become nothing but an empty shell of soul-less marketing and me-too opportunism. When the yupsters' money runs out, perhaps the management at Club Lucky will return to providing a worthy product and service. As it stands now, they are under-staffed, under-trained and over-priced . Upon arriving at 6pm, we interrupted the gaggle of FOH staff at the service bar and were given a booth in the empty main dining room with water and a menu. After perusing the menu for 15 minutes and drinking four pints of water, we met our server who brought the specials and wines by the glass menu and asked if we would like something to drink. (I still love the water from those aluminum pitchers and the Italian porters' wait jackets though) As I was hungry, I asked to have the food arrive in the order it was most quickly prepared. So we had our one pasta served first. I assumed that they had split the dish in the kitchen and the runner had only brought half of the order. But no, $18 now buys you 3oz of box pasta, 3 overcooked shrimp, 4 leaves of spinach and 4oz of olive oil. OK, EVOO is expensive, but I don't need to drink the shit. Next comes the melrose pepper salad and antipasto board, except it's not the board of meats and cheeses that I pointed to on the specials menu; it's the vegetarian option from the regular menu that I specifically said I did not want. Digging into the $12 salad, we find that the peppers are not roasted as stated, but deep fried, every prep cook's favorite cheat. I could almost excuse that had they taken the time to remove the core and seeds and skin, but no, these still had congealed droplets of oil on them. Buried under these travesties were two of yesterday's slimy cardboard tomato slices, and a small mountain of overdressed limp romaine. Maybe, I'm paying for the 55 gal drums of olive oil they must use. Finally the antipasto board arrives w/ the olives that were missing from the salad. This is actually one of the better deals in town, granting that you can get 2 subs on Grand Ave consisting of the same meats for @ the same price. Good proscuitto, soppressata, and salami. Tasty olive mix, and though the pimentos were canned, I suspect they are imported because they were good too. A short word on the service. Twelve busboys, two servers and one food runner. Three dining areas seating @ 150? And a manager/host picking out songs on the jukebox while another table sends back it's order. What's wrong with this picture?
(2)
Antonio M.
Fun place, good food, cool location. an especially nice set up for a medium-larger groups. Excellent drinks.
(4)
Jen M.
Went here for lunch with a friend on a Thursday afternoon. We sat at the bar. The front room is pretty small (about 10 chairs at the bar, 3 booths). The decor is classic old school (dare I say "oldies") including the juke box that spins greats like Sam Cook. I ordered the penne arrabiatta. It was a solid 3 stars. I also ordered a sidecar of meatballs. Definitely 4 stars. I am a big fan of Volare downtown and I'd say Club Lucky is maybe a 1/2 star of a lower rating than Volare. Club Lucky is a solid neighborhood choice.
(3)
Christy Q.
I just went with a good friend and wow! I loved the decor! The ambiance is very retro- and no it doesn't need a facelift or updating. It's cool. My only warning is that it gets pretty loud in here, so if you are with a large group it might be tough to hear all the convo. But for a few people, it's great. First off, hats off to any restaurant that serves WARM bread- WARM BREAD! I devoured the bread! I always feel cheated when they can't be bothered to warm the bread. Club Lucky warms their bread! We started with the calamari. I wasn't in love with it. I just didn't get into it. I sort of picked at it. But the waiter said everyone loves it and other tables around me seemed to devour theirs- so perhaps I'm a bad calamari judge. I had the lasagna with a side of meatballs. DELICIOUS! My friend had some special which was like 2 giant swirls of noodle and yummy ingredients inside. A girl who sat down at the table next to us looked at my friends plate and asked her waiter what the heck it was cuz it just looked so darn good. I will for sure return!
(4)
Jenna N.
What a cute place! Love the decor, very retro. I'd been wanting to go here for some time and me and the bf decided to get together with some friends we haven't seen in awhile so this was a perfect venue. The bread is to die for, though they didn't provide any olive oil...just butter. The French Martini is amazing and highly addictive, but at $10 per drink it can get costly. I had the traditional shrimp scampi for dinner and it was...surprisingly lacking in the flavor department but still decent and I enjoyed it. The spinach my dish came with was very good and tasted extremely fresh. Oddly, the valet guys were the nicest people in the whole restaurant. We wanted to go to a bar after dinner and it was only a couple blocks away so it wasn't worth driving to. I asked the valet if I could leave my car there and they were more than happy to just give me the keys so that I could pick it up even after they closed. My biggest complaint is about our waitress, Sarah. She wasn't awful, but she wasn't exactly friendly either. Almost immediately after we decided against dessert she pushed the check on us and did not return to our table again until we were ready to pay...some 30 minutes later. We weren't even done with our drinks and we wanted a little time to digest our meal but she never asked if we wanted anything else to drink after that. Our bill was well over $200 so I guess I expected just a little bit of friendliness and tolerance from her. I'd go back here again, MAYBE, so long as I don't get the same waitress.
(3)
Sam B.
Great little italian place. The food was above average. I had the penne arribiata with salsiccia. I have never met an arribiata sauce didn't like. The wait staff was pleasant and attentive for the most part -- although they seemed to forget about us after we got out food. The bread here is awesome! My only complaint was that we kept getting pestered to order drinks/wine/desert/appetizers etc. We were just going for a quick bite on a wednesday night -- and the wait staff didn't seem to recognize this. This place is also good for families. They were very accommodating for the families we saw.
(4)
Jim K.
I've been visiting Club Lucky for over 15 years, and have had many a good meal here. But unfortunately, Club Lucky is no longer the restaurant it once was. Though it still has the same neighborhood atmosphere and friendly waitstaff, the food is poor. This is based on the last 2 visits to the restaurant, both while on trips to Chicago. The mini-loaf of bread arrived cold, dry and hard (not crusty) - it was obviously day-old bread. We had the Club Lucky Salad, another favorite - there were a couple of hairs in the salad, clearly not from anyone at the table. Then there were the main courses - we ordered Penne Arrabiatta, Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Meatballs, and a kid's order of Spaghetti. All of the pasta was clearly boxed pasta, boiled for too long. The tomato gravy was way too salty and drowning the pasta in all of the dishes. The chicken in the chicken parm hadn't been pounded enough, so was tough and also overcooked. Club Lucky really deserves 2 stars at best for food, but I'm giving it 3 stars because of the competent waitstaff and the fact that it's family-friendly.
(3)
Dest S.
Club Lucky came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. The martinis were how cold? ICE COLD. The dessert, a warm cookie with chocolate sauce and ice cream was so good I almost passed out. Our waiter was super friendly and attentive. Oh yeah, and the food was good, too.
(5)
Melissa H.
A neighborhood restaurant tucked away in the center of Bucktown.....sits Club Lucky with its Retro Diner decor and fantastic food! We started with the Grilled Calamari, with a red pepper and caper Relish that rocked my squid like no other. Next up was Spaghetti. Sometimes you just crave the simplest of dishes. It was Terrific, exactly how I like Spaghetti but better! Finished it up with an assortment of cookies. The little almond cookie gave a new meaning to the "Almond Cookie" in my book. The Biscotti and the Coconut cookie were also very good. An outdoor patio is a must for any restaurant during the summer in Chicago........and this one was perfecto!
(4)
Corinna K.
I don't care how yummy the food might be--there's plenty of quality restaurants in Wicker Park--because Club Lucky looks like a Friday's with a hint of class. Another problem is how the "music" can be heard blocks away. I unfortunately have to endure the Counting Crows cover bands from my house. Regardless of who the bands sound like, they could have come out of my Mom's car radio in the mid-90s. If the bad music stops, maybe I'll give this place a second try. Until then...
(1)
Kathleen O.
The bread was good. They weren't rude. Meh. The Shrimp Scampi tasted like a couple of cooked shrimp from Jewel tossed on top of fettuccine with some Chef Boyardee sauce. Bland, bland, bland. I was shocked that they charged $2 for refills of diet soda that had so much ice that I was getting less than a can's worth. It was noisy. I can't believe they charge so much. I didn't get sick or anything, but I would have had a better meal if I'd just stayed home and taken 15 minutes to make it myself.
(2)
Jen N.
This is a great place to go for a dinner with your family. Except for the time there was a metal staple in my food. I have been here many times, because the food is very good Italian. It is not bland, it has a very good flavor and is consistently good. Not eating meat-dishes, sometimes Italian dishes can be pretty bland or boring, not the case here. The Eggplant Parmesan was fabulous, and the salad was good. The bread is sooooo great. The people I've dined with have always liked their food, too. The atmosphere is nice, sort of retro and "supper club", it's nice without being fancy. They do have valet, but you will probably find parking within a couple blocks. They also have a small bar when you first walk in. The reason I gave three stars, and not five... One time I was eating, about 1/3 way through my dish, and I bit onto something hard that scratched my cheek. LUCKILY, I spit it out. It was a staple. Yes, a metal staple. I immediately lost my appetite. I told the server, who grabbed the manager who explained "the to-go station is close to the food area, so it must have fallen in there." Ok, I guess that can happen. But the seriousness of swallowing an open staple, isn't that dangerous? Would it not have cut my throat or become lodged in my throat? They did not comp the dinner or anything, they offered me a free desert.
(3)
Manda H.
I really liked Club Lucky. I have wanted to go here for quite some time. Luckily last Friday my friend and I were feeling a little pasta so we made our way to Club Lucky. I didn't know what to expect. I love the people (especially the guys at the bar!) and the food was great. I asked the server what she recommended since it was my first time. I ended up with the eggplant parmigiana and it was perfect. The bread was addicting and after a few vodka sevens I was in heaven. I can't wait to come back with a larger group of people to eat family style.
(4)
Brian S.
This place is really good. Its a little steep as far as drink costs but the food is worth every penny. Portions are big enough to share. Decor is 50's retro and cool. The chicken stuffed tortellini is my favorite dish. The staff is on top of their game. I did an online reservation for the first time and It was nice because as I was leaving they said goodbye using my last name. I like a place that makes a personable gesture. Highly recommended!
(4)
Nick S.
Club Lucky is that rare restaurant that you can take anyone from your cheap, anal retentive uncle to your overly-pierced and tattooed cousin. The ambiance is nostalgic, service is above average and the food is consistent and competent. Club Lucky gets the coveted 5 star review because it's the stand by or no brainer. It's good for couples and parties of 4 or more.
(5)
Ashley L.
The food, wine, atmosphere, and service at Club Lucky are wonderful. Great for a group of friends or a fun date night. It has a warm, cozy environment even though the seating area is quite large. It can get a bit noisy, but that's never bothered me. Highly recommend.
(5)
Lourdes A.
When you walk in, it seems that the only seating that exists is the 4 booths off of the bar area. Well, there is a WHOLE other side to this place with lots and lots of tables but when we peeked in there it seemed so cavernous and unappealing that we decided to wait for one of the 4 booths in the bar area. We had a couple of beers at the bar, which is awesome. It is a small bar area but the bartenders were friendly and the atmosphere was genuinely relaxed. The music was from another era but it added to the charm of the place. This is a great place to just relax and have a few drinks at the bar without obnoxious drunks trying to talk to you. It seemed a more mature crowd but it worked. When we were finally seated, we ordered a caprese salad as an appetizer, which was ok. For my main dish, I ordered a pesto pasta dish off of the specials menu, which was good but not great. The lighting was nearly non-existent in the booth area (I think they rely on the bar lighting to carry over into the booth area) but I think that helped give the place that relaxed vibe so I won't complain too much about that. All in all, it is a decent culinary experience, if a little pricey.
(3)
Dave S.
We knew we were going to enjoy our night at Club Lucky starting with the gracious host, Jeremy, who adds a lot of character to the restaurant, not that it needs anymore. This place is a true hidden gem and we will be returning very soon. The food was phenomenal, as was the waitstaff and chef. If you haven't dined at Club Lucky you are missing out.
(5)
Allison B.
What on earth has happened to this place? With it's "tin roof, Frank Sinatra music, mob style feel" It used to be a nice hangout to bring out of town guests for decent, basic Italian food. Well scrap the decent food. Everything we ordered during our recent visit tasted like cafeteria food. My ravioli looked like they came out of a frozen food package from Jewel Osco and it was chewy. Yuck. Halfway through the meal, my sister's baby started sticking out his tongue and blowing raspberries - yes, my thoughts exactly too kid. One star only because the bread was warm and the wine arrived quickly.
(1)
Angel G.
Highly recommend this place for brunch, lunch, and brinner. The bloody Mary's are mighty delicious and come garnished with an anti-pasta deli platter on a toothpick. Enjoyed the eggs and pesto dish partially because of my fetish for all things pesto. The waiter Edwin went above and beyond traditional service and even offered me a scone. I would have preferred a shot or more pesto, but I will take a scone. Lets just say that Edwin is gonna get a Christmas card come December. Great neighborhood spot!
(4)
Tiff B.
This is one of the very few restaurants in Wicker Park/Bucktown that will accept a Saturday night reservation for a group larger than 10 people without requiring everyone to order of some limited crappy menu. They get 3 stars for that alone! Plus, there's valet parking for those that must drive. The food itself is pretty standard. It's not as good as the Italian food offered at Francesca's down the street, but eh, it's three times better than the Olive Garden and the employees are very friendly.
(4)
Julie H.
Club Lucky... I could nickname this place Old Faithful. It's really consistent and really great. There are so many things to like about Club Lucky: FOOD: I would consider it pretty traditional Italian food, no frills, but generous portions that you can definitely share. I always get the grilled chicken breast, which comes with broccoli and a little bit of spaghetti. There are some great appetizers for sharing, too, and they have a BIG SALAD that I love. DRINKS: Killer martinis. Blue cheese stuffed olives. Cozy, retro bar with an awesome jukebox. Whats not to enjoy? AMBIANCE: The beauty of Club Lucky is that it pleases all crowds. Its got a great neighborhood atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to go on a weeknight. Its tame enough that you can bring your family (even kids). But its lively enough for a Friday/Saturday night out. Club Lucky is a great time all around.
(4)
Ryan M.
Large open space dining room with tile floor gives the restaurant a cafeteria like feel. Not a place you would want to take a date. Mostly families with little kids so expect to hear some crying. We had the fried calamari which was a huge serving and very tasty. Also had a club lucky salad. Make sure you request dressing on the side otherwise your romaine will be swimming in Caesar. My date and I split a linguine w/ shrimp but were too full to eat by the time it came. The entree was proportionally small compared to the size of the appetizers. Service was friendly and my water glass was always kept full. Don't think I would return.
(3)
Danny C.
First, the food is far overpriced for the quality of the food. When it comes to Italian, this city can do MUCH better. My martini was okay, but had no list price. I asked the waiter for the cost, and he told me $7.95, but it was $9.75. Not a big deal about the verbal dyslexia, but not pretty when I have to ask for prices and get the wrong information.
(2)
Carl L.
Solid Italian restaurant: Good food, great wine, fantastic atmosphere. I was introduced to this place some years ago, and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the city.
(4)
Dave M.
Club Lucky is one of my favorite places to bring out of town guests or newbies who have never been to Wicker Park for dinner. The thing I always remember most about it is how noisy the dining room can be, especially on the weekends. Voices seem to boom and echo off the walls a bit more than other places. Personally I think it adds to the experience. The food? I haven't found anything on the menu that is a MUST have and that's the only reason I can't give it a 5 star review. Been disappointed a couple of times (maybe authentic chicken vesuvio just isn't for me) but I usually get a pretty decent meal for the price.
(4)
Janelle N.
I honestly was very excited to try this place. My bf made reservations for a Friday at 6:30. They clearly were not needed. The bread and homeade oil were fabulous. We had the fried mozzarella. It was decent. I ordered the Gemelli Mediterranean (sp?) that was on special. The shrimp were great, but the calamari and clams were rubbery. My bf ordered the chicken alfredo. It had a weird aftertaste. Overall, I was disappointed. They are also just way overpriced. $20 for a bowl of pasta..really?
(2)
Elizabeth B.
Went to Club Lucky this evening and was anything but lucky...ordered 8 finger cavatelli and a rigatoni with escarole. rigatoni was terribly undercooked and the cavatelli was like mush. I have never sent anything back in my life but these two horrible entrees deserved it. The manager came over and proceeded to say that he was going to comp our appetizers but since "we ate the majority of our meals" that was all he could do. We didn't want a free meal by any means but simply for him to recognize that the food was prepared in a haphazard way and was poor quality. Needless to say, we will not be back to Club Lucky despite the fact that it used to be our favorite neighborhood spot. Unfortunate that the food at this once good spot has gone downhill so much. Even more unfortunate that the manager doesn't care about this fact or his customers.
(1)
Luc R.
The service was friendly, but a little too friendly at times. ("You have to take the dessert menu because if my boss sees you don't have one I'll get canned and then I'll have to live with you." Me - "Do you like metal?" "No, doll." Me - "Then give me the menu.") Fairly typical Italian fare with an extensive wine list. They also carry Saison DuPont, my all-time favorite, but were out that night. Friendly and nice enough, but just a bit boring. Maybe that's because it was a business dinner. Couldn't help
(3)
P S.
Went with a group of 4 ladies for a friends' birthday and the service was over-the-top good. Lucky us! It was so good I had to immediately write a review, because my experience was worth commemorating beyond just the tip... Everyone was so friendly, courteous and attentive- it was clear that our server cared about our dining experience- he was a very classy fellow. I felt like I was Little Orphan Annie in the scene where she is dancing around in Daddy Warbucks' castle and all the staff are singing "we know you're gonna like it here." The restaurant felt big, fancy and clean- although from the street it just looked like a neighborhood pub. It was so big on the inside there was a guy who kind of manages traffic and helps people find the bathroom, etc- beyond the host at the door. The prices didn't seem nearly high enough to account for all the fanciness I experienced. I liked the old-fashioned glamorous decor, but could also picture going there for a casual meal with my family since the glamour doesn't come attached to a big price tag or any stuffiness. They managed to make us feel really special in how welcoming they were. All the food came out quickly, but not too quickly, and it tasted wonderful and fresh. The bread was warm. We had roasted garlic, a wonderful mediterranean salad, veal meat balls, 8-finger pasta, and baked clams and tiramisu at the end. All of it was wonderful and only ran us about $60(!!!) The atmosphere was terrific- really good light and not a noisy place. But the thing that really struck me was the service being so much better than I ever expect. I am very grateful to have found this lovely place, and look forward to going again and maybe sitting on the patio. The only thing i am thinking is i wish i knew our server's name so i could send him a thank you card for being the type of person who cares about doing a good job, and is also pleasant to interact with. Serving isn't an easy job- you have to be personable, charming and well-organized. So 5 stars for the whole experience, but if i could only tack on a 6th star for the server... I'm an enthusiastic fan of this place!
(5)
Matt L.
I've tried to like Club Lucky, because I live close, but other than the bread and fried calamari, I've never liked anything there. And like everyone else says, it's ridiculously overpriced. They also consistently underestimate the prep time for pickup orders. It's NEVER been ready when I've arrived and I usually don't show up until 5 minutes after the time they say it will be ready. Oh yeah, one more thing: No GNOCCH!!! I paid $19 for really, truly subpar chicken parmesan there last night. To make matters worse, the portion wasn't very large and I was still hungry after I finished it. Good thing they gave me bread or I would have had to fill up on oatmeal. What kind of dinner would that have been? Actually, the instant flavored oatmeal where you just add water and microwave it isn't that bad. I like peach, but apple cinnamon is good too, even though I tend not to like those wintery flavors. I don't know why they don't make like coconut or mango flavored oatmeal. You know that would be the shit.
(2)
Andrew R.
I totally feel this place is overrated. Food is average at best, I had a chicken parm (which I typically find to be a good representation of an italian rest) really wasnt that good. Had mussles once that were dirty. Literally dirt in my mouth, fried Mozzerella as an tizer I was pretty stoked on. The service has been hit or miss. Once really good, few times not so good, once horrible. I do like the atmosphere. Has that old chicago feel. It is in my neighborhood, so I have ended up there a few times. Worth checking out, put plenty of better italian in Chicago
(2)
Allison W.
I have a special place in my heart for Club Lucky. My husband and I were married there in Fall 2011 and we couldn't have been happier with the experience. It was a low-key, small wedding just for family. I didn't have a florist, dj, coordinator, or any of the traditional wedding elements. It was just my husband and I taking care of everything. Needless to say when the big day came I was pretty stressed out with all of the little details....and that's when the staff of Club Lucky saved the day! They provided flowers that I didn't even request (and they were perfect), helped me watch the time and coral family members, and the dinner service was wonderful. We were pleased 100%! And the best part is that we now have a place to celebrate our anniversary every year, and on our first anniversary last month they still remembered us!
(5)
Krista S.
Walking into this restaurant was like walking into the past. The atmosphere was great and I was excited to try the food. I ordered the Linguine Primavera and it was average. It tasted a lot like a bland spaghetti, and was definitely overpriced for what it was. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the experience, but it is definitely not a restaurant I will be going out of way to try out again.
(3)
Ross H.
I called this place "The Red Pill" the entire evening. If you are in the bar area and look up, you'll know what I'm talking about. I read that someone referred to this place as retro-chic. The bar room, I'd say very much so. The main dining room I thought was kind of lacking decor-wise. Really, it was just white walls with dimmed lights. Nothing special at all. Another gripe about the room is that it was way too crowded and packed in, and way too loud. I had a hard time hearing our waitress, and this was with her already speaking fairly loudly. Food was very good. There were seven of us, and we got two orders of calamari to split among us. On the menu, it says each calamari appetizer serves two. When they say two, they should specify that that means two Joey Chesnuts or Kobeyashis -- we would have been fine with just one order! For the meal, I got the Penne Arrabiatta, which had a little kick of course, but it wasn't overwhelmingly spicy. And the penne was al dente (firm and tender), which is how pasta should be cooked. I also tried their special for the night, which was a gnocchi with a cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. Delicioso, but the gnocchi looked kind of like grubs. Just glad it didn't taste like them... A downfall of the place, other than the room, was the money. Not exactly the cheapest place in the world for dinner, although you would think that based on your surrondings. A-OK it is.
(3)
Kristi R.
Had high hopes as it came highly recommended from a friend. Can't say I was "disappointed" per se, but also wasn't overly impressed. Ambiance was as expected, but fun - classic, old school, italian joint. Felt like you reverted back a few years to the 50's ... which was not a bad thing. Frank Sinatro and Dean Martin on the juke. Wanted to drink my wine out of a juice glass. It was much more casual than I anticipated. but again, not necessarily a bad thing. Food was good, not great. Calamari selection and quality was great. Pasta was basic pasta - mushroom & cheese ravioli with vodka sauce. Did like that the waiter asked if I wanted to add anything, so I took him up on it and added mushrooms. Tasted good, not great. Date ordered a steak that disappointed. (His own fault, as he did it against recommendation, but still.) Ordered a "prime rib" done medium rare. It arrived medium, and pretty sure it wasn't a prime rib cut. Flavors on the veggies and potatoes were good, but steak was sub-par in quality and outcome. Overall would go again for a casual Sunday afternoon/evening bite, but wouldn't seek it out for anything more.
(3)
Kristina O.
This place is okay. I thought it was a bit pricey for what you got, both quality and quantity wise. We decided to eat here after walking around on Damen and seeing the big arrow pointing in the direction of Club Lucky. We got seated fairly quickly for a Saturday night and was instantly greeted by our server. The bread and olive oil they give you is great. The olive oil has some red pepper flakes in it, which gave it a nice little kick. I ordered the Baked Chicken Oreganato, which was fine, but a bit bland. Really I was just glad I didn't order a pasta dish like my friends did cause they seemed to get a really small portion for 15$. All in all, the food was fine, the service was quick, and the overweight girl sitting next to us in the skimpy top was an eye sore.
(3)
Liz L.
Club Lucky was ok, just ok. We came on a Thursday night around 8pm. The bar side was packed, but the restaurant side had some empty tables, and we were seated promptly. My first impression was that the decor was cool, but it was so loud in there between the linoleum floor and tin ceiling that it made it hard to hear my fiance across the table. The meal started out great with crusty bread hot out of the oven and a delicious caesar saled. However, things went downhill with the main courses. The spaghetti and meatballs with marinara had the wateriest most tasteless marinara sauce I have ever tasted. The penne with chicken and cheese sause special was ok, but the cheese just kind of overwhelmed everything. Overall, it was not expensive, but you can get a lot better Italian in a city like Chicago.
(2)
Marilyn A.
Amazing eggs benedict, marscapone French toast, and pesto eggs! I went to the brunch buffet and thought I was in heaven! The staff is so warm and bubbly.
(5)
Neal C.
Had to try the classic Italian spot in the neighborhood finally. Nice kitschy atmosphere and over the top Xmas decorations! Place is warm and inviting. We had a big party an the fresh, hot bread that hit the table as we sat down was a great start. Fried Calamari redeemed many sad recent encounters with that dish with crisp batter and thick n tasty marinara. I though the salad was a pretty good take on the traditional Italian salad with the chunks of fontinella cheese being the highlight. On to the main courses....Penne arrabiata w/ shrimp lacked any real zest or flavor. I coulda opened a jar of tomato sauce at home and made the same thing. The shrimp were plump but there were only 3 which was disappointing. Chicken vesuvio with potatoes was a pretty solid take on the dish and a healthy portion that will make for good leftovers. Service was a little pushy and I don know if this is standard but they lost a star because of a desert ordeal. We were celebrating a birthday and someone brought the birthday girl her favorite cake all the way from NYC! While I understand the restaurant charging some fee for it, they notified us that it would be $1 per slice. It's one thing if we hadn't ordered tons of food and wine and seemed like we were just being cheap but this was something special for a birthday..... I hate when Yelp reviews are skewed b/c of nitpicky service things but this was mishandled and left a bitter taste in my mouth in terms of this place trying to squeeze more money out of it's customers. Look, I think there's better Italian in the neighborhood and certainly in Chicago. It's reasonably priced, food is mediocre to good, and atmosphere is worth checking out at some point. Been there, done that, and if it werent for some service snafus I'd probably keep it on the list for a return visit.
(2)
Vanessa H.
Retro cool. $28 carafes of red or white wine to wash down the toasted bread and plates of garlicky pasta.
(3)
Pam N.
I do not like this place. The food is bland and overpriced; I could doctor up something tastier at home out of a jarred pasta sauce and I certainly wouldn't charge $16 for it. The service is sllloooooooow and at times, pretentious. I met some friends here once, and unfortunately I arrived the same time their food arrived at the table. I realize that is a huge pain in the ass for a server, so I just asked for a side salad. You know, whatever they have in the back already made. I was starving- but my fucking salad did not come until everyone was done eating 20 minutes later! I KNOW that shit is premade, so what the fuck. I had to remind the server, twice, too. Come on... Like I said, I know it's annoying, but I'm still paying for the salad so just bring it to me already. This place is blocks away from my apartment, and visitors always want to go. But I refuse to spend my money there.
(1)
Andrew R.
Our party of 4 dined here on a very busy Saturday night. First off, if you're driving there is street parking but not easy to find a spot. Thankfully Club Lucky does offer valet service. I thought the food was really good and far exceeded my expectations. Started with just some bread and roasted garlic = very solid. Then ordered linguini with olive oil, broccoli and grilled chicken = excellent. The other people I was with only had the spaghetti but they were raving about it. They had dessert too (which I didn't) and highly suggested the cannolis and profiteroles. I would've given this place 5 stars but they couldn't seat us until more than 30 minutes after our reservation. I know it's a busy Saturday night, but come on. It's a nice big place too. Our server was very good. Will definitely be going back again soon.
(4)
Brad F.
Came here the other night for dinner, and thought it was pretty good. The service was great and the waitress was very nice. I ordered a salad for dinner, and the salad dressing was out of this world awesome. I ordered the ribs for my main course. The sauce was different than any sauce I have had on ribs, and they just fell off the bone. No work was needed!
(4)
Escape C.
So I would give the place a 2 1/2 stars if possible. It's not bad, it's just not good. The bar area is always packed, and I must admit they can make a tasty cocktail. But the food, well, the food is just bland and HEAVY. I never finish anything I order because its just not....good. Once again, it's not BAD, it's just not good. I am the type of person who if something isn't good, I won't just sit there and continue to eat it because its sitting in front of me. I've gotten different pastas, eggplant parmigiana, and a chicken dish. All were boring and forgettable. So if you happen to find yourself in the neighborhood and want some place to grab italian food, it's fine. Just don't have any type of expectation.
(3)
Araceli R.
i like this italian restaurant very good food,we had the blue cheese salad,then parpadella pasta and profiteroles ........good staff,the owner mr paladino is a great guy always measure evrething is ok.one of my favorites places :)
(5)
Amy Z.
Went there tonight with the nanny and my 5 year-old son for the nanny's birthday. I ordered 2 chicken dishes for the grown-ups to split - one Marsala and one Vesuvio. The Marsala dish was $7 more than the Vesuvio for the same amount of chicken - one breast. I must not have noticed this price difference on the menu and when I asked the server about it when she brought the check she sort of hemmed and hawed and 2 minutes later the manager showed up. "Um ladies, you were asking about the Marsala and why it was so much more expensive than the Vesuvio?" he said "Yes," I said. "Well, we make the Marsala with imported wine." "Oh," I said, "$7 worth?" Whatever. My fault for not looking, but $22.95 for a chicken breast with some "imported wine" and a few mushrooms? I have LOVED the atmosphere and pastina soup at Club Lucky for what seems like 15 years - maybe more. THAT ANSWER WAS RIDICULOUS. Not running back any time soon. So sad.
(3)
Ginna R.
We celebrated Father's Day at Club Lucky yesterday with their brunch. It was so great...all of my favorite dishes in one place! We eat at Club Lucky frequently, but had never had the brunch. We would definitely go back next time!
(5)
Margie S.
Bland, boring. I've been going here on and off for about 10 years. Why? Because that's where everyone from out of town wants to go for lunch or dinner, mostly those with whom I do business. They absolutely HAVE to come to Club Lucky's. So how someone from Austin, TX or Melville, NY know about this place? Got me. Maybe it's like Rudy's or Chuy's in Round Rock - ya just gotta go to experience it, I guess. Hey if they're buying... But for me who once lived in Rome and now lives down the street from here? Walk just SE of here for authentic, homemade italian food. Here is just a watered down version of some S. Italian cooking with too much replay of the same Rat Pack tunes over and over again. Go to my mom's house for authentic s. italian cooking, lol, senza Martin e Sinatra (oh I committed a cardinal sin - I know! ;) )
(2)
A T.
live in the bucktown area and have heard so much about this place. well, it was a disappointment. we asked our waiter the specials and what was popular. as we started to ask more questions it was clear some of pastas weren't made in house (you're an italian place!), so we went with something made fresh....in the end it tasted like glorified hamburger helper and a let down....only bonus was the friendly service, cool decor and the free bread with infused olive oil...
(2)
Christine U.
Eh. This place is just OK. I only go here b/c my friend LOVES the buttermilk chocolate cake. It's a little dry for my taste, but she likes dry cakes I guess. I've had the grilled calamari there twice now, and the first time it was like chewing on rubber. The second time was better, but not by much. I am a sucker for grilled calamari, that's why I gave it a second chance. Last night, ordered the Melrose Pepper Salad. On the menu, the first ingredient listed is Roasted Peppers, hence the name. When the salad arrived, there were no peppers!! What the?!? We pointed it out to our server, she apologized and then brought a side plate of 2 gimongous peppers. They were whole, and they were cold, and there was no indication (by the looks or the taste of them) that they were ever roasted. They tasted and felt cooked at least, but it seemed like they were boiled maybe? I dunno. I was not impressed.
(1)
Sharlene K.
This isn't the best place or one of the most exciting places I've eaten, but it's simple, good, and they stock Peroni. I do like their pastas as they're perfectly cooked al-dente every time. If you like your pasta firm with bite as you should, this is the place for it. The fettucine de campo is one of my favorites with it's perfectly roasted garlic and slight spice with chicken and asparagus. The veal meatballs are excellent and I strongly recommend them if you're getting a pasta dish without a meat and you like meat. The Italian sausage on the side is also pretty good. I love their take on cheese sticks in that it's hand-dipped and breaded slices of buffalo mozzarella and so stretchy and chewy. Mind you, this is very Americanized Italian food, but it lacks many faults of most Italian-American joints. They don't sugar up their red sauces which is something I enjoy. Oversalted and sugared sauces in your life might lead you to believe this place is bland. This is not old school or authentic by any means. This is a straight-up rat-pack era emulation of Brooklynized Vegas with it's vinyl booths and wait-staff uniforms as well as their martini list. No authentic 50s style Italian joint would have the martinis they do. It's a lot of drinks I'd expect to find in a Boystown bar, but I'd never know the social club guys from my old neighborhood to touch with a 10-foot pole. I can hear them saying, "Whaaa no extra dirty martinis?" And being the extra asocial person that I am, I have to say, the booths by the bar so I can eat, drink, and smoke to my heart's content is a definite plus. The lack of free refill on soda is a depressing state of affairs considering I drink soda like it was IV fluid and I was dying. But the homemade pistachio ice cream which borders on the quality of fine gelato makes up for many things. Also, may I recommend the lemoncello or orangecello as an apertif? Delicious indeed.
(4)
Caitlin O.
The food isn't bad but it's certainly nothing to write home about. I had the fried calamari appetizer in favor of an actual meal, but I tried the rest of my family's... and really, it wasn't bad, but it was incredibly unremarkable, especially considering the price on it. Didn't even bother ordering drinks. It's alright, I wouldn't avoid them like the plague, but I certainly wouldn't make a point of getting back here as soon as possible. Meh.
(3)
Jen S.
I was expecting more than just average italian, based on the reviews I saw. Nothing too special about this place.
(3)
Jennifer T.
My guy and I went last Friday. The service was great. The food was out of this world. The pasta was home made and you could tell. The waitress (Maria) was well educated on the menu and super friendly. We will definetly be back.
(5)
Stephen W.
Fairly average and they haven't changed much over the years. Not a great wine selection. Usually there is plenty of food in each dish but it is not always consistent - especially the seafood. Pasta dishes are a good bet. Nice side street for summer dining. The bar is great, especially if you have to wait for a table.
(3)
Jacqui C.
We went to Club Lucky at about 8:30pm or so on a Friday night and it was busy, but not so busy that we didn't have to wait for a table. Good, in my book. The food was good too. Not "oh my god I can die now" foodgasm, but it was good. I would go back again and pay the prices that Club Lucky charges. They aren't pretentious and it's an Italian restaurant... no more and no less. My boyfriend and I agree that it's kind of like a Buca di Beppo, but with less "chain." It's just a family-owned type place that serves northern Italian food.
(4)
Bruno A.
Food too expensive for what you get. Not incredibly expensive, but not when I go out for Italian I expect something a little nicer and a little tastier. The service isn't fantastic, which is strange considering there was more waitstaff than patrons. It seemed they were only around when they needed something. The decor is nice though with an old school vibe and the bar looks like a good place to hang out. It's not a restaurant I would go back to though. There are much better ones around.
(3)
Michael B.
Great times at Club Lucky! Definitely the place to go for your favorite Italian classic. I have been twice in the last couple months. First time, I had my favorite food, lasagna (order it with the bolognese sauce). The second time I had chicken parm. Both were perfect. The entire staff, from the manager to our waiter to the super efficient busboy, were all excellent. Highly recommended
(5)
Natalie R.
There is no children's menu, hence not kid-friendly, but found them very attentive, pre-emptive, and patient with my small children the one time I brought them when taking out-of-town guests to an early dinner. We ordered the cheese ravioli for them to split, and the server hustled up some crayons for them to draw with. It's an Italian restaurant - naturally they welcome children. It's a good place for older children practicing their grown-up manners. I love the authentic 1950's feel to it. I feel naked without gloves and veiled hat, deep red lipstick and kitten heels. The staff is extremely well-trained and the server's suggestions have never been disappointing. Good for: dates, family celebrations, groups of friends, birthday parties (they have private rooms to book) My picks: Any seafood dish, especially shrimp pasta. Tiramisu - I am a bloodless zombie when it comes to tiramisu. I...Must...Have....It....!! Take a pass on: The bread - only because you can't eat only one piece. Before you know it, the whole basket is gone and you won't have room for your meal.
(4)
Ryan M.
Large open space dining room with tile floor gives the restaurant a cafeteria like feel. Not a place you would want to take a date. Mostly families with little kids so expect to hear some crying. We had the fried calamari which was a huge serving and very tasty. Also had a club lucky salad. Make sure you request dressing on the side otherwise your romaine will be swimming in Caesar. My date and I split a linguine w/ shrimp but were too full to eat by the time it came. The entree was proportionally small compared to the size of the appetizers. Service was friendly and my water glass was always kept full. Don't think I would return.
(3)
Danny C.
First, the food is far overpriced for the quality of the food. When it comes to Italian, this city can do MUCH better. My martini was okay, but had no list price. I asked the waiter for the cost, and he told me $7.95, but it was $9.75. Not a big deal about the verbal dyslexia, but not pretty when I have to ask for prices and get the wrong information.
(2)
Carl L.
Solid Italian restaurant: Good food, great wine, fantastic atmosphere. I was introduced to this place some years ago, and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the city.
(4)
Dave M.
Club Lucky is one of my favorite places to bring out of town guests or newbies who have never been to Wicker Park for dinner. The thing I always remember most about it is how noisy the dining room can be, especially on the weekends. Voices seem to boom and echo off the walls a bit more than other places. Personally I think it adds to the experience. The food? I haven't found anything on the menu that is a MUST have and that's the only reason I can't give it a 5 star review. Been disappointed a couple of times (maybe authentic chicken vesuvio just isn't for me) but I usually get a pretty decent meal for the price.
(4)
Janelle N.
I honestly was very excited to try this place. My bf made reservations for a Friday at 6:30. They clearly were not needed. The bread and homeade oil were fabulous. We had the fried mozzarella. It was decent. I ordered the Gemelli Mediterranean (sp?) that was on special. The shrimp were great, but the calamari and clams were rubbery. My bf ordered the chicken alfredo. It had a weird aftertaste. Overall, I was disappointed. They are also just way overpriced. $20 for a bowl of pasta..really?
(2)
Elizabeth B.
Went to Club Lucky this evening and was anything but lucky...ordered 8 finger cavatelli and a rigatoni with escarole. rigatoni was terribly undercooked and the cavatelli was like mush. I have never sent anything back in my life but these two horrible entrees deserved it. The manager came over and proceeded to say that he was going to comp our appetizers but since "we ate the majority of our meals" that was all he could do. We didn't want a free meal by any means but simply for him to recognize that the food was prepared in a haphazard way and was poor quality. Needless to say, we will not be back to Club Lucky despite the fact that it used to be our favorite neighborhood spot. Unfortunate that the food at this once good spot has gone downhill so much. Even more unfortunate that the manager doesn't care about this fact or his customers.
(1)
Luc R.
The service was friendly, but a little too friendly at times. ("You have to take the dessert menu because if my boss sees you don't have one I'll get canned and then I'll have to live with you." Me - "Do you like metal?" "No, doll." Me - "Then give me the menu.") Fairly typical Italian fare with an extensive wine list. They also carry Saison DuPont, my all-time favorite, but were out that night. Friendly and nice enough, but just a bit boring. Maybe that's because it was a business dinner. Couldn't help
(3)
P S.
Went with a group of 4 ladies for a friends' birthday and the service was over-the-top good. Lucky us! It was so good I had to immediately write a review, because my experience was worth commemorating beyond just the tip... Everyone was so friendly, courteous and attentive- it was clear that our server cared about our dining experience- he was a very classy fellow. I felt like I was Little Orphan Annie in the scene where she is dancing around in Daddy Warbucks' castle and all the staff are singing "we know you're gonna like it here." The restaurant felt big, fancy and clean- although from the street it just looked like a neighborhood pub. It was so big on the inside there was a guy who kind of manages traffic and helps people find the bathroom, etc- beyond the host at the door. The prices didn't seem nearly high enough to account for all the fanciness I experienced. I liked the old-fashioned glamorous decor, but could also picture going there for a casual meal with my family since the glamour doesn't come attached to a big price tag or any stuffiness. They managed to make us feel really special in how welcoming they were. All the food came out quickly, but not too quickly, and it tasted wonderful and fresh. The bread was warm. We had roasted garlic, a wonderful mediterranean salad, veal meat balls, 8-finger pasta, and baked clams and tiramisu at the end. All of it was wonderful and only ran us about $60(!!!) The atmosphere was terrific- really good light and not a noisy place. But the thing that really struck me was the service being so much better than I ever expect. I am very grateful to have found this lovely place, and look forward to going again and maybe sitting on the patio. The only thing i am thinking is i wish i knew our server's name so i could send him a thank you card for being the type of person who cares about doing a good job, and is also pleasant to interact with. Serving isn't an easy job- you have to be personable, charming and well-organized. So 5 stars for the whole experience, but if i could only tack on a 6th star for the server... I'm an enthusiastic fan of this place!
(5)
Matt L.
I've tried to like Club Lucky, because I live close, but other than the bread and fried calamari, I've never liked anything there. And like everyone else says, it's ridiculously overpriced. They also consistently underestimate the prep time for pickup orders. It's NEVER been ready when I've arrived and I usually don't show up until 5 minutes after the time they say it will be ready. Oh yeah, one more thing: No GNOCCH!!! I paid $19 for really, truly subpar chicken parmesan there last night. To make matters worse, the portion wasn't very large and I was still hungry after I finished it. Good thing they gave me bread or I would have had to fill up on oatmeal. What kind of dinner would that have been? Actually, the instant flavored oatmeal where you just add water and microwave it isn't that bad. I like peach, but apple cinnamon is good too, even though I tend not to like those wintery flavors. I don't know why they don't make like coconut or mango flavored oatmeal. You know that would be the shit.
(2)
Andrew R.
I totally feel this place is overrated. Food is average at best, I had a chicken parm (which I typically find to be a good representation of an italian rest) really wasnt that good. Had mussles once that were dirty. Literally dirt in my mouth, fried Mozzerella as an tizer I was pretty stoked on. The service has been hit or miss. Once really good, few times not so good, once horrible. I do like the atmosphere. Has that old chicago feel. It is in my neighborhood, so I have ended up there a few times. Worth checking out, put plenty of better italian in Chicago
(2)
Allison W.
I have a special place in my heart for Club Lucky. My husband and I were married there in Fall 2011 and we couldn't have been happier with the experience. It was a low-key, small wedding just for family. I didn't have a florist, dj, coordinator, or any of the traditional wedding elements. It was just my husband and I taking care of everything. Needless to say when the big day came I was pretty stressed out with all of the little details....and that's when the staff of Club Lucky saved the day! They provided flowers that I didn't even request (and they were perfect), helped me watch the time and coral family members, and the dinner service was wonderful. We were pleased 100%! And the best part is that we now have a place to celebrate our anniversary every year, and on our first anniversary last month they still remembered us!
(5)
Jacqui C.
We went to Club Lucky at about 8:30pm or so on a Friday night and it was busy, but not so busy that we didn't have to wait for a table. Good, in my book. The food was good too. Not "oh my god I can die now" foodgasm, but it was good. I would go back again and pay the prices that Club Lucky charges. They aren't pretentious and it's an Italian restaurant... no more and no less. My boyfriend and I agree that it's kind of like a Buca di Beppo, but with less "chain." It's just a family-owned type place that serves northern Italian food.
(4)
Ross H.
I called this place "The Red Pill" the entire evening. If you are in the bar area and look up, you'll know what I'm talking about. I read that someone referred to this place as retro-chic. The bar room, I'd say very much so. The main dining room I thought was kind of lacking decor-wise. Really, it was just white walls with dimmed lights. Nothing special at all. Another gripe about the room is that it was way too crowded and packed in, and way too loud. I had a hard time hearing our waitress, and this was with her already speaking fairly loudly. Food was very good. There were seven of us, and we got two orders of calamari to split among us. On the menu, it says each calamari appetizer serves two. When they say two, they should specify that that means two Joey Chesnuts or Kobeyashis -- we would have been fine with just one order! For the meal, I got the Penne Arrabiatta, which had a little kick of course, but it wasn't overwhelmingly spicy. And the penne was al dente (firm and tender), which is how pasta should be cooked. I also tried their special for the night, which was a gnocchi with a cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. Delicioso, but the gnocchi looked kind of like grubs. Just glad it didn't taste like them... A downfall of the place, other than the room, was the money. Not exactly the cheapest place in the world for dinner, although you would think that based on your surrondings. A-OK it is.
(3)
Kristi R.
Had high hopes as it came highly recommended from a friend. Can't say I was "disappointed" per se, but also wasn't overly impressed. Ambiance was as expected, but fun - classic, old school, italian joint. Felt like you reverted back a few years to the 50's ... which was not a bad thing. Frank Sinatro and Dean Martin on the juke. Wanted to drink my wine out of a juice glass. It was much more casual than I anticipated. but again, not necessarily a bad thing. Food was good, not great. Calamari selection and quality was great. Pasta was basic pasta - mushroom & cheese ravioli with vodka sauce. Did like that the waiter asked if I wanted to add anything, so I took him up on it and added mushrooms. Tasted good, not great. Date ordered a steak that disappointed. (His own fault, as he did it against recommendation, but still.) Ordered a "prime rib" done medium rare. It arrived medium, and pretty sure it wasn't a prime rib cut. Flavors on the veggies and potatoes were good, but steak was sub-par in quality and outcome. Overall would go again for a casual Sunday afternoon/evening bite, but wouldn't seek it out for anything more.
(3)
Kristina O.
This place is okay. I thought it was a bit pricey for what you got, both quality and quantity wise. We decided to eat here after walking around on Damen and seeing the big arrow pointing in the direction of Club Lucky. We got seated fairly quickly for a Saturday night and was instantly greeted by our server. The bread and olive oil they give you is great. The olive oil has some red pepper flakes in it, which gave it a nice little kick. I ordered the Baked Chicken Oreganato, which was fine, but a bit bland. Really I was just glad I didn't order a pasta dish like my friends did cause they seemed to get a really small portion for 15$. All in all, the food was fine, the service was quick, and the overweight girl sitting next to us in the skimpy top was an eye sore.
(3)
Ginna R.
We celebrated Father's Day at Club Lucky yesterday with their brunch. It was so great...all of my favorite dishes in one place! We eat at Club Lucky frequently, but had never had the brunch. We would definitely go back next time!
(5)
Margie S.
Bland, boring. I've been going here on and off for about 10 years. Why? Because that's where everyone from out of town wants to go for lunch or dinner, mostly those with whom I do business. They absolutely HAVE to come to Club Lucky's. So how someone from Austin, TX or Melville, NY know about this place? Got me. Maybe it's like Rudy's or Chuy's in Round Rock - ya just gotta go to experience it, I guess. Hey if they're buying... But for me who once lived in Rome and now lives down the street from here? Walk just SE of here for authentic, homemade italian food. Here is just a watered down version of some S. Italian cooking with too much replay of the same Rat Pack tunes over and over again. Go to my mom's house for authentic s. italian cooking, lol, senza Martin e Sinatra (oh I committed a cardinal sin - I know! ;) )
(2)
A T.
live in the bucktown area and have heard so much about this place. well, it was a disappointment. we asked our waiter the specials and what was popular. as we started to ask more questions it was clear some of pastas weren't made in house (you're an italian place!), so we went with something made fresh....in the end it tasted like glorified hamburger helper and a let down....only bonus was the friendly service, cool decor and the free bread with infused olive oil...
(2)
Christine U.
Eh. This place is just OK. I only go here b/c my friend LOVES the buttermilk chocolate cake. It's a little dry for my taste, but she likes dry cakes I guess. I've had the grilled calamari there twice now, and the first time it was like chewing on rubber. The second time was better, but not by much. I am a sucker for grilled calamari, that's why I gave it a second chance. Last night, ordered the Melrose Pepper Salad. On the menu, the first ingredient listed is Roasted Peppers, hence the name. When the salad arrived, there were no peppers!! What the?!? We pointed it out to our server, she apologized and then brought a side plate of 2 gimongous peppers. They were whole, and they were cold, and there was no indication (by the looks or the taste of them) that they were ever roasted. They tasted and felt cooked at least, but it seemed like they were boiled maybe? I dunno. I was not impressed.
(1)
Krista S.
Walking into this restaurant was like walking into the past. The atmosphere was great and I was excited to try the food. I ordered the Linguine Primavera and it was average. It tasted a lot like a bland spaghetti, and was definitely overpriced for what it was. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the experience, but it is definitely not a restaurant I will be going out of way to try out again.
(3)
Kathleen O.
The bread was good. They weren't rude. Meh. The Shrimp Scampi tasted like a couple of cooked shrimp from Jewel tossed on top of fettuccine with some Chef Boyardee sauce. Bland, bland, bland. I was shocked that they charged $2 for refills of diet soda that had so much ice that I was getting less than a can's worth. It was noisy. I can't believe they charge so much. I didn't get sick or anything, but I would have had a better meal if I'd just stayed home and taken 15 minutes to make it myself.
(2)
Sharlene K.
This isn't the best place or one of the most exciting places I've eaten, but it's simple, good, and they stock Peroni. I do like their pastas as they're perfectly cooked al-dente every time. If you like your pasta firm with bite as you should, this is the place for it. The fettucine de campo is one of my favorites with it's perfectly roasted garlic and slight spice with chicken and asparagus. The veal meatballs are excellent and I strongly recommend them if you're getting a pasta dish without a meat and you like meat. The Italian sausage on the side is also pretty good. I love their take on cheese sticks in that it's hand-dipped and breaded slices of buffalo mozzarella and so stretchy and chewy. Mind you, this is very Americanized Italian food, but it lacks many faults of most Italian-American joints. They don't sugar up their red sauces which is something I enjoy. Oversalted and sugared sauces in your life might lead you to believe this place is bland. This is not old school or authentic by any means. This is a straight-up rat-pack era emulation of Brooklynized Vegas with it's vinyl booths and wait-staff uniforms as well as their martini list. No authentic 50s style Italian joint would have the martinis they do. It's a lot of drinks I'd expect to find in a Boystown bar, but I'd never know the social club guys from my old neighborhood to touch with a 10-foot pole. I can hear them saying, "Whaaa no extra dirty martinis?" And being the extra asocial person that I am, I have to say, the booths by the bar so I can eat, drink, and smoke to my heart's content is a definite plus. The lack of free refill on soda is a depressing state of affairs considering I drink soda like it was IV fluid and I was dying. But the homemade pistachio ice cream which borders on the quality of fine gelato makes up for many things. Also, may I recommend the lemoncello or orangecello as an apertif? Delicious indeed.
(4)
Caitlin O.
The food isn't bad but it's certainly nothing to write home about. I had the fried calamari appetizer in favor of an actual meal, but I tried the rest of my family's... and really, it wasn't bad, but it was incredibly unremarkable, especially considering the price on it. Didn't even bother ordering drinks. It's alright, I wouldn't avoid them like the plague, but I certainly wouldn't make a point of getting back here as soon as possible. Meh.
(3)
Jen S.
I was expecting more than just average italian, based on the reviews I saw. Nothing too special about this place.
(3)
Jennifer T.
My guy and I went last Friday. The service was great. The food was out of this world. The pasta was home made and you could tell. The waitress (Maria) was well educated on the menu and super friendly. We will definetly be back.
(5)
Stephen W.
Fairly average and they haven't changed much over the years. Not a great wine selection. Usually there is plenty of food in each dish but it is not always consistent - especially the seafood. Pasta dishes are a good bet. Nice side street for summer dining. The bar is great, especially if you have to wait for a table.
(3)
Michael B.
Great times at Club Lucky! Definitely the place to go for your favorite Italian classic. I have been twice in the last couple months. First time, I had my favorite food, lasagna (order it with the bolognese sauce). The second time I had chicken parm. Both were perfect. The entire staff, from the manager to our waiter to the super efficient busboy, were all excellent. Highly recommended
(5)
Natalie R.
There is no children's menu, hence not kid-friendly, but found them very attentive, pre-emptive, and patient with my small children the one time I brought them when taking out-of-town guests to an early dinner. We ordered the cheese ravioli for them to split, and the server hustled up some crayons for them to draw with. It's an Italian restaurant - naturally they welcome children. It's a good place for older children practicing their grown-up manners. I love the authentic 1950's feel to it. I feel naked without gloves and veiled hat, deep red lipstick and kitten heels. The staff is extremely well-trained and the server's suggestions have never been disappointing. Good for: dates, family celebrations, groups of friends, birthday parties (they have private rooms to book) My picks: Any seafood dish, especially shrimp pasta. Tiramisu - I am a bloodless zombie when it comes to tiramisu. I...Must...Have....It....!! Take a pass on: The bread - only because you can't eat only one piece. Before you know it, the whole basket is gone and you won't have room for your meal.
(4)
Jenn K.
I might be the only person in Chicago who doesn't like Club Lucky. Sorry folks. I've never had an impressive meal here, though they do a great job of describing food that could potentially be tasty. I think that makes it extra disappointing, though. I recently had a special of Rigatoni in a rosemary cream sauce with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes. Sounds yummy, doesn't it? Bland bland bland. The only flavor came from the sundried tomatoes. I must admit, they didn't skimp on any components (so many places give you two mushrooms or a smattering of sundried tomatoes), but there was no flavor and everything had the same texture-- chewy. Also, I really couldn't taste any rosemary in the sauce. I'm a bit of a wino-- not a wine snob, by any means, but I drink plenty of wines from different places and at different price ranges. I think I'm not entirely wrong when I say "Club Lucky's wine list is lousy". There are so many great, small Italian winemakers with cases and cases of not-prohibitively expensive wines. Why, oh why does Club Lucky insist on having an entire list of big mega-producers? "Let's just get whatever Olive Garden's getting. Can't be bad." Uggh. And I think they store their red wine in the boiler room-- it's consistently the temperature of bath water. I'll concede, however, that their appetizers are good. I've never met a fried calamari that I don't like and you can't really mess up an antipasti platter (okay, you could, but I think the Health Dept would intercede first...). It would really be more convenient for me if Club Lucky were good. It's a cute place, a bit of an institution, has a good vibe... But I'll take my pasta needs elsewhere.
(2)
Virginia T.
Really more like 3.75 stars..... I have a fond attachment to this place because we had our "luncheon" there they day we got married. The service has always been good. The decor is fun and retro....The food has ALWAYS tasted good. But my biggest complaint are the prices. It's nearly $18 for fettucini alfredo with chicken! And there are NO free refills- even on the coke! It's good food, but the prices are pretty ridiculous.
(3)
Janette L.
Maybe I am biased having lived in Italy for a semester in college?? But even on a poor study abroad student budget, I spoiled my taste buds. So maybe it is not fair to compare? Still I would describe the food here as average at best. I have always had good service, but the food is less than memorable. I can't even tell you what I have ordered here the times I went. Salad? Pasta? I do remember their bread was good. Still my friends love this place so I find myself here at times, and again there are no major complaints - I just think there are better options of Italian in the city.
(3)
Jayson B.
Great staff, atmosphere, and music. We LOVED the food. The salad was the first sign that we would have a great meal. It was enough for both of us. The main course was great, and we each rinsed it down with a 1/2 carafe of the house wine, which was good in itself. We loved the meal so much, we plan on going there again, several times!
(5)
Crystal M.
For brunch only: This place met my expectations exactly in the sense that it was a predictable failure for brunch. It was a classic case of a primarily dinner restaurant that is really ill-equipped to serve breakfast doing it anyway because they think it's an easy cash cow. I ordered eggs in a basket, which turned out to be cooked in olive oil and garlic rather than butter. In my opinion, the oil, which it was absolutely drenched in, overpowered delicate taste of the egg. It was...gross. Furthermore, it was just painfully obvious that the staff wasn't trained for a brunch service (or maybe any). They were friendly and well-intended, but the service was mediocre and awkward. Unless a meatball sounds like breakfast to you, I would most certainly skip it because the actual "brunch" is a misguided after thought.
(2)
Bill M.
This swingin' retro Italian supper club serves good food in a cool environment. The appetizers are good, and so are the large entrees.
(4)
Patty D.
I had a pasta dish with shrimp and the shrimp were old ass shrimp... Auggh!!! I don't know if we got there too late, toward the end of the shift but nothing pisses me off more ... just say, "Our shrimp aren't fresh tonight... how about the salmon?" --- sumthin! Yes portions are huge but if the food is so-so - then what's the point - too many italian places to choose from... this one is okay.
(3)
Emily T.
It's good. It's a restaurant, No real wow factor for me. Well, maybe the homemade pasta. Here is the thing- it's one of those places that I just say, its a good place to eat when you are hungry and want to stay in the neighborhood ( assuming you live in it).
(3)
Peter M.
Yep, another 5 of 5 for me. I really do not want to come across as a softy or that I am handing out 5 of 5's like it's going out of style, but Club Lucky really earned this one. Not only do they have the best fried mozzarella and marinara in the city, but you can wash it all down with an imperial quart of the Champagne of Beers. You had me at the fried cheese.
(5)
Donna C.
My half-Sicilian boyfriend, who never wants to go out to an Italian place, actually likes this one. We've had some very decent meals here. They seem to use good, fresh ingredients in their dishes. The only disappointment is the calamari, which is cut too thick. And they don't give you the tentacles!
(4)
Andy G.
Club Lucky - average Italian food. There's not much more I can say about the food. It's a cool, old-school vibe inside. They have a few outdoor tables, which is nice in the summer. The bar inside is pretty sweet. But if you're going to eat (which is usually why I visit restaurants) the food is the most important part of my experience. Everyone thought the food was alright - but nothing to write home to mom (or Yelp) about. The only exception was the carrot cake, which I wish I could have eaten about 1,000 pieces of. If you're in the neighborhood and hungry for some spaghetti that mom or anyone else could make - I would recommend this place. If not, there are much better destination Italian restaurants in the city, at about the same price point.
(3)
Bill E.
Had really good Pasta Fagioli here, and the bartender made a good drink. She was kinda funny too. I'm sorry I can't tell you more, but it was late and I think we'd been out earlier, I think.
(4)
Stephanie H.
I have to say this is one of my favorites, I really like this place! The martini's are out of this world (1 is not enough, 3 is too many!). Wine selection is great too. The grilled calamari and Brushetta are great. Good music, a very unique juke box collection. Very 'cool' ambience. A great stand-by and worth a special trip to check it out.
(4)
Jenny S.
Awesome place to go with a group. When my parents came to Chicago with my grandma it was hard to find a place in the 'hood that was cute and fun but not so trendy that good ol' mom & dad would get freaked out or not want to eat anything on the menu. Club Lucky certainly worked out. The food is delicious--good old fashioned Italian and the decoration is adorable.
(4)
Scott N.
The food is really good and I have eaten something different every time I go and it's been totally consistent. The atmosphere is also great and the wait staff do a really nice job.
(4)
Ryan G.
I really wanted to like it but I was not impressed at all....the veal parma was really not very good...almost like market day frozen quality not fresh....shrimp scampish was ok reason for 2 star....wine 9 a glass and smallest pour I've ever had:(. Had calamari recommendation of waiter the one in white wine with tomatoes or something very soggy and not my style actual calamari was ok....cool place cool workers was not cheap by any means...the food just was ok at best I will be sticking to Lucias.
(2)
Jason L.
One of the best dirty martinis in the city. Delicious bread. And the most tender bbq baby back ribs. At an Italian place! Yeah, weird, huh?
(5)
Benjamin B.
I definitely like this joint. The wait staff has always been nice, but not too nice... prompt, but not too prompt. I like the food here, it is solid. Never been disappointed. They have some interesting beers and a good bourbon selection. Not the best place ever, but certainly not the worst. Every time I go here, I always feel a tinge of pain from the price... I feel that they do over-charge a bit. I think their prices should be 10% lower than what they are. At any rate, it is a decent change of pace on occasion and the decor is pretty neat if you stay in the first room. I dun care for the back area much though. They've got Maker's though. Kudos to that.
(3)
Elizabeth A.
Great, traditional italian!!!!! Can't say enough good things about this spot. Every dish I have tried is delicious. Go here if you want hearty, red sauce pasta dishes just like Grandma used to make in a CASUAL atmosphere! A favorite spot to take my parents. I highly recommend the 8 finger cavatelli. It is perfectly cooked and the portions are big.
(5)
Jenn C.
This is the first place I took my fella after we made the 1100 mile trek across the country to move him here, He loves Italian. And I mean loves!!! We were exhausted, starving, and I wanted to introduce him to the quality that exists around the corner from our casa. Viva Italiana! I think I have created a monster. I fuzzy pink heart Club Lucky. From the fluffy warm bread, the carafes of wine for the budget conscience, its hypnotizing black and white art deco walls, the consistently gracious staff, to the take out "chinese" food boxes-- kiss kiss hug hug. Not just a place for families, although I cant wait to bring the whole Texan clan in here, my girlfriends and I frequent this spot on occasion- normally gossiping while sharing a plate of calamari, 2 entrees, and a tiramisu. And the 3 of us escape stuffed and only around 35 bucks each lighter. Their food is large. Then again, it reads "family style" on the menu (doesn't mean I haven't taken down an entire plate of capellini all on my own, once...or twice! But come on, its like the chef was channeling God when he put breaded eggplant, capers, and black olives in a spicy red sauce and on the third day named it Siciliana!) But thats why the prices are a tad higher than at other middle of the money road Italian joints. Plus, to date- I still have yet to leave without a delicious amount left for lunch the next day...or later that night- Guilty as charged! I go nutty over their pepper salad- and yes, they sell the dressing along with the nummy marinara sauce. Many a time I have done a drive by saucing in preps for the lonely linguine in the pantry. Cuz, honestly, we cant afford to eat in every time we are salivating for the Lucky monster.
(5)
Erin K.
Love the calamari calabrese and the drinks! And the ambience, ahhhh.
(4)
Josh S.
Great, food, expansive menu and fantastic appetizers (the aranchini was probably my favorite appetizer of all time). The atmosphere is unpretentious and I like the 1940's throwback supper club. This place is kind of off the beaten path and I like the fact it's not overpriced and touristy like most Italian restaurants in Chicago. I highly suggest getting a group of people when you want a low key night and a good bottle of wine. My favorite items on the menu are the chicken Vesuvio or chicken parmesan. Not my favorite Italian restaurant (see Trattoria Poretta in Portage Park) but still tasty and great ambiance.
(3)
Kristina B.
The service = Great! The fettuccini alfredo = Great! The atmosphere = Great! The apple martinis = Beyond great! Average all of those out and you have one 'great' rating. :)
(4)
D H.
Did not know what to expect when I went here, you walk in the front door and it just looks like another little bar. Then you go around the corner into the dining room. Wow, that came as a surprise, very retro chic. Started with a Martini as they claim to be the house specials, not a bad claim! some of the best I have ever had and I have had a few :) The bread was delicious, follow by their pork chops, which were divine. cooked with peppers, onion and something a little spicy and served with roast potatoes, beans and carrots. I am looking forward to my next trip to Chicago, this is on my my visit list!
(4)
mike l.
okay, everyone loves this joint, so I'll slide my thoughts under the door & be on my way. We just got home, so the food is still stuck in our teeth. Most importantly, the food. Definitely good. Tasty, although pricey. Not "Save it for a special occasion" pricey, but still above average. We had the veal francese & the seafood linguine. The veal was great, tender, flavorful with a nice citrus pop to it. The side of spinach was pleasant too. The seafood was especially good. They didn't chince out on the shrimp or the scallops either, which is always a good sign. I don't know what everyone else ordered, but the portions were certainly NOT huge. the service was a little unattentive and kinda weird. the waitress would disappear for hours at a time, and then pop in really abruptly. My vodka tonic was also really light for the price. But, not a deal breaker. thankfully, the food is good and that's what matters most, right?
(4)
Gamaliel E.
I wouldn't say this is the best Italian food in Chicago, but it certainly is a good spot to eat Italian food. I've yet to have a bad experience at Club Lucky. Club Lucky is located in the middle of a residencial area, and offers valet service in the very difficult to find parking area of Wicker Park. The interior has a retro feel, with class...but not overly classy where you feel stuffy. The bread is nice and warm on the inside and has a nice crispy crust. I first ordered the shrimp scampi here, and fell in love with the dish. It comes large shrimp with spinach in a light brothy sauce. The portion size is good, not obscene like that at Maggianos. I recently ordered the linguinie with italian sausage and was very happy with it. I was close to licking the bottom of the bowl. They do have the Italian style wine glasses which was throwing my fellow guests off....they felt they didn't have much wine in their glass. I'm thinking it was an optical illusion. Anyhoo.....its a safe bet to take your guests to Club Lucky.....no luck needed to be served a nice meal here.
(3)
Misse D.
I met my former roommate here for dinner on a Saturday night. Since I arrived early, I settled into the bar. I actually liked the ambiance of the old-school bar and the patio seating more then the food. My meal was good but not fabulous. There was entirely too much olive oil used to cook my pasta, which was NOT al dente. Regardless, the food was tasty enough that I'd bring someone here for the experience.
(3)
Jim P.
Six people in our group, several had drinks and all have a dinner plate. Our bill was $164......a bit pricey for the the taste of the dishes. The Alfredo sauce was watery, looked like soup and a bit tasteless. Service was great, accommodating and friendly. OUR BIGGEST ISSUE....I had a tortellini dish that is normally served, in my book, with Alfredo sauce. They served it with vodka sauce. I asked if I can have it with Alfredo instead. SURE....we spent $164 and the bill showed I paid $2.50 for the Alfredo instead of vodka sauce. My brother also wanted Alfredo on his pasta, on the side. He was also charged $2.50 for a two shot glass size cup. Doesn't work for me. If you go...and you want something make sure you ask if there's an extra charge. REALLY BURNED ME UP. Really??? for that 'soup' Alfredo? Also be sure you have the flashlight app installed on your phone, could not read the menu in the lighting.
(2)
Kristen S.
I have been coming to Club Lucky for about 10 years now, and I still love it! Great service, great food, and great atmosphere have all been consistent. The neighborhood is great; however you may have some trouble parking nearby. Valet parking is available - Club Lucky turned the empty lot next to it into a valet parking lot. Valet will run you 7-11 dollars. When you walk into Club Lucky, you will have to walk through the retro-looking bar and a few booths in order to get to the dining room or the "party" room. The Juke Box is located near the door as well, playing "Oldies", Big Band, and Jazz, all to reflect the retro-chic atmosphere. Once in the dining room, the decor echoes that of a past era. If you read thoroughly, you will note that the fixtures are modeled after those made for the Empire State Building in New York. Needless to say, they are very cool! The String Bean Salad, Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, and unique Pasta Squares dishes are all highly recommended. Many of the noodles are made in-house. Save room for Tiramisu if you can! It is soaked in rum and the marscapone is freshly made. If you are planning a party, Club Lucky is very helpful and affordable (5-course meal for $27pp). Your guests will love the uniqueness of the spot. The management at Club Lucky is very accommodating!
(5)
C M P.
This neighborhood diner is the perfect place for solid italian cuisine. I'm never disappointed with my selections. The eggplant parm, veal parm, & chicken parm are excellent. Calamari as an app. is a good choice. Penne with vodka sauce is also very good. The meatballs are just as good as mom's. I expect that some day they'll do a show on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives on this place. If you eat by the bar try out the jutebox with plenty of oldies and blues. Christmas time has the place full of xmas lites! Try it you'll like it.
(4)
Angelina P.
I love club lucky. The food there is always consistent as well as it is amazing and the service is always prompt. I usually prefer to eat in the booths in the bar area but the patio is equally as nice too. This place is definitely a little gem tucked away in wicker park.
(5)
Cris M.
Went on a Monday night...wasn't very busy. Began to look at the menu and except for basic pasta nothing was under $15. We ordered Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna, and Chicken Parmesan. The Alfredo had no flavor all. Zip, Zero. Nada. My other two friends were eating so I asked for a Fettuccine with marinara sauce. Awful. and the sauce on all three dishes were exactly the same. Not one bit of difference. And the bad part is the sauce had no flavor. Essentially it was a horrid evening. We didn't get salad or soup or anything with the dishes. It was all ala-carte.
(1)
Maya T.
Meh.... Went with a big group of people when visiting the city last spring. The food was pretty mediocre but the people I was with made it a fun night. For my entree I had the veal with spinach (again meh). I'm pretty sure there was something bad in something I ate because about 20 minutes after we left, I yakked spinach chunks all over the place for about 20 minutes! Sorry for the visual... :oP It greatly impaired my ability to get as drunk as everyone else that night! Too bad...
(2)
Aaron T.
I usually steer clear of Italian food in this price range, but Club Lucky surprised me. First, the retro vibe inside is great. It's casual, yet classy, and unique. The food is good, but not excellent. The prices, however, are very reasonable, and the portion sizes are generous. I've had leftovers to bring home both times I went. The spaghetti with meatballs was surprisingly good for such a simple dish (the cheese on top was killer), and the salmon oregatano was decent. Don't overlook the specials, as they are often the highlight of the menu. The service is OK, but not great. I've had to go to great lengths to flag down my server a couple times. Unfortunately, the wine I've had at Club Lucky was below average. You get lots of good food here for a decent price, but nothing will really blow you away.
(3)
Brian M.
Fun spot for late night nosh - or good martini. I really liked the decor, and friendly service. Used to live in the neighborhood, and loved stopping in, getting simple italian food, and making my way... I reccomend it to anyone nearby.
(4)
Liz L.
Club Lucky was ok, just ok. We came on a Thursday night around 8pm. The bar side was packed, but the restaurant side had some empty tables, and we were seated promptly. My first impression was that the decor was cool, but it was so loud in there between the linoleum floor and tin ceiling that it made it hard to hear my fiance across the table. The meal started out great with crusty bread hot out of the oven and a delicious caesar saled. However, things went downhill with the main courses. The spaghetti and meatballs with marinara had the wateriest most tasteless marinara sauce I have ever tasted. The penne with chicken and cheese sause special was ok, but the cheese just kind of overwhelmed everything. Overall, it was not expensive, but you can get a lot better Italian in a city like Chicago.
(2)
Marilyn A.
Amazing eggs benedict, marscapone French toast, and pesto eggs! I went to the brunch buffet and thought I was in heaven! The staff is so warm and bubbly.
(5)
Neal C.
Had to try the classic Italian spot in the neighborhood finally. Nice kitschy atmosphere and over the top Xmas decorations! Place is warm and inviting. We had a big party an the fresh, hot bread that hit the table as we sat down was a great start. Fried Calamari redeemed many sad recent encounters with that dish with crisp batter and thick n tasty marinara. I though the salad was a pretty good take on the traditional Italian salad with the chunks of fontinella cheese being the highlight. On to the main courses....Penne arrabiata w/ shrimp lacked any real zest or flavor. I coulda opened a jar of tomato sauce at home and made the same thing. The shrimp were plump but there were only 3 which was disappointing. Chicken vesuvio with potatoes was a pretty solid take on the dish and a healthy portion that will make for good leftovers. Service was a little pushy and I don know if this is standard but they lost a star because of a desert ordeal. We were celebrating a birthday and someone brought the birthday girl her favorite cake all the way from NYC! While I understand the restaurant charging some fee for it, they notified us that it would be $1 per slice. It's one thing if we hadn't ordered tons of food and wine and seemed like we were just being cheap but this was something special for a birthday..... I hate when Yelp reviews are skewed b/c of nitpicky service things but this was mishandled and left a bitter taste in my mouth in terms of this place trying to squeeze more money out of it's customers. Look, I think there's better Italian in the neighborhood and certainly in Chicago. It's reasonably priced, food is mediocre to good, and atmosphere is worth checking out at some point. Been there, done that, and if it werent for some service snafus I'd probably keep it on the list for a return visit.
(2)
Vanessa H.
Retro cool. $28 carafes of red or white wine to wash down the toasted bread and plates of garlicky pasta.
(3)
Pam N.
I do not like this place. The food is bland and overpriced; I could doctor up something tastier at home out of a jarred pasta sauce and I certainly wouldn't charge $16 for it. The service is sllloooooooow and at times, pretentious. I met some friends here once, and unfortunately I arrived the same time their food arrived at the table. I realize that is a huge pain in the ass for a server, so I just asked for a side salad. You know, whatever they have in the back already made. I was starving- but my fucking salad did not come until everyone was done eating 20 minutes later! I KNOW that shit is premade, so what the fuck. I had to remind the server, twice, too. Come on... Like I said, I know it's annoying, but I'm still paying for the salad so just bring it to me already. This place is blocks away from my apartment, and visitors always want to go. But I refuse to spend my money there.
(1)
jeff m.
The patio was pretty nice last summer, but the food was just at par. It you want a good outdoor dining experience go to Lucias just a few blocks away on north. there outdoor pation is great for that romantic dinner or just ten bottles of wine. Either sound great to me!
(3)
Andrew R.
Our party of 4 dined here on a very busy Saturday night. First off, if you're driving there is street parking but not easy to find a spot. Thankfully Club Lucky does offer valet service. I thought the food was really good and far exceeded my expectations. Started with just some bread and roasted garlic = very solid. Then ordered linguini with olive oil, broccoli and grilled chicken = excellent. The other people I was with only had the spaghetti but they were raving about it. They had dessert too (which I didn't) and highly suggested the cannolis and profiteroles. I would've given this place 5 stars but they couldn't seat us until more than 30 minutes after our reservation. I know it's a busy Saturday night, but come on. It's a nice big place too. Our server was very good. Will definitely be going back again soon.
(4)
Brad F.
Came here the other night for dinner, and thought it was pretty good. The service was great and the waitress was very nice. I ordered a salad for dinner, and the salad dressing was out of this world awesome. I ordered the ribs for my main course. The sauce was different than any sauce I have had on ribs, and they just fell off the bone. No work was needed!
(4)
Escape C.
So I would give the place a 2 1/2 stars if possible. It's not bad, it's just not good. The bar area is always packed, and I must admit they can make a tasty cocktail. But the food, well, the food is just bland and HEAVY. I never finish anything I order because its just not....good. Once again, it's not BAD, it's just not good. I am the type of person who if something isn't good, I won't just sit there and continue to eat it because its sitting in front of me. I've gotten different pastas, eggplant parmigiana, and a chicken dish. All were boring and forgettable. So if you happen to find yourself in the neighborhood and want some place to grab italian food, it's fine. Just don't have any type of expectation.
(3)
Araceli R.
i like this italian restaurant very good food,we had the blue cheese salad,then parpadella pasta and profiteroles ........good staff,the owner mr paladino is a great guy always measure evrething is ok.one of my favorites places :)
(5)
Amy Z.
Went there tonight with the nanny and my 5 year-old son for the nanny's birthday. I ordered 2 chicken dishes for the grown-ups to split - one Marsala and one Vesuvio. The Marsala dish was $7 more than the Vesuvio for the same amount of chicken - one breast. I must not have noticed this price difference on the menu and when I asked the server about it when she brought the check she sort of hemmed and hawed and 2 minutes later the manager showed up. "Um ladies, you were asking about the Marsala and why it was so much more expensive than the Vesuvio?" he said "Yes," I said. "Well, we make the Marsala with imported wine." "Oh," I said, "$7 worth?" Whatever. My fault for not looking, but $22.95 for a chicken breast with some "imported wine" and a few mushrooms? I have LOVED the atmosphere and pastina soup at Club Lucky for what seems like 15 years - maybe more. THAT ANSWER WAS RIDICULOUS. Not running back any time soon. So sad.
(3)
Dave S.
This was a pretty decent place. It wasn't out of this world but it wasn't horrible either. The decor was definitely 1950's and I felt like I should be smoking a stogie in a tuxedo while drinking brandy as i was "making someone an offer they can't refuse" I ordered the lobster ravioli which were very good. I think that this may have been our waiters first waiting job. We were not in any hurry to place our order and he did seem a little impatient. He was friendly though so I didn't hold it against him. I won't go out of my way to go here again but at least I can say that I have been there. Although I only gave the establishment 3 stars if I was factoring my date into the equation it would have been an easy five star experience!
(3)
Mary B.
Friends and I went to Club Lucky for dinner. The food was outstanding. The service was exceptional and the overall atmosphere was fantastic. We all were raving by the time we left. I'll most definitely recommend this restaurant to others.
(5)
J. C. G.
I'm a huge fan; old-school italian food with great service and a tremendous bar. Relatively inexpensive, excellent food and fun, diverse clientele. I feel cooler when I eat there.
(5)
Rob L.
I went out with friends from work, I was impressed! It may be because of who I was with, apparently they come to the place quite often. Thank God for valet, parking can be a pain. It has a kitschy kind of feeling to the place, like an Italian kitchen in the 1950's but in a slightly more upscale way. Service was very good, always got what we needed pretty quick, and the food was great, (it's amazing how good pasta can be when cooked al dente and not like mush!). Though I will say I only had a few minor complaints, such as the bruschetta being more than lightly toasted. I had a really great time. This place seems perfect for a group, (there were plenty of them there) or with just one other person, and fairly casual place, friendly and welcoming.
(4)
Valerie A.
Club Lucky is probably the restaurant I have been to the most in Chicago. I use to live right around the corner and still live in the area, so I just seem to wind up here frequently. It's best to sit outside and eat in the summer. I love their martinis, very icy and delicious. It's a good place to go with a group or bring people from out of town. The grilled calamari is great, as is the green bean salad. And the service is always pretty good. Although once the server did something super weird at the very end of our meal. He asked the person I was with if he was REALLY over 21. He then told my 28 year-old friend he'd made a "rookie mistake" when ordering his drinks. (We'd had two mixed drinks each.) We both had no idea what he was talking about. It was very odd.
(3)
Stella S.
I've been here a few times for dinner and also to have a drink at the bar w/friends. I looooove dirty martinis (extra dirty) with bleu cheese olives. And these have you craving another the next day. When we went for dinner our waitress was so nice and didn't mind bringing me extra olives, and the martini was super cold and shaken to perfection! The bread was so good that the resturant I work at got the same bread vendor after my owners ate there. I had the lasagna which was awesome, and the time before the baked clams which were ultra yummy!!! I really want to go back but I'm pregnant rght now and have a hard time tolerating red sauce and boo!! I can't have a dirty martini so I think I'll wait until I have the baby to go back!
(4)
Ron D.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city. I've now lived in the area for 5 years and frequent Club Lucky a few times a month. Everything I've tried is fantastic, service is top notch and personable, they never rush me from my table and the manager is always walking around making sure everyone is happy. Highly recommend the Eggplant Parm and Meatballs Insalata.
(5)
James J.
Abodonza! What a great place for quality, authentic italian food in great surroundings. Really nothing to complain about except the lines that form sometimes in the summer. Be patient and enjoy.
(4)
Ali G.
SO LOUD. There may have been a few large parties, but I couldn't hear myself think. Spaghetti was wonderful and even better the next day. As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for great spaghetti without meat. This was perfect although a bit over priced.
(3)
Ren H.
The portions are big but this place is kind of hit or miss... we went once and it was gross and then we went again and it was awesome! At least you can always count on great drinks and atmosphere.
(3)
Paul L.
We only go for drinks, but it's a nice change of pace when you don't want a dive and you don't want to be at a place where everyone's looking at everyone else. I feel like I've traveled back in time to an era where it was less about what you wear and what you do, and more about how you do those things.
(4)
Cassie B.
wow i really enjoyed the heck out if this place - we went for private party and the atmosphere was amazing - we were in a back room and the waiters were all on top of things, very attentive. we had a group family style dinner (I love family style) which started off with a vegetable platter- awesome! and good warm bread, then salad, and chicken with potatoes. food was very good. when we left at 8:15, the main dining room and front bar were PACKED - especially the front with good-looking people waiting to eat. you could definitely tell it was a destination not just for drinks, or not just for dinner, but for both. if i lived in this neighborhood, i would be here all the time. the only thing was, the drinks were quite expensive - nothing on tap, $4.50 for domestic bottle and $7.50 + for wine. ouch!
(4)
Steve R.
So-so italian joint. There's a lot of hoopla about this place and it always seems to be crowded, but I don't see why. The food has never been better than average when I've been there. Service is pretty good.
(3)
Katherine E.
The food here was actually gross. For real, it was gross. I ordered the Eggplant Parmesan, and I think this is how dog food would taste. It was mushy and had a really nasty taste to it. I wish I could describe with more subtlety the flavors of this dish, I really do. But I can't. It was gross. The service was fine though, I just wish the food tasted like human food.
(1)
David R.
Interesting, but fun atmoshere with good food. Maybe not my first choice for Italian food in Chicago, but wouldn't hesistate to go back.
(3)
Amanda G.
Club Lucky is an interesting restaurant. The food isn't the best I've had and the service is only fair, but despite that I always have a great time! The atmosphere is very retro and cool, as if Frank Sinatra might be at the booth next to me. I'm a fan.
(3)
hillary w.
Club Lucky's brunch is a score! I found this spot on my way to another place. there was no line and it seemed nice so i decided to give it a try. Awesome!!! the food was great and the portions generous. i had the eggs benedict, it was delicious. i give their bloody mary an a plus! Not only did it taste good but it came with a real bloody mary flag, not just a piece of celery, instead you get a skewer with peppers, cheese and salami! The wait staff was really friendly too. The atmosphere was pretty hip to. It has a 1950s vibe to it. I think ive found one of my new favorite spots!
(4)
Vanessa P.
Ok, I've been here 3 times now and every time I think "I wish that it was better." The food's ok, the drinks are a bit better, but I must admit that the atmosphere is pretty cool. I mean the restaurant used to be a speakeasy - so that's pretty cool. I just wish the food was more on than off.
(3)
Coco C.
Lame and overrated. I had eggplant parmesan here once and it tasted suspiciously of old socks - and I haven't been back since.
(2)
Drucilla D.
I actually went to Club Lucky for a baby shower so I may have to update my review if I ever go on a regular evening out. This was a pretty cool place! The food was pretty delicious and the bar area was cool - I dug it! I was a little weirded out to find some sort of garnish floating in my coca cola, but I got over it. Definitely seemed like a great place for a party!
(4)
Doug S.
Great Italian food and even better service. The room is low lit and charming (can I say charming?). It is a tad pricey, but the portions are huge, they give you unlimited fresh bread with olive oil, and they have a stocked bar with a great beer/wine/liquor selection. I have had dinner with friends and dinner with family here. All around a very good dining experience.
(4)
Kathy H.
You can always get a feel for an italian place by the kind of bread they serve. Warm, thick, crispy outside and incredibly moist and soft on the inside... coupled with the lighest garlic flavored oil, however, a perfect match. Great calamari... all 4 of us went our separate ways for the entrees and everyone was all smiles. Chicken oreganatto -- has to be my favorite thus far. Absolutely will be visiting this restaurant again. The place itself has a funky beat to it that you appreciate right from the start.
(5)
Liz H.
Club Lucky is just plain cool. It is a retro-style restaurant and cocktail lounge serving awesome Italian dishes. You can taste the freshness in each bite of the pasta. Club Lucky isn't really meant to be a "family style" restaurant, but I love getting a salad and a couple of entrees for a group of people to share. The green bean salad is surprisingly marvelous. And if you can manage to save room for dessert (a hard task for sure) the tiramisu is some of the best I have had! The restaurant gets very loud on the weekends, but I have never seemed to care because I am so into my meal!
(4)
Shannon S.
The food here is alright, but I can think of many other Italian places I would rather go. The portions are huge, there are definitely plenty of leftovers. Also, our food came out pretty quickly after we ordered. Some of the best service I have had in a while.
(3)
Bruce N.
I find myself drawn to Club Lucky a couple of times a year. I'm not too sure why, though. Maybe it's the warmth of the bar area, possibly the "old school" supper-club feel of the place. It's certainly not just the food. A few of my closest friends and I had dinner there on Saturday night. The pre-dinner drinks were great (they certainly know how to make a fine martini) and the bartenders, though a bit disorganized, were pleasant enough and rather cute. The issue that I have is the "only slightly above average" food. This place prides itself on the retro feel and menu. The first red flag is no meat sauce. Really, a plate of veal parm or pasta (to me) practically BEGS for meat sauce. The veal, though tasty, was merely OK. The Chicken Vesuvio was fine, as was the chicken-filled tortellini. Desserts, like the rest of the meal, were fine but didn't dazzle. Overall, I guess I'll be back in six months to a year, but there are better tons of choices for Italian food in the city.
(3)
Patrick F.
Whenever I am in the need for some good pasta, I make my way over to Club Lucky. The food is very good, the portions are good enough for two meals, and the atmosphere is bustling.
(3)
Michelle W.
Club Lucky has always proven to be great. They have definite I need a box to take home portions and the food is always very yummy. It is nice to be in a restaurant that is a bit off the beaten path too. Just make sure to order a martini and don't plan on eating anything else the day you go.
(4)
Paula O.
Good food and service, staff was quite patient with our large party. Not cheap, but not ridiculous either. I'll be back!
(4)
Kelli M.
I love Club Lucky! The food is great, huge portions. Try the lamb chops! Call for a reservation for dinner because it is usually crowded. The only complaint is that the bar is too small and gets really packed with people waiting to eat dinner.
(4)
Liliana S.
Portions are huge; good atmosphere. great ribs! Good place to come for a drink and appetizers.
(4)
booby d.
my god. my waiter smelled like diaper, dirty diaper. food was gross. salad obviously came from a bag. i was charged extra for garlic at a freaking italian restaurant!?! thats the main ingredient in everything! fifty dollars and we only got one entree and the guy kept trying to get us to purchase more. The place was crowded and you can't even hear the person next to you. Go to this place if you like the smell of fart.
(1)
Jo M.
I've been here twice and both times the food has been good, service has been good, and I've been able to get a table right away. Prices are a little high, but that's not unusual for the city---every place is overpriced. Both times I got to sit by the window--awesome. I walked from the el so I didn't have to worry about parking, but I think they charge $7 for vallet. I can't wait to return for a 3rd time! Another bonus, the bread is really good!
(4)
Rachel K.
I visited Club Lucky yesterday evening and I was very pleasantly surprised! It has everything you want - good atmosphere, good attentive waitstaff and most importantly, great food. I had eggplant parmagiana and the only complaint (if it could be called a complaint) is that it was too much. Definitely recommend it!
(4)
Sarah F.
This place was just okay. It was tomato-y red sauce, pasta, and not much else. A typical, american-ized Italian menu (which I can appreciate, yes), but just not as tasty as other places that have similar, simple americanized Southern Italian menus. The atmosphere was kinda weird, cafeteria-ish. I am not sure I loved that. I didn't hate it - just didn't love it. My eggplant parm was good, but nothing too too special. The side of meatballs were kind of meal-y, and not that appealing. I just can think of many other places, with a warmer atmosphere, where you can get the same type of food, and it's better.
(2)
Tomas M.
dont listen to any negative reviews of this place. it's a good solid bucktown eatery. has been consistent over the years. food is good, great atmosphere if you like low lighting. good energy in the dining room. not very trendy. food is great. all in all a good spot with good value.
(4)
Megan M.
The food is good, but expensive, and for the price, the portions are small. The extra charge for chicken/meat is very expensive and you only get a couple pieces. The host was really friendly, but the waitress rarely came by the table.
(2)
mark s.
PROS: Great Atmosphere - a place like Dean Martin would have hung out. Excellent hot bread and butter no charge Excellent house salad and Pasta Fiazole soup both a must order. The best Chocolate cake in bucktown The best Coffee CONS: Low value for the $$ Quality of food is average Wine pours by the glass are small Service only average Loud CONCLUSION Unique Italian dining experience, but you'll pay for it. Probably better on a week night when service is better.
(3)
Dee W.
Warm cozy setting for dinner or lunch; I once hosted a group luncheon here - the management was very accommodating and the food is always A++ I used to live around here and come here frequently for dinner and lunch. And their dirty martinis are an absolute steal. I've been here for a company dinner and that was a great experience, as well. About the group luncheon that I hosted, it was for about 30 people and we got the private room in the back, it was family style food and about $20 per person for salad, appetizer, entree, and dessert. What a great deal and wonderful food, service, and staff!
(4)
Matt N.
This place gets better everytime I go to this supper club- meets retro / trendy Bucktown spot. Fun bar area complete with Jukebox and the outdoor sidewalk cafe makes it a fun summer hangout. Affordable and reliable makes this one of my favorites.
(4)
Jonathan A.
I am defending Club Lucky despite mixed reviews. I agree the dishes are maybe overpriced and "nothing special", but then again, I feel that way about most Italian food, even in Italy. "You can find better Italian, cheaper", probably, but I always feel I could have made that at home anyway. I think the food is good. Americanized? Yeah. But whatever. However, what Club Lucky may or may not lack in the food area, I feel it makes up for with atmosphere and service. The reason I go here is more for the bar area. It is a cool 40s-ish, Rat Pack style bar that serves the best blue cheese stuffed olive Martinis I have had. The bartenders are always really nice even when they are slammed. We used to live in the neighborhood, and would come more frequently. Even now that we come in less, they still remember us and comp us drinks now and then. Christmas time it is decorated very nicely. The jukebox is great, playing a mix of 40s Rat Pack music and 70's Motown and Soul at the PERFECT volume so you can hear it but still have conversation. Ask for some bread and ask specifically for some olive oil with it, because I believe you have to request it now. The olive oil is great. The dining room is cool and all the waiters wear old red traditional bell uniforms. It's big and open and great for casual family dinners, you can also eat in the bar which is fine too. The service and atmosphere is friendly, unpretentious and when it used to be just me and my girlfriend, we used to love coming in and drinking martinis at the bar. Now we bring our family and extended family here for dinner.
(5)
J J.
Thumbs down. Overpriced spaghetti = $15 for a bowl. Although they tout their "homemade spaghetti sauce," tasted suspiciously similar to Ragu. Cramped dining area, loud so you can't talk to your table, and makeshift wobbly tables. Bucktown tries so hard to be cool, like that easy girl in high school feels who everyone feels sorry for now with her 3 kids, $8.50 an hour job, and bad skin. Yeah, Bucktown's hey day is over.
(1)
Jonathan C.
Food here was good, I thought. Five finger cavateli (or however its spelled) was very nice. I like the place, decent atmosphere, big back room. Americanized yes, but so am I so whatever. Avg prices/portion sizes. No parking in the hood though.
(4)
Melanie P.
This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. To all the haters, you know nothing. This place has the most comfortable ambiance, phenomenal service, fantastic cocktails, and even better food. I could go on and on and ON about all that I have ordered here, but there is no need. Order from the specials and you will not be disappointed. Or try a classic dish. Or sample one of the appetizers! It's all unreal. Also, side note: the restaurant is SPOTLESS. Not a speck of dust or grime in the whole damn joint. And I am a crazy neat freak. I have been frequenting this place for 4 years, bringing friends and family, Club Lucky is always a hit!!!! Keep it up, you guys! We love you.
(5)
Charles K.
Second time here, sat in the cafe/bar side this time and prefer it over the more formal side. Ordered the Bolognese w rigatoni-split it with a friend, still had leftovers probably be we filled up on the delicious warm bread they offer upon arrival. The rigatoni isn't home made which is sort of a bummer considering they do make some noodles in-house and the atmosphere offers a very old school Italian feel that's warm and comfortable. Ramon was our server. Very kind. The busser however was a younger boy w brown wavy hair who lacks enthusiasm and friendliness.
(5)
Pete P.
A classic Chicago Italian restaurant! I love the atmosphere, the food, drinks, and service. The building is quaint and charming. The usual Italian specialties are well made. Although they only have a couple of steaks on the menu, they must be quite good as I noticed they sell a lot of them. The restaurant had a strong steak smell throughout. I'll definitely get one the next time I go. Be sure to get the special house salad. It's awesome in every way.
(5)
Eve P.
If you want some good, filling Italian food, this is the place to visit. When I first walked in, I thought the place was a small bar with just a few seats but if you walk to the back, there is a big dining area. The food is very filling, so if you are hungry, you better believe that you will leave here full and satified! It was the middle of the week and this place was packed with people. Try to get a booth if you can because there will be a tad bit of foot traffic. Bring all of your friends and/or family, order different foods. There will be enough to share. If you are in the neighborhood and just want to grab a few drinks, you can also do that here. There is a bar area when you first walk in that is separate from the dining area.
(5)
Randall K.
We have been going to Club Lucky for Mothers Day Brunch since the first one about 6 years ago. I almost want to keep it our secret, but it is a great place for this event. Food is really good and plentiful. Sometimes a tray is empty, but rest assured, it will be full (and fresh) the next time around. The mix of breakfast and Italian lunch is always great. It has become a tradition over the years. They have valet parking for 9$. Well worth it with the wife, mother-in-law, and the kids. What I really appreciate is the "homey" feel. I know where I'll be next year!!!
(5)
Jackie C.
This place is a really cute, old Italian restaurant! We came with a big group so I'd love to go back with a smaller group to have more of an intimate experience. I had spaghetti and meatballs, it was delicious! Everyone loved their meals! As a warning, they can only split bills on 2 or 3 cards so just bring cash incase.
(4)
Jet S.
Great neighborhood Italian spot. Very family friendly but not just a family place. Food has always been consistent and good, nice portion size and always friendly service. I recommend this place.
(5)
Delightful D.
Went here for my friends bday lunch. I thought food was okay not amazing but I would like to try other things if I go again. I tried bruschetta, italia sausage and chicken tortellini with peas dish. The tortellini I. Vodka sauce was delish. I Def enjoyed it. The appetizers were just ok. I would return for Italian if in area and had a taste for it,
In a city where you can be featured in Chicago Magazine's "Best New Restaurants" one month, and be closed for good just a short time later, it's pretty remarkable that Club Lucky has been holding its own for nearly 25 years. I visited last night, after not having dined there for a number of years, and was a bit surprised that the menu is pretty much exactly the same as it was when it first opened. They're not reinventing the wheel here. You won't find carpaccio or risotto on the menu, but rather standard red-sauce Italian fare. It's reliable and enjoyable. The service is great. It walks that fine line between being attentive, but not pandering. Our server made great recommendations on cocktails and entrees, and she knew the menu well. Club Lucky kind of dropped off my radar over the years, but it's a solid choice for dependable, better-than-average Italian food.
(4)
L. L.
From the minute we walked in the door we experienced terrific service and enjoyed excellent food. Great ambiance, very retro/midcentury decor with a lively bar, a separate dining room and covered outdoor seating. Our server recommended the Club Lucky salad as a starter, it was loaded with vegetables and easily shared. We each had delicious entrees from the daily specials list and enjoyed their famous martinis. A neighborhood gem in Bucktown, not to be missed.
(5)
Paul R.
'6 star experience every-time' CL has my favorite "beverage-program" in town. You and a dozen friends want a nice bottle of armagnac or absinthe... They got you. Maybe a house made limoncello. Hungry? Don't stop at the a.w.e.s.o.m.e appetizers the entrees and deserts deserve your attention. The look and feel of Club Lucky is easy to be in for me and they go all out decorating for the holidays. The patio seating makes a few hours just breeze by. I have booked nearly a dozen dinners with 2-3 dozen folks and have been wowed with the attention paid to us before, during, and after. They even have worked up menus for us that are not "on the menu". (not that I could tire of the very thoughtful menu) Planning a special night or need one at the last second, Club Lucky has you covered.
(5)
Colleen D.
Wow was that good! Love this place - it's in a neighborhood - they have valet. We made reservations and got right in. It was full on a Friday night but not uncomfortably packed. The service is amazing. Our server (Stephen V) was so nice, knowledgable and just pleasant. Even the bus folks were so friendly and easy going. The food came out fast but I never felt rushed and it was so good. I would have been happy with the table bread - that is amazing - warm, soft, delicious. We changed our mind several times but decided on eggplant parm for me and chicken parm for my man. He asked to have the chicken baked extra crispy and he tells me it was perfect. Our server checked back to see it was done as he desired. Then we had the cookie for desert.....I could go back now and have another one...so good!! I love this place and can't wait to go back!
(5)
Zhebtian L.
Ordered Club Lucky Salad. The dressing has a good tangy vinegar flavor to it. I'd order it again.
(4)
Tomislav L.
This is one of my faves in Chicago. Ever since I lived in Wicker Park. The Martini's are great and the atmosphere both inside and out is wonderful.
(5)
Rachel E.
I love coming on Tuesdays for their 6 dollar martinis. There's free parking on parts of Wabansia and all of honore. I love the outside seating in the summer and the food has been great.
(4)
Mehran F.
I have now been going to Club Lucky a few years...promoting them to a four (maybe a 3.5 is more fair). It is a nice neighborhood type of place. Nothing extraordinary but comfortable and unpretentious. There is one server (who actually also does standup comedy) whose name I have forgotten...she is a bundle of character and a joy to chat with. Bread is delicious. Food, depending on what you order is reasonable to delicious. Price-Value-Ratio as the Dutch would call it is fair.
(4)
Kristi K.
Very accommodating of vegetarians. They have good knowledge of which dishes are or are not made with animal products, and are happy to ask the chef if they don't. Very easy to order, even if you want something modified or substituted. Most components in the menu can be had with most other components. Extensive alcohol selection, and they specialize in martinis. The table service is frequent and friendly. We live around the corner so I can't comment on the valet parking, and it would be a conflict of interest for me to recommend street parking.
(5)
Kim S.
This is a 5 star review and shout out to our bus boy. He was doing his best to keep all of his tables happy under difficult, short staffed conditions, and especially when people weren't being very patient or kind to him. Everyone has a bad day, and this kid deserves a high five for trying his best to keep his cool and a smile on his face!
(5)
Nikki H.
Nailed it. Went in here with a couple girlfriends before the hawks game on Friday and it was fantastic. We were seated immediately which was shocking for the day and time so we were pumped. Busser immediately brought bread and waters (YES BREAD) and our server was really helpful with the wine selection and we settled on a midrange Cabernet. Delicious and well paired for all of us. Tried the mozzarella fritti and the sauce made us extremely anxious for our meals, super tasty! I had the penne arrabiatta which absolutely killllled me. Perfect amount of spice and the pasta was the perfect al dente. We will absolutely be back!
(5)
Bobby O.
I have been coming to Club Lucky for a long time but have not been here recently. I have to say that I was disappointed. I am used to waiting in the bar area nursing a martini while you wait a bit for your table but having said that and waited our turn we were seated against the wall (no problem at first) thereby we got comfortable with the waiter promptly refreshing our drinks, when I realized that our aisle was like the Dan Ryan Expressway. I kid you not, both my menu and my wife's menus were separately knocked out of hands and the passing people never even flinched. I had several conversations with passing small children whose parents never realized they were mingling with the guests LOL. Even the staff was grinding against us while carrying ginormous food trays blah blah blah. Enough of that...lets talk food. I ordered mu usual Salmon Vesuvio and the wife ordered a seafood pasta special. This was preceded by little neck clams and the seafood salad. Both were good. The entrees came out after what seemed like a long time, but it just may have been that I was staffing the toll booth on the Dan Ryan...Anyway the waiter arrives and sets down my Vesuvio and my wife's chicken dish. Hold on doctor! She ordered a seafood pasta. Apologies...apologies...Now I have my dish and it sits alone as we converse. 10 minutes later her plate arrives with the top of the pasta slightly charred. Rush job...we accept it and say no more. It was not good. The waiter brings one complimentary glass of merlot even though we both have dinner cocktails and we order a chocolate cake fudge thingee...It was good. Overall I felt rushed...seated on a highway...disappointed. Next time I will not settle for that nonsense.
(2)
Blythe B.
I was brought there on a first date, by someone who has lived in the area a long time, and both his parents were long time Chicao food critics. It is a nice comfortable place . . . it reminded my of the well-loved Cruise Room in the Oxford Hotel in Denver. It's nothing fancy, just good ole GOOD homestyle Italian! My date wasn't that hungry (WHAT?? He knew we were going on a date for days, and he's not hungry for our 'clearly a dinner date"? O well). I was in a weird mood to eat pasta (I am usually a no carbs person after lunchtime), but i ordered the Rigatoni with Veal Meatballs. Pretty good - I'd say in the B+/A- range. Meatballs were definitely tasty. He got a special - flat noodles with a sausage cream sauce. I am usually not a fan of sausage, but I liked his better. We sat outside, which was a perfect night for it. The flower boxes are pretty and the BASIL plants are beautiful - if I was facing them, I would have torn off some and added them to my dinner. The place is cute as heck inside - retro 50''s. Since I live in the burbs, I won't go out of my way to go here, but it's definitely solid good food and I would suggest it as a place to try.
(4)
Kevin D.
Awesome food. Slow service. Order the Grilled Calamari!!! YUMM!! Linguine and white clam sauce.
(5)
Rachel W.
I really love this place during Christmastime...it's so cozy & old-school. We love to go sit at the bar and listen to the tunes & warm up under the decor. I haven't specifically gotten any entrees made vegan, but instead tend to choose random sides and make a hot mess of a meal. For example, a side of the roasted garlic (a whole head of perfectly roasted spreadable garlic) is awesome on toast, with a side of steamed broccoli or sauteed spinach or escarole. Or, a side of marinara w/roasted potatoes. Great Italian salad too sans cheese...sometimes it's not about what they can't do (at the least, you can get penne w/marinara and veggies) but that's a boring vegan option for me and it's fun to get wild with sides and be glad you're somewhere warm and cozy ;)
(4)
Mike V.
Really slow service and so so food. We had reservations on a Saturday night and were seated immediately. We put in our drink order and then began our wait. Nearly 10 minutes before the drinks were dropped off, the waitress said she would be right back, then spent the next 10 minutes taking care of a large party next to us. The restaurant was fairly busy, but had about 20% of their tables open, so certainly not just temporarily overwhelmed. We had another longer than normal wait after we ordered, and when the food did arrive, my order was wrong. Not wrong as in undercooked, or missing something on the side, but the entirely wrong dish. My wife started eating as we waited for them to spend the next 10-15 minutes making my correct dish. The food (when it finally arrived) was fine, but found the sauces to be bland, and really nothing special otherwise. Short from the brief apology, no effort was made to compensate for the extremely slow service or the incorrect dish. We paid our $75 tab and got out of there. If you are looking for a casual Italian restaurant, look for something else in the neighborhood. I don't see any reason why we would return here.
(2)
Dawn F.
Love this place was here last weekend and had breaded clams , club lucky salad and chicken fettuccine with asparagus and oil garlic. The meal was excellent as always. I have been visiting this place for the last 5 years and have always enjoyed there martinis and food :)
(5)
Jaclyn C.
A hidden gem! My husband and I come to club lucky for every valentines day celebration. The food is fantastic and the service is great. Make sure you go on an empty stomach because the portions are large and it is very delicious. The house martinis, like the lemon drop, are a perfect way to end the meal. There is booth seating that is preferred, but we've sat at the tables before and it is not too bad.
(5)
Stephanie P.
Fantastic lounge atmosphere. Perfect music, bartender, and well mixed cocktail. Exactly what we were after. My boyfriend says they have one of the best Aviators in town. I enjoyed my CL Blood and Sand. This place will definitely be on our regular rotation. Watch out though - the drinks are a little on the pricey side, but worth every penny.
(4)
Redrose R.
It's a great Italian restaurant with a nice service and the food is excellent. The chicken parmesan is fantastic!
(5)
Jennie T.
This place is solid, but you will be just as happy going to Olive Garden. I had the shrimp scampi and then cheesecake for dessert. It was all just fine. I tried my daughter's ravioli which was better than my dish. I don't think I'll be back- there's just too many other (better) restaurants out there.
(3)
J B.
This is our go-to-spot for home cooked Italian, the way it should be done. Bread & herb-infused oil to start, then caprese salad with reduced balsamic. I like the veal/chicken parm, also shrimp fettuccine alfredo- but bring an appetite! Usually too stuffed for dessert, but had their tiramisu- amazing, and I'm not a tiramisu lover, until now!
(5)
Julia D.
This place sums up everything I love about Chicago. You are walking down this beautiful residential street mixed with vintage low rises and ultra modern homes. And there you spot an awning on the corner "Club Lucky" just tucked away all innocent and unnoticed aside from the valet sign which appears obviously out of place and unnecassary from what appears to be a neighborhood dive. Finally you walk in and boom!! Feels like the setting for a 50-60s mob movie. The front section has a nicely sized bar with TVs and some dineresque booth seating, very dark. Walk to the back section and get a seat in the well lit and fancier dining room. You sit down and feel like you'll spot Liotta, Pesci, and Deniro at another booth giving you the stink eye for finding their hideout. You open the menu and can hardly decide between the seafood, pasta, steaks, wines, etc.... Your food shows up and its just like Nonna woulda made it, I mean fah-getta-boutit! And the portion is also the way nonna woulda served it / fucking enormous. If you are looking for an authentic hidden Italian Gem, this is it. Mangare bene!
(5)
Ed M.
Excellent meal. For the third time in a row now, the ditzy bartender has made my meal less than pleasant. I used to come in and sit at the bar after a long day for a nice meal and welcoming service but it seems that she can't get the simple things that make a restaurant welcoming right or get your requests right. She walked by me three times (and I am the only one at the bar) and didn't acknowledge my presence even though I was looking directly at her to ask for something. By the time she finally asked what I wanted I was just ready to go. Paid $45 for a meal and walking home now steaming instead of satisfied.
(3)
Elaine W.
Meatball salad and pasta. Wonderful! Their warm bread and butter compliments everything. The atmosphere and the service is great. Everyone is friendly and knowledgable about their menu.
(5)
Ross R.
Great food, great service. Call for reservations, seriously. Club Lucky continues to be a fave. I don't know who does the hiring here, but they do it right. The new bartender Kat is both lovely and excellent.
Pure Italian food. Whatever form of 8-finger-rolled noodle I ate at Club Lucky was single handedly the best noodle type I've ever tasted. Club Lucky is a neighborhood staple.
(5)
Gary S.
Met a couple friends here for a little business meeting. First we had a couple drinks and an appetizer, then my friends left and my girlfriend and I actually also left, took a walk around the beautiful neighborhood, and then came back for dinner. Sat inside for the appetizers, and outside on the veranda for dinner. Everything was very, very good. First, the Decour and vibe of the place is awesome. Either it really is, or has been made to look exactly like a "Little Italy"Chicago restaurant from the 50s. Right down to the multicolored worn tile floor. They play cool music, not the tired old Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Italian restaurant standards. The cocktails we had were outstanding. Well-made and not over complicated. Great drinks made by great bartenders, not "craft cocktail" nonsense. For food we had three appetizers, calamari, sausage and peppers, and their incredible fried artichoke. All wonderful. Get the calamari Calabrese style. For dinner we shared a pasta dish, again spot on, plus had an espresso and Italian cookies for dessert. Also had a glass of grappa which was one of the best I've had recently. We had the same server for both the appetizer and then when we came back for dinner. Of course she remembered us and took excellent care of us. Pretty much in a nutshell: Club Lucky is a fantastic neighborhood Italian restaurant that does everything right without being pretentious or stupid. Just a fantastic and well run restaurant. Highly recommended.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Awesome place!! I love Italian food, but hate how stuffy some places can be. This place is super delicious and approachable (feels like you're back in the 60s!) On the flipside, if you're looking for something super romantical, then you probably won't find your fix here. I'll definitely be coming back for dinner, or even cocktails and apps!
(4)
Conor M.
Super bummed guys. It's 9:15 and still haven't received my food. Ordered at 7:22pm. I know you use an outside company for deliveries, but c'mon. Sad because you're my fave. I can reheat food, but can't remove the disappointment.
(2)
Patrick F.
Really a great place. Wonderful selection at the bar. Also service is wonderful, more of a neighborhood feel. And the filet is dynamite, more so for an Italian restaurant. We visit here frequently.
(4)
Dustin H.
To say this is place is a neighborhood spot would be an understatement. The manager seemed to know everyone by name, and did a good job of making us feel welcome. We sat in a booth located in the bar section of the restaurant. The lighting is REALLY dark. After we placed our orders we were presented a giant 1/2 loaf of hot italian bread. Clearly homemade, it was shaped like a traditional american white bread loaf but with a very fluffy inside and flaky crust. It's served with a beautifully garlicky olive oil. Keep this in mind. It was a lot of bread and sort of negated the need for ordering appetizers. My wife got the carbonara, which was on the daily special menu. I ordered the chicken vesuvio on recommendation of our server. I was offered a half or whole chicken and am kind of blown away they even offer a whole chicken. That's a hell of a lot of food. My wife's pasta serving was huge, but the white sauce was just a bit too light in flavor. Leaning more towards white wine than cream. Good but not what she expected. I felt somewhat the same with my dish. It was delicious, don't get me wrong. But everything just sort of tasted the same. Both of us ended up lusting for red sauce and decided that next visit we'll get dishes with a bit more variety. Seasoning was also a little underwhelming and I ended up hitting the salt shaker a bit too much. At one point I got the "you've put too much salt on your meal" look from my wife. Yes, I have salt issues, but it was pretty bland. Atmosphere is awesome, and you really do feel like you're in a time capsule from a time long passed. The friendly attitude from the staff and the funky vibe are worth the visit along. Dining on a weeknight, it wasn't crazy busy, but I would probably not stop by on the weekend. I can imagine it gets nuts. Great value for the amount of food you get, for sure. You will not leave hungry.
(3)
Cindy S.
We had a great dinner here celebrating a birthday. The bday guest received a complimentary tiramisu that was the best I've ever had. Service was prompt, personable and knowledgeable. Calamari was perfect. Eggplant parmesean got raves from a loyal eggplant parmesean eater. I loved the salmon dish I ordered (I can't remember whuch one...it had sauce and potatoes on the side) it was cooked perfectly and delicious. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Anthony S.
Ambience is great and so is the food. Fun place to go and enjoy your meal while socializing. I had one of the best veal Parm dishes ever! The penne was perfectly al dente and the sauce was delicious!
(5)
Alonzo T.
If you've ever eaten in Chicago with a Sicilian family, Club Lucky is like a warm hug from the friend that prepared those home meals. Firstly, their red gravy (known to the rest of you as marinara sauce) is impeccably bright and flavorful. The eight finger cavatelli is nothing but noodles and sauce, but it's one of the best meals I've ever had. Likewise the string bean salad with blue cheese and tomato seems to be a Chicago Italian Family classic and it delivers just like the real thing. My favorite however, is the eggplant parmigiana. There must be a dozen or more thinly sliced layers of eggplant breaded and layered with cheese and sauce. It's remarkable. The venue itself used to be an old VFW hall and it retains all the charm and volume of a 1950's dance hall. The retro interior designs and gorgeous classic bar evoke a real sense of Chicago's past. For all these reasons, Club Lucky is one of my favorite restaurants. If you're in the mood for family style Italian (not experimental fine dining Italian, not 1980's neo cuisine interpretation of Italian, not gastro pub Italian) don't miss out on this rare gem.
(5)
Annie P.
This review is for the bar- fabulous. A rare Chicago gem. Mixology is fantastic too. Jukebox is perfect and ambience is one of its kind. Can't wait to get back here
(5)
Carm B.
I have been coming here for many years and I have always been a huge fan..this last time, not so much. After enjoying a drink at the bar we were seated at a 2 top against the wall where everyone and their mother walks past you, bumps into you, and interrupts your meal. We had delicious appetizers of clams and the seafood salad along with their fantastic bread. I ordered a special on the menu for my entree and when our food was ready, they brought me out a chicken dish instead of the shrimp dish I ordered. Our server apologized and took it away but my husband was left to either eat without me or wait and have his food cold. When my dish did come, it looked scorched on the top like it was put in a broiler to warm. I was not impressed with my entree. It actually tasted like macaroni & cheese with shrimp. I didn't eat very much of it. We went with the server's dessert recommendation of a chocolate chip type cake, which was very good but a bit too rich. I'm hoping this was just an off night for us. I love Club Lucky and have always looked forward to eating there.
(3)
Jeffrey R.
Ate here last week. Food was absolutely amazing, as usual. However, the service was less than desired. The bus and support staff was more attentive than our server. Had to ask for our bill, wrong meal was brought for one of our guest. The rest of us had to eat cold food. Nothing was done to rectify. Very disappointed for a $95 bill.
(2)
Lary S.
This place is so awesome. I like how its in the neighborhood but only a block away from a busy street. Started out with the Antipasto Meat & Cheese tray and it had tons of goodies on it. Also tried the Calamari Calabrese which is the most tender calamari i have ever eaten and very task. For my meal, my mother and i split an order of lasagna which was great and the steak pizzaola which was so awesome. My step-dad has the eggplant parm, which he enjoyed. For dessert, cheesecake, tiramisu and i had strawberry with chocolate chip gelato. I will be there again and I hope you try it. Staff was great and service was great.
(5)
Jacob J.
Stopped in for dinner the other night to celebrate an occasion. My first time there for food and on a previous occasion for drinks. The food was standard Italian, nothing too special or memorable for myself. The highlight of the meal would be the warm bread served with infused olive oil which was abundantly offered to the table. My recommendation is they could go an extra mile by offering meat sauce or straight marinara with their warm bread (to be enjoyed) while waiting on the main course. Being that this restaurant / bar is off the beaten path and not as busy as much of the nightlife in the area, this would be a good start point for a couple cocktails and checking out the scene. Throughout the evening, lovely women in small packs were in abundant supply. I'm curious about whether this was a one time anomaly or a weekly occurrence. Much of the clientele for dinner service on this warm Friday night were of the ages of 30s - 50s with a few families mixed in.
(3)
Monika M.
Ridiculous overpriced lasagna. For 16.95 you'll get an appetizer! Don't order hungry...
(1)
Lauren D.
Calamari. I will say it again. Calamari. Club Lucky does it amazingly well. Huge pieces of squid fried to perfection beneath a light coating. Not heavy at all, and it comes with a heavenly marinara dipping sauce. The sauce could have used a little spice but it definitely didn't take away from the overall result. This place is perfect for a quiet dinner for two or a small group. And if it's nice outside, don't pass up the opportunity to sit on the patio. Our server was phenomenal: attentive and personable and just downright a nice guy. In fact, everyone we encountered there was polite and welcoming. My husband and I split the Meatball Insalata and Chicken Cacciatore. The meatballs were large and in charge, drowned in a sweet and beautifully red tomato sauce. They come alongside a basic house salad dressed in red wine vinaigrette. It felt light and yet very filling and comforting. The Chicken Cacciatore was divine, with the chicken browned nicely on the outside but super moist on the inside. Sadly, we were too full for dessert, but I have no doubt we will be back again soon and will make room. Club Lucky: I'm the lucky one for trying this place!
(5)
Karen M.
The food is fair. My big issue is with the leftover containers-they cram-and I mean cram-everything into a very small Chinese food container-even at the cost of cutting or folding your food up so it fits. Won't be back.
(2)
Brenda D.
When you walk by a place that is this busy on a Sunday night, you know the people inside know something you don't. We wanted to join them. We ordered the Antipasti for the table to start and it was an excellent mix of items. The stuffed olives were mouth watering. They have a great selection of wine in which we indulged. We finished with the Fettuccini De Campo - three words...Oh My Goodness. It was simple yet delicious. A perfect blend of grilled chicken, asparagus and roasted tomatoes with olive oil. The flavors of the foods were able to speak for themselves. This place is going to be on the must eat at list next Chicago visit.
(4)
Beth G.
I loved the experience of dining at Club Lucky. I went there on Valentine's Day, so obviously it was bustling. Still, we got greeted quickly by a maitre'd, who suggested we have a cocktail at the bar while we waited for our table (we were about 15 minutes early). I had a well-made Manhattan and took in the happy scene. The old-fashioned feel, the great smells, the cheerful bartenders. Then we were lead to our table, in the dining room that was crowded but not cramped. We shared a Caprese salad, which was delicious (even though it's hard to find acceptable tomatoes in February in Chicago). For my entree, I had homemade tortellini, filled with chicken and herbs, finished with peas, pinenuts, and vodka sauce. Delicious! Our waitress, Samantha, was cheerful and didn't make us feel rushed at all, even though it was obviously a busy night. (And it took us a while to get through our bottle of wine.) Prices are on par with similar Italian restaurants in the city ... pastas in the $10 to $18 range, second courses are $18 to $35. The menu features relatively basic Italian fare -- nothing shi-shi or over the top, but the food is made well. I would definitely go back soon to try another entree and enjoy the atmosphere.
(4)
Mark V.
It's a run of the mill Italian joint that tries extra hard to be old-school. And while it somewhat succeeds on that front, it disappoints in just about every other aspect, making you wait way too long and pay way too much for mediocre food. With so many spots in Chicago that are legitimately old-school (and not contrived), and so many spots in Chicago that offer superior meals at more reasonable pricing (and with actual service), I simply can't recommend Club Lucky.
(2)
Emily K.
Delicious Italian food and martinis! Pasta dishes are generously portioned and mouth watering. You always get lucky eating here. Get the calamari.
(5)
Casey F.
This is a great Italian place with lots of charm and great customer service. I've dined here many times and always loved what I got. This isn't the best Italian food I've ever eaten but I didn't expect it to be. The bread is awesome, and I crave the Club Lucky Salad. I've taken my parents here and they claim its the best calamari they've ever tasted. They also have a dog friendly outdoor patio as well as a huge water bowl and never ending treats they put out front. It's a staple for all the neighborhood pups. My dogs love this place as much, if not more than I do as a result. It's definitely worth checking out!
(4)
RJ W.
We had our wedding reception here, after going here to eat more times than I can count. Everything was absolutely, positively perfect. Being in the hospitality business for well over 20 years, I am wired to look for issues and solutions. Frankly, there was not a single thing we would have changed. The owner and managers were so easy to work with in the planning, the staff on site were amazing and the food was great (we had family style) Honestly, we could have easily spent 4x the amount we did and the reception would not have been better. Highly recommend if you have the need for a locally owned, caring food destination for a group. Again, was perfect. How often can someone say that about a wedding reception!!!
(5)
Philly G.
Great food. Large portions. Tiramisu and cannoli's are an absolute must try. Very homey feel.
(4)
Mr. S.
I couldn't recommend a better local place to eat! The staff is friendly, the food is amazing and it's all placed in a family friendly atmosphere. My compliments to the chef, owners, and waitstaff. I look for excuses to eat here. Luckily I work close by, so that isn't an issue.
(5)
Paloma C.
Classic. Been coming here my entire life. It's a great family place, but it's versatile enough to be your special date spot, too. You can't really go wrong at Club Lucky. I love the penne with meat sauce, chicken marsala, and shrimp scampi on spinach. Also best fried calamari in town!!!!
(5)
Liz A.
Giving it two stars for the lovely outdoor seating and the good martini. Everything else was pretty disappointing. Our waitress was not attentive...I mean, we had to flag her down to order more booze! The bottle of wine that they recommended was terrible and we were not able to try it ahead of time. My chicken was dry and their "famous calamari" was bland and totally average. Really bummed about this place as we are new to the neighborhood and it had so much potential! Won't be back.
(2)
Omar C.
Rude! Don't know about their food because I didn't bother donating to them after un accommodating attitude.
(1)
Fran B.
Great food, drinks and atmosphere. Highly recommend !!!! The chicken Marsala was to die for.
(5)
Nicholas B.
If there is a more generous and delicious rack of ribs in Chicago, Id love to know about it! Excellent!
(4)
Rick F.
This place has been around forever. I've heard so many good things. i'm glad I went. A good friend was celebrating a birthday, free booze and free food. What a compelling offer. Wow I loved it. Cozy, warm italian comfort food at its best. Loved it! Moscow Mules, excellent. I rarely see breadcrumb stuffed artichokes on a menu, my mom makes these every holiday, excellent. Antipasto plate was great. The whole place was awesome
(4)
Manya T.
I've been here a few times- once on a Sunday evening when the place was pretty busy but not packed to the gills; another time on a weekday in the very early evening/late afternoon when the place was empty; and once via takeout, which, granted, isn't really being there. I don't remember the quality of the service, but nothing stood out to me at the time as particularly slow or disappointing. The food, though, is incredible. I have wandered far and wide in Chicago to find the simple ravioli I'm looking for in a tomato sauce that accentuates but doesn't completely overkill the pasta. THIS is the ravioli of my dreams. It's ricotta filled, fresh, simple, delicious. I want to like a lot of the Italian places over on Grand Avenue, I thought I'd be impressed by La Scarola... but Club Lucky was just far, far better tasting. My husband had the chicken tortellini and said it was excellent. His only desire was for a bigger portion for the price. Yum!
(5)
Shannon S.
We have been a few times as we live on the neighborhood. It's pretty basic stuff and a bit pricey. The tiramisu is amazing, though, so we do go for that often.
I came here to eat Wednesday night with a couple friends. Our waiter, Steve, was awesome. He gave us great recommendations and answered all our questions. The fried calamari was one of the best I've had. All of us enjoyed our dishes. We sat outside and it was very calm and relaxing. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Brenda H.
I was not expecting the main dining room to be so big, considering how cramped the entrance felt. My cousin kept raving about this place so I decided to try it. We ordered a few appetizers and I really liked the mozzerella fritti. The fried calamari wasn't good enough to blow my mind but it was good enough to make me want to try their other versions. The bread at the table was warm, soft and delicious. I had the linguine with garlic and olive oil with shrimp. The shrimp size was bigger than I expected and the dish was a little spicy. The portions are big and filling, good value overall. I don't drink alcohol but they had quite an extensive drinks menu. My cousin ordered a martini with rumchata that wasn't overpowering. I'd probably order that if I wanted to celebrate a birthday with a drink. I think I'll be coming here for my birthday, just for that reason alone.
(4)
Jessica B.
Highlights: the calamari with peppers- can't remember the name. Amazing. Sleigh ride martini is perfect for winter. This is just a great old school Italian restaurant. Nothing fancy, just great food and drinks. Also kudos to our server. We had a 5:30 reservation and came one by one with the last group arriving at 6:15 because of traffic. He was totally understanding and accommodating. Oh and the bread tastes just like my nonna's did.
(4)
Linda G.
Consistently good. I like to bring out of towners here since it's off the beaten path and tucked into the neighborhood. Service is excellent both at the bar and inside at table. We never have a bad meal. These are the old-school typical American-Italian favs.
(5)
Anne L.
Club Lucky, despite its odd name, is a fun, retro Italian restaurant. You enter through a narrow bar, like in all the good mafia movies. Bar in front, restaurant hidden in back, you know, just in case you need a few extra seconds to climb out a window. The decor is 1940s and the restaurant is spacious, if not a little noisy because of it. That's ok because it just kinda adds to the experience. This is not a stuffy place, but it's not low-rent, either. Just kinda quirky and I liked that. The menu is extensive and all of us enjoyed the food immensely. The stuffed artichoke and pasta e fagoli were outstanding. Nothing was overwhelmed with garlic, which often happens at Italian restaurants. Gelato and some anisette to finish off the evening. I'm not in that area often, but if I am, I would definitely go back. May try the bar next time.
(4)
Steve J.
Hot bread. Thick soup. Firm Italian Sausage- the list goes on. Club Lucky improves each year, from their friendly and accommodating outdoor cafe to special events in their Club Room, the owners, managers and staff at CL aim to please and please they do. Bring the family and enjoy large portions! Now if they'd only stay open a bit later...
(5)
Yayasis P.
Talk about a true neighborhood restaurant. Club Lucky is Bucktown at its best. I have dinned there for years and even had family parties for special occasions. The food Is always great. The music and the decor are a blast from the past. This is a must when in the city.
(5)
Terry F.
Great meatball salad. Linguine with clams perfect. Bartender top notch. Christmas decorations are very nice. Waiter was busy so not the most attentive.
(4)
Peter H.
My first, attempt here was very lackluster. It was good, but not remarkable. It's good for families. It's a bit loud. There's a lot of space. However, I think it survives, because in that neighborhood there's not a ton of competition.
(3)
Benjamin D.
Living in Wicker, this is the restaurant that I frequent more than any other in the city! Reason for that is that besides the quality food, it serves so many great purposes. Whether my girlfriend and I want quick a quick salad, or I want to take out-of-town buddies for drinks, or even when I don't want to go to other bars three hours in advance for Hawk's playoff games, Club Lucky never disappoints! It's old school, with Louis and Frank on the Juke, red vinyl and classic Italian food. However, my favorite thing to do is just sit at the bar where the tenders free pour every drink tall, and slurp down grilled calamari (a personal fave). It's also cool that the restaurant is nestled away in a great residential area and has patio seating for the warmer months. The only real reason I won't give them full stars is that some of their dishes are too reliant on heavy uses of a mozzarella that I think could be better quality. Aside from that though, I love the grilled calamari, the veal meatballs, the Club Lucky salad, the eggplant parm, and the Fish Salad (which really should be called the "insane amounts of cold seafood salad) and pretty much everything else! Date, guys nights or quick eats at the bar, Club Lucky is top choice!
(4)
Stacy L.
Gorgeous little hidden gem, great brunch. Would definitely come back!
(4)
elizabeth g.
I like the food but the lighting and sound are terrible in the dining room is terrible. I went there on Saturday and noticed every table around us using their phones to read the menu
(3)
Ashley B.
My boyfriend and I have been looking at buying a house on this street for a few months now, and just recently got to try Club Lucky. My friend had raved about it, so stepping into this unassuming little spot was strange. We had to wonder if we were in the right place. But honestly, it was charming. There's a bar on one half and a restaurant in the other. It looked very diner like but the menu was lined with amazingly tasty traditional Italian dishes. My boyfriend ordered pomodoro and I had lasagna and both were amazing. I don't even know how we managed to eat it AFTER we had all the amazing bread they gave us as an appetizer! Overall I love this place and I love that I'll (hopefully) soon be near it! I will definitely be coming back and hopefully be a regular someday! UPDATE: Just went back here a day ago with another friend, coincidentally on the first Weds of the month, which happened to be $6 martini night. We had a couple martinis over the span of a few hours and chatted. I ordered the shrimp special with a sherry wine sauce that was delicious. However, the next day I felt TERRIBLE. I don't know if there was something wrong with the shrimp, or if I'm developing a shrimp allergy like my mom did. Either way it was not fun! This will not deter me from coming back, I'll say that much!
(4)
Nicholas F.
Really fun, cool spot. Food was quite good but I have to admit not the absolute best Italian I've ever had. Bartender also very friendly and nice, but please don't put a ton of sugar and blueberries in my old fashioned! What the heck!
(4)
Jessica S.
Really good italian food! Cool atmosphere as well - old school Italian. They have a bar in the front and full restaurant in the back. Definitely will go back.
(4)
BurtReynolds D.
Burt wishes he could give a 5 star. But the food isn't up to par. Great little old school restaurant. Nestled away in a cool neighborhood. It's like a time machine inside. Like your a kid again out to dinner when you were 5 years old. And Burt loves that - BUT- the food just isn't good enough. There isn't one thing on the menu Burt looks forward to eating there. Great outdoor summer sidewalk space. Great small bar with booths. Comfortably old dining room. Just not great food. The one good thing Burt can say about the food is the table bread is fantastic! And the lamb chops are good. Please Club Lucky hire a great Italian chef and change your menu. Burt begs you
(2)
K L.
I used to go to Club Lucky a lot because I lived just down the street. Now that I live a little further away, I'm not so anxious to go there. My husband and I went the other weekend, and it was pretty much how I remembered it - decent, but not great. It was definitely busy (we were squeezed in-between other tables), and very loud. I really only like a few items on the menu - the Mozzarella Fritti, Fettucine De Campo, Homemade Ravioli, and Homemade Tortellinis. The starter bread is also pretty good if served warm, but it has been hard and almost stale on some occasions. The atmosphere of Club Lucky is kind of cool - old school Italian. But it is very dark and crowded in there, so I just don't find it very pleasant.
(3)
Abe R.
I had been here numerous times before my last visit, only to frequent the bar and sip on shots of Fernet. This time around though, the couple I was out with suggested we eat here when the line for us to get a table at Piece was 1.5 hours. Damn glad we did.. Our Order: -Eggplant Parmigiana: Layers of thinly sliced eggplant baked with provolone and tomato sauce served with penne pasta. Hell yea, this dish was great. It's really traditional if you have ever had any Italian friends and luckily been invited over for a meal. Here they cook it as perfect as I have ever had it, as the eggplant was extremely tender, just the way I like it. -Linguine Pesactore: Freshly made linguine, perfectly al dente, smothered in a red wine sauce with garlic, and covered with baby clams, calamari, jumbo shrimp, salmon, and spinach. This is always a go to Italian dish for me since I cannot ever get enough seafood. The great thing about this dish is finishing all the linguine and seafood, only to find leftover broth just begging you to sop it up with the homemade fresh Italian bread they serve to you. All in all this place is a well run establishment. The bar up front is great, the service is just right, and the portions to cost ratio is definitely in the patrons favor. I am glad that after all the visits to the bar I finally took the time to sit down for a meal. It was well worth it... Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(4)
Melissa D.
This place seemed like a hidden gem, but after talking to a lot of friends, it seems like everyone knew about it but me! It was so great, with amazing food and service! I got the traditional pasta squares, but everyone I was with loved what they got. The staff was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. I recommend one of the dishes with their homemade pasta noodles. Their house sauce was also great! Next time (and there WILL be a next time) I'd like to get a salad so I can try their house dressing.
(5)
Megan G.
I went to this place with high hopes, but ended up being a bit disappointed. We went as a group for a girl's dinner a few months back. Now, I love Italian food (having grown up in an Italian neighborhood on the Jersey shore) and I was quite excited to attend what I heard was a Bucktown institution. The food was okay, but not the best I had ever had. The salad seemed to have too many carrots and celery and not enough of anything else, plus was doused in dressing. Then my fettuccine alfredo was already cold by the time we were served, but it had already taken so long to get the food that I just attempted to eat it rather then send it back. Finally, the service wasn't the greatest- our waitress rang out credit cards up wrong, and then kept telling us that we had done something wrong until after 10 minutes of arguing she checked it again (and realized her mistake). Don't think I'll go back (and I ended up getting food poisoning too- bleh!).
(2)
Janet S.
Sometimes you just walk into a place and its like you came home. In a residential area, we stumbled in from the snow and were greeting by a long bar - old 50's crooning on the jukebox and red leather booths. We opted to sit here - there is a huge dining room on the other side of the bar with more of the same. The calamari was indeed probably the best ever - ever so lightly breaded, not too chewy , a couple of plates of meatballs, some red wine, tiramisu and a couple of glasses of strega and we had the best Italian fix in a long while. $70 felt just about right. The portions and pours were large and the service A1. We loved it so much that we are flying back to Chicago for 2015 Valentine's Day here.
(5)
Justin B.
I love Club Lucky b/c it's less than a 10-minute walk from our house. But whenever I move away from Bucktown, I have a feeling that I'll move to greener Italian restaurant pastures. I've only been twice in nine months--a further testament to my thoughts on the food--but when I have been, I've been happy with the service, the space and the prices for the serving size. But the taste of the pasta has been average (wow, even last month's run to Two for their duck egg pasta was better) and I have not been told Club Lucky's does any one thing at a truly amazing level. This past Friday, I did the fettucine alfredo, and while I thought it was tasty, it wasn't tell-all-my-friends-to-check-this-place-out tasty. The chocolate cake was okay. However, on both visits, the major standout: warm, fluffy bread was served first and it almost destroyed my appetite for the main meal.
(3)
Alyson K.
Great bar atmosphere. The food was ok. A solid Italian, family-style meal. The service was pretty slow. I don't know if that was a result of there being several large tables, or if that's a normal Saturday night.
(3)
Natan P.
Pleased to say Club Lucky is back in my good graces. Dined there recently and the food was delicious. Service was a bit slow, but I get the feeling that could be intentional...it's a neighborhood Italian eatery, vintage, so take your time, enjoy the company! Looking forward to another return trip soon!
(4)
Cory C.
Wonderful Service, fair pricing and amazing food. The meatballs are out of this world. The bread is downright addicting. Add some well poured drinks and this is and wonderful place.
(4)
Kelsie S.
I will start by saying that this is by no means the best Italian food I've ever had, but our experience here was so great that I had to give it five stars anyway. We first went to Club Lucky on a Speakeasy tour. We learned about it's Mob background (look for the bullet still lodged in the bar!), which was very cool. The atmosphere inside was awesome, and the drinks we had were good. We were excited to come back again. We went last night and had one of the best experiences we've had in a while. The service was just excellent. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Our waiter was one of the best I've ever had at a restaurant up there. They just made you feel welcome. The sangria was delicious, as was the bread with olive oil and the toasted ravioli. It is pricey, yes, but we didn't mind. We were also able to sit outside, and the cute, quiet neighborhood made that an enjoyable experience, as well. We're excited to go back!
(5)
Mara A.
5 stars because they have a bucket of dog treats and ice cold Agua for the pups. 3.5 stars for the place itself. Food is good, nothing spectacular. Wait staff is friendly.
(4)
Michael L. And Michelle G.
This place is set amoungst a residential neighborhood, so it attracts the youthful locals of this seemingly urban professional mixed with young white collar up-and-comer apartment dwellers, amidst vintage rehabs and occasional modern tear-downs, as well as every other person in the City who wants to make the very effective scene this place creates of a mix of great Italian comfort food, art deco and prohibition era decor, ... a social scene in the bar with a dinning experience to-boot. It stands out on the corner with a throwback looking sign and you enter into its neon lit and subtly 20-30's decor, rounded edges and vinyl seating, art deco lighting and juke box. After you pass through the bar you enter a dinning area to match with high celings and open kitchen. In the summer the outdoor seating is cozy and on the sidewalk. The menu brings you from top to bottom the usual great Italian dishes done right, easy, and gracefully fresh with great salad choices, appetizers you would expect and clever things that work like pork chops with pepperoncini peppers. The red gravy sauce by which all Italian restaurants are to be judged, yummy to be sure. Come for a Sunday family meal kids and all or come Friday or Saturday night with your date or friends to make the social scene in the bar and enjoy their many craft concoctions and have a great meal.
(4)
Emily W.
We're big fans of Club Lucky! We've both stayed/dined in and have ordered for delivery. We are very pleased every time we choose Club Lucky. It's great comfort, Italian food - we would definitely recommend it. When we dine in, the wine selection is great and the staff is lovely. They are more than happy to recommend something and the service is quick. The atmosphere is fun and feels authentic. The last time we had food delivered, at first they said it would be an hour - which is typical for a Saturday night. Then we were very happy when it came in half the time and the delivery woman was very pleasant. Sometimes you get people who just drop the food and run. As far as food goes, we've had the basics, all of which we would recommend: Fried Calamari, Stuffed Artichokes, Caesar Salad, Club Lucky Salad, Penne Bolognese, Chicken Francese, Chicken Parm, Cannoli and Tiramisu... to name a few of our favorites ; )
(4)
Angela S.
This place is tricky. If anyone knows me, I can handle my drink, but for some reason I can't get past one martini at this place. So I've learned to be sure to eat first.
(4)
Chris T.
For year I have lived right across the street from Club Lucky. I love the atmosphere and the service. The manager is wonderful and wants to keep the customers happy. The food is pretty good...I mostly go for the drinks (wonderful cocktail selection) and the atmosphere. I love the 60s pop music they typically play.
(4)
D B.
First time at Club Lucky! The atmosphere was very quaint and welcoming, like an old Italian club. The host, bus staff, and valet were attentive and very friendly. Even the manager came over to gab and make recommendations. The only glitch of the evening was I believe we had new server, as she was a bit awkward and often missing. Thankfully, her absence only allowed us to shovel in more fabulous pasta, drinks, spicy olive oil, bread, and amazing tiramisu with out interruption and enjoy the beautiful Chicago summer night! I would totally return and highly recommend!
(5)
Christina K.
I love this place! The decor is retro and charming, they have outdoor seating in the summer which is very pleasant, and their martinis and cocktails are always poured with a heavy hand. Yahoo! Expect hearty, traditional Italian food (with leftovers) at Club Lucky. The homemade pastas, Club Lucky Salad, and cannoli are a few of my favorites. I haven't had a bad meal here. If you want a pasta and sauce combination that is not on the menu, just ask! Service is always top notch. I've brought in groups of 10, picked up a take out order, and stopped by with the beau for a drink before meeting friends - same nice consistent service no matter who I interact with. (Also, my parents used to go on dates here *aww* so I like to uphold that tradition).
(4)
Mike Z.
My gf and I love this place. The food is delicious and we've never had bad service. We went this last Friday night and got a table right away. The bread is unbelievable and I highly recommend the mozzerella fritti for an app. I think they have the best ravioli in the city. Also instead of doing valet just down the street there is plenty of street parking with no pass needed. Price was $80 (tip, tax included) 2 glasses of wine, app and 2 entrees. Not bad at all.
(5)
Erica W.
Club Lucky is a Bucktown institution, yet it took me over a year of living here to finally check it out. Italian is my absolute favorite cuisine...the more carbs, the better, is my motto. Pretty much everything I'd heard -- that it's good, but expensive -- was right. I sound like my mother, but the first thing I noticed was that it was SO DARK. The waiter gives you a flashlight so you can read the menu. Maybe some candles would help? We had the arancini appetizer special, which was quite tasty, and the bread and olive oil were delicious as advertised. The pastas were good too, but at $18 a plate, this place is making a killing compared to their food costs. I'm glad I checked it off my list, but I probably won't be back unless they do a deal.
(3)
Roger J.
Loved this gem buried in the neighborhood. Upon arrival I wasn't so sure if I was in the right place. Good thing we stayed. This place is just a great Italian restaurant with friendly staff, great food, killer drinks and feels like Chicago roots. We enjoyed a meatball appetizer that was excellent, a couple of tasty pasta dishes (try them all) and some very good martini combinations. Upon leaving the manager made sure to ask how the dinner was and introduce himself so we could reference him upon our next visit. You cannot go wrong with this place. Street parking.
(4)
Joe R.
This place is awesome, I order some pasta dish with their vodka red sauce, and it was amazing! I will come back just to get that sauce again, I licked it off the plate it was so good!
(5)
Kelly B.
Club Lucky is a great Bucktown neighborhood eatery that serves old school Italian upscale cuisine, great martinis and has a retro feel that will surely make you feel like you are part of something that was before your time. The restaurant sits in the middle of a residential street and has a nice side patio that adds to the charm. The dishes are big and saucy. A tad heavy and pricey, but you get lots of it and you will eat every bite. I had the seafood pasta special and they allowed me to sub out my pasta for a different type. My pasta was a bit overcooked, but that is easy to do with capellini. Still delicious, especially after a few yummy cosmos. The cannoli dessert was pricey too, but to die for.
(4)
Rokey T.
Don't let the name throw you off. It's not remotely a club. I'd say it's more of a diner feel with a bar. Some of best Italian food in this part of the city. The owner/manager goes out of his way to greet you and say goodbye. Just a nice place all around!
(4)
Ila L.
I really don't understand how anyone can dine at Club Lucky when Lucia's is just a few blocks away. Lucia's is really quite good. Club Lucky was just a big disappointment. We tried three things and all three were mediocre at best. The only good thing was that we didn't get sick. Go to Lucia's on North Ave.
(2)
Bob H.
Went here with my Fiance and my little brother over Christmas last year and loved it. The atmosphere was a combination of old dinner and a big family dinner. Aside from the part where we had to duck out in shame because my little brother asked for ketchup to go with his chicken parm it really was perfect. The food was good - not quite 5 star blow my mind why am I not there every weekend good, but it's exactly the kind of food you expect at a good italian restaurant. I feel the same way abou the service. Even though I wouldn't call it a 5 star restaurant (and I didn't rate it as such) I'd still go here before many 5 star places.
(4)
Paul M.
Loved this place. Pre marathon meal did not disappoint.
(4)
Maricela R.
Yes! I love club lucky our waiter was super nice always passing by serving us refills with out asking. I had mozzarella fritti which was AMAZING! I also had a martini with rumchata, shrimp linguine, and ALOT of fresh bread with cheese and olive oil dip :)) overall it was delicious!
(4)
Ellen K.
A group of friends and I celebrated New Year's this year at Club Lucky. A lot of my friends are regulars there, but it was my first time since I don't live in Bucktown. They raved about the food, so I expected something really great. We had made our reservation for 10PM but called that night at about 8:30 to check on the status and to ask if it would be possible to add one more chair to our table, making us a party of 8. They were really friendly and said it was no problem to add a chair, and they let us know that they were running about 10 minutes behind. We arrived at about 10:15, but we were not seated until a little after 10:30. In that time, we had to wait in the bar area, which also has booths and the bathrooms as well as the only access to the entry, so those 15 minutes felt a lot like riding the Red Line at rush hour. When we were finally seated, we were very pleased. Even with the extra chair, I don't think any of us felt cramped or crowded. The main dining room was decorated with thousands (literally) of helium-filled balloons, while the bar area had tons of giant snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. The place really had a great ambiance for the celebration. The warm bread and olive oil was really great, though for a table of 8 we probably could have done with a bit more bread than one loaf. For apps, we ordered fried and grilled calamari. Both dishes had a great flavor, but the texture of the calamari was a little rubbery for my taste. I ordered the 8-finger cavatelli as my entree, and it was OK. I added broccoli to it, and I think the dish would have been really boring without it. If I go again, I'll probably order something else. (I would have liked to try the lobster ravioli special, but they were out of it by the time we got there.) My favorite thing that I tasted was the Horse's Head cocktail. That I will definitely try again! Where Club Lucky really shined was their outstanding service. I feel horrible for forgetting our waiter's name already, but everybody working there seemed to be in a friendly mood for having to work on a holiday. New Year's festivities at Club Lucky include a bottle of champagne per couple, hats, noisemakers, poppers and streamers, and a live band with a dance floor. Reservations were $25, and that seemed really reasonable for everything you got. We had a really good time!
(3)
Chris D.
I love Club Lucky!! Never have had a bad meal here. The place is not much to look at. Not going to win ambiance awards. But if you want great rib sticking Italian, then this place gets my vote. Again, this place is about as hole in the wall, old school Italian as it get's. It looks like a diner when you first walk in. Professional staff!! Friendly!! Outstanding wine list!!
(4)
Liz B.
I was excited to find a little hole in the wall Italian place while visiting Chicago. This place got amazing reviews so I thought I couldn't go wrong. Unfortunately it was TERRIBLE. I'm not picky, but WOW. Everything was over-cooked, not fresh, and service was mediocre. I was extremely disappointed. The decor is adorable, but they over pack the place (so it's super loud) and bump the heat. The person behind me hit into me 3 times. Maybe they had a new chef tonight? Either way, I will NOT be returning to this place.
(1)
Kyle P.
forgot how much i love this place......waiter outside was awesome, bread is best in city, calamari with the peppers is excellent and the meatball salad is a way to tell people you had a salad.....its not a salad
(5)
Dana M.
I like this restaurant. This is the second time I have been here and both times had really nice waiters. This time I had Fettucine De Campo: Grilled chicken, asparagus, roasted tomato, garlic, and olive oil, it was pretty tasty to me. I also had Gelato for dessert, yummy!
(4)
Jeremy E.
I really enjoyed my time here. I see alot of complaints about the service in other reviews, but my service was outstanding so I can't complain. Food was the highlight though. They make fresh bread which is delicious with their oil blend. For the apps, you have to get the sausage and peppers. May have been the best thing I ate all weekend. For dinner I went with the veal parm. If you can't do that right, you aren't an Italian joint. And they knocked it out of the park. Perfectly cooked and sauced. Everything I had tasted fresh and authentic. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Marisa P.
This is a fun, laid-back Italian joint which is a nice change from the typical romantic and quiet Italian restaurant playing Sinatra. The food is solid and the bread served before our meal was insanely good. We were seated right away on a busy Saturday night and had a great server. Fair warning though, this place is SUPER loud on a Saturday night!
(4)
Juliana R.
My bf and I came across this cute little joint when we were on our way to a different restaurant and decided to try this the next day, so happy we did! We had the rigatoni marinate with italian sausage, and the chicken stuffed tortellini with pesto sauce which was incredible! I highly recommend it to anyone! For drinks we tried their martinis that are supposed to be best in the city. We tried the mangotini and the flirtini, they were ok, definitely not the best, and $11 was a little excessive. The interior so cute, very 50s/diner feel to it, and a great outdoor patio which is where we dined. Staff is very friendly and attentive, all in all, we loved it here!
(4)
Nikki K.
First, I love that Club Lucky is less than a 5 minute walk from my place. Second, their food is delicious! I highly recommend the homemade tortellini - you will not be disappointed! Also, they make some delicious martinis! I love sitting in the bar area next to the jukebox and enjoying the retro decor. Great, friendly waitstaff in a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Michelle S.
I wanted to like Club Lucky because I begged my husband to go here to for like a year. I should of listened to him and stayed away. The service, food and atmosphere are the definition of average. I ordered the special, but our server brought me the wrong dish (50 Min LATER). I seriously saw everyone else get served before my own eyes. I seriously think that we were forgotten. The dish I ended up getting, and reluctantly eating was just OK. No apologizes or comps from the server or staff. Maybe I'll get around to giving this one more shot- but someone else will have to do the begging this time.
(2)
Rachel S.
Oh Club Lucky, you rogue. BF and I came here the first summer we lived in Bucktown and loved it. Therefore, we decided to return to this neighborhood gem for our 6th anniversary dinner. The verdict after nearly 3 years? Sad. Sad. Sealion. I ordered linguine with clams (red sauce) and BF ordered the chicken marsala. My linguine tasted great, but nearly every one of my clams was sandy. All the props I gave them for serving fresh littleneck clams were cancelled out by the fact that the chef(s) don't know you have soak clams in water for a few minutes so they release the sand they've accumulated. Yuck. BF's chicken marsala was oddly sweet and overall disappointing. The broccoli on the side was bland, just steamed. It was reminiscent of the lean cuisines of days gone by, before they figured out they had to make their food taste good. I told our server that my clams were sandy, and they brought tiramisu for dessert on the house, which was tasty, but, pretty darn difficult to screw up. Will not be going back, unfortunately.
(3)
Amber J.
Every time I come I try something new and fall in love all over again. Great outdoor dinning area.
(5)
Sam L.
They gave me horrible food poising from clams manager sent me $50 gift certificate we waited a month to try again for the price the food is just mediocre every time I've had it you just know better is out there especially in this city! Oggi trattoria.
(2)
Danielle K.
I make a special track here almost weekly because my boyfriend loves their salad. We always order the 'Club Lucky Salad' which is big enough for two people and I think it is $12. The bread is very good, soft and thick slices, just the way I like it. Comes with parmesan cheese and EVOO for dipping. We also sometimes get the side of italian sausage which comes with marenara sauce. Service is good even when they are busy. On Valentine's Day they gave out free roses to the ladies which was a nice touch. Make a RESERVATION if dining on the weekend. It gets busy.
(4)
Alyssa K.
the service and food never disappoint. I love this place.
(5)
Jon O.
Club Lucky serves up some decent Italian food. The inside kinda gives me the feel that I'm in a old Italian dinner or something. I guess it's the red and black and white theme with the chairs, booths and tiled floor..... The food is good as it gets and when we went we ordered family style and all shared a little of what came to the table. For starters we had the antipasto and caprese salad. The salad itself was exceptional as well as the antipasto. The antipasto had a great assortment and was almost a meal in itself. For main courses we had some chicken parmigiani and sausages. The chicken was well prepared and so was the pasta that came along with it but the grilled sausages with peppers really stood out as delicious as all get out. The service was decent and our drinks never went dry but was nothing that really stood out. I think this is because they have kinda limited seating and a large crowd on the weekends so it feels like they are trying to turn tables over as quickly as possible. But I'm just guessing there. Anyways, check it out if you are in the mood for some good Italian food. For sure try the sausages if your inner carnivore is screaming out.
(4)
Julie A.
I live right near Club Lucky, and have been there several times now. Every time, it gets worse. The last time, we got there and were told there was an hour wait. That's fine, we waited at the bar. It took us 30 minutes to get one drink at the bar. When they sat us, it was super loud and we could barely hear each other. The waiter came and took our order--two glasses of wine, a salad to start, and two dishes (linguine marinara with mushrooms and eggplant parm). The food arrived...literally...two minutes later. They slopped some pasta in a bowl and brought it over. 5 minutes later, the salad arrived. Iceberg lettuce in a bowl with some dressing on it. Then, our wines came when we had finished eating 15 minutes later and the waiter brought the check over. We sat at a table for about 20 minutes in total, paid over $80 for something I could have microwaved at home, and we shuffled out the door to turn the table over. I will never go back.
(1)
Ellen S.
Club Lucky is great for a large group dinner. We went for a birthday dinner and they offered wonderful service and good food. They allow you to bring your own cake, which they will cut and put candles on for just a dollar. While my family was singing "Happy Birthday," other families seated around us began singing along as well. The atmosphere is very friendly, and laid back. The food is solid, but nothing that stands out. This is a good place for dinner if your family is not adventurous when it comes to food, and if your looking for a less expensive city option.
(3)
Colleen G.
I love Club Lucky! I recently had my birthday here on a Friday night with 10 guests. They were extremely accommodating to our large party and our waitress was great! I ordered the Lobster Ravioli and it was great! (The bread is out of the world as well) Their cocktail list is also very impressive. I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)
Jessica C.
I went to Club Lucky for Valentine's Day! My boyfriend had made the Reservation 2 weeks in advance to insure a good time slot at 7:15 PM. We got there right on time. The Bar was packed with couples getting drinks and waiting to be seated. We went to the back of the bar and was greeted by a Host. He had us stand and wait a few minutes while they got some other people seated. Everything seemed to be going efficiently. When we made it to the Dining room it was packed. The tables were close together and the tables were long so I felt like I was far away from my boyfriend. It was also loud because of all the people. That's the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. The waiter was on point and listened to out requests even though he seemed very busy. I got the Salmon Oreganato. The Salmon came out perfect and it was probably one of the best Salmon I've ever had! I had a great experience and everything went well for our Valentine's Day Dinner! :)
(4)
Shelly S.
What a nice surprise. It's not a club, but a great Italian restaurant in a nastalgic setting. The bread was great and they have a nice selection of martinis. Salads were cold, crisp, fresh and yummy. The homemade tortellini was excellent. Really enjoyed Club Lucky.
(4)
Ali C.
I enjoyed Club Lucky with a group of 3 this past Wednesday. We arrive just after 5 and were able to enjoy the patio seating. Our waiter was helpful and friendly without being overbearing, and support staff was always present. We shared the Sausage and peppers and Calamari Calabrese which were delicious and generously portioned. Also, the infused olive oil and fresh bread was AMAZING! For dinner we shared the Tortellini and the special roasted chicken of the day, both of which were lovely . The grilled peppers and mushrooms served with it were actually my favorite over the chicken itself, so fresh and flavorful! I also ordered the lemon-drop martini, which was pretty good. Overall we were well taken care of and left very happy and full. Very good service and tasty food.
(5)
Joshua N.
300th review on Yelp goes to Club Lucky! Don't let the exterior full you it's actually pretty nice inside. The place has this weird diner/fancy Italian motif going on but it was fun. It's a little loud as well but I think that's more because there were a lot of groups the night I went. After a little confusion among the wait staff who was to take care of our table we got some drink orders in (awesome Moscow Mule) and order their "famous" calamari and I got the special raviloi bolognese they were offering. They kept the bread coming which was a great touch and filled our water of course. The calamari was fantastic and was plenty for 2 people. My raviloi was fine. And part of why I didn't go over 3 stars. I've had some insane Italian food but this wasn't mind blowing. Not for how much everything cost. I still had a good time and the staff was great. I just don't want to hype the food up.
(3)
Eric B.
I ate here again for the first time in a long time, and I felt like I was touched for the very first time. By a big fat tomato. I enjoyed it, I think you will too. First things first - cocktails! Any good old school Italian joint must take pride in their cocktails, and Club Lucky takes the new cocktail school and wraps it in the old school. Rye cocktails are featured heavily here, and they are delicious. If you are a clear liquor fan they'll fix you up with a gin or vodka martini, too, no worries, kiddo. As for the food, it is good, filling, large portions. Get the Italian Sausage and peppers, and anything with meat sauce. Perhaps not the best Italian you've ever had, but it is good and you get a lot of it; perfect for reheating the next day after a few too many cocktails. For a fun, laid back night out on the town where you don't have to get too dressed up but they'll like you even more if you do, head to Club Lucky.
(4)
Lora R.
We pulled up to the restaurant (I'm from out of town- someone else suggested it) and we thought we were at the wrong place. Surprise! We came here with a group of three families for my sister's college graduation- they made sixteen people very happy. While the food is your standard Italian fare in terms of options, everything was good quality. We ordered the calamari (both fried and grilled), the meat/cheese plate, Club Lucky salad- all to share. I ordered the chicken parm, which was served on a plate (as opposed to in a warming dish), but that was the only way in which it shorted my expectations. While the ambiance is dark, but it's a fun family atmosphere. If I lived in the area, I would return.
(5)
Tricia D.
I wondered why the outside of this place looked so familiar to me... (thinking, thinking, thinking)... oh yeah, it's the area I got lost around trying to find my parked car after a recent Wicker Park dinner at Piece. If I had to summarize the atmosphere in 3 words, it would be "diner with swag". But keep reading! By no means does Club Lucky serve up diner food. It's neighborhood Italian food, and beyond that, my, they have a mean cocktail list! Highly reco the french martini. Had I not been so stuffed after the meal, I would have loved to try one of the dessert cocktails, mixed and named after classic desserts like strawberry shortcake and key lime pie. Crusty on the outside and warm and soft on the inside, the pre-dinner bread was awesome! I inhaled a couple slices without hesitation or regard for displaying any kind of dinner manners. Do the crumbs on my mouth make my butt look big? C and I shared the tilapia special and chicken stuffed pesto tortellini special, and our waitress Brandy was absolutely right in claiming the pesto sauce was phenomenal! Entrees run about $20, with pasta dishes a couple bucks under that. C found this hot spot in a bridal magazine and was scoping it out for her rehearsal dinner, and Jeremy was warm and friendly and extremely attentive in providing us a tour of the private room and answering questions. I will definitely be back! P.S. +100 on Opentable!
(4)
Tera D.
Finally played the part of Bucktown local and took a stroll to Club Lucky for dinner. Yes, the atmosphere is old school and kind of cool, yes they have outdoor seating which is a plus, but people, the food is the epitome of mediocre. And I'm sorry, but mediocre Italian in Chicago just isn't going to cut it in my book. We shared the Club Lucky Salad and the Veal Parmesan. The salad was fine - it had what you expect, nothing more, nothing less. The veal, on the other hand, was dry, tough, served with WAY too little sauce and cheese, and alongside undercooked penne that also had too little sauce. 4 days later the leftovers are languishing in our fridge, which is a crying shame when it comes to Italian, but I just don't see the point in a second sub-par Italian meal.
The key to a great evening at Club Lucky: 1. Get a booth. Order cocktails, make friends with your server and busboy 2. Relax. 3. Have another cocktail, order an appetizer. 4. Relax 5. Split one of the ample entrees, but order your own glass of wine 6. Relax Not the right evening to hit at least five of the six points? No worries, come back when you can.
(4)
Laura L.
Always come here with big groups from outta town! Even saw a rehearsal dinner there last time. Great menu...great food...great drinks! Nice loud and Italian...how life should be! I think it would also be nice to sit up front at the booths for an more intimate setting!
(4)
Gino W.
Having been to Club Lucky twice, I can say that while it's never as good as the first time, the second time may be way better. I went for brunch a year ago and gobbled a tofu scramble and a plate of malted waffles. If I smoke, I would have had a cigarette, for sure. On my second trip I was overwhelmed with food happiness. Mojito. Bruschetta. Arribiata. As I have mentioned on my blog about Italian restaurants, the bartenders are far from sloppy, as the drinks are incredible. Bruschetta on grilled bread with plump tomatoes and olive oil simply cannot be beaten. And I should have had a pack of Marlboro's after I had the spicy arribiata. I may not have indulged a smoke afterwards, but I did waddle away thoroughly sated.
(5)
Thomas M.
Club Lucky is an Italian place that has been around for quite some time now, so it may not wow you with new, inventive cuisine. But, there's a reason why Club Lucky has withstood the test of time. It's a classically themed, cozy Italian restaurant. The portions are generous (especially the pasta) and the martinis are great. Personally, I recommend the chicken vesuvio.
(4)
Cassidy A.
Homemade Italian food in Bucktown. The homemade chicken tortellini and homemade profiterolles were the best in Chicago. Delicious bread and $6 martinis!
(4)
Kate G.
The bread alone is worth going; great service, atmosphere and skilled bartenders make you want to come back again and again as a local joint. Italian food is decent... large portions. Went for eaarly dinner on New Years Eve, they really went all out... they do have a special package, but we just wanted to grab dinner. Wait staff and Manager are tremendous!
(5)
Philip P.
I have recently re-visited my favorite italian restaurant in the chicago land area to find my night to be more warming and delicious then the last time our family enjoyed a home style meal at the Club. The food was served to us at the perfect time with such a strong tasty aroma that ensured a delicious homestyle dinner. The next week we were happy to enjoy our first italian/american style brunch at Club Lucky. Unaware of what to expect, my eggs benedict and light buttermilk pancakes were unlike anything I have experienced. And all washed down with delicious fresh squeezed orange juice! It was really something else. The people at Club lucky have always been good to us. I find myself enjoying many meals here and always enjoy their famous Lucky Martini. This is a great place, must see for Chicago. Club Lucky is very much Chicago. Thanks guys!!
(5)
L N.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Sit at the bar, order a martini and enjoy staring into your companion's face while you get toasty. Then order a bottle of wine and some appetizers such as the beef meatballs, the roasted garlic, and a salad to share. The bread is fresh and chewy and the olive oil and parm for dipping are abundant. You will be happy and full when all is said and done. It's fun to make friends at the bar and the music is usually great too.
(4)
Jordan B.
Short Version - Terrible Wait - Great Drinks - Amazing Appetizers - Good Food Long Version A friend of mine lives across the street from Club Lucky so we decided to keep things close and have dinner there on a Saturday night. The only real downside of the evening came right at the beginning. We asked how long it would be for a group of five and they told us two and a half hours. Normally I don't crazy waits like this, especially at 8pm on a Saturday night. But with my friend living across the street, we decided to go have some drinks at his house while we waited. The general manager even took down our cell phone number and offered to call when our table was ready. 90 minutes later we got the call that our table was ready. Upon walking into the dining room I was really surprised. This place is twice as big as it looks on the outside and it was packed, always a good sign in my opinion. We started off the night with a round of martinis. Everyone ordered something different but they were all amazing. The gin blossom I ordered was maybe the best I have ever had. While waiting for our drinks, they brought out the bread and olive oil. My friend had been talking it up all night I was thought I was going to be let down. But to my surprise, it was unreal. I can easily say that they served the best bread and olive oil that I have ever had in my life. The olive oil is infused with garlic and Italian seasonings and the bread is soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. From there we ordered some appetizers. We had the calabrese calamari and the stuffed artichokes. I personally can't speak to the calamari, allergic to shellfish, but the table loved it. I did have some of the stuffed artichokes and they were good. Finally on to the meal. Among the table we tried the veal parm, fettuccine alfredo, and cavatelli wth vodka sauce. Everything was good but nothing was amazing. I would have to say that the cavatelli was the best. Its a pasta made from gnocchi ingredients. All and all, it was an amazing evening. We had sub par dinner the night before at Gene & Georgetti's and Club Lucky saved Chicago's food reputation.
(4)
Josh V.
How the heck have I not reviewed Club Lucky yet?! I've eaten here more times than I can count. And actually, more times than I can remember. They have some delicious martinis... The food is generally good here. It's not out-of-this world amazing or anything, but I know I will always get a big portion of something tasty. I prefer to order off their special menus most of the time, since they usually have stuff that is yummy and unique. Their regular menu is fine, but mostly standard Italian fare. I do like their chicken parm! They also have pretty good pasta fagioli and bread. The service is for the most part better better than average, though they can have off nights like most places. The people that work there are friendly and the servers are professional. They have a full bar (did I mention the delish martinis yet?) and a respectable wine list. For some reason (perhaps this is an Italian thing?) they serve wine in what looks like little juice glasses, rather than standard wine glasses. I'm not sure how wine snobs feel about that, so this is an FYI for you. When the weather is nice, they have very pleasant outdoor seating. It's located on a quiet side street, which is a good atmosphere for dining al fresco. However if you're looking for people watching or to see-and-be-seen you won't find much of that here. The inside is nice too. It's dimly lit and clean. The main dining room can get quite loud at times. It can be a bit pricey, so it's not an every night place. But I try to get here once a month or so.
(4)
Allison T.
My husband and I had our rehearsal dinner at Club Lucky in October--It was the perfect place for us, because that's where we met 3.5 years ago! In short, we would highly recommend it for any private event! The restaurant offers two spaces to choose from: (1) the private dining room, which seats about 30 people, or (2) part of the main dining room, which seats more than 30 people. We used the private dining room, which was great for our group--It was certainly "cozy" with 4 tables of 7-8 people each in a relatively small space, but that was the feel that we were going for. The food was fantastic--Club Lucky starts you off with their homemade bread with olive oil and parmesan cheese, yum! We chose a menu of sausage and peppers and calamari calabrese for appetizers, the Club Lucky and Caesar salads, lasagna and a special pasta, chicken marsala for the entree, and an assorted dessert platter. All of the food was delicious! The food was all served family style, which helped everyone (who didn't know each other well beforehand) get to know one another better. The restaurant offers drink packages or you can pay by consumption--We just ordered 3 bottles of wine (1 white and 2 red) per table ahead of time and just ordered additional bottles as needed throughout the night. I think this was more cost effective than the drink packages. The service was outstanding! Jim Higgins, one of the owners, was awesome to work with through the planning process, and he even allowed us to choose a pasta (housemade cavatelli with parmesan infused red sauce, sausage, veal, fresh ricotta and basil) to serve that was on their specials menu one night when we dined there. Club Lucky went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great night! If you go on a regular night, I highly recommend the Club Lucky Manhattan, meat/cheese Antipasto platter, carrot cake, and housemade limoncello!
(5)
Alli W.
I love the atmosphere - we sat outside yesterday night and it was the perfect setting, not too loud and you had enough room. The fresh bread and olive oil is a great starter. I wish the menu was a tad bigger, but the overal dining experience and friendly, attentive staff makes up for any shortcomings. I will be returning!
(4)
Crista L.
Club Lucky is a neighborhood gem, set back in Chicago's greatest neighborhood, Bucktown, just one block north of North Avenue. Upon entering Club Lucky, you'll notice the warmth of the place... and the jukebox. With retro decor and traditional italian food, Club Lucky will make anyone feel warm, cozy, nostalgic, comfortable. Perfect for a date night, a quick meal, friends night out, family, kids, or large groups. Casual dress. I've never had a bad meal at Club Lucky, one appetizer I will ALWAYS order is the Calamari Calabrese. This is the BEST CALAMARI I'VE EVER HAD!!! My friends & family agree. I've never experienced bad service at Club Lucky, the staff are all very friendly and accomodating. Love doggies? Club Lucky ALWAYS has fresh water and treats (we call them Scooby Snacks) right outside their door. It's adorable to watch all of the neighborhood doggies wag their tails as they approach the restaurant.
(4)
anthony m.
The absolute worst Italian lunch we have just had. The lunch for 5 people came to a little over 87.00. And here is what we recieved: Burnt fries,so bad they were hollow and awful burgers , bad meat, and definitely NOT a half pounder as they claim , Mcdonalds would be superior compared to this poor excuse for food!!! Soggy old salad, yesterday's bread, three pats of butter for 9 slices, pasta with a tasteless greasy bolognese sauce with barely any meat, underdone penne pasta soaking wet. no grated cheese, no red pepper, and an extremely uninformed staff..all this for a mere 87.00...WOW!!!, hold me back..I would not recommend this place to an enemy, let alone a friend. To have to endure such slop is not only disgusting, but it is rude...especially with the favorable reputation this bucktown eatery has.They will definitely NOT be on my short list, I will endeavor to inform all my bucktown nieghboors what an awful lunch experience this has been, and we definitely WILL NOT be entertaining any clients there! I live and work in Bucktown , and entertain 6 nights a week, and trust me...I would rather starve then even consider visiting this miserablke excuse for a restaurant ever again.
(1)
Diana P.
I wasn't blown away by Club Lucky but if you're looking for good hearty Italian, come here. It's a diner-like atmosphere however the lighting is very low, almost making it difficult to see what you're eating (and uncomfortable). The sauces are amazing and I have never had fried mozzarella like I had here-THE BEST!!! I was disappointed at the high prices due to the atmosphere and casualness (is that a word?). I'd imagine that this place would be great for a large group because portions are big so this restaurant is nice for sharing. Overall, Club Lucky is one of those neighborhood restaurants where there's no flash just good, simple Italian dishes (pasta, parmesan, etc.)
(4)
Jill D.
Good drinks- it's a cute diner looking place - nothing too special but the food and service was good.
(4)
Tiffaney G.
Old school Chi-town secret! The service is good, but the food is better. I have been here a handful of times, and I can't help but buy their homemade sauce at Whole Foods every week for our family meals. I have had a different dish every time I have visited and never been disappointed.
(5)
Andrew S.
This is our go-to place for out of town guests and low key nights out. We always enjoy the fresh hot bread, the pastas, and my personal favorite, ribs. The cocktails are also incredible. The only thing holding me back from giving 5 stars is the bad lighting and very crowded seating. If you aren't lucky enough to get a booth, you can count on being bumped into every 5 minutes by a waiter or patron leaving their seat.
(4)
Lisa S.
Club Lucky is always solid, not AMAZING, but solid. The drinks are definitely superior for a neighborhood restaurant. I had a dirty martini with blue cheese olives. My friends tried other martinis, and all were good. For starters, I had the stuffed artichoke, which was very tasty and not too heavy on stuffing. The chicken tortellini was very good, and the vodka sauce had just the right amount of cream to not be too heavy. The pine nuts in the sauce add just the right touch. Dessert was ok. We shared gelato, tiramisu and cannoli. The cannoli was a little dry, though I'm not a big cannoli fan anyway. To be honest, the pistachio gelato was probably the best dessert. I wish we had ordered the profiteroles, but oh well.
(4)
Kammie G.
This is a cool restaurant hidden in Wicker Park. We sat outside in the patio and my friend said it reminds him of LA: the tables are very close together, cars driving by, the food was really good. The staff was accommodating although not as attentive as they should be. The veal marsala was delicious, and it was the first time I had veal in a restaurant (my mother makes it at home quite often though) and I have to say it was a pleasant experience and only deepened my appreciation for veal. We also shared the Club Lucky Salad which included a variety of grilled and raw veggies. The bread was warm and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. We had to ask for a plate with olive oil as they did apparently bring out the bread only with butter (yuck). The wine is served in cute little glasses although I think I like traditional wine glasses better, but that's all up to the person. In general, I liked being at this restaurant and will return.
(4)
Tim S.
We used to go here when it was one of the few places in the hood and were never let down so when my old friend, who introduced me to the place, came in we decided to go check it out after all these years. It was a slow weeknight so the service was beyond attentive, when asked if they could make a specific dish we were happily accommodated. Servings are more than ample and very tasty, just like I remember. We retired to the bar for drinks and to watch the game to find the level of service carry to the bar as well. I will happily reintroduce it into the rounds after all these years.
(4)
Steve M.
Ate outside at the buck town garden walk. The beer garden menu was pretty sad. Not much choice. Had the fried ravioli. I could see the cheese in it, but could not taste it. Cannot recommend the place.
(1)
Emily P.
My grandma never cooks anymore, which makes me sad. With that said, Club Lucky had the best gnocchi I've had in YEARS. And an amazing cocktail or 3 to go with. The staff is incredibly friendly, our waiter was EXTREMELY attentive, and the servings were just right. I had going to a restaurant and they give me this giant serving that goes to waste because honestly...who can finish it? I still had leftovers after eating here, and gladly ate them for lunch the next day. This was my first visit here and I went with my boyfriend, who said he had been there before and it had improved drastically.
(5)
Don H.
I always confuse this place with Silver Cloud. No reason to since they couldn't be more opposite. The first time I came to Club Lucky was during the holidays, snowy and all. When I walked in to pickup takeaway, it was a winter wonderland inside, albeit a much warmer version. Fast forward a few years, my partner and I decide to take our foodie friend for a celebratory (but late) birthday dinner. We stumbled here after other options were closed (it was a Sunday around 4p) and our friend hadn't been here for a while. The front was understated, though still drenched in a 1930s-era whiteness. The backroom and main dining room with something I didn't expect: almost a 1930s-era supper club. I actually was waiting for the same smell I've experienced in the cabin of, say, a 1937 Hudson Terraplane. We did it up with apps and dinner. We are not shy eaters and the portions did not disappoint. This is the type of restaurant I could take my dad: good value, giant portions and a doggie bag. It's also the kind of understated place to come on a second date (it's just a tad too loud for a first date). I got the rigatoni with sausage. For classical, simple Italian food it was rather good. Good flavors, a bit on the salty side. Classy food like this doesn't come cheap, however. With two apps, three dinners and no alcohol, the bill came to $90 without tip. Not cheap. But nice.
(3)
Anthony M.
I am a little torn on this review...I use to be a regular at this restaurant about 14 years ago...this was my go to place where I brought my clients in from out of town and they just loved it. In fact, they would ask me to take them there when they were in town. Fast forward to today...yes it has been 14 years since I was here and I decided to take my wife here for lunch. Let's talk about the positives. Good thought in all of the Christmas decorations..they really care about the holidays because it takes time to hang everything in here. It is definately a nice festive atmosphere. The bread that hits the table is amazing...fresh, soft, crunchy and warm...just like I remember it...the bread gets 5 stars...best bread in the city. We had the Italian Pastina Soup...that was amazing...lots of pieces of shredded chicken in the bowl and really delicious. We also had the chicken Parm and this is where there was a let down. The side of pasta and red sauce was so good but the chicken parm was really bland. It was like the chef forgot to season the batter because it was lacking any taste at all. The chicken was also not juicy...it was a little dry. So that is where I am torn...everything was great except the main course and for 15 dollars you would think that the chicken would have been perfect...also it was less Chicken parm and more like 4 little bland chicken fingers covered in sauce. The management and chef really need to look at this because it is completely wrong. The waiter was amazing and really friendly...he did ask if everything was alright but I didnt have the heart to tell him that the chicken was terrible. I hate sending back food because I am afraid that they will add some special sauce to my order when it comes back to the table. Still a great location, great staff, amazing atmosphere, most of the food was really good too but I am talking about free bread, soup and the side...the main course was lacking in any wow factor!!! I wish Yelp had a half star because my review would be more of 3.5 Stars!!!
(4)
Lori Taylor R.
Calamari! So many places offer it, so few do it right. Luckily, we've finally found amazing calamari and it's super close to home. The serving size was more than needed for a party of four. Although, our tiny two top table had no complaints polishing off the entire plate. This was by far the best calamari we've had in Chicago and possibly ever! It was cooked to perfection. Not overdone, tough or rubbery, but tender and flavorful. The pieces were enormous, not the typical thin rings, but large thick slices. Several preparations are offered. Even though, my review only mentions the Calamari - Our overall experience was great, but the Calamari is what my husband and I continue rave over.
(4)
Mark A.
I have been to Club Lucky a few times and every time it seems to be getting worse. It is a shame because I do remember really enjoying it years ago. I am hoping they can get out of the rut they seem to be experiencing.
(2)
Kerra C.
Great American-Italian joint. Cozy but so dark you can't even see the menu!
(4)
Erika G.
This was my first "restaurant hangout" when I moved back to Chicago after a brief respite in heLL-A. The food was great, and after all those martinis I drank at CL (baby's grown up now, and is not so stupid), the food was a necessity. Best calamari in town, still. Vinegarette dressing, broiled, done - and sop up the rest with the delicious bread instead of having breaded calamari. Why bread something as delicious as calamri? Utterly yummy pasta, and always enough for a meal the next day. I love the family-style, somewhat boisterous vibe. Absolutely great for a group. My favorite bartender, that used to work here (see following review for Avec) is not here anymore. I used to bug him incessently about making me a martini with a baby gherkin garnish. Cute, huh? For awhile, there was a jar of baby gherkins behind the bar, just for me. I had my 32nd birthday here, ah yes. Meeeeeeeemmmmmmmmriiieeees!
(4)
Michelle S.
I'm a huge fan. I went to Club Lucky in search of salmon. It was an early dinner (around 5pm) and I sat at the bar where a friendly bartender greeted me. I ordered hot tea, which was also refilled through out my experience. I modified my salmon to my liking and it came out perfect. It wasn't over cooked or undercooked, easy to eat with a fork, and perfectly seasoned. I will definitely be back. I couldn't wait to tell my friends about going there for our next dinner. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Christina G.
This is a nice casual diner-style restaurant with good Italian food. I didn't try the bread but my family loved it and it came out warm which is a plus for bread. I see other people think the prices are high, but really I feel like the prices are reasonable. One nice thing is you can add a donation when you get your check to the National MS Society.
(3)
Brian M.
Been here a handful of times and every time I'm impressed with Club Lucky. They have some amazing dishes that really stand out amongst Italian restaurants across Chicago. First the bread is great, hard and crusty, fresh baked. Their Calamari both grilled and fried will come out cooked to perfection. The Fish salad is a great app, but also goes great as a meal, I've had it for lunch a few times and it's really a great mix. I've had the veal oreganato here when it's on special, it's incredible, I recommend it to anyone that would normally order a parm or vesuvio dish. You'll be blown away. Also had the lasagna with veal meatballs. Very rarely will i order lasagna at an Italian restaurant, since it's not that hard of a dish to make ok, but to make it great, it's pretty tough. Well Club Lucky does a fantastic job with their lasagna, a great blend of cheese, meat, sauce, and pasta. Also the veal meatballs are great and much better then any meatballs I've ever had.
(5)
Robin R.
Went to Club Lucky on a recent Saturday night fairly late (9:30), I live pretty close and walk by a fair amount and there always seemed to be people there so I put it on my list to try. The fact that they serve food late is a major plus in my book. The service was quite nice and friendly, but I was surprised by the menu, it's what I would term "very traditional american" italian, but that's not itself a bad thing. The food was a solid meh, my girlfriend got the tortellini with vodka sauce, the tortellini seemed to be homemade but the sauce seemed premade, my linguini with olive oil and garlic and grilled chicken was good and quite flavorful but didn't feel worth $16. In the end $55 for 2 beers, 1 bruschetta, 2 pasta dishes (not fresh pasta) was dissappointing. I'll not go out of my way to dine at Club Lucky again but probably would go if I was craving generic Italian
(2)
P A.
Had an amazing pasta experience here on 2 occasions. My hubby and I agree, this pasta is so fresh, so perfectly made, the sauce and meatballs are the best, the absolute best so far that we have found in the City of Chicago. This pasta fills us up, it is always steaming hot, genuine, delicious, aromatic and more. WE DO NOT FEEL BLOATED after eating here, which amazes us because we also eat so much of the bread as well while dipping in olive oil. The ambience is nice here and the service so far has been very professional. I had a french martini, good but the glass was too small and chincy - not like to big fancy martini glasses at Mortons.....so I'm confused why they claim that they are famous for martinis while there choice of the glass is so small.....
(5)
Tom M.
I go there annually 5 years running w/ my buddy to take the edge off the night before the Chicago Triathlon. This time we dined al fresco w/ 2 other friends also participating in the event. I think they changed the menu a little this year but figured it out w/ the help of the always attentive staff and ordered the old stand by Caprese salad, grilled Calamari, and for the main course Filet Peperonata which honestly could use a couple more potato wedges (my only criticism). Polished this off w/ a couple cold beers to carb load for the next days race and left w/ a full belly and looking forward to returning again next year.
(4)
Zuri B.
Every day on my way to work and home I drive by the big Club Lucky sign so when a friend recommended it (knowing Italian is my favorite of all foods) I couldn't wait. I was very disappointed in the service, the food, the look of the place and its overall cheap feel. Don't get me wrong, I love Bucktown and I wasn't expecting Bijans downtown but I felt this place is very "one and done". I rather eat with the kids from Jersey Shore than go back to this wannabe Goodfellas diner. But that's just one man's opinion...
(1)
Erin M.
I really wanted to love this place but the food was lacking that wow factor. The bread is homemade, warm and amazing. The soups and salads are fantastic but as far as the actual dishes go, they just are passable. Ambiance is great. Service is friendly too.
(3)
Richard C.
I lived in this neighborhood for a year and less than a block from Club Lucky. I finally went tonight and it was just OK. We went on a Friday night and had to wait 30 at the bar, which was OK, but the drinks weren't cheap and I didn't see anyone drinking beer. Also, this will sound weird, but the ergonomics of the bar are bad. I felt like my feet kept hitting the wood and I had to make a huge effort just to lean my whole body over the bar to hold onto my drink. You'll know when you go there. The linguine, garlic, and olive oil entree with grilled chicken was actually quite tasty. I could tell the garlic was fresh, chicken grilled well, and olive oil was quality. The bread appetizer was fresh and hot, too. The atmosphere, however, was awful: TOO LOUD and TOO DARK. I couldn't hear my waiter and then had to use my iPhone as a flashlight to read the menu, whose descriptions are in 6-point italics. Weird that most people complain about the food and love the atmosphere. I'm the opposite. I might return to try the patio so I can escape the jail-cell-like decor while still getting the food, but the prices are kind of a rip off anyway.
(3)
Jeffrey W.
10 years ago I would have given Club Lucky 4, maybe even 5 stars. I've only been here twice in the past 18 months, because their prices keep going up and nothing has really changed. We went to dinner this week and it was the overall experience was less than average. The good: the stuffed artichoke, the bread and the lasagna. The bad: the drinks, linguine with clams and the overall experience for the price. $10 for a stuffed artichoke? Really? I had a glass of the most expensive cabernet ($9.50) and my glass came only half full. The linguine with clams was bland and the clams did not seem fresh. I'm not sure I'm every coming back here. I'm not a hater as I once loved this place when the food tasted better and the prices were more reasonable. $14.95 for basic pasta squares?? Come on, these used to be $8.99 7 or 8 years ago. But hey, all the new yuppies and families that live in this neighborhood are happy to pay those prices, so whatever. So our total bill for the stuffed artichoke, two entrees and two drinks was more than $75 (with tip). No thanks. This doesn't mean that I might not stop back for a martini, which is still the only thing that remains good.
(2)
Ben K.
Club Lucky is alright. The food is solid (a tasty if atypical penne arrabiatta and very nice calamari). The atmosphere feels fairly casual but seems to attract a trendy, well-dressed crowd. There's a nice outdoor patio. My only real complaint is the price. There are a ton of great italian restaurants around and this one totally lacks authenticity. If I'm paying $17-20 a plate for a nice italian meal, I want to feel like I'm getting something real. This experience was kind of cookie cutter.
(3)
Amy H.
All I knew of Club Lucky was that it was a stop on the annual Chiditarod - Epic Urban Iditarod. The interior was cool...I liked the bar-stools...and the bathroom was clean. Beyond that, the only experience that I had with Club Lucky was drinking beerz in the side lot while I protected my shopping cart from sabotage. Well, the other night I actually dined at Club Lucky. It was good. I enjoyed my chicken parmigiana and a few glasses of pinot noir. The grilled calamari was yuuu-huuuu-my!! The little squids were covered in a garlicky tomato sauce with capers in it. Odd...but it worked. I wanted to lick the plate, but thought my date would think it was tacky...or he might have been impressed. Who knows? Now here is something that really irked me. They were filming a commercial of some sort on the night I was there. The guy that was doing the filming did not ask the people dining if they wanted to be filmed...he would just shine his bright klieg light on them and start rolling. As my server was delivering my chicken parmigiana the film dude told the server to take my plate away and serve me again so he could get it on film. Huh??? First, I don't want to be filmed. I want to enjoy my meal. Second, I'm farking hungry and I want my food!! Third, how about asking if I would like to be part of this little commercial and asking if I would mind being re-served my dish before you take it away??? I pulled the manager aside and he said that if I didn't want to be filmed they would take me off, but it was too late. I was already irritated by the film dude. This is something that he should mention before he started randomly filming people. I really just wanted to enjoy my meal and the added distraction and akwardness of the film dude made it impossible. That the owners/management of Club Lucky allowed this to happen makes me deduct one star.
(3)
Caitlyn M.
This place does not disappoint! We go for the ambiance and the food, we always leave happy and STUFFED! I wake up dreaming of the Calamari Calabrese - it's delicious! I also would recommend their red sauce, the lasagna, the arrabiata sauce and their bread (careful not to eat too much before your giant meal comes!). You will not regret topping all that off with their Tiramisu or Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake! Mangia' italiano!
(4)
Nicolas H.
Huge fan of the bar here. I've had a few of the appetizers and they were damn good, don't get me wrong, but for some reason we keep coming back to the bar to hang out and always have a good time. The drinks are great, especially since I had my first anchovy stuffed olive here. Oh, and don't forget the service, some of the best bartenders in the city...
(5)
Heather S.
Wonderful meal - food and service were great. Very good italian food. We sat outside on a gorgeous day! The drinks were really great!!
(4)
Kari S.
I used to love club lucky, now I will probably not go back. A week ago my husband and I took my parents for dinner. We shared two salads, numerous glasses of wine, and each ordered an entree. I asked for several pieces of rotini pasta for my 9 month old baby, and was shocked when we were charged $5.00 for it. I needed about 5 pieces to cut up, they brought about 10. Regardless of the 5 or 10 noodles, I am completely appalled that we were charged $5 after what our bill amounted to with all of our dinners. I fully understand charging for kids who actually eat, but I just needed something to give my daughter to keep her busy. I would have gladly given her some of my food but there were pine nuts, and that is an allergen (you aren't supposed to give to babies under 1). I hope I am not sounding like one of those parents who think that because they have kids, they deserve ___ (let me also note we tip extra because of said eater-in-training), but I really don't think I'm off base with asking an ITALIAN restaurant to give me just a few pieces of cooked pasta. Let's agree that the cost of cooked pasta is negligible and that what they charged us was borderline robbery. Ciao Club Lucky.
(2)
Scott F.
Awesome neighborhood spot with kickass Italian food and the best damn martinis in the hood. Scotty is one of the best bartenders around. Seriously, if you haven't, check this spot out!
(5)
Ela G.
Hi Neighbor! I live right across the street from Club Lucky, so when I'm so lazy and tired that I can't even be bothered to make myself cereal, I go to Club Lucky. I've been there enough now to know that there are a few things they do really well, and a few that are just "Eh". Here are some highlights for me: Bread - crusty and delicious and warm. Hook me up with some olive oil and parm cheese. Yes. Club Lucky Salad - so simple but their dressing is the perfect combination of tangy and tart. Shrimp Scampi - Delcious and garlicy to the max with tons of flavor and lemon. On the menu you have to choose between spinach or fettucine, but I say order it with BOTH. There's an up-charge but so worth it. Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parm, Lasagna, etc. etc. - If you're looking for the traditional italian favorites, I think Club Lucky is great. It's not outside the box in any way, but the relaxed atmosphere and dependable food will satisfy your craving for italian well-enough. Also check out the bar - on any night of the week it's a great time with friends. Also the special menu often times has the best selections on the menu, so investigate that. The service is almost always excelletn here, and I especially thank the busboys who are friendly and attentive. Note for improvement - I WISH they made their own pasta - that would totally take club lucky to the next level...PLEASE!
(3)
Marni P.
Club Lucky- The Boy and I met here 6.5 yrs ago. I thank you for that (most of the time). Kudos to you for offering gluten free pasta. I don't need it, but it makes me feel good and skinnier anyways. Eggplant parm is my go-to dish here. Thin and layered, like lasagna. Warm bread and olive oil (you have to ask for it) is a can't miss! We lived across the street up until a week ago. Would've thought we'd be much more like regulars here, but we just found ourselves elsewhere more often. Love the patio during the summer and the dog-friendliness of it all. Good food, great casual vibe, upbeat atmosphere.
(4)
J W.
I so wish I could give the 4 stars Club Lucky deserves, but closing out the bill was such a circus that I just can't do it. 6:30 reservations for 7 people on Friday, we were seated in the dining room. Only a few other tables, but within an hour the number of diners had risen appropriately for the city dinner hour. The bread is as amazing as everyone raves, just don't fill up before dinner! Drinks are reasonable and they have a nice list of custom cocktails and specialty wines- you're sure to find something you like. The tortellini is out of this world, I love pine nuts and the sauce was perfectly thick and tasty without being too much. Someone had the sausage and peppers, someone else had the ribs, someone else ordered their October pink pasta (proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness)... everyone was pleased with their food!!! WIN!!! I spoke with the server before we ordered to alert her that we would be having three separate tabs, she said it wouldn't be a problem, that she could not split it up while we were ordering but that she could do it when we were closing out. 8:00 Given the check, with everything on one tab 8:10 Server stops by, I ask her if she could please split it up as we previously discussed? No, the system won't allow it, you have to do it yourself 8:20 Server stops by, she sees that we split it up by card ie: card #1 gets this, this, and this... No, I need you to do the math and tell me how much goes on each card 8:30 Math Math Math (not fun after several cocktails), server stops by and picks up the math and the cards 8:40 Server comes back, she can't split the tab after all, it all has to be on one card. Really? You didn't know that before? She gives us back the three cards, we give her one card. Math down the drain I guess. 8:50 Server comes back, she was able to put the tab on the three cards after all, she presents us with the receipts for the three cards that she has already given back to us!!! How is the correct math on these three cards when you just said it couldn't be done??? 9:00 Tab paid. We can leave now. Am I hungry again? This additional hour of frustration and confusion really put a kibosh on an otherwise lovely experience. My father spoke with the manager, who blamed the whole ordeal on their ancient PoS system. Technology can be updated and servers can be trained, time can't be returned. And on top of that we walked outside and there was a massive line of people waiting to be seated. It is unfortunate that those people had to wait an hour to drink and eat when they could have been seated a while ago... (I'm not a heartless person, I've been a server and I know it gets busy and hectic- but I always appreciated the upfront table who would give me a heads up about separate checks, and if it wasn't possible to accommodate their request I would verbalize it, this particular situation had minimal to no communication and we really did far more work than I ever imagined) I have always had a good time at Club Lucky but I felt terrible that my out of town guests had to sit through the ordeal. I will go back, but not with a large group and maybe I wait until they get a new PoS System.
(2)
Matt S.
Tucked away on the side streets of Bucktown, this is a place that we truly stumbled upon. After moving into the area, we stopped one day for a quick brunch and were pleasantly surprised with the options and vowed to come back for dinner. In the midst of summer, on Friday night we decided to make our way back. Thinking (mistakenly) that we wouldn't need reservations, we just walked over. The place still appeared to be the quiet neighborhood joint we thought it was after brunch. Not. So. We opened the front door and entered a raucous, loud (stereotypically Italian) restaurant where the host/owner appeared to know almost everyone there. We had to wait an hour for our table and spent the time having a martini and their calamari. The menu is your typical Italian, but everything is homemade and the quality of ingredients is top notch! You can't miss with the lasagna and they also have a very nice healthy(ish) pasta with chicken, asparagus that is tossed in olive oil. Highly recommend this place!
(4)
Czarina C.
Here's lookin at you, kid. Goodbye present-day Bucktown and hello Chicago circa 1940s. My husband and I were just taking a walk enjoying the spring evening when we walked right past a giant ad for Club Lucky painted onto the brick exterior of a building with an arrow pointing down the street. On a lark, we decided to follow it and found ourselves at Club Lucky, which looked like it came straight off a movie set starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. We didn't feel like waiting 30 minutes for a table outside so we opted for a booth in the main dining room in the back. Good thing we did, because I happen to love booths and this one was just like butta baby. The dining room was large, with a floor made for dancing and dated drapes and fixtures. You can kind of tell this place must have been the shiz back in the day, but I had no idea it was even nestled here in my own neighborhood. The bread was warm and chunky, served traditional style with all the olive oil, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese a girl could want. We also ordered a bottle of Moscato (I'm a fan of dessert before dinner) and started with the Mozzarella Fritti (freshly breaded and fried buffalo mozzarella) which was deeelish. I ordered Chicken Parmigiana (one of my standby Italian food staples) and it was good, but not as breaded as I normally like. It was huge though so I ate it for lunch two days later and somehow it tasted better as leftovers. Can't decide if that's a good thing or not. Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed the family style feel of this joint, and the food was good enough to want to come back and try something else. 3.5 stars for sure.
(3)
Stacy C.
I just went to Club Lucky and cannot say enough good things about it. They have the friendliest staff that make you feel right at home. Everything I have ever ordered has been delicious and is a huge portion.
(5)
MP J.
Food is fine, not great but good. Have eaten there several times but ordered tonight via grub hub, why not, had a promo code (Club Lucky is a bit overpriced for a run of the mill Friday night). In any event not sure if the problem is grub hub or Club Lucky but the promo code did not work, no discount. I'm not much one for second chances with restaurants or, really any service provider so unlikely I will use grub hub or order or go to Club Lucky again. Too many other choices to live with bad service.
(2)
Kathleen C.
Ah, Club Lucky...I had been giving glowing reviews to anyone who would listen about you! What have you done? So, in all fairness, I have only visited Club Lucky twice...once on the patio and once inside (both for dinner). My first visit was superb. The food was delicious, the service was great and I thought the pricing was very reasonable. I would have given you a 4 Club Lucky! For my second visit, I was with a group and we were trying to carb load (sort of) for a race, so I figured Club Lucky would be a perfect place to visit. I will say that service of the host is fantastic. We were disappointed to hear about a 45min to an hour wait, but hey, we didn't have reservations, so shame on us. However, after about 20 min, the host let us know that a reservation had bailed, so we could have their table - yay! so, a 5 for the host! Service at the table...however...left a bit to be desired. Our server was nice enough, but I would call him overbearing. One of my friends commented that he only seemed to come around to try and up sell us something (wine anyone?). The most blatant up sell was his attempt to get us to order more appetizers...we had already ordered the sausage as well as the pizza bread (plus the bread that came with the table was also there...) for a table of 5. He was pushing calamari on top of that (thankfully, we declined). And for the 5 of us...we had too much food in terms of appetizers, so not sure why he seemed so skeptical of our order. He also came multiple times to try and get us to order wine (now, this is not unusual at restaurants, but when a few of us didn't order glasses, he kept asking and asking....). We had to decline dessert a few times... So, this server, while friendly enough I guess, annoyed us..and is bringing service all the way down to a 3. The atmosphere is nice (nicer on the patio) and really loud inside, so I'm going to with a 3. Bathrooms - quite nice and clean, so a 4. On to the food.... The first visit was delicious. I was not so impressed by my second visit. My chicken Parmesan was not very flavorful and tasted like something I could get anywhere. It was ok, but not spectacular. I tried one of the pastas and it was really salty. The general consensus of the table was that the food was ok, but not great (well, aside from the lamb special which was devoured). So, a 3 for food...ok, but nothing special. The value is pretty good. I would say that you get a lot of food for the price, so that's nice. A 4 for value. I was so disappointed in my second visit....I wish it had been more like the first!
(3)
Robert P.
What a great place. Really great food and incredible drinks. Thanks Laurie!!!!
(5)
Liz L.
Good solid food, everything tastes fresh, and enough options for vegetarians to keep me happy, although there isn't a lot. The staff is friendly and, best of all, they have plenty of outdoor seating if you want to tie your dog next to the table.
(4)
Maggie M.
really good food, but it was very loud.
(4)
Kori E.
We have been talking about going to Club Lucky for quite some time, and finally made it here last Friday night and this place was packed! The dining room literally has table upon table pushed up against each other to accommodate the masses! We sat down at our table, and looking around the place I seriously felt like I was back in time! HA! I loved it! We ordered the special appetizer - the mussel and they were delicious! Especially the garlicky salty piece of bread stuck in the broth! mmm! I got the Penne Arrabiata, ever since I came back from Italy two years ago I have been hunting down that delicious spicy arrabiata sauce, and its not easy to find! Club Lucky did a pretty good job with it. It was spicy and delicious! My boyfriend got the Pork Chop Vesuvio - I dont eat pork, so I have no idea what it tasted like, but the spinach and potatoes that went with it were very good! We ordered the tiramisu for our dessert and it was nothing special at all, we could have done without. The reason I am giving four stars is because of our excellent waitress! She was probably one of the best waitresses I've had in a very long time! All and all, I'm pretty sure we'll be back...
(4)
Taryn T.
Out with friends and want a super affordable, delicious, sit-down Italian dinner? Get the family-style portions here. Four of us ate a three-course meal (salad, brick chicken, pasta, broccoli, and cannolis and coffee for dessert) and the total was $60... meaning $15 per person, plus tip. YES, you read that correctly. Club Lucky has a nice-sized patio section, and the people watching there is great - the restaurant is tucked away from the main Wicker Park drag and surrounded by single-family homes, so it's very calm and you'll see a lot of awesome dogs being paraded around on the sidewalks through the course of your meal. Loved it and would definitely go back!
(4)
Vanessa R.
This place is way too overpriced for the quality of the food... I've had better italian from Buitoni!!! BUT they serve a nice stiff drink!
(3)
Stephanie C.
I went here for a friend's surprise birthday party and really had a great time. We had a large party (about 14 people) and were given a room in the back of the restaurant which we shared with another large party. The service was great; wine came out a regular clip and they allowed us to take our time ordering, eating and didn't rush us out at point. We had a bunch of different appetizers, the calamari and caprese salad were on point and great for large parties. Everyone ordered their own entrees and I think the majority of folks ordered a pasta based dish. Only one person said they weren't thrilled with their order (ravioli), but everyone else seemed to be pretty happy. We had almost one of each desserts were equally tasty as well as some grappa and limoncello. This place can get loud, but is a great neighborhood location.
(4)
Rick S.
This one of my favorite places in Chicago for really good Italian food. It never seems to disappoint me, even if its been awhile since I have visited. The food is always great, the martinis excellent, the prices reasonable and the atmosphere wonderful. A wonderful place to meet for a special date. And a great place for a more mature crowd.
(5)
Andy M.
Another great Chicago lounge and eatery. The back Italin food area is great but pricey. They have a front bar with no beer on tap for you lounge snobs. The decor and hidden location makes this another bucktown trendy place to go for locals. This is a nice retro neighborhood eatery that those who live nearby should be ashamed if they never gave it a try. The prices are high but if you can afford to live in this area you should not complain about food prices of places near by such as this that makes your area awsome.
(4)
Lydia T.
Club lucky..you are definitely missed! Even though I live in the Italian Market area in Philly I still think of you fondly. Totally should be visited if you are in the neighborhood!
(3)
MELEK L.
Never heard about nor seen Club Lucky before. Apparently I am the only one! My friends told me this used to be THE place to be "back in the day". It seems to me that they haven't changed much in all those years. It is extremely old skool with gigantic booths, ironic drapes, and that general checkered floor feeling. I ordered the Spicy Penne and my date had the Chicken Parm. Though my date never offered me a bite (shame), his dish looked pretty good. Plenty of cheese and a generous side of pasta. My penne was simple yet tasty with the perfect amount of spiciness. Honestly a little boring and not loaded with "plenty of basil" as stated on the menu. Sadly the dining room was lonely with only a few tables occupied. But there were two things even more sad. The way the waiter shuffled around, for instance. I don't know exactly why, but this drives me nuts. Pick up your feet!! And the sad, sad lump of cookie they plopped on the table for dessert. (Brownstone's cookie skillet has completely ruined all future cookie desserts for me.) It was maybe 1.5-2 inches thick and rock hard. Thankfully it was topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, so I could pretend to get my sweet on. The thing that impressed me most about Club Lucky was the manager (I assume) who made sure to thank us on our way out. The thing that impressed me the least was the dirty bathroom. Still, I would go back.
(3)
Susan S.
Truly loved this place. Found it in Time Out Chicago and tried it. I always look for baked clams so this was why I chose it. It's nothing to look at from the outside, but what a place. I love the bar; it's so Mad Men era. Anyway, the clams weren't anything to write about, but we had the special pasta with tomato cream sauce and sausage and it was just so delicious! I had the drink special; the one they concocted on their own and it was quite fun and tasty. I just loved the atmosphere and the food. I love Italian salad dressing; being a NY'er I always look for a good, basic house italian vinegar dressing and it was just what I wanted. I will definitely be back. It was nice to sit outside in a quiet neighborhood sort of atmosphere, as well.
(4)
Bess R.
I've been going to Club Lucky for the 6 years I've lived in Chicago, and it's always a good standard. We had a great time last night with a group of 6. Went for an early reservation (6:15) and were seated right away. The bread was perfect, and we had the waiter bring us some olive oil which we quickly mixed with some fresh parmesan cheese. mmm... We started with the Bruschetta and Grilled Calamari. Both were tasty (and the calamari was very tender!). I had the Chicken Parm for dinner. It was exactly as expected - tender chicken and zesty marinara sauce. My hubby had the pork chops and liked them a lot. They now offer gluten-free pasta too! Everyone actually loved their meals. Their food is standard Italian and perfectly done. Down sides? Drinks were WAY expensive. 8.50 for a little vodka soda? hmm. Couple screaming kids too, but I guess there's not much you can do about that. Great night, great meal. We'll be back!
(4)
Lynsay L.
I love the classic vibe that this restaurant gives off. From the music to the decor, it has a cozy "mom's kitchen" feel. And if your mom gets down in the kitchen like mine does...then you know what I'm talking about. After a few drinks at the bar (kilo kaitini...yes, please), serviced by a super friendly and witty bartender, we capitalized on the gorgeous weather an opted to sit outside. Continued great service, outstanding calamari, tender filet, and yummy, yummy gnocchi (both Specials for the evening.) Warm tollhouse cookie for dessert. Done and done. I was definitely feelin' Lucky.
(4)
Ryan T.
This place is just classy. I go hear about once a month, it is a great place during the day to meet with a friend or hold a business meeting. At night it is a killer neighborhood hang out. Everything they serve is top notch. They have great soups in the winter, their salads are crisp and delicious. Their bread is amazing. All of their entrees are goud (I like the eggplant sandwhich), though be warned a bit on the large side (it is Italian food after all). They make a great dring too. The beer is always cold.
(5)
Christine L.
I love you Club Lucky. Let me count the ways... One. Your supper club charm. From the first moment I stepped foot into your door and into a picture of the 40s and 50s I was swept off my feet. Two. Your amazing Italian fare. Never have I been disappointed with the fruits of your kitchen. From the homemade noodles and sauce of your pastas to the chicken marsala and the eggplant parmesan. Every morsel is satisfying and filling. Three. Your generous portion sizes. Dinner for tonight and lunch for tomorrow? Why of course! The morning after one of your mouth watering meals is a test to my willpower to save my delectable leftovers until the lunchtime hour. I may or may not have eaten your fare for breakfast on occasion. Nom, nom, nom. Four. Your party atmosphere. Your dining room is filled with laughter and voices and chaos, making me feel as though I am in the kitchen of a long lost Italian grandmother and surrounded by friends. Five. Your private party room. My love of you Club Lucky is apparent and what better place to hold my wedding rehearsal dinner than in an atmosphere I adore? Sharing a five course meal and dozens of carafes of wine with my closest family and friends was a perfect evening. Your private party room was perfectly sized for our group of 35. Accolades from all in attendance of course. So many reasons to adore you Club Lucky, and one more? Why your convenient location within walking distance of my abode. Singing your praises till my next excursion...
(5)
Kathy J.
Went here on a Saturday night mostly due to location and easy access via public transit. The food was very good. We had the veggie antipasta which was a plentiful array of fresh grilled vegetables. Our pasta dishes were good also.We were quickly and warmly greeted by the host and were seated right at our reservation time. The service went downhill after our initial welcome. The service was slow and not very cordial. In addition, our waiter tried to make us feel responsible for his lack of attention. We asked for wine with the meal. The meal was delivered by our busman. After we had been eating for a while I looked around for our server. He was no where to be found. When we finally did see him and flag him (literally) down. He said "I didn't forget you pal, I was waiting for the food to come out." I am not sure how he would have known the food came out as he didn't follow it out and he was not in the dining area. Long after we had finished eating and were ready to leave he finally came to check on us and said, "yeah it looked like you weren't interested in dessert." Again, I don't know how he would have known that. One person in our group asked him for marinara which eventually did come out after quite a bit of time, thanks to the busman- but again, our server was not very attentive. Actually, there were many busman hustling around but few servers available. One waitress came out on the floor eating. The dining room was very noisy and made it difficult for conversation. For $170 dinner for 4 I would have expected a better experience, a more interested server, and a quieter environment.
(3)
Nick R.
Steve is the man! Great suggestions. Fantastic meals always and a regular customer! Outdoor seating in the summer too.
(5)
Mary Ann C.
We brought a group of six here tonight for dinner and had a lovely time! I have wanted to try this place for years, and we finally got the chance tonight! Service was great. The decor was lovely. There were plenty of families (which made it better for us, as we have a toddler) but also many couples. Fresh, warm bread was readily provided, and we paired it with calamari. Yumm! Can't go wrong with either of these! I had the chicken tortellini for dinner, served with peas and pinenuts in a red cream sauce. It was lovely! Others at the table enjoyed the chicken vesuvio and lasagna. My daughter was gobbling up my sister's chicken and spaghetti. However, at two, I am not sure if she was just having fun or if she is a reliable reviewer for Yelp! This was a great spot for a family outing, and we can't wait to go back!!!
(5)
Frieda H.
Club Lucky is one of our favorite places because of the combination of good food, relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and close proximity. My husband and I like a wide range of items on the menu especially the Grilled Calamari, Shrimp Scampi and Linguini with Shrimp and Broccoli. I also recommend the Tilapia special from our last visit. We have to restrain ourselves with the warm bread they bring you because you can make a meal out of that with the olive oil for dipping. Love just sitting at the bar with friends for martinis and listening to the excellent selection of 70s and 80s music on the juke box. Lots of trendy places come and go in Wicker Park but Club Lucky is reliably consistent.
(4)
robert m.
We had dinner on New Years Eve. Having arrived about 30 minutes early for our reservation, I was surprised they sat us immediately. The service was friendly & generally spot on. Our server was there when we needed her & not when we didn't. A big win there. The foood was solid. We started off with standard fried calamari & the Calabrese Fried Calamari. The plain rendition was cooked well. However, the breading could use a kick up in the seasonings. The Calabrese version was excellent! For our entrees, I had the special Filet & Scallops, my wife the veal parmigiana, my son the pork chops (all veggies on the side), and our friend had a linguine dish. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The portions were so large, we had plenty to take home. I wouldn't call this the best Italian in the city, but it was very solid on this night. Oh, I forgot to mention the bread. It is ridiculously good. Very fresh, excellent recipe. I wish they would serve it with an herbed butter though. But one shouldn't be picky! In summary, great night! Good service, Good Food!!!
(5)
Stolie G.
AWESOME! AWESOME! I'm a very picky eater, especially when it comes to italian food, I came here to celebrate a new job... we came kinda late, they still let us in and gave us the best service.. The food was Delish!! I would highly recommend coming here.. it's also a perfect date spot.
(5)
Manuela Z.
Married to the Mob meets Town Hall wedding DJ. Love the decor - 40's style bright red leathah booths big enough to sleep on. Buhht the town hall wedding music has to go. I kept looking around wondering when the dollar dance was going to break out. I walked in expecting tables of good fellas and their precious head smacking families but got oodles of noodles and decent meatballs. Not like mom used to make but not bad either. OH and watch out for the screaming kids.
(3)
amy h.
Love this place. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere. Really, what more could you ask for? You should save room for the carrot cake, for sure.
(5)
Heather N.
Went last night for a nice dinner and just felt let down. A friend and I went a few years back after trying the sauce at Whole Foods and loved it. What happened? Got a table quickly and then came the waiter. He was pushy, extremely unfriendly, and made me want to leave. The food is good (bit overpriced) and extremely filling, which seemed to be the one plus. Still love the house sauce. Long story short, don't go on the weekend and sit in the back. You'll feel like you should have just gone elsewhere and waited.
(2)
Andy T.
Food is solid. Really enjoyed my martini. I love the location and atmosphere. The place is fun without being too pretentious. I quite like the veal meatballs. There are other Italian spots I prefer for food, but something about this place always keeps us coming back. The portions are quite large and the taste is simple but solid. I think it would be really great for a smallish gathering with friends and family. Kind of a comfortable noisiness to the place.
(4)
Tess G.
We sat outside because it was so nice but the charm of the inside was great! The pastas were delicious and you could definitely tell they were homemade----not to mention the bread as well! This is a great spot tucked into a neighborhood---will definitely go back.
(4)
Carrie B.
I've dined at Club Lucky many times, but just decided to review it for the first time. While the menu offers plenty of Italian options including pastas, chicken and seafood, I find the food to be just average. I'd much rather go to any of the Francesca's or Tuscany for my Italian fix. I always get pasta or chicken Parmesan, so I thought I'd get something I've never tried and ordered the Chicken Francese. It was okay, but SO much better at Maggiano's. My boyfriend had the homemade ravioli, which was pretty good. Also, be warned that you WILL wait at least an extra 20-30 minutes even with a reservation. We had an 8:30 reservation on a Saturday night, and didn't get seated until close to 9 pm, and that was after my boyfriend complained twice to the manager and hostess. While waiting at the bar, I had a Flirtini martini, which I didn't like at all. The bartender was rude and not friendly when we asked her for drink suggestions. Seriously, I've had nicer bar service at some hole in the wall dives! There goes your tip, lady. After waiting, we get seated in the worst possible table - a table meant for 4, literally right in front of the kitchen. So awkward but at this point we were just hungry so we dealt, but not such a great ambiance with waiters, busboys and waitresses running back and forth in between our table shuffling plates above their heads right past me. It's like they were trying to stuff one more table in, and placed it directly in the back to the point where you are basically sitting in the kitchen. (In past experiences, I've always had a nice booth or two-top table.) Once we left, the manager stopped us and apologized for the long wait and handed us his business card to call him in the future. We didn't really care, because as my boyfriend pointed out, if you want to really take care of your customers, send them a round of drinks or comp the bill or something, not hand us your stupid business card! Too late, buddy. I want to like Club Lucky more - it's always packed, I really like the atmosphere and the cute patio in the summer time - but I have found the food to be just alright, nothing special, the past few times I have come in.
(3)
Mark K.
Favorite place to go for a night out. Good bar, good tunes and good food. love the ribs and fish dishes.
(5)
Emilee J.
I don't have much new to add, I see most of the other reviews covered the GREAT food and OK service. Our waiter was nice, but should have stopped by more often and I think the kitchen was running behind. BUT worth the wait! Will be coming back again, getting hungry just thinking about it
(4)
Chris P.
I recently moved right around the corner from Club Lucky and it has become a staple in our lineup since moving to the neighborhood. The outdoor area is great and the interior is large and comfortable. Service is always excellent as is the food. I would recommend the Club Lucky salad and recently served a tray of it at a small party I had at home. Valet is great as this area is difficult to park if you are coming from a different hood. We'll be back again and again.
(4)
John H.
Service was great at the outside patio. The food was beyound delicious and the clamari was fresh and perfectly prepared. I always say Greek Islands has the best , but Club lucky hit a home run. Stay away from the fried version as it is way too salty. The shrimp were huge and perfectly cooked. I shy away from sea food at many restaurants, but not at here. The restaurant is just a joy to go too, especially because you are attended to so well.
(5)
Vickie L.
After years of seeing the signs for Club Lucky on North Ave, we finally ventured in for some Italian food (as Lucia was closed for a private event.) We were hesitate upon walking in because the bar area is small and narrow, but around the corner was a huge dining room. It is so darn cute inside, lots of character, like eating in someone's home. There were a lot of people eating here on a Sunday night. They brought nice fresh baked bread to the table and it was warm and crusty. We ordered Bruschetta to start and got 5 big pcs, there were huge chunks of tomato on top, yummy. Even better with the parmesan they leave on the table. Entrees - I got one of the specials of the evening which was homemade tortellini with chicken, in a tomato cream sauce with peas. The tortellini was pretty tasty, very thick, too big for 1 bite. I thought there were too many peas in the dish. The sauce was very good, but needed salt. I added parmesan cheese instead. Portion was not very big, but I exercised some self restraint and only ate about 2/3 leaving 1/3 for lunch the next day. The 3 other people at the table both got the spaghetti w/ marinara. They charge $3-4 extra to add 2 meatballs or 1 sausage link. The meatballs were quite big, but the sausage link was kind of a ripoff. The waitress said it was big but she must have been thinking the size before cooking, because it was quite small when it came to the table. Oh well. There was nothing spectacular about spaghetti, in fact it was quite under whelming. From what I tasted, it kind of tasted like a Lean Cuisine pasta dish. It needed a lot of salt and it was not sauce enough. They had to ask for extra sauce. Prices - I think they were a bit high priced for italian staples, and the portions were a little bit oversized, but for the prices they charged, you would expect a lot bigger portions. I didn't think they were "family sized" portions. I also don't get why they charge so much for extras either. The $3-4 for meatballs/sausage, and it's an extra $6 for chicken on the fettucini alfredo! They better give you 1/2 of a chicken for that! Service - Service was very good. Our server was very attentive, and they filled our bread bowl twice and water was filled a lot. Total at the end of the meal including tax (not tip) was $60 for 1 appetizer and 3 entrees.
(3)
Jet L.
The service is friendly and great- the dinner is cute especially around Christmas- lots of lights and dim lighting... I LOVE the club Lucky salad- one of my FAVORITES!!! But beyond that just for me everything else is ok that I have tried- but good.... the Bread and oil are good- the prices are fair to high though...
(3)
Will H.
Mediocre, watered-down, Americanized, pseudo-Italian, overpriced food and drinks.
(2)
mimi r.
Went on a Monday night so not rushed or crowded. Great atmosphere. Really tasty house salad (olives, peppers, tomatoes). Shrimp scampi needed a little more garlic or seasonings. Spinach was perfect. Very pleasant for a week night group, all decorated for holidays.
(4)
Ern E.
I went here with my boyfriend last weekend. I picked it out so it's kind of my fault not knowing what the place served. Aside from that, neither of us were all that hungry. My boyfriend got the calamari appetizer, while I just got a house salad. He seemed to be happy with the mammoth-portioned appetizer, while I really, truly loved this damn salad. I'm a picky, picky, picky eater...and the pickiest with salads, and this one was a surprise that knocked my socks off! Seriously, it was so simple and to the point, but done very well. What it comes down to: despite the menu being pretty limited, kind of pricey and not all that appetizing (massive portions of kind of boring, Americanized Italian food), I really loved the old school supper club atmosphere this place has. And if you like seafood, try the calamari appetizer, and if you like salad, try one of theirs! I would like to come back to this place again soon when I'm on an empty stomach. It may bring more stars next time around! :)
(2)
Javier B.
On a roll with mediocre Italian retaurants! I have been to Club Lucky a few times over the years. I like the atmosphere and it is always fun to walk the streets of Buck Town. The food here is very average and basic Italian food. Really, Italian food for beginners. The problem...it is incredibly over-priced! When you pay $18 for a plate of pasta with bolognese sauce, you can't help but think that you have just been horribly ripped off. Also spotty service. Basket of bread with butter? OK, I guess not that weird, but at least also offer olive oil. Asked the server who then proceeded to dissapear for 10 minutes. Guess that can happen sometimes in a busy restaurant, but when you are getting ripped off, at least give good service.
(2)
valiha s.
Big fan of this place. Great pasta... great atmosphere and service. Every time we've been we've been greeted like we were old friends. Did i say great pasta? We've had all sorts of menu items and they've all been dynamite. The specials are always good... the last time we went my husband ordered the gnocchi and it was so fluffy and held the sauce. So good. Portions are large and we always say, lets just go and get appetizers at the bar... but end up walking in and wanting apps, meals and cocktails! Totally recommend this place.
(4)
Benjamin V.
Homemade Italian-themed menu which is overall average but there are a few gems I've found: 1- Club Lucky salad. 2- any dish which includes their meatballs. 3- homemade pistachio gelato. The service is not strikingly good nor bad. The ambiance is retro, cozy, and laid-back with plenty of room between tables. Similar to other reviewers, I found the lighting too dim in the dining area.
(3)
Bruno A.
Food too expensive for what you get. Not incredibly expensive, but not when I go out for Italian I expect something a little nicer and a little tastier. The service isn't fantastic, which is strange considering there was more waitstaff than patrons. It seemed they were only around when they needed something. The decor is nice though with an old school vibe and the bar looks like a good place to hang out. It's not a restaurant I would go back to though. There are much better ones around.
(3)
Lisa B.
I hate to do this....for years I've considered Club Lucky one of my favorite restaurants. Its kind of expensive, so I don't go very often. Went in on a Friday after having a long, crappy week, excited to relax with some wine and enjoy some comfort food. My first mistake was veering away from my usual favorite, fettucini alfredo with broccoli. I decided to order something different for the first time and went for the penne arrabiata and broccoli; my boyfriend ordered ribs. We were both sorely disappointed. The ribs looked like mushroom soup had been dumped on them, and the potatoes they came with were quite raw. Whatever the strange, green/brown sauce was on the meat was disgusting. I'm a vegetarian but even I could see from across the table the color of the meat indicated it was WAY overcooked. My pasta was just....boring. It was described as "loaded with basil" but it wasn't loaded with anything but blandness. I mean there was no salt or pepper or A N Y T H I N G. Hint of spicy, but that's it. We could have saved $75 and made pasta at home - would have been way, way better and much cheaper. Our waitress neglected to ask if we wanted a second glass of wine until we were done with our meal. And how we had 2 glasses of wine and 2 entrees only (no dessert, no appetizer, no second drink) and the total was that much, I have no idea. Sorry Club Lucky, its just not worth it.
(1)
Julia F.
eh. the first time i went (albeit after two martinis), i was WOWED. the second time, not so much. we had a 7 p.m. reservation. arrived at 6:59. the first thing the host said to us: "just so you know, we have an 8:30 reservation for your table. not to be rude." i said, "so - are you going to kick us out at 8:30?" oh and FYI buddy - that IS rude. also, the food was just OK. and they were clearly rushing us out - our food arrived literally within 1-2 minutes of us ordering. not cool.
(2)
Hans M.
Killer Itallian!! Started with the calamari and club lucky salad. The sausage and peppers were on point also. Ended with the penne bolognese, superb. Awesome Chi Town eatery.
(4)
Randi S.
Favorite place in the city for Italian! Best fried calamari, meatballs, and sauce! Every time we have a great meal. We frequently recommend this place to friends and family. The atmosphere is classic, with it's retro look and jukebox. I absolutely love the patio in the summer. The service is fantastic - I especially like the bartenders who make great martinis.
(5)
Ashley K.
I like that this place is a little off the beaten path. It's much more relaxing of an environment than the six corners. Had a Caprese sandwich that was piled high with fresh mozzarella, so you can't complain with that. That day, one of the owners was covering for the bartender and he was very nice and welcoming. I will be back.
(4)
Brittany F.
This was about our third trip to Club Lucky and again it was very satisfying. The atmosphere is very inviting with a dimly lit, vintage 50's style corner neighborhood bar feel. While the food is not going to blow you away, its been consistently good each trip. The Club Lucky salad to share is probably my favorite menu item. This place can be a little pricey, but the portions are so large and there's a wide range of stiffly made cocktails and irish coffees for after dinner that make it worthwhile for a nice dinner out.
(3)
Carol K.
Club Lucky is always a consistent choice! From it's Naugahyde booths to its retro 50's style bar this is a comfortable place to enjoy your fav Italian dishes. Went there the other night and had the cavetelli (yummy!) and the penne with sausage. For an appetizer, try the antipasto plate (not the vegetable one but the one with the variety of meats and cheeses. ) What comes for a mere $13 is a nicely arranged assortment of provolone and Parmesan cheeses, salami, ham, prosciutto and olives. Couple this with the bread that is served along with dinner and it's almost a meal in its self- but save room for one of their great pastas! Service is attentive but not overbearing. The bar makes a great dirty martini and the juke box is filled with great songs- many of which I hadn't heard in years! The bartenders are friendly and are willing to strike up a conversation with you at a moments notice! Street parking is often difficult but they do have valet parking for those of you driving in the neighborhood. For predictable Italian that everyone will love- Club Lucky hits the mark. It's like going to your Italian grandma's house on a Sunday afternoon!
(4)
Rhonda R.
I so wanted to love this place. I live nearby and was meeting a friend for drinks and snacks after her hair cut at Art+Science on Milwaukee. We knew we would sit at the bar so expectations were minimal. It was packed. Mostly people waiting for tables in the dining room. Seemed like a nice mixed crowd from the neighborhood. It was loud and lively. Nice start for a Friday. It took forever to get a drink. I drink a lot and I would have loved to catch a buzz but the bartender was ... I would like to have thought he was swamped but he just wasn't that busy. For me to have just two drinks in three hours sitting at the bar I can only assume I was being ignored. My friend is really hot and I think she could only get two drinks as well. We finally got a look at the menu. Nothing special there. We ended up with calamari, the fried cheese discs and an over dressed caesar salad. I had to ask for more olive oil twice with extended waits to get anyone's attention. We would have ordered wine with our food, something after and possibly dessert. We thought we ordered a night cap but they were not received. We finally canceled the order and got the check. As it was our bill was over $75!!! WTF. There was one really annoying moment when the bartender passed a drink between my friend and I to a guest behind us. We were in the middle of a conversation. We had to stop talking and move apart to keep from being hit in the face by a beer bottle. It was among one of the rudest, most unprofessional restaurant/bar experiences I have ever had. Chicago has certainly caused me to lower my service expectations. I am still surprised when even my lowered standards are exceeded. The food was passable, the bar service was pretty ... off. I won't go back. There are too many other great Italian places.
(2)
Becky H.
great little spot... late evening al fresco dining. cool neighborhood makes for good people watching & snippets of interesting conversations buzzing past. very sweet staff.... cant remember our waitress's name, but she noticed I had my hair done & told me to work it :) had a nice glass of white with my pasta. prices were a bit more than i expected but a solid experience through & through.
(4)
Amanda Z.
This place, like many fantastic restaurants in this town, sends you back to another era...in a fantastic way. The decor is very retro, and the service is fantastic. Great list of wines and cocktails, you won't go thirsty here. The mangotini was delightful. We had a good sampling of the offerings at dinner: fried calamari to start (delightful), fettucine alfredo, pasta special with rock shrimp, and tilapia special (which was divine in a white wine and caper sauce...mmm!). We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Our service was quite good (we had some assistance in ordering from this hot young chef). A few drinks at the bar with the friendly bartender and the bar full of lively folks topped off a lovely evening with my fabulous girlfriends. It's tucked away in a neighborhood which adds to its charm. Great for a date, a girls night out, or a family dinner, this place could adapt to fit the bill for nearly anything.
(4)
Ryan W.
This is not fine dining. This is the best Italian-style--strike that--goodfellas-style dining there is. Good wine, good pasta, excellent service, and a really cool atmosphere. This is not A Tavola or Terra Gusta or Bice or any other upscale Italian trattoria. This is a quintessentially American, mob-flavored experience, replete with good booze, and delicious Italian flavors treated with respect. I've waited for a table for 30 minutes in the (over-crowded) bar whilst sipping a well-prepared martini, happy as a displaced Irishman in Napoli could be, only to be pleasantly surprised by the meal to come. (The bolognese is terrific.) I've also taken my family here on a Thursday night at 9:45 PM, when we had the whole place to ourselves. And I need to say something about the guy I assume to be Lucky, if there is actually a Lucky. He is awesome. Whether we call late to see if they're still serving, or wander in (as was our first experience) on a busy evening, he's always there to welcome you. He always makes it seem like there's no problem that your appearance might sprout a few more gray hairs out of his noggin. This is a fun little neighborhood trattoria and worthy of a try. May not be for everyone, but for its purpose, it succeeds admirably.
(4)
Jake R.
I've been here a couple of times, and I honestly can't remember what I got. I know it was good, but not amazing. The desert, however, is fantastic. The Tollhouse Cookie is incredible (not as good as the Legendary Cubby Cookie from Cubby Bear) and the apple pie was great. Overall, a pretty good place to eat.
(3)
Carol M.
I went here on a date over the weekend. We were both very impressed. Our waiter was really on top of things and even pretty patient when we weren't ready with our order yet. Dinner comes w/ some good hearty white bread that they serve with olive oil laced with red pepper (I wasn't really a fan...little too spicy for me). I had the fettuccini scampi with spinach in a light oil sauce. I loved it! Great seasoning on the shrimp and the pasta was perfectly "al dente". My date had the chicken parmigiana and couldn't stop raving about it (although he admitted his doubts about this place when I first recommended it). The cannoli's were good. Three bite sized per order, but I was looking for the chocolate chip pieces and didn't find one till the last bite of the last cannoli. But I'm a little cheap and I like massive amounts of food for a $17ish pasta plate and the portions were merely decent. (what can I say..I'm american!) So I'll probably save this place for special occasions. 5/52
(4)
pellet s.
Such a waste of atmosphere, location and former glory. Club Lucky wasn't spectacular when it opened 20 years ago but it was solid; but like the rest of Bucktown it has become nothing but an empty shell of soul-less marketing and me-too opportunism. When the yupsters' money runs out, perhaps the management at Club Lucky will return to providing a worthy product and service. As it stands now, they are under-staffed, under-trained and over-priced . Upon arriving at 6pm, we interrupted the gaggle of FOH staff at the service bar and were given a booth in the empty main dining room with water and a menu. After perusing the menu for 15 minutes and drinking four pints of water, we met our server who brought the specials and wines by the glass menu and asked if we would like something to drink. (I still love the water from those aluminum pitchers and the Italian porters' wait jackets though) As I was hungry, I asked to have the food arrive in the order it was most quickly prepared. So we had our one pasta served first. I assumed that they had split the dish in the kitchen and the runner had only brought half of the order. But no, $18 now buys you 3oz of box pasta, 3 overcooked shrimp, 4 leaves of spinach and 4oz of olive oil. OK, EVOO is expensive, but I don't need to drink the shit. Next comes the melrose pepper salad and antipasto board, except it's not the board of meats and cheeses that I pointed to on the specials menu; it's the vegetarian option from the regular menu that I specifically said I did not want. Digging into the $12 salad, we find that the peppers are not roasted as stated, but deep fried, every prep cook's favorite cheat. I could almost excuse that had they taken the time to remove the core and seeds and skin, but no, these still had congealed droplets of oil on them. Buried under these travesties were two of yesterday's slimy cardboard tomato slices, and a small mountain of overdressed limp romaine. Maybe, I'm paying for the 55 gal drums of olive oil they must use. Finally the antipasto board arrives w/ the olives that were missing from the salad. This is actually one of the better deals in town, granting that you can get 2 subs on Grand Ave consisting of the same meats for @ the same price. Good proscuitto, soppressata, and salami. Tasty olive mix, and though the pimentos were canned, I suspect they are imported because they were good too. A short word on the service. Twelve busboys, two servers and one food runner. Three dining areas seating @ 150? And a manager/host picking out songs on the jukebox while another table sends back it's order. What's wrong with this picture?
(2)
Antonio M.
Fun place, good food, cool location. an especially nice set up for a medium-larger groups. Excellent drinks.
(4)
Jen M.
Went here for lunch with a friend on a Thursday afternoon. We sat at the bar. The front room is pretty small (about 10 chairs at the bar, 3 booths). The decor is classic old school (dare I say "oldies") including the juke box that spins greats like Sam Cook. I ordered the penne arrabiatta. It was a solid 3 stars. I also ordered a sidecar of meatballs. Definitely 4 stars. I am a big fan of Volare downtown and I'd say Club Lucky is maybe a 1/2 star of a lower rating than Volare. Club Lucky is a solid neighborhood choice.
(3)
Christy Q.
I just went with a good friend and wow! I loved the decor! The ambiance is very retro- and no it doesn't need a facelift or updating. It's cool. My only warning is that it gets pretty loud in here, so if you are with a large group it might be tough to hear all the convo. But for a few people, it's great. First off, hats off to any restaurant that serves WARM bread- WARM BREAD! I devoured the bread! I always feel cheated when they can't be bothered to warm the bread. Club Lucky warms their bread! We started with the calamari. I wasn't in love with it. I just didn't get into it. I sort of picked at it. But the waiter said everyone loves it and other tables around me seemed to devour theirs- so perhaps I'm a bad calamari judge. I had the lasagna with a side of meatballs. DELICIOUS! My friend had some special which was like 2 giant swirls of noodle and yummy ingredients inside. A girl who sat down at the table next to us looked at my friends plate and asked her waiter what the heck it was cuz it just looked so darn good. I will for sure return!
(4)
Jenna N.
What a cute place! Love the decor, very retro. I'd been wanting to go here for some time and me and the bf decided to get together with some friends we haven't seen in awhile so this was a perfect venue. The bread is to die for, though they didn't provide any olive oil...just butter. The French Martini is amazing and highly addictive, but at $10 per drink it can get costly. I had the traditional shrimp scampi for dinner and it was...surprisingly lacking in the flavor department but still decent and I enjoyed it. The spinach my dish came with was very good and tasted extremely fresh. Oddly, the valet guys were the nicest people in the whole restaurant. We wanted to go to a bar after dinner and it was only a couple blocks away so it wasn't worth driving to. I asked the valet if I could leave my car there and they were more than happy to just give me the keys so that I could pick it up even after they closed. My biggest complaint is about our waitress, Sarah. She wasn't awful, but she wasn't exactly friendly either. Almost immediately after we decided against dessert she pushed the check on us and did not return to our table again until we were ready to pay...some 30 minutes later. We weren't even done with our drinks and we wanted a little time to digest our meal but she never asked if we wanted anything else to drink after that. Our bill was well over $200 so I guess I expected just a little bit of friendliness and tolerance from her. I'd go back here again, MAYBE, so long as I don't get the same waitress.
(3)
Sam B.
Great little italian place. The food was above average. I had the penne arribiata with salsiccia. I have never met an arribiata sauce didn't like. The wait staff was pleasant and attentive for the most part -- although they seemed to forget about us after we got out food. The bread here is awesome! My only complaint was that we kept getting pestered to order drinks/wine/desert/appetizers etc. We were just going for a quick bite on a wednesday night -- and the wait staff didn't seem to recognize this. This place is also good for families. They were very accommodating for the families we saw.
(4)
Jim K.
I've been visiting Club Lucky for over 15 years, and have had many a good meal here. But unfortunately, Club Lucky is no longer the restaurant it once was. Though it still has the same neighborhood atmosphere and friendly waitstaff, the food is poor. This is based on the last 2 visits to the restaurant, both while on trips to Chicago. The mini-loaf of bread arrived cold, dry and hard (not crusty) - it was obviously day-old bread. We had the Club Lucky Salad, another favorite - there were a couple of hairs in the salad, clearly not from anyone at the table. Then there were the main courses - we ordered Penne Arrabiatta, Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Meatballs, and a kid's order of Spaghetti. All of the pasta was clearly boxed pasta, boiled for too long. The tomato gravy was way too salty and drowning the pasta in all of the dishes. The chicken in the chicken parm hadn't been pounded enough, so was tough and also overcooked. Club Lucky really deserves 2 stars at best for food, but I'm giving it 3 stars because of the competent waitstaff and the fact that it's family-friendly.
(3)
Dest S.
Club Lucky came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. The martinis were how cold? ICE COLD. The dessert, a warm cookie with chocolate sauce and ice cream was so good I almost passed out. Our waiter was super friendly and attentive. Oh yeah, and the food was good, too.
(5)
Melissa H.
A neighborhood restaurant tucked away in the center of Bucktown.....sits Club Lucky with its Retro Diner decor and fantastic food! We started with the Grilled Calamari, with a red pepper and caper Relish that rocked my squid like no other. Next up was Spaghetti. Sometimes you just crave the simplest of dishes. It was Terrific, exactly how I like Spaghetti but better! Finished it up with an assortment of cookies. The little almond cookie gave a new meaning to the "Almond Cookie" in my book. The Biscotti and the Coconut cookie were also very good. An outdoor patio is a must for any restaurant during the summer in Chicago........and this one was perfecto!
(4)
Corinna K.
I don't care how yummy the food might be--there's plenty of quality restaurants in Wicker Park--because Club Lucky looks like a Friday's with a hint of class. Another problem is how the "music" can be heard blocks away. I unfortunately have to endure the Counting Crows cover bands from my house. Regardless of who the bands sound like, they could have come out of my Mom's car radio in the mid-90s. If the bad music stops, maybe I'll give this place a second try. Until then...
(1)
Donna J.
All they had going for them was their sauce. My boyfriend had the cheese stuffed ravioli and I had penne arriabata. I guess I'm just not a big fan of 'al dente' pasta because my pasta was definitely still hard. The prices are too high for what you get. I've had better.
(1)
John K.
This place defines traditional american italian food. Great place to bring your parents. Neat atmosphere (was an old mob hang out). This is like a higher quality version of olive garden or magiano's. Always have nice specials. WIne is cheap. My parents love love love this place. I prefer Antico down the street.
(4)
Jen N.
This is a great place to go for a dinner with your family. Except for the time there was a metal staple in my food. I have been here many times, because the food is very good Italian. It is not bland, it has a very good flavor and is consistently good. Not eating meat-dishes, sometimes Italian dishes can be pretty bland or boring, not the case here. The Eggplant Parmesan was fabulous, and the salad was good. The bread is sooooo great. The people I've dined with have always liked their food, too. The atmosphere is nice, sort of retro and "supper club", it's nice without being fancy. They do have valet, but you will probably find parking within a couple blocks. They also have a small bar when you first walk in. The reason I gave three stars, and not five... One time I was eating, about 1/3 way through my dish, and I bit onto something hard that scratched my cheek. LUCKILY, I spit it out. It was a staple. Yes, a metal staple. I immediately lost my appetite. I told the server, who grabbed the manager who explained "the to-go station is close to the food area, so it must have fallen in there." Ok, I guess that can happen. But the seriousness of swallowing an open staple, isn't that dangerous? Would it not have cut my throat or become lodged in my throat? They did not comp the dinner or anything, they offered me a free desert.
(3)
Manda H.
I really liked Club Lucky. I have wanted to go here for quite some time. Luckily last Friday my friend and I were feeling a little pasta so we made our way to Club Lucky. I didn't know what to expect. I love the people (especially the guys at the bar!) and the food was great. I asked the server what she recommended since it was my first time. I ended up with the eggplant parmigiana and it was perfect. The bread was addicting and after a few vodka sevens I was in heaven. I can't wait to come back with a larger group of people to eat family style.
(4)
Brian S.
This place is really good. Its a little steep as far as drink costs but the food is worth every penny. Portions are big enough to share. Decor is 50's retro and cool. The chicken stuffed tortellini is my favorite dish. The staff is on top of their game. I did an online reservation for the first time and It was nice because as I was leaving they said goodbye using my last name. I like a place that makes a personable gesture. Highly recommended!
(4)
Nick S.
Club Lucky is that rare restaurant that you can take anyone from your cheap, anal retentive uncle to your overly-pierced and tattooed cousin. The ambiance is nostalgic, service is above average and the food is consistent and competent. Club Lucky gets the coveted 5 star review because it's the stand by or no brainer. It's good for couples and parties of 4 or more.
(5)
Ashley L.
The food, wine, atmosphere, and service at Club Lucky are wonderful. Great for a group of friends or a fun date night. It has a warm, cozy environment even though the seating area is quite large. It can get a bit noisy, but that's never bothered me. Highly recommend.
(5)
Lourdes A.
When you walk in, it seems that the only seating that exists is the 4 booths off of the bar area. Well, there is a WHOLE other side to this place with lots and lots of tables but when we peeked in there it seemed so cavernous and unappealing that we decided to wait for one of the 4 booths in the bar area. We had a couple of beers at the bar, which is awesome. It is a small bar area but the bartenders were friendly and the atmosphere was genuinely relaxed. The music was from another era but it added to the charm of the place. This is a great place to just relax and have a few drinks at the bar without obnoxious drunks trying to talk to you. It seemed a more mature crowd but it worked. When we were finally seated, we ordered a caprese salad as an appetizer, which was ok. For my main dish, I ordered a pesto pasta dish off of the specials menu, which was good but not great. The lighting was nearly non-existent in the booth area (I think they rely on the bar lighting to carry over into the booth area) but I think that helped give the place that relaxed vibe so I won't complain too much about that. All in all, it is a decent culinary experience, if a little pricey.
(3)
Dave S.
We knew we were going to enjoy our night at Club Lucky starting with the gracious host, Jeremy, who adds a lot of character to the restaurant, not that it needs anymore. This place is a true hidden gem and we will be returning very soon. The food was phenomenal, as was the waitstaff and chef. If you haven't dined at Club Lucky you are missing out.
(5)
Allison B.
What on earth has happened to this place? With it's "tin roof, Frank Sinatra music, mob style feel" It used to be a nice hangout to bring out of town guests for decent, basic Italian food. Well scrap the decent food. Everything we ordered during our recent visit tasted like cafeteria food. My ravioli looked like they came out of a frozen food package from Jewel Osco and it was chewy. Yuck. Halfway through the meal, my sister's baby started sticking out his tongue and blowing raspberries - yes, my thoughts exactly too kid. One star only because the bread was warm and the wine arrived quickly.
(1)
Angel G.
Highly recommend this place for brunch, lunch, and brinner. The bloody Mary's are mighty delicious and come garnished with an anti-pasta deli platter on a toothpick. Enjoyed the eggs and pesto dish partially because of my fetish for all things pesto. The waiter Edwin went above and beyond traditional service and even offered me a scone. I would have preferred a shot or more pesto, but I will take a scone. Lets just say that Edwin is gonna get a Christmas card come December. Great neighborhood spot!
(4)
Tiff B.
This is one of the very few restaurants in Wicker Park/Bucktown that will accept a Saturday night reservation for a group larger than 10 people without requiring everyone to order of some limited crappy menu. They get 3 stars for that alone! Plus, there's valet parking for those that must drive. The food itself is pretty standard. It's not as good as the Italian food offered at Francesca's down the street, but eh, it's three times better than the Olive Garden and the employees are very friendly.
(4)
Julie H.
Club Lucky... I could nickname this place Old Faithful. It's really consistent and really great. There are so many things to like about Club Lucky: FOOD: I would consider it pretty traditional Italian food, no frills, but generous portions that you can definitely share. I always get the grilled chicken breast, which comes with broccoli and a little bit of spaghetti. There are some great appetizers for sharing, too, and they have a BIG SALAD that I love. DRINKS: Killer martinis. Blue cheese stuffed olives. Cozy, retro bar with an awesome jukebox. Whats not to enjoy? AMBIANCE: The beauty of Club Lucky is that it pleases all crowds. Its got a great neighborhood atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to go on a weeknight. Its tame enough that you can bring your family (even kids). But its lively enough for a Friday/Saturday night out. Club Lucky is a great time all around.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Melanie P.
This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. To all the haters, you know nothing. This place has the most comfortable ambiance, phenomenal service, fantastic cocktails, and even better food. I could go on and on and ON about all that I have ordered here, but there is no need. Order from the specials and you will not be disappointed. Or try a classic dish. Or sample one of the appetizers! It's all unreal. Also, side note: the restaurant is SPOTLESS. Not a speck of dust or grime in the whole damn joint. And I am a crazy neat freak. I have been frequenting this place for 4 years, bringing friends and family, Club Lucky is always a hit!!!! Keep it up, you guys! We love you.
(5)Charles K.
Second time here, sat in the cafe/bar side this time and prefer it over the more formal side. Ordered the Bolognese w rigatoni-split it with a friend, still had leftovers probably be we filled up on the delicious warm bread they offer upon arrival. The rigatoni isn't home made which is sort of a bummer considering they do make some noodles in-house and the atmosphere offers a very old school Italian feel that's warm and comfortable. Ramon was our server. Very kind. The busser however was a younger boy w brown wavy hair who lacks enthusiasm and friendliness.
(5)Pete P.
A classic Chicago Italian restaurant! I love the atmosphere, the food, drinks, and service. The building is quaint and charming. The usual Italian specialties are well made. Although they only have a couple of steaks on the menu, they must be quite good as I noticed they sell a lot of them. The restaurant had a strong steak smell throughout. I'll definitely get one the next time I go. Be sure to get the special house salad. It's awesome in every way.
(5)Eve P.
If you want some good, filling Italian food, this is the place to visit. When I first walked in, I thought the place was a small bar with just a few seats but if you walk to the back, there is a big dining area. The food is very filling, so if you are hungry, you better believe that you will leave here full and satified! It was the middle of the week and this place was packed with people. Try to get a booth if you can because there will be a tad bit of foot traffic. Bring all of your friends and/or family, order different foods. There will be enough to share. If you are in the neighborhood and just want to grab a few drinks, you can also do that here. There is a bar area when you first walk in that is separate from the dining area.
(5)Randall K.
We have been going to Club Lucky for Mothers Day Brunch since the first one about 6 years ago. I almost want to keep it our secret, but it is a great place for this event. Food is really good and plentiful. Sometimes a tray is empty, but rest assured, it will be full (and fresh) the next time around. The mix of breakfast and Italian lunch is always great. It has become a tradition over the years. They have valet parking for 9$. Well worth it with the wife, mother-in-law, and the kids. What I really appreciate is the "homey" feel. I know where I'll be next year!!!
(5)Jackie C.
This place is a really cute, old Italian restaurant! We came with a big group so I'd love to go back with a smaller group to have more of an intimate experience. I had spaghetti and meatballs, it was delicious! Everyone loved their meals! As a warning, they can only split bills on 2 or 3 cards so just bring cash incase.
(4)Jet S.
Great neighborhood Italian spot. Very family friendly but not just a family place. Food has always been consistent and good, nice portion size and always friendly service. I recommend this place.
(5)Delightful D.
Went here for my friends bday lunch. I thought food was okay not amazing but I would like to try other things if I go again. I tried bruschetta, italia sausage and chicken tortellini with peas dish. The tortellini I. Vodka sauce was delish. I Def enjoyed it. The appetizers were just ok. I would return for Italian if in area and had a taste for it,
(3)Marjorie F.
I'm not sure why I waited so long to return to Club Lucky. The atmosphere is always fun and lively - which I love. Although I can't say that it's great for a first or second date when you're trying to get to know someone. My date and I were trying to talk over the music and the surrounding conversation. I don't know if the noise helped or hindered how the date was going ---- but that's another story. Anyway, the food is delicious as ever. If I wasn't on a date, I would have asked for more bread! We ordered the fried calamari and it was as good as I remembered. My entrée of choice was the handmade chicken tortellini in a red cream sauce. Simple but so tasty. Yum! I will definitely be back sooner than later (sans date)!
(4)Christine S.
Popped into Club Lucky last night and I loved it! Such an old school feel. I love the old juke box and the music on there is prefect...you won't find any music on there to twerk to, but you'll find some fun music to dance to. The Calabrese Calamari was REALLY good and a little spicy...just the way I like it. It says it serves two, but it probably serves 3-4. The calamari is sautéed in calabrese cherry peppers, roasted garlic, white wine & fresh herbs The Baked Chicken Oreganato is great. I love lemon with my chicken and this cured my craving for lemon chicken. The chicken is baked with white wine, oregano, lemon, with a side of roasted potatoes. Great staff. They are SO on top of it. My drink never went dry. I can't wait to come back.
(4)Melanie S.
In a city where you can be featured in Chicago Magazine's "Best New Restaurants" one month, and be closed for good just a short time later, it's pretty remarkable that Club Lucky has been holding its own for nearly 25 years. I visited last night, after not having dined there for a number of years, and was a bit surprised that the menu is pretty much exactly the same as it was when it first opened. They're not reinventing the wheel here. You won't find carpaccio or risotto on the menu, but rather standard red-sauce Italian fare. It's reliable and enjoyable. The service is great. It walks that fine line between being attentive, but not pandering. Our server made great recommendations on cocktails and entrees, and she knew the menu well. Club Lucky kind of dropped off my radar over the years, but it's a solid choice for dependable, better-than-average Italian food.
(4)L. L.
From the minute we walked in the door we experienced terrific service and enjoyed excellent food. Great ambiance, very retro/midcentury decor with a lively bar, a separate dining room and covered outdoor seating. Our server recommended the Club Lucky salad as a starter, it was loaded with vegetables and easily shared. We each had delicious entrees from the daily specials list and enjoyed their famous martinis. A neighborhood gem in Bucktown, not to be missed.
(5)Paul R.
'6 star experience every-time' CL has my favorite "beverage-program" in town. You and a dozen friends want a nice bottle of armagnac or absinthe... They got you. Maybe a house made limoncello. Hungry? Don't stop at the a.w.e.s.o.m.e appetizers the entrees and deserts deserve your attention. The look and feel of Club Lucky is easy to be in for me and they go all out decorating for the holidays. The patio seating makes a few hours just breeze by. I have booked nearly a dozen dinners with 2-3 dozen folks and have been wowed with the attention paid to us before, during, and after. They even have worked up menus for us that are not "on the menu". (not that I could tire of the very thoughtful menu) Planning a special night or need one at the last second, Club Lucky has you covered.
(5)Colleen D.
Wow was that good! Love this place - it's in a neighborhood - they have valet. We made reservations and got right in. It was full on a Friday night but not uncomfortably packed. The service is amazing. Our server (Stephen V) was so nice, knowledgable and just pleasant. Even the bus folks were so friendly and easy going. The food came out fast but I never felt rushed and it was so good. I would have been happy with the table bread - that is amazing - warm, soft, delicious. We changed our mind several times but decided on eggplant parm for me and chicken parm for my man. He asked to have the chicken baked extra crispy and he tells me it was perfect. Our server checked back to see it was done as he desired. Then we had the cookie for desert.....I could go back now and have another one...so good!! I love this place and can't wait to go back!
(5)Zhebtian L.
Ordered Club Lucky Salad. The dressing has a good tangy vinegar flavor to it. I'd order it again.
(4)Tomislav L.
This is one of my faves in Chicago. Ever since I lived in Wicker Park. The Martini's are great and the atmosphere both inside and out is wonderful.
(5)Rachel E.
I love coming on Tuesdays for their 6 dollar martinis. There's free parking on parts of Wabansia and all of honore. I love the outside seating in the summer and the food has been great.
(4)Mehran F.
I have now been going to Club Lucky a few years...promoting them to a four (maybe a 3.5 is more fair). It is a nice neighborhood type of place. Nothing extraordinary but comfortable and unpretentious. There is one server (who actually also does standup comedy) whose name I have forgotten...she is a bundle of character and a joy to chat with. Bread is delicious. Food, depending on what you order is reasonable to delicious. Price-Value-Ratio as the Dutch would call it is fair.
(4)Kristi K.
Very accommodating of vegetarians. They have good knowledge of which dishes are or are not made with animal products, and are happy to ask the chef if they don't. Very easy to order, even if you want something modified or substituted. Most components in the menu can be had with most other components. Extensive alcohol selection, and they specialize in martinis. The table service is frequent and friendly. We live around the corner so I can't comment on the valet parking, and it would be a conflict of interest for me to recommend street parking.
(5)Kim S.
This is a 5 star review and shout out to our bus boy. He was doing his best to keep all of his tables happy under difficult, short staffed conditions, and especially when people weren't being very patient or kind to him. Everyone has a bad day, and this kid deserves a high five for trying his best to keep his cool and a smile on his face!
(5)Nikki H.
Nailed it. Went in here with a couple girlfriends before the hawks game on Friday and it was fantastic. We were seated immediately which was shocking for the day and time so we were pumped. Busser immediately brought bread and waters (YES BREAD) and our server was really helpful with the wine selection and we settled on a midrange Cabernet. Delicious and well paired for all of us. Tried the mozzarella fritti and the sauce made us extremely anxious for our meals, super tasty! I had the penne arrabiatta which absolutely killllled me. Perfect amount of spice and the pasta was the perfect al dente. We will absolutely be back!
(5)Bobby O.
I have been coming to Club Lucky for a long time but have not been here recently. I have to say that I was disappointed. I am used to waiting in the bar area nursing a martini while you wait a bit for your table but having said that and waited our turn we were seated against the wall (no problem at first) thereby we got comfortable with the waiter promptly refreshing our drinks, when I realized that our aisle was like the Dan Ryan Expressway. I kid you not, both my menu and my wife's menus were separately knocked out of hands and the passing people never even flinched. I had several conversations with passing small children whose parents never realized they were mingling with the guests LOL. Even the staff was grinding against us while carrying ginormous food trays blah blah blah. Enough of that...lets talk food. I ordered mu usual Salmon Vesuvio and the wife ordered a seafood pasta special. This was preceded by little neck clams and the seafood salad. Both were good. The entrees came out after what seemed like a long time, but it just may have been that I was staffing the toll booth on the Dan Ryan...Anyway the waiter arrives and sets down my Vesuvio and my wife's chicken dish. Hold on doctor! She ordered a seafood pasta. Apologies...apologies...Now I have my dish and it sits alone as we converse. 10 minutes later her plate arrives with the top of the pasta slightly charred. Rush job...we accept it and say no more. It was not good. The waiter brings one complimentary glass of merlot even though we both have dinner cocktails and we order a chocolate cake fudge thingee...It was good. Overall I felt rushed...seated on a highway...disappointed. Next time I will not settle for that nonsense.
(2)Blythe B.
I was brought there on a first date, by someone who has lived in the area a long time, and both his parents were long time Chicao food critics. It is a nice comfortable place . . . it reminded my of the well-loved Cruise Room in the Oxford Hotel in Denver. It's nothing fancy, just good ole GOOD homestyle Italian! My date wasn't that hungry (WHAT?? He knew we were going on a date for days, and he's not hungry for our 'clearly a dinner date"? O well). I was in a weird mood to eat pasta (I am usually a no carbs person after lunchtime), but i ordered the Rigatoni with Veal Meatballs. Pretty good - I'd say in the B+/A- range. Meatballs were definitely tasty. He got a special - flat noodles with a sausage cream sauce. I am usually not a fan of sausage, but I liked his better. We sat outside, which was a perfect night for it. The flower boxes are pretty and the BASIL plants are beautiful - if I was facing them, I would have torn off some and added them to my dinner. The place is cute as heck inside - retro 50''s. Since I live in the burbs, I won't go out of my way to go here, but it's definitely solid good food and I would suggest it as a place to try.
(4)Kevin D.
Awesome food. Slow service. Order the Grilled Calamari!!! YUMM!! Linguine and white clam sauce.
(5)Rachel W.
I really love this place during Christmastime...it's so cozy & old-school. We love to go sit at the bar and listen to the tunes & warm up under the decor. I haven't specifically gotten any entrees made vegan, but instead tend to choose random sides and make a hot mess of a meal. For example, a side of the roasted garlic (a whole head of perfectly roasted spreadable garlic) is awesome on toast, with a side of steamed broccoli or sauteed spinach or escarole. Or, a side of marinara w/roasted potatoes. Great Italian salad too sans cheese...sometimes it's not about what they can't do (at the least, you can get penne w/marinara and veggies) but that's a boring vegan option for me and it's fun to get wild with sides and be glad you're somewhere warm and cozy ;)
(4)Mike V.
Really slow service and so so food. We had reservations on a Saturday night and were seated immediately. We put in our drink order and then began our wait. Nearly 10 minutes before the drinks were dropped off, the waitress said she would be right back, then spent the next 10 minutes taking care of a large party next to us. The restaurant was fairly busy, but had about 20% of their tables open, so certainly not just temporarily overwhelmed. We had another longer than normal wait after we ordered, and when the food did arrive, my order was wrong. Not wrong as in undercooked, or missing something on the side, but the entirely wrong dish. My wife started eating as we waited for them to spend the next 10-15 minutes making my correct dish. The food (when it finally arrived) was fine, but found the sauces to be bland, and really nothing special otherwise. Short from the brief apology, no effort was made to compensate for the extremely slow service or the incorrect dish. We paid our $75 tab and got out of there. If you are looking for a casual Italian restaurant, look for something else in the neighborhood. I don't see any reason why we would return here.
(2)Dawn F.
Love this place was here last weekend and had breaded clams , club lucky salad and chicken fettuccine with asparagus and oil garlic. The meal was excellent as always. I have been visiting this place for the last 5 years and have always enjoyed there martinis and food :)
(5)Jaclyn C.
A hidden gem! My husband and I come to club lucky for every valentines day celebration. The food is fantastic and the service is great. Make sure you go on an empty stomach because the portions are large and it is very delicious. The house martinis, like the lemon drop, are a perfect way to end the meal. There is booth seating that is preferred, but we've sat at the tables before and it is not too bad.
(5)Stephanie P.
Fantastic lounge atmosphere. Perfect music, bartender, and well mixed cocktail. Exactly what we were after. My boyfriend says they have one of the best Aviators in town. I enjoyed my CL Blood and Sand. This place will definitely be on our regular rotation. Watch out though - the drinks are a little on the pricey side, but worth every penny.
(4)Redrose R.
It's a great Italian restaurant with a nice service and the food is excellent. The chicken parmesan is fantastic!
(5)Jennie T.
This place is solid, but you will be just as happy going to Olive Garden. I had the shrimp scampi and then cheesecake for dessert. It was all just fine. I tried my daughter's ravioli which was better than my dish. I don't think I'll be back- there's just too many other (better) restaurants out there.
(3)J B.
This is our go-to-spot for home cooked Italian, the way it should be done. Bread & herb-infused oil to start, then caprese salad with reduced balsamic. I like the veal/chicken parm, also shrimp fettuccine alfredo- but bring an appetite! Usually too stuffed for dessert, but had their tiramisu- amazing, and I'm not a tiramisu lover, until now!
(5)Julia D.
This place sums up everything I love about Chicago. You are walking down this beautiful residential street mixed with vintage low rises and ultra modern homes. And there you spot an awning on the corner "Club Lucky" just tucked away all innocent and unnoticed aside from the valet sign which appears obviously out of place and unnecassary from what appears to be a neighborhood dive. Finally you walk in and boom!! Feels like the setting for a 50-60s mob movie. The front section has a nicely sized bar with TVs and some dineresque booth seating, very dark. Walk to the back section and get a seat in the well lit and fancier dining room. You sit down and feel like you'll spot Liotta, Pesci, and Deniro at another booth giving you the stink eye for finding their hideout. You open the menu and can hardly decide between the seafood, pasta, steaks, wines, etc.... Your food shows up and its just like Nonna woulda made it, I mean fah-getta-boutit! And the portion is also the way nonna woulda served it / fucking enormous. If you are looking for an authentic hidden Italian Gem, this is it. Mangare bene!
(5)Ed M.
Excellent meal. For the third time in a row now, the ditzy bartender has made my meal less than pleasant. I used to come in and sit at the bar after a long day for a nice meal and welcoming service but it seems that she can't get the simple things that make a restaurant welcoming right or get your requests right. She walked by me three times (and I am the only one at the bar) and didn't acknowledge my presence even though I was looking directly at her to ask for something. By the time she finally asked what I wanted I was just ready to go. Paid $45 for a meal and walking home now steaming instead of satisfied.
(3)Elaine W.
Meatball salad and pasta. Wonderful! Their warm bread and butter compliments everything. The atmosphere and the service is great. Everyone is friendly and knowledgable about their menu.
(5)Ross R.
Great food, great service. Call for reservations, seriously. Club Lucky continues to be a fave. I don't know who does the hiring here, but they do it right. The new bartender Kat is both lovely and excellent.
(5)Howard L.
Went here during the snowstorm last week and its was my first visit. The place was empty due to the storm and we received excellent service. The red décor with holiday decorations was great. My date love her martini and seafood pasta. I enjoyed some Chianti and pasta, along with incredible bread that I loved. Definitely will come back.
(4)Griffin K.
Pure Italian food. Whatever form of 8-finger-rolled noodle I ate at Club Lucky was single handedly the best noodle type I've ever tasted. Club Lucky is a neighborhood staple.
(5)Gary S.
Met a couple friends here for a little business meeting. First we had a couple drinks and an appetizer, then my friends left and my girlfriend and I actually also left, took a walk around the beautiful neighborhood, and then came back for dinner. Sat inside for the appetizers, and outside on the veranda for dinner. Everything was very, very good. First, the Decour and vibe of the place is awesome. Either it really is, or has been made to look exactly like a "Little Italy"Chicago restaurant from the 50s. Right down to the multicolored worn tile floor. They play cool music, not the tired old Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Italian restaurant standards. The cocktails we had were outstanding. Well-made and not over complicated. Great drinks made by great bartenders, not "craft cocktail" nonsense. For food we had three appetizers, calamari, sausage and peppers, and their incredible fried artichoke. All wonderful. Get the calamari Calabrese style. For dinner we shared a pasta dish, again spot on, plus had an espresso and Italian cookies for dessert. Also had a glass of grappa which was one of the best I've had recently. We had the same server for both the appetizer and then when we came back for dinner. Of course she remembered us and took excellent care of us. Pretty much in a nutshell: Club Lucky is a fantastic neighborhood Italian restaurant that does everything right without being pretentious or stupid. Just a fantastic and well run restaurant. Highly recommended.
(5)Stephanie S.
Awesome place!! I love Italian food, but hate how stuffy some places can be. This place is super delicious and approachable (feels like you're back in the 60s!) On the flipside, if you're looking for something super romantical, then you probably won't find your fix here. I'll definitely be coming back for dinner, or even cocktails and apps!
(4)Conor M.
Super bummed guys. It's 9:15 and still haven't received my food. Ordered at 7:22pm. I know you use an outside company for deliveries, but c'mon. Sad because you're my fave. I can reheat food, but can't remove the disappointment.
(2)Patrick F.
Really a great place. Wonderful selection at the bar. Also service is wonderful, more of a neighborhood feel. And the filet is dynamite, more so for an Italian restaurant. We visit here frequently.
(4)Dustin H.
To say this is place is a neighborhood spot would be an understatement. The manager seemed to know everyone by name, and did a good job of making us feel welcome. We sat in a booth located in the bar section of the restaurant. The lighting is REALLY dark. After we placed our orders we were presented a giant 1/2 loaf of hot italian bread. Clearly homemade, it was shaped like a traditional american white bread loaf but with a very fluffy inside and flaky crust. It's served with a beautifully garlicky olive oil. Keep this in mind. It was a lot of bread and sort of negated the need for ordering appetizers. My wife got the carbonara, which was on the daily special menu. I ordered the chicken vesuvio on recommendation of our server. I was offered a half or whole chicken and am kind of blown away they even offer a whole chicken. That's a hell of a lot of food. My wife's pasta serving was huge, but the white sauce was just a bit too light in flavor. Leaning more towards white wine than cream. Good but not what she expected. I felt somewhat the same with my dish. It was delicious, don't get me wrong. But everything just sort of tasted the same. Both of us ended up lusting for red sauce and decided that next visit we'll get dishes with a bit more variety. Seasoning was also a little underwhelming and I ended up hitting the salt shaker a bit too much. At one point I got the "you've put too much salt on your meal" look from my wife. Yes, I have salt issues, but it was pretty bland. Atmosphere is awesome, and you really do feel like you're in a time capsule from a time long passed. The friendly attitude from the staff and the funky vibe are worth the visit along. Dining on a weeknight, it wasn't crazy busy, but I would probably not stop by on the weekend. I can imagine it gets nuts. Great value for the amount of food you get, for sure. You will not leave hungry.
(3)Cindy S.
We had a great dinner here celebrating a birthday. The bday guest received a complimentary tiramisu that was the best I've ever had. Service was prompt, personable and knowledgeable. Calamari was perfect. Eggplant parmesean got raves from a loyal eggplant parmesean eater. I loved the salmon dish I ordered (I can't remember whuch one...it had sauce and potatoes on the side) it was cooked perfectly and delicious. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Anthony S.
Ambience is great and so is the food. Fun place to go and enjoy your meal while socializing. I had one of the best veal Parm dishes ever! The penne was perfectly al dente and the sauce was delicious!
(5)Alonzo T.
If you've ever eaten in Chicago with a Sicilian family, Club Lucky is like a warm hug from the friend that prepared those home meals. Firstly, their red gravy (known to the rest of you as marinara sauce) is impeccably bright and flavorful. The eight finger cavatelli is nothing but noodles and sauce, but it's one of the best meals I've ever had. Likewise the string bean salad with blue cheese and tomato seems to be a Chicago Italian Family classic and it delivers just like the real thing. My favorite however, is the eggplant parmigiana. There must be a dozen or more thinly sliced layers of eggplant breaded and layered with cheese and sauce. It's remarkable. The venue itself used to be an old VFW hall and it retains all the charm and volume of a 1950's dance hall. The retro interior designs and gorgeous classic bar evoke a real sense of Chicago's past. For all these reasons, Club Lucky is one of my favorite restaurants. If you're in the mood for family style Italian (not experimental fine dining Italian, not 1980's neo cuisine interpretation of Italian, not gastro pub Italian) don't miss out on this rare gem.
(5)Annie P.
This review is for the bar- fabulous. A rare Chicago gem. Mixology is fantastic too. Jukebox is perfect and ambience is one of its kind. Can't wait to get back here
(5)Carm B.
I have been coming here for many years and I have always been a huge fan..this last time, not so much. After enjoying a drink at the bar we were seated at a 2 top against the wall where everyone and their mother walks past you, bumps into you, and interrupts your meal. We had delicious appetizers of clams and the seafood salad along with their fantastic bread. I ordered a special on the menu for my entree and when our food was ready, they brought me out a chicken dish instead of the shrimp dish I ordered. Our server apologized and took it away but my husband was left to either eat without me or wait and have his food cold. When my dish did come, it looked scorched on the top like it was put in a broiler to warm. I was not impressed with my entree. It actually tasted like macaroni & cheese with shrimp. I didn't eat very much of it. We went with the server's dessert recommendation of a chocolate chip type cake, which was very good but a bit too rich. I'm hoping this was just an off night for us. I love Club Lucky and have always looked forward to eating there.
(3)Jeffrey R.
Ate here last week. Food was absolutely amazing, as usual. However, the service was less than desired. The bus and support staff was more attentive than our server. Had to ask for our bill, wrong meal was brought for one of our guest. The rest of us had to eat cold food. Nothing was done to rectify. Very disappointed for a $95 bill.
(2)Lary S.
This place is so awesome. I like how its in the neighborhood but only a block away from a busy street. Started out with the Antipasto Meat & Cheese tray and it had tons of goodies on it. Also tried the Calamari Calabrese which is the most tender calamari i have ever eaten and very task. For my meal, my mother and i split an order of lasagna which was great and the steak pizzaola which was so awesome. My step-dad has the eggplant parm, which he enjoyed. For dessert, cheesecake, tiramisu and i had strawberry with chocolate chip gelato. I will be there again and I hope you try it. Staff was great and service was great.
(5)Jacob J.
Stopped in for dinner the other night to celebrate an occasion. My first time there for food and on a previous occasion for drinks. The food was standard Italian, nothing too special or memorable for myself. The highlight of the meal would be the warm bread served with infused olive oil which was abundantly offered to the table. My recommendation is they could go an extra mile by offering meat sauce or straight marinara with their warm bread (to be enjoyed) while waiting on the main course. Being that this restaurant / bar is off the beaten path and not as busy as much of the nightlife in the area, this would be a good start point for a couple cocktails and checking out the scene. Throughout the evening, lovely women in small packs were in abundant supply. I'm curious about whether this was a one time anomaly or a weekly occurrence. Much of the clientele for dinner service on this warm Friday night were of the ages of 30s - 50s with a few families mixed in.
(3)Monika M.
Ridiculous overpriced lasagna. For 16.95 you'll get an appetizer! Don't order hungry...
(1)Lauren D.
Calamari. I will say it again. Calamari. Club Lucky does it amazingly well. Huge pieces of squid fried to perfection beneath a light coating. Not heavy at all, and it comes with a heavenly marinara dipping sauce. The sauce could have used a little spice but it definitely didn't take away from the overall result. This place is perfect for a quiet dinner for two or a small group. And if it's nice outside, don't pass up the opportunity to sit on the patio. Our server was phenomenal: attentive and personable and just downright a nice guy. In fact, everyone we encountered there was polite and welcoming. My husband and I split the Meatball Insalata and Chicken Cacciatore. The meatballs were large and in charge, drowned in a sweet and beautifully red tomato sauce. They come alongside a basic house salad dressed in red wine vinaigrette. It felt light and yet very filling and comforting. The Chicken Cacciatore was divine, with the chicken browned nicely on the outside but super moist on the inside. Sadly, we were too full for dessert, but I have no doubt we will be back again soon and will make room. Club Lucky: I'm the lucky one for trying this place!
(5)Karen M.
The food is fair. My big issue is with the leftover containers-they cram-and I mean cram-everything into a very small Chinese food container-even at the cost of cutting or folding your food up so it fits. Won't be back.
(2)Brenda D.
When you walk by a place that is this busy on a Sunday night, you know the people inside know something you don't. We wanted to join them. We ordered the Antipasti for the table to start and it was an excellent mix of items. The stuffed olives were mouth watering. They have a great selection of wine in which we indulged. We finished with the Fettuccini De Campo - three words...Oh My Goodness. It was simple yet delicious. A perfect blend of grilled chicken, asparagus and roasted tomatoes with olive oil. The flavors of the foods were able to speak for themselves. This place is going to be on the must eat at list next Chicago visit.
(4)Beth G.
I loved the experience of dining at Club Lucky. I went there on Valentine's Day, so obviously it was bustling. Still, we got greeted quickly by a maitre'd, who suggested we have a cocktail at the bar while we waited for our table (we were about 15 minutes early). I had a well-made Manhattan and took in the happy scene. The old-fashioned feel, the great smells, the cheerful bartenders. Then we were lead to our table, in the dining room that was crowded but not cramped. We shared a Caprese salad, which was delicious (even though it's hard to find acceptable tomatoes in February in Chicago). For my entree, I had homemade tortellini, filled with chicken and herbs, finished with peas, pinenuts, and vodka sauce. Delicious! Our waitress, Samantha, was cheerful and didn't make us feel rushed at all, even though it was obviously a busy night. (And it took us a while to get through our bottle of wine.) Prices are on par with similar Italian restaurants in the city ... pastas in the $10 to $18 range, second courses are $18 to $35. The menu features relatively basic Italian fare -- nothing shi-shi or over the top, but the food is made well. I would definitely go back soon to try another entree and enjoy the atmosphere.
(4)Mark V.
It's a run of the mill Italian joint that tries extra hard to be old-school. And while it somewhat succeeds on that front, it disappoints in just about every other aspect, making you wait way too long and pay way too much for mediocre food. With so many spots in Chicago that are legitimately old-school (and not contrived), and so many spots in Chicago that offer superior meals at more reasonable pricing (and with actual service), I simply can't recommend Club Lucky.
(2)Emily K.
Delicious Italian food and martinis! Pasta dishes are generously portioned and mouth watering. You always get lucky eating here. Get the calamari.
(5)Casey F.
This is a great Italian place with lots of charm and great customer service. I've dined here many times and always loved what I got. This isn't the best Italian food I've ever eaten but I didn't expect it to be. The bread is awesome, and I crave the Club Lucky Salad. I've taken my parents here and they claim its the best calamari they've ever tasted. They also have a dog friendly outdoor patio as well as a huge water bowl and never ending treats they put out front. It's a staple for all the neighborhood pups. My dogs love this place as much, if not more than I do as a result. It's definitely worth checking out!
(4)RJ W.
We had our wedding reception here, after going here to eat more times than I can count. Everything was absolutely, positively perfect. Being in the hospitality business for well over 20 years, I am wired to look for issues and solutions. Frankly, there was not a single thing we would have changed. The owner and managers were so easy to work with in the planning, the staff on site were amazing and the food was great (we had family style) Honestly, we could have easily spent 4x the amount we did and the reception would not have been better. Highly recommend if you have the need for a locally owned, caring food destination for a group. Again, was perfect. How often can someone say that about a wedding reception!!!
(5)Philly G.
Great food. Large portions. Tiramisu and cannoli's are an absolute must try. Very homey feel.
(4)Mr. S.
I couldn't recommend a better local place to eat! The staff is friendly, the food is amazing and it's all placed in a family friendly atmosphere. My compliments to the chef, owners, and waitstaff. I look for excuses to eat here. Luckily I work close by, so that isn't an issue.
(5)Paloma C.
Classic. Been coming here my entire life. It's a great family place, but it's versatile enough to be your special date spot, too. You can't really go wrong at Club Lucky. I love the penne with meat sauce, chicken marsala, and shrimp scampi on spinach. Also best fried calamari in town!!!!
(5)Liz A.
Giving it two stars for the lovely outdoor seating and the good martini. Everything else was pretty disappointing. Our waitress was not attentive...I mean, we had to flag her down to order more booze! The bottle of wine that they recommended was terrible and we were not able to try it ahead of time. My chicken was dry and their "famous calamari" was bland and totally average. Really bummed about this place as we are new to the neighborhood and it had so much potential! Won't be back.
(2)Omar C.
Rude! Don't know about their food because I didn't bother donating to them after un accommodating attitude.
(1)Fran B.
Great food, drinks and atmosphere. Highly recommend !!!! The chicken Marsala was to die for.
(5)Nicholas B.
If there is a more generous and delicious rack of ribs in Chicago, Id love to know about it! Excellent!
(4)Rick F.
This place has been around forever. I've heard so many good things. i'm glad I went. A good friend was celebrating a birthday, free booze and free food. What a compelling offer. Wow I loved it. Cozy, warm italian comfort food at its best. Loved it! Moscow Mules, excellent. I rarely see breadcrumb stuffed artichokes on a menu, my mom makes these every holiday, excellent. Antipasto plate was great. The whole place was awesome
(4)Manya T.
I've been here a few times- once on a Sunday evening when the place was pretty busy but not packed to the gills; another time on a weekday in the very early evening/late afternoon when the place was empty; and once via takeout, which, granted, isn't really being there. I don't remember the quality of the service, but nothing stood out to me at the time as particularly slow or disappointing. The food, though, is incredible. I have wandered far and wide in Chicago to find the simple ravioli I'm looking for in a tomato sauce that accentuates but doesn't completely overkill the pasta. THIS is the ravioli of my dreams. It's ricotta filled, fresh, simple, delicious. I want to like a lot of the Italian places over on Grand Avenue, I thought I'd be impressed by La Scarola... but Club Lucky was just far, far better tasting. My husband had the chicken tortellini and said it was excellent. His only desire was for a bigger portion for the price. Yum!
(5)Shannon S.
We have been a few times as we live on the neighborhood. It's pretty basic stuff and a bit pricey. The tiramisu is amazing, though, so we do go for that often.
(3)Veronica S.
Been here a number of times now. First the PROS: 1. Location - We can walk to it, so even in the depths of this seemingly never-ending winter of our discontent, getting here is no problem. We never drive, but they do have valet parking at a reasonable-for-the-Bucktown/Wicker Park area price of $8.50. 2. Atmosphere - Very comfortable. We've dined in both large groups and as a couple in the dining room and the back party room. The rooms can get loud, especially if there are two or three large groups, so we prefer quiet nights. The booths are comfortable. We've never eaten in the bar area, but I do know that gets really crowded during busy times and people are pretty much standing right on top of you when you are seated in one of the booths. You're also right by the front door, so be prepared for cold air every time someone enters or leaves. Try to get seated in the dining room instead. 3. Service - Fantastic! Always friendly, always on top of things. Nothing to complain about here. 4. Food - The house bread and olive oil are very good. I highly recommend their pasta dishes. The servings are large and all the toppings I've tried have been delicious. The Salmon Oreganato is also very good. Highly recommend it. Cooked to perfection. I swap out the potatoes for sautéed spinach or escarole. Desserts are okay. Typical Italian choices like tiramisu, cake, sorbet, etc. Nothing that stands out in my mind. CONS: 1. Grilled Calamari - This is a tricky dish. If you leave the squid on the heat for even a few seconds too long, it's like you're eating thick rubber bands. Also, somewhat bland without the accompanying topping. Can't recommend this. Perhaps the fried calamari is better. Maybe next time I'll try that. 2. Drink prices - Pretty much the same all over the city now - $10.00 - $11:00 for small pours. My glass is always full of ice, so I'm paying for less than 4 oz. of mixed drink. Not cool. I'll skip the drinks in the future. Because it's so convenient, we most likely will return at some point, but it won't become a regular place to dine for us.
(3)Sami B.
I came here to eat Wednesday night with a couple friends. Our waiter, Steve, was awesome. He gave us great recommendations and answered all our questions. The fried calamari was one of the best I've had. All of us enjoyed our dishes. We sat outside and it was very calm and relaxing. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)Brenda H.
I was not expecting the main dining room to be so big, considering how cramped the entrance felt. My cousin kept raving about this place so I decided to try it. We ordered a few appetizers and I really liked the mozzerella fritti. The fried calamari wasn't good enough to blow my mind but it was good enough to make me want to try their other versions. The bread at the table was warm, soft and delicious. I had the linguine with garlic and olive oil with shrimp. The shrimp size was bigger than I expected and the dish was a little spicy. The portions are big and filling, good value overall. I don't drink alcohol but they had quite an extensive drinks menu. My cousin ordered a martini with rumchata that wasn't overpowering. I'd probably order that if I wanted to celebrate a birthday with a drink. I think I'll be coming here for my birthday, just for that reason alone.
(4)Jessica B.
Highlights: the calamari with peppers- can't remember the name. Amazing. Sleigh ride martini is perfect for winter. This is just a great old school Italian restaurant. Nothing fancy, just great food and drinks. Also kudos to our server. We had a 5:30 reservation and came one by one with the last group arriving at 6:15 because of traffic. He was totally understanding and accommodating. Oh and the bread tastes just like my nonna's did.
(4)Linda G.
Consistently good. I like to bring out of towners here since it's off the beaten path and tucked into the neighborhood. Service is excellent both at the bar and inside at table. We never have a bad meal. These are the old-school typical American-Italian favs.
(5)Anne L.
Club Lucky, despite its odd name, is a fun, retro Italian restaurant. You enter through a narrow bar, like in all the good mafia movies. Bar in front, restaurant hidden in back, you know, just in case you need a few extra seconds to climb out a window. The decor is 1940s and the restaurant is spacious, if not a little noisy because of it. That's ok because it just kinda adds to the experience. This is not a stuffy place, but it's not low-rent, either. Just kinda quirky and I liked that. The menu is extensive and all of us enjoyed the food immensely. The stuffed artichoke and pasta e fagoli were outstanding. Nothing was overwhelmed with garlic, which often happens at Italian restaurants. Gelato and some anisette to finish off the evening. I'm not in that area often, but if I am, I would definitely go back. May try the bar next time.
(4)Steve J.
Hot bread. Thick soup. Firm Italian Sausage- the list goes on. Club Lucky improves each year, from their friendly and accommodating outdoor cafe to special events in their Club Room, the owners, managers and staff at CL aim to please and please they do. Bring the family and enjoy large portions! Now if they'd only stay open a bit later...
(5)Yayasis P.
Talk about a true neighborhood restaurant. Club Lucky is Bucktown at its best. I have dinned there for years and even had family parties for special occasions. The food Is always great. The music and the decor are a blast from the past. This is a must when in the city.
(5)Terry F.
Great meatball salad. Linguine with clams perfect. Bartender top notch. Christmas decorations are very nice. Waiter was busy so not the most attentive.
(4)Janette L.
Maybe I am biased having lived in Italy for a semester in college?? But even on a poor study abroad student budget, I spoiled my taste buds. So maybe it is not fair to compare? Still I would describe the food here as average at best. I have always had good service, but the food is less than memorable. I can't even tell you what I have ordered here the times I went. Salad? Pasta? I do remember their bread was good. Still my friends love this place so I find myself here at times, and again there are no major complaints - I just think there are better options of Italian in the city.
(3)Benjamin D.
Living in Wicker, this is the restaurant that I frequent more than any other in the city! Reason for that is that besides the quality food, it serves so many great purposes. Whether my girlfriend and I want quick a quick salad, or I want to take out-of-town buddies for drinks, or even when I don't want to go to other bars three hours in advance for Hawk's playoff games, Club Lucky never disappoints! It's old school, with Louis and Frank on the Juke, red vinyl and classic Italian food. However, my favorite thing to do is just sit at the bar where the tenders free pour every drink tall, and slurp down grilled calamari (a personal fave). It's also cool that the restaurant is nestled away in a great residential area and has patio seating for the warmer months. The only real reason I won't give them full stars is that some of their dishes are too reliant on heavy uses of a mozzarella that I think could be better quality. Aside from that though, I love the grilled calamari, the veal meatballs, the Club Lucky salad, the eggplant parm, and the Fish Salad (which really should be called the "insane amounts of cold seafood salad) and pretty much everything else! Date, guys nights or quick eats at the bar, Club Lucky is top choice!
(4)Jenn K.
I might be the only person in Chicago who doesn't like Club Lucky. Sorry folks. I've never had an impressive meal here, though they do a great job of describing food that could potentially be tasty. I think that makes it extra disappointing, though. I recently had a special of Rigatoni in a rosemary cream sauce with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes. Sounds yummy, doesn't it? Bland bland bland. The only flavor came from the sundried tomatoes. I must admit, they didn't skimp on any components (so many places give you two mushrooms or a smattering of sundried tomatoes), but there was no flavor and everything had the same texture-- chewy. Also, I really couldn't taste any rosemary in the sauce. I'm a bit of a wino-- not a wine snob, by any means, but I drink plenty of wines from different places and at different price ranges. I think I'm not entirely wrong when I say "Club Lucky's wine list is lousy". There are so many great, small Italian winemakers with cases and cases of not-prohibitively expensive wines. Why, oh why does Club Lucky insist on having an entire list of big mega-producers? "Let's just get whatever Olive Garden's getting. Can't be bad." Uggh. And I think they store their red wine in the boiler room-- it's consistently the temperature of bath water. I'll concede, however, that their appetizers are good. I've never met a fried calamari that I don't like and you can't really mess up an antipasti platter (okay, you could, but I think the Health Dept would intercede first...). It would really be more convenient for me if Club Lucky were good. It's a cute place, a bit of an institution, has a good vibe... But I'll take my pasta needs elsewhere.
(2)Virginia T.
Really more like 3.75 stars..... I have a fond attachment to this place because we had our "luncheon" there they day we got married. The service has always been good. The decor is fun and retro....The food has ALWAYS tasted good. But my biggest complaint are the prices. It's nearly $18 for fettucini alfredo with chicken! And there are NO free refills- even on the coke! It's good food, but the prices are pretty ridiculous.
(3)Jayson B.
Great staff, atmosphere, and music. We LOVED the food. The salad was the first sign that we would have a great meal. It was enough for both of us. The main course was great, and we each rinsed it down with a 1/2 carafe of the house wine, which was good in itself. We loved the meal so much, we plan on going there again, several times!
(5)Crystal M.
For brunch only: This place met my expectations exactly in the sense that it was a predictable failure for brunch. It was a classic case of a primarily dinner restaurant that is really ill-equipped to serve breakfast doing it anyway because they think it's an easy cash cow. I ordered eggs in a basket, which turned out to be cooked in olive oil and garlic rather than butter. In my opinion, the oil, which it was absolutely drenched in, overpowered delicate taste of the egg. It was...gross. Furthermore, it was just painfully obvious that the staff wasn't trained for a brunch service (or maybe any). They were friendly and well-intended, but the service was mediocre and awkward. Unless a meatball sounds like breakfast to you, I would most certainly skip it because the actual "brunch" is a misguided after thought.
(2)Bill M.
This swingin' retro Italian supper club serves good food in a cool environment. The appetizers are good, and so are the large entrees.
(4)Patty D.
I had a pasta dish with shrimp and the shrimp were old ass shrimp... Auggh!!! I don't know if we got there too late, toward the end of the shift but nothing pisses me off more ... just say, "Our shrimp aren't fresh tonight... how about the salmon?" --- sumthin! Yes portions are huge but if the food is so-so - then what's the point - too many italian places to choose from... this one is okay.
(3)Emily T.
It's good. It's a restaurant, No real wow factor for me. Well, maybe the homemade pasta. Here is the thing- it's one of those places that I just say, its a good place to eat when you are hungry and want to stay in the neighborhood ( assuming you live in it).
(3)Peter M.
Yep, another 5 of 5 for me. I really do not want to come across as a softy or that I am handing out 5 of 5's like it's going out of style, but Club Lucky really earned this one. Not only do they have the best fried mozzarella and marinara in the city, but you can wash it all down with an imperial quart of the Champagne of Beers. You had me at the fried cheese.
(5)Donna C.
My half-Sicilian boyfriend, who never wants to go out to an Italian place, actually likes this one. We've had some very decent meals here. They seem to use good, fresh ingredients in their dishes. The only disappointment is the calamari, which is cut too thick. And they don't give you the tentacles!
(4)Andy G.
Club Lucky - average Italian food. There's not much more I can say about the food. It's a cool, old-school vibe inside. They have a few outdoor tables, which is nice in the summer. The bar inside is pretty sweet. But if you're going to eat (which is usually why I visit restaurants) the food is the most important part of my experience. Everyone thought the food was alright - but nothing to write home to mom (or Yelp) about. The only exception was the carrot cake, which I wish I could have eaten about 1,000 pieces of. If you're in the neighborhood and hungry for some spaghetti that mom or anyone else could make - I would recommend this place. If not, there are much better destination Italian restaurants in the city, at about the same price point.
(3)Bill E.
Had really good Pasta Fagioli here, and the bartender made a good drink. She was kinda funny too. I'm sorry I can't tell you more, but it was late and I think we'd been out earlier, I think.
(4)Stephanie H.
I have to say this is one of my favorites, I really like this place! The martini's are out of this world (1 is not enough, 3 is too many!). Wine selection is great too. The grilled calamari and Brushetta are great. Good music, a very unique juke box collection. Very 'cool' ambience. A great stand-by and worth a special trip to check it out.
(4)Jenny S.
Awesome place to go with a group. When my parents came to Chicago with my grandma it was hard to find a place in the 'hood that was cute and fun but not so trendy that good ol' mom & dad would get freaked out or not want to eat anything on the menu. Club Lucky certainly worked out. The food is delicious--good old fashioned Italian and the decoration is adorable.
(4)Scott N.
The food is really good and I have eaten something different every time I go and it's been totally consistent. The atmosphere is also great and the wait staff do a really nice job.
(4)Ryan G.
I really wanted to like it but I was not impressed at all....the veal parma was really not very good...almost like market day frozen quality not fresh....shrimp scampish was ok reason for 2 star....wine 9 a glass and smallest pour I've ever had:(. Had calamari recommendation of waiter the one in white wine with tomatoes or something very soggy and not my style actual calamari was ok....cool place cool workers was not cheap by any means...the food just was ok at best I will be sticking to Lucias.
(2)Jason L.
One of the best dirty martinis in the city. Delicious bread. And the most tender bbq baby back ribs. At an Italian place! Yeah, weird, huh?
(5)Benjamin B.
I definitely like this joint. The wait staff has always been nice, but not too nice... prompt, but not too prompt. I like the food here, it is solid. Never been disappointed. They have some interesting beers and a good bourbon selection. Not the best place ever, but certainly not the worst. Every time I go here, I always feel a tinge of pain from the price... I feel that they do over-charge a bit. I think their prices should be 10% lower than what they are. At any rate, it is a decent change of pace on occasion and the decor is pretty neat if you stay in the first room. I dun care for the back area much though. They've got Maker's though. Kudos to that.
(3)Elizabeth A.
Great, traditional italian!!!!! Can't say enough good things about this spot. Every dish I have tried is delicious. Go here if you want hearty, red sauce pasta dishes just like Grandma used to make in a CASUAL atmosphere! A favorite spot to take my parents. I highly recommend the 8 finger cavatelli. It is perfectly cooked and the portions are big.
(5)Jenn C.
This is the first place I took my fella after we made the 1100 mile trek across the country to move him here, He loves Italian. And I mean loves!!! We were exhausted, starving, and I wanted to introduce him to the quality that exists around the corner from our casa. Viva Italiana! I think I have created a monster. I fuzzy pink heart Club Lucky. From the fluffy warm bread, the carafes of wine for the budget conscience, its hypnotizing black and white art deco walls, the consistently gracious staff, to the take out "chinese" food boxes-- kiss kiss hug hug. Not just a place for families, although I cant wait to bring the whole Texan clan in here, my girlfriends and I frequent this spot on occasion- normally gossiping while sharing a plate of calamari, 2 entrees, and a tiramisu. And the 3 of us escape stuffed and only around 35 bucks each lighter. Their food is large. Then again, it reads "family style" on the menu (doesn't mean I haven't taken down an entire plate of capellini all on my own, once...or twice! But come on, its like the chef was channeling God when he put breaded eggplant, capers, and black olives in a spicy red sauce and on the third day named it Siciliana!) But thats why the prices are a tad higher than at other middle of the money road Italian joints. Plus, to date- I still have yet to leave without a delicious amount left for lunch the next day...or later that night- Guilty as charged! I go nutty over their pepper salad- and yes, they sell the dressing along with the nummy marinara sauce. Many a time I have done a drive by saucing in preps for the lonely linguine in the pantry. Cuz, honestly, we cant afford to eat in every time we are salivating for the Lucky monster.
(5)Erin K.
Love the calamari calabrese and the drinks! And the ambience, ahhhh.
(4)Josh S.
Great, food, expansive menu and fantastic appetizers (the aranchini was probably my favorite appetizer of all time). The atmosphere is unpretentious and I like the 1940's throwback supper club. This place is kind of off the beaten path and I like the fact it's not overpriced and touristy like most Italian restaurants in Chicago. I highly suggest getting a group of people when you want a low key night and a good bottle of wine. My favorite items on the menu are the chicken Vesuvio or chicken parmesan. Not my favorite Italian restaurant (see Trattoria Poretta in Portage Park) but still tasty and great ambiance.
(3)Kristina B.
The service = Great! The fettuccini alfredo = Great! The atmosphere = Great! The apple martinis = Beyond great! Average all of those out and you have one 'great' rating. :)
(4)D H.
Did not know what to expect when I went here, you walk in the front door and it just looks like another little bar. Then you go around the corner into the dining room. Wow, that came as a surprise, very retro chic. Started with a Martini as they claim to be the house specials, not a bad claim! some of the best I have ever had and I have had a few :) The bread was delicious, follow by their pork chops, which were divine. cooked with peppers, onion and something a little spicy and served with roast potatoes, beans and carrots. I am looking forward to my next trip to Chicago, this is on my my visit list!
(4)mike l.
okay, everyone loves this joint, so I'll slide my thoughts under the door & be on my way. We just got home, so the food is still stuck in our teeth. Most importantly, the food. Definitely good. Tasty, although pricey. Not "Save it for a special occasion" pricey, but still above average. We had the veal francese & the seafood linguine. The veal was great, tender, flavorful with a nice citrus pop to it. The side of spinach was pleasant too. The seafood was especially good. They didn't chince out on the shrimp or the scallops either, which is always a good sign. I don't know what everyone else ordered, but the portions were certainly NOT huge. the service was a little unattentive and kinda weird. the waitress would disappear for hours at a time, and then pop in really abruptly. My vodka tonic was also really light for the price. But, not a deal breaker. thankfully, the food is good and that's what matters most, right?
(4)Gamaliel E.
I wouldn't say this is the best Italian food in Chicago, but it certainly is a good spot to eat Italian food. I've yet to have a bad experience at Club Lucky. Club Lucky is located in the middle of a residencial area, and offers valet service in the very difficult to find parking area of Wicker Park. The interior has a retro feel, with class...but not overly classy where you feel stuffy. The bread is nice and warm on the inside and has a nice crispy crust. I first ordered the shrimp scampi here, and fell in love with the dish. It comes large shrimp with spinach in a light brothy sauce. The portion size is good, not obscene like that at Maggianos. I recently ordered the linguinie with italian sausage and was very happy with it. I was close to licking the bottom of the bowl. They do have the Italian style wine glasses which was throwing my fellow guests off....they felt they didn't have much wine in their glass. I'm thinking it was an optical illusion. Anyhoo.....its a safe bet to take your guests to Club Lucky.....no luck needed to be served a nice meal here.
(3)Misse D.
I met my former roommate here for dinner on a Saturday night. Since I arrived early, I settled into the bar. I actually liked the ambiance of the old-school bar and the patio seating more then the food. My meal was good but not fabulous. There was entirely too much olive oil used to cook my pasta, which was NOT al dente. Regardless, the food was tasty enough that I'd bring someone here for the experience.
(3)Jim P.
Six people in our group, several had drinks and all have a dinner plate. Our bill was $164......a bit pricey for the the taste of the dishes. The Alfredo sauce was watery, looked like soup and a bit tasteless. Service was great, accommodating and friendly. OUR BIGGEST ISSUE....I had a tortellini dish that is normally served, in my book, with Alfredo sauce. They served it with vodka sauce. I asked if I can have it with Alfredo instead. SURE....we spent $164 and the bill showed I paid $2.50 for the Alfredo instead of vodka sauce. My brother also wanted Alfredo on his pasta, on the side. He was also charged $2.50 for a two shot glass size cup. Doesn't work for me. If you go...and you want something make sure you ask if there's an extra charge. REALLY BURNED ME UP. Really??? for that 'soup' Alfredo? Also be sure you have the flashlight app installed on your phone, could not read the menu in the lighting.
(2)Kristen S.
I have been coming to Club Lucky for about 10 years now, and I still love it! Great service, great food, and great atmosphere have all been consistent. The neighborhood is great; however you may have some trouble parking nearby. Valet parking is available - Club Lucky turned the empty lot next to it into a valet parking lot. Valet will run you 7-11 dollars. When you walk into Club Lucky, you will have to walk through the retro-looking bar and a few booths in order to get to the dining room or the "party" room. The Juke Box is located near the door as well, playing "Oldies", Big Band, and Jazz, all to reflect the retro-chic atmosphere. Once in the dining room, the decor echoes that of a past era. If you read thoroughly, you will note that the fixtures are modeled after those made for the Empire State Building in New York. Needless to say, they are very cool! The String Bean Salad, Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, and unique Pasta Squares dishes are all highly recommended. Many of the noodles are made in-house. Save room for Tiramisu if you can! It is soaked in rum and the marscapone is freshly made. If you are planning a party, Club Lucky is very helpful and affordable (5-course meal for $27pp). Your guests will love the uniqueness of the spot. The management at Club Lucky is very accommodating!
(5)C M P.
This neighborhood diner is the perfect place for solid italian cuisine. I'm never disappointed with my selections. The eggplant parm, veal parm, & chicken parm are excellent. Calamari as an app. is a good choice. Penne with vodka sauce is also very good. The meatballs are just as good as mom's. I expect that some day they'll do a show on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives on this place. If you eat by the bar try out the jutebox with plenty of oldies and blues. Christmas time has the place full of xmas lites! Try it you'll like it.
(4)Angelina P.
I love club lucky. The food there is always consistent as well as it is amazing and the service is always prompt. I usually prefer to eat in the booths in the bar area but the patio is equally as nice too. This place is definitely a little gem tucked away in wicker park.
(5)Cris M.
Went on a Monday night...wasn't very busy. Began to look at the menu and except for basic pasta nothing was under $15. We ordered Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna, and Chicken Parmesan. The Alfredo had no flavor all. Zip, Zero. Nada. My other two friends were eating so I asked for a Fettuccine with marinara sauce. Awful. and the sauce on all three dishes were exactly the same. Not one bit of difference. And the bad part is the sauce had no flavor. Essentially it was a horrid evening. We didn't get salad or soup or anything with the dishes. It was all ala-carte.
(1)Maya T.
Meh.... Went with a big group of people when visiting the city last spring. The food was pretty mediocre but the people I was with made it a fun night. For my entree I had the veal with spinach (again meh). I'm pretty sure there was something bad in something I ate because about 20 minutes after we left, I yakked spinach chunks all over the place for about 20 minutes! Sorry for the visual... :oP It greatly impaired my ability to get as drunk as everyone else that night! Too bad...
(2)Aaron T.
I usually steer clear of Italian food in this price range, but Club Lucky surprised me. First, the retro vibe inside is great. It's casual, yet classy, and unique. The food is good, but not excellent. The prices, however, are very reasonable, and the portion sizes are generous. I've had leftovers to bring home both times I went. The spaghetti with meatballs was surprisingly good for such a simple dish (the cheese on top was killer), and the salmon oregatano was decent. Don't overlook the specials, as they are often the highlight of the menu. The service is OK, but not great. I've had to go to great lengths to flag down my server a couple times. Unfortunately, the wine I've had at Club Lucky was below average. You get lots of good food here for a decent price, but nothing will really blow you away.
(3)Brian M.
Fun spot for late night nosh - or good martini. I really liked the decor, and friendly service. Used to live in the neighborhood, and loved stopping in, getting simple italian food, and making my way... I reccomend it to anyone nearby.
(4)Rachel K.
I visited Club Lucky yesterday evening and I was very pleasantly surprised! It has everything you want - good atmosphere, good attentive waitstaff and most importantly, great food. I had eggplant parmagiana and the only complaint (if it could be called a complaint) is that it was too much. Definitely recommend it!
(4)Sarah F.
This place was just okay. It was tomato-y red sauce, pasta, and not much else. A typical, american-ized Italian menu (which I can appreciate, yes), but just not as tasty as other places that have similar, simple americanized Southern Italian menus. The atmosphere was kinda weird, cafeteria-ish. I am not sure I loved that. I didn't hate it - just didn't love it. My eggplant parm was good, but nothing too too special. The side of meatballs were kind of meal-y, and not that appealing. I just can think of many other places, with a warmer atmosphere, where you can get the same type of food, and it's better.
(2)Gino W.
Having been to Club Lucky twice, I can say that while it's never as good as the first time, the second time may be way better. I went for brunch a year ago and gobbled a tofu scramble and a plate of malted waffles. If I smoke, I would have had a cigarette, for sure. On my second trip I was overwhelmed with food happiness. Mojito. Bruschetta. Arribiata. As I have mentioned on my blog about Italian restaurants, the bartenders are far from sloppy, as the drinks are incredible. Bruschetta on grilled bread with plump tomatoes and olive oil simply cannot be beaten. And I should have had a pack of Marlboro's after I had the spicy arribiata. I may not have indulged a smoke afterwards, but I did waddle away thoroughly sated.
(5)Thomas M.
Club Lucky is an Italian place that has been around for quite some time now, so it may not wow you with new, inventive cuisine. But, there's a reason why Club Lucky has withstood the test of time. It's a classically themed, cozy Italian restaurant. The portions are generous (especially the pasta) and the martinis are great. Personally, I recommend the chicken vesuvio.
(4)Cassidy A.
Homemade Italian food in Bucktown. The homemade chicken tortellini and homemade profiterolles were the best in Chicago. Delicious bread and $6 martinis!
(4)BurtReynolds D.
Burt wishes he could give a 5 star. But the food isn't up to par. Great little old school restaurant. Nestled away in a cool neighborhood. It's like a time machine inside. Like your a kid again out to dinner when you were 5 years old. And Burt loves that - BUT- the food just isn't good enough. There isn't one thing on the menu Burt looks forward to eating there. Great outdoor summer sidewalk space. Great small bar with booths. Comfortably old dining room. Just not great food. The one good thing Burt can say about the food is the table bread is fantastic! And the lamb chops are good. Please Club Lucky hire a great Italian chef and change your menu. Burt begs you
(2)K L.
I used to go to Club Lucky a lot because I lived just down the street. Now that I live a little further away, I'm not so anxious to go there. My husband and I went the other weekend, and it was pretty much how I remembered it - decent, but not great. It was definitely busy (we were squeezed in-between other tables), and very loud. I really only like a few items on the menu - the Mozzarella Fritti, Fettucine De Campo, Homemade Ravioli, and Homemade Tortellinis. The starter bread is also pretty good if served warm, but it has been hard and almost stale on some occasions. The atmosphere of Club Lucky is kind of cool - old school Italian. But it is very dark and crowded in there, so I just don't find it very pleasant.
(3)Abe R.
I had been here numerous times before my last visit, only to frequent the bar and sip on shots of Fernet. This time around though, the couple I was out with suggested we eat here when the line for us to get a table at Piece was 1.5 hours. Damn glad we did.. Our Order: -Eggplant Parmigiana: Layers of thinly sliced eggplant baked with provolone and tomato sauce served with penne pasta. Hell yea, this dish was great. It's really traditional if you have ever had any Italian friends and luckily been invited over for a meal. Here they cook it as perfect as I have ever had it, as the eggplant was extremely tender, just the way I like it. -Linguine Pesactore: Freshly made linguine, perfectly al dente, smothered in a red wine sauce with garlic, and covered with baby clams, calamari, jumbo shrimp, salmon, and spinach. This is always a go to Italian dish for me since I cannot ever get enough seafood. The great thing about this dish is finishing all the linguine and seafood, only to find leftover broth just begging you to sop it up with the homemade fresh Italian bread they serve to you. All in all this place is a well run establishment. The bar up front is great, the service is just right, and the portions to cost ratio is definitely in the patrons favor. I am glad that after all the visits to the bar I finally took the time to sit down for a meal. It was well worth it... Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(4)Megan G.
I went to this place with high hopes, but ended up being a bit disappointed. We went as a group for a girl's dinner a few months back. Now, I love Italian food (having grown up in an Italian neighborhood on the Jersey shore) and I was quite excited to attend what I heard was a Bucktown institution. The food was okay, but not the best I had ever had. The salad seemed to have too many carrots and celery and not enough of anything else, plus was doused in dressing. Then my fettuccine alfredo was already cold by the time we were served, but it had already taken so long to get the food that I just attempted to eat it rather then send it back. Finally, the service wasn't the greatest- our waitress rang out credit cards up wrong, and then kept telling us that we had done something wrong until after 10 minutes of arguing she checked it again (and realized her mistake). Don't think I'll go back (and I ended up getting food poisoning too- bleh!).
(2)Janet S.
Sometimes you just walk into a place and its like you came home. In a residential area, we stumbled in from the snow and were greeting by a long bar - old 50's crooning on the jukebox and red leather booths. We opted to sit here - there is a huge dining room on the other side of the bar with more of the same. The calamari was indeed probably the best ever - ever so lightly breaded, not too chewy , a couple of plates of meatballs, some red wine, tiramisu and a couple of glasses of strega and we had the best Italian fix in a long while. $70 felt just about right. The portions and pours were large and the service A1. We loved it so much that we are flying back to Chicago for 2015 Valentine's Day here.
(5)Justin B.
I love Club Lucky b/c it's less than a 10-minute walk from our house. But whenever I move away from Bucktown, I have a feeling that I'll move to greener Italian restaurant pastures. I've only been twice in nine months--a further testament to my thoughts on the food--but when I have been, I've been happy with the service, the space and the prices for the serving size. But the taste of the pasta has been average (wow, even last month's run to Two for their duck egg pasta was better) and I have not been told Club Lucky's does any one thing at a truly amazing level. This past Friday, I did the fettucine alfredo, and while I thought it was tasty, it wasn't tell-all-my-friends-to-check-this-place-out tasty. The chocolate cake was okay. However, on both visits, the major standout: warm, fluffy bread was served first and it almost destroyed my appetite for the main meal.
(3)Alyson K.
Great bar atmosphere. The food was ok. A solid Italian, family-style meal. The service was pretty slow. I don't know if that was a result of there being several large tables, or if that's a normal Saturday night.
(3)Natan P.
Pleased to say Club Lucky is back in my good graces. Dined there recently and the food was delicious. Service was a bit slow, but I get the feeling that could be intentional...it's a neighborhood Italian eatery, vintage, so take your time, enjoy the company! Looking forward to another return trip soon!
(4)Cory C.
Wonderful Service, fair pricing and amazing food. The meatballs are out of this world. The bread is downright addicting. Add some well poured drinks and this is and wonderful place.
(4)Kelsie S.
I will start by saying that this is by no means the best Italian food I've ever had, but our experience here was so great that I had to give it five stars anyway. We first went to Club Lucky on a Speakeasy tour. We learned about it's Mob background (look for the bullet still lodged in the bar!), which was very cool. The atmosphere inside was awesome, and the drinks we had were good. We were excited to come back again. We went last night and had one of the best experiences we've had in a while. The service was just excellent. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Our waiter was one of the best I've ever had at a restaurant up there. They just made you feel welcome. The sangria was delicious, as was the bread with olive oil and the toasted ravioli. It is pricey, yes, but we didn't mind. We were also able to sit outside, and the cute, quiet neighborhood made that an enjoyable experience, as well. We're excited to go back!
(5)Mara A.
5 stars because they have a bucket of dog treats and ice cold Agua for the pups. 3.5 stars for the place itself. Food is good, nothing spectacular. Wait staff is friendly.
(4)Michael L. And Michelle G.
This place is set amoungst a residential neighborhood, so it attracts the youthful locals of this seemingly urban professional mixed with young white collar up-and-comer apartment dwellers, amidst vintage rehabs and occasional modern tear-downs, as well as every other person in the City who wants to make the very effective scene this place creates of a mix of great Italian comfort food, art deco and prohibition era decor, ... a social scene in the bar with a dinning experience to-boot. It stands out on the corner with a throwback looking sign and you enter into its neon lit and subtly 20-30's decor, rounded edges and vinyl seating, art deco lighting and juke box. After you pass through the bar you enter a dinning area to match with high celings and open kitchen. In the summer the outdoor seating is cozy and on the sidewalk. The menu brings you from top to bottom the usual great Italian dishes done right, easy, and gracefully fresh with great salad choices, appetizers you would expect and clever things that work like pork chops with pepperoncini peppers. The red gravy sauce by which all Italian restaurants are to be judged, yummy to be sure. Come for a Sunday family meal kids and all or come Friday or Saturday night with your date or friends to make the social scene in the bar and enjoy their many craft concoctions and have a great meal.
(4)Emily W.
We're big fans of Club Lucky! We've both stayed/dined in and have ordered for delivery. We are very pleased every time we choose Club Lucky. It's great comfort, Italian food - we would definitely recommend it. When we dine in, the wine selection is great and the staff is lovely. They are more than happy to recommend something and the service is quick. The atmosphere is fun and feels authentic. The last time we had food delivered, at first they said it would be an hour - which is typical for a Saturday night. Then we were very happy when it came in half the time and the delivery woman was very pleasant. Sometimes you get people who just drop the food and run. As far as food goes, we've had the basics, all of which we would recommend: Fried Calamari, Stuffed Artichokes, Caesar Salad, Club Lucky Salad, Penne Bolognese, Chicken Francese, Chicken Parm, Cannoli and Tiramisu... to name a few of our favorites ; )
(4)Melissa D.
This place seemed like a hidden gem, but after talking to a lot of friends, it seems like everyone knew about it but me! It was so great, with amazing food and service! I got the traditional pasta squares, but everyone I was with loved what they got. The staff was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. I recommend one of the dishes with their homemade pasta noodles. Their house sauce was also great! Next time (and there WILL be a next time) I'd like to get a salad so I can try their house dressing.
(5)Angela S.
This place is tricky. If anyone knows me, I can handle my drink, but for some reason I can't get past one martini at this place. So I've learned to be sure to eat first.
(4)Chris T.
For year I have lived right across the street from Club Lucky. I love the atmosphere and the service. The manager is wonderful and wants to keep the customers happy. The food is pretty good...I mostly go for the drinks (wonderful cocktail selection) and the atmosphere. I love the 60s pop music they typically play.
(4)D B.
First time at Club Lucky! The atmosphere was very quaint and welcoming, like an old Italian club. The host, bus staff, and valet were attentive and very friendly. Even the manager came over to gab and make recommendations. The only glitch of the evening was I believe we had new server, as she was a bit awkward and often missing. Thankfully, her absence only allowed us to shovel in more fabulous pasta, drinks, spicy olive oil, bread, and amazing tiramisu with out interruption and enjoy the beautiful Chicago summer night! I would totally return and highly recommend!
(5)Christina K.
I love this place! The decor is retro and charming, they have outdoor seating in the summer which is very pleasant, and their martinis and cocktails are always poured with a heavy hand. Yahoo! Expect hearty, traditional Italian food (with leftovers) at Club Lucky. The homemade pastas, Club Lucky Salad, and cannoli are a few of my favorites. I haven't had a bad meal here. If you want a pasta and sauce combination that is not on the menu, just ask! Service is always top notch. I've brought in groups of 10, picked up a take out order, and stopped by with the beau for a drink before meeting friends - same nice consistent service no matter who I interact with. (Also, my parents used to go on dates here *aww* so I like to uphold that tradition).
(4)Mike Z.
My gf and I love this place. The food is delicious and we've never had bad service. We went this last Friday night and got a table right away. The bread is unbelievable and I highly recommend the mozzerella fritti for an app. I think they have the best ravioli in the city. Also instead of doing valet just down the street there is plenty of street parking with no pass needed. Price was $80 (tip, tax included) 2 glasses of wine, app and 2 entrees. Not bad at all.
(5)Erica W.
Club Lucky is a Bucktown institution, yet it took me over a year of living here to finally check it out. Italian is my absolute favorite cuisine...the more carbs, the better, is my motto. Pretty much everything I'd heard -- that it's good, but expensive -- was right. I sound like my mother, but the first thing I noticed was that it was SO DARK. The waiter gives you a flashlight so you can read the menu. Maybe some candles would help? We had the arancini appetizer special, which was quite tasty, and the bread and olive oil were delicious as advertised. The pastas were good too, but at $18 a plate, this place is making a killing compared to their food costs. I'm glad I checked it off my list, but I probably won't be back unless they do a deal.
(3)Roger J.
Loved this gem buried in the neighborhood. Upon arrival I wasn't so sure if I was in the right place. Good thing we stayed. This place is just a great Italian restaurant with friendly staff, great food, killer drinks and feels like Chicago roots. We enjoyed a meatball appetizer that was excellent, a couple of tasty pasta dishes (try them all) and some very good martini combinations. Upon leaving the manager made sure to ask how the dinner was and introduce himself so we could reference him upon our next visit. You cannot go wrong with this place. Street parking.
(4)Joe R.
This place is awesome, I order some pasta dish with their vodka red sauce, and it was amazing! I will come back just to get that sauce again, I licked it off the plate it was so good!
(5)Kelly B.
Club Lucky is a great Bucktown neighborhood eatery that serves old school Italian upscale cuisine, great martinis and has a retro feel that will surely make you feel like you are part of something that was before your time. The restaurant sits in the middle of a residential street and has a nice side patio that adds to the charm. The dishes are big and saucy. A tad heavy and pricey, but you get lots of it and you will eat every bite. I had the seafood pasta special and they allowed me to sub out my pasta for a different type. My pasta was a bit overcooked, but that is easy to do with capellini. Still delicious, especially after a few yummy cosmos. The cannoli dessert was pricey too, but to die for.
(4)Rokey T.
Don't let the name throw you off. It's not remotely a club. I'd say it's more of a diner feel with a bar. Some of best Italian food in this part of the city. The owner/manager goes out of his way to greet you and say goodbye. Just a nice place all around!
(4)Ila L.
I really don't understand how anyone can dine at Club Lucky when Lucia's is just a few blocks away. Lucia's is really quite good. Club Lucky was just a big disappointment. We tried three things and all three were mediocre at best. The only good thing was that we didn't get sick. Go to Lucia's on North Ave.
(2)Bob H.
Went here with my Fiance and my little brother over Christmas last year and loved it. The atmosphere was a combination of old dinner and a big family dinner. Aside from the part where we had to duck out in shame because my little brother asked for ketchup to go with his chicken parm it really was perfect. The food was good - not quite 5 star blow my mind why am I not there every weekend good, but it's exactly the kind of food you expect at a good italian restaurant. I feel the same way abou the service. Even though I wouldn't call it a 5 star restaurant (and I didn't rate it as such) I'd still go here before many 5 star places.
(4)Paul M.
Loved this place. Pre marathon meal did not disappoint.
(4)Maricela R.
Yes! I love club lucky our waiter was super nice always passing by serving us refills with out asking. I had mozzarella fritti which was AMAZING! I also had a martini with rumchata, shrimp linguine, and ALOT of fresh bread with cheese and olive oil dip :)) overall it was delicious!
(4)Kyle P.
forgot how much i love this place......waiter outside was awesome, bread is best in city, calamari with the peppers is excellent and the meatball salad is a way to tell people you had a salad.....its not a salad
(5)Dana M.
I like this restaurant. This is the second time I have been here and both times had really nice waiters. This time I had Fettucine De Campo: Grilled chicken, asparagus, roasted tomato, garlic, and olive oil, it was pretty tasty to me. I also had Gelato for dessert, yummy!
(4)Ellen K.
A group of friends and I celebrated New Year's this year at Club Lucky. A lot of my friends are regulars there, but it was my first time since I don't live in Bucktown. They raved about the food, so I expected something really great. We had made our reservation for 10PM but called that night at about 8:30 to check on the status and to ask if it would be possible to add one more chair to our table, making us a party of 8. They were really friendly and said it was no problem to add a chair, and they let us know that they were running about 10 minutes behind. We arrived at about 10:15, but we were not seated until a little after 10:30. In that time, we had to wait in the bar area, which also has booths and the bathrooms as well as the only access to the entry, so those 15 minutes felt a lot like riding the Red Line at rush hour. When we were finally seated, we were very pleased. Even with the extra chair, I don't think any of us felt cramped or crowded. The main dining room was decorated with thousands (literally) of helium-filled balloons, while the bar area had tons of giant snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. The place really had a great ambiance for the celebration. The warm bread and olive oil was really great, though for a table of 8 we probably could have done with a bit more bread than one loaf. For apps, we ordered fried and grilled calamari. Both dishes had a great flavor, but the texture of the calamari was a little rubbery for my taste. I ordered the 8-finger cavatelli as my entree, and it was OK. I added broccoli to it, and I think the dish would have been really boring without it. If I go again, I'll probably order something else. (I would have liked to try the lobster ravioli special, but they were out of it by the time we got there.) My favorite thing that I tasted was the Horse's Head cocktail. That I will definitely try again! Where Club Lucky really shined was their outstanding service. I feel horrible for forgetting our waiter's name already, but everybody working there seemed to be in a friendly mood for having to work on a holiday. New Year's festivities at Club Lucky include a bottle of champagne per couple, hats, noisemakers, poppers and streamers, and a live band with a dance floor. Reservations were $25, and that seemed really reasonable for everything you got. We had a really good time!
(3)Chris D.
I love Club Lucky!! Never have had a bad meal here. The place is not much to look at. Not going to win ambiance awards. But if you want great rib sticking Italian, then this place gets my vote. Again, this place is about as hole in the wall, old school Italian as it get's. It looks like a diner when you first walk in. Professional staff!! Friendly!! Outstanding wine list!!
(4)Liz B.
I was excited to find a little hole in the wall Italian place while visiting Chicago. This place got amazing reviews so I thought I couldn't go wrong. Unfortunately it was TERRIBLE. I'm not picky, but WOW. Everything was over-cooked, not fresh, and service was mediocre. I was extremely disappointed. The decor is adorable, but they over pack the place (so it's super loud) and bump the heat. The person behind me hit into me 3 times. Maybe they had a new chef tonight? Either way, I will NOT be returning to this place.
(1)Jeremy E.
I really enjoyed my time here. I see alot of complaints about the service in other reviews, but my service was outstanding so I can't complain. Food was the highlight though. They make fresh bread which is delicious with their oil blend. For the apps, you have to get the sausage and peppers. May have been the best thing I ate all weekend. For dinner I went with the veal parm. If you can't do that right, you aren't an Italian joint. And they knocked it out of the park. Perfectly cooked and sauced. Everything I had tasted fresh and authentic. I would definitely go back!
(4)Marisa P.
This is a fun, laid-back Italian joint which is a nice change from the typical romantic and quiet Italian restaurant playing Sinatra. The food is solid and the bread served before our meal was insanely good. We were seated right away on a busy Saturday night and had a great server. Fair warning though, this place is SUPER loud on a Saturday night!
(4)Juliana R.
My bf and I came across this cute little joint when we were on our way to a different restaurant and decided to try this the next day, so happy we did! We had the rigatoni marinate with italian sausage, and the chicken stuffed tortellini with pesto sauce which was incredible! I highly recommend it to anyone! For drinks we tried their martinis that are supposed to be best in the city. We tried the mangotini and the flirtini, they were ok, definitely not the best, and $11 was a little excessive. The interior so cute, very 50s/diner feel to it, and a great outdoor patio which is where we dined. Staff is very friendly and attentive, all in all, we loved it here!
(4)Nikki K.
First, I love that Club Lucky is less than a 5 minute walk from my place. Second, their food is delicious! I highly recommend the homemade tortellini - you will not be disappointed! Also, they make some delicious martinis! I love sitting in the bar area next to the jukebox and enjoying the retro decor. Great, friendly waitstaff in a fun atmosphere.
(4)Rachel S.
Oh Club Lucky, you rogue. BF and I came here the first summer we lived in Bucktown and loved it. Therefore, we decided to return to this neighborhood gem for our 6th anniversary dinner. The verdict after nearly 3 years? Sad. Sad. Sealion. I ordered linguine with clams (red sauce) and BF ordered the chicken marsala. My linguine tasted great, but nearly every one of my clams was sandy. All the props I gave them for serving fresh littleneck clams were cancelled out by the fact that the chef(s) don't know you have soak clams in water for a few minutes so they release the sand they've accumulated. Yuck. BF's chicken marsala was oddly sweet and overall disappointing. The broccoli on the side was bland, just steamed. It was reminiscent of the lean cuisines of days gone by, before they figured out they had to make their food taste good. I told our server that my clams were sandy, and they brought tiramisu for dessert on the house, which was tasty, but, pretty darn difficult to screw up. Will not be going back, unfortunately.
(3)Amber J.
Every time I come I try something new and fall in love all over again. Great outdoor dinning area.
(5)Sam L.
They gave me horrible food poising from clams manager sent me $50 gift certificate we waited a month to try again for the price the food is just mediocre every time I've had it you just know better is out there especially in this city! Oggi trattoria.
(2)Danielle K.
I make a special track here almost weekly because my boyfriend loves their salad. We always order the 'Club Lucky Salad' which is big enough for two people and I think it is $12. The bread is very good, soft and thick slices, just the way I like it. Comes with parmesan cheese and EVOO for dipping. We also sometimes get the side of italian sausage which comes with marenara sauce. Service is good even when they are busy. On Valentine's Day they gave out free roses to the ladies which was a nice touch. Make a RESERVATION if dining on the weekend. It gets busy.
(4)Alyssa K.
the service and food never disappoint. I love this place.
(5)Jon O.
Club Lucky serves up some decent Italian food. The inside kinda gives me the feel that I'm in a old Italian dinner or something. I guess it's the red and black and white theme with the chairs, booths and tiled floor..... The food is good as it gets and when we went we ordered family style and all shared a little of what came to the table. For starters we had the antipasto and caprese salad. The salad itself was exceptional as well as the antipasto. The antipasto had a great assortment and was almost a meal in itself. For main courses we had some chicken parmigiani and sausages. The chicken was well prepared and so was the pasta that came along with it but the grilled sausages with peppers really stood out as delicious as all get out. The service was decent and our drinks never went dry but was nothing that really stood out. I think this is because they have kinda limited seating and a large crowd on the weekends so it feels like they are trying to turn tables over as quickly as possible. But I'm just guessing there. Anyways, check it out if you are in the mood for some good Italian food. For sure try the sausages if your inner carnivore is screaming out.
(4)Julie A.
I live right near Club Lucky, and have been there several times now. Every time, it gets worse. The last time, we got there and were told there was an hour wait. That's fine, we waited at the bar. It took us 30 minutes to get one drink at the bar. When they sat us, it was super loud and we could barely hear each other. The waiter came and took our order--two glasses of wine, a salad to start, and two dishes (linguine marinara with mushrooms and eggplant parm). The food arrived...literally...two minutes later. They slopped some pasta in a bowl and brought it over. 5 minutes later, the salad arrived. Iceberg lettuce in a bowl with some dressing on it. Then, our wines came when we had finished eating 15 minutes later and the waiter brought the check over. We sat at a table for about 20 minutes in total, paid over $80 for something I could have microwaved at home, and we shuffled out the door to turn the table over. I will never go back.
(1)Ellen S.
Club Lucky is great for a large group dinner. We went for a birthday dinner and they offered wonderful service and good food. They allow you to bring your own cake, which they will cut and put candles on for just a dollar. While my family was singing "Happy Birthday," other families seated around us began singing along as well. The atmosphere is very friendly, and laid back. The food is solid, but nothing that stands out. This is a good place for dinner if your family is not adventurous when it comes to food, and if your looking for a less expensive city option.
(3)Colleen G.
I love Club Lucky! I recently had my birthday here on a Friday night with 10 guests. They were extremely accommodating to our large party and our waitress was great! I ordered the Lobster Ravioli and it was great! (The bread is out of the world as well) Their cocktail list is also very impressive. I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)Jessica C.
I went to Club Lucky for Valentine's Day! My boyfriend had made the Reservation 2 weeks in advance to insure a good time slot at 7:15 PM. We got there right on time. The Bar was packed with couples getting drinks and waiting to be seated. We went to the back of the bar and was greeted by a Host. He had us stand and wait a few minutes while they got some other people seated. Everything seemed to be going efficiently. When we made it to the Dining room it was packed. The tables were close together and the tables were long so I felt like I was far away from my boyfriend. It was also loud because of all the people. That's the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. The waiter was on point and listened to out requests even though he seemed very busy. I got the Salmon Oreganato. The Salmon came out perfect and it was probably one of the best Salmon I've ever had! I had a great experience and everything went well for our Valentine's Day Dinner! :)
(4)Shelly S.
What a nice surprise. It's not a club, but a great Italian restaurant in a nastalgic setting. The bread was great and they have a nice selection of martinis. Salads were cold, crisp, fresh and yummy. The homemade tortellini was excellent. Really enjoyed Club Lucky.
(4)Ali C.
I enjoyed Club Lucky with a group of 3 this past Wednesday. We arrive just after 5 and were able to enjoy the patio seating. Our waiter was helpful and friendly without being overbearing, and support staff was always present. We shared the Sausage and peppers and Calamari Calabrese which were delicious and generously portioned. Also, the infused olive oil and fresh bread was AMAZING! For dinner we shared the Tortellini and the special roasted chicken of the day, both of which were lovely . The grilled peppers and mushrooms served with it were actually my favorite over the chicken itself, so fresh and flavorful! I also ordered the lemon-drop martini, which was pretty good. Overall we were well taken care of and left very happy and full. Very good service and tasty food.
(5)Joshua N.
300th review on Yelp goes to Club Lucky! Don't let the exterior full you it's actually pretty nice inside. The place has this weird diner/fancy Italian motif going on but it was fun. It's a little loud as well but I think that's more because there were a lot of groups the night I went. After a little confusion among the wait staff who was to take care of our table we got some drink orders in (awesome Moscow Mule) and order their "famous" calamari and I got the special raviloi bolognese they were offering. They kept the bread coming which was a great touch and filled our water of course. The calamari was fantastic and was plenty for 2 people. My raviloi was fine. And part of why I didn't go over 3 stars. I've had some insane Italian food but this wasn't mind blowing. Not for how much everything cost. I still had a good time and the staff was great. I just don't want to hype the food up.
(3)Stacy C.
I just went to Club Lucky and cannot say enough good things about it. They have the friendliest staff that make you feel right at home. Everything I have ever ordered has been delicious and is a huge portion.
(5)Kathleen C.
Ah, Club Lucky...I had been giving glowing reviews to anyone who would listen about you! What have you done? So, in all fairness, I have only visited Club Lucky twice...once on the patio and once inside (both for dinner). My first visit was superb. The food was delicious, the service was great and I thought the pricing was very reasonable. I would have given you a 4 Club Lucky! For my second visit, I was with a group and we were trying to carb load (sort of) for a race, so I figured Club Lucky would be a perfect place to visit. I will say that service of the host is fantastic. We were disappointed to hear about a 45min to an hour wait, but hey, we didn't have reservations, so shame on us. However, after about 20 min, the host let us know that a reservation had bailed, so we could have their table - yay! so, a 5 for the host! Service at the table...however...left a bit to be desired. Our server was nice enough, but I would call him overbearing. One of my friends commented that he only seemed to come around to try and up sell us something (wine anyone?). The most blatant up sell was his attempt to get us to order more appetizers...we had already ordered the sausage as well as the pizza bread (plus the bread that came with the table was also there...) for a table of 5. He was pushing calamari on top of that (thankfully, we declined). And for the 5 of us...we had too much food in terms of appetizers, so not sure why he seemed so skeptical of our order. He also came multiple times to try and get us to order wine (now, this is not unusual at restaurants, but when a few of us didn't order glasses, he kept asking and asking....). We had to decline dessert a few times... So, this server, while friendly enough I guess, annoyed us..and is bringing service all the way down to a 3. The atmosphere is nice (nicer on the patio) and really loud inside, so I'm going to with a 3. Bathrooms - quite nice and clean, so a 4. On to the food.... The first visit was delicious. I was not so impressed by my second visit. My chicken Parmesan was not very flavorful and tasted like something I could get anywhere. It was ok, but not spectacular. I tried one of the pastas and it was really salty. The general consensus of the table was that the food was ok, but not great (well, aside from the lamb special which was devoured). So, a 3 for food...ok, but nothing special. The value is pretty good. I would say that you get a lot of food for the price, so that's nice. A 4 for value. I was so disappointed in my second visit....I wish it had been more like the first!
(3)Robert P.
What a great place. Really great food and incredible drinks. Thanks Laurie!!!!
(5)Kori E.
We have been talking about going to Club Lucky for quite some time, and finally made it here last Friday night and this place was packed! The dining room literally has table upon table pushed up against each other to accommodate the masses! We sat down at our table, and looking around the place I seriously felt like I was back in time! HA! I loved it! We ordered the special appetizer - the mussel and they were delicious! Especially the garlicky salty piece of bread stuck in the broth! mmm! I got the Penne Arrabiata, ever since I came back from Italy two years ago I have been hunting down that delicious spicy arrabiata sauce, and its not easy to find! Club Lucky did a pretty good job with it. It was spicy and delicious! My boyfriend got the Pork Chop Vesuvio - I dont eat pork, so I have no idea what it tasted like, but the spinach and potatoes that went with it were very good! We ordered the tiramisu for our dessert and it was nothing special at all, we could have done without. The reason I am giving four stars is because of our excellent waitress! She was probably one of the best waitresses I've had in a very long time! All and all, I'm pretty sure we'll be back...
(4)Taryn T.
Out with friends and want a super affordable, delicious, sit-down Italian dinner? Get the family-style portions here. Four of us ate a three-course meal (salad, brick chicken, pasta, broccoli, and cannolis and coffee for dessert) and the total was $60... meaning $15 per person, plus tip. YES, you read that correctly. Club Lucky has a nice-sized patio section, and the people watching there is great - the restaurant is tucked away from the main Wicker Park drag and surrounded by single-family homes, so it's very calm and you'll see a lot of awesome dogs being paraded around on the sidewalks through the course of your meal. Loved it and would definitely go back!
(4)Vanessa R.
This place is way too overpriced for the quality of the food... I've had better italian from Buitoni!!! BUT they serve a nice stiff drink!
(3)Stephanie C.
I went here for a friend's surprise birthday party and really had a great time. We had a large party (about 14 people) and were given a room in the back of the restaurant which we shared with another large party. The service was great; wine came out a regular clip and they allowed us to take our time ordering, eating and didn't rush us out at point. We had a bunch of different appetizers, the calamari and caprese salad were on point and great for large parties. Everyone ordered their own entrees and I think the majority of folks ordered a pasta based dish. Only one person said they weren't thrilled with their order (ravioli), but everyone else seemed to be pretty happy. We had almost one of each desserts were equally tasty as well as some grappa and limoncello. This place can get loud, but is a great neighborhood location.
(4)Rick S.
This one of my favorite places in Chicago for really good Italian food. It never seems to disappoint me, even if its been awhile since I have visited. The food is always great, the martinis excellent, the prices reasonable and the atmosphere wonderful. A wonderful place to meet for a special date. And a great place for a more mature crowd.
(5)Liz L.
Good solid food, everything tastes fresh, and enough options for vegetarians to keep me happy, although there isn't a lot. The staff is friendly and, best of all, they have plenty of outdoor seating if you want to tie your dog next to the table.
(4)Maggie M.
really good food, but it was very loud.
(4)Kate G.
The bread alone is worth going; great service, atmosphere and skilled bartenders make you want to come back again and again as a local joint. Italian food is decent... large portions. Went for eaarly dinner on New Years Eve, they really went all out... they do have a special package, but we just wanted to grab dinner. Wait staff and Manager are tremendous!
(5)Philip P.
I have recently re-visited my favorite italian restaurant in the chicago land area to find my night to be more warming and delicious then the last time our family enjoyed a home style meal at the Club. The food was served to us at the perfect time with such a strong tasty aroma that ensured a delicious homestyle dinner. The next week we were happy to enjoy our first italian/american style brunch at Club Lucky. Unaware of what to expect, my eggs benedict and light buttermilk pancakes were unlike anything I have experienced. And all washed down with delicious fresh squeezed orange juice! It was really something else. The people at Club lucky have always been good to us. I find myself enjoying many meals here and always enjoy their famous Lucky Martini. This is a great place, must see for Chicago. Club Lucky is very much Chicago. Thanks guys!!
(5)L N.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Sit at the bar, order a martini and enjoy staring into your companion's face while you get toasty. Then order a bottle of wine and some appetizers such as the beef meatballs, the roasted garlic, and a salad to share. The bread is fresh and chewy and the olive oil and parm for dipping are abundant. You will be happy and full when all is said and done. It's fun to make friends at the bar and the music is usually great too.
(4)Michelle S.
I wanted to like Club Lucky because I begged my husband to go here to for like a year. I should of listened to him and stayed away. The service, food and atmosphere are the definition of average. I ordered the special, but our server brought me the wrong dish (50 Min LATER). I seriously saw everyone else get served before my own eyes. I seriously think that we were forgotten. The dish I ended up getting, and reluctantly eating was just OK. No apologizes or comps from the server or staff. Maybe I'll get around to giving this one more shot- but someone else will have to do the begging this time.
(2)Zuri B.
Every day on my way to work and home I drive by the big Club Lucky sign so when a friend recommended it (knowing Italian is my favorite of all foods) I couldn't wait. I was very disappointed in the service, the food, the look of the place and its overall cheap feel. Don't get me wrong, I love Bucktown and I wasn't expecting Bijans downtown but I felt this place is very "one and done". I rather eat with the kids from Jersey Shore than go back to this wannabe Goodfellas diner. But that's just one man's opinion...
(1)Jordan B.
Short Version - Terrible Wait - Great Drinks - Amazing Appetizers - Good Food Long Version A friend of mine lives across the street from Club Lucky so we decided to keep things close and have dinner there on a Saturday night. The only real downside of the evening came right at the beginning. We asked how long it would be for a group of five and they told us two and a half hours. Normally I don't crazy waits like this, especially at 8pm on a Saturday night. But with my friend living across the street, we decided to go have some drinks at his house while we waited. The general manager even took down our cell phone number and offered to call when our table was ready. 90 minutes later we got the call that our table was ready. Upon walking into the dining room I was really surprised. This place is twice as big as it looks on the outside and it was packed, always a good sign in my opinion. We started off the night with a round of martinis. Everyone ordered something different but they were all amazing. The gin blossom I ordered was maybe the best I have ever had. While waiting for our drinks, they brought out the bread and olive oil. My friend had been talking it up all night I was thought I was going to be let down. But to my surprise, it was unreal. I can easily say that they served the best bread and olive oil that I have ever had in my life. The olive oil is infused with garlic and Italian seasonings and the bread is soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. From there we ordered some appetizers. We had the calabrese calamari and the stuffed artichokes. I personally can't speak to the calamari, allergic to shellfish, but the table loved it. I did have some of the stuffed artichokes and they were good. Finally on to the meal. Among the table we tried the veal parm, fettuccine alfredo, and cavatelli wth vodka sauce. Everything was good but nothing was amazing. I would have to say that the cavatelli was the best. Its a pasta made from gnocchi ingredients. All and all, it was an amazing evening. We had sub par dinner the night before at Gene & Georgetti's and Club Lucky saved Chicago's food reputation.
(4)Josh V.
How the heck have I not reviewed Club Lucky yet?! I've eaten here more times than I can count. And actually, more times than I can remember. They have some delicious martinis... The food is generally good here. It's not out-of-this world amazing or anything, but I know I will always get a big portion of something tasty. I prefer to order off their special menus most of the time, since they usually have stuff that is yummy and unique. Their regular menu is fine, but mostly standard Italian fare. I do like their chicken parm! They also have pretty good pasta fagioli and bread. The service is for the most part better better than average, though they can have off nights like most places. The people that work there are friendly and the servers are professional. They have a full bar (did I mention the delish martinis yet?) and a respectable wine list. For some reason (perhaps this is an Italian thing?) they serve wine in what looks like little juice glasses, rather than standard wine glasses. I'm not sure how wine snobs feel about that, so this is an FYI for you. When the weather is nice, they have very pleasant outdoor seating. It's located on a quiet side street, which is a good atmosphere for dining al fresco. However if you're looking for people watching or to see-and-be-seen you won't find much of that here. The inside is nice too. It's dimly lit and clean. The main dining room can get quite loud at times. It can be a bit pricey, so it's not an every night place. But I try to get here once a month or so.
(4)Allison T.
My husband and I had our rehearsal dinner at Club Lucky in October--It was the perfect place for us, because that's where we met 3.5 years ago! In short, we would highly recommend it for any private event! The restaurant offers two spaces to choose from: (1) the private dining room, which seats about 30 people, or (2) part of the main dining room, which seats more than 30 people. We used the private dining room, which was great for our group--It was certainly "cozy" with 4 tables of 7-8 people each in a relatively small space, but that was the feel that we were going for. The food was fantastic--Club Lucky starts you off with their homemade bread with olive oil and parmesan cheese, yum! We chose a menu of sausage and peppers and calamari calabrese for appetizers, the Club Lucky and Caesar salads, lasagna and a special pasta, chicken marsala for the entree, and an assorted dessert platter. All of the food was delicious! The food was all served family style, which helped everyone (who didn't know each other well beforehand) get to know one another better. The restaurant offers drink packages or you can pay by consumption--We just ordered 3 bottles of wine (1 white and 2 red) per table ahead of time and just ordered additional bottles as needed throughout the night. I think this was more cost effective than the drink packages. The service was outstanding! Jim Higgins, one of the owners, was awesome to work with through the planning process, and he even allowed us to choose a pasta (housemade cavatelli with parmesan infused red sauce, sausage, veal, fresh ricotta and basil) to serve that was on their specials menu one night when we dined there. Club Lucky went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great night! If you go on a regular night, I highly recommend the Club Lucky Manhattan, meat/cheese Antipasto platter, carrot cake, and housemade limoncello!
(5)Alli W.
I love the atmosphere - we sat outside yesterday night and it was the perfect setting, not too loud and you had enough room. The fresh bread and olive oil is a great starter. I wish the menu was a tad bigger, but the overal dining experience and friendly, attentive staff makes up for any shortcomings. I will be returning!
(4)Crista L.
Club Lucky is a neighborhood gem, set back in Chicago's greatest neighborhood, Bucktown, just one block north of North Avenue. Upon entering Club Lucky, you'll notice the warmth of the place... and the jukebox. With retro decor and traditional italian food, Club Lucky will make anyone feel warm, cozy, nostalgic, comfortable. Perfect for a date night, a quick meal, friends night out, family, kids, or large groups. Casual dress. I've never had a bad meal at Club Lucky, one appetizer I will ALWAYS order is the Calamari Calabrese. This is the BEST CALAMARI I'VE EVER HAD!!! My friends & family agree. I've never experienced bad service at Club Lucky, the staff are all very friendly and accomodating. Love doggies? Club Lucky ALWAYS has fresh water and treats (we call them Scooby Snacks) right outside their door. It's adorable to watch all of the neighborhood doggies wag their tails as they approach the restaurant.
(4)anthony m.
The absolute worst Italian lunch we have just had. The lunch for 5 people came to a little over 87.00. And here is what we recieved: Burnt fries,so bad they were hollow and awful burgers , bad meat, and definitely NOT a half pounder as they claim , Mcdonalds would be superior compared to this poor excuse for food!!! Soggy old salad, yesterday's bread, three pats of butter for 9 slices, pasta with a tasteless greasy bolognese sauce with barely any meat, underdone penne pasta soaking wet. no grated cheese, no red pepper, and an extremely uninformed staff..all this for a mere 87.00...WOW!!!, hold me back..I would not recommend this place to an enemy, let alone a friend. To have to endure such slop is not only disgusting, but it is rude...especially with the favorable reputation this bucktown eatery has.They will definitely NOT be on my short list, I will endeavor to inform all my bucktown nieghboors what an awful lunch experience this has been, and we definitely WILL NOT be entertaining any clients there! I live and work in Bucktown , and entertain 6 nights a week, and trust me...I would rather starve then even consider visiting this miserablke excuse for a restaurant ever again.
(1)Diana P.
I wasn't blown away by Club Lucky but if you're looking for good hearty Italian, come here. It's a diner-like atmosphere however the lighting is very low, almost making it difficult to see what you're eating (and uncomfortable). The sauces are amazing and I have never had fried mozzarella like I had here-THE BEST!!! I was disappointed at the high prices due to the atmosphere and casualness (is that a word?). I'd imagine that this place would be great for a large group because portions are big so this restaurant is nice for sharing. Overall, Club Lucky is one of those neighborhood restaurants where there's no flash just good, simple Italian dishes (pasta, parmesan, etc.)
(4)Jill D.
Good drinks- it's a cute diner looking place - nothing too special but the food and service was good.
(4)Tiffaney G.
Old school Chi-town secret! The service is good, but the food is better. I have been here a handful of times, and I can't help but buy their homemade sauce at Whole Foods every week for our family meals. I have had a different dish every time I have visited and never been disappointed.
(5)Andrew S.
This is our go-to place for out of town guests and low key nights out. We always enjoy the fresh hot bread, the pastas, and my personal favorite, ribs. The cocktails are also incredible. The only thing holding me back from giving 5 stars is the bad lighting and very crowded seating. If you aren't lucky enough to get a booth, you can count on being bumped into every 5 minutes by a waiter or patron leaving their seat.
(4)Lisa S.
Club Lucky is always solid, not AMAZING, but solid. The drinks are definitely superior for a neighborhood restaurant. I had a dirty martini with blue cheese olives. My friends tried other martinis, and all were good. For starters, I had the stuffed artichoke, which was very tasty and not too heavy on stuffing. The chicken tortellini was very good, and the vodka sauce had just the right amount of cream to not be too heavy. The pine nuts in the sauce add just the right touch. Dessert was ok. We shared gelato, tiramisu and cannoli. The cannoli was a little dry, though I'm not a big cannoli fan anyway. To be honest, the pistachio gelato was probably the best dessert. I wish we had ordered the profiteroles, but oh well.
(4)Kammie G.
This is a cool restaurant hidden in Wicker Park. We sat outside in the patio and my friend said it reminds him of LA: the tables are very close together, cars driving by, the food was really good. The staff was accommodating although not as attentive as they should be. The veal marsala was delicious, and it was the first time I had veal in a restaurant (my mother makes it at home quite often though) and I have to say it was a pleasant experience and only deepened my appreciation for veal. We also shared the Club Lucky Salad which included a variety of grilled and raw veggies. The bread was warm and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. We had to ask for a plate with olive oil as they did apparently bring out the bread only with butter (yuck). The wine is served in cute little glasses although I think I like traditional wine glasses better, but that's all up to the person. In general, I liked being at this restaurant and will return.
(4)Tim S.
We used to go here when it was one of the few places in the hood and were never let down so when my old friend, who introduced me to the place, came in we decided to go check it out after all these years. It was a slow weeknight so the service was beyond attentive, when asked if they could make a specific dish we were happily accommodated. Servings are more than ample and very tasty, just like I remember. We retired to the bar for drinks and to watch the game to find the level of service carry to the bar as well. I will happily reintroduce it into the rounds after all these years.
(4)Steve M.
Ate outside at the buck town garden walk. The beer garden menu was pretty sad. Not much choice. Had the fried ravioli. I could see the cheese in it, but could not taste it. Cannot recommend the place.
(1)Emily P.
My grandma never cooks anymore, which makes me sad. With that said, Club Lucky had the best gnocchi I've had in YEARS. And an amazing cocktail or 3 to go with. The staff is incredibly friendly, our waiter was EXTREMELY attentive, and the servings were just right. I had going to a restaurant and they give me this giant serving that goes to waste because honestly...who can finish it? I still had leftovers after eating here, and gladly ate them for lunch the next day. This was my first visit here and I went with my boyfriend, who said he had been there before and it had improved drastically.
(5)Don H.
I always confuse this place with Silver Cloud. No reason to since they couldn't be more opposite. The first time I came to Club Lucky was during the holidays, snowy and all. When I walked in to pickup takeaway, it was a winter wonderland inside, albeit a much warmer version. Fast forward a few years, my partner and I decide to take our foodie friend for a celebratory (but late) birthday dinner. We stumbled here after other options were closed (it was a Sunday around 4p) and our friend hadn't been here for a while. The front was understated, though still drenched in a 1930s-era whiteness. The backroom and main dining room with something I didn't expect: almost a 1930s-era supper club. I actually was waiting for the same smell I've experienced in the cabin of, say, a 1937 Hudson Terraplane. We did it up with apps and dinner. We are not shy eaters and the portions did not disappoint. This is the type of restaurant I could take my dad: good value, giant portions and a doggie bag. It's also the kind of understated place to come on a second date (it's just a tad too loud for a first date). I got the rigatoni with sausage. For classical, simple Italian food it was rather good. Good flavors, a bit on the salty side. Classy food like this doesn't come cheap, however. With two apps, three dinners and no alcohol, the bill came to $90 without tip. Not cheap. But nice.
(3)Anthony M.
I am a little torn on this review...I use to be a regular at this restaurant about 14 years ago...this was my go to place where I brought my clients in from out of town and they just loved it. In fact, they would ask me to take them there when they were in town. Fast forward to today...yes it has been 14 years since I was here and I decided to take my wife here for lunch. Let's talk about the positives. Good thought in all of the Christmas decorations..they really care about the holidays because it takes time to hang everything in here. It is definately a nice festive atmosphere. The bread that hits the table is amazing...fresh, soft, crunchy and warm...just like I remember it...the bread gets 5 stars...best bread in the city. We had the Italian Pastina Soup...that was amazing...lots of pieces of shredded chicken in the bowl and really delicious. We also had the chicken Parm and this is where there was a let down. The side of pasta and red sauce was so good but the chicken parm was really bland. It was like the chef forgot to season the batter because it was lacking any taste at all. The chicken was also not juicy...it was a little dry. So that is where I am torn...everything was great except the main course and for 15 dollars you would think that the chicken would have been perfect...also it was less Chicken parm and more like 4 little bland chicken fingers covered in sauce. The management and chef really need to look at this because it is completely wrong. The waiter was amazing and really friendly...he did ask if everything was alright but I didnt have the heart to tell him that the chicken was terrible. I hate sending back food because I am afraid that they will add some special sauce to my order when it comes back to the table. Still a great location, great staff, amazing atmosphere, most of the food was really good too but I am talking about free bread, soup and the side...the main course was lacking in any wow factor!!! I wish Yelp had a half star because my review would be more of 3.5 Stars!!!
(4)Lori Taylor R.
Calamari! So many places offer it, so few do it right. Luckily, we've finally found amazing calamari and it's super close to home. The serving size was more than needed for a party of four. Although, our tiny two top table had no complaints polishing off the entire plate. This was by far the best calamari we've had in Chicago and possibly ever! It was cooked to perfection. Not overdone, tough or rubbery, but tender and flavorful. The pieces were enormous, not the typical thin rings, but large thick slices. Several preparations are offered. Even though, my review only mentions the Calamari - Our overall experience was great, but the Calamari is what my husband and I continue rave over.
(4)Mark A.
I have been to Club Lucky a few times and every time it seems to be getting worse. It is a shame because I do remember really enjoying it years ago. I am hoping they can get out of the rut they seem to be experiencing.
(2)Kerra C.
Great American-Italian joint. Cozy but so dark you can't even see the menu!
(4)Erika G.
This was my first "restaurant hangout" when I moved back to Chicago after a brief respite in heLL-A. The food was great, and after all those martinis I drank at CL (baby's grown up now, and is not so stupid), the food was a necessity. Best calamari in town, still. Vinegarette dressing, broiled, done - and sop up the rest with the delicious bread instead of having breaded calamari. Why bread something as delicious as calamri? Utterly yummy pasta, and always enough for a meal the next day. I love the family-style, somewhat boisterous vibe. Absolutely great for a group. My favorite bartender, that used to work here (see following review for Avec) is not here anymore. I used to bug him incessently about making me a martini with a baby gherkin garnish. Cute, huh? For awhile, there was a jar of baby gherkins behind the bar, just for me. I had my 32nd birthday here, ah yes. Meeeeeeeemmmmmmmmriiieeees!
(4)Michelle S.
I'm a huge fan. I went to Club Lucky in search of salmon. It was an early dinner (around 5pm) and I sat at the bar where a friendly bartender greeted me. I ordered hot tea, which was also refilled through out my experience. I modified my salmon to my liking and it came out perfect. It wasn't over cooked or undercooked, easy to eat with a fork, and perfectly seasoned. I will definitely be back. I couldn't wait to tell my friends about going there for our next dinner. I will definitely be back!
(5)Christina G.
This is a nice casual diner-style restaurant with good Italian food. I didn't try the bread but my family loved it and it came out warm which is a plus for bread. I see other people think the prices are high, but really I feel like the prices are reasonable. One nice thing is you can add a donation when you get your check to the National MS Society.
(3)Brian M.
Been here a handful of times and every time I'm impressed with Club Lucky. They have some amazing dishes that really stand out amongst Italian restaurants across Chicago. First the bread is great, hard and crusty, fresh baked. Their Calamari both grilled and fried will come out cooked to perfection. The Fish salad is a great app, but also goes great as a meal, I've had it for lunch a few times and it's really a great mix. I've had the veal oreganato here when it's on special, it's incredible, I recommend it to anyone that would normally order a parm or vesuvio dish. You'll be blown away. Also had the lasagna with veal meatballs. Very rarely will i order lasagna at an Italian restaurant, since it's not that hard of a dish to make ok, but to make it great, it's pretty tough. Well Club Lucky does a fantastic job with their lasagna, a great blend of cheese, meat, sauce, and pasta. Also the veal meatballs are great and much better then any meatballs I've ever had.
(5)Robin R.
Went to Club Lucky on a recent Saturday night fairly late (9:30), I live pretty close and walk by a fair amount and there always seemed to be people there so I put it on my list to try. The fact that they serve food late is a major plus in my book. The service was quite nice and friendly, but I was surprised by the menu, it's what I would term "very traditional american" italian, but that's not itself a bad thing. The food was a solid meh, my girlfriend got the tortellini with vodka sauce, the tortellini seemed to be homemade but the sauce seemed premade, my linguini with olive oil and garlic and grilled chicken was good and quite flavorful but didn't feel worth $16. In the end $55 for 2 beers, 1 bruschetta, 2 pasta dishes (not fresh pasta) was dissappointing. I'll not go out of my way to dine at Club Lucky again but probably would go if I was craving generic Italian
(2)P A.
Had an amazing pasta experience here on 2 occasions. My hubby and I agree, this pasta is so fresh, so perfectly made, the sauce and meatballs are the best, the absolute best so far that we have found in the City of Chicago. This pasta fills us up, it is always steaming hot, genuine, delicious, aromatic and more. WE DO NOT FEEL BLOATED after eating here, which amazes us because we also eat so much of the bread as well while dipping in olive oil. The ambience is nice here and the service so far has been very professional. I had a french martini, good but the glass was too small and chincy - not like to big fancy martini glasses at Mortons.....so I'm confused why they claim that they are famous for martinis while there choice of the glass is so small.....
(5)Tom M.
I go there annually 5 years running w/ my buddy to take the edge off the night before the Chicago Triathlon. This time we dined al fresco w/ 2 other friends also participating in the event. I think they changed the menu a little this year but figured it out w/ the help of the always attentive staff and ordered the old stand by Caprese salad, grilled Calamari, and for the main course Filet Peperonata which honestly could use a couple more potato wedges (my only criticism). Polished this off w/ a couple cold beers to carb load for the next days race and left w/ a full belly and looking forward to returning again next year.
(4)Erin M.
I really wanted to love this place but the food was lacking that wow factor. The bread is homemade, warm and amazing. The soups and salads are fantastic but as far as the actual dishes go, they just are passable. Ambiance is great. Service is friendly too.
(3)Richard C.
I lived in this neighborhood for a year and less than a block from Club Lucky. I finally went tonight and it was just OK. We went on a Friday night and had to wait 30 at the bar, which was OK, but the drinks weren't cheap and I didn't see anyone drinking beer. Also, this will sound weird, but the ergonomics of the bar are bad. I felt like my feet kept hitting the wood and I had to make a huge effort just to lean my whole body over the bar to hold onto my drink. You'll know when you go there. The linguine, garlic, and olive oil entree with grilled chicken was actually quite tasty. I could tell the garlic was fresh, chicken grilled well, and olive oil was quality. The bread appetizer was fresh and hot, too. The atmosphere, however, was awful: TOO LOUD and TOO DARK. I couldn't hear my waiter and then had to use my iPhone as a flashlight to read the menu, whose descriptions are in 6-point italics. Weird that most people complain about the food and love the atmosphere. I'm the opposite. I might return to try the patio so I can escape the jail-cell-like decor while still getting the food, but the prices are kind of a rip off anyway.
(3)Jeffrey W.
10 years ago I would have given Club Lucky 4, maybe even 5 stars. I've only been here twice in the past 18 months, because their prices keep going up and nothing has really changed. We went to dinner this week and it was the overall experience was less than average. The good: the stuffed artichoke, the bread and the lasagna. The bad: the drinks, linguine with clams and the overall experience for the price. $10 for a stuffed artichoke? Really? I had a glass of the most expensive cabernet ($9.50) and my glass came only half full. The linguine with clams was bland and the clams did not seem fresh. I'm not sure I'm every coming back here. I'm not a hater as I once loved this place when the food tasted better and the prices were more reasonable. $14.95 for basic pasta squares?? Come on, these used to be $8.99 7 or 8 years ago. But hey, all the new yuppies and families that live in this neighborhood are happy to pay those prices, so whatever. So our total bill for the stuffed artichoke, two entrees and two drinks was more than $75 (with tip). No thanks. This doesn't mean that I might not stop back for a martini, which is still the only thing that remains good.
(2)Ben K.
Club Lucky is alright. The food is solid (a tasty if atypical penne arrabiatta and very nice calamari). The atmosphere feels fairly casual but seems to attract a trendy, well-dressed crowd. There's a nice outdoor patio. My only real complaint is the price. There are a ton of great italian restaurants around and this one totally lacks authenticity. If I'm paying $17-20 a plate for a nice italian meal, I want to feel like I'm getting something real. This experience was kind of cookie cutter.
(3)Amy H.
All I knew of Club Lucky was that it was a stop on the annual Chiditarod - Epic Urban Iditarod. The interior was cool...I liked the bar-stools...and the bathroom was clean. Beyond that, the only experience that I had with Club Lucky was drinking beerz in the side lot while I protected my shopping cart from sabotage. Well, the other night I actually dined at Club Lucky. It was good. I enjoyed my chicken parmigiana and a few glasses of pinot noir. The grilled calamari was yuuu-huuuu-my!! The little squids were covered in a garlicky tomato sauce with capers in it. Odd...but it worked. I wanted to lick the plate, but thought my date would think it was tacky...or he might have been impressed. Who knows? Now here is something that really irked me. They were filming a commercial of some sort on the night I was there. The guy that was doing the filming did not ask the people dining if they wanted to be filmed...he would just shine his bright klieg light on them and start rolling. As my server was delivering my chicken parmigiana the film dude told the server to take my plate away and serve me again so he could get it on film. Huh??? First, I don't want to be filmed. I want to enjoy my meal. Second, I'm farking hungry and I want my food!! Third, how about asking if I would like to be part of this little commercial and asking if I would mind being re-served my dish before you take it away??? I pulled the manager aside and he said that if I didn't want to be filmed they would take me off, but it was too late. I was already irritated by the film dude. This is something that he should mention before he started randomly filming people. I really just wanted to enjoy my meal and the added distraction and akwardness of the film dude made it impossible. That the owners/management of Club Lucky allowed this to happen makes me deduct one star.
(3)Caitlyn M.
This place does not disappoint! We go for the ambiance and the food, we always leave happy and STUFFED! I wake up dreaming of the Calamari Calabrese - it's delicious! I also would recommend their red sauce, the lasagna, the arrabiata sauce and their bread (careful not to eat too much before your giant meal comes!). You will not regret topping all that off with their Tiramisu or Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake! Mangia' italiano!
(4)Kari S.
I used to love club lucky, now I will probably not go back. A week ago my husband and I took my parents for dinner. We shared two salads, numerous glasses of wine, and each ordered an entree. I asked for several pieces of rotini pasta for my 9 month old baby, and was shocked when we were charged $5.00 for it. I needed about 5 pieces to cut up, they brought about 10. Regardless of the 5 or 10 noodles, I am completely appalled that we were charged $5 after what our bill amounted to with all of our dinners. I fully understand charging for kids who actually eat, but I just needed something to give my daughter to keep her busy. I would have gladly given her some of my food but there were pine nuts, and that is an allergen (you aren't supposed to give to babies under 1). I hope I am not sounding like one of those parents who think that because they have kids, they deserve ___ (let me also note we tip extra because of said eater-in-training), but I really don't think I'm off base with asking an ITALIAN restaurant to give me just a few pieces of cooked pasta. Let's agree that the cost of cooked pasta is negligible and that what they charged us was borderline robbery. Ciao Club Lucky.
(2)Scott F.
Awesome neighborhood spot with kickass Italian food and the best damn martinis in the hood. Scotty is one of the best bartenders around. Seriously, if you haven't, check this spot out!
(5)J W.
I so wish I could give the 4 stars Club Lucky deserves, but closing out the bill was such a circus that I just can't do it. 6:30 reservations for 7 people on Friday, we were seated in the dining room. Only a few other tables, but within an hour the number of diners had risen appropriately for the city dinner hour. The bread is as amazing as everyone raves, just don't fill up before dinner! Drinks are reasonable and they have a nice list of custom cocktails and specialty wines- you're sure to find something you like. The tortellini is out of this world, I love pine nuts and the sauce was perfectly thick and tasty without being too much. Someone had the sausage and peppers, someone else had the ribs, someone else ordered their October pink pasta (proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness)... everyone was pleased with their food!!! WIN!!! I spoke with the server before we ordered to alert her that we would be having three separate tabs, she said it wouldn't be a problem, that she could not split it up while we were ordering but that she could do it when we were closing out. 8:00 Given the check, with everything on one tab 8:10 Server stops by, I ask her if she could please split it up as we previously discussed? No, the system won't allow it, you have to do it yourself 8:20 Server stops by, she sees that we split it up by card ie: card #1 gets this, this, and this... No, I need you to do the math and tell me how much goes on each card 8:30 Math Math Math (not fun after several cocktails), server stops by and picks up the math and the cards 8:40 Server comes back, she can't split the tab after all, it all has to be on one card. Really? You didn't know that before? She gives us back the three cards, we give her one card. Math down the drain I guess. 8:50 Server comes back, she was able to put the tab on the three cards after all, she presents us with the receipts for the three cards that she has already given back to us!!! How is the correct math on these three cards when you just said it couldn't be done??? 9:00 Tab paid. We can leave now. Am I hungry again? This additional hour of frustration and confusion really put a kibosh on an otherwise lovely experience. My father spoke with the manager, who blamed the whole ordeal on their ancient PoS system. Technology can be updated and servers can be trained, time can't be returned. And on top of that we walked outside and there was a massive line of people waiting to be seated. It is unfortunate that those people had to wait an hour to drink and eat when they could have been seated a while ago... (I'm not a heartless person, I've been a server and I know it gets busy and hectic- but I always appreciated the upfront table who would give me a heads up about separate checks, and if it wasn't possible to accommodate their request I would verbalize it, this particular situation had minimal to no communication and we really did far more work than I ever imagined) I have always had a good time at Club Lucky but I felt terrible that my out of town guests had to sit through the ordeal. I will go back, but not with a large group and maybe I wait until they get a new PoS System.
(2)Ela G.
Hi Neighbor! I live right across the street from Club Lucky, so when I'm so lazy and tired that I can't even be bothered to make myself cereal, I go to Club Lucky. I've been there enough now to know that there are a few things they do really well, and a few that are just "Eh". Here are some highlights for me: Bread - crusty and delicious and warm. Hook me up with some olive oil and parm cheese. Yes. Club Lucky Salad - so simple but their dressing is the perfect combination of tangy and tart. Shrimp Scampi - Delcious and garlicy to the max with tons of flavor and lemon. On the menu you have to choose between spinach or fettucine, but I say order it with BOTH. There's an up-charge but so worth it. Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parm, Lasagna, etc. etc. - If you're looking for the traditional italian favorites, I think Club Lucky is great. It's not outside the box in any way, but the relaxed atmosphere and dependable food will satisfy your craving for italian well-enough. Also check out the bar - on any night of the week it's a great time with friends. Also the special menu often times has the best selections on the menu, so investigate that. The service is almost always excelletn here, and I especially thank the busboys who are friendly and attentive. Note for improvement - I WISH they made their own pasta - that would totally take club lucky to the next level...PLEASE!
(3)Matt S.
Tucked away on the side streets of Bucktown, this is a place that we truly stumbled upon. After moving into the area, we stopped one day for a quick brunch and were pleasantly surprised with the options and vowed to come back for dinner. In the midst of summer, on Friday night we decided to make our way back. Thinking (mistakenly) that we wouldn't need reservations, we just walked over. The place still appeared to be the quiet neighborhood joint we thought it was after brunch. Not. So. We opened the front door and entered a raucous, loud (stereotypically Italian) restaurant where the host/owner appeared to know almost everyone there. We had to wait an hour for our table and spent the time having a martini and their calamari. The menu is your typical Italian, but everything is homemade and the quality of ingredients is top notch! You can't miss with the lasagna and they also have a very nice healthy(ish) pasta with chicken, asparagus that is tossed in olive oil. Highly recommend this place!
(4)Andy M.
Another great Chicago lounge and eatery. The back Italin food area is great but pricey. They have a front bar with no beer on tap for you lounge snobs. The decor and hidden location makes this another bucktown trendy place to go for locals. This is a nice retro neighborhood eatery that those who live nearby should be ashamed if they never gave it a try. The prices are high but if you can afford to live in this area you should not complain about food prices of places near by such as this that makes your area awsome.
(4)Lydia T.
Club lucky..you are definitely missed! Even though I live in the Italian Market area in Philly I still think of you fondly. Totally should be visited if you are in the neighborhood!
(3)Tomas M.
dont listen to any negative reviews of this place. it's a good solid bucktown eatery. has been consistent over the years. food is good, great atmosphere if you like low lighting. good energy in the dining room. not very trendy. food is great. all in all a good spot with good value.
(4)Megan M.
The food is good, but expensive, and for the price, the portions are small. The extra charge for chicken/meat is very expensive and you only get a couple pieces. The host was really friendly, but the waitress rarely came by the table.
(2)mark s.
PROS: Great Atmosphere - a place like Dean Martin would have hung out. Excellent hot bread and butter no charge Excellent house salad and Pasta Fiazole soup both a must order. The best Chocolate cake in bucktown The best Coffee CONS: Low value for the $$ Quality of food is average Wine pours by the glass are small Service only average Loud CONCLUSION Unique Italian dining experience, but you'll pay for it. Probably better on a week night when service is better.
(3)Dee W.
Warm cozy setting for dinner or lunch; I once hosted a group luncheon here - the management was very accommodating and the food is always A++ I used to live around here and come here frequently for dinner and lunch. And their dirty martinis are an absolute steal. I've been here for a company dinner and that was a great experience, as well. About the group luncheon that I hosted, it was for about 30 people and we got the private room in the back, it was family style food and about $20 per person for salad, appetizer, entree, and dessert. What a great deal and wonderful food, service, and staff!
(4)Matt N.
This place gets better everytime I go to this supper club- meets retro / trendy Bucktown spot. Fun bar area complete with Jukebox and the outdoor sidewalk cafe makes it a fun summer hangout. Affordable and reliable makes this one of my favorites.
(4)Mary B.
Friends and I went to Club Lucky for dinner. The food was outstanding. The service was exceptional and the overall atmosphere was fantastic. We all were raving by the time we left. I'll most definitely recommend this restaurant to others.
(5)J. C. G.
I'm a huge fan; old-school italian food with great service and a tremendous bar. Relatively inexpensive, excellent food and fun, diverse clientele. I feel cooler when I eat there.
(5)Rob L.
I went out with friends from work, I was impressed! It may be because of who I was with, apparently they come to the place quite often. Thank God for valet, parking can be a pain. It has a kitschy kind of feeling to the place, like an Italian kitchen in the 1950's but in a slightly more upscale way. Service was very good, always got what we needed pretty quick, and the food was great, (it's amazing how good pasta can be when cooked al dente and not like mush!). Though I will say I only had a few minor complaints, such as the bruschetta being more than lightly toasted. I had a really great time. This place seems perfect for a group, (there were plenty of them there) or with just one other person, and fairly casual place, friendly and welcoming.
(4)Jonathan A.
I am defending Club Lucky despite mixed reviews. I agree the dishes are maybe overpriced and "nothing special", but then again, I feel that way about most Italian food, even in Italy. "You can find better Italian, cheaper", probably, but I always feel I could have made that at home anyway. I think the food is good. Americanized? Yeah. But whatever. However, what Club Lucky may or may not lack in the food area, I feel it makes up for with atmosphere and service. The reason I go here is more for the bar area. It is a cool 40s-ish, Rat Pack style bar that serves the best blue cheese stuffed olive Martinis I have had. The bartenders are always really nice even when they are slammed. We used to live in the neighborhood, and would come more frequently. Even now that we come in less, they still remember us and comp us drinks now and then. Christmas time it is decorated very nicely. The jukebox is great, playing a mix of 40s Rat Pack music and 70's Motown and Soul at the PERFECT volume so you can hear it but still have conversation. Ask for some bread and ask specifically for some olive oil with it, because I believe you have to request it now. The olive oil is great. The dining room is cool and all the waiters wear old red traditional bell uniforms. It's big and open and great for casual family dinners, you can also eat in the bar which is fine too. The service and atmosphere is friendly, unpretentious and when it used to be just me and my girlfriend, we used to love coming in and drinking martinis at the bar. Now we bring our family and extended family here for dinner.
(5)J J.
Thumbs down. Overpriced spaghetti = $15 for a bowl. Although they tout their "homemade spaghetti sauce," tasted suspiciously similar to Ragu. Cramped dining area, loud so you can't talk to your table, and makeshift wobbly tables. Bucktown tries so hard to be cool, like that easy girl in high school feels who everyone feels sorry for now with her 3 kids, $8.50 an hour job, and bad skin. Yeah, Bucktown's hey day is over.
(1)Jonathan C.
Food here was good, I thought. Five finger cavateli (or however its spelled) was very nice. I like the place, decent atmosphere, big back room. Americanized yes, but so am I so whatever. Avg prices/portion sizes. No parking in the hood though.
(4)jeff m.
The patio was pretty nice last summer, but the food was just at par. It you want a good outdoor dining experience go to Lucias just a few blocks away on north. there outdoor pation is great for that romantic dinner or just ten bottles of wine. Either sound great to me!
(3)Dave S.
This was a pretty decent place. It wasn't out of this world but it wasn't horrible either. The decor was definitely 1950's and I felt like I should be smoking a stogie in a tuxedo while drinking brandy as i was "making someone an offer they can't refuse" I ordered the lobster ravioli which were very good. I think that this may have been our waiters first waiting job. We were not in any hurry to place our order and he did seem a little impatient. He was friendly though so I didn't hold it against him. I won't go out of my way to go here again but at least I can say that I have been there. Although I only gave the establishment 3 stars if I was factoring my date into the equation it would have been an easy five star experience!
(3)Valerie A.
Club Lucky is probably the restaurant I have been to the most in Chicago. I use to live right around the corner and still live in the area, so I just seem to wind up here frequently. It's best to sit outside and eat in the summer. I love their martinis, very icy and delicious. It's a good place to go with a group or bring people from out of town. The grilled calamari is great, as is the green bean salad. And the service is always pretty good. Although once the server did something super weird at the very end of our meal. He asked the person I was with if he was REALLY over 21. He then told my 28 year-old friend he'd made a "rookie mistake" when ordering his drinks. (We'd had two mixed drinks each.) We both had no idea what he was talking about. It was very odd.
(3)Stella S.
I've been here a few times for dinner and also to have a drink at the bar w/friends. I looooove dirty martinis (extra dirty) with bleu cheese olives. And these have you craving another the next day. When we went for dinner our waitress was so nice and didn't mind bringing me extra olives, and the martini was super cold and shaken to perfection! The bread was so good that the resturant I work at got the same bread vendor after my owners ate there. I had the lasagna which was awesome, and the time before the baked clams which were ultra yummy!!! I really want to go back but I'm pregnant rght now and have a hard time tolerating red sauce and boo!! I can't have a dirty martini so I think I'll wait until I have the baby to go back!
(4)Ron D.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city. I've now lived in the area for 5 years and frequent Club Lucky a few times a month. Everything I've tried is fantastic, service is top notch and personable, they never rush me from my table and the manager is always walking around making sure everyone is happy. Highly recommend the Eggplant Parm and Meatballs Insalata.
(5)James J.
Abodonza! What a great place for quality, authentic italian food in great surroundings. Really nothing to complain about except the lines that form sometimes in the summer. Be patient and enjoy.
(4)Ali G.
SO LOUD. There may have been a few large parties, but I couldn't hear myself think. Spaghetti was wonderful and even better the next day. As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for great spaghetti without meat. This was perfect although a bit over priced.
(3)Ren H.
The portions are big but this place is kind of hit or miss... we went once and it was gross and then we went again and it was awesome! At least you can always count on great drinks and atmosphere.
(3)Paul L.
We only go for drinks, but it's a nice change of pace when you don't want a dive and you don't want to be at a place where everyone's looking at everyone else. I feel like I've traveled back in time to an era where it was less about what you wear and what you do, and more about how you do those things.
(4)Cassie B.
wow i really enjoyed the heck out if this place - we went for private party and the atmosphere was amazing - we were in a back room and the waiters were all on top of things, very attentive. we had a group family style dinner (I love family style) which started off with a vegetable platter- awesome! and good warm bread, then salad, and chicken with potatoes. food was very good. when we left at 8:15, the main dining room and front bar were PACKED - especially the front with good-looking people waiting to eat. you could definitely tell it was a destination not just for drinks, or not just for dinner, but for both. if i lived in this neighborhood, i would be here all the time. the only thing was, the drinks were quite expensive - nothing on tap, $4.50 for domestic bottle and $7.50 + for wine. ouch!
(4)Steve R.
So-so italian joint. There's a lot of hoopla about this place and it always seems to be crowded, but I don't see why. The food has never been better than average when I've been there. Service is pretty good.
(3)Katherine E.
The food here was actually gross. For real, it was gross. I ordered the Eggplant Parmesan, and I think this is how dog food would taste. It was mushy and had a really nasty taste to it. I wish I could describe with more subtlety the flavors of this dish, I really do. But I can't. It was gross. The service was fine though, I just wish the food tasted like human food.
(1)David R.
Interesting, but fun atmoshere with good food. Maybe not my first choice for Italian food in Chicago, but wouldn't hesistate to go back.
(3)Amanda G.
Club Lucky is an interesting restaurant. The food isn't the best I've had and the service is only fair, but despite that I always have a great time! The atmosphere is very retro and cool, as if Frank Sinatra might be at the booth next to me. I'm a fan.
(3)hillary w.
Club Lucky's brunch is a score! I found this spot on my way to another place. there was no line and it seemed nice so i decided to give it a try. Awesome!!! the food was great and the portions generous. i had the eggs benedict, it was delicious. i give their bloody mary an a plus! Not only did it taste good but it came with a real bloody mary flag, not just a piece of celery, instead you get a skewer with peppers, cheese and salami! The wait staff was really friendly too. The atmosphere was pretty hip to. It has a 1950s vibe to it. I think ive found one of my new favorite spots!
(4)Vanessa P.
Ok, I've been here 3 times now and every time I think "I wish that it was better." The food's ok, the drinks are a bit better, but I must admit that the atmosphere is pretty cool. I mean the restaurant used to be a speakeasy - so that's pretty cool. I just wish the food was more on than off.
(3)Coco C.
Lame and overrated. I had eggplant parmesan here once and it tasted suspiciously of old socks - and I haven't been back since.
(2)Drucilla D.
I actually went to Club Lucky for a baby shower so I may have to update my review if I ever go on a regular evening out. This was a pretty cool place! The food was pretty delicious and the bar area was cool - I dug it! I was a little weirded out to find some sort of garnish floating in my coca cola, but I got over it. Definitely seemed like a great place for a party!
(4)Doug S.
Great Italian food and even better service. The room is low lit and charming (can I say charming?). It is a tad pricey, but the portions are huge, they give you unlimited fresh bread with olive oil, and they have a stocked bar with a great beer/wine/liquor selection. I have had dinner with friends and dinner with family here. All around a very good dining experience.
(4)Kathy H.
You can always get a feel for an italian place by the kind of bread they serve. Warm, thick, crispy outside and incredibly moist and soft on the inside... coupled with the lighest garlic flavored oil, however, a perfect match. Great calamari... all 4 of us went our separate ways for the entrees and everyone was all smiles. Chicken oreganatto -- has to be my favorite thus far. Absolutely will be visiting this restaurant again. The place itself has a funky beat to it that you appreciate right from the start.
(5)Liz H.
Club Lucky is just plain cool. It is a retro-style restaurant and cocktail lounge serving awesome Italian dishes. You can taste the freshness in each bite of the pasta. Club Lucky isn't really meant to be a "family style" restaurant, but I love getting a salad and a couple of entrees for a group of people to share. The green bean salad is surprisingly marvelous. And if you can manage to save room for dessert (a hard task for sure) the tiramisu is some of the best I have had! The restaurant gets very loud on the weekends, but I have never seemed to care because I am so into my meal!
(4)Shannon S.
The food here is alright, but I can think of many other Italian places I would rather go. The portions are huge, there are definitely plenty of leftovers. Also, our food came out pretty quickly after we ordered. Some of the best service I have had in a while.
(3)Bruce N.
I find myself drawn to Club Lucky a couple of times a year. I'm not too sure why, though. Maybe it's the warmth of the bar area, possibly the "old school" supper-club feel of the place. It's certainly not just the food. A few of my closest friends and I had dinner there on Saturday night. The pre-dinner drinks were great (they certainly know how to make a fine martini) and the bartenders, though a bit disorganized, were pleasant enough and rather cute. The issue that I have is the "only slightly above average" food. This place prides itself on the retro feel and menu. The first red flag is no meat sauce. Really, a plate of veal parm or pasta (to me) practically BEGS for meat sauce. The veal, though tasty, was merely OK. The Chicken Vesuvio was fine, as was the chicken-filled tortellini. Desserts, like the rest of the meal, were fine but didn't dazzle. Overall, I guess I'll be back in six months to a year, but there are better tons of choices for Italian food in the city.
(3)Patrick F.
Whenever I am in the need for some good pasta, I make my way over to Club Lucky. The food is very good, the portions are good enough for two meals, and the atmosphere is bustling.
(3)Michelle W.
Club Lucky has always proven to be great. They have definite I need a box to take home portions and the food is always very yummy. It is nice to be in a restaurant that is a bit off the beaten path too. Just make sure to order a martini and don't plan on eating anything else the day you go.
(4)Paula O.
Good food and service, staff was quite patient with our large party. Not cheap, but not ridiculous either. I'll be back!
(4)Kelli M.
I love Club Lucky! The food is great, huge portions. Try the lamb chops! Call for a reservation for dinner because it is usually crowded. The only complaint is that the bar is too small and gets really packed with people waiting to eat dinner.
(4)Liliana S.
Portions are huge; good atmosphere. great ribs! Good place to come for a drink and appetizers.
(4)booby d.
my god. my waiter smelled like diaper, dirty diaper. food was gross. salad obviously came from a bag. i was charged extra for garlic at a freaking italian restaurant!?! thats the main ingredient in everything! fifty dollars and we only got one entree and the guy kept trying to get us to purchase more. The place was crowded and you can't even hear the person next to you. Go to this place if you like the smell of fart.
(1)Jo M.
I've been here twice and both times the food has been good, service has been good, and I've been able to get a table right away. Prices are a little high, but that's not unusual for the city---every place is overpriced. Both times I got to sit by the window--awesome. I walked from the el so I didn't have to worry about parking, but I think they charge $7 for vallet. I can't wait to return for a 3rd time! Another bonus, the bread is really good!
(4)Stacy L.
Gorgeous little hidden gem, great brunch. Would definitely come back!
(4)elizabeth g.
I like the food but the lighting and sound are terrible in the dining room is terrible. I went there on Saturday and noticed every table around us using their phones to read the menu
(3)Mojo M.
The key to a great evening at Club Lucky: 1. Get a booth. Order cocktails, make friends with your server and busboy 2. Relax. 3. Have another cocktail, order an appetizer. 4. Relax 5. Split one of the ample entrees, but order your own glass of wine 6. Relax Not the right evening to hit at least five of the six points? No worries, come back when you can.
(4)Laura L.
Always come here with big groups from outta town! Even saw a rehearsal dinner there last time. Great menu...great food...great drinks! Nice loud and Italian...how life should be! I think it would also be nice to sit up front at the booths for an more intimate setting!
(4)Ashley B.
My boyfriend and I have been looking at buying a house on this street for a few months now, and just recently got to try Club Lucky. My friend had raved about it, so stepping into this unassuming little spot was strange. We had to wonder if we were in the right place. But honestly, it was charming. There's a bar on one half and a restaurant in the other. It looked very diner like but the menu was lined with amazingly tasty traditional Italian dishes. My boyfriend ordered pomodoro and I had lasagna and both were amazing. I don't even know how we managed to eat it AFTER we had all the amazing bread they gave us as an appetizer! Overall I love this place and I love that I'll (hopefully) soon be near it! I will definitely be coming back and hopefully be a regular someday! UPDATE: Just went back here a day ago with another friend, coincidentally on the first Weds of the month, which happened to be $6 martini night. We had a couple martinis over the span of a few hours and chatted. I ordered the shrimp special with a sherry wine sauce that was delicious. However, the next day I felt TERRIBLE. I don't know if there was something wrong with the shrimp, or if I'm developing a shrimp allergy like my mom did. Either way it was not fun! This will not deter me from coming back, I'll say that much!
(4)Nicholas F.
Really fun, cool spot. Food was quite good but I have to admit not the absolute best Italian I've ever had. Bartender also very friendly and nice, but please don't put a ton of sugar and blueberries in my old fashioned! What the heck!
(4)Jessica S.
Really good italian food! Cool atmosphere as well - old school Italian. They have a bar in the front and full restaurant in the back. Definitely will go back.
(4)Peter H.
My first, attempt here was very lackluster. It was good, but not remarkable. It's good for families. It's a bit loud. There's a lot of space. However, I think it survives, because in that neighborhood there's not a ton of competition.
(3)Eric B.
I ate here again for the first time in a long time, and I felt like I was touched for the very first time. By a big fat tomato. I enjoyed it, I think you will too. First things first - cocktails! Any good old school Italian joint must take pride in their cocktails, and Club Lucky takes the new cocktail school and wraps it in the old school. Rye cocktails are featured heavily here, and they are delicious. If you are a clear liquor fan they'll fix you up with a gin or vodka martini, too, no worries, kiddo. As for the food, it is good, filling, large portions. Get the Italian Sausage and peppers, and anything with meat sauce. Perhaps not the best Italian you've ever had, but it is good and you get a lot of it; perfect for reheating the next day after a few too many cocktails. For a fun, laid back night out on the town where you don't have to get too dressed up but they'll like you even more if you do, head to Club Lucky.
(4)Lora R.
We pulled up to the restaurant (I'm from out of town- someone else suggested it) and we thought we were at the wrong place. Surprise! We came here with a group of three families for my sister's college graduation- they made sixteen people very happy. While the food is your standard Italian fare in terms of options, everything was good quality. We ordered the calamari (both fried and grilled), the meat/cheese plate, Club Lucky salad- all to share. I ordered the chicken parm, which was served on a plate (as opposed to in a warming dish), but that was the only way in which it shorted my expectations. While the ambiance is dark, but it's a fun family atmosphere. If I lived in the area, I would return.
(5)Tricia D.
I wondered why the outside of this place looked so familiar to me... (thinking, thinking, thinking)... oh yeah, it's the area I got lost around trying to find my parked car after a recent Wicker Park dinner at Piece. If I had to summarize the atmosphere in 3 words, it would be "diner with swag". But keep reading! By no means does Club Lucky serve up diner food. It's neighborhood Italian food, and beyond that, my, they have a mean cocktail list! Highly reco the french martini. Had I not been so stuffed after the meal, I would have loved to try one of the dessert cocktails, mixed and named after classic desserts like strawberry shortcake and key lime pie. Crusty on the outside and warm and soft on the inside, the pre-dinner bread was awesome! I inhaled a couple slices without hesitation or regard for displaying any kind of dinner manners. Do the crumbs on my mouth make my butt look big? C and I shared the tilapia special and chicken stuffed pesto tortellini special, and our waitress Brandy was absolutely right in claiming the pesto sauce was phenomenal! Entrees run about $20, with pasta dishes a couple bucks under that. C found this hot spot in a bridal magazine and was scoping it out for her rehearsal dinner, and Jeremy was warm and friendly and extremely attentive in providing us a tour of the private room and answering questions. I will definitely be back! P.S. +100 on Opentable!
(4)Tera D.
Finally played the part of Bucktown local and took a stroll to Club Lucky for dinner. Yes, the atmosphere is old school and kind of cool, yes they have outdoor seating which is a plus, but people, the food is the epitome of mediocre. And I'm sorry, but mediocre Italian in Chicago just isn't going to cut it in my book. We shared the Club Lucky Salad and the Veal Parmesan. The salad was fine - it had what you expect, nothing more, nothing less. The veal, on the other hand, was dry, tough, served with WAY too little sauce and cheese, and alongside undercooked penne that also had too little sauce. 4 days later the leftovers are languishing in our fridge, which is a crying shame when it comes to Italian, but I just don't see the point in a second sub-par Italian meal.
(2)Kerri M.
We were coming from a show in the city and I wanted a restaurant with good food but we had my 82 year old mother in law and our 3 kids with us. My friend suggested Club Lucky and we went for it. WE LOVED IT! The sausage and pepper appetizer was the most delicious sausage I had ever had, the calamari was cooked perfectly, I had the chicken francaise and it was delicious over sautéed spinach basically everything was fantastic. It was loud but in a good way and the service was spot on. Casual but nice old time feel with the vintage decor. We had a great experience.
(5)Czarina C.
Here's lookin at you, kid. Goodbye present-day Bucktown and hello Chicago circa 1940s. My husband and I were just taking a walk enjoying the spring evening when we walked right past a giant ad for Club Lucky painted onto the brick exterior of a building with an arrow pointing down the street. On a lark, we decided to follow it and found ourselves at Club Lucky, which looked like it came straight off a movie set starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. We didn't feel like waiting 30 minutes for a table outside so we opted for a booth in the main dining room in the back. Good thing we did, because I happen to love booths and this one was just like butta baby. The dining room was large, with a floor made for dancing and dated drapes and fixtures. You can kind of tell this place must have been the shiz back in the day, but I had no idea it was even nestled here in my own neighborhood. The bread was warm and chunky, served traditional style with all the olive oil, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese a girl could want. We also ordered a bottle of Moscato (I'm a fan of dessert before dinner) and started with the Mozzarella Fritti (freshly breaded and fried buffalo mozzarella) which was deeelish. I ordered Chicken Parmigiana (one of my standby Italian food staples) and it was good, but not as breaded as I normally like. It was huge though so I ate it for lunch two days later and somehow it tasted better as leftovers. Can't decide if that's a good thing or not. Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed the family style feel of this joint, and the food was good enough to want to come back and try something else. 3.5 stars for sure.
(3)MP J.
Food is fine, not great but good. Have eaten there several times but ordered tonight via grub hub, why not, had a promo code (Club Lucky is a bit overpriced for a run of the mill Friday night). In any event not sure if the problem is grub hub or Club Lucky but the promo code did not work, no discount. I'm not much one for second chances with restaurants or, really any service provider so unlikely I will use grub hub or order or go to Club Lucky again. Too many other choices to live with bad service.
(2)Marni P.
Club Lucky- The Boy and I met here 6.5 yrs ago. I thank you for that (most of the time). Kudos to you for offering gluten free pasta. I don't need it, but it makes me feel good and skinnier anyways. Eggplant parm is my go-to dish here. Thin and layered, like lasagna. Warm bread and olive oil (you have to ask for it) is a can't miss! We lived across the street up until a week ago. Would've thought we'd be much more like regulars here, but we just found ourselves elsewhere more often. Love the patio during the summer and the dog-friendliness of it all. Good food, great casual vibe, upbeat atmosphere.
(4)Nicolas H.
Huge fan of the bar here. I've had a few of the appetizers and they were damn good, don't get me wrong, but for some reason we keep coming back to the bar to hang out and always have a good time. The drinks are great, especially since I had my first anchovy stuffed olive here. Oh, and don't forget the service, some of the best bartenders in the city...
(5)Heather S.
Wonderful meal - food and service were great. Very good italian food. We sat outside on a gorgeous day! The drinks were really great!!
(4)MELEK L.
Never heard about nor seen Club Lucky before. Apparently I am the only one! My friends told me this used to be THE place to be "back in the day". It seems to me that they haven't changed much in all those years. It is extremely old skool with gigantic booths, ironic drapes, and that general checkered floor feeling. I ordered the Spicy Penne and my date had the Chicken Parm. Though my date never offered me a bite (shame), his dish looked pretty good. Plenty of cheese and a generous side of pasta. My penne was simple yet tasty with the perfect amount of spiciness. Honestly a little boring and not loaded with "plenty of basil" as stated on the menu. Sadly the dining room was lonely with only a few tables occupied. But there were two things even more sad. The way the waiter shuffled around, for instance. I don't know exactly why, but this drives me nuts. Pick up your feet!! And the sad, sad lump of cookie they plopped on the table for dessert. (Brownstone's cookie skillet has completely ruined all future cookie desserts for me.) It was maybe 1.5-2 inches thick and rock hard. Thankfully it was topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, so I could pretend to get my sweet on. The thing that impressed me most about Club Lucky was the manager (I assume) who made sure to thank us on our way out. The thing that impressed me the least was the dirty bathroom. Still, I would go back.
(3)Susan S.
Truly loved this place. Found it in Time Out Chicago and tried it. I always look for baked clams so this was why I chose it. It's nothing to look at from the outside, but what a place. I love the bar; it's so Mad Men era. Anyway, the clams weren't anything to write about, but we had the special pasta with tomato cream sauce and sausage and it was just so delicious! I had the drink special; the one they concocted on their own and it was quite fun and tasty. I just loved the atmosphere and the food. I love Italian salad dressing; being a NY'er I always look for a good, basic house italian vinegar dressing and it was just what I wanted. I will definitely be back. It was nice to sit outside in a quiet neighborhood sort of atmosphere, as well.
(4)Bess R.
I've been going to Club Lucky for the 6 years I've lived in Chicago, and it's always a good standard. We had a great time last night with a group of 6. Went for an early reservation (6:15) and were seated right away. The bread was perfect, and we had the waiter bring us some olive oil which we quickly mixed with some fresh parmesan cheese. mmm... We started with the Bruschetta and Grilled Calamari. Both were tasty (and the calamari was very tender!). I had the Chicken Parm for dinner. It was exactly as expected - tender chicken and zesty marinara sauce. My hubby had the pork chops and liked them a lot. They now offer gluten-free pasta too! Everyone actually loved their meals. Their food is standard Italian and perfectly done. Down sides? Drinks were WAY expensive. 8.50 for a little vodka soda? hmm. Couple screaming kids too, but I guess there's not much you can do about that. Great night, great meal. We'll be back!
(4)Lynsay L.
I love the classic vibe that this restaurant gives off. From the music to the decor, it has a cozy "mom's kitchen" feel. And if your mom gets down in the kitchen like mine does...then you know what I'm talking about. After a few drinks at the bar (kilo kaitini...yes, please), serviced by a super friendly and witty bartender, we capitalized on the gorgeous weather an opted to sit outside. Continued great service, outstanding calamari, tender filet, and yummy, yummy gnocchi (both Specials for the evening.) Warm tollhouse cookie for dessert. Done and done. I was definitely feelin' Lucky.
(4)Ryan T.
This place is just classy. I go hear about once a month, it is a great place during the day to meet with a friend or hold a business meeting. At night it is a killer neighborhood hang out. Everything they serve is top notch. They have great soups in the winter, their salads are crisp and delicious. Their bread is amazing. All of their entrees are goud (I like the eggplant sandwhich), though be warned a bit on the large side (it is Italian food after all). They make a great dring too. The beer is always cold.
(5)Christine L.
I love you Club Lucky. Let me count the ways... One. Your supper club charm. From the first moment I stepped foot into your door and into a picture of the 40s and 50s I was swept off my feet. Two. Your amazing Italian fare. Never have I been disappointed with the fruits of your kitchen. From the homemade noodles and sauce of your pastas to the chicken marsala and the eggplant parmesan. Every morsel is satisfying and filling. Three. Your generous portion sizes. Dinner for tonight and lunch for tomorrow? Why of course! The morning after one of your mouth watering meals is a test to my willpower to save my delectable leftovers until the lunchtime hour. I may or may not have eaten your fare for breakfast on occasion. Nom, nom, nom. Four. Your party atmosphere. Your dining room is filled with laughter and voices and chaos, making me feel as though I am in the kitchen of a long lost Italian grandmother and surrounded by friends. Five. Your private party room. My love of you Club Lucky is apparent and what better place to hold my wedding rehearsal dinner than in an atmosphere I adore? Sharing a five course meal and dozens of carafes of wine with my closest family and friends was a perfect evening. Your private party room was perfectly sized for our group of 35. Accolades from all in attendance of course. So many reasons to adore you Club Lucky, and one more? Why your convenient location within walking distance of my abode. Singing your praises till my next excursion...
(5)Tess G.
We sat outside because it was so nice but the charm of the inside was great! The pastas were delicious and you could definitely tell they were homemade----not to mention the bread as well! This is a great spot tucked into a neighborhood---will definitely go back.
(4)Kathy J.
Went here on a Saturday night mostly due to location and easy access via public transit. The food was very good. We had the veggie antipasta which was a plentiful array of fresh grilled vegetables. Our pasta dishes were good also.We were quickly and warmly greeted by the host and were seated right at our reservation time. The service went downhill after our initial welcome. The service was slow and not very cordial. In addition, our waiter tried to make us feel responsible for his lack of attention. We asked for wine with the meal. The meal was delivered by our busman. After we had been eating for a while I looked around for our server. He was no where to be found. When we finally did see him and flag him (literally) down. He said "I didn't forget you pal, I was waiting for the food to come out." I am not sure how he would have known the food came out as he didn't follow it out and he was not in the dining area. Long after we had finished eating and were ready to leave he finally came to check on us and said, "yeah it looked like you weren't interested in dessert." Again, I don't know how he would have known that. One person in our group asked him for marinara which eventually did come out after quite a bit of time, thanks to the busman- but again, our server was not very attentive. Actually, there were many busman hustling around but few servers available. One waitress came out on the floor eating. The dining room was very noisy and made it difficult for conversation. For $170 dinner for 4 I would have expected a better experience, a more interested server, and a quieter environment.
(3)Nick R.
Steve is the man! Great suggestions. Fantastic meals always and a regular customer! Outdoor seating in the summer too.
(5)Mary Ann C.
We brought a group of six here tonight for dinner and had a lovely time! I have wanted to try this place for years, and we finally got the chance tonight! Service was great. The decor was lovely. There were plenty of families (which made it better for us, as we have a toddler) but also many couples. Fresh, warm bread was readily provided, and we paired it with calamari. Yumm! Can't go wrong with either of these! I had the chicken tortellini for dinner, served with peas and pinenuts in a red cream sauce. It was lovely! Others at the table enjoyed the chicken vesuvio and lasagna. My daughter was gobbling up my sister's chicken and spaghetti. However, at two, I am not sure if she was just having fun or if she is a reliable reviewer for Yelp! This was a great spot for a family outing, and we can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Frieda H.
Club Lucky is one of our favorite places because of the combination of good food, relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and close proximity. My husband and I like a wide range of items on the menu especially the Grilled Calamari, Shrimp Scampi and Linguini with Shrimp and Broccoli. I also recommend the Tilapia special from our last visit. We have to restrain ourselves with the warm bread they bring you because you can make a meal out of that with the olive oil for dipping. Love just sitting at the bar with friends for martinis and listening to the excellent selection of 70s and 80s music on the juke box. Lots of trendy places come and go in Wicker Park but Club Lucky is reliably consistent.
(4)robert m.
We had dinner on New Years Eve. Having arrived about 30 minutes early for our reservation, I was surprised they sat us immediately. The service was friendly & generally spot on. Our server was there when we needed her & not when we didn't. A big win there. The foood was solid. We started off with standard fried calamari & the Calabrese Fried Calamari. The plain rendition was cooked well. However, the breading could use a kick up in the seasonings. The Calabrese version was excellent! For our entrees, I had the special Filet & Scallops, my wife the veal parmigiana, my son the pork chops (all veggies on the side), and our friend had a linguine dish. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The portions were so large, we had plenty to take home. I wouldn't call this the best Italian in the city, but it was very solid on this night. Oh, I forgot to mention the bread. It is ridiculously good. Very fresh, excellent recipe. I wish they would serve it with an herbed butter though. But one shouldn't be picky! In summary, great night! Good service, Good Food!!!
(5)Stolie G.
AWESOME! AWESOME! I'm a very picky eater, especially when it comes to italian food, I came here to celebrate a new job... we came kinda late, they still let us in and gave us the best service.. The food was Delish!! I would highly recommend coming here.. it's also a perfect date spot.
(5)Manuela Z.
Married to the Mob meets Town Hall wedding DJ. Love the decor - 40's style bright red leathah booths big enough to sleep on. Buhht the town hall wedding music has to go. I kept looking around wondering when the dollar dance was going to break out. I walked in expecting tables of good fellas and their precious head smacking families but got oodles of noodles and decent meatballs. Not like mom used to make but not bad either. OH and watch out for the screaming kids.
(3)amy h.
Love this place. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere. Really, what more could you ask for? You should save room for the carrot cake, for sure.
(5)Heather N.
Went last night for a nice dinner and just felt let down. A friend and I went a few years back after trying the sauce at Whole Foods and loved it. What happened? Got a table quickly and then came the waiter. He was pushy, extremely unfriendly, and made me want to leave. The food is good (bit overpriced) and extremely filling, which seemed to be the one plus. Still love the house sauce. Long story short, don't go on the weekend and sit in the back. You'll feel like you should have just gone elsewhere and waited.
(2)Andy T.
Food is solid. Really enjoyed my martini. I love the location and atmosphere. The place is fun without being too pretentious. I quite like the veal meatballs. There are other Italian spots I prefer for food, but something about this place always keeps us coming back. The portions are quite large and the taste is simple but solid. I think it would be really great for a smallish gathering with friends and family. Kind of a comfortable noisiness to the place.
(4)Carrie B.
I've dined at Club Lucky many times, but just decided to review it for the first time. While the menu offers plenty of Italian options including pastas, chicken and seafood, I find the food to be just average. I'd much rather go to any of the Francesca's or Tuscany for my Italian fix. I always get pasta or chicken Parmesan, so I thought I'd get something I've never tried and ordered the Chicken Francese. It was okay, but SO much better at Maggiano's. My boyfriend had the homemade ravioli, which was pretty good. Also, be warned that you WILL wait at least an extra 20-30 minutes even with a reservation. We had an 8:30 reservation on a Saturday night, and didn't get seated until close to 9 pm, and that was after my boyfriend complained twice to the manager and hostess. While waiting at the bar, I had a Flirtini martini, which I didn't like at all. The bartender was rude and not friendly when we asked her for drink suggestions. Seriously, I've had nicer bar service at some hole in the wall dives! There goes your tip, lady. After waiting, we get seated in the worst possible table - a table meant for 4, literally right in front of the kitchen. So awkward but at this point we were just hungry so we dealt, but not such a great ambiance with waiters, busboys and waitresses running back and forth in between our table shuffling plates above their heads right past me. It's like they were trying to stuff one more table in, and placed it directly in the back to the point where you are basically sitting in the kitchen. (In past experiences, I've always had a nice booth or two-top table.) Once we left, the manager stopped us and apologized for the long wait and handed us his business card to call him in the future. We didn't really care, because as my boyfriend pointed out, if you want to really take care of your customers, send them a round of drinks or comp the bill or something, not hand us your stupid business card! Too late, buddy. I want to like Club Lucky more - it's always packed, I really like the atmosphere and the cute patio in the summer time - but I have found the food to be just alright, nothing special, the past few times I have come in.
(3)Mark K.
Favorite place to go for a night out. Good bar, good tunes and good food. love the ribs and fish dishes.
(5)Emilee J.
I don't have much new to add, I see most of the other reviews covered the GREAT food and OK service. Our waiter was nice, but should have stopped by more often and I think the kitchen was running behind. BUT worth the wait! Will be coming back again, getting hungry just thinking about it
(4)Chris P.
I recently moved right around the corner from Club Lucky and it has become a staple in our lineup since moving to the neighborhood. The outdoor area is great and the interior is large and comfortable. Service is always excellent as is the food. I would recommend the Club Lucky salad and recently served a tray of it at a small party I had at home. Valet is great as this area is difficult to park if you are coming from a different hood. We'll be back again and again.
(4)John H.
Service was great at the outside patio. The food was beyound delicious and the clamari was fresh and perfectly prepared. I always say Greek Islands has the best , but Club lucky hit a home run. Stay away from the fried version as it is way too salty. The shrimp were huge and perfectly cooked. I shy away from sea food at many restaurants, but not at here. The restaurant is just a joy to go too, especially because you are attended to so well.
(5)Vickie L.
After years of seeing the signs for Club Lucky on North Ave, we finally ventured in for some Italian food (as Lucia was closed for a private event.) We were hesitate upon walking in because the bar area is small and narrow, but around the corner was a huge dining room. It is so darn cute inside, lots of character, like eating in someone's home. There were a lot of people eating here on a Sunday night. They brought nice fresh baked bread to the table and it was warm and crusty. We ordered Bruschetta to start and got 5 big pcs, there were huge chunks of tomato on top, yummy. Even better with the parmesan they leave on the table. Entrees - I got one of the specials of the evening which was homemade tortellini with chicken, in a tomato cream sauce with peas. The tortellini was pretty tasty, very thick, too big for 1 bite. I thought there were too many peas in the dish. The sauce was very good, but needed salt. I added parmesan cheese instead. Portion was not very big, but I exercised some self restraint and only ate about 2/3 leaving 1/3 for lunch the next day. The 3 other people at the table both got the spaghetti w/ marinara. They charge $3-4 extra to add 2 meatballs or 1 sausage link. The meatballs were quite big, but the sausage link was kind of a ripoff. The waitress said it was big but she must have been thinking the size before cooking, because it was quite small when it came to the table. Oh well. There was nothing spectacular about spaghetti, in fact it was quite under whelming. From what I tasted, it kind of tasted like a Lean Cuisine pasta dish. It needed a lot of salt and it was not sauce enough. They had to ask for extra sauce. Prices - I think they were a bit high priced for italian staples, and the portions were a little bit oversized, but for the prices they charged, you would expect a lot bigger portions. I didn't think they were "family sized" portions. I also don't get why they charge so much for extras either. The $3-4 for meatballs/sausage, and it's an extra $6 for chicken on the fettucini alfredo! They better give you 1/2 of a chicken for that! Service - Service was very good. Our server was very attentive, and they filled our bread bowl twice and water was filled a lot. Total at the end of the meal including tax (not tip) was $60 for 1 appetizer and 3 entrees.
(3)Jet L.
The service is friendly and great- the dinner is cute especially around Christmas- lots of lights and dim lighting... I LOVE the club Lucky salad- one of my FAVORITES!!! But beyond that just for me everything else is ok that I have tried- but good.... the Bread and oil are good- the prices are fair to high though...
(3)Will H.
Mediocre, watered-down, Americanized, pseudo-Italian, overpriced food and drinks.
(2)mimi r.
Went on a Monday night so not rushed or crowded. Great atmosphere. Really tasty house salad (olives, peppers, tomatoes). Shrimp scampi needed a little more garlic or seasonings. Spinach was perfect. Very pleasant for a week night group, all decorated for holidays.
(4)Ern E.
I went here with my boyfriend last weekend. I picked it out so it's kind of my fault not knowing what the place served. Aside from that, neither of us were all that hungry. My boyfriend got the calamari appetizer, while I just got a house salad. He seemed to be happy with the mammoth-portioned appetizer, while I really, truly loved this damn salad. I'm a picky, picky, picky eater...and the pickiest with salads, and this one was a surprise that knocked my socks off! Seriously, it was so simple and to the point, but done very well. What it comes down to: despite the menu being pretty limited, kind of pricey and not all that appetizing (massive portions of kind of boring, Americanized Italian food), I really loved the old school supper club atmosphere this place has. And if you like seafood, try the calamari appetizer, and if you like salad, try one of theirs! I would like to come back to this place again soon when I'm on an empty stomach. It may bring more stars next time around! :)
(2)Javier B.
On a roll with mediocre Italian retaurants! I have been to Club Lucky a few times over the years. I like the atmosphere and it is always fun to walk the streets of Buck Town. The food here is very average and basic Italian food. Really, Italian food for beginners. The problem...it is incredibly over-priced! When you pay $18 for a plate of pasta with bolognese sauce, you can't help but think that you have just been horribly ripped off. Also spotty service. Basket of bread with butter? OK, I guess not that weird, but at least also offer olive oil. Asked the server who then proceeded to dissapear for 10 minutes. Guess that can happen sometimes in a busy restaurant, but when you are getting ripped off, at least give good service.
(2)valiha s.
Big fan of this place. Great pasta... great atmosphere and service. Every time we've been we've been greeted like we were old friends. Did i say great pasta? We've had all sorts of menu items and they've all been dynamite. The specials are always good... the last time we went my husband ordered the gnocchi and it was so fluffy and held the sauce. So good. Portions are large and we always say, lets just go and get appetizers at the bar... but end up walking in and wanting apps, meals and cocktails! Totally recommend this place.
(4)Becky H.
great little spot... late evening al fresco dining. cool neighborhood makes for good people watching & snippets of interesting conversations buzzing past. very sweet staff.... cant remember our waitress's name, but she noticed I had my hair done & told me to work it :) had a nice glass of white with my pasta. prices were a bit more than i expected but a solid experience through & through.
(4)Donna J.
All they had going for them was their sauce. My boyfriend had the cheese stuffed ravioli and I had penne arriabata. I guess I'm just not a big fan of 'al dente' pasta because my pasta was definitely still hard. The prices are too high for what you get. I've had better.
(1)John K.
This place defines traditional american italian food. Great place to bring your parents. Neat atmosphere (was an old mob hang out). This is like a higher quality version of olive garden or magiano's. Always have nice specials. WIne is cheap. My parents love love love this place. I prefer Antico down the street.
(4)Lisa B.
I hate to do this....for years I've considered Club Lucky one of my favorite restaurants. Its kind of expensive, so I don't go very often. Went in on a Friday after having a long, crappy week, excited to relax with some wine and enjoy some comfort food. My first mistake was veering away from my usual favorite, fettucini alfredo with broccoli. I decided to order something different for the first time and went for the penne arrabiata and broccoli; my boyfriend ordered ribs. We were both sorely disappointed. The ribs looked like mushroom soup had been dumped on them, and the potatoes they came with were quite raw. Whatever the strange, green/brown sauce was on the meat was disgusting. I'm a vegetarian but even I could see from across the table the color of the meat indicated it was WAY overcooked. My pasta was just....boring. It was described as "loaded with basil" but it wasn't loaded with anything but blandness. I mean there was no salt or pepper or A N Y T H I N G. Hint of spicy, but that's it. We could have saved $75 and made pasta at home - would have been way, way better and much cheaper. Our waitress neglected to ask if we wanted a second glass of wine until we were done with our meal. And how we had 2 glasses of wine and 2 entrees only (no dessert, no appetizer, no second drink) and the total was that much, I have no idea. Sorry Club Lucky, its just not worth it.
(1)Julia F.
eh. the first time i went (albeit after two martinis), i was WOWED. the second time, not so much. we had a 7 p.m. reservation. arrived at 6:59. the first thing the host said to us: "just so you know, we have an 8:30 reservation for your table. not to be rude." i said, "so - are you going to kick us out at 8:30?" oh and FYI buddy - that IS rude. also, the food was just OK. and they were clearly rushing us out - our food arrived literally within 1-2 minutes of us ordering. not cool.
(2)Hans M.
Killer Itallian!! Started with the calamari and club lucky salad. The sausage and peppers were on point also. Ended with the penne bolognese, superb. Awesome Chi Town eatery.
(4)Randi S.
Favorite place in the city for Italian! Best fried calamari, meatballs, and sauce! Every time we have a great meal. We frequently recommend this place to friends and family. The atmosphere is classic, with it's retro look and jukebox. I absolutely love the patio in the summer. The service is fantastic - I especially like the bartenders who make great martinis.
(5)Ashley K.
I like that this place is a little off the beaten path. It's much more relaxing of an environment than the six corners. Had a Caprese sandwich that was piled high with fresh mozzarella, so you can't complain with that. That day, one of the owners was covering for the bartender and he was very nice and welcoming. I will be back.
(4)Brittany F.
This was about our third trip to Club Lucky and again it was very satisfying. The atmosphere is very inviting with a dimly lit, vintage 50's style corner neighborhood bar feel. While the food is not going to blow you away, its been consistently good each trip. The Club Lucky salad to share is probably my favorite menu item. This place can be a little pricey, but the portions are so large and there's a wide range of stiffly made cocktails and irish coffees for after dinner that make it worthwhile for a nice dinner out.
(3)Carol K.
Club Lucky is always a consistent choice! From it's Naugahyde booths to its retro 50's style bar this is a comfortable place to enjoy your fav Italian dishes. Went there the other night and had the cavetelli (yummy!) and the penne with sausage. For an appetizer, try the antipasto plate (not the vegetable one but the one with the variety of meats and cheeses. ) What comes for a mere $13 is a nicely arranged assortment of provolone and Parmesan cheeses, salami, ham, prosciutto and olives. Couple this with the bread that is served along with dinner and it's almost a meal in its self- but save room for one of their great pastas! Service is attentive but not overbearing. The bar makes a great dirty martini and the juke box is filled with great songs- many of which I hadn't heard in years! The bartenders are friendly and are willing to strike up a conversation with you at a moments notice! Street parking is often difficult but they do have valet parking for those of you driving in the neighborhood. For predictable Italian that everyone will love- Club Lucky hits the mark. It's like going to your Italian grandma's house on a Sunday afternoon!
(4)Rhonda R.
I so wanted to love this place. I live nearby and was meeting a friend for drinks and snacks after her hair cut at Art+Science on Milwaukee. We knew we would sit at the bar so expectations were minimal. It was packed. Mostly people waiting for tables in the dining room. Seemed like a nice mixed crowd from the neighborhood. It was loud and lively. Nice start for a Friday. It took forever to get a drink. I drink a lot and I would have loved to catch a buzz but the bartender was ... I would like to have thought he was swamped but he just wasn't that busy. For me to have just two drinks in three hours sitting at the bar I can only assume I was being ignored. My friend is really hot and I think she could only get two drinks as well. We finally got a look at the menu. Nothing special there. We ended up with calamari, the fried cheese discs and an over dressed caesar salad. I had to ask for more olive oil twice with extended waits to get anyone's attention. We would have ordered wine with our food, something after and possibly dessert. We thought we ordered a night cap but they were not received. We finally canceled the order and got the check. As it was our bill was over $75!!! WTF. There was one really annoying moment when the bartender passed a drink between my friend and I to a guest behind us. We were in the middle of a conversation. We had to stop talking and move apart to keep from being hit in the face by a beer bottle. It was among one of the rudest, most unprofessional restaurant/bar experiences I have ever had. Chicago has certainly caused me to lower my service expectations. I am still surprised when even my lowered standards are exceeded. The food was passable, the bar service was pretty ... off. I won't go back. There are too many other great Italian places.
(2)Benjamin V.
Homemade Italian-themed menu which is overall average but there are a few gems I've found: 1- Club Lucky salad. 2- any dish which includes their meatballs. 3- homemade pistachio gelato. The service is not strikingly good nor bad. The ambiance is retro, cozy, and laid-back with plenty of room between tables. Similar to other reviewers, I found the lighting too dim in the dining area.
(3)Amanda Z.
This place, like many fantastic restaurants in this town, sends you back to another era...in a fantastic way. The decor is very retro, and the service is fantastic. Great list of wines and cocktails, you won't go thirsty here. The mangotini was delightful. We had a good sampling of the offerings at dinner: fried calamari to start (delightful), fettucine alfredo, pasta special with rock shrimp, and tilapia special (which was divine in a white wine and caper sauce...mmm!). We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Our service was quite good (we had some assistance in ordering from this hot young chef). A few drinks at the bar with the friendly bartender and the bar full of lively folks topped off a lovely evening with my fabulous girlfriends. It's tucked away in a neighborhood which adds to its charm. Great for a date, a girls night out, or a family dinner, this place could adapt to fit the bill for nearly anything.
(4)Ryan W.
This is not fine dining. This is the best Italian-style--strike that--goodfellas-style dining there is. Good wine, good pasta, excellent service, and a really cool atmosphere. This is not A Tavola or Terra Gusta or Bice or any other upscale Italian trattoria. This is a quintessentially American, mob-flavored experience, replete with good booze, and delicious Italian flavors treated with respect. I've waited for a table for 30 minutes in the (over-crowded) bar whilst sipping a well-prepared martini, happy as a displaced Irishman in Napoli could be, only to be pleasantly surprised by the meal to come. (The bolognese is terrific.) I've also taken my family here on a Thursday night at 9:45 PM, when we had the whole place to ourselves. And I need to say something about the guy I assume to be Lucky, if there is actually a Lucky. He is awesome. Whether we call late to see if they're still serving, or wander in (as was our first experience) on a busy evening, he's always there to welcome you. He always makes it seem like there's no problem that your appearance might sprout a few more gray hairs out of his noggin. This is a fun little neighborhood trattoria and worthy of a try. May not be for everyone, but for its purpose, it succeeds admirably.
(4)Jake R.
I've been here a couple of times, and I honestly can't remember what I got. I know it was good, but not amazing. The desert, however, is fantastic. The Tollhouse Cookie is incredible (not as good as the Legendary Cubby Cookie from Cubby Bear) and the apple pie was great. Overall, a pretty good place to eat.
(3)Carol M.
I went here on a date over the weekend. We were both very impressed. Our waiter was really on top of things and even pretty patient when we weren't ready with our order yet. Dinner comes w/ some good hearty white bread that they serve with olive oil laced with red pepper (I wasn't really a fan...little too spicy for me). I had the fettuccini scampi with spinach in a light oil sauce. I loved it! Great seasoning on the shrimp and the pasta was perfectly "al dente". My date had the chicken parmigiana and couldn't stop raving about it (although he admitted his doubts about this place when I first recommended it). The cannoli's were good. Three bite sized per order, but I was looking for the chocolate chip pieces and didn't find one till the last bite of the last cannoli. But I'm a little cheap and I like massive amounts of food for a $17ish pasta plate and the portions were merely decent. (what can I say..I'm american!) So I'll probably save this place for special occasions. 5/52
(4)pellet s.
Such a waste of atmosphere, location and former glory. Club Lucky wasn't spectacular when it opened 20 years ago but it was solid; but like the rest of Bucktown it has become nothing but an empty shell of soul-less marketing and me-too opportunism. When the yupsters' money runs out, perhaps the management at Club Lucky will return to providing a worthy product and service. As it stands now, they are under-staffed, under-trained and over-priced . Upon arriving at 6pm, we interrupted the gaggle of FOH staff at the service bar and were given a booth in the empty main dining room with water and a menu. After perusing the menu for 15 minutes and drinking four pints of water, we met our server who brought the specials and wines by the glass menu and asked if we would like something to drink. (I still love the water from those aluminum pitchers and the Italian porters' wait jackets though) As I was hungry, I asked to have the food arrive in the order it was most quickly prepared. So we had our one pasta served first. I assumed that they had split the dish in the kitchen and the runner had only brought half of the order. But no, $18 now buys you 3oz of box pasta, 3 overcooked shrimp, 4 leaves of spinach and 4oz of olive oil. OK, EVOO is expensive, but I don't need to drink the shit. Next comes the melrose pepper salad and antipasto board, except it's not the board of meats and cheeses that I pointed to on the specials menu; it's the vegetarian option from the regular menu that I specifically said I did not want. Digging into the $12 salad, we find that the peppers are not roasted as stated, but deep fried, every prep cook's favorite cheat. I could almost excuse that had they taken the time to remove the core and seeds and skin, but no, these still had congealed droplets of oil on them. Buried under these travesties were two of yesterday's slimy cardboard tomato slices, and a small mountain of overdressed limp romaine. Maybe, I'm paying for the 55 gal drums of olive oil they must use. Finally the antipasto board arrives w/ the olives that were missing from the salad. This is actually one of the better deals in town, granting that you can get 2 subs on Grand Ave consisting of the same meats for @ the same price. Good proscuitto, soppressata, and salami. Tasty olive mix, and though the pimentos were canned, I suspect they are imported because they were good too. A short word on the service. Twelve busboys, two servers and one food runner. Three dining areas seating @ 150? And a manager/host picking out songs on the jukebox while another table sends back it's order. What's wrong with this picture?
(2)Antonio M.
Fun place, good food, cool location. an especially nice set up for a medium-larger groups. Excellent drinks.
(4)Jen M.
Went here for lunch with a friend on a Thursday afternoon. We sat at the bar. The front room is pretty small (about 10 chairs at the bar, 3 booths). The decor is classic old school (dare I say "oldies") including the juke box that spins greats like Sam Cook. I ordered the penne arrabiatta. It was a solid 3 stars. I also ordered a sidecar of meatballs. Definitely 4 stars. I am a big fan of Volare downtown and I'd say Club Lucky is maybe a 1/2 star of a lower rating than Volare. Club Lucky is a solid neighborhood choice.
(3)Christy Q.
I just went with a good friend and wow! I loved the decor! The ambiance is very retro- and no it doesn't need a facelift or updating. It's cool. My only warning is that it gets pretty loud in here, so if you are with a large group it might be tough to hear all the convo. But for a few people, it's great. First off, hats off to any restaurant that serves WARM bread- WARM BREAD! I devoured the bread! I always feel cheated when they can't be bothered to warm the bread. Club Lucky warms their bread! We started with the calamari. I wasn't in love with it. I just didn't get into it. I sort of picked at it. But the waiter said everyone loves it and other tables around me seemed to devour theirs- so perhaps I'm a bad calamari judge. I had the lasagna with a side of meatballs. DELICIOUS! My friend had some special which was like 2 giant swirls of noodle and yummy ingredients inside. A girl who sat down at the table next to us looked at my friends plate and asked her waiter what the heck it was cuz it just looked so darn good. I will for sure return!
(4)Jenna N.
What a cute place! Love the decor, very retro. I'd been wanting to go here for some time and me and the bf decided to get together with some friends we haven't seen in awhile so this was a perfect venue. The bread is to die for, though they didn't provide any olive oil...just butter. The French Martini is amazing and highly addictive, but at $10 per drink it can get costly. I had the traditional shrimp scampi for dinner and it was...surprisingly lacking in the flavor department but still decent and I enjoyed it. The spinach my dish came with was very good and tasted extremely fresh. Oddly, the valet guys were the nicest people in the whole restaurant. We wanted to go to a bar after dinner and it was only a couple blocks away so it wasn't worth driving to. I asked the valet if I could leave my car there and they were more than happy to just give me the keys so that I could pick it up even after they closed. My biggest complaint is about our waitress, Sarah. She wasn't awful, but she wasn't exactly friendly either. Almost immediately after we decided against dessert she pushed the check on us and did not return to our table again until we were ready to pay...some 30 minutes later. We weren't even done with our drinks and we wanted a little time to digest our meal but she never asked if we wanted anything else to drink after that. Our bill was well over $200 so I guess I expected just a little bit of friendliness and tolerance from her. I'd go back here again, MAYBE, so long as I don't get the same waitress.
(3)Sam B.
Great little italian place. The food was above average. I had the penne arribiata with salsiccia. I have never met an arribiata sauce didn't like. The wait staff was pleasant and attentive for the most part -- although they seemed to forget about us after we got out food. The bread here is awesome! My only complaint was that we kept getting pestered to order drinks/wine/desert/appetizers etc. We were just going for a quick bite on a wednesday night -- and the wait staff didn't seem to recognize this. This place is also good for families. They were very accommodating for the families we saw.
(4)Jim K.
I've been visiting Club Lucky for over 15 years, and have had many a good meal here. But unfortunately, Club Lucky is no longer the restaurant it once was. Though it still has the same neighborhood atmosphere and friendly waitstaff, the food is poor. This is based on the last 2 visits to the restaurant, both while on trips to Chicago. The mini-loaf of bread arrived cold, dry and hard (not crusty) - it was obviously day-old bread. We had the Club Lucky Salad, another favorite - there were a couple of hairs in the salad, clearly not from anyone at the table. Then there were the main courses - we ordered Penne Arrabiatta, Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Meatballs, and a kid's order of Spaghetti. All of the pasta was clearly boxed pasta, boiled for too long. The tomato gravy was way too salty and drowning the pasta in all of the dishes. The chicken in the chicken parm hadn't been pounded enough, so was tough and also overcooked. Club Lucky really deserves 2 stars at best for food, but I'm giving it 3 stars because of the competent waitstaff and the fact that it's family-friendly.
(3)Dest S.
Club Lucky came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. The martinis were how cold? ICE COLD. The dessert, a warm cookie with chocolate sauce and ice cream was so good I almost passed out. Our waiter was super friendly and attentive. Oh yeah, and the food was good, too.
(5)Melissa H.
A neighborhood restaurant tucked away in the center of Bucktown.....sits Club Lucky with its Retro Diner decor and fantastic food! We started with the Grilled Calamari, with a red pepper and caper Relish that rocked my squid like no other. Next up was Spaghetti. Sometimes you just crave the simplest of dishes. It was Terrific, exactly how I like Spaghetti but better! Finished it up with an assortment of cookies. The little almond cookie gave a new meaning to the "Almond Cookie" in my book. The Biscotti and the Coconut cookie were also very good. An outdoor patio is a must for any restaurant during the summer in Chicago........and this one was perfecto!
(4)Corinna K.
I don't care how yummy the food might be--there's plenty of quality restaurants in Wicker Park--because Club Lucky looks like a Friday's with a hint of class. Another problem is how the "music" can be heard blocks away. I unfortunately have to endure the Counting Crows cover bands from my house. Regardless of who the bands sound like, they could have come out of my Mom's car radio in the mid-90s. If the bad music stops, maybe I'll give this place a second try. Until then...
(1)Kathleen O.
The bread was good. They weren't rude. Meh. The Shrimp Scampi tasted like a couple of cooked shrimp from Jewel tossed on top of fettuccine with some Chef Boyardee sauce. Bland, bland, bland. I was shocked that they charged $2 for refills of diet soda that had so much ice that I was getting less than a can's worth. It was noisy. I can't believe they charge so much. I didn't get sick or anything, but I would have had a better meal if I'd just stayed home and taken 15 minutes to make it myself.
(2)Jen N.
This is a great place to go for a dinner with your family. Except for the time there was a metal staple in my food. I have been here many times, because the food is very good Italian. It is not bland, it has a very good flavor and is consistently good. Not eating meat-dishes, sometimes Italian dishes can be pretty bland or boring, not the case here. The Eggplant Parmesan was fabulous, and the salad was good. The bread is sooooo great. The people I've dined with have always liked their food, too. The atmosphere is nice, sort of retro and "supper club", it's nice without being fancy. They do have valet, but you will probably find parking within a couple blocks. They also have a small bar when you first walk in. The reason I gave three stars, and not five... One time I was eating, about 1/3 way through my dish, and I bit onto something hard that scratched my cheek. LUCKILY, I spit it out. It was a staple. Yes, a metal staple. I immediately lost my appetite. I told the server, who grabbed the manager who explained "the to-go station is close to the food area, so it must have fallen in there." Ok, I guess that can happen. But the seriousness of swallowing an open staple, isn't that dangerous? Would it not have cut my throat or become lodged in my throat? They did not comp the dinner or anything, they offered me a free desert.
(3)Manda H.
I really liked Club Lucky. I have wanted to go here for quite some time. Luckily last Friday my friend and I were feeling a little pasta so we made our way to Club Lucky. I didn't know what to expect. I love the people (especially the guys at the bar!) and the food was great. I asked the server what she recommended since it was my first time. I ended up with the eggplant parmigiana and it was perfect. The bread was addicting and after a few vodka sevens I was in heaven. I can't wait to come back with a larger group of people to eat family style.
(4)Brian S.
This place is really good. Its a little steep as far as drink costs but the food is worth every penny. Portions are big enough to share. Decor is 50's retro and cool. The chicken stuffed tortellini is my favorite dish. The staff is on top of their game. I did an online reservation for the first time and It was nice because as I was leaving they said goodbye using my last name. I like a place that makes a personable gesture. Highly recommended!
(4)Nick S.
Club Lucky is that rare restaurant that you can take anyone from your cheap, anal retentive uncle to your overly-pierced and tattooed cousin. The ambiance is nostalgic, service is above average and the food is consistent and competent. Club Lucky gets the coveted 5 star review because it's the stand by or no brainer. It's good for couples and parties of 4 or more.
(5)Ashley L.
The food, wine, atmosphere, and service at Club Lucky are wonderful. Great for a group of friends or a fun date night. It has a warm, cozy environment even though the seating area is quite large. It can get a bit noisy, but that's never bothered me. Highly recommend.
(5)Lourdes A.
When you walk in, it seems that the only seating that exists is the 4 booths off of the bar area. Well, there is a WHOLE other side to this place with lots and lots of tables but when we peeked in there it seemed so cavernous and unappealing that we decided to wait for one of the 4 booths in the bar area. We had a couple of beers at the bar, which is awesome. It is a small bar area but the bartenders were friendly and the atmosphere was genuinely relaxed. The music was from another era but it added to the charm of the place. This is a great place to just relax and have a few drinks at the bar without obnoxious drunks trying to talk to you. It seemed a more mature crowd but it worked. When we were finally seated, we ordered a caprese salad as an appetizer, which was ok. For my main dish, I ordered a pesto pasta dish off of the specials menu, which was good but not great. The lighting was nearly non-existent in the booth area (I think they rely on the bar lighting to carry over into the booth area) but I think that helped give the place that relaxed vibe so I won't complain too much about that. All in all, it is a decent culinary experience, if a little pricey.
(3)Dave S.
We knew we were going to enjoy our night at Club Lucky starting with the gracious host, Jeremy, who adds a lot of character to the restaurant, not that it needs anymore. This place is a true hidden gem and we will be returning very soon. The food was phenomenal, as was the waitstaff and chef. If you haven't dined at Club Lucky you are missing out.
(5)Allison B.
What on earth has happened to this place? With it's "tin roof, Frank Sinatra music, mob style feel" It used to be a nice hangout to bring out of town guests for decent, basic Italian food. Well scrap the decent food. Everything we ordered during our recent visit tasted like cafeteria food. My ravioli looked like they came out of a frozen food package from Jewel Osco and it was chewy. Yuck. Halfway through the meal, my sister's baby started sticking out his tongue and blowing raspberries - yes, my thoughts exactly too kid. One star only because the bread was warm and the wine arrived quickly.
(1)Angel G.
Highly recommend this place for brunch, lunch, and brinner. The bloody Mary's are mighty delicious and come garnished with an anti-pasta deli platter on a toothpick. Enjoyed the eggs and pesto dish partially because of my fetish for all things pesto. The waiter Edwin went above and beyond traditional service and even offered me a scone. I would have preferred a shot or more pesto, but I will take a scone. Lets just say that Edwin is gonna get a Christmas card come December. Great neighborhood spot!
(4)Tiff B.
This is one of the very few restaurants in Wicker Park/Bucktown that will accept a Saturday night reservation for a group larger than 10 people without requiring everyone to order of some limited crappy menu. They get 3 stars for that alone! Plus, there's valet parking for those that must drive. The food itself is pretty standard. It's not as good as the Italian food offered at Francesca's down the street, but eh, it's three times better than the Olive Garden and the employees are very friendly.
(4)Julie H.
Club Lucky... I could nickname this place Old Faithful. It's really consistent and really great. There are so many things to like about Club Lucky: FOOD: I would consider it pretty traditional Italian food, no frills, but generous portions that you can definitely share. I always get the grilled chicken breast, which comes with broccoli and a little bit of spaghetti. There are some great appetizers for sharing, too, and they have a BIG SALAD that I love. DRINKS: Killer martinis. Blue cheese stuffed olives. Cozy, retro bar with an awesome jukebox. Whats not to enjoy? AMBIANCE: The beauty of Club Lucky is that it pleases all crowds. Its got a great neighborhood atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to go on a weeknight. Its tame enough that you can bring your family (even kids). But its lively enough for a Friday/Saturday night out. Club Lucky is a great time all around.
(4)Ryan M.
Large open space dining room with tile floor gives the restaurant a cafeteria like feel. Not a place you would want to take a date. Mostly families with little kids so expect to hear some crying. We had the fried calamari which was a huge serving and very tasty. Also had a club lucky salad. Make sure you request dressing on the side otherwise your romaine will be swimming in Caesar. My date and I split a linguine w/ shrimp but were too full to eat by the time it came. The entree was proportionally small compared to the size of the appetizers. Service was friendly and my water glass was always kept full. Don't think I would return.
(3)Danny C.
First, the food is far overpriced for the quality of the food. When it comes to Italian, this city can do MUCH better. My martini was okay, but had no list price. I asked the waiter for the cost, and he told me $7.95, but it was $9.75. Not a big deal about the verbal dyslexia, but not pretty when I have to ask for prices and get the wrong information.
(2)Carl L.
Solid Italian restaurant: Good food, great wine, fantastic atmosphere. I was introduced to this place some years ago, and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the city.
(4)Dave M.
Club Lucky is one of my favorite places to bring out of town guests or newbies who have never been to Wicker Park for dinner. The thing I always remember most about it is how noisy the dining room can be, especially on the weekends. Voices seem to boom and echo off the walls a bit more than other places. Personally I think it adds to the experience. The food? I haven't found anything on the menu that is a MUST have and that's the only reason I can't give it a 5 star review. Been disappointed a couple of times (maybe authentic chicken vesuvio just isn't for me) but I usually get a pretty decent meal for the price.
(4)Janelle N.
I honestly was very excited to try this place. My bf made reservations for a Friday at 6:30. They clearly were not needed. The bread and homeade oil were fabulous. We had the fried mozzarella. It was decent. I ordered the Gemelli Mediterranean (sp?) that was on special. The shrimp were great, but the calamari and clams were rubbery. My bf ordered the chicken alfredo. It had a weird aftertaste. Overall, I was disappointed. They are also just way overpriced. $20 for a bowl of pasta..really?
(2)Elizabeth B.
Went to Club Lucky this evening and was anything but lucky...ordered 8 finger cavatelli and a rigatoni with escarole. rigatoni was terribly undercooked and the cavatelli was like mush. I have never sent anything back in my life but these two horrible entrees deserved it. The manager came over and proceeded to say that he was going to comp our appetizers but since "we ate the majority of our meals" that was all he could do. We didn't want a free meal by any means but simply for him to recognize that the food was prepared in a haphazard way and was poor quality. Needless to say, we will not be back to Club Lucky despite the fact that it used to be our favorite neighborhood spot. Unfortunate that the food at this once good spot has gone downhill so much. Even more unfortunate that the manager doesn't care about this fact or his customers.
(1)Luc R.
The service was friendly, but a little too friendly at times. ("You have to take the dessert menu because if my boss sees you don't have one I'll get canned and then I'll have to live with you." Me - "Do you like metal?" "No, doll." Me - "Then give me the menu.") Fairly typical Italian fare with an extensive wine list. They also carry Saison DuPont, my all-time favorite, but were out that night. Friendly and nice enough, but just a bit boring. Maybe that's because it was a business dinner. Couldn't help
(3)P S.
Went with a group of 4 ladies for a friends' birthday and the service was over-the-top good. Lucky us! It was so good I had to immediately write a review, because my experience was worth commemorating beyond just the tip... Everyone was so friendly, courteous and attentive- it was clear that our server cared about our dining experience- he was a very classy fellow. I felt like I was Little Orphan Annie in the scene where she is dancing around in Daddy Warbucks' castle and all the staff are singing "we know you're gonna like it here." The restaurant felt big, fancy and clean- although from the street it just looked like a neighborhood pub. It was so big on the inside there was a guy who kind of manages traffic and helps people find the bathroom, etc- beyond the host at the door. The prices didn't seem nearly high enough to account for all the fanciness I experienced. I liked the old-fashioned glamorous decor, but could also picture going there for a casual meal with my family since the glamour doesn't come attached to a big price tag or any stuffiness. They managed to make us feel really special in how welcoming they were. All the food came out quickly, but not too quickly, and it tasted wonderful and fresh. The bread was warm. We had roasted garlic, a wonderful mediterranean salad, veal meat balls, 8-finger pasta, and baked clams and tiramisu at the end. All of it was wonderful and only ran us about $60(!!!) The atmosphere was terrific- really good light and not a noisy place. But the thing that really struck me was the service being so much better than I ever expect. I am very grateful to have found this lovely place, and look forward to going again and maybe sitting on the patio. The only thing i am thinking is i wish i knew our server's name so i could send him a thank you card for being the type of person who cares about doing a good job, and is also pleasant to interact with. Serving isn't an easy job- you have to be personable, charming and well-organized. So 5 stars for the whole experience, but if i could only tack on a 6th star for the server... I'm an enthusiastic fan of this place!
(5)Matt L.
I've tried to like Club Lucky, because I live close, but other than the bread and fried calamari, I've never liked anything there. And like everyone else says, it's ridiculously overpriced. They also consistently underestimate the prep time for pickup orders. It's NEVER been ready when I've arrived and I usually don't show up until 5 minutes after the time they say it will be ready. Oh yeah, one more thing: No GNOCCH!!! I paid $19 for really, truly subpar chicken parmesan there last night. To make matters worse, the portion wasn't very large and I was still hungry after I finished it. Good thing they gave me bread or I would have had to fill up on oatmeal. What kind of dinner would that have been? Actually, the instant flavored oatmeal where you just add water and microwave it isn't that bad. I like peach, but apple cinnamon is good too, even though I tend not to like those wintery flavors. I don't know why they don't make like coconut or mango flavored oatmeal. You know that would be the shit.
(2)Andrew R.
I totally feel this place is overrated. Food is average at best, I had a chicken parm (which I typically find to be a good representation of an italian rest) really wasnt that good. Had mussles once that were dirty. Literally dirt in my mouth, fried Mozzerella as an tizer I was pretty stoked on. The service has been hit or miss. Once really good, few times not so good, once horrible. I do like the atmosphere. Has that old chicago feel. It is in my neighborhood, so I have ended up there a few times. Worth checking out, put plenty of better italian in Chicago
(2)Allison W.
I have a special place in my heart for Club Lucky. My husband and I were married there in Fall 2011 and we couldn't have been happier with the experience. It was a low-key, small wedding just for family. I didn't have a florist, dj, coordinator, or any of the traditional wedding elements. It was just my husband and I taking care of everything. Needless to say when the big day came I was pretty stressed out with all of the little details....and that's when the staff of Club Lucky saved the day! They provided flowers that I didn't even request (and they were perfect), helped me watch the time and coral family members, and the dinner service was wonderful. We were pleased 100%! And the best part is that we now have a place to celebrate our anniversary every year, and on our first anniversary last month they still remembered us!
(5)Krista S.
Walking into this restaurant was like walking into the past. The atmosphere was great and I was excited to try the food. I ordered the Linguine Primavera and it was average. It tasted a lot like a bland spaghetti, and was definitely overpriced for what it was. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the experience, but it is definitely not a restaurant I will be going out of way to try out again.
(3)Ross H.
I called this place "The Red Pill" the entire evening. If you are in the bar area and look up, you'll know what I'm talking about. I read that someone referred to this place as retro-chic. The bar room, I'd say very much so. The main dining room I thought was kind of lacking decor-wise. Really, it was just white walls with dimmed lights. Nothing special at all. Another gripe about the room is that it was way too crowded and packed in, and way too loud. I had a hard time hearing our waitress, and this was with her already speaking fairly loudly. Food was very good. There were seven of us, and we got two orders of calamari to split among us. On the menu, it says each calamari appetizer serves two. When they say two, they should specify that that means two Joey Chesnuts or Kobeyashis -- we would have been fine with just one order! For the meal, I got the Penne Arrabiatta, which had a little kick of course, but it wasn't overwhelmingly spicy. And the penne was al dente (firm and tender), which is how pasta should be cooked. I also tried their special for the night, which was a gnocchi with a cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. Delicioso, but the gnocchi looked kind of like grubs. Just glad it didn't taste like them... A downfall of the place, other than the room, was the money. Not exactly the cheapest place in the world for dinner, although you would think that based on your surrondings. A-OK it is.
(3)Kristi R.
Had high hopes as it came highly recommended from a friend. Can't say I was "disappointed" per se, but also wasn't overly impressed. Ambiance was as expected, but fun - classic, old school, italian joint. Felt like you reverted back a few years to the 50's ... which was not a bad thing. Frank Sinatro and Dean Martin on the juke. Wanted to drink my wine out of a juice glass. It was much more casual than I anticipated. but again, not necessarily a bad thing. Food was good, not great. Calamari selection and quality was great. Pasta was basic pasta - mushroom & cheese ravioli with vodka sauce. Did like that the waiter asked if I wanted to add anything, so I took him up on it and added mushrooms. Tasted good, not great. Date ordered a steak that disappointed. (His own fault, as he did it against recommendation, but still.) Ordered a "prime rib" done medium rare. It arrived medium, and pretty sure it wasn't a prime rib cut. Flavors on the veggies and potatoes were good, but steak was sub-par in quality and outcome. Overall would go again for a casual Sunday afternoon/evening bite, but wouldn't seek it out for anything more.
(3)Kristina O.
This place is okay. I thought it was a bit pricey for what you got, both quality and quantity wise. We decided to eat here after walking around on Damen and seeing the big arrow pointing in the direction of Club Lucky. We got seated fairly quickly for a Saturday night and was instantly greeted by our server. The bread and olive oil they give you is great. The olive oil has some red pepper flakes in it, which gave it a nice little kick. I ordered the Baked Chicken Oreganato, which was fine, but a bit bland. Really I was just glad I didn't order a pasta dish like my friends did cause they seemed to get a really small portion for 15$. All in all, the food was fine, the service was quick, and the overweight girl sitting next to us in the skimpy top was an eye sore.
(3)Liz L.
Club Lucky was ok, just ok. We came on a Thursday night around 8pm. The bar side was packed, but the restaurant side had some empty tables, and we were seated promptly. My first impression was that the decor was cool, but it was so loud in there between the linoleum floor and tin ceiling that it made it hard to hear my fiance across the table. The meal started out great with crusty bread hot out of the oven and a delicious caesar saled. However, things went downhill with the main courses. The spaghetti and meatballs with marinara had the wateriest most tasteless marinara sauce I have ever tasted. The penne with chicken and cheese sause special was ok, but the cheese just kind of overwhelmed everything. Overall, it was not expensive, but you can get a lot better Italian in a city like Chicago.
(2)Marilyn A.
Amazing eggs benedict, marscapone French toast, and pesto eggs! I went to the brunch buffet and thought I was in heaven! The staff is so warm and bubbly.
(5)Neal C.
Had to try the classic Italian spot in the neighborhood finally. Nice kitschy atmosphere and over the top Xmas decorations! Place is warm and inviting. We had a big party an the fresh, hot bread that hit the table as we sat down was a great start. Fried Calamari redeemed many sad recent encounters with that dish with crisp batter and thick n tasty marinara. I though the salad was a pretty good take on the traditional Italian salad with the chunks of fontinella cheese being the highlight. On to the main courses....Penne arrabiata w/ shrimp lacked any real zest or flavor. I coulda opened a jar of tomato sauce at home and made the same thing. The shrimp were plump but there were only 3 which was disappointing. Chicken vesuvio with potatoes was a pretty solid take on the dish and a healthy portion that will make for good leftovers. Service was a little pushy and I don know if this is standard but they lost a star because of a desert ordeal. We were celebrating a birthday and someone brought the birthday girl her favorite cake all the way from NYC! While I understand the restaurant charging some fee for it, they notified us that it would be $1 per slice. It's one thing if we hadn't ordered tons of food and wine and seemed like we were just being cheap but this was something special for a birthday..... I hate when Yelp reviews are skewed b/c of nitpicky service things but this was mishandled and left a bitter taste in my mouth in terms of this place trying to squeeze more money out of it's customers. Look, I think there's better Italian in the neighborhood and certainly in Chicago. It's reasonably priced, food is mediocre to good, and atmosphere is worth checking out at some point. Been there, done that, and if it werent for some service snafus I'd probably keep it on the list for a return visit.
(2)Vanessa H.
Retro cool. $28 carafes of red or white wine to wash down the toasted bread and plates of garlicky pasta.
(3)Pam N.
I do not like this place. The food is bland and overpriced; I could doctor up something tastier at home out of a jarred pasta sauce and I certainly wouldn't charge $16 for it. The service is sllloooooooow and at times, pretentious. I met some friends here once, and unfortunately I arrived the same time their food arrived at the table. I realize that is a huge pain in the ass for a server, so I just asked for a side salad. You know, whatever they have in the back already made. I was starving- but my fucking salad did not come until everyone was done eating 20 minutes later! I KNOW that shit is premade, so what the fuck. I had to remind the server, twice, too. Come on... Like I said, I know it's annoying, but I'm still paying for the salad so just bring it to me already. This place is blocks away from my apartment, and visitors always want to go. But I refuse to spend my money there.
(1)Andrew R.
Our party of 4 dined here on a very busy Saturday night. First off, if you're driving there is street parking but not easy to find a spot. Thankfully Club Lucky does offer valet service. I thought the food was really good and far exceeded my expectations. Started with just some bread and roasted garlic = very solid. Then ordered linguini with olive oil, broccoli and grilled chicken = excellent. The other people I was with only had the spaghetti but they were raving about it. They had dessert too (which I didn't) and highly suggested the cannolis and profiteroles. I would've given this place 5 stars but they couldn't seat us until more than 30 minutes after our reservation. I know it's a busy Saturday night, but come on. It's a nice big place too. Our server was very good. Will definitely be going back again soon.
(4)Brad F.
Came here the other night for dinner, and thought it was pretty good. The service was great and the waitress was very nice. I ordered a salad for dinner, and the salad dressing was out of this world awesome. I ordered the ribs for my main course. The sauce was different than any sauce I have had on ribs, and they just fell off the bone. No work was needed!
(4)Escape C.
So I would give the place a 2 1/2 stars if possible. It's not bad, it's just not good. The bar area is always packed, and I must admit they can make a tasty cocktail. But the food, well, the food is just bland and HEAVY. I never finish anything I order because its just not....good. Once again, it's not BAD, it's just not good. I am the type of person who if something isn't good, I won't just sit there and continue to eat it because its sitting in front of me. I've gotten different pastas, eggplant parmigiana, and a chicken dish. All were boring and forgettable. So if you happen to find yourself in the neighborhood and want some place to grab italian food, it's fine. Just don't have any type of expectation.
(3)Araceli R.
i like this italian restaurant very good food,we had the blue cheese salad,then parpadella pasta and profiteroles ........good staff,the owner mr paladino is a great guy always measure evrething is ok.one of my favorites places :)
(5)Amy Z.
Went there tonight with the nanny and my 5 year-old son for the nanny's birthday. I ordered 2 chicken dishes for the grown-ups to split - one Marsala and one Vesuvio. The Marsala dish was $7 more than the Vesuvio for the same amount of chicken - one breast. I must not have noticed this price difference on the menu and when I asked the server about it when she brought the check she sort of hemmed and hawed and 2 minutes later the manager showed up. "Um ladies, you were asking about the Marsala and why it was so much more expensive than the Vesuvio?" he said "Yes," I said. "Well, we make the Marsala with imported wine." "Oh," I said, "$7 worth?" Whatever. My fault for not looking, but $22.95 for a chicken breast with some "imported wine" and a few mushrooms? I have LOVED the atmosphere and pastina soup at Club Lucky for what seems like 15 years - maybe more. THAT ANSWER WAS RIDICULOUS. Not running back any time soon. So sad.
(3)Ginna R.
We celebrated Father's Day at Club Lucky yesterday with their brunch. It was so great...all of my favorite dishes in one place! We eat at Club Lucky frequently, but had never had the brunch. We would definitely go back next time!
(5)Margie S.
Bland, boring. I've been going here on and off for about 10 years. Why? Because that's where everyone from out of town wants to go for lunch or dinner, mostly those with whom I do business. They absolutely HAVE to come to Club Lucky's. So how someone from Austin, TX or Melville, NY know about this place? Got me. Maybe it's like Rudy's or Chuy's in Round Rock - ya just gotta go to experience it, I guess. Hey if they're buying... But for me who once lived in Rome and now lives down the street from here? Walk just SE of here for authentic, homemade italian food. Here is just a watered down version of some S. Italian cooking with too much replay of the same Rat Pack tunes over and over again. Go to my mom's house for authentic s. italian cooking, lol, senza Martin e Sinatra (oh I committed a cardinal sin - I know! ;) )
(2)A T.
live in the bucktown area and have heard so much about this place. well, it was a disappointment. we asked our waiter the specials and what was popular. as we started to ask more questions it was clear some of pastas weren't made in house (you're an italian place!), so we went with something made fresh....in the end it tasted like glorified hamburger helper and a let down....only bonus was the friendly service, cool decor and the free bread with infused olive oil...
(2)Christine U.
Eh. This place is just OK. I only go here b/c my friend LOVES the buttermilk chocolate cake. It's a little dry for my taste, but she likes dry cakes I guess. I've had the grilled calamari there twice now, and the first time it was like chewing on rubber. The second time was better, but not by much. I am a sucker for grilled calamari, that's why I gave it a second chance. Last night, ordered the Melrose Pepper Salad. On the menu, the first ingredient listed is Roasted Peppers, hence the name. When the salad arrived, there were no peppers!! What the?!? We pointed it out to our server, she apologized and then brought a side plate of 2 gimongous peppers. They were whole, and they were cold, and there was no indication (by the looks or the taste of them) that they were ever roasted. They tasted and felt cooked at least, but it seemed like they were boiled maybe? I dunno. I was not impressed.
(1)Sharlene K.
This isn't the best place or one of the most exciting places I've eaten, but it's simple, good, and they stock Peroni. I do like their pastas as they're perfectly cooked al-dente every time. If you like your pasta firm with bite as you should, this is the place for it. The fettucine de campo is one of my favorites with it's perfectly roasted garlic and slight spice with chicken and asparagus. The veal meatballs are excellent and I strongly recommend them if you're getting a pasta dish without a meat and you like meat. The Italian sausage on the side is also pretty good. I love their take on cheese sticks in that it's hand-dipped and breaded slices of buffalo mozzarella and so stretchy and chewy. Mind you, this is very Americanized Italian food, but it lacks many faults of most Italian-American joints. They don't sugar up their red sauces which is something I enjoy. Oversalted and sugared sauces in your life might lead you to believe this place is bland. This is not old school or authentic by any means. This is a straight-up rat-pack era emulation of Brooklynized Vegas with it's vinyl booths and wait-staff uniforms as well as their martini list. No authentic 50s style Italian joint would have the martinis they do. It's a lot of drinks I'd expect to find in a Boystown bar, but I'd never know the social club guys from my old neighborhood to touch with a 10-foot pole. I can hear them saying, "Whaaa no extra dirty martinis?" And being the extra asocial person that I am, I have to say, the booths by the bar so I can eat, drink, and smoke to my heart's content is a definite plus. The lack of free refill on soda is a depressing state of affairs considering I drink soda like it was IV fluid and I was dying. But the homemade pistachio ice cream which borders on the quality of fine gelato makes up for many things. Also, may I recommend the lemoncello or orangecello as an apertif? Delicious indeed.
(4)Caitlin O.
The food isn't bad but it's certainly nothing to write home about. I had the fried calamari appetizer in favor of an actual meal, but I tried the rest of my family's... and really, it wasn't bad, but it was incredibly unremarkable, especially considering the price on it. Didn't even bother ordering drinks. It's alright, I wouldn't avoid them like the plague, but I certainly wouldn't make a point of getting back here as soon as possible. Meh.
(3)Jen S.
I was expecting more than just average italian, based on the reviews I saw. Nothing too special about this place.
(3)Jennifer T.
My guy and I went last Friday. The service was great. The food was out of this world. The pasta was home made and you could tell. The waitress (Maria) was well educated on the menu and super friendly. We will definetly be back.
(5)Stephen W.
Fairly average and they haven't changed much over the years. Not a great wine selection. Usually there is plenty of food in each dish but it is not always consistent - especially the seafood. Pasta dishes are a good bet. Nice side street for summer dining. The bar is great, especially if you have to wait for a table.
(3)Jacqui C.
We went to Club Lucky at about 8:30pm or so on a Friday night and it was busy, but not so busy that we didn't have to wait for a table. Good, in my book. The food was good too. Not "oh my god I can die now" foodgasm, but it was good. I would go back again and pay the prices that Club Lucky charges. They aren't pretentious and it's an Italian restaurant... no more and no less. My boyfriend and I agree that it's kind of like a Buca di Beppo, but with less "chain." It's just a family-owned type place that serves northern Italian food.
(4)Bruno A.
Food too expensive for what you get. Not incredibly expensive, but not when I go out for Italian I expect something a little nicer and a little tastier. The service isn't fantastic, which is strange considering there was more waitstaff than patrons. It seemed they were only around when they needed something. The decor is nice though with an old school vibe and the bar looks like a good place to hang out. It's not a restaurant I would go back to though. There are much better ones around.
(3)Michael B.
Great times at Club Lucky! Definitely the place to go for your favorite Italian classic. I have been twice in the last couple months. First time, I had my favorite food, lasagna (order it with the bolognese sauce). The second time I had chicken parm. Both were perfect. The entire staff, from the manager to our waiter to the super efficient busboy, were all excellent. Highly recommended
(5)Natalie R.
There is no children's menu, hence not kid-friendly, but found them very attentive, pre-emptive, and patient with my small children the one time I brought them when taking out-of-town guests to an early dinner. We ordered the cheese ravioli for them to split, and the server hustled up some crayons for them to draw with. It's an Italian restaurant - naturally they welcome children. It's a good place for older children practicing their grown-up manners. I love the authentic 1950's feel to it. I feel naked without gloves and veiled hat, deep red lipstick and kitten heels. The staff is extremely well-trained and the server's suggestions have never been disappointing. Good for: dates, family celebrations, groups of friends, birthday parties (they have private rooms to book) My picks: Any seafood dish, especially shrimp pasta. Tiramisu - I am a bloodless zombie when it comes to tiramisu. I...Must...Have....It....!! Take a pass on: The bread - only because you can't eat only one piece. Before you know it, the whole basket is gone and you won't have room for your meal.
(4)Ryan M.
Large open space dining room with tile floor gives the restaurant a cafeteria like feel. Not a place you would want to take a date. Mostly families with little kids so expect to hear some crying. We had the fried calamari which was a huge serving and very tasty. Also had a club lucky salad. Make sure you request dressing on the side otherwise your romaine will be swimming in Caesar. My date and I split a linguine w/ shrimp but were too full to eat by the time it came. The entree was proportionally small compared to the size of the appetizers. Service was friendly and my water glass was always kept full. Don't think I would return.
(3)Danny C.
First, the food is far overpriced for the quality of the food. When it comes to Italian, this city can do MUCH better. My martini was okay, but had no list price. I asked the waiter for the cost, and he told me $7.95, but it was $9.75. Not a big deal about the verbal dyslexia, but not pretty when I have to ask for prices and get the wrong information.
(2)Carl L.
Solid Italian restaurant: Good food, great wine, fantastic atmosphere. I was introduced to this place some years ago, and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the city.
(4)Dave M.
Club Lucky is one of my favorite places to bring out of town guests or newbies who have never been to Wicker Park for dinner. The thing I always remember most about it is how noisy the dining room can be, especially on the weekends. Voices seem to boom and echo off the walls a bit more than other places. Personally I think it adds to the experience. The food? I haven't found anything on the menu that is a MUST have and that's the only reason I can't give it a 5 star review. Been disappointed a couple of times (maybe authentic chicken vesuvio just isn't for me) but I usually get a pretty decent meal for the price.
(4)Janelle N.
I honestly was very excited to try this place. My bf made reservations for a Friday at 6:30. They clearly were not needed. The bread and homeade oil were fabulous. We had the fried mozzarella. It was decent. I ordered the Gemelli Mediterranean (sp?) that was on special. The shrimp were great, but the calamari and clams were rubbery. My bf ordered the chicken alfredo. It had a weird aftertaste. Overall, I was disappointed. They are also just way overpriced. $20 for a bowl of pasta..really?
(2)Elizabeth B.
Went to Club Lucky this evening and was anything but lucky...ordered 8 finger cavatelli and a rigatoni with escarole. rigatoni was terribly undercooked and the cavatelli was like mush. I have never sent anything back in my life but these two horrible entrees deserved it. The manager came over and proceeded to say that he was going to comp our appetizers but since "we ate the majority of our meals" that was all he could do. We didn't want a free meal by any means but simply for him to recognize that the food was prepared in a haphazard way and was poor quality. Needless to say, we will not be back to Club Lucky despite the fact that it used to be our favorite neighborhood spot. Unfortunate that the food at this once good spot has gone downhill so much. Even more unfortunate that the manager doesn't care about this fact or his customers.
(1)Luc R.
The service was friendly, but a little too friendly at times. ("You have to take the dessert menu because if my boss sees you don't have one I'll get canned and then I'll have to live with you." Me - "Do you like metal?" "No, doll." Me - "Then give me the menu.") Fairly typical Italian fare with an extensive wine list. They also carry Saison DuPont, my all-time favorite, but were out that night. Friendly and nice enough, but just a bit boring. Maybe that's because it was a business dinner. Couldn't help
(3)P S.
Went with a group of 4 ladies for a friends' birthday and the service was over-the-top good. Lucky us! It was so good I had to immediately write a review, because my experience was worth commemorating beyond just the tip... Everyone was so friendly, courteous and attentive- it was clear that our server cared about our dining experience- he was a very classy fellow. I felt like I was Little Orphan Annie in the scene where she is dancing around in Daddy Warbucks' castle and all the staff are singing "we know you're gonna like it here." The restaurant felt big, fancy and clean- although from the street it just looked like a neighborhood pub. It was so big on the inside there was a guy who kind of manages traffic and helps people find the bathroom, etc- beyond the host at the door. The prices didn't seem nearly high enough to account for all the fanciness I experienced. I liked the old-fashioned glamorous decor, but could also picture going there for a casual meal with my family since the glamour doesn't come attached to a big price tag or any stuffiness. They managed to make us feel really special in how welcoming they were. All the food came out quickly, but not too quickly, and it tasted wonderful and fresh. The bread was warm. We had roasted garlic, a wonderful mediterranean salad, veal meat balls, 8-finger pasta, and baked clams and tiramisu at the end. All of it was wonderful and only ran us about $60(!!!) The atmosphere was terrific- really good light and not a noisy place. But the thing that really struck me was the service being so much better than I ever expect. I am very grateful to have found this lovely place, and look forward to going again and maybe sitting on the patio. The only thing i am thinking is i wish i knew our server's name so i could send him a thank you card for being the type of person who cares about doing a good job, and is also pleasant to interact with. Serving isn't an easy job- you have to be personable, charming and well-organized. So 5 stars for the whole experience, but if i could only tack on a 6th star for the server... I'm an enthusiastic fan of this place!
(5)Matt L.
I've tried to like Club Lucky, because I live close, but other than the bread and fried calamari, I've never liked anything there. And like everyone else says, it's ridiculously overpriced. They also consistently underestimate the prep time for pickup orders. It's NEVER been ready when I've arrived and I usually don't show up until 5 minutes after the time they say it will be ready. Oh yeah, one more thing: No GNOCCH!!! I paid $19 for really, truly subpar chicken parmesan there last night. To make matters worse, the portion wasn't very large and I was still hungry after I finished it. Good thing they gave me bread or I would have had to fill up on oatmeal. What kind of dinner would that have been? Actually, the instant flavored oatmeal where you just add water and microwave it isn't that bad. I like peach, but apple cinnamon is good too, even though I tend not to like those wintery flavors. I don't know why they don't make like coconut or mango flavored oatmeal. You know that would be the shit.
(2)Andrew R.
I totally feel this place is overrated. Food is average at best, I had a chicken parm (which I typically find to be a good representation of an italian rest) really wasnt that good. Had mussles once that were dirty. Literally dirt in my mouth, fried Mozzerella as an tizer I was pretty stoked on. The service has been hit or miss. Once really good, few times not so good, once horrible. I do like the atmosphere. Has that old chicago feel. It is in my neighborhood, so I have ended up there a few times. Worth checking out, put plenty of better italian in Chicago
(2)Allison W.
I have a special place in my heart for Club Lucky. My husband and I were married there in Fall 2011 and we couldn't have been happier with the experience. It was a low-key, small wedding just for family. I didn't have a florist, dj, coordinator, or any of the traditional wedding elements. It was just my husband and I taking care of everything. Needless to say when the big day came I was pretty stressed out with all of the little details....and that's when the staff of Club Lucky saved the day! They provided flowers that I didn't even request (and they were perfect), helped me watch the time and coral family members, and the dinner service was wonderful. We were pleased 100%! And the best part is that we now have a place to celebrate our anniversary every year, and on our first anniversary last month they still remembered us!
(5)Jacqui C.
We went to Club Lucky at about 8:30pm or so on a Friday night and it was busy, but not so busy that we didn't have to wait for a table. Good, in my book. The food was good too. Not "oh my god I can die now" foodgasm, but it was good. I would go back again and pay the prices that Club Lucky charges. They aren't pretentious and it's an Italian restaurant... no more and no less. My boyfriend and I agree that it's kind of like a Buca di Beppo, but with less "chain." It's just a family-owned type place that serves northern Italian food.
(4)Ross H.
I called this place "The Red Pill" the entire evening. If you are in the bar area and look up, you'll know what I'm talking about. I read that someone referred to this place as retro-chic. The bar room, I'd say very much so. The main dining room I thought was kind of lacking decor-wise. Really, it was just white walls with dimmed lights. Nothing special at all. Another gripe about the room is that it was way too crowded and packed in, and way too loud. I had a hard time hearing our waitress, and this was with her already speaking fairly loudly. Food was very good. There were seven of us, and we got two orders of calamari to split among us. On the menu, it says each calamari appetizer serves two. When they say two, they should specify that that means two Joey Chesnuts or Kobeyashis -- we would have been fine with just one order! For the meal, I got the Penne Arrabiatta, which had a little kick of course, but it wasn't overwhelmingly spicy. And the penne was al dente (firm and tender), which is how pasta should be cooked. I also tried their special for the night, which was a gnocchi with a cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. Delicioso, but the gnocchi looked kind of like grubs. Just glad it didn't taste like them... A downfall of the place, other than the room, was the money. Not exactly the cheapest place in the world for dinner, although you would think that based on your surrondings. A-OK it is.
(3)Kristi R.
Had high hopes as it came highly recommended from a friend. Can't say I was "disappointed" per se, but also wasn't overly impressed. Ambiance was as expected, but fun - classic, old school, italian joint. Felt like you reverted back a few years to the 50's ... which was not a bad thing. Frank Sinatro and Dean Martin on the juke. Wanted to drink my wine out of a juice glass. It was much more casual than I anticipated. but again, not necessarily a bad thing. Food was good, not great. Calamari selection and quality was great. Pasta was basic pasta - mushroom & cheese ravioli with vodka sauce. Did like that the waiter asked if I wanted to add anything, so I took him up on it and added mushrooms. Tasted good, not great. Date ordered a steak that disappointed. (His own fault, as he did it against recommendation, but still.) Ordered a "prime rib" done medium rare. It arrived medium, and pretty sure it wasn't a prime rib cut. Flavors on the veggies and potatoes were good, but steak was sub-par in quality and outcome. Overall would go again for a casual Sunday afternoon/evening bite, but wouldn't seek it out for anything more.
(3)Kristina O.
This place is okay. I thought it was a bit pricey for what you got, both quality and quantity wise. We decided to eat here after walking around on Damen and seeing the big arrow pointing in the direction of Club Lucky. We got seated fairly quickly for a Saturday night and was instantly greeted by our server. The bread and olive oil they give you is great. The olive oil has some red pepper flakes in it, which gave it a nice little kick. I ordered the Baked Chicken Oreganato, which was fine, but a bit bland. Really I was just glad I didn't order a pasta dish like my friends did cause they seemed to get a really small portion for 15$. All in all, the food was fine, the service was quick, and the overweight girl sitting next to us in the skimpy top was an eye sore.
(3)Ginna R.
We celebrated Father's Day at Club Lucky yesterday with their brunch. It was so great...all of my favorite dishes in one place! We eat at Club Lucky frequently, but had never had the brunch. We would definitely go back next time!
(5)Margie S.
Bland, boring. I've been going here on and off for about 10 years. Why? Because that's where everyone from out of town wants to go for lunch or dinner, mostly those with whom I do business. They absolutely HAVE to come to Club Lucky's. So how someone from Austin, TX or Melville, NY know about this place? Got me. Maybe it's like Rudy's or Chuy's in Round Rock - ya just gotta go to experience it, I guess. Hey if they're buying... But for me who once lived in Rome and now lives down the street from here? Walk just SE of here for authentic, homemade italian food. Here is just a watered down version of some S. Italian cooking with too much replay of the same Rat Pack tunes over and over again. Go to my mom's house for authentic s. italian cooking, lol, senza Martin e Sinatra (oh I committed a cardinal sin - I know! ;) )
(2)A T.
live in the bucktown area and have heard so much about this place. well, it was a disappointment. we asked our waiter the specials and what was popular. as we started to ask more questions it was clear some of pastas weren't made in house (you're an italian place!), so we went with something made fresh....in the end it tasted like glorified hamburger helper and a let down....only bonus was the friendly service, cool decor and the free bread with infused olive oil...
(2)Christine U.
Eh. This place is just OK. I only go here b/c my friend LOVES the buttermilk chocolate cake. It's a little dry for my taste, but she likes dry cakes I guess. I've had the grilled calamari there twice now, and the first time it was like chewing on rubber. The second time was better, but not by much. I am a sucker for grilled calamari, that's why I gave it a second chance. Last night, ordered the Melrose Pepper Salad. On the menu, the first ingredient listed is Roasted Peppers, hence the name. When the salad arrived, there were no peppers!! What the?!? We pointed it out to our server, she apologized and then brought a side plate of 2 gimongous peppers. They were whole, and they were cold, and there was no indication (by the looks or the taste of them) that they were ever roasted. They tasted and felt cooked at least, but it seemed like they were boiled maybe? I dunno. I was not impressed.
(1)Krista S.
Walking into this restaurant was like walking into the past. The atmosphere was great and I was excited to try the food. I ordered the Linguine Primavera and it was average. It tasted a lot like a bland spaghetti, and was definitely overpriced for what it was. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the experience, but it is definitely not a restaurant I will be going out of way to try out again.
(3)Kathleen O.
The bread was good. They weren't rude. Meh. The Shrimp Scampi tasted like a couple of cooked shrimp from Jewel tossed on top of fettuccine with some Chef Boyardee sauce. Bland, bland, bland. I was shocked that they charged $2 for refills of diet soda that had so much ice that I was getting less than a can's worth. It was noisy. I can't believe they charge so much. I didn't get sick or anything, but I would have had a better meal if I'd just stayed home and taken 15 minutes to make it myself.
(2)Sharlene K.
This isn't the best place or one of the most exciting places I've eaten, but it's simple, good, and they stock Peroni. I do like their pastas as they're perfectly cooked al-dente every time. If you like your pasta firm with bite as you should, this is the place for it. The fettucine de campo is one of my favorites with it's perfectly roasted garlic and slight spice with chicken and asparagus. The veal meatballs are excellent and I strongly recommend them if you're getting a pasta dish without a meat and you like meat. The Italian sausage on the side is also pretty good. I love their take on cheese sticks in that it's hand-dipped and breaded slices of buffalo mozzarella and so stretchy and chewy. Mind you, this is very Americanized Italian food, but it lacks many faults of most Italian-American joints. They don't sugar up their red sauces which is something I enjoy. Oversalted and sugared sauces in your life might lead you to believe this place is bland. This is not old school or authentic by any means. This is a straight-up rat-pack era emulation of Brooklynized Vegas with it's vinyl booths and wait-staff uniforms as well as their martini list. No authentic 50s style Italian joint would have the martinis they do. It's a lot of drinks I'd expect to find in a Boystown bar, but I'd never know the social club guys from my old neighborhood to touch with a 10-foot pole. I can hear them saying, "Whaaa no extra dirty martinis?" And being the extra asocial person that I am, I have to say, the booths by the bar so I can eat, drink, and smoke to my heart's content is a definite plus. The lack of free refill on soda is a depressing state of affairs considering I drink soda like it was IV fluid and I was dying. But the homemade pistachio ice cream which borders on the quality of fine gelato makes up for many things. Also, may I recommend the lemoncello or orangecello as an apertif? Delicious indeed.
(4)Caitlin O.
The food isn't bad but it's certainly nothing to write home about. I had the fried calamari appetizer in favor of an actual meal, but I tried the rest of my family's... and really, it wasn't bad, but it was incredibly unremarkable, especially considering the price on it. Didn't even bother ordering drinks. It's alright, I wouldn't avoid them like the plague, but I certainly wouldn't make a point of getting back here as soon as possible. Meh.
(3)Jen S.
I was expecting more than just average italian, based on the reviews I saw. Nothing too special about this place.
(3)Jennifer T.
My guy and I went last Friday. The service was great. The food was out of this world. The pasta was home made and you could tell. The waitress (Maria) was well educated on the menu and super friendly. We will definetly be back.
(5)Stephen W.
Fairly average and they haven't changed much over the years. Not a great wine selection. Usually there is plenty of food in each dish but it is not always consistent - especially the seafood. Pasta dishes are a good bet. Nice side street for summer dining. The bar is great, especially if you have to wait for a table.
(3)Michael B.
Great times at Club Lucky! Definitely the place to go for your favorite Italian classic. I have been twice in the last couple months. First time, I had my favorite food, lasagna (order it with the bolognese sauce). The second time I had chicken parm. Both were perfect. The entire staff, from the manager to our waiter to the super efficient busboy, were all excellent. Highly recommended
(5)Natalie R.
There is no children's menu, hence not kid-friendly, but found them very attentive, pre-emptive, and patient with my small children the one time I brought them when taking out-of-town guests to an early dinner. We ordered the cheese ravioli for them to split, and the server hustled up some crayons for them to draw with. It's an Italian restaurant - naturally they welcome children. It's a good place for older children practicing their grown-up manners. I love the authentic 1950's feel to it. I feel naked without gloves and veiled hat, deep red lipstick and kitten heels. The staff is extremely well-trained and the server's suggestions have never been disappointing. Good for: dates, family celebrations, groups of friends, birthday parties (they have private rooms to book) My picks: Any seafood dish, especially shrimp pasta. Tiramisu - I am a bloodless zombie when it comes to tiramisu. I...Must...Have....It....!! Take a pass on: The bread - only because you can't eat only one piece. Before you know it, the whole basket is gone and you won't have room for your meal.
(4)Jenn K.
I might be the only person in Chicago who doesn't like Club Lucky. Sorry folks. I've never had an impressive meal here, though they do a great job of describing food that could potentially be tasty. I think that makes it extra disappointing, though. I recently had a special of Rigatoni in a rosemary cream sauce with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes. Sounds yummy, doesn't it? Bland bland bland. The only flavor came from the sundried tomatoes. I must admit, they didn't skimp on any components (so many places give you two mushrooms or a smattering of sundried tomatoes), but there was no flavor and everything had the same texture-- chewy. Also, I really couldn't taste any rosemary in the sauce. I'm a bit of a wino-- not a wine snob, by any means, but I drink plenty of wines from different places and at different price ranges. I think I'm not entirely wrong when I say "Club Lucky's wine list is lousy". There are so many great, small Italian winemakers with cases and cases of not-prohibitively expensive wines. Why, oh why does Club Lucky insist on having an entire list of big mega-producers? "Let's just get whatever Olive Garden's getting. Can't be bad." Uggh. And I think they store their red wine in the boiler room-- it's consistently the temperature of bath water. I'll concede, however, that their appetizers are good. I've never met a fried calamari that I don't like and you can't really mess up an antipasti platter (okay, you could, but I think the Health Dept would intercede first...). It would really be more convenient for me if Club Lucky were good. It's a cute place, a bit of an institution, has a good vibe... But I'll take my pasta needs elsewhere.
(2)Virginia T.
Really more like 3.75 stars..... I have a fond attachment to this place because we had our "luncheon" there they day we got married. The service has always been good. The decor is fun and retro....The food has ALWAYS tasted good. But my biggest complaint are the prices. It's nearly $18 for fettucini alfredo with chicken! And there are NO free refills- even on the coke! It's good food, but the prices are pretty ridiculous.
(3)Janette L.
Maybe I am biased having lived in Italy for a semester in college?? But even on a poor study abroad student budget, I spoiled my taste buds. So maybe it is not fair to compare? Still I would describe the food here as average at best. I have always had good service, but the food is less than memorable. I can't even tell you what I have ordered here the times I went. Salad? Pasta? I do remember their bread was good. Still my friends love this place so I find myself here at times, and again there are no major complaints - I just think there are better options of Italian in the city.
(3)Jayson B.
Great staff, atmosphere, and music. We LOVED the food. The salad was the first sign that we would have a great meal. It was enough for both of us. The main course was great, and we each rinsed it down with a 1/2 carafe of the house wine, which was good in itself. We loved the meal so much, we plan on going there again, several times!
(5)Crystal M.
For brunch only: This place met my expectations exactly in the sense that it was a predictable failure for brunch. It was a classic case of a primarily dinner restaurant that is really ill-equipped to serve breakfast doing it anyway because they think it's an easy cash cow. I ordered eggs in a basket, which turned out to be cooked in olive oil and garlic rather than butter. In my opinion, the oil, which it was absolutely drenched in, overpowered delicate taste of the egg. It was...gross. Furthermore, it was just painfully obvious that the staff wasn't trained for a brunch service (or maybe any). They were friendly and well-intended, but the service was mediocre and awkward. Unless a meatball sounds like breakfast to you, I would most certainly skip it because the actual "brunch" is a misguided after thought.
(2)Bill M.
This swingin' retro Italian supper club serves good food in a cool environment. The appetizers are good, and so are the large entrees.
(4)Patty D.
I had a pasta dish with shrimp and the shrimp were old ass shrimp... Auggh!!! I don't know if we got there too late, toward the end of the shift but nothing pisses me off more ... just say, "Our shrimp aren't fresh tonight... how about the salmon?" --- sumthin! Yes portions are huge but if the food is so-so - then what's the point - too many italian places to choose from... this one is okay.
(3)Emily T.
It's good. It's a restaurant, No real wow factor for me. Well, maybe the homemade pasta. Here is the thing- it's one of those places that I just say, its a good place to eat when you are hungry and want to stay in the neighborhood ( assuming you live in it).
(3)Peter M.
Yep, another 5 of 5 for me. I really do not want to come across as a softy or that I am handing out 5 of 5's like it's going out of style, but Club Lucky really earned this one. Not only do they have the best fried mozzarella and marinara in the city, but you can wash it all down with an imperial quart of the Champagne of Beers. You had me at the fried cheese.
(5)Donna C.
My half-Sicilian boyfriend, who never wants to go out to an Italian place, actually likes this one. We've had some very decent meals here. They seem to use good, fresh ingredients in their dishes. The only disappointment is the calamari, which is cut too thick. And they don't give you the tentacles!
(4)Andy G.
Club Lucky - average Italian food. There's not much more I can say about the food. It's a cool, old-school vibe inside. They have a few outdoor tables, which is nice in the summer. The bar inside is pretty sweet. But if you're going to eat (which is usually why I visit restaurants) the food is the most important part of my experience. Everyone thought the food was alright - but nothing to write home to mom (or Yelp) about. The only exception was the carrot cake, which I wish I could have eaten about 1,000 pieces of. If you're in the neighborhood and hungry for some spaghetti that mom or anyone else could make - I would recommend this place. If not, there are much better destination Italian restaurants in the city, at about the same price point.
(3)Bill E.
Had really good Pasta Fagioli here, and the bartender made a good drink. She was kinda funny too. I'm sorry I can't tell you more, but it was late and I think we'd been out earlier, I think.
(4)Stephanie H.
I have to say this is one of my favorites, I really like this place! The martini's are out of this world (1 is not enough, 3 is too many!). Wine selection is great too. The grilled calamari and Brushetta are great. Good music, a very unique juke box collection. Very 'cool' ambience. A great stand-by and worth a special trip to check it out.
(4)Jenny S.
Awesome place to go with a group. When my parents came to Chicago with my grandma it was hard to find a place in the 'hood that was cute and fun but not so trendy that good ol' mom & dad would get freaked out or not want to eat anything on the menu. Club Lucky certainly worked out. The food is delicious--good old fashioned Italian and the decoration is adorable.
(4)Scott N.
The food is really good and I have eaten something different every time I go and it's been totally consistent. The atmosphere is also great and the wait staff do a really nice job.
(4)Ryan G.
I really wanted to like it but I was not impressed at all....the veal parma was really not very good...almost like market day frozen quality not fresh....shrimp scampish was ok reason for 2 star....wine 9 a glass and smallest pour I've ever had:(. Had calamari recommendation of waiter the one in white wine with tomatoes or something very soggy and not my style actual calamari was ok....cool place cool workers was not cheap by any means...the food just was ok at best I will be sticking to Lucias.
(2)Jason L.
One of the best dirty martinis in the city. Delicious bread. And the most tender bbq baby back ribs. At an Italian place! Yeah, weird, huh?
(5)Benjamin B.
I definitely like this joint. The wait staff has always been nice, but not too nice... prompt, but not too prompt. I like the food here, it is solid. Never been disappointed. They have some interesting beers and a good bourbon selection. Not the best place ever, but certainly not the worst. Every time I go here, I always feel a tinge of pain from the price... I feel that they do over-charge a bit. I think their prices should be 10% lower than what they are. At any rate, it is a decent change of pace on occasion and the decor is pretty neat if you stay in the first room. I dun care for the back area much though. They've got Maker's though. Kudos to that.
(3)Elizabeth A.
Great, traditional italian!!!!! Can't say enough good things about this spot. Every dish I have tried is delicious. Go here if you want hearty, red sauce pasta dishes just like Grandma used to make in a CASUAL atmosphere! A favorite spot to take my parents. I highly recommend the 8 finger cavatelli. It is perfectly cooked and the portions are big.
(5)Jenn C.
This is the first place I took my fella after we made the 1100 mile trek across the country to move him here, He loves Italian. And I mean loves!!! We were exhausted, starving, and I wanted to introduce him to the quality that exists around the corner from our casa. Viva Italiana! I think I have created a monster. I fuzzy pink heart Club Lucky. From the fluffy warm bread, the carafes of wine for the budget conscience, its hypnotizing black and white art deco walls, the consistently gracious staff, to the take out "chinese" food boxes-- kiss kiss hug hug. Not just a place for families, although I cant wait to bring the whole Texan clan in here, my girlfriends and I frequent this spot on occasion- normally gossiping while sharing a plate of calamari, 2 entrees, and a tiramisu. And the 3 of us escape stuffed and only around 35 bucks each lighter. Their food is large. Then again, it reads "family style" on the menu (doesn't mean I haven't taken down an entire plate of capellini all on my own, once...or twice! But come on, its like the chef was channeling God when he put breaded eggplant, capers, and black olives in a spicy red sauce and on the third day named it Siciliana!) But thats why the prices are a tad higher than at other middle of the money road Italian joints. Plus, to date- I still have yet to leave without a delicious amount left for lunch the next day...or later that night- Guilty as charged! I go nutty over their pepper salad- and yes, they sell the dressing along with the nummy marinara sauce. Many a time I have done a drive by saucing in preps for the lonely linguine in the pantry. Cuz, honestly, we cant afford to eat in every time we are salivating for the Lucky monster.
(5)Erin K.
Love the calamari calabrese and the drinks! And the ambience, ahhhh.
(4)Josh S.
Great, food, expansive menu and fantastic appetizers (the aranchini was probably my favorite appetizer of all time). The atmosphere is unpretentious and I like the 1940's throwback supper club. This place is kind of off the beaten path and I like the fact it's not overpriced and touristy like most Italian restaurants in Chicago. I highly suggest getting a group of people when you want a low key night and a good bottle of wine. My favorite items on the menu are the chicken Vesuvio or chicken parmesan. Not my favorite Italian restaurant (see Trattoria Poretta in Portage Park) but still tasty and great ambiance.
(3)Kristina B.
The service = Great! The fettuccini alfredo = Great! The atmosphere = Great! The apple martinis = Beyond great! Average all of those out and you have one 'great' rating. :)
(4)D H.
Did not know what to expect when I went here, you walk in the front door and it just looks like another little bar. Then you go around the corner into the dining room. Wow, that came as a surprise, very retro chic. Started with a Martini as they claim to be the house specials, not a bad claim! some of the best I have ever had and I have had a few :) The bread was delicious, follow by their pork chops, which were divine. cooked with peppers, onion and something a little spicy and served with roast potatoes, beans and carrots. I am looking forward to my next trip to Chicago, this is on my my visit list!
(4)mike l.
okay, everyone loves this joint, so I'll slide my thoughts under the door & be on my way. We just got home, so the food is still stuck in our teeth. Most importantly, the food. Definitely good. Tasty, although pricey. Not "Save it for a special occasion" pricey, but still above average. We had the veal francese & the seafood linguine. The veal was great, tender, flavorful with a nice citrus pop to it. The side of spinach was pleasant too. The seafood was especially good. They didn't chince out on the shrimp or the scallops either, which is always a good sign. I don't know what everyone else ordered, but the portions were certainly NOT huge. the service was a little unattentive and kinda weird. the waitress would disappear for hours at a time, and then pop in really abruptly. My vodka tonic was also really light for the price. But, not a deal breaker. thankfully, the food is good and that's what matters most, right?
(4)Gamaliel E.
I wouldn't say this is the best Italian food in Chicago, but it certainly is a good spot to eat Italian food. I've yet to have a bad experience at Club Lucky. Club Lucky is located in the middle of a residencial area, and offers valet service in the very difficult to find parking area of Wicker Park. The interior has a retro feel, with class...but not overly classy where you feel stuffy. The bread is nice and warm on the inside and has a nice crispy crust. I first ordered the shrimp scampi here, and fell in love with the dish. It comes large shrimp with spinach in a light brothy sauce. The portion size is good, not obscene like that at Maggianos. I recently ordered the linguinie with italian sausage and was very happy with it. I was close to licking the bottom of the bowl. They do have the Italian style wine glasses which was throwing my fellow guests off....they felt they didn't have much wine in their glass. I'm thinking it was an optical illusion. Anyhoo.....its a safe bet to take your guests to Club Lucky.....no luck needed to be served a nice meal here.
(3)Misse D.
I met my former roommate here for dinner on a Saturday night. Since I arrived early, I settled into the bar. I actually liked the ambiance of the old-school bar and the patio seating more then the food. My meal was good but not fabulous. There was entirely too much olive oil used to cook my pasta, which was NOT al dente. Regardless, the food was tasty enough that I'd bring someone here for the experience.
(3)Jim P.
Six people in our group, several had drinks and all have a dinner plate. Our bill was $164......a bit pricey for the the taste of the dishes. The Alfredo sauce was watery, looked like soup and a bit tasteless. Service was great, accommodating and friendly. OUR BIGGEST ISSUE....I had a tortellini dish that is normally served, in my book, with Alfredo sauce. They served it with vodka sauce. I asked if I can have it with Alfredo instead. SURE....we spent $164 and the bill showed I paid $2.50 for the Alfredo instead of vodka sauce. My brother also wanted Alfredo on his pasta, on the side. He was also charged $2.50 for a two shot glass size cup. Doesn't work for me. If you go...and you want something make sure you ask if there's an extra charge. REALLY BURNED ME UP. Really??? for that 'soup' Alfredo? Also be sure you have the flashlight app installed on your phone, could not read the menu in the lighting.
(2)Kristen S.
I have been coming to Club Lucky for about 10 years now, and I still love it! Great service, great food, and great atmosphere have all been consistent. The neighborhood is great; however you may have some trouble parking nearby. Valet parking is available - Club Lucky turned the empty lot next to it into a valet parking lot. Valet will run you 7-11 dollars. When you walk into Club Lucky, you will have to walk through the retro-looking bar and a few booths in order to get to the dining room or the "party" room. The Juke Box is located near the door as well, playing "Oldies", Big Band, and Jazz, all to reflect the retro-chic atmosphere. Once in the dining room, the decor echoes that of a past era. If you read thoroughly, you will note that the fixtures are modeled after those made for the Empire State Building in New York. Needless to say, they are very cool! The String Bean Salad, Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, and unique Pasta Squares dishes are all highly recommended. Many of the noodles are made in-house. Save room for Tiramisu if you can! It is soaked in rum and the marscapone is freshly made. If you are planning a party, Club Lucky is very helpful and affordable (5-course meal for $27pp). Your guests will love the uniqueness of the spot. The management at Club Lucky is very accommodating!
(5)C M P.
This neighborhood diner is the perfect place for solid italian cuisine. I'm never disappointed with my selections. The eggplant parm, veal parm, & chicken parm are excellent. Calamari as an app. is a good choice. Penne with vodka sauce is also very good. The meatballs are just as good as mom's. I expect that some day they'll do a show on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives on this place. If you eat by the bar try out the jutebox with plenty of oldies and blues. Christmas time has the place full of xmas lites! Try it you'll like it.
(4)Angelina P.
I love club lucky. The food there is always consistent as well as it is amazing and the service is always prompt. I usually prefer to eat in the booths in the bar area but the patio is equally as nice too. This place is definitely a little gem tucked away in wicker park.
(5)Cris M.
Went on a Monday night...wasn't very busy. Began to look at the menu and except for basic pasta nothing was under $15. We ordered Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna, and Chicken Parmesan. The Alfredo had no flavor all. Zip, Zero. Nada. My other two friends were eating so I asked for a Fettuccine with marinara sauce. Awful. and the sauce on all three dishes were exactly the same. Not one bit of difference. And the bad part is the sauce had no flavor. Essentially it was a horrid evening. We didn't get salad or soup or anything with the dishes. It was all ala-carte.
(1)Maya T.
Meh.... Went with a big group of people when visiting the city last spring. The food was pretty mediocre but the people I was with made it a fun night. For my entree I had the veal with spinach (again meh). I'm pretty sure there was something bad in something I ate because about 20 minutes after we left, I yakked spinach chunks all over the place for about 20 minutes! Sorry for the visual... :oP It greatly impaired my ability to get as drunk as everyone else that night! Too bad...
(2)Aaron T.
I usually steer clear of Italian food in this price range, but Club Lucky surprised me. First, the retro vibe inside is great. It's casual, yet classy, and unique. The food is good, but not excellent. The prices, however, are very reasonable, and the portion sizes are generous. I've had leftovers to bring home both times I went. The spaghetti with meatballs was surprisingly good for such a simple dish (the cheese on top was killer), and the salmon oregatano was decent. Don't overlook the specials, as they are often the highlight of the menu. The service is OK, but not great. I've had to go to great lengths to flag down my server a couple times. Unfortunately, the wine I've had at Club Lucky was below average. You get lots of good food here for a decent price, but nothing will really blow you away.
(3)Brian M.
Fun spot for late night nosh - or good martini. I really liked the decor, and friendly service. Used to live in the neighborhood, and loved stopping in, getting simple italian food, and making my way... I reccomend it to anyone nearby.
(4)Liz L.
Club Lucky was ok, just ok. We came on a Thursday night around 8pm. The bar side was packed, but the restaurant side had some empty tables, and we were seated promptly. My first impression was that the decor was cool, but it was so loud in there between the linoleum floor and tin ceiling that it made it hard to hear my fiance across the table. The meal started out great with crusty bread hot out of the oven and a delicious caesar saled. However, things went downhill with the main courses. The spaghetti and meatballs with marinara had the wateriest most tasteless marinara sauce I have ever tasted. The penne with chicken and cheese sause special was ok, but the cheese just kind of overwhelmed everything. Overall, it was not expensive, but you can get a lot better Italian in a city like Chicago.
(2)Marilyn A.
Amazing eggs benedict, marscapone French toast, and pesto eggs! I went to the brunch buffet and thought I was in heaven! The staff is so warm and bubbly.
(5)Neal C.
Had to try the classic Italian spot in the neighborhood finally. Nice kitschy atmosphere and over the top Xmas decorations! Place is warm and inviting. We had a big party an the fresh, hot bread that hit the table as we sat down was a great start. Fried Calamari redeemed many sad recent encounters with that dish with crisp batter and thick n tasty marinara. I though the salad was a pretty good take on the traditional Italian salad with the chunks of fontinella cheese being the highlight. On to the main courses....Penne arrabiata w/ shrimp lacked any real zest or flavor. I coulda opened a jar of tomato sauce at home and made the same thing. The shrimp were plump but there were only 3 which was disappointing. Chicken vesuvio with potatoes was a pretty solid take on the dish and a healthy portion that will make for good leftovers. Service was a little pushy and I don know if this is standard but they lost a star because of a desert ordeal. We were celebrating a birthday and someone brought the birthday girl her favorite cake all the way from NYC! While I understand the restaurant charging some fee for it, they notified us that it would be $1 per slice. It's one thing if we hadn't ordered tons of food and wine and seemed like we were just being cheap but this was something special for a birthday..... I hate when Yelp reviews are skewed b/c of nitpicky service things but this was mishandled and left a bitter taste in my mouth in terms of this place trying to squeeze more money out of it's customers. Look, I think there's better Italian in the neighborhood and certainly in Chicago. It's reasonably priced, food is mediocre to good, and atmosphere is worth checking out at some point. Been there, done that, and if it werent for some service snafus I'd probably keep it on the list for a return visit.
(2)Vanessa H.
Retro cool. $28 carafes of red or white wine to wash down the toasted bread and plates of garlicky pasta.
(3)Pam N.
I do not like this place. The food is bland and overpriced; I could doctor up something tastier at home out of a jarred pasta sauce and I certainly wouldn't charge $16 for it. The service is sllloooooooow and at times, pretentious. I met some friends here once, and unfortunately I arrived the same time their food arrived at the table. I realize that is a huge pain in the ass for a server, so I just asked for a side salad. You know, whatever they have in the back already made. I was starving- but my fucking salad did not come until everyone was done eating 20 minutes later! I KNOW that shit is premade, so what the fuck. I had to remind the server, twice, too. Come on... Like I said, I know it's annoying, but I'm still paying for the salad so just bring it to me already. This place is blocks away from my apartment, and visitors always want to go. But I refuse to spend my money there.
(1)jeff m.
The patio was pretty nice last summer, but the food was just at par. It you want a good outdoor dining experience go to Lucias just a few blocks away on north. there outdoor pation is great for that romantic dinner or just ten bottles of wine. Either sound great to me!
(3)Andrew R.
Our party of 4 dined here on a very busy Saturday night. First off, if you're driving there is street parking but not easy to find a spot. Thankfully Club Lucky does offer valet service. I thought the food was really good and far exceeded my expectations. Started with just some bread and roasted garlic = very solid. Then ordered linguini with olive oil, broccoli and grilled chicken = excellent. The other people I was with only had the spaghetti but they were raving about it. They had dessert too (which I didn't) and highly suggested the cannolis and profiteroles. I would've given this place 5 stars but they couldn't seat us until more than 30 minutes after our reservation. I know it's a busy Saturday night, but come on. It's a nice big place too. Our server was very good. Will definitely be going back again soon.
(4)Brad F.
Came here the other night for dinner, and thought it was pretty good. The service was great and the waitress was very nice. I ordered a salad for dinner, and the salad dressing was out of this world awesome. I ordered the ribs for my main course. The sauce was different than any sauce I have had on ribs, and they just fell off the bone. No work was needed!
(4)Escape C.
So I would give the place a 2 1/2 stars if possible. It's not bad, it's just not good. The bar area is always packed, and I must admit they can make a tasty cocktail. But the food, well, the food is just bland and HEAVY. I never finish anything I order because its just not....good. Once again, it's not BAD, it's just not good. I am the type of person who if something isn't good, I won't just sit there and continue to eat it because its sitting in front of me. I've gotten different pastas, eggplant parmigiana, and a chicken dish. All were boring and forgettable. So if you happen to find yourself in the neighborhood and want some place to grab italian food, it's fine. Just don't have any type of expectation.
(3)Araceli R.
i like this italian restaurant very good food,we had the blue cheese salad,then parpadella pasta and profiteroles ........good staff,the owner mr paladino is a great guy always measure evrething is ok.one of my favorites places :)
(5)Amy Z.
Went there tonight with the nanny and my 5 year-old son for the nanny's birthday. I ordered 2 chicken dishes for the grown-ups to split - one Marsala and one Vesuvio. The Marsala dish was $7 more than the Vesuvio for the same amount of chicken - one breast. I must not have noticed this price difference on the menu and when I asked the server about it when she brought the check she sort of hemmed and hawed and 2 minutes later the manager showed up. "Um ladies, you were asking about the Marsala and why it was so much more expensive than the Vesuvio?" he said "Yes," I said. "Well, we make the Marsala with imported wine." "Oh," I said, "$7 worth?" Whatever. My fault for not looking, but $22.95 for a chicken breast with some "imported wine" and a few mushrooms? I have LOVED the atmosphere and pastina soup at Club Lucky for what seems like 15 years - maybe more. THAT ANSWER WAS RIDICULOUS. Not running back any time soon. So sad.
(3)Dave S.
This was a pretty decent place. It wasn't out of this world but it wasn't horrible either. The decor was definitely 1950's and I felt like I should be smoking a stogie in a tuxedo while drinking brandy as i was "making someone an offer they can't refuse" I ordered the lobster ravioli which were very good. I think that this may have been our waiters first waiting job. We were not in any hurry to place our order and he did seem a little impatient. He was friendly though so I didn't hold it against him. I won't go out of my way to go here again but at least I can say that I have been there. Although I only gave the establishment 3 stars if I was factoring my date into the equation it would have been an easy five star experience!
(3)Mary B.
Friends and I went to Club Lucky for dinner. The food was outstanding. The service was exceptional and the overall atmosphere was fantastic. We all were raving by the time we left. I'll most definitely recommend this restaurant to others.
(5)J. C. G.
I'm a huge fan; old-school italian food with great service and a tremendous bar. Relatively inexpensive, excellent food and fun, diverse clientele. I feel cooler when I eat there.
(5)Rob L.
I went out with friends from work, I was impressed! It may be because of who I was with, apparently they come to the place quite often. Thank God for valet, parking can be a pain. It has a kitschy kind of feeling to the place, like an Italian kitchen in the 1950's but in a slightly more upscale way. Service was very good, always got what we needed pretty quick, and the food was great, (it's amazing how good pasta can be when cooked al dente and not like mush!). Though I will say I only had a few minor complaints, such as the bruschetta being more than lightly toasted. I had a really great time. This place seems perfect for a group, (there were plenty of them there) or with just one other person, and fairly casual place, friendly and welcoming.
(4)Valerie A.
Club Lucky is probably the restaurant I have been to the most in Chicago. I use to live right around the corner and still live in the area, so I just seem to wind up here frequently. It's best to sit outside and eat in the summer. I love their martinis, very icy and delicious. It's a good place to go with a group or bring people from out of town. The grilled calamari is great, as is the green bean salad. And the service is always pretty good. Although once the server did something super weird at the very end of our meal. He asked the person I was with if he was REALLY over 21. He then told my 28 year-old friend he'd made a "rookie mistake" when ordering his drinks. (We'd had two mixed drinks each.) We both had no idea what he was talking about. It was very odd.
(3)Stella S.
I've been here a few times for dinner and also to have a drink at the bar w/friends. I looooove dirty martinis (extra dirty) with bleu cheese olives. And these have you craving another the next day. When we went for dinner our waitress was so nice and didn't mind bringing me extra olives, and the martini was super cold and shaken to perfection! The bread was so good that the resturant I work at got the same bread vendor after my owners ate there. I had the lasagna which was awesome, and the time before the baked clams which were ultra yummy!!! I really want to go back but I'm pregnant rght now and have a hard time tolerating red sauce and boo!! I can't have a dirty martini so I think I'll wait until I have the baby to go back!
(4)Ron D.
One of my favorite restaurants in the city. I've now lived in the area for 5 years and frequent Club Lucky a few times a month. Everything I've tried is fantastic, service is top notch and personable, they never rush me from my table and the manager is always walking around making sure everyone is happy. Highly recommend the Eggplant Parm and Meatballs Insalata.
(5)James J.
Abodonza! What a great place for quality, authentic italian food in great surroundings. Really nothing to complain about except the lines that form sometimes in the summer. Be patient and enjoy.
(4)Ali G.
SO LOUD. There may have been a few large parties, but I couldn't hear myself think. Spaghetti was wonderful and even better the next day. As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for great spaghetti without meat. This was perfect although a bit over priced.
(3)Ren H.
The portions are big but this place is kind of hit or miss... we went once and it was gross and then we went again and it was awesome! At least you can always count on great drinks and atmosphere.
(3)Paul L.
We only go for drinks, but it's a nice change of pace when you don't want a dive and you don't want to be at a place where everyone's looking at everyone else. I feel like I've traveled back in time to an era where it was less about what you wear and what you do, and more about how you do those things.
(4)Cassie B.
wow i really enjoyed the heck out if this place - we went for private party and the atmosphere was amazing - we were in a back room and the waiters were all on top of things, very attentive. we had a group family style dinner (I love family style) which started off with a vegetable platter- awesome! and good warm bread, then salad, and chicken with potatoes. food was very good. when we left at 8:15, the main dining room and front bar were PACKED - especially the front with good-looking people waiting to eat. you could definitely tell it was a destination not just for drinks, or not just for dinner, but for both. if i lived in this neighborhood, i would be here all the time. the only thing was, the drinks were quite expensive - nothing on tap, $4.50 for domestic bottle and $7.50 + for wine. ouch!
(4)Steve R.
So-so italian joint. There's a lot of hoopla about this place and it always seems to be crowded, but I don't see why. The food has never been better than average when I've been there. Service is pretty good.
(3)Katherine E.
The food here was actually gross. For real, it was gross. I ordered the Eggplant Parmesan, and I think this is how dog food would taste. It was mushy and had a really nasty taste to it. I wish I could describe with more subtlety the flavors of this dish, I really do. But I can't. It was gross. The service was fine though, I just wish the food tasted like human food.
(1)David R.
Interesting, but fun atmoshere with good food. Maybe not my first choice for Italian food in Chicago, but wouldn't hesistate to go back.
(3)Amanda G.
Club Lucky is an interesting restaurant. The food isn't the best I've had and the service is only fair, but despite that I always have a great time! The atmosphere is very retro and cool, as if Frank Sinatra might be at the booth next to me. I'm a fan.
(3)hillary w.
Club Lucky's brunch is a score! I found this spot on my way to another place. there was no line and it seemed nice so i decided to give it a try. Awesome!!! the food was great and the portions generous. i had the eggs benedict, it was delicious. i give their bloody mary an a plus! Not only did it taste good but it came with a real bloody mary flag, not just a piece of celery, instead you get a skewer with peppers, cheese and salami! The wait staff was really friendly too. The atmosphere was pretty hip to. It has a 1950s vibe to it. I think ive found one of my new favorite spots!
(4)Vanessa P.
Ok, I've been here 3 times now and every time I think "I wish that it was better." The food's ok, the drinks are a bit better, but I must admit that the atmosphere is pretty cool. I mean the restaurant used to be a speakeasy - so that's pretty cool. I just wish the food was more on than off.
(3)Coco C.
Lame and overrated. I had eggplant parmesan here once and it tasted suspiciously of old socks - and I haven't been back since.
(2)Drucilla D.
I actually went to Club Lucky for a baby shower so I may have to update my review if I ever go on a regular evening out. This was a pretty cool place! The food was pretty delicious and the bar area was cool - I dug it! I was a little weirded out to find some sort of garnish floating in my coca cola, but I got over it. Definitely seemed like a great place for a party!
(4)Doug S.
Great Italian food and even better service. The room is low lit and charming (can I say charming?). It is a tad pricey, but the portions are huge, they give you unlimited fresh bread with olive oil, and they have a stocked bar with a great beer/wine/liquor selection. I have had dinner with friends and dinner with family here. All around a very good dining experience.
(4)Kathy H.
You can always get a feel for an italian place by the kind of bread they serve. Warm, thick, crispy outside and incredibly moist and soft on the inside... coupled with the lighest garlic flavored oil, however, a perfect match. Great calamari... all 4 of us went our separate ways for the entrees and everyone was all smiles. Chicken oreganatto -- has to be my favorite thus far. Absolutely will be visiting this restaurant again. The place itself has a funky beat to it that you appreciate right from the start.
(5)Liz H.
Club Lucky is just plain cool. It is a retro-style restaurant and cocktail lounge serving awesome Italian dishes. You can taste the freshness in each bite of the pasta. Club Lucky isn't really meant to be a "family style" restaurant, but I love getting a salad and a couple of entrees for a group of people to share. The green bean salad is surprisingly marvelous. And if you can manage to save room for dessert (a hard task for sure) the tiramisu is some of the best I have had! The restaurant gets very loud on the weekends, but I have never seemed to care because I am so into my meal!
(4)Shannon S.
The food here is alright, but I can think of many other Italian places I would rather go. The portions are huge, there are definitely plenty of leftovers. Also, our food came out pretty quickly after we ordered. Some of the best service I have had in a while.
(3)Bruce N.
I find myself drawn to Club Lucky a couple of times a year. I'm not too sure why, though. Maybe it's the warmth of the bar area, possibly the "old school" supper-club feel of the place. It's certainly not just the food. A few of my closest friends and I had dinner there on Saturday night. The pre-dinner drinks were great (they certainly know how to make a fine martini) and the bartenders, though a bit disorganized, were pleasant enough and rather cute. The issue that I have is the "only slightly above average" food. This place prides itself on the retro feel and menu. The first red flag is no meat sauce. Really, a plate of veal parm or pasta (to me) practically BEGS for meat sauce. The veal, though tasty, was merely OK. The Chicken Vesuvio was fine, as was the chicken-filled tortellini. Desserts, like the rest of the meal, were fine but didn't dazzle. Overall, I guess I'll be back in six months to a year, but there are better tons of choices for Italian food in the city.
(3)Patrick F.
Whenever I am in the need for some good pasta, I make my way over to Club Lucky. The food is very good, the portions are good enough for two meals, and the atmosphere is bustling.
(3)Michelle W.
Club Lucky has always proven to be great. They have definite I need a box to take home portions and the food is always very yummy. It is nice to be in a restaurant that is a bit off the beaten path too. Just make sure to order a martini and don't plan on eating anything else the day you go.
(4)Paula O.
Good food and service, staff was quite patient with our large party. Not cheap, but not ridiculous either. I'll be back!
(4)Kelli M.
I love Club Lucky! The food is great, huge portions. Try the lamb chops! Call for a reservation for dinner because it is usually crowded. The only complaint is that the bar is too small and gets really packed with people waiting to eat dinner.
(4)Liliana S.
Portions are huge; good atmosphere. great ribs! Good place to come for a drink and appetizers.
(4)booby d.
my god. my waiter smelled like diaper, dirty diaper. food was gross. salad obviously came from a bag. i was charged extra for garlic at a freaking italian restaurant!?! thats the main ingredient in everything! fifty dollars and we only got one entree and the guy kept trying to get us to purchase more. The place was crowded and you can't even hear the person next to you. Go to this place if you like the smell of fart.
(1)Jo M.
I've been here twice and both times the food has been good, service has been good, and I've been able to get a table right away. Prices are a little high, but that's not unusual for the city---every place is overpriced. Both times I got to sit by the window--awesome. I walked from the el so I didn't have to worry about parking, but I think they charge $7 for vallet. I can't wait to return for a 3rd time! Another bonus, the bread is really good!
(4)Rachel K.
I visited Club Lucky yesterday evening and I was very pleasantly surprised! It has everything you want - good atmosphere, good attentive waitstaff and most importantly, great food. I had eggplant parmagiana and the only complaint (if it could be called a complaint) is that it was too much. Definitely recommend it!
(4)Sarah F.
This place was just okay. It was tomato-y red sauce, pasta, and not much else. A typical, american-ized Italian menu (which I can appreciate, yes), but just not as tasty as other places that have similar, simple americanized Southern Italian menus. The atmosphere was kinda weird, cafeteria-ish. I am not sure I loved that. I didn't hate it - just didn't love it. My eggplant parm was good, but nothing too too special. The side of meatballs were kind of meal-y, and not that appealing. I just can think of many other places, with a warmer atmosphere, where you can get the same type of food, and it's better.
(2)Tomas M.
dont listen to any negative reviews of this place. it's a good solid bucktown eatery. has been consistent over the years. food is good, great atmosphere if you like low lighting. good energy in the dining room. not very trendy. food is great. all in all a good spot with good value.
(4)Megan M.
The food is good, but expensive, and for the price, the portions are small. The extra charge for chicken/meat is very expensive and you only get a couple pieces. The host was really friendly, but the waitress rarely came by the table.
(2)mark s.
PROS: Great Atmosphere - a place like Dean Martin would have hung out. Excellent hot bread and butter no charge Excellent house salad and Pasta Fiazole soup both a must order. The best Chocolate cake in bucktown The best Coffee CONS: Low value for the $$ Quality of food is average Wine pours by the glass are small Service only average Loud CONCLUSION Unique Italian dining experience, but you'll pay for it. Probably better on a week night when service is better.
(3)Dee W.
Warm cozy setting for dinner or lunch; I once hosted a group luncheon here - the management was very accommodating and the food is always A++ I used to live around here and come here frequently for dinner and lunch. And their dirty martinis are an absolute steal. I've been here for a company dinner and that was a great experience, as well. About the group luncheon that I hosted, it was for about 30 people and we got the private room in the back, it was family style food and about $20 per person for salad, appetizer, entree, and dessert. What a great deal and wonderful food, service, and staff!
(4)Matt N.
This place gets better everytime I go to this supper club- meets retro / trendy Bucktown spot. Fun bar area complete with Jukebox and the outdoor sidewalk cafe makes it a fun summer hangout. Affordable and reliable makes this one of my favorites.
(4)Jonathan A.
I am defending Club Lucky despite mixed reviews. I agree the dishes are maybe overpriced and "nothing special", but then again, I feel that way about most Italian food, even in Italy. "You can find better Italian, cheaper", probably, but I always feel I could have made that at home anyway. I think the food is good. Americanized? Yeah. But whatever. However, what Club Lucky may or may not lack in the food area, I feel it makes up for with atmosphere and service. The reason I go here is more for the bar area. It is a cool 40s-ish, Rat Pack style bar that serves the best blue cheese stuffed olive Martinis I have had. The bartenders are always really nice even when they are slammed. We used to live in the neighborhood, and would come more frequently. Even now that we come in less, they still remember us and comp us drinks now and then. Christmas time it is decorated very nicely. The jukebox is great, playing a mix of 40s Rat Pack music and 70's Motown and Soul at the PERFECT volume so you can hear it but still have conversation. Ask for some bread and ask specifically for some olive oil with it, because I believe you have to request it now. The olive oil is great. The dining room is cool and all the waiters wear old red traditional bell uniforms. It's big and open and great for casual family dinners, you can also eat in the bar which is fine too. The service and atmosphere is friendly, unpretentious and when it used to be just me and my girlfriend, we used to love coming in and drinking martinis at the bar. Now we bring our family and extended family here for dinner.
(5)J J.
Thumbs down. Overpriced spaghetti = $15 for a bowl. Although they tout their "homemade spaghetti sauce," tasted suspiciously similar to Ragu. Cramped dining area, loud so you can't talk to your table, and makeshift wobbly tables. Bucktown tries so hard to be cool, like that easy girl in high school feels who everyone feels sorry for now with her 3 kids, $8.50 an hour job, and bad skin. Yeah, Bucktown's hey day is over.
(1)Jonathan C.
Food here was good, I thought. Five finger cavateli (or however its spelled) was very nice. I like the place, decent atmosphere, big back room. Americanized yes, but so am I so whatever. Avg prices/portion sizes. No parking in the hood though.
(4)Melanie P.
This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. To all the haters, you know nothing. This place has the most comfortable ambiance, phenomenal service, fantastic cocktails, and even better food. I could go on and on and ON about all that I have ordered here, but there is no need. Order from the specials and you will not be disappointed. Or try a classic dish. Or sample one of the appetizers! It's all unreal. Also, side note: the restaurant is SPOTLESS. Not a speck of dust or grime in the whole damn joint. And I am a crazy neat freak. I have been frequenting this place for 4 years, bringing friends and family, Club Lucky is always a hit!!!! Keep it up, you guys! We love you.
(5)Charles K.
Second time here, sat in the cafe/bar side this time and prefer it over the more formal side. Ordered the Bolognese w rigatoni-split it with a friend, still had leftovers probably be we filled up on the delicious warm bread they offer upon arrival. The rigatoni isn't home made which is sort of a bummer considering they do make some noodles in-house and the atmosphere offers a very old school Italian feel that's warm and comfortable. Ramon was our server. Very kind. The busser however was a younger boy w brown wavy hair who lacks enthusiasm and friendliness.
(5)Pete P.
A classic Chicago Italian restaurant! I love the atmosphere, the food, drinks, and service. The building is quaint and charming. The usual Italian specialties are well made. Although they only have a couple of steaks on the menu, they must be quite good as I noticed they sell a lot of them. The restaurant had a strong steak smell throughout. I'll definitely get one the next time I go. Be sure to get the special house salad. It's awesome in every way.
(5)Eve P.
If you want some good, filling Italian food, this is the place to visit. When I first walked in, I thought the place was a small bar with just a few seats but if you walk to the back, there is a big dining area. The food is very filling, so if you are hungry, you better believe that you will leave here full and satified! It was the middle of the week and this place was packed with people. Try to get a booth if you can because there will be a tad bit of foot traffic. Bring all of your friends and/or family, order different foods. There will be enough to share. If you are in the neighborhood and just want to grab a few drinks, you can also do that here. There is a bar area when you first walk in that is separate from the dining area.
(5)Randall K.
We have been going to Club Lucky for Mothers Day Brunch since the first one about 6 years ago. I almost want to keep it our secret, but it is a great place for this event. Food is really good and plentiful. Sometimes a tray is empty, but rest assured, it will be full (and fresh) the next time around. The mix of breakfast and Italian lunch is always great. It has become a tradition over the years. They have valet parking for 9$. Well worth it with the wife, mother-in-law, and the kids. What I really appreciate is the "homey" feel. I know where I'll be next year!!!
(5)Jackie C.
This place is a really cute, old Italian restaurant! We came with a big group so I'd love to go back with a smaller group to have more of an intimate experience. I had spaghetti and meatballs, it was delicious! Everyone loved their meals! As a warning, they can only split bills on 2 or 3 cards so just bring cash incase.
(4)Jet S.
Great neighborhood Italian spot. Very family friendly but not just a family place. Food has always been consistent and good, nice portion size and always friendly service. I recommend this place.
(5)Delightful D.
Went here for my friends bday lunch. I thought food was okay not amazing but I would like to try other things if I go again. I tried bruschetta, italia sausage and chicken tortellini with peas dish. The tortellini I. Vodka sauce was delish. I Def enjoyed it. The appetizers were just ok. I would return for Italian if in area and had a taste for it,
(3)Marjorie F.
I'm not sure why I waited so long to return to Club Lucky. The atmosphere is always fun and lively - which I love. Although I can't say that it's great for a first or second date when you're trying to get to know someone. My date and I were trying to talk over the music and the surrounding conversation. I don't know if the noise helped or hindered how the date was going ---- but that's another story. Anyway, the food is delicious as ever. If I wasn't on a date, I would have asked for more bread! We ordered the fried calamari and it was as good as I remembered. My entrée of choice was the handmade chicken tortellini in a red cream sauce. Simple but so tasty. Yum! I will definitely be back sooner than later (sans date)!
(4)Christine S.
Popped into Club Lucky last night and I loved it! Such an old school feel. I love the old juke box and the music on there is prefect...you won't find any music on there to twerk to, but you'll find some fun music to dance to. The Calabrese Calamari was REALLY good and a little spicy...just the way I like it. It says it serves two, but it probably serves 3-4. The calamari is sautéed in calabrese cherry peppers, roasted garlic, white wine & fresh herbs The Baked Chicken Oreganato is great. I love lemon with my chicken and this cured my craving for lemon chicken. The chicken is baked with white wine, oregano, lemon, with a side of roasted potatoes. Great staff. They are SO on top of it. My drink never went dry. I can't wait to come back.
(4)Melanie S.
In a city where you can be featured in Chicago Magazine's "Best New Restaurants" one month, and be closed for good just a short time later, it's pretty remarkable that Club Lucky has been holding its own for nearly 25 years. I visited last night, after not having dined there for a number of years, and was a bit surprised that the menu is pretty much exactly the same as it was when it first opened. They're not reinventing the wheel here. You won't find carpaccio or risotto on the menu, but rather standard red-sauce Italian fare. It's reliable and enjoyable. The service is great. It walks that fine line between being attentive, but not pandering. Our server made great recommendations on cocktails and entrees, and she knew the menu well. Club Lucky kind of dropped off my radar over the years, but it's a solid choice for dependable, better-than-average Italian food.
(4)L. L.
From the minute we walked in the door we experienced terrific service and enjoyed excellent food. Great ambiance, very retro/midcentury decor with a lively bar, a separate dining room and covered outdoor seating. Our server recommended the Club Lucky salad as a starter, it was loaded with vegetables and easily shared. We each had delicious entrees from the daily specials list and enjoyed their famous martinis. A neighborhood gem in Bucktown, not to be missed.
(5)Paul R.
'6 star experience every-time' CL has my favorite "beverage-program" in town. You and a dozen friends want a nice bottle of armagnac or absinthe... They got you. Maybe a house made limoncello. Hungry? Don't stop at the a.w.e.s.o.m.e appetizers the entrees and deserts deserve your attention. The look and feel of Club Lucky is easy to be in for me and they go all out decorating for the holidays. The patio seating makes a few hours just breeze by. I have booked nearly a dozen dinners with 2-3 dozen folks and have been wowed with the attention paid to us before, during, and after. They even have worked up menus for us that are not "on the menu". (not that I could tire of the very thoughtful menu) Planning a special night or need one at the last second, Club Lucky has you covered.
(5)Colleen D.
Wow was that good! Love this place - it's in a neighborhood - they have valet. We made reservations and got right in. It was full on a Friday night but not uncomfortably packed. The service is amazing. Our server (Stephen V) was so nice, knowledgable and just pleasant. Even the bus folks were so friendly and easy going. The food came out fast but I never felt rushed and it was so good. I would have been happy with the table bread - that is amazing - warm, soft, delicious. We changed our mind several times but decided on eggplant parm for me and chicken parm for my man. He asked to have the chicken baked extra crispy and he tells me it was perfect. Our server checked back to see it was done as he desired. Then we had the cookie for desert.....I could go back now and have another one...so good!! I love this place and can't wait to go back!
(5)Zhebtian L.
Ordered Club Lucky Salad. The dressing has a good tangy vinegar flavor to it. I'd order it again.
(4)Tomislav L.
This is one of my faves in Chicago. Ever since I lived in Wicker Park. The Martini's are great and the atmosphere both inside and out is wonderful.
(5)Rachel E.
I love coming on Tuesdays for their 6 dollar martinis. There's free parking on parts of Wabansia and all of honore. I love the outside seating in the summer and the food has been great.
(4)Mehran F.
I have now been going to Club Lucky a few years...promoting them to a four (maybe a 3.5 is more fair). It is a nice neighborhood type of place. Nothing extraordinary but comfortable and unpretentious. There is one server (who actually also does standup comedy) whose name I have forgotten...she is a bundle of character and a joy to chat with. Bread is delicious. Food, depending on what you order is reasonable to delicious. Price-Value-Ratio as the Dutch would call it is fair.
(4)Kristi K.
Very accommodating of vegetarians. They have good knowledge of which dishes are or are not made with animal products, and are happy to ask the chef if they don't. Very easy to order, even if you want something modified or substituted. Most components in the menu can be had with most other components. Extensive alcohol selection, and they specialize in martinis. The table service is frequent and friendly. We live around the corner so I can't comment on the valet parking, and it would be a conflict of interest for me to recommend street parking.
(5)Kim S.
This is a 5 star review and shout out to our bus boy. He was doing his best to keep all of his tables happy under difficult, short staffed conditions, and especially when people weren't being very patient or kind to him. Everyone has a bad day, and this kid deserves a high five for trying his best to keep his cool and a smile on his face!
(5)Nikki H.
Nailed it. Went in here with a couple girlfriends before the hawks game on Friday and it was fantastic. We were seated immediately which was shocking for the day and time so we were pumped. Busser immediately brought bread and waters (YES BREAD) and our server was really helpful with the wine selection and we settled on a midrange Cabernet. Delicious and well paired for all of us. Tried the mozzarella fritti and the sauce made us extremely anxious for our meals, super tasty! I had the penne arrabiatta which absolutely killllled me. Perfect amount of spice and the pasta was the perfect al dente. We will absolutely be back!
(5)Bobby O.
I have been coming to Club Lucky for a long time but have not been here recently. I have to say that I was disappointed. I am used to waiting in the bar area nursing a martini while you wait a bit for your table but having said that and waited our turn we were seated against the wall (no problem at first) thereby we got comfortable with the waiter promptly refreshing our drinks, when I realized that our aisle was like the Dan Ryan Expressway. I kid you not, both my menu and my wife's menus were separately knocked out of hands and the passing people never even flinched. I had several conversations with passing small children whose parents never realized they were mingling with the guests LOL. Even the staff was grinding against us while carrying ginormous food trays blah blah blah. Enough of that...lets talk food. I ordered mu usual Salmon Vesuvio and the wife ordered a seafood pasta special. This was preceded by little neck clams and the seafood salad. Both were good. The entrees came out after what seemed like a long time, but it just may have been that I was staffing the toll booth on the Dan Ryan...Anyway the waiter arrives and sets down my Vesuvio and my wife's chicken dish. Hold on doctor! She ordered a seafood pasta. Apologies...apologies...Now I have my dish and it sits alone as we converse. 10 minutes later her plate arrives with the top of the pasta slightly charred. Rush job...we accept it and say no more. It was not good. The waiter brings one complimentary glass of merlot even though we both have dinner cocktails and we order a chocolate cake fudge thingee...It was good. Overall I felt rushed...seated on a highway...disappointed. Next time I will not settle for that nonsense.
(2)Blythe B.
I was brought there on a first date, by someone who has lived in the area a long time, and both his parents were long time Chicao food critics. It is a nice comfortable place . . . it reminded my of the well-loved Cruise Room in the Oxford Hotel in Denver. It's nothing fancy, just good ole GOOD homestyle Italian! My date wasn't that hungry (WHAT?? He knew we were going on a date for days, and he's not hungry for our 'clearly a dinner date"? O well). I was in a weird mood to eat pasta (I am usually a no carbs person after lunchtime), but i ordered the Rigatoni with Veal Meatballs. Pretty good - I'd say in the B+/A- range. Meatballs were definitely tasty. He got a special - flat noodles with a sausage cream sauce. I am usually not a fan of sausage, but I liked his better. We sat outside, which was a perfect night for it. The flower boxes are pretty and the BASIL plants are beautiful - if I was facing them, I would have torn off some and added them to my dinner. The place is cute as heck inside - retro 50''s. Since I live in the burbs, I won't go out of my way to go here, but it's definitely solid good food and I would suggest it as a place to try.
(4)Kevin D.
Awesome food. Slow service. Order the Grilled Calamari!!! YUMM!! Linguine and white clam sauce.
(5)Rachel W.
I really love this place during Christmastime...it's so cozy & old-school. We love to go sit at the bar and listen to the tunes & warm up under the decor. I haven't specifically gotten any entrees made vegan, but instead tend to choose random sides and make a hot mess of a meal. For example, a side of the roasted garlic (a whole head of perfectly roasted spreadable garlic) is awesome on toast, with a side of steamed broccoli or sauteed spinach or escarole. Or, a side of marinara w/roasted potatoes. Great Italian salad too sans cheese...sometimes it's not about what they can't do (at the least, you can get penne w/marinara and veggies) but that's a boring vegan option for me and it's fun to get wild with sides and be glad you're somewhere warm and cozy ;)
(4)Mike V.
Really slow service and so so food. We had reservations on a Saturday night and were seated immediately. We put in our drink order and then began our wait. Nearly 10 minutes before the drinks were dropped off, the waitress said she would be right back, then spent the next 10 minutes taking care of a large party next to us. The restaurant was fairly busy, but had about 20% of their tables open, so certainly not just temporarily overwhelmed. We had another longer than normal wait after we ordered, and when the food did arrive, my order was wrong. Not wrong as in undercooked, or missing something on the side, but the entirely wrong dish. My wife started eating as we waited for them to spend the next 10-15 minutes making my correct dish. The food (when it finally arrived) was fine, but found the sauces to be bland, and really nothing special otherwise. Short from the brief apology, no effort was made to compensate for the extremely slow service or the incorrect dish. We paid our $75 tab and got out of there. If you are looking for a casual Italian restaurant, look for something else in the neighborhood. I don't see any reason why we would return here.
(2)Dawn F.
Love this place was here last weekend and had breaded clams , club lucky salad and chicken fettuccine with asparagus and oil garlic. The meal was excellent as always. I have been visiting this place for the last 5 years and have always enjoyed there martinis and food :)
(5)Jaclyn C.
A hidden gem! My husband and I come to club lucky for every valentines day celebration. The food is fantastic and the service is great. Make sure you go on an empty stomach because the portions are large and it is very delicious. The house martinis, like the lemon drop, are a perfect way to end the meal. There is booth seating that is preferred, but we've sat at the tables before and it is not too bad.
(5)Stephanie P.
Fantastic lounge atmosphere. Perfect music, bartender, and well mixed cocktail. Exactly what we were after. My boyfriend says they have one of the best Aviators in town. I enjoyed my CL Blood and Sand. This place will definitely be on our regular rotation. Watch out though - the drinks are a little on the pricey side, but worth every penny.
(4)Redrose R.
It's a great Italian restaurant with a nice service and the food is excellent. The chicken parmesan is fantastic!
(5)Jennie T.
This place is solid, but you will be just as happy going to Olive Garden. I had the shrimp scampi and then cheesecake for dessert. It was all just fine. I tried my daughter's ravioli which was better than my dish. I don't think I'll be back- there's just too many other (better) restaurants out there.
(3)J B.
This is our go-to-spot for home cooked Italian, the way it should be done. Bread & herb-infused oil to start, then caprese salad with reduced balsamic. I like the veal/chicken parm, also shrimp fettuccine alfredo- but bring an appetite! Usually too stuffed for dessert, but had their tiramisu- amazing, and I'm not a tiramisu lover, until now!
(5)Julia D.
This place sums up everything I love about Chicago. You are walking down this beautiful residential street mixed with vintage low rises and ultra modern homes. And there you spot an awning on the corner "Club Lucky" just tucked away all innocent and unnoticed aside from the valet sign which appears obviously out of place and unnecassary from what appears to be a neighborhood dive. Finally you walk in and boom!! Feels like the setting for a 50-60s mob movie. The front section has a nicely sized bar with TVs and some dineresque booth seating, very dark. Walk to the back section and get a seat in the well lit and fancier dining room. You sit down and feel like you'll spot Liotta, Pesci, and Deniro at another booth giving you the stink eye for finding their hideout. You open the menu and can hardly decide between the seafood, pasta, steaks, wines, etc.... Your food shows up and its just like Nonna woulda made it, I mean fah-getta-boutit! And the portion is also the way nonna woulda served it / fucking enormous. If you are looking for an authentic hidden Italian Gem, this is it. Mangare bene!
(5)Ed M.
Excellent meal. For the third time in a row now, the ditzy bartender has made my meal less than pleasant. I used to come in and sit at the bar after a long day for a nice meal and welcoming service but it seems that she can't get the simple things that make a restaurant welcoming right or get your requests right. She walked by me three times (and I am the only one at the bar) and didn't acknowledge my presence even though I was looking directly at her to ask for something. By the time she finally asked what I wanted I was just ready to go. Paid $45 for a meal and walking home now steaming instead of satisfied.
(3)Elaine W.
Meatball salad and pasta. Wonderful! Their warm bread and butter compliments everything. The atmosphere and the service is great. Everyone is friendly and knowledgable about their menu.
(5)Ross R.
Great food, great service. Call for reservations, seriously. Club Lucky continues to be a fave. I don't know who does the hiring here, but they do it right. The new bartender Kat is both lovely and excellent.
(5)Howard L.
Went here during the snowstorm last week and its was my first visit. The place was empty due to the storm and we received excellent service. The red décor with holiday decorations was great. My date love her martini and seafood pasta. I enjoyed some Chianti and pasta, along with incredible bread that I loved. Definitely will come back.
(4)Griffin K.
Pure Italian food. Whatever form of 8-finger-rolled noodle I ate at Club Lucky was single handedly the best noodle type I've ever tasted. Club Lucky is a neighborhood staple.
(5)Gary S.
Met a couple friends here for a little business meeting. First we had a couple drinks and an appetizer, then my friends left and my girlfriend and I actually also left, took a walk around the beautiful neighborhood, and then came back for dinner. Sat inside for the appetizers, and outside on the veranda for dinner. Everything was very, very good. First, the Decour and vibe of the place is awesome. Either it really is, or has been made to look exactly like a "Little Italy"Chicago restaurant from the 50s. Right down to the multicolored worn tile floor. They play cool music, not the tired old Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Italian restaurant standards. The cocktails we had were outstanding. Well-made and not over complicated. Great drinks made by great bartenders, not "craft cocktail" nonsense. For food we had three appetizers, calamari, sausage and peppers, and their incredible fried artichoke. All wonderful. Get the calamari Calabrese style. For dinner we shared a pasta dish, again spot on, plus had an espresso and Italian cookies for dessert. Also had a glass of grappa which was one of the best I've had recently. We had the same server for both the appetizer and then when we came back for dinner. Of course she remembered us and took excellent care of us. Pretty much in a nutshell: Club Lucky is a fantastic neighborhood Italian restaurant that does everything right without being pretentious or stupid. Just a fantastic and well run restaurant. Highly recommended.
(5)Stephanie S.
Awesome place!! I love Italian food, but hate how stuffy some places can be. This place is super delicious and approachable (feels like you're back in the 60s!) On the flipside, if you're looking for something super romantical, then you probably won't find your fix here. I'll definitely be coming back for dinner, or even cocktails and apps!
(4)Conor M.
Super bummed guys. It's 9:15 and still haven't received my food. Ordered at 7:22pm. I know you use an outside company for deliveries, but c'mon. Sad because you're my fave. I can reheat food, but can't remove the disappointment.
(2)Patrick F.
Really a great place. Wonderful selection at the bar. Also service is wonderful, more of a neighborhood feel. And the filet is dynamite, more so for an Italian restaurant. We visit here frequently.
(4)Dustin H.
To say this is place is a neighborhood spot would be an understatement. The manager seemed to know everyone by name, and did a good job of making us feel welcome. We sat in a booth located in the bar section of the restaurant. The lighting is REALLY dark. After we placed our orders we were presented a giant 1/2 loaf of hot italian bread. Clearly homemade, it was shaped like a traditional american white bread loaf but with a very fluffy inside and flaky crust. It's served with a beautifully garlicky olive oil. Keep this in mind. It was a lot of bread and sort of negated the need for ordering appetizers. My wife got the carbonara, which was on the daily special menu. I ordered the chicken vesuvio on recommendation of our server. I was offered a half or whole chicken and am kind of blown away they even offer a whole chicken. That's a hell of a lot of food. My wife's pasta serving was huge, but the white sauce was just a bit too light in flavor. Leaning more towards white wine than cream. Good but not what she expected. I felt somewhat the same with my dish. It was delicious, don't get me wrong. But everything just sort of tasted the same. Both of us ended up lusting for red sauce and decided that next visit we'll get dishes with a bit more variety. Seasoning was also a little underwhelming and I ended up hitting the salt shaker a bit too much. At one point I got the "you've put too much salt on your meal" look from my wife. Yes, I have salt issues, but it was pretty bland. Atmosphere is awesome, and you really do feel like you're in a time capsule from a time long passed. The friendly attitude from the staff and the funky vibe are worth the visit along. Dining on a weeknight, it wasn't crazy busy, but I would probably not stop by on the weekend. I can imagine it gets nuts. Great value for the amount of food you get, for sure. You will not leave hungry.
(3)Cindy S.
We had a great dinner here celebrating a birthday. The bday guest received a complimentary tiramisu that was the best I've ever had. Service was prompt, personable and knowledgeable. Calamari was perfect. Eggplant parmesean got raves from a loyal eggplant parmesean eater. I loved the salmon dish I ordered (I can't remember whuch one...it had sauce and potatoes on the side) it was cooked perfectly and delicious. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Anthony S.
Ambience is great and so is the food. Fun place to go and enjoy your meal while socializing. I had one of the best veal Parm dishes ever! The penne was perfectly al dente and the sauce was delicious!
(5)Alonzo T.
If you've ever eaten in Chicago with a Sicilian family, Club Lucky is like a warm hug from the friend that prepared those home meals. Firstly, their red gravy (known to the rest of you as marinara sauce) is impeccably bright and flavorful. The eight finger cavatelli is nothing but noodles and sauce, but it's one of the best meals I've ever had. Likewise the string bean salad with blue cheese and tomato seems to be a Chicago Italian Family classic and it delivers just like the real thing. My favorite however, is the eggplant parmigiana. There must be a dozen or more thinly sliced layers of eggplant breaded and layered with cheese and sauce. It's remarkable. The venue itself used to be an old VFW hall and it retains all the charm and volume of a 1950's dance hall. The retro interior designs and gorgeous classic bar evoke a real sense of Chicago's past. For all these reasons, Club Lucky is one of my favorite restaurants. If you're in the mood for family style Italian (not experimental fine dining Italian, not 1980's neo cuisine interpretation of Italian, not gastro pub Italian) don't miss out on this rare gem.
(5)Annie P.
This review is for the bar- fabulous. A rare Chicago gem. Mixology is fantastic too. Jukebox is perfect and ambience is one of its kind. Can't wait to get back here
(5)Carm B.
I have been coming here for many years and I have always been a huge fan..this last time, not so much. After enjoying a drink at the bar we were seated at a 2 top against the wall where everyone and their mother walks past you, bumps into you, and interrupts your meal. We had delicious appetizers of clams and the seafood salad along with their fantastic bread. I ordered a special on the menu for my entree and when our food was ready, they brought me out a chicken dish instead of the shrimp dish I ordered. Our server apologized and took it away but my husband was left to either eat without me or wait and have his food cold. When my dish did come, it looked scorched on the top like it was put in a broiler to warm. I was not impressed with my entree. It actually tasted like macaroni & cheese with shrimp. I didn't eat very much of it. We went with the server's dessert recommendation of a chocolate chip type cake, which was very good but a bit too rich. I'm hoping this was just an off night for us. I love Club Lucky and have always looked forward to eating there.
(3)Jeffrey R.
Ate here last week. Food was absolutely amazing, as usual. However, the service was less than desired. The bus and support staff was more attentive than our server. Had to ask for our bill, wrong meal was brought for one of our guest. The rest of us had to eat cold food. Nothing was done to rectify. Very disappointed for a $95 bill.
(2)Lary S.
This place is so awesome. I like how its in the neighborhood but only a block away from a busy street. Started out with the Antipasto Meat & Cheese tray and it had tons of goodies on it. Also tried the Calamari Calabrese which is the most tender calamari i have ever eaten and very task. For my meal, my mother and i split an order of lasagna which was great and the steak pizzaola which was so awesome. My step-dad has the eggplant parm, which he enjoyed. For dessert, cheesecake, tiramisu and i had strawberry with chocolate chip gelato. I will be there again and I hope you try it. Staff was great and service was great.
(5)Jacob J.
Stopped in for dinner the other night to celebrate an occasion. My first time there for food and on a previous occasion for drinks. The food was standard Italian, nothing too special or memorable for myself. The highlight of the meal would be the warm bread served with infused olive oil which was abundantly offered to the table. My recommendation is they could go an extra mile by offering meat sauce or straight marinara with their warm bread (to be enjoyed) while waiting on the main course. Being that this restaurant / bar is off the beaten path and not as busy as much of the nightlife in the area, this would be a good start point for a couple cocktails and checking out the scene. Throughout the evening, lovely women in small packs were in abundant supply. I'm curious about whether this was a one time anomaly or a weekly occurrence. Much of the clientele for dinner service on this warm Friday night were of the ages of 30s - 50s with a few families mixed in.
(3)Monika M.
Ridiculous overpriced lasagna. For 16.95 you'll get an appetizer! Don't order hungry...
(1)Lauren D.
Calamari. I will say it again. Calamari. Club Lucky does it amazingly well. Huge pieces of squid fried to perfection beneath a light coating. Not heavy at all, and it comes with a heavenly marinara dipping sauce. The sauce could have used a little spice but it definitely didn't take away from the overall result. This place is perfect for a quiet dinner for two or a small group. And if it's nice outside, don't pass up the opportunity to sit on the patio. Our server was phenomenal: attentive and personable and just downright a nice guy. In fact, everyone we encountered there was polite and welcoming. My husband and I split the Meatball Insalata and Chicken Cacciatore. The meatballs were large and in charge, drowned in a sweet and beautifully red tomato sauce. They come alongside a basic house salad dressed in red wine vinaigrette. It felt light and yet very filling and comforting. The Chicken Cacciatore was divine, with the chicken browned nicely on the outside but super moist on the inside. Sadly, we were too full for dessert, but I have no doubt we will be back again soon and will make room. Club Lucky: I'm the lucky one for trying this place!
(5)Karen M.
The food is fair. My big issue is with the leftover containers-they cram-and I mean cram-everything into a very small Chinese food container-even at the cost of cutting or folding your food up so it fits. Won't be back.
(2)Brenda D.
When you walk by a place that is this busy on a Sunday night, you know the people inside know something you don't. We wanted to join them. We ordered the Antipasti for the table to start and it was an excellent mix of items. The stuffed olives were mouth watering. They have a great selection of wine in which we indulged. We finished with the Fettuccini De Campo - three words...Oh My Goodness. It was simple yet delicious. A perfect blend of grilled chicken, asparagus and roasted tomatoes with olive oil. The flavors of the foods were able to speak for themselves. This place is going to be on the must eat at list next Chicago visit.
(4)Beth G.
I loved the experience of dining at Club Lucky. I went there on Valentine's Day, so obviously it was bustling. Still, we got greeted quickly by a maitre'd, who suggested we have a cocktail at the bar while we waited for our table (we were about 15 minutes early). I had a well-made Manhattan and took in the happy scene. The old-fashioned feel, the great smells, the cheerful bartenders. Then we were lead to our table, in the dining room that was crowded but not cramped. We shared a Caprese salad, which was delicious (even though it's hard to find acceptable tomatoes in February in Chicago). For my entree, I had homemade tortellini, filled with chicken and herbs, finished with peas, pinenuts, and vodka sauce. Delicious! Our waitress, Samantha, was cheerful and didn't make us feel rushed at all, even though it was obviously a busy night. (And it took us a while to get through our bottle of wine.) Prices are on par with similar Italian restaurants in the city ... pastas in the $10 to $18 range, second courses are $18 to $35. The menu features relatively basic Italian fare -- nothing shi-shi or over the top, but the food is made well. I would definitely go back soon to try another entree and enjoy the atmosphere.
(4)Mark V.
It's a run of the mill Italian joint that tries extra hard to be old-school. And while it somewhat succeeds on that front, it disappoints in just about every other aspect, making you wait way too long and pay way too much for mediocre food. With so many spots in Chicago that are legitimately old-school (and not contrived), and so many spots in Chicago that offer superior meals at more reasonable pricing (and with actual service), I simply can't recommend Club Lucky.
(2)Emily K.
Delicious Italian food and martinis! Pasta dishes are generously portioned and mouth watering. You always get lucky eating here. Get the calamari.
(5)Casey F.
This is a great Italian place with lots of charm and great customer service. I've dined here many times and always loved what I got. This isn't the best Italian food I've ever eaten but I didn't expect it to be. The bread is awesome, and I crave the Club Lucky Salad. I've taken my parents here and they claim its the best calamari they've ever tasted. They also have a dog friendly outdoor patio as well as a huge water bowl and never ending treats they put out front. It's a staple for all the neighborhood pups. My dogs love this place as much, if not more than I do as a result. It's definitely worth checking out!
(4)RJ W.
We had our wedding reception here, after going here to eat more times than I can count. Everything was absolutely, positively perfect. Being in the hospitality business for well over 20 years, I am wired to look for issues and solutions. Frankly, there was not a single thing we would have changed. The owner and managers were so easy to work with in the planning, the staff on site were amazing and the food was great (we had family style) Honestly, we could have easily spent 4x the amount we did and the reception would not have been better. Highly recommend if you have the need for a locally owned, caring food destination for a group. Again, was perfect. How often can someone say that about a wedding reception!!!
(5)Philly G.
Great food. Large portions. Tiramisu and cannoli's are an absolute must try. Very homey feel.
(4)Mr. S.
I couldn't recommend a better local place to eat! The staff is friendly, the food is amazing and it's all placed in a family friendly atmosphere. My compliments to the chef, owners, and waitstaff. I look for excuses to eat here. Luckily I work close by, so that isn't an issue.
(5)Paloma C.
Classic. Been coming here my entire life. It's a great family place, but it's versatile enough to be your special date spot, too. You can't really go wrong at Club Lucky. I love the penne with meat sauce, chicken marsala, and shrimp scampi on spinach. Also best fried calamari in town!!!!
(5)Liz A.
Giving it two stars for the lovely outdoor seating and the good martini. Everything else was pretty disappointing. Our waitress was not attentive...I mean, we had to flag her down to order more booze! The bottle of wine that they recommended was terrible and we were not able to try it ahead of time. My chicken was dry and their "famous calamari" was bland and totally average. Really bummed about this place as we are new to the neighborhood and it had so much potential! Won't be back.
(2)Omar C.
Rude! Don't know about their food because I didn't bother donating to them after un accommodating attitude.
(1)Fran B.
Great food, drinks and atmosphere. Highly recommend !!!! The chicken Marsala was to die for.
(5)Nicholas B.
If there is a more generous and delicious rack of ribs in Chicago, Id love to know about it! Excellent!
(4)Rick F.
This place has been around forever. I've heard so many good things. i'm glad I went. A good friend was celebrating a birthday, free booze and free food. What a compelling offer. Wow I loved it. Cozy, warm italian comfort food at its best. Loved it! Moscow Mules, excellent. I rarely see breadcrumb stuffed artichokes on a menu, my mom makes these every holiday, excellent. Antipasto plate was great. The whole place was awesome
(4)Manya T.
I've been here a few times- once on a Sunday evening when the place was pretty busy but not packed to the gills; another time on a weekday in the very early evening/late afternoon when the place was empty; and once via takeout, which, granted, isn't really being there. I don't remember the quality of the service, but nothing stood out to me at the time as particularly slow or disappointing. The food, though, is incredible. I have wandered far and wide in Chicago to find the simple ravioli I'm looking for in a tomato sauce that accentuates but doesn't completely overkill the pasta. THIS is the ravioli of my dreams. It's ricotta filled, fresh, simple, delicious. I want to like a lot of the Italian places over on Grand Avenue, I thought I'd be impressed by La Scarola... but Club Lucky was just far, far better tasting. My husband had the chicken tortellini and said it was excellent. His only desire was for a bigger portion for the price. Yum!
(5)Shannon S.
We have been a few times as we live on the neighborhood. It's pretty basic stuff and a bit pricey. The tiramisu is amazing, though, so we do go for that often.
(3)Veronica S.
Been here a number of times now. First the PROS: 1. Location - We can walk to it, so even in the depths of this seemingly never-ending winter of our discontent, getting here is no problem. We never drive, but they do have valet parking at a reasonable-for-the-Bucktown/Wicker Park area price of $8.50. 2. Atmosphere - Very comfortable. We've dined in both large groups and as a couple in the dining room and the back party room. The rooms can get loud, especially if there are two or three large groups, so we prefer quiet nights. The booths are comfortable. We've never eaten in the bar area, but I do know that gets really crowded during busy times and people are pretty much standing right on top of you when you are seated in one of the booths. You're also right by the front door, so be prepared for cold air every time someone enters or leaves. Try to get seated in the dining room instead. 3. Service - Fantastic! Always friendly, always on top of things. Nothing to complain about here. 4. Food - The house bread and olive oil are very good. I highly recommend their pasta dishes. The servings are large and all the toppings I've tried have been delicious. The Salmon Oreganato is also very good. Highly recommend it. Cooked to perfection. I swap out the potatoes for sautéed spinach or escarole. Desserts are okay. Typical Italian choices like tiramisu, cake, sorbet, etc. Nothing that stands out in my mind. CONS: 1. Grilled Calamari - This is a tricky dish. If you leave the squid on the heat for even a few seconds too long, it's like you're eating thick rubber bands. Also, somewhat bland without the accompanying topping. Can't recommend this. Perhaps the fried calamari is better. Maybe next time I'll try that. 2. Drink prices - Pretty much the same all over the city now - $10.00 - $11:00 for small pours. My glass is always full of ice, so I'm paying for less than 4 oz. of mixed drink. Not cool. I'll skip the drinks in the future. Because it's so convenient, we most likely will return at some point, but it won't become a regular place to dine for us.
(3)Sami B.
I came here to eat Wednesday night with a couple friends. Our waiter, Steve, was awesome. He gave us great recommendations and answered all our questions. The fried calamari was one of the best I've had. All of us enjoyed our dishes. We sat outside and it was very calm and relaxing. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)Brenda H.
I was not expecting the main dining room to be so big, considering how cramped the entrance felt. My cousin kept raving about this place so I decided to try it. We ordered a few appetizers and I really liked the mozzerella fritti. The fried calamari wasn't good enough to blow my mind but it was good enough to make me want to try their other versions. The bread at the table was warm, soft and delicious. I had the linguine with garlic and olive oil with shrimp. The shrimp size was bigger than I expected and the dish was a little spicy. The portions are big and filling, good value overall. I don't drink alcohol but they had quite an extensive drinks menu. My cousin ordered a martini with rumchata that wasn't overpowering. I'd probably order that if I wanted to celebrate a birthday with a drink. I think I'll be coming here for my birthday, just for that reason alone.
(4)Jessica B.
Highlights: the calamari with peppers- can't remember the name. Amazing. Sleigh ride martini is perfect for winter. This is just a great old school Italian restaurant. Nothing fancy, just great food and drinks. Also kudos to our server. We had a 5:30 reservation and came one by one with the last group arriving at 6:15 because of traffic. He was totally understanding and accommodating. Oh and the bread tastes just like my nonna's did.
(4)Linda G.
Consistently good. I like to bring out of towners here since it's off the beaten path and tucked into the neighborhood. Service is excellent both at the bar and inside at table. We never have a bad meal. These are the old-school typical American-Italian favs.
(5)Anne L.
Club Lucky, despite its odd name, is a fun, retro Italian restaurant. You enter through a narrow bar, like in all the good mafia movies. Bar in front, restaurant hidden in back, you know, just in case you need a few extra seconds to climb out a window. The decor is 1940s and the restaurant is spacious, if not a little noisy because of it. That's ok because it just kinda adds to the experience. This is not a stuffy place, but it's not low-rent, either. Just kinda quirky and I liked that. The menu is extensive and all of us enjoyed the food immensely. The stuffed artichoke and pasta e fagoli were outstanding. Nothing was overwhelmed with garlic, which often happens at Italian restaurants. Gelato and some anisette to finish off the evening. I'm not in that area often, but if I am, I would definitely go back. May try the bar next time.
(4)Steve J.
Hot bread. Thick soup. Firm Italian Sausage- the list goes on. Club Lucky improves each year, from their friendly and accommodating outdoor cafe to special events in their Club Room, the owners, managers and staff at CL aim to please and please they do. Bring the family and enjoy large portions! Now if they'd only stay open a bit later...
(5)Yayasis P.
Talk about a true neighborhood restaurant. Club Lucky is Bucktown at its best. I have dinned there for years and even had family parties for special occasions. The food Is always great. The music and the decor are a blast from the past. This is a must when in the city.
(5)Terry F.
Great meatball salad. Linguine with clams perfect. Bartender top notch. Christmas decorations are very nice. Waiter was busy so not the most attentive.
(4)Peter H.
My first, attempt here was very lackluster. It was good, but not remarkable. It's good for families. It's a bit loud. There's a lot of space. However, I think it survives, because in that neighborhood there's not a ton of competition.
(3)Benjamin D.
Living in Wicker, this is the restaurant that I frequent more than any other in the city! Reason for that is that besides the quality food, it serves so many great purposes. Whether my girlfriend and I want quick a quick salad, or I want to take out-of-town buddies for drinks, or even when I don't want to go to other bars three hours in advance for Hawk's playoff games, Club Lucky never disappoints! It's old school, with Louis and Frank on the Juke, red vinyl and classic Italian food. However, my favorite thing to do is just sit at the bar where the tenders free pour every drink tall, and slurp down grilled calamari (a personal fave). It's also cool that the restaurant is nestled away in a great residential area and has patio seating for the warmer months. The only real reason I won't give them full stars is that some of their dishes are too reliant on heavy uses of a mozzarella that I think could be better quality. Aside from that though, I love the grilled calamari, the veal meatballs, the Club Lucky salad, the eggplant parm, and the Fish Salad (which really should be called the "insane amounts of cold seafood salad) and pretty much everything else! Date, guys nights or quick eats at the bar, Club Lucky is top choice!
(4)Stacy L.
Gorgeous little hidden gem, great brunch. Would definitely come back!
(4)elizabeth g.
I like the food but the lighting and sound are terrible in the dining room is terrible. I went there on Saturday and noticed every table around us using their phones to read the menu
(3)Ashley B.
My boyfriend and I have been looking at buying a house on this street for a few months now, and just recently got to try Club Lucky. My friend had raved about it, so stepping into this unassuming little spot was strange. We had to wonder if we were in the right place. But honestly, it was charming. There's a bar on one half and a restaurant in the other. It looked very diner like but the menu was lined with amazingly tasty traditional Italian dishes. My boyfriend ordered pomodoro and I had lasagna and both were amazing. I don't even know how we managed to eat it AFTER we had all the amazing bread they gave us as an appetizer! Overall I love this place and I love that I'll (hopefully) soon be near it! I will definitely be coming back and hopefully be a regular someday! UPDATE: Just went back here a day ago with another friend, coincidentally on the first Weds of the month, which happened to be $6 martini night. We had a couple martinis over the span of a few hours and chatted. I ordered the shrimp special with a sherry wine sauce that was delicious. However, the next day I felt TERRIBLE. I don't know if there was something wrong with the shrimp, or if I'm developing a shrimp allergy like my mom did. Either way it was not fun! This will not deter me from coming back, I'll say that much!
(4)Nicholas F.
Really fun, cool spot. Food was quite good but I have to admit not the absolute best Italian I've ever had. Bartender also very friendly and nice, but please don't put a ton of sugar and blueberries in my old fashioned! What the heck!
(4)Jessica S.
Really good italian food! Cool atmosphere as well - old school Italian. They have a bar in the front and full restaurant in the back. Definitely will go back.
(4)BurtReynolds D.
Burt wishes he could give a 5 star. But the food isn't up to par. Great little old school restaurant. Nestled away in a cool neighborhood. It's like a time machine inside. Like your a kid again out to dinner when you were 5 years old. And Burt loves that - BUT- the food just isn't good enough. There isn't one thing on the menu Burt looks forward to eating there. Great outdoor summer sidewalk space. Great small bar with booths. Comfortably old dining room. Just not great food. The one good thing Burt can say about the food is the table bread is fantastic! And the lamb chops are good. Please Club Lucky hire a great Italian chef and change your menu. Burt begs you
(2)K L.
I used to go to Club Lucky a lot because I lived just down the street. Now that I live a little further away, I'm not so anxious to go there. My husband and I went the other weekend, and it was pretty much how I remembered it - decent, but not great. It was definitely busy (we were squeezed in-between other tables), and very loud. I really only like a few items on the menu - the Mozzarella Fritti, Fettucine De Campo, Homemade Ravioli, and Homemade Tortellinis. The starter bread is also pretty good if served warm, but it has been hard and almost stale on some occasions. The atmosphere of Club Lucky is kind of cool - old school Italian. But it is very dark and crowded in there, so I just don't find it very pleasant.
(3)Abe R.
I had been here numerous times before my last visit, only to frequent the bar and sip on shots of Fernet. This time around though, the couple I was out with suggested we eat here when the line for us to get a table at Piece was 1.5 hours. Damn glad we did.. Our Order: -Eggplant Parmigiana: Layers of thinly sliced eggplant baked with provolone and tomato sauce served with penne pasta. Hell yea, this dish was great. It's really traditional if you have ever had any Italian friends and luckily been invited over for a meal. Here they cook it as perfect as I have ever had it, as the eggplant was extremely tender, just the way I like it. -Linguine Pesactore: Freshly made linguine, perfectly al dente, smothered in a red wine sauce with garlic, and covered with baby clams, calamari, jumbo shrimp, salmon, and spinach. This is always a go to Italian dish for me since I cannot ever get enough seafood. The great thing about this dish is finishing all the linguine and seafood, only to find leftover broth just begging you to sop it up with the homemade fresh Italian bread they serve to you. All in all this place is a well run establishment. The bar up front is great, the service is just right, and the portions to cost ratio is definitely in the patrons favor. I am glad that after all the visits to the bar I finally took the time to sit down for a meal. It was well worth it... Enjoy Suckas'!!!
(4)Melissa D.
This place seemed like a hidden gem, but after talking to a lot of friends, it seems like everyone knew about it but me! It was so great, with amazing food and service! I got the traditional pasta squares, but everyone I was with loved what they got. The staff was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. I recommend one of the dishes with their homemade pasta noodles. Their house sauce was also great! Next time (and there WILL be a next time) I'd like to get a salad so I can try their house dressing.
(5)Megan G.
I went to this place with high hopes, but ended up being a bit disappointed. We went as a group for a girl's dinner a few months back. Now, I love Italian food (having grown up in an Italian neighborhood on the Jersey shore) and I was quite excited to attend what I heard was a Bucktown institution. The food was okay, but not the best I had ever had. The salad seemed to have too many carrots and celery and not enough of anything else, plus was doused in dressing. Then my fettuccine alfredo was already cold by the time we were served, but it had already taken so long to get the food that I just attempted to eat it rather then send it back. Finally, the service wasn't the greatest- our waitress rang out credit cards up wrong, and then kept telling us that we had done something wrong until after 10 minutes of arguing she checked it again (and realized her mistake). Don't think I'll go back (and I ended up getting food poisoning too- bleh!).
(2)Janet S.
Sometimes you just walk into a place and its like you came home. In a residential area, we stumbled in from the snow and were greeting by a long bar - old 50's crooning on the jukebox and red leather booths. We opted to sit here - there is a huge dining room on the other side of the bar with more of the same. The calamari was indeed probably the best ever - ever so lightly breaded, not too chewy , a couple of plates of meatballs, some red wine, tiramisu and a couple of glasses of strega and we had the best Italian fix in a long while. $70 felt just about right. The portions and pours were large and the service A1. We loved it so much that we are flying back to Chicago for 2015 Valentine's Day here.
(5)Justin B.
I love Club Lucky b/c it's less than a 10-minute walk from our house. But whenever I move away from Bucktown, I have a feeling that I'll move to greener Italian restaurant pastures. I've only been twice in nine months--a further testament to my thoughts on the food--but when I have been, I've been happy with the service, the space and the prices for the serving size. But the taste of the pasta has been average (wow, even last month's run to Two for their duck egg pasta was better) and I have not been told Club Lucky's does any one thing at a truly amazing level. This past Friday, I did the fettucine alfredo, and while I thought it was tasty, it wasn't tell-all-my-friends-to-check-this-place-out tasty. The chocolate cake was okay. However, on both visits, the major standout: warm, fluffy bread was served first and it almost destroyed my appetite for the main meal.
(3)Alyson K.
Great bar atmosphere. The food was ok. A solid Italian, family-style meal. The service was pretty slow. I don't know if that was a result of there being several large tables, or if that's a normal Saturday night.
(3)Natan P.
Pleased to say Club Lucky is back in my good graces. Dined there recently and the food was delicious. Service was a bit slow, but I get the feeling that could be intentional...it's a neighborhood Italian eatery, vintage, so take your time, enjoy the company! Looking forward to another return trip soon!
(4)Cory C.
Wonderful Service, fair pricing and amazing food. The meatballs are out of this world. The bread is downright addicting. Add some well poured drinks and this is and wonderful place.
(4)Kelsie S.
I will start by saying that this is by no means the best Italian food I've ever had, but our experience here was so great that I had to give it five stars anyway. We first went to Club Lucky on a Speakeasy tour. We learned about it's Mob background (look for the bullet still lodged in the bar!), which was very cool. The atmosphere inside was awesome, and the drinks we had were good. We were excited to come back again. We went last night and had one of the best experiences we've had in a while. The service was just excellent. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Our waiter was one of the best I've ever had at a restaurant up there. They just made you feel welcome. The sangria was delicious, as was the bread with olive oil and the toasted ravioli. It is pricey, yes, but we didn't mind. We were also able to sit outside, and the cute, quiet neighborhood made that an enjoyable experience, as well. We're excited to go back!
(5)Mara A.
5 stars because they have a bucket of dog treats and ice cold Agua for the pups. 3.5 stars for the place itself. Food is good, nothing spectacular. Wait staff is friendly.
(4)Michael L. And Michelle G.
This place is set amoungst a residential neighborhood, so it attracts the youthful locals of this seemingly urban professional mixed with young white collar up-and-comer apartment dwellers, amidst vintage rehabs and occasional modern tear-downs, as well as every other person in the City who wants to make the very effective scene this place creates of a mix of great Italian comfort food, art deco and prohibition era decor, ... a social scene in the bar with a dinning experience to-boot. It stands out on the corner with a throwback looking sign and you enter into its neon lit and subtly 20-30's decor, rounded edges and vinyl seating, art deco lighting and juke box. After you pass through the bar you enter a dinning area to match with high celings and open kitchen. In the summer the outdoor seating is cozy and on the sidewalk. The menu brings you from top to bottom the usual great Italian dishes done right, easy, and gracefully fresh with great salad choices, appetizers you would expect and clever things that work like pork chops with pepperoncini peppers. The red gravy sauce by which all Italian restaurants are to be judged, yummy to be sure. Come for a Sunday family meal kids and all or come Friday or Saturday night with your date or friends to make the social scene in the bar and enjoy their many craft concoctions and have a great meal.
(4)Emily W.
We're big fans of Club Lucky! We've both stayed/dined in and have ordered for delivery. We are very pleased every time we choose Club Lucky. It's great comfort, Italian food - we would definitely recommend it. When we dine in, the wine selection is great and the staff is lovely. They are more than happy to recommend something and the service is quick. The atmosphere is fun and feels authentic. The last time we had food delivered, at first they said it would be an hour - which is typical for a Saturday night. Then we were very happy when it came in half the time and the delivery woman was very pleasant. Sometimes you get people who just drop the food and run. As far as food goes, we've had the basics, all of which we would recommend: Fried Calamari, Stuffed Artichokes, Caesar Salad, Club Lucky Salad, Penne Bolognese, Chicken Francese, Chicken Parm, Cannoli and Tiramisu... to name a few of our favorites ; )
(4)Angela S.
This place is tricky. If anyone knows me, I can handle my drink, but for some reason I can't get past one martini at this place. So I've learned to be sure to eat first.
(4)Chris T.
For year I have lived right across the street from Club Lucky. I love the atmosphere and the service. The manager is wonderful and wants to keep the customers happy. The food is pretty good...I mostly go for the drinks (wonderful cocktail selection) and the atmosphere. I love the 60s pop music they typically play.
(4)D B.
First time at Club Lucky! The atmosphere was very quaint and welcoming, like an old Italian club. The host, bus staff, and valet were attentive and very friendly. Even the manager came over to gab and make recommendations. The only glitch of the evening was I believe we had new server, as she was a bit awkward and often missing. Thankfully, her absence only allowed us to shovel in more fabulous pasta, drinks, spicy olive oil, bread, and amazing tiramisu with out interruption and enjoy the beautiful Chicago summer night! I would totally return and highly recommend!
(5)Christina K.
I love this place! The decor is retro and charming, they have outdoor seating in the summer which is very pleasant, and their martinis and cocktails are always poured with a heavy hand. Yahoo! Expect hearty, traditional Italian food (with leftovers) at Club Lucky. The homemade pastas, Club Lucky Salad, and cannoli are a few of my favorites. I haven't had a bad meal here. If you want a pasta and sauce combination that is not on the menu, just ask! Service is always top notch. I've brought in groups of 10, picked up a take out order, and stopped by with the beau for a drink before meeting friends - same nice consistent service no matter who I interact with. (Also, my parents used to go on dates here *aww* so I like to uphold that tradition).
(4)Mike Z.
My gf and I love this place. The food is delicious and we've never had bad service. We went this last Friday night and got a table right away. The bread is unbelievable and I highly recommend the mozzerella fritti for an app. I think they have the best ravioli in the city. Also instead of doing valet just down the street there is plenty of street parking with no pass needed. Price was $80 (tip, tax included) 2 glasses of wine, app and 2 entrees. Not bad at all.
(5)Erica W.
Club Lucky is a Bucktown institution, yet it took me over a year of living here to finally check it out. Italian is my absolute favorite cuisine...the more carbs, the better, is my motto. Pretty much everything I'd heard -- that it's good, but expensive -- was right. I sound like my mother, but the first thing I noticed was that it was SO DARK. The waiter gives you a flashlight so you can read the menu. Maybe some candles would help? We had the arancini appetizer special, which was quite tasty, and the bread and olive oil were delicious as advertised. The pastas were good too, but at $18 a plate, this place is making a killing compared to their food costs. I'm glad I checked it off my list, but I probably won't be back unless they do a deal.
(3)Roger J.
Loved this gem buried in the neighborhood. Upon arrival I wasn't so sure if I was in the right place. Good thing we stayed. This place is just a great Italian restaurant with friendly staff, great food, killer drinks and feels like Chicago roots. We enjoyed a meatball appetizer that was excellent, a couple of tasty pasta dishes (try them all) and some very good martini combinations. Upon leaving the manager made sure to ask how the dinner was and introduce himself so we could reference him upon our next visit. You cannot go wrong with this place. Street parking.
(4)Joe R.
This place is awesome, I order some pasta dish with their vodka red sauce, and it was amazing! I will come back just to get that sauce again, I licked it off the plate it was so good!
(5)Kelly B.
Club Lucky is a great Bucktown neighborhood eatery that serves old school Italian upscale cuisine, great martinis and has a retro feel that will surely make you feel like you are part of something that was before your time. The restaurant sits in the middle of a residential street and has a nice side patio that adds to the charm. The dishes are big and saucy. A tad heavy and pricey, but you get lots of it and you will eat every bite. I had the seafood pasta special and they allowed me to sub out my pasta for a different type. My pasta was a bit overcooked, but that is easy to do with capellini. Still delicious, especially after a few yummy cosmos. The cannoli dessert was pricey too, but to die for.
(4)Rokey T.
Don't let the name throw you off. It's not remotely a club. I'd say it's more of a diner feel with a bar. Some of best Italian food in this part of the city. The owner/manager goes out of his way to greet you and say goodbye. Just a nice place all around!
(4)Ila L.
I really don't understand how anyone can dine at Club Lucky when Lucia's is just a few blocks away. Lucia's is really quite good. Club Lucky was just a big disappointment. We tried three things and all three were mediocre at best. The only good thing was that we didn't get sick. Go to Lucia's on North Ave.
(2)Bob H.
Went here with my Fiance and my little brother over Christmas last year and loved it. The atmosphere was a combination of old dinner and a big family dinner. Aside from the part where we had to duck out in shame because my little brother asked for ketchup to go with his chicken parm it really was perfect. The food was good - not quite 5 star blow my mind why am I not there every weekend good, but it's exactly the kind of food you expect at a good italian restaurant. I feel the same way abou the service. Even though I wouldn't call it a 5 star restaurant (and I didn't rate it as such) I'd still go here before many 5 star places.
(4)Paul M.
Loved this place. Pre marathon meal did not disappoint.
(4)Maricela R.
Yes! I love club lucky our waiter was super nice always passing by serving us refills with out asking. I had mozzarella fritti which was AMAZING! I also had a martini with rumchata, shrimp linguine, and ALOT of fresh bread with cheese and olive oil dip :)) overall it was delicious!
(4)Ellen K.
A group of friends and I celebrated New Year's this year at Club Lucky. A lot of my friends are regulars there, but it was my first time since I don't live in Bucktown. They raved about the food, so I expected something really great. We had made our reservation for 10PM but called that night at about 8:30 to check on the status and to ask if it would be possible to add one more chair to our table, making us a party of 8. They were really friendly and said it was no problem to add a chair, and they let us know that they were running about 10 minutes behind. We arrived at about 10:15, but we were not seated until a little after 10:30. In that time, we had to wait in the bar area, which also has booths and the bathrooms as well as the only access to the entry, so those 15 minutes felt a lot like riding the Red Line at rush hour. When we were finally seated, we were very pleased. Even with the extra chair, I don't think any of us felt cramped or crowded. The main dining room was decorated with thousands (literally) of helium-filled balloons, while the bar area had tons of giant snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. The place really had a great ambiance for the celebration. The warm bread and olive oil was really great, though for a table of 8 we probably could have done with a bit more bread than one loaf. For apps, we ordered fried and grilled calamari. Both dishes had a great flavor, but the texture of the calamari was a little rubbery for my taste. I ordered the 8-finger cavatelli as my entree, and it was OK. I added broccoli to it, and I think the dish would have been really boring without it. If I go again, I'll probably order something else. (I would have liked to try the lobster ravioli special, but they were out of it by the time we got there.) My favorite thing that I tasted was the Horse's Head cocktail. That I will definitely try again! Where Club Lucky really shined was their outstanding service. I feel horrible for forgetting our waiter's name already, but everybody working there seemed to be in a friendly mood for having to work on a holiday. New Year's festivities at Club Lucky include a bottle of champagne per couple, hats, noisemakers, poppers and streamers, and a live band with a dance floor. Reservations were $25, and that seemed really reasonable for everything you got. We had a really good time!
(3)Chris D.
I love Club Lucky!! Never have had a bad meal here. The place is not much to look at. Not going to win ambiance awards. But if you want great rib sticking Italian, then this place gets my vote. Again, this place is about as hole in the wall, old school Italian as it get's. It looks like a diner when you first walk in. Professional staff!! Friendly!! Outstanding wine list!!
(4)Liz B.
I was excited to find a little hole in the wall Italian place while visiting Chicago. This place got amazing reviews so I thought I couldn't go wrong. Unfortunately it was TERRIBLE. I'm not picky, but WOW. Everything was over-cooked, not fresh, and service was mediocre. I was extremely disappointed. The decor is adorable, but they over pack the place (so it's super loud) and bump the heat. The person behind me hit into me 3 times. Maybe they had a new chef tonight? Either way, I will NOT be returning to this place.
(1)Kyle P.
forgot how much i love this place......waiter outside was awesome, bread is best in city, calamari with the peppers is excellent and the meatball salad is a way to tell people you had a salad.....its not a salad
(5)Dana M.
I like this restaurant. This is the second time I have been here and both times had really nice waiters. This time I had Fettucine De Campo: Grilled chicken, asparagus, roasted tomato, garlic, and olive oil, it was pretty tasty to me. I also had Gelato for dessert, yummy!
(4)Jeremy E.
I really enjoyed my time here. I see alot of complaints about the service in other reviews, but my service was outstanding so I can't complain. Food was the highlight though. They make fresh bread which is delicious with their oil blend. For the apps, you have to get the sausage and peppers. May have been the best thing I ate all weekend. For dinner I went with the veal parm. If you can't do that right, you aren't an Italian joint. And they knocked it out of the park. Perfectly cooked and sauced. Everything I had tasted fresh and authentic. I would definitely go back!
(4)Marisa P.
This is a fun, laid-back Italian joint which is a nice change from the typical romantic and quiet Italian restaurant playing Sinatra. The food is solid and the bread served before our meal was insanely good. We were seated right away on a busy Saturday night and had a great server. Fair warning though, this place is SUPER loud on a Saturday night!
(4)Juliana R.
My bf and I came across this cute little joint when we were on our way to a different restaurant and decided to try this the next day, so happy we did! We had the rigatoni marinate with italian sausage, and the chicken stuffed tortellini with pesto sauce which was incredible! I highly recommend it to anyone! For drinks we tried their martinis that are supposed to be best in the city. We tried the mangotini and the flirtini, they were ok, definitely not the best, and $11 was a little excessive. The interior so cute, very 50s/diner feel to it, and a great outdoor patio which is where we dined. Staff is very friendly and attentive, all in all, we loved it here!
(4)Nikki K.
First, I love that Club Lucky is less than a 5 minute walk from my place. Second, their food is delicious! I highly recommend the homemade tortellini - you will not be disappointed! Also, they make some delicious martinis! I love sitting in the bar area next to the jukebox and enjoying the retro decor. Great, friendly waitstaff in a fun atmosphere.
(4)Michelle S.
I wanted to like Club Lucky because I begged my husband to go here to for like a year. I should of listened to him and stayed away. The service, food and atmosphere are the definition of average. I ordered the special, but our server brought me the wrong dish (50 Min LATER). I seriously saw everyone else get served before my own eyes. I seriously think that we were forgotten. The dish I ended up getting, and reluctantly eating was just OK. No apologizes or comps from the server or staff. Maybe I'll get around to giving this one more shot- but someone else will have to do the begging this time.
(2)Rachel S.
Oh Club Lucky, you rogue. BF and I came here the first summer we lived in Bucktown and loved it. Therefore, we decided to return to this neighborhood gem for our 6th anniversary dinner. The verdict after nearly 3 years? Sad. Sad. Sealion. I ordered linguine with clams (red sauce) and BF ordered the chicken marsala. My linguine tasted great, but nearly every one of my clams was sandy. All the props I gave them for serving fresh littleneck clams were cancelled out by the fact that the chef(s) don't know you have soak clams in water for a few minutes so they release the sand they've accumulated. Yuck. BF's chicken marsala was oddly sweet and overall disappointing. The broccoli on the side was bland, just steamed. It was reminiscent of the lean cuisines of days gone by, before they figured out they had to make their food taste good. I told our server that my clams were sandy, and they brought tiramisu for dessert on the house, which was tasty, but, pretty darn difficult to screw up. Will not be going back, unfortunately.
(3)Amber J.
Every time I come I try something new and fall in love all over again. Great outdoor dinning area.
(5)Sam L.
They gave me horrible food poising from clams manager sent me $50 gift certificate we waited a month to try again for the price the food is just mediocre every time I've had it you just know better is out there especially in this city! Oggi trattoria.
(2)Danielle K.
I make a special track here almost weekly because my boyfriend loves their salad. We always order the 'Club Lucky Salad' which is big enough for two people and I think it is $12. The bread is very good, soft and thick slices, just the way I like it. Comes with parmesan cheese and EVOO for dipping. We also sometimes get the side of italian sausage which comes with marenara sauce. Service is good even when they are busy. On Valentine's Day they gave out free roses to the ladies which was a nice touch. Make a RESERVATION if dining on the weekend. It gets busy.
(4)Alyssa K.
the service and food never disappoint. I love this place.
(5)Jon O.
Club Lucky serves up some decent Italian food. The inside kinda gives me the feel that I'm in a old Italian dinner or something. I guess it's the red and black and white theme with the chairs, booths and tiled floor..... The food is good as it gets and when we went we ordered family style and all shared a little of what came to the table. For starters we had the antipasto and caprese salad. The salad itself was exceptional as well as the antipasto. The antipasto had a great assortment and was almost a meal in itself. For main courses we had some chicken parmigiani and sausages. The chicken was well prepared and so was the pasta that came along with it but the grilled sausages with peppers really stood out as delicious as all get out. The service was decent and our drinks never went dry but was nothing that really stood out. I think this is because they have kinda limited seating and a large crowd on the weekends so it feels like they are trying to turn tables over as quickly as possible. But I'm just guessing there. Anyways, check it out if you are in the mood for some good Italian food. For sure try the sausages if your inner carnivore is screaming out.
(4)Julie A.
I live right near Club Lucky, and have been there several times now. Every time, it gets worse. The last time, we got there and were told there was an hour wait. That's fine, we waited at the bar. It took us 30 minutes to get one drink at the bar. When they sat us, it was super loud and we could barely hear each other. The waiter came and took our order--two glasses of wine, a salad to start, and two dishes (linguine marinara with mushrooms and eggplant parm). The food arrived...literally...two minutes later. They slopped some pasta in a bowl and brought it over. 5 minutes later, the salad arrived. Iceberg lettuce in a bowl with some dressing on it. Then, our wines came when we had finished eating 15 minutes later and the waiter brought the check over. We sat at a table for about 20 minutes in total, paid over $80 for something I could have microwaved at home, and we shuffled out the door to turn the table over. I will never go back.
(1)Ellen S.
Club Lucky is great for a large group dinner. We went for a birthday dinner and they offered wonderful service and good food. They allow you to bring your own cake, which they will cut and put candles on for just a dollar. While my family was singing "Happy Birthday," other families seated around us began singing along as well. The atmosphere is very friendly, and laid back. The food is solid, but nothing that stands out. This is a good place for dinner if your family is not adventurous when it comes to food, and if your looking for a less expensive city option.
(3)Colleen G.
I love Club Lucky! I recently had my birthday here on a Friday night with 10 guests. They were extremely accommodating to our large party and our waitress was great! I ordered the Lobster Ravioli and it was great! (The bread is out of the world as well) Their cocktail list is also very impressive. I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)Jessica C.
I went to Club Lucky for Valentine's Day! My boyfriend had made the Reservation 2 weeks in advance to insure a good time slot at 7:15 PM. We got there right on time. The Bar was packed with couples getting drinks and waiting to be seated. We went to the back of the bar and was greeted by a Host. He had us stand and wait a few minutes while they got some other people seated. Everything seemed to be going efficiently. When we made it to the Dining room it was packed. The tables were close together and the tables were long so I felt like I was far away from my boyfriend. It was also loud because of all the people. That's the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. The waiter was on point and listened to out requests even though he seemed very busy. I got the Salmon Oreganato. The Salmon came out perfect and it was probably one of the best Salmon I've ever had! I had a great experience and everything went well for our Valentine's Day Dinner! :)
(4)Shelly S.
What a nice surprise. It's not a club, but a great Italian restaurant in a nastalgic setting. The bread was great and they have a nice selection of martinis. Salads were cold, crisp, fresh and yummy. The homemade tortellini was excellent. Really enjoyed Club Lucky.
(4)Ali C.
I enjoyed Club Lucky with a group of 3 this past Wednesday. We arrive just after 5 and were able to enjoy the patio seating. Our waiter was helpful and friendly without being overbearing, and support staff was always present. We shared the Sausage and peppers and Calamari Calabrese which were delicious and generously portioned. Also, the infused olive oil and fresh bread was AMAZING! For dinner we shared the Tortellini and the special roasted chicken of the day, both of which were lovely . The grilled peppers and mushrooms served with it were actually my favorite over the chicken itself, so fresh and flavorful! I also ordered the lemon-drop martini, which was pretty good. Overall we were well taken care of and left very happy and full. Very good service and tasty food.
(5)Joshua N.
300th review on Yelp goes to Club Lucky! Don't let the exterior full you it's actually pretty nice inside. The place has this weird diner/fancy Italian motif going on but it was fun. It's a little loud as well but I think that's more because there were a lot of groups the night I went. After a little confusion among the wait staff who was to take care of our table we got some drink orders in (awesome Moscow Mule) and order their "famous" calamari and I got the special raviloi bolognese they were offering. They kept the bread coming which was a great touch and filled our water of course. The calamari was fantastic and was plenty for 2 people. My raviloi was fine. And part of why I didn't go over 3 stars. I've had some insane Italian food but this wasn't mind blowing. Not for how much everything cost. I still had a good time and the staff was great. I just don't want to hype the food up.
(3)Eric B.
I ate here again for the first time in a long time, and I felt like I was touched for the very first time. By a big fat tomato. I enjoyed it, I think you will too. First things first - cocktails! Any good old school Italian joint must take pride in their cocktails, and Club Lucky takes the new cocktail school and wraps it in the old school. Rye cocktails are featured heavily here, and they are delicious. If you are a clear liquor fan they'll fix you up with a gin or vodka martini, too, no worries, kiddo. As for the food, it is good, filling, large portions. Get the Italian Sausage and peppers, and anything with meat sauce. Perhaps not the best Italian you've ever had, but it is good and you get a lot of it; perfect for reheating the next day after a few too many cocktails. For a fun, laid back night out on the town where you don't have to get too dressed up but they'll like you even more if you do, head to Club Lucky.
(4)Lora R.
We pulled up to the restaurant (I'm from out of town- someone else suggested it) and we thought we were at the wrong place. Surprise! We came here with a group of three families for my sister's college graduation- they made sixteen people very happy. While the food is your standard Italian fare in terms of options, everything was good quality. We ordered the calamari (both fried and grilled), the meat/cheese plate, Club Lucky salad- all to share. I ordered the chicken parm, which was served on a plate (as opposed to in a warming dish), but that was the only way in which it shorted my expectations. While the ambiance is dark, but it's a fun family atmosphere. If I lived in the area, I would return.
(5)Tricia D.
I wondered why the outside of this place looked so familiar to me... (thinking, thinking, thinking)... oh yeah, it's the area I got lost around trying to find my parked car after a recent Wicker Park dinner at Piece. If I had to summarize the atmosphere in 3 words, it would be "diner with swag". But keep reading! By no means does Club Lucky serve up diner food. It's neighborhood Italian food, and beyond that, my, they have a mean cocktail list! Highly reco the french martini. Had I not been so stuffed after the meal, I would have loved to try one of the dessert cocktails, mixed and named after classic desserts like strawberry shortcake and key lime pie. Crusty on the outside and warm and soft on the inside, the pre-dinner bread was awesome! I inhaled a couple slices without hesitation or regard for displaying any kind of dinner manners. Do the crumbs on my mouth make my butt look big? C and I shared the tilapia special and chicken stuffed pesto tortellini special, and our waitress Brandy was absolutely right in claiming the pesto sauce was phenomenal! Entrees run about $20, with pasta dishes a couple bucks under that. C found this hot spot in a bridal magazine and was scoping it out for her rehearsal dinner, and Jeremy was warm and friendly and extremely attentive in providing us a tour of the private room and answering questions. I will definitely be back! P.S. +100 on Opentable!
(4)Tera D.
Finally played the part of Bucktown local and took a stroll to Club Lucky for dinner. Yes, the atmosphere is old school and kind of cool, yes they have outdoor seating which is a plus, but people, the food is the epitome of mediocre. And I'm sorry, but mediocre Italian in Chicago just isn't going to cut it in my book. We shared the Club Lucky Salad and the Veal Parmesan. The salad was fine - it had what you expect, nothing more, nothing less. The veal, on the other hand, was dry, tough, served with WAY too little sauce and cheese, and alongside undercooked penne that also had too little sauce. 4 days later the leftovers are languishing in our fridge, which is a crying shame when it comes to Italian, but I just don't see the point in a second sub-par Italian meal.
(2)Kerri M.
We were coming from a show in the city and I wanted a restaurant with good food but we had my 82 year old mother in law and our 3 kids with us. My friend suggested Club Lucky and we went for it. WE LOVED IT! The sausage and pepper appetizer was the most delicious sausage I had ever had, the calamari was cooked perfectly, I had the chicken francaise and it was delicious over sautéed spinach basically everything was fantastic. It was loud but in a good way and the service was spot on. Casual but nice old time feel with the vintage decor. We had a great experience.
(5)Mojo M.
The key to a great evening at Club Lucky: 1. Get a booth. Order cocktails, make friends with your server and busboy 2. Relax. 3. Have another cocktail, order an appetizer. 4. Relax 5. Split one of the ample entrees, but order your own glass of wine 6. Relax Not the right evening to hit at least five of the six points? No worries, come back when you can.
(4)Laura L.
Always come here with big groups from outta town! Even saw a rehearsal dinner there last time. Great menu...great food...great drinks! Nice loud and Italian...how life should be! I think it would also be nice to sit up front at the booths for an more intimate setting!
(4)Gino W.
Having been to Club Lucky twice, I can say that while it's never as good as the first time, the second time may be way better. I went for brunch a year ago and gobbled a tofu scramble and a plate of malted waffles. If I smoke, I would have had a cigarette, for sure. On my second trip I was overwhelmed with food happiness. Mojito. Bruschetta. Arribiata. As I have mentioned on my blog about Italian restaurants, the bartenders are far from sloppy, as the drinks are incredible. Bruschetta on grilled bread with plump tomatoes and olive oil simply cannot be beaten. And I should have had a pack of Marlboro's after I had the spicy arribiata. I may not have indulged a smoke afterwards, but I did waddle away thoroughly sated.
(5)Thomas M.
Club Lucky is an Italian place that has been around for quite some time now, so it may not wow you with new, inventive cuisine. But, there's a reason why Club Lucky has withstood the test of time. It's a classically themed, cozy Italian restaurant. The portions are generous (especially the pasta) and the martinis are great. Personally, I recommend the chicken vesuvio.
(4)Cassidy A.
Homemade Italian food in Bucktown. The homemade chicken tortellini and homemade profiterolles were the best in Chicago. Delicious bread and $6 martinis!
(4)Kate G.
The bread alone is worth going; great service, atmosphere and skilled bartenders make you want to come back again and again as a local joint. Italian food is decent... large portions. Went for eaarly dinner on New Years Eve, they really went all out... they do have a special package, but we just wanted to grab dinner. Wait staff and Manager are tremendous!
(5)Philip P.
I have recently re-visited my favorite italian restaurant in the chicago land area to find my night to be more warming and delicious then the last time our family enjoyed a home style meal at the Club. The food was served to us at the perfect time with such a strong tasty aroma that ensured a delicious homestyle dinner. The next week we were happy to enjoy our first italian/american style brunch at Club Lucky. Unaware of what to expect, my eggs benedict and light buttermilk pancakes were unlike anything I have experienced. And all washed down with delicious fresh squeezed orange juice! It was really something else. The people at Club lucky have always been good to us. I find myself enjoying many meals here and always enjoy their famous Lucky Martini. This is a great place, must see for Chicago. Club Lucky is very much Chicago. Thanks guys!!
(5)L N.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Sit at the bar, order a martini and enjoy staring into your companion's face while you get toasty. Then order a bottle of wine and some appetizers such as the beef meatballs, the roasted garlic, and a salad to share. The bread is fresh and chewy and the olive oil and parm for dipping are abundant. You will be happy and full when all is said and done. It's fun to make friends at the bar and the music is usually great too.
(4)Jordan B.
Short Version - Terrible Wait - Great Drinks - Amazing Appetizers - Good Food Long Version A friend of mine lives across the street from Club Lucky so we decided to keep things close and have dinner there on a Saturday night. The only real downside of the evening came right at the beginning. We asked how long it would be for a group of five and they told us two and a half hours. Normally I don't crazy waits like this, especially at 8pm on a Saturday night. But with my friend living across the street, we decided to go have some drinks at his house while we waited. The general manager even took down our cell phone number and offered to call when our table was ready. 90 minutes later we got the call that our table was ready. Upon walking into the dining room I was really surprised. This place is twice as big as it looks on the outside and it was packed, always a good sign in my opinion. We started off the night with a round of martinis. Everyone ordered something different but they were all amazing. The gin blossom I ordered was maybe the best I have ever had. While waiting for our drinks, they brought out the bread and olive oil. My friend had been talking it up all night I was thought I was going to be let down. But to my surprise, it was unreal. I can easily say that they served the best bread and olive oil that I have ever had in my life. The olive oil is infused with garlic and Italian seasonings and the bread is soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. From there we ordered some appetizers. We had the calabrese calamari and the stuffed artichokes. I personally can't speak to the calamari, allergic to shellfish, but the table loved it. I did have some of the stuffed artichokes and they were good. Finally on to the meal. Among the table we tried the veal parm, fettuccine alfredo, and cavatelli wth vodka sauce. Everything was good but nothing was amazing. I would have to say that the cavatelli was the best. Its a pasta made from gnocchi ingredients. All and all, it was an amazing evening. We had sub par dinner the night before at Gene & Georgetti's and Club Lucky saved Chicago's food reputation.
(4)Josh V.
How the heck have I not reviewed Club Lucky yet?! I've eaten here more times than I can count. And actually, more times than I can remember. They have some delicious martinis... The food is generally good here. It's not out-of-this world amazing or anything, but I know I will always get a big portion of something tasty. I prefer to order off their special menus most of the time, since they usually have stuff that is yummy and unique. Their regular menu is fine, but mostly standard Italian fare. I do like their chicken parm! They also have pretty good pasta fagioli and bread. The service is for the most part better better than average, though they can have off nights like most places. The people that work there are friendly and the servers are professional. They have a full bar (did I mention the delish martinis yet?) and a respectable wine list. For some reason (perhaps this is an Italian thing?) they serve wine in what looks like little juice glasses, rather than standard wine glasses. I'm not sure how wine snobs feel about that, so this is an FYI for you. When the weather is nice, they have very pleasant outdoor seating. It's located on a quiet side street, which is a good atmosphere for dining al fresco. However if you're looking for people watching or to see-and-be-seen you won't find much of that here. The inside is nice too. It's dimly lit and clean. The main dining room can get quite loud at times. It can be a bit pricey, so it's not an every night place. But I try to get here once a month or so.
(4)Allison T.
My husband and I had our rehearsal dinner at Club Lucky in October--It was the perfect place for us, because that's where we met 3.5 years ago! In short, we would highly recommend it for any private event! The restaurant offers two spaces to choose from: (1) the private dining room, which seats about 30 people, or (2) part of the main dining room, which seats more than 30 people. We used the private dining room, which was great for our group--It was certainly "cozy" with 4 tables of 7-8 people each in a relatively small space, but that was the feel that we were going for. The food was fantastic--Club Lucky starts you off with their homemade bread with olive oil and parmesan cheese, yum! We chose a menu of sausage and peppers and calamari calabrese for appetizers, the Club Lucky and Caesar salads, lasagna and a special pasta, chicken marsala for the entree, and an assorted dessert platter. All of the food was delicious! The food was all served family style, which helped everyone (who didn't know each other well beforehand) get to know one another better. The restaurant offers drink packages or you can pay by consumption--We just ordered 3 bottles of wine (1 white and 2 red) per table ahead of time and just ordered additional bottles as needed throughout the night. I think this was more cost effective than the drink packages. The service was outstanding! Jim Higgins, one of the owners, was awesome to work with through the planning process, and he even allowed us to choose a pasta (housemade cavatelli with parmesan infused red sauce, sausage, veal, fresh ricotta and basil) to serve that was on their specials menu one night when we dined there. Club Lucky went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great night! If you go on a regular night, I highly recommend the Club Lucky Manhattan, meat/cheese Antipasto platter, carrot cake, and housemade limoncello!
(5)Alli W.
I love the atmosphere - we sat outside yesterday night and it was the perfect setting, not too loud and you had enough room. The fresh bread and olive oil is a great starter. I wish the menu was a tad bigger, but the overal dining experience and friendly, attentive staff makes up for any shortcomings. I will be returning!
(4)Crista L.
Club Lucky is a neighborhood gem, set back in Chicago's greatest neighborhood, Bucktown, just one block north of North Avenue. Upon entering Club Lucky, you'll notice the warmth of the place... and the jukebox. With retro decor and traditional italian food, Club Lucky will make anyone feel warm, cozy, nostalgic, comfortable. Perfect for a date night, a quick meal, friends night out, family, kids, or large groups. Casual dress. I've never had a bad meal at Club Lucky, one appetizer I will ALWAYS order is the Calamari Calabrese. This is the BEST CALAMARI I'VE EVER HAD!!! My friends & family agree. I've never experienced bad service at Club Lucky, the staff are all very friendly and accomodating. Love doggies? Club Lucky ALWAYS has fresh water and treats (we call them Scooby Snacks) right outside their door. It's adorable to watch all of the neighborhood doggies wag their tails as they approach the restaurant.
(4)anthony m.
The absolute worst Italian lunch we have just had. The lunch for 5 people came to a little over 87.00. And here is what we recieved: Burnt fries,so bad they were hollow and awful burgers , bad meat, and definitely NOT a half pounder as they claim , Mcdonalds would be superior compared to this poor excuse for food!!! Soggy old salad, yesterday's bread, three pats of butter for 9 slices, pasta with a tasteless greasy bolognese sauce with barely any meat, underdone penne pasta soaking wet. no grated cheese, no red pepper, and an extremely uninformed staff..all this for a mere 87.00...WOW!!!, hold me back..I would not recommend this place to an enemy, let alone a friend. To have to endure such slop is not only disgusting, but it is rude...especially with the favorable reputation this bucktown eatery has.They will definitely NOT be on my short list, I will endeavor to inform all my bucktown nieghboors what an awful lunch experience this has been, and we definitely WILL NOT be entertaining any clients there! I live and work in Bucktown , and entertain 6 nights a week, and trust me...I would rather starve then even consider visiting this miserablke excuse for a restaurant ever again.
(1)Diana P.
I wasn't blown away by Club Lucky but if you're looking for good hearty Italian, come here. It's a diner-like atmosphere however the lighting is very low, almost making it difficult to see what you're eating (and uncomfortable). The sauces are amazing and I have never had fried mozzarella like I had here-THE BEST!!! I was disappointed at the high prices due to the atmosphere and casualness (is that a word?). I'd imagine that this place would be great for a large group because portions are big so this restaurant is nice for sharing. Overall, Club Lucky is one of those neighborhood restaurants where there's no flash just good, simple Italian dishes (pasta, parmesan, etc.)
(4)Jill D.
Good drinks- it's a cute diner looking place - nothing too special but the food and service was good.
(4)Tiffaney G.
Old school Chi-town secret! The service is good, but the food is better. I have been here a handful of times, and I can't help but buy their homemade sauce at Whole Foods every week for our family meals. I have had a different dish every time I have visited and never been disappointed.
(5)Andrew S.
This is our go-to place for out of town guests and low key nights out. We always enjoy the fresh hot bread, the pastas, and my personal favorite, ribs. The cocktails are also incredible. The only thing holding me back from giving 5 stars is the bad lighting and very crowded seating. If you aren't lucky enough to get a booth, you can count on being bumped into every 5 minutes by a waiter or patron leaving their seat.
(4)Lisa S.
Club Lucky is always solid, not AMAZING, but solid. The drinks are definitely superior for a neighborhood restaurant. I had a dirty martini with blue cheese olives. My friends tried other martinis, and all were good. For starters, I had the stuffed artichoke, which was very tasty and not too heavy on stuffing. The chicken tortellini was very good, and the vodka sauce had just the right amount of cream to not be too heavy. The pine nuts in the sauce add just the right touch. Dessert was ok. We shared gelato, tiramisu and cannoli. The cannoli was a little dry, though I'm not a big cannoli fan anyway. To be honest, the pistachio gelato was probably the best dessert. I wish we had ordered the profiteroles, but oh well.
(4)Kammie G.
This is a cool restaurant hidden in Wicker Park. We sat outside in the patio and my friend said it reminds him of LA: the tables are very close together, cars driving by, the food was really good. The staff was accommodating although not as attentive as they should be. The veal marsala was delicious, and it was the first time I had veal in a restaurant (my mother makes it at home quite often though) and I have to say it was a pleasant experience and only deepened my appreciation for veal. We also shared the Club Lucky Salad which included a variety of grilled and raw veggies. The bread was warm and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. We had to ask for a plate with olive oil as they did apparently bring out the bread only with butter (yuck). The wine is served in cute little glasses although I think I like traditional wine glasses better, but that's all up to the person. In general, I liked being at this restaurant and will return.
(4)Tim S.
We used to go here when it was one of the few places in the hood and were never let down so when my old friend, who introduced me to the place, came in we decided to go check it out after all these years. It was a slow weeknight so the service was beyond attentive, when asked if they could make a specific dish we were happily accommodated. Servings are more than ample and very tasty, just like I remember. We retired to the bar for drinks and to watch the game to find the level of service carry to the bar as well. I will happily reintroduce it into the rounds after all these years.
(4)Steve M.
Ate outside at the buck town garden walk. The beer garden menu was pretty sad. Not much choice. Had the fried ravioli. I could see the cheese in it, but could not taste it. Cannot recommend the place.
(1)Emily P.
My grandma never cooks anymore, which makes me sad. With that said, Club Lucky had the best gnocchi I've had in YEARS. And an amazing cocktail or 3 to go with. The staff is incredibly friendly, our waiter was EXTREMELY attentive, and the servings were just right. I had going to a restaurant and they give me this giant serving that goes to waste because honestly...who can finish it? I still had leftovers after eating here, and gladly ate them for lunch the next day. This was my first visit here and I went with my boyfriend, who said he had been there before and it had improved drastically.
(5)Don H.
I always confuse this place with Silver Cloud. No reason to since they couldn't be more opposite. The first time I came to Club Lucky was during the holidays, snowy and all. When I walked in to pickup takeaway, it was a winter wonderland inside, albeit a much warmer version. Fast forward a few years, my partner and I decide to take our foodie friend for a celebratory (but late) birthday dinner. We stumbled here after other options were closed (it was a Sunday around 4p) and our friend hadn't been here for a while. The front was understated, though still drenched in a 1930s-era whiteness. The backroom and main dining room with something I didn't expect: almost a 1930s-era supper club. I actually was waiting for the same smell I've experienced in the cabin of, say, a 1937 Hudson Terraplane. We did it up with apps and dinner. We are not shy eaters and the portions did not disappoint. This is the type of restaurant I could take my dad: good value, giant portions and a doggie bag. It's also the kind of understated place to come on a second date (it's just a tad too loud for a first date). I got the rigatoni with sausage. For classical, simple Italian food it was rather good. Good flavors, a bit on the salty side. Classy food like this doesn't come cheap, however. With two apps, three dinners and no alcohol, the bill came to $90 without tip. Not cheap. But nice.
(3)Anthony M.
I am a little torn on this review...I use to be a regular at this restaurant about 14 years ago...this was my go to place where I brought my clients in from out of town and they just loved it. In fact, they would ask me to take them there when they were in town. Fast forward to today...yes it has been 14 years since I was here and I decided to take my wife here for lunch. Let's talk about the positives. Good thought in all of the Christmas decorations..they really care about the holidays because it takes time to hang everything in here. It is definately a nice festive atmosphere. The bread that hits the table is amazing...fresh, soft, crunchy and warm...just like I remember it...the bread gets 5 stars...best bread in the city. We had the Italian Pastina Soup...that was amazing...lots of pieces of shredded chicken in the bowl and really delicious. We also had the chicken Parm and this is where there was a let down. The side of pasta and red sauce was so good but the chicken parm was really bland. It was like the chef forgot to season the batter because it was lacking any taste at all. The chicken was also not juicy...it was a little dry. So that is where I am torn...everything was great except the main course and for 15 dollars you would think that the chicken would have been perfect...also it was less Chicken parm and more like 4 little bland chicken fingers covered in sauce. The management and chef really need to look at this because it is completely wrong. The waiter was amazing and really friendly...he did ask if everything was alright but I didnt have the heart to tell him that the chicken was terrible. I hate sending back food because I am afraid that they will add some special sauce to my order when it comes back to the table. Still a great location, great staff, amazing atmosphere, most of the food was really good too but I am talking about free bread, soup and the side...the main course was lacking in any wow factor!!! I wish Yelp had a half star because my review would be more of 3.5 Stars!!!
(4)Lori Taylor R.
Calamari! So many places offer it, so few do it right. Luckily, we've finally found amazing calamari and it's super close to home. The serving size was more than needed for a party of four. Although, our tiny two top table had no complaints polishing off the entire plate. This was by far the best calamari we've had in Chicago and possibly ever! It was cooked to perfection. Not overdone, tough or rubbery, but tender and flavorful. The pieces were enormous, not the typical thin rings, but large thick slices. Several preparations are offered. Even though, my review only mentions the Calamari - Our overall experience was great, but the Calamari is what my husband and I continue rave over.
(4)Mark A.
I have been to Club Lucky a few times and every time it seems to be getting worse. It is a shame because I do remember really enjoying it years ago. I am hoping they can get out of the rut they seem to be experiencing.
(2)Kerra C.
Great American-Italian joint. Cozy but so dark you can't even see the menu!
(4)Erika G.
This was my first "restaurant hangout" when I moved back to Chicago after a brief respite in heLL-A. The food was great, and after all those martinis I drank at CL (baby's grown up now, and is not so stupid), the food was a necessity. Best calamari in town, still. Vinegarette dressing, broiled, done - and sop up the rest with the delicious bread instead of having breaded calamari. Why bread something as delicious as calamri? Utterly yummy pasta, and always enough for a meal the next day. I love the family-style, somewhat boisterous vibe. Absolutely great for a group. My favorite bartender, that used to work here (see following review for Avec) is not here anymore. I used to bug him incessently about making me a martini with a baby gherkin garnish. Cute, huh? For awhile, there was a jar of baby gherkins behind the bar, just for me. I had my 32nd birthday here, ah yes. Meeeeeeeemmmmmmmmriiieeees!
(4)Michelle S.
I'm a huge fan. I went to Club Lucky in search of salmon. It was an early dinner (around 5pm) and I sat at the bar where a friendly bartender greeted me. I ordered hot tea, which was also refilled through out my experience. I modified my salmon to my liking and it came out perfect. It wasn't over cooked or undercooked, easy to eat with a fork, and perfectly seasoned. I will definitely be back. I couldn't wait to tell my friends about going there for our next dinner. I will definitely be back!
(5)Christina G.
This is a nice casual diner-style restaurant with good Italian food. I didn't try the bread but my family loved it and it came out warm which is a plus for bread. I see other people think the prices are high, but really I feel like the prices are reasonable. One nice thing is you can add a donation when you get your check to the National MS Society.
(3)Brian M.
Been here a handful of times and every time I'm impressed with Club Lucky. They have some amazing dishes that really stand out amongst Italian restaurants across Chicago. First the bread is great, hard and crusty, fresh baked. Their Calamari both grilled and fried will come out cooked to perfection. The Fish salad is a great app, but also goes great as a meal, I've had it for lunch a few times and it's really a great mix. I've had the veal oreganato here when it's on special, it's incredible, I recommend it to anyone that would normally order a parm or vesuvio dish. You'll be blown away. Also had the lasagna with veal meatballs. Very rarely will i order lasagna at an Italian restaurant, since it's not that hard of a dish to make ok, but to make it great, it's pretty tough. Well Club Lucky does a fantastic job with their lasagna, a great blend of cheese, meat, sauce, and pasta. Also the veal meatballs are great and much better then any meatballs I've ever had.
(5)Robin R.
Went to Club Lucky on a recent Saturday night fairly late (9:30), I live pretty close and walk by a fair amount and there always seemed to be people there so I put it on my list to try. The fact that they serve food late is a major plus in my book. The service was quite nice and friendly, but I was surprised by the menu, it's what I would term "very traditional american" italian, but that's not itself a bad thing. The food was a solid meh, my girlfriend got the tortellini with vodka sauce, the tortellini seemed to be homemade but the sauce seemed premade, my linguini with olive oil and garlic and grilled chicken was good and quite flavorful but didn't feel worth $16. In the end $55 for 2 beers, 1 bruschetta, 2 pasta dishes (not fresh pasta) was dissappointing. I'll not go out of my way to dine at Club Lucky again but probably would go if I was craving generic Italian
(2)P A.
Had an amazing pasta experience here on 2 occasions. My hubby and I agree, this pasta is so fresh, so perfectly made, the sauce and meatballs are the best, the absolute best so far that we have found in the City of Chicago. This pasta fills us up, it is always steaming hot, genuine, delicious, aromatic and more. WE DO NOT FEEL BLOATED after eating here, which amazes us because we also eat so much of the bread as well while dipping in olive oil. The ambience is nice here and the service so far has been very professional. I had a french martini, good but the glass was too small and chincy - not like to big fancy martini glasses at Mortons.....so I'm confused why they claim that they are famous for martinis while there choice of the glass is so small.....
(5)Tom M.
I go there annually 5 years running w/ my buddy to take the edge off the night before the Chicago Triathlon. This time we dined al fresco w/ 2 other friends also participating in the event. I think they changed the menu a little this year but figured it out w/ the help of the always attentive staff and ordered the old stand by Caprese salad, grilled Calamari, and for the main course Filet Peperonata which honestly could use a couple more potato wedges (my only criticism). Polished this off w/ a couple cold beers to carb load for the next days race and left w/ a full belly and looking forward to returning again next year.
(4)Zuri B.
Every day on my way to work and home I drive by the big Club Lucky sign so when a friend recommended it (knowing Italian is my favorite of all foods) I couldn't wait. I was very disappointed in the service, the food, the look of the place and its overall cheap feel. Don't get me wrong, I love Bucktown and I wasn't expecting Bijans downtown but I felt this place is very "one and done". I rather eat with the kids from Jersey Shore than go back to this wannabe Goodfellas diner. But that's just one man's opinion...
(1)Erin M.
I really wanted to love this place but the food was lacking that wow factor. The bread is homemade, warm and amazing. The soups and salads are fantastic but as far as the actual dishes go, they just are passable. Ambiance is great. Service is friendly too.
(3)Richard C.
I lived in this neighborhood for a year and less than a block from Club Lucky. I finally went tonight and it was just OK. We went on a Friday night and had to wait 30 at the bar, which was OK, but the drinks weren't cheap and I didn't see anyone drinking beer. Also, this will sound weird, but the ergonomics of the bar are bad. I felt like my feet kept hitting the wood and I had to make a huge effort just to lean my whole body over the bar to hold onto my drink. You'll know when you go there. The linguine, garlic, and olive oil entree with grilled chicken was actually quite tasty. I could tell the garlic was fresh, chicken grilled well, and olive oil was quality. The bread appetizer was fresh and hot, too. The atmosphere, however, was awful: TOO LOUD and TOO DARK. I couldn't hear my waiter and then had to use my iPhone as a flashlight to read the menu, whose descriptions are in 6-point italics. Weird that most people complain about the food and love the atmosphere. I'm the opposite. I might return to try the patio so I can escape the jail-cell-like decor while still getting the food, but the prices are kind of a rip off anyway.
(3)Jeffrey W.
10 years ago I would have given Club Lucky 4, maybe even 5 stars. I've only been here twice in the past 18 months, because their prices keep going up and nothing has really changed. We went to dinner this week and it was the overall experience was less than average. The good: the stuffed artichoke, the bread and the lasagna. The bad: the drinks, linguine with clams and the overall experience for the price. $10 for a stuffed artichoke? Really? I had a glass of the most expensive cabernet ($9.50) and my glass came only half full. The linguine with clams was bland and the clams did not seem fresh. I'm not sure I'm every coming back here. I'm not a hater as I once loved this place when the food tasted better and the prices were more reasonable. $14.95 for basic pasta squares?? Come on, these used to be $8.99 7 or 8 years ago. But hey, all the new yuppies and families that live in this neighborhood are happy to pay those prices, so whatever. So our total bill for the stuffed artichoke, two entrees and two drinks was more than $75 (with tip). No thanks. This doesn't mean that I might not stop back for a martini, which is still the only thing that remains good.
(2)Ben K.
Club Lucky is alright. The food is solid (a tasty if atypical penne arrabiatta and very nice calamari). The atmosphere feels fairly casual but seems to attract a trendy, well-dressed crowd. There's a nice outdoor patio. My only real complaint is the price. There are a ton of great italian restaurants around and this one totally lacks authenticity. If I'm paying $17-20 a plate for a nice italian meal, I want to feel like I'm getting something real. This experience was kind of cookie cutter.
(3)Amy H.
All I knew of Club Lucky was that it was a stop on the annual Chiditarod - Epic Urban Iditarod. The interior was cool...I liked the bar-stools...and the bathroom was clean. Beyond that, the only experience that I had with Club Lucky was drinking beerz in the side lot while I protected my shopping cart from sabotage. Well, the other night I actually dined at Club Lucky. It was good. I enjoyed my chicken parmigiana and a few glasses of pinot noir. The grilled calamari was yuuu-huuuu-my!! The little squids were covered in a garlicky tomato sauce with capers in it. Odd...but it worked. I wanted to lick the plate, but thought my date would think it was tacky...or he might have been impressed. Who knows? Now here is something that really irked me. They were filming a commercial of some sort on the night I was there. The guy that was doing the filming did not ask the people dining if they wanted to be filmed...he would just shine his bright klieg light on them and start rolling. As my server was delivering my chicken parmigiana the film dude told the server to take my plate away and serve me again so he could get it on film. Huh??? First, I don't want to be filmed. I want to enjoy my meal. Second, I'm farking hungry and I want my food!! Third, how about asking if I would like to be part of this little commercial and asking if I would mind being re-served my dish before you take it away??? I pulled the manager aside and he said that if I didn't want to be filmed they would take me off, but it was too late. I was already irritated by the film dude. This is something that he should mention before he started randomly filming people. I really just wanted to enjoy my meal and the added distraction and akwardness of the film dude made it impossible. That the owners/management of Club Lucky allowed this to happen makes me deduct one star.
(3)Caitlyn M.
This place does not disappoint! We go for the ambiance and the food, we always leave happy and STUFFED! I wake up dreaming of the Calamari Calabrese - it's delicious! I also would recommend their red sauce, the lasagna, the arrabiata sauce and their bread (careful not to eat too much before your giant meal comes!). You will not regret topping all that off with their Tiramisu or Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake! Mangia' italiano!
(4)Nicolas H.
Huge fan of the bar here. I've had a few of the appetizers and they were damn good, don't get me wrong, but for some reason we keep coming back to the bar to hang out and always have a good time. The drinks are great, especially since I had my first anchovy stuffed olive here. Oh, and don't forget the service, some of the best bartenders in the city...
(5)Heather S.
Wonderful meal - food and service were great. Very good italian food. We sat outside on a gorgeous day! The drinks were really great!!
(4)Kari S.
I used to love club lucky, now I will probably not go back. A week ago my husband and I took my parents for dinner. We shared two salads, numerous glasses of wine, and each ordered an entree. I asked for several pieces of rotini pasta for my 9 month old baby, and was shocked when we were charged $5.00 for it. I needed about 5 pieces to cut up, they brought about 10. Regardless of the 5 or 10 noodles, I am completely appalled that we were charged $5 after what our bill amounted to with all of our dinners. I fully understand charging for kids who actually eat, but I just needed something to give my daughter to keep her busy. I would have gladly given her some of my food but there were pine nuts, and that is an allergen (you aren't supposed to give to babies under 1). I hope I am not sounding like one of those parents who think that because they have kids, they deserve ___ (let me also note we tip extra because of said eater-in-training), but I really don't think I'm off base with asking an ITALIAN restaurant to give me just a few pieces of cooked pasta. Let's agree that the cost of cooked pasta is negligible and that what they charged us was borderline robbery. Ciao Club Lucky.
(2)Scott F.
Awesome neighborhood spot with kickass Italian food and the best damn martinis in the hood. Scotty is one of the best bartenders around. Seriously, if you haven't, check this spot out!
(5)Ela G.
Hi Neighbor! I live right across the street from Club Lucky, so when I'm so lazy and tired that I can't even be bothered to make myself cereal, I go to Club Lucky. I've been there enough now to know that there are a few things they do really well, and a few that are just "Eh". Here are some highlights for me: Bread - crusty and delicious and warm. Hook me up with some olive oil and parm cheese. Yes. Club Lucky Salad - so simple but their dressing is the perfect combination of tangy and tart. Shrimp Scampi - Delcious and garlicy to the max with tons of flavor and lemon. On the menu you have to choose between spinach or fettucine, but I say order it with BOTH. There's an up-charge but so worth it. Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parm, Lasagna, etc. etc. - If you're looking for the traditional italian favorites, I think Club Lucky is great. It's not outside the box in any way, but the relaxed atmosphere and dependable food will satisfy your craving for italian well-enough. Also check out the bar - on any night of the week it's a great time with friends. Also the special menu often times has the best selections on the menu, so investigate that. The service is almost always excelletn here, and I especially thank the busboys who are friendly and attentive. Note for improvement - I WISH they made their own pasta - that would totally take club lucky to the next level...PLEASE!
(3)Marni P.
Club Lucky- The Boy and I met here 6.5 yrs ago. I thank you for that (most of the time). Kudos to you for offering gluten free pasta. I don't need it, but it makes me feel good and skinnier anyways. Eggplant parm is my go-to dish here. Thin and layered, like lasagna. Warm bread and olive oil (you have to ask for it) is a can't miss! We lived across the street up until a week ago. Would've thought we'd be much more like regulars here, but we just found ourselves elsewhere more often. Love the patio during the summer and the dog-friendliness of it all. Good food, great casual vibe, upbeat atmosphere.
(4)J W.
I so wish I could give the 4 stars Club Lucky deserves, but closing out the bill was such a circus that I just can't do it. 6:30 reservations for 7 people on Friday, we were seated in the dining room. Only a few other tables, but within an hour the number of diners had risen appropriately for the city dinner hour. The bread is as amazing as everyone raves, just don't fill up before dinner! Drinks are reasonable and they have a nice list of custom cocktails and specialty wines- you're sure to find something you like. The tortellini is out of this world, I love pine nuts and the sauce was perfectly thick and tasty without being too much. Someone had the sausage and peppers, someone else had the ribs, someone else ordered their October pink pasta (proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness)... everyone was pleased with their food!!! WIN!!! I spoke with the server before we ordered to alert her that we would be having three separate tabs, she said it wouldn't be a problem, that she could not split it up while we were ordering but that she could do it when we were closing out. 8:00 Given the check, with everything on one tab 8:10 Server stops by, I ask her if she could please split it up as we previously discussed? No, the system won't allow it, you have to do it yourself 8:20 Server stops by, she sees that we split it up by card ie: card #1 gets this, this, and this... No, I need you to do the math and tell me how much goes on each card 8:30 Math Math Math (not fun after several cocktails), server stops by and picks up the math and the cards 8:40 Server comes back, she can't split the tab after all, it all has to be on one card. Really? You didn't know that before? She gives us back the three cards, we give her one card. Math down the drain I guess. 8:50 Server comes back, she was able to put the tab on the three cards after all, she presents us with the receipts for the three cards that she has already given back to us!!! How is the correct math on these three cards when you just said it couldn't be done??? 9:00 Tab paid. We can leave now. Am I hungry again? This additional hour of frustration and confusion really put a kibosh on an otherwise lovely experience. My father spoke with the manager, who blamed the whole ordeal on their ancient PoS system. Technology can be updated and servers can be trained, time can't be returned. And on top of that we walked outside and there was a massive line of people waiting to be seated. It is unfortunate that those people had to wait an hour to drink and eat when they could have been seated a while ago... (I'm not a heartless person, I've been a server and I know it gets busy and hectic- but I always appreciated the upfront table who would give me a heads up about separate checks, and if it wasn't possible to accommodate their request I would verbalize it, this particular situation had minimal to no communication and we really did far more work than I ever imagined) I have always had a good time at Club Lucky but I felt terrible that my out of town guests had to sit through the ordeal. I will go back, but not with a large group and maybe I wait until they get a new PoS System.
(2)Matt S.
Tucked away on the side streets of Bucktown, this is a place that we truly stumbled upon. After moving into the area, we stopped one day for a quick brunch and were pleasantly surprised with the options and vowed to come back for dinner. In the midst of summer, on Friday night we decided to make our way back. Thinking (mistakenly) that we wouldn't need reservations, we just walked over. The place still appeared to be the quiet neighborhood joint we thought it was after brunch. Not. So. We opened the front door and entered a raucous, loud (stereotypically Italian) restaurant where the host/owner appeared to know almost everyone there. We had to wait an hour for our table and spent the time having a martini and their calamari. The menu is your typical Italian, but everything is homemade and the quality of ingredients is top notch! You can't miss with the lasagna and they also have a very nice healthy(ish) pasta with chicken, asparagus that is tossed in olive oil. Highly recommend this place!
(4)Czarina C.
Here's lookin at you, kid. Goodbye present-day Bucktown and hello Chicago circa 1940s. My husband and I were just taking a walk enjoying the spring evening when we walked right past a giant ad for Club Lucky painted onto the brick exterior of a building with an arrow pointing down the street. On a lark, we decided to follow it and found ourselves at Club Lucky, which looked like it came straight off a movie set starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. We didn't feel like waiting 30 minutes for a table outside so we opted for a booth in the main dining room in the back. Good thing we did, because I happen to love booths and this one was just like butta baby. The dining room was large, with a floor made for dancing and dated drapes and fixtures. You can kind of tell this place must have been the shiz back in the day, but I had no idea it was even nestled here in my own neighborhood. The bread was warm and chunky, served traditional style with all the olive oil, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese a girl could want. We also ordered a bottle of Moscato (I'm a fan of dessert before dinner) and started with the Mozzarella Fritti (freshly breaded and fried buffalo mozzarella) which was deeelish. I ordered Chicken Parmigiana (one of my standby Italian food staples) and it was good, but not as breaded as I normally like. It was huge though so I ate it for lunch two days later and somehow it tasted better as leftovers. Can't decide if that's a good thing or not. Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed the family style feel of this joint, and the food was good enough to want to come back and try something else. 3.5 stars for sure.
(3)Stacy C.
I just went to Club Lucky and cannot say enough good things about it. They have the friendliest staff that make you feel right at home. Everything I have ever ordered has been delicious and is a huge portion.
(5)MP J.
Food is fine, not great but good. Have eaten there several times but ordered tonight via grub hub, why not, had a promo code (Club Lucky is a bit overpriced for a run of the mill Friday night). In any event not sure if the problem is grub hub or Club Lucky but the promo code did not work, no discount. I'm not much one for second chances with restaurants or, really any service provider so unlikely I will use grub hub or order or go to Club Lucky again. Too many other choices to live with bad service.
(2)Kathleen C.
Ah, Club Lucky...I had been giving glowing reviews to anyone who would listen about you! What have you done? So, in all fairness, I have only visited Club Lucky twice...once on the patio and once inside (both for dinner). My first visit was superb. The food was delicious, the service was great and I thought the pricing was very reasonable. I would have given you a 4 Club Lucky! For my second visit, I was with a group and we were trying to carb load (sort of) for a race, so I figured Club Lucky would be a perfect place to visit. I will say that service of the host is fantastic. We were disappointed to hear about a 45min to an hour wait, but hey, we didn't have reservations, so shame on us. However, after about 20 min, the host let us know that a reservation had bailed, so we could have their table - yay! so, a 5 for the host! Service at the table...however...left a bit to be desired. Our server was nice enough, but I would call him overbearing. One of my friends commented that he only seemed to come around to try and up sell us something (wine anyone?). The most blatant up sell was his attempt to get us to order more appetizers...we had already ordered the sausage as well as the pizza bread (plus the bread that came with the table was also there...) for a table of 5. He was pushing calamari on top of that (thankfully, we declined). And for the 5 of us...we had too much food in terms of appetizers, so not sure why he seemed so skeptical of our order. He also came multiple times to try and get us to order wine (now, this is not unusual at restaurants, but when a few of us didn't order glasses, he kept asking and asking....). We had to decline dessert a few times... So, this server, while friendly enough I guess, annoyed us..and is bringing service all the way down to a 3. The atmosphere is nice (nicer on the patio) and really loud inside, so I'm going to with a 3. Bathrooms - quite nice and clean, so a 4. On to the food.... The first visit was delicious. I was not so impressed by my second visit. My chicken Parmesan was not very flavorful and tasted like something I could get anywhere. It was ok, but not spectacular. I tried one of the pastas and it was really salty. The general consensus of the table was that the food was ok, but not great (well, aside from the lamb special which was devoured). So, a 3 for food...ok, but nothing special. The value is pretty good. I would say that you get a lot of food for the price, so that's nice. A 4 for value. I was so disappointed in my second visit....I wish it had been more like the first!
(3)Robert P.
What a great place. Really great food and incredible drinks. Thanks Laurie!!!!
(5)Liz L.
Good solid food, everything tastes fresh, and enough options for vegetarians to keep me happy, although there isn't a lot. The staff is friendly and, best of all, they have plenty of outdoor seating if you want to tie your dog next to the table.
(4)Maggie M.
really good food, but it was very loud.
(4)Kori E.
We have been talking about going to Club Lucky for quite some time, and finally made it here last Friday night and this place was packed! The dining room literally has table upon table pushed up against each other to accommodate the masses! We sat down at our table, and looking around the place I seriously felt like I was back in time! HA! I loved it! We ordered the special appetizer - the mussel and they were delicious! Especially the garlicky salty piece of bread stuck in the broth! mmm! I got the Penne Arrabiata, ever since I came back from Italy two years ago I have been hunting down that delicious spicy arrabiata sauce, and its not easy to find! Club Lucky did a pretty good job with it. It was spicy and delicious! My boyfriend got the Pork Chop Vesuvio - I dont eat pork, so I have no idea what it tasted like, but the spinach and potatoes that went with it were very good! We ordered the tiramisu for our dessert and it was nothing special at all, we could have done without. The reason I am giving four stars is because of our excellent waitress! She was probably one of the best waitresses I've had in a very long time! All and all, I'm pretty sure we'll be back...
(4)Taryn T.
Out with friends and want a super affordable, delicious, sit-down Italian dinner? Get the family-style portions here. Four of us ate a three-course meal (salad, brick chicken, pasta, broccoli, and cannolis and coffee for dessert) and the total was $60... meaning $15 per person, plus tip. YES, you read that correctly. Club Lucky has a nice-sized patio section, and the people watching there is great - the restaurant is tucked away from the main Wicker Park drag and surrounded by single-family homes, so it's very calm and you'll see a lot of awesome dogs being paraded around on the sidewalks through the course of your meal. Loved it and would definitely go back!
(4)Vanessa R.
This place is way too overpriced for the quality of the food... I've had better italian from Buitoni!!! BUT they serve a nice stiff drink!
(3)Stephanie C.
I went here for a friend's surprise birthday party and really had a great time. We had a large party (about 14 people) and were given a room in the back of the restaurant which we shared with another large party. The service was great; wine came out a regular clip and they allowed us to take our time ordering, eating and didn't rush us out at point. We had a bunch of different appetizers, the calamari and caprese salad were on point and great for large parties. Everyone ordered their own entrees and I think the majority of folks ordered a pasta based dish. Only one person said they weren't thrilled with their order (ravioli), but everyone else seemed to be pretty happy. We had almost one of each desserts were equally tasty as well as some grappa and limoncello. This place can get loud, but is a great neighborhood location.
(4)Rick S.
This one of my favorite places in Chicago for really good Italian food. It never seems to disappoint me, even if its been awhile since I have visited. The food is always great, the martinis excellent, the prices reasonable and the atmosphere wonderful. A wonderful place to meet for a special date. And a great place for a more mature crowd.
(5)Andy M.
Another great Chicago lounge and eatery. The back Italin food area is great but pricey. They have a front bar with no beer on tap for you lounge snobs. The decor and hidden location makes this another bucktown trendy place to go for locals. This is a nice retro neighborhood eatery that those who live nearby should be ashamed if they never gave it a try. The prices are high but if you can afford to live in this area you should not complain about food prices of places near by such as this that makes your area awsome.
(4)Lydia T.
Club lucky..you are definitely missed! Even though I live in the Italian Market area in Philly I still think of you fondly. Totally should be visited if you are in the neighborhood!
(3)MELEK L.
Never heard about nor seen Club Lucky before. Apparently I am the only one! My friends told me this used to be THE place to be "back in the day". It seems to me that they haven't changed much in all those years. It is extremely old skool with gigantic booths, ironic drapes, and that general checkered floor feeling. I ordered the Spicy Penne and my date had the Chicken Parm. Though my date never offered me a bite (shame), his dish looked pretty good. Plenty of cheese and a generous side of pasta. My penne was simple yet tasty with the perfect amount of spiciness. Honestly a little boring and not loaded with "plenty of basil" as stated on the menu. Sadly the dining room was lonely with only a few tables occupied. But there were two things even more sad. The way the waiter shuffled around, for instance. I don't know exactly why, but this drives me nuts. Pick up your feet!! And the sad, sad lump of cookie they plopped on the table for dessert. (Brownstone's cookie skillet has completely ruined all future cookie desserts for me.) It was maybe 1.5-2 inches thick and rock hard. Thankfully it was topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, so I could pretend to get my sweet on. The thing that impressed me most about Club Lucky was the manager (I assume) who made sure to thank us on our way out. The thing that impressed me the least was the dirty bathroom. Still, I would go back.
(3)Susan S.
Truly loved this place. Found it in Time Out Chicago and tried it. I always look for baked clams so this was why I chose it. It's nothing to look at from the outside, but what a place. I love the bar; it's so Mad Men era. Anyway, the clams weren't anything to write about, but we had the special pasta with tomato cream sauce and sausage and it was just so delicious! I had the drink special; the one they concocted on their own and it was quite fun and tasty. I just loved the atmosphere and the food. I love Italian salad dressing; being a NY'er I always look for a good, basic house italian vinegar dressing and it was just what I wanted. I will definitely be back. It was nice to sit outside in a quiet neighborhood sort of atmosphere, as well.
(4)Bess R.
I've been going to Club Lucky for the 6 years I've lived in Chicago, and it's always a good standard. We had a great time last night with a group of 6. Went for an early reservation (6:15) and were seated right away. The bread was perfect, and we had the waiter bring us some olive oil which we quickly mixed with some fresh parmesan cheese. mmm... We started with the Bruschetta and Grilled Calamari. Both were tasty (and the calamari was very tender!). I had the Chicken Parm for dinner. It was exactly as expected - tender chicken and zesty marinara sauce. My hubby had the pork chops and liked them a lot. They now offer gluten-free pasta too! Everyone actually loved their meals. Their food is standard Italian and perfectly done. Down sides? Drinks were WAY expensive. 8.50 for a little vodka soda? hmm. Couple screaming kids too, but I guess there's not much you can do about that. Great night, great meal. We'll be back!
(4)Lynsay L.
I love the classic vibe that this restaurant gives off. From the music to the decor, it has a cozy "mom's kitchen" feel. And if your mom gets down in the kitchen like mine does...then you know what I'm talking about. After a few drinks at the bar (kilo kaitini...yes, please), serviced by a super friendly and witty bartender, we capitalized on the gorgeous weather an opted to sit outside. Continued great service, outstanding calamari, tender filet, and yummy, yummy gnocchi (both Specials for the evening.) Warm tollhouse cookie for dessert. Done and done. I was definitely feelin' Lucky.
(4)Ryan T.
This place is just classy. I go hear about once a month, it is a great place during the day to meet with a friend or hold a business meeting. At night it is a killer neighborhood hang out. Everything they serve is top notch. They have great soups in the winter, their salads are crisp and delicious. Their bread is amazing. All of their entrees are goud (I like the eggplant sandwhich), though be warned a bit on the large side (it is Italian food after all). They make a great dring too. The beer is always cold.
(5)Christine L.
I love you Club Lucky. Let me count the ways... One. Your supper club charm. From the first moment I stepped foot into your door and into a picture of the 40s and 50s I was swept off my feet. Two. Your amazing Italian fare. Never have I been disappointed with the fruits of your kitchen. From the homemade noodles and sauce of your pastas to the chicken marsala and the eggplant parmesan. Every morsel is satisfying and filling. Three. Your generous portion sizes. Dinner for tonight and lunch for tomorrow? Why of course! The morning after one of your mouth watering meals is a test to my willpower to save my delectable leftovers until the lunchtime hour. I may or may not have eaten your fare for breakfast on occasion. Nom, nom, nom. Four. Your party atmosphere. Your dining room is filled with laughter and voices and chaos, making me feel as though I am in the kitchen of a long lost Italian grandmother and surrounded by friends. Five. Your private party room. My love of you Club Lucky is apparent and what better place to hold my wedding rehearsal dinner than in an atmosphere I adore? Sharing a five course meal and dozens of carafes of wine with my closest family and friends was a perfect evening. Your private party room was perfectly sized for our group of 35. Accolades from all in attendance of course. So many reasons to adore you Club Lucky, and one more? Why your convenient location within walking distance of my abode. Singing your praises till my next excursion...
(5)Kathy J.
Went here on a Saturday night mostly due to location and easy access via public transit. The food was very good. We had the veggie antipasta which was a plentiful array of fresh grilled vegetables. Our pasta dishes were good also.We were quickly and warmly greeted by the host and were seated right at our reservation time. The service went downhill after our initial welcome. The service was slow and not very cordial. In addition, our waiter tried to make us feel responsible for his lack of attention. We asked for wine with the meal. The meal was delivered by our busman. After we had been eating for a while I looked around for our server. He was no where to be found. When we finally did see him and flag him (literally) down. He said "I didn't forget you pal, I was waiting for the food to come out." I am not sure how he would have known the food came out as he didn't follow it out and he was not in the dining area. Long after we had finished eating and were ready to leave he finally came to check on us and said, "yeah it looked like you weren't interested in dessert." Again, I don't know how he would have known that. One person in our group asked him for marinara which eventually did come out after quite a bit of time, thanks to the busman- but again, our server was not very attentive. Actually, there were many busman hustling around but few servers available. One waitress came out on the floor eating. The dining room was very noisy and made it difficult for conversation. For $170 dinner for 4 I would have expected a better experience, a more interested server, and a quieter environment.
(3)Nick R.
Steve is the man! Great suggestions. Fantastic meals always and a regular customer! Outdoor seating in the summer too.
(5)Mary Ann C.
We brought a group of six here tonight for dinner and had a lovely time! I have wanted to try this place for years, and we finally got the chance tonight! Service was great. The decor was lovely. There were plenty of families (which made it better for us, as we have a toddler) but also many couples. Fresh, warm bread was readily provided, and we paired it with calamari. Yumm! Can't go wrong with either of these! I had the chicken tortellini for dinner, served with peas and pinenuts in a red cream sauce. It was lovely! Others at the table enjoyed the chicken vesuvio and lasagna. My daughter was gobbling up my sister's chicken and spaghetti. However, at two, I am not sure if she was just having fun or if she is a reliable reviewer for Yelp! This was a great spot for a family outing, and we can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Frieda H.
Club Lucky is one of our favorite places because of the combination of good food, relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and close proximity. My husband and I like a wide range of items on the menu especially the Grilled Calamari, Shrimp Scampi and Linguini with Shrimp and Broccoli. I also recommend the Tilapia special from our last visit. We have to restrain ourselves with the warm bread they bring you because you can make a meal out of that with the olive oil for dipping. Love just sitting at the bar with friends for martinis and listening to the excellent selection of 70s and 80s music on the juke box. Lots of trendy places come and go in Wicker Park but Club Lucky is reliably consistent.
(4)robert m.
We had dinner on New Years Eve. Having arrived about 30 minutes early for our reservation, I was surprised they sat us immediately. The service was friendly & generally spot on. Our server was there when we needed her & not when we didn't. A big win there. The foood was solid. We started off with standard fried calamari & the Calabrese Fried Calamari. The plain rendition was cooked well. However, the breading could use a kick up in the seasonings. The Calabrese version was excellent! For our entrees, I had the special Filet & Scallops, my wife the veal parmigiana, my son the pork chops (all veggies on the side), and our friend had a linguine dish. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The portions were so large, we had plenty to take home. I wouldn't call this the best Italian in the city, but it was very solid on this night. Oh, I forgot to mention the bread. It is ridiculously good. Very fresh, excellent recipe. I wish they would serve it with an herbed butter though. But one shouldn't be picky! In summary, great night! Good service, Good Food!!!
(5)Stolie G.
AWESOME! AWESOME! I'm a very picky eater, especially when it comes to italian food, I came here to celebrate a new job... we came kinda late, they still let us in and gave us the best service.. The food was Delish!! I would highly recommend coming here.. it's also a perfect date spot.
(5)Manuela Z.
Married to the Mob meets Town Hall wedding DJ. Love the decor - 40's style bright red leathah booths big enough to sleep on. Buhht the town hall wedding music has to go. I kept looking around wondering when the dollar dance was going to break out. I walked in expecting tables of good fellas and their precious head smacking families but got oodles of noodles and decent meatballs. Not like mom used to make but not bad either. OH and watch out for the screaming kids.
(3)amy h.
Love this place. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere. Really, what more could you ask for? You should save room for the carrot cake, for sure.
(5)Heather N.
Went last night for a nice dinner and just felt let down. A friend and I went a few years back after trying the sauce at Whole Foods and loved it. What happened? Got a table quickly and then came the waiter. He was pushy, extremely unfriendly, and made me want to leave. The food is good (bit overpriced) and extremely filling, which seemed to be the one plus. Still love the house sauce. Long story short, don't go on the weekend and sit in the back. You'll feel like you should have just gone elsewhere and waited.
(2)Andy T.
Food is solid. Really enjoyed my martini. I love the location and atmosphere. The place is fun without being too pretentious. I quite like the veal meatballs. There are other Italian spots I prefer for food, but something about this place always keeps us coming back. The portions are quite large and the taste is simple but solid. I think it would be really great for a smallish gathering with friends and family. Kind of a comfortable noisiness to the place.
(4)Tess G.
We sat outside because it was so nice but the charm of the inside was great! The pastas were delicious and you could definitely tell they were homemade----not to mention the bread as well! This is a great spot tucked into a neighborhood---will definitely go back.
(4)Carrie B.
I've dined at Club Lucky many times, but just decided to review it for the first time. While the menu offers plenty of Italian options including pastas, chicken and seafood, I find the food to be just average. I'd much rather go to any of the Francesca's or Tuscany for my Italian fix. I always get pasta or chicken Parmesan, so I thought I'd get something I've never tried and ordered the Chicken Francese. It was okay, but SO much better at Maggiano's. My boyfriend had the homemade ravioli, which was pretty good. Also, be warned that you WILL wait at least an extra 20-30 minutes even with a reservation. We had an 8:30 reservation on a Saturday night, and didn't get seated until close to 9 pm, and that was after my boyfriend complained twice to the manager and hostess. While waiting at the bar, I had a Flirtini martini, which I didn't like at all. The bartender was rude and not friendly when we asked her for drink suggestions. Seriously, I've had nicer bar service at some hole in the wall dives! There goes your tip, lady. After waiting, we get seated in the worst possible table - a table meant for 4, literally right in front of the kitchen. So awkward but at this point we were just hungry so we dealt, but not such a great ambiance with waiters, busboys and waitresses running back and forth in between our table shuffling plates above their heads right past me. It's like they were trying to stuff one more table in, and placed it directly in the back to the point where you are basically sitting in the kitchen. (In past experiences, I've always had a nice booth or two-top table.) Once we left, the manager stopped us and apologized for the long wait and handed us his business card to call him in the future. We didn't really care, because as my boyfriend pointed out, if you want to really take care of your customers, send them a round of drinks or comp the bill or something, not hand us your stupid business card! Too late, buddy. I want to like Club Lucky more - it's always packed, I really like the atmosphere and the cute patio in the summer time - but I have found the food to be just alright, nothing special, the past few times I have come in.
(3)Mark K.
Favorite place to go for a night out. Good bar, good tunes and good food. love the ribs and fish dishes.
(5)Emilee J.
I don't have much new to add, I see most of the other reviews covered the GREAT food and OK service. Our waiter was nice, but should have stopped by more often and I think the kitchen was running behind. BUT worth the wait! Will be coming back again, getting hungry just thinking about it
(4)Chris P.
I recently moved right around the corner from Club Lucky and it has become a staple in our lineup since moving to the neighborhood. The outdoor area is great and the interior is large and comfortable. Service is always excellent as is the food. I would recommend the Club Lucky salad and recently served a tray of it at a small party I had at home. Valet is great as this area is difficult to park if you are coming from a different hood. We'll be back again and again.
(4)John H.
Service was great at the outside patio. The food was beyound delicious and the clamari was fresh and perfectly prepared. I always say Greek Islands has the best , but Club lucky hit a home run. Stay away from the fried version as it is way too salty. The shrimp were huge and perfectly cooked. I shy away from sea food at many restaurants, but not at here. The restaurant is just a joy to go too, especially because you are attended to so well.
(5)Vickie L.
After years of seeing the signs for Club Lucky on North Ave, we finally ventured in for some Italian food (as Lucia was closed for a private event.) We were hesitate upon walking in because the bar area is small and narrow, but around the corner was a huge dining room. It is so darn cute inside, lots of character, like eating in someone's home. There were a lot of people eating here on a Sunday night. They brought nice fresh baked bread to the table and it was warm and crusty. We ordered Bruschetta to start and got 5 big pcs, there were huge chunks of tomato on top, yummy. Even better with the parmesan they leave on the table. Entrees - I got one of the specials of the evening which was homemade tortellini with chicken, in a tomato cream sauce with peas. The tortellini was pretty tasty, very thick, too big for 1 bite. I thought there were too many peas in the dish. The sauce was very good, but needed salt. I added parmesan cheese instead. Portion was not very big, but I exercised some self restraint and only ate about 2/3 leaving 1/3 for lunch the next day. The 3 other people at the table both got the spaghetti w/ marinara. They charge $3-4 extra to add 2 meatballs or 1 sausage link. The meatballs were quite big, but the sausage link was kind of a ripoff. The waitress said it was big but she must have been thinking the size before cooking, because it was quite small when it came to the table. Oh well. There was nothing spectacular about spaghetti, in fact it was quite under whelming. From what I tasted, it kind of tasted like a Lean Cuisine pasta dish. It needed a lot of salt and it was not sauce enough. They had to ask for extra sauce. Prices - I think they were a bit high priced for italian staples, and the portions were a little bit oversized, but for the prices they charged, you would expect a lot bigger portions. I didn't think they were "family sized" portions. I also don't get why they charge so much for extras either. The $3-4 for meatballs/sausage, and it's an extra $6 for chicken on the fettucini alfredo! They better give you 1/2 of a chicken for that! Service - Service was very good. Our server was very attentive, and they filled our bread bowl twice and water was filled a lot. Total at the end of the meal including tax (not tip) was $60 for 1 appetizer and 3 entrees.
(3)Jet L.
The service is friendly and great- the dinner is cute especially around Christmas- lots of lights and dim lighting... I LOVE the club Lucky salad- one of my FAVORITES!!! But beyond that just for me everything else is ok that I have tried- but good.... the Bread and oil are good- the prices are fair to high though...
(3)Will H.
Mediocre, watered-down, Americanized, pseudo-Italian, overpriced food and drinks.
(2)mimi r.
Went on a Monday night so not rushed or crowded. Great atmosphere. Really tasty house salad (olives, peppers, tomatoes). Shrimp scampi needed a little more garlic or seasonings. Spinach was perfect. Very pleasant for a week night group, all decorated for holidays.
(4)Ern E.
I went here with my boyfriend last weekend. I picked it out so it's kind of my fault not knowing what the place served. Aside from that, neither of us were all that hungry. My boyfriend got the calamari appetizer, while I just got a house salad. He seemed to be happy with the mammoth-portioned appetizer, while I really, truly loved this damn salad. I'm a picky, picky, picky eater...and the pickiest with salads, and this one was a surprise that knocked my socks off! Seriously, it was so simple and to the point, but done very well. What it comes down to: despite the menu being pretty limited, kind of pricey and not all that appetizing (massive portions of kind of boring, Americanized Italian food), I really loved the old school supper club atmosphere this place has. And if you like seafood, try the calamari appetizer, and if you like salad, try one of theirs! I would like to come back to this place again soon when I'm on an empty stomach. It may bring more stars next time around! :)
(2)Javier B.
On a roll with mediocre Italian retaurants! I have been to Club Lucky a few times over the years. I like the atmosphere and it is always fun to walk the streets of Buck Town. The food here is very average and basic Italian food. Really, Italian food for beginners. The problem...it is incredibly over-priced! When you pay $18 for a plate of pasta with bolognese sauce, you can't help but think that you have just been horribly ripped off. Also spotty service. Basket of bread with butter? OK, I guess not that weird, but at least also offer olive oil. Asked the server who then proceeded to dissapear for 10 minutes. Guess that can happen sometimes in a busy restaurant, but when you are getting ripped off, at least give good service.
(2)valiha s.
Big fan of this place. Great pasta... great atmosphere and service. Every time we've been we've been greeted like we were old friends. Did i say great pasta? We've had all sorts of menu items and they've all been dynamite. The specials are always good... the last time we went my husband ordered the gnocchi and it was so fluffy and held the sauce. So good. Portions are large and we always say, lets just go and get appetizers at the bar... but end up walking in and wanting apps, meals and cocktails! Totally recommend this place.
(4)Benjamin V.
Homemade Italian-themed menu which is overall average but there are a few gems I've found: 1- Club Lucky salad. 2- any dish which includes their meatballs. 3- homemade pistachio gelato. The service is not strikingly good nor bad. The ambiance is retro, cozy, and laid-back with plenty of room between tables. Similar to other reviewers, I found the lighting too dim in the dining area.
(3)Bruno A.
Food too expensive for what you get. Not incredibly expensive, but not when I go out for Italian I expect something a little nicer and a little tastier. The service isn't fantastic, which is strange considering there was more waitstaff than patrons. It seemed they were only around when they needed something. The decor is nice though with an old school vibe and the bar looks like a good place to hang out. It's not a restaurant I would go back to though. There are much better ones around.
(3)Lisa B.
I hate to do this....for years I've considered Club Lucky one of my favorite restaurants. Its kind of expensive, so I don't go very often. Went in on a Friday after having a long, crappy week, excited to relax with some wine and enjoy some comfort food. My first mistake was veering away from my usual favorite, fettucini alfredo with broccoli. I decided to order something different for the first time and went for the penne arrabiata and broccoli; my boyfriend ordered ribs. We were both sorely disappointed. The ribs looked like mushroom soup had been dumped on them, and the potatoes they came with were quite raw. Whatever the strange, green/brown sauce was on the meat was disgusting. I'm a vegetarian but even I could see from across the table the color of the meat indicated it was WAY overcooked. My pasta was just....boring. It was described as "loaded with basil" but it wasn't loaded with anything but blandness. I mean there was no salt or pepper or A N Y T H I N G. Hint of spicy, but that's it. We could have saved $75 and made pasta at home - would have been way, way better and much cheaper. Our waitress neglected to ask if we wanted a second glass of wine until we were done with our meal. And how we had 2 glasses of wine and 2 entrees only (no dessert, no appetizer, no second drink) and the total was that much, I have no idea. Sorry Club Lucky, its just not worth it.
(1)Julia F.
eh. the first time i went (albeit after two martinis), i was WOWED. the second time, not so much. we had a 7 p.m. reservation. arrived at 6:59. the first thing the host said to us: "just so you know, we have an 8:30 reservation for your table. not to be rude." i said, "so - are you going to kick us out at 8:30?" oh and FYI buddy - that IS rude. also, the food was just OK. and they were clearly rushing us out - our food arrived literally within 1-2 minutes of us ordering. not cool.
(2)Hans M.
Killer Itallian!! Started with the calamari and club lucky salad. The sausage and peppers were on point also. Ended with the penne bolognese, superb. Awesome Chi Town eatery.
(4)Randi S.
Favorite place in the city for Italian! Best fried calamari, meatballs, and sauce! Every time we have a great meal. We frequently recommend this place to friends and family. The atmosphere is classic, with it's retro look and jukebox. I absolutely love the patio in the summer. The service is fantastic - I especially like the bartenders who make great martinis.
(5)Ashley K.
I like that this place is a little off the beaten path. It's much more relaxing of an environment than the six corners. Had a Caprese sandwich that was piled high with fresh mozzarella, so you can't complain with that. That day, one of the owners was covering for the bartender and he was very nice and welcoming. I will be back.
(4)Brittany F.
This was about our third trip to Club Lucky and again it was very satisfying. The atmosphere is very inviting with a dimly lit, vintage 50's style corner neighborhood bar feel. While the food is not going to blow you away, its been consistently good each trip. The Club Lucky salad to share is probably my favorite menu item. This place can be a little pricey, but the portions are so large and there's a wide range of stiffly made cocktails and irish coffees for after dinner that make it worthwhile for a nice dinner out.
(3)Carol K.
Club Lucky is always a consistent choice! From it's Naugahyde booths to its retro 50's style bar this is a comfortable place to enjoy your fav Italian dishes. Went there the other night and had the cavetelli (yummy!) and the penne with sausage. For an appetizer, try the antipasto plate (not the vegetable one but the one with the variety of meats and cheeses. ) What comes for a mere $13 is a nicely arranged assortment of provolone and Parmesan cheeses, salami, ham, prosciutto and olives. Couple this with the bread that is served along with dinner and it's almost a meal in its self- but save room for one of their great pastas! Service is attentive but not overbearing. The bar makes a great dirty martini and the juke box is filled with great songs- many of which I hadn't heard in years! The bartenders are friendly and are willing to strike up a conversation with you at a moments notice! Street parking is often difficult but they do have valet parking for those of you driving in the neighborhood. For predictable Italian that everyone will love- Club Lucky hits the mark. It's like going to your Italian grandma's house on a Sunday afternoon!
(4)Rhonda R.
I so wanted to love this place. I live nearby and was meeting a friend for drinks and snacks after her hair cut at Art+Science on Milwaukee. We knew we would sit at the bar so expectations were minimal. It was packed. Mostly people waiting for tables in the dining room. Seemed like a nice mixed crowd from the neighborhood. It was loud and lively. Nice start for a Friday. It took forever to get a drink. I drink a lot and I would have loved to catch a buzz but the bartender was ... I would like to have thought he was swamped but he just wasn't that busy. For me to have just two drinks in three hours sitting at the bar I can only assume I was being ignored. My friend is really hot and I think she could only get two drinks as well. We finally got a look at the menu. Nothing special there. We ended up with calamari, the fried cheese discs and an over dressed caesar salad. I had to ask for more olive oil twice with extended waits to get anyone's attention. We would have ordered wine with our food, something after and possibly dessert. We thought we ordered a night cap but they were not received. We finally canceled the order and got the check. As it was our bill was over $75!!! WTF. There was one really annoying moment when the bartender passed a drink between my friend and I to a guest behind us. We were in the middle of a conversation. We had to stop talking and move apart to keep from being hit in the face by a beer bottle. It was among one of the rudest, most unprofessional restaurant/bar experiences I have ever had. Chicago has certainly caused me to lower my service expectations. I am still surprised when even my lowered standards are exceeded. The food was passable, the bar service was pretty ... off. I won't go back. There are too many other great Italian places.
(2)Becky H.
great little spot... late evening al fresco dining. cool neighborhood makes for good people watching & snippets of interesting conversations buzzing past. very sweet staff.... cant remember our waitress's name, but she noticed I had my hair done & told me to work it :) had a nice glass of white with my pasta. prices were a bit more than i expected but a solid experience through & through.
(4)Amanda Z.
This place, like many fantastic restaurants in this town, sends you back to another era...in a fantastic way. The decor is very retro, and the service is fantastic. Great list of wines and cocktails, you won't go thirsty here. The mangotini was delightful. We had a good sampling of the offerings at dinner: fried calamari to start (delightful), fettucine alfredo, pasta special with rock shrimp, and tilapia special (which was divine in a white wine and caper sauce...mmm!). We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Our service was quite good (we had some assistance in ordering from this hot young chef). A few drinks at the bar with the friendly bartender and the bar full of lively folks topped off a lovely evening with my fabulous girlfriends. It's tucked away in a neighborhood which adds to its charm. Great for a date, a girls night out, or a family dinner, this place could adapt to fit the bill for nearly anything.
(4)Ryan W.
This is not fine dining. This is the best Italian-style--strike that--goodfellas-style dining there is. Good wine, good pasta, excellent service, and a really cool atmosphere. This is not A Tavola or Terra Gusta or Bice or any other upscale Italian trattoria. This is a quintessentially American, mob-flavored experience, replete with good booze, and delicious Italian flavors treated with respect. I've waited for a table for 30 minutes in the (over-crowded) bar whilst sipping a well-prepared martini, happy as a displaced Irishman in Napoli could be, only to be pleasantly surprised by the meal to come. (The bolognese is terrific.) I've also taken my family here on a Thursday night at 9:45 PM, when we had the whole place to ourselves. And I need to say something about the guy I assume to be Lucky, if there is actually a Lucky. He is awesome. Whether we call late to see if they're still serving, or wander in (as was our first experience) on a busy evening, he's always there to welcome you. He always makes it seem like there's no problem that your appearance might sprout a few more gray hairs out of his noggin. This is a fun little neighborhood trattoria and worthy of a try. May not be for everyone, but for its purpose, it succeeds admirably.
(4)Jake R.
I've been here a couple of times, and I honestly can't remember what I got. I know it was good, but not amazing. The desert, however, is fantastic. The Tollhouse Cookie is incredible (not as good as the Legendary Cubby Cookie from Cubby Bear) and the apple pie was great. Overall, a pretty good place to eat.
(3)Carol M.
I went here on a date over the weekend. We were both very impressed. Our waiter was really on top of things and even pretty patient when we weren't ready with our order yet. Dinner comes w/ some good hearty white bread that they serve with olive oil laced with red pepper (I wasn't really a fan...little too spicy for me). I had the fettuccini scampi with spinach in a light oil sauce. I loved it! Great seasoning on the shrimp and the pasta was perfectly "al dente". My date had the chicken parmigiana and couldn't stop raving about it (although he admitted his doubts about this place when I first recommended it). The cannoli's were good. Three bite sized per order, but I was looking for the chocolate chip pieces and didn't find one till the last bite of the last cannoli. But I'm a little cheap and I like massive amounts of food for a $17ish pasta plate and the portions were merely decent. (what can I say..I'm american!) So I'll probably save this place for special occasions. 5/52
(4)pellet s.
Such a waste of atmosphere, location and former glory. Club Lucky wasn't spectacular when it opened 20 years ago but it was solid; but like the rest of Bucktown it has become nothing but an empty shell of soul-less marketing and me-too opportunism. When the yupsters' money runs out, perhaps the management at Club Lucky will return to providing a worthy product and service. As it stands now, they are under-staffed, under-trained and over-priced . Upon arriving at 6pm, we interrupted the gaggle of FOH staff at the service bar and were given a booth in the empty main dining room with water and a menu. After perusing the menu for 15 minutes and drinking four pints of water, we met our server who brought the specials and wines by the glass menu and asked if we would like something to drink. (I still love the water from those aluminum pitchers and the Italian porters' wait jackets though) As I was hungry, I asked to have the food arrive in the order it was most quickly prepared. So we had our one pasta served first. I assumed that they had split the dish in the kitchen and the runner had only brought half of the order. But no, $18 now buys you 3oz of box pasta, 3 overcooked shrimp, 4 leaves of spinach and 4oz of olive oil. OK, EVOO is expensive, but I don't need to drink the shit. Next comes the melrose pepper salad and antipasto board, except it's not the board of meats and cheeses that I pointed to on the specials menu; it's the vegetarian option from the regular menu that I specifically said I did not want. Digging into the $12 salad, we find that the peppers are not roasted as stated, but deep fried, every prep cook's favorite cheat. I could almost excuse that had they taken the time to remove the core and seeds and skin, but no, these still had congealed droplets of oil on them. Buried under these travesties were two of yesterday's slimy cardboard tomato slices, and a small mountain of overdressed limp romaine. Maybe, I'm paying for the 55 gal drums of olive oil they must use. Finally the antipasto board arrives w/ the olives that were missing from the salad. This is actually one of the better deals in town, granting that you can get 2 subs on Grand Ave consisting of the same meats for @ the same price. Good proscuitto, soppressata, and salami. Tasty olive mix, and though the pimentos were canned, I suspect they are imported because they were good too. A short word on the service. Twelve busboys, two servers and one food runner. Three dining areas seating @ 150? And a manager/host picking out songs on the jukebox while another table sends back it's order. What's wrong with this picture?
(2)Antonio M.
Fun place, good food, cool location. an especially nice set up for a medium-larger groups. Excellent drinks.
(4)Jen M.
Went here for lunch with a friend on a Thursday afternoon. We sat at the bar. The front room is pretty small (about 10 chairs at the bar, 3 booths). The decor is classic old school (dare I say "oldies") including the juke box that spins greats like Sam Cook. I ordered the penne arrabiatta. It was a solid 3 stars. I also ordered a sidecar of meatballs. Definitely 4 stars. I am a big fan of Volare downtown and I'd say Club Lucky is maybe a 1/2 star of a lower rating than Volare. Club Lucky is a solid neighborhood choice.
(3)Christy Q.
I just went with a good friend and wow! I loved the decor! The ambiance is very retro- and no it doesn't need a facelift or updating. It's cool. My only warning is that it gets pretty loud in here, so if you are with a large group it might be tough to hear all the convo. But for a few people, it's great. First off, hats off to any restaurant that serves WARM bread- WARM BREAD! I devoured the bread! I always feel cheated when they can't be bothered to warm the bread. Club Lucky warms their bread! We started with the calamari. I wasn't in love with it. I just didn't get into it. I sort of picked at it. But the waiter said everyone loves it and other tables around me seemed to devour theirs- so perhaps I'm a bad calamari judge. I had the lasagna with a side of meatballs. DELICIOUS! My friend had some special which was like 2 giant swirls of noodle and yummy ingredients inside. A girl who sat down at the table next to us looked at my friends plate and asked her waiter what the heck it was cuz it just looked so darn good. I will for sure return!
(4)Jenna N.
What a cute place! Love the decor, very retro. I'd been wanting to go here for some time and me and the bf decided to get together with some friends we haven't seen in awhile so this was a perfect venue. The bread is to die for, though they didn't provide any olive oil...just butter. The French Martini is amazing and highly addictive, but at $10 per drink it can get costly. I had the traditional shrimp scampi for dinner and it was...surprisingly lacking in the flavor department but still decent and I enjoyed it. The spinach my dish came with was very good and tasted extremely fresh. Oddly, the valet guys were the nicest people in the whole restaurant. We wanted to go to a bar after dinner and it was only a couple blocks away so it wasn't worth driving to. I asked the valet if I could leave my car there and they were more than happy to just give me the keys so that I could pick it up even after they closed. My biggest complaint is about our waitress, Sarah. She wasn't awful, but she wasn't exactly friendly either. Almost immediately after we decided against dessert she pushed the check on us and did not return to our table again until we were ready to pay...some 30 minutes later. We weren't even done with our drinks and we wanted a little time to digest our meal but she never asked if we wanted anything else to drink after that. Our bill was well over $200 so I guess I expected just a little bit of friendliness and tolerance from her. I'd go back here again, MAYBE, so long as I don't get the same waitress.
(3)Sam B.
Great little italian place. The food was above average. I had the penne arribiata with salsiccia. I have never met an arribiata sauce didn't like. The wait staff was pleasant and attentive for the most part -- although they seemed to forget about us after we got out food. The bread here is awesome! My only complaint was that we kept getting pestered to order drinks/wine/desert/appetizers etc. We were just going for a quick bite on a wednesday night -- and the wait staff didn't seem to recognize this. This place is also good for families. They were very accommodating for the families we saw.
(4)Jim K.
I've been visiting Club Lucky for over 15 years, and have had many a good meal here. But unfortunately, Club Lucky is no longer the restaurant it once was. Though it still has the same neighborhood atmosphere and friendly waitstaff, the food is poor. This is based on the last 2 visits to the restaurant, both while on trips to Chicago. The mini-loaf of bread arrived cold, dry and hard (not crusty) - it was obviously day-old bread. We had the Club Lucky Salad, another favorite - there were a couple of hairs in the salad, clearly not from anyone at the table. Then there were the main courses - we ordered Penne Arrabiatta, Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Meatballs, and a kid's order of Spaghetti. All of the pasta was clearly boxed pasta, boiled for too long. The tomato gravy was way too salty and drowning the pasta in all of the dishes. The chicken in the chicken parm hadn't been pounded enough, so was tough and also overcooked. Club Lucky really deserves 2 stars at best for food, but I'm giving it 3 stars because of the competent waitstaff and the fact that it's family-friendly.
(3)Dest S.
Club Lucky came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. The martinis were how cold? ICE COLD. The dessert, a warm cookie with chocolate sauce and ice cream was so good I almost passed out. Our waiter was super friendly and attentive. Oh yeah, and the food was good, too.
(5)Melissa H.
A neighborhood restaurant tucked away in the center of Bucktown.....sits Club Lucky with its Retro Diner decor and fantastic food! We started with the Grilled Calamari, with a red pepper and caper Relish that rocked my squid like no other. Next up was Spaghetti. Sometimes you just crave the simplest of dishes. It was Terrific, exactly how I like Spaghetti but better! Finished it up with an assortment of cookies. The little almond cookie gave a new meaning to the "Almond Cookie" in my book. The Biscotti and the Coconut cookie were also very good. An outdoor patio is a must for any restaurant during the summer in Chicago........and this one was perfecto!
(4)Corinna K.
I don't care how yummy the food might be--there's plenty of quality restaurants in Wicker Park--because Club Lucky looks like a Friday's with a hint of class. Another problem is how the "music" can be heard blocks away. I unfortunately have to endure the Counting Crows cover bands from my house. Regardless of who the bands sound like, they could have come out of my Mom's car radio in the mid-90s. If the bad music stops, maybe I'll give this place a second try. Until then...
(1)Donna J.
All they had going for them was their sauce. My boyfriend had the cheese stuffed ravioli and I had penne arriabata. I guess I'm just not a big fan of 'al dente' pasta because my pasta was definitely still hard. The prices are too high for what you get. I've had better.
(1)John K.
This place defines traditional american italian food. Great place to bring your parents. Neat atmosphere (was an old mob hang out). This is like a higher quality version of olive garden or magiano's. Always have nice specials. WIne is cheap. My parents love love love this place. I prefer Antico down the street.
(4)Jen N.
This is a great place to go for a dinner with your family. Except for the time there was a metal staple in my food. I have been here many times, because the food is very good Italian. It is not bland, it has a very good flavor and is consistently good. Not eating meat-dishes, sometimes Italian dishes can be pretty bland or boring, not the case here. The Eggplant Parmesan was fabulous, and the salad was good. The bread is sooooo great. The people I've dined with have always liked their food, too. The atmosphere is nice, sort of retro and "supper club", it's nice without being fancy. They do have valet, but you will probably find parking within a couple blocks. They also have a small bar when you first walk in. The reason I gave three stars, and not five... One time I was eating, about 1/3 way through my dish, and I bit onto something hard that scratched my cheek. LUCKILY, I spit it out. It was a staple. Yes, a metal staple. I immediately lost my appetite. I told the server, who grabbed the manager who explained "the to-go station is close to the food area, so it must have fallen in there." Ok, I guess that can happen. But the seriousness of swallowing an open staple, isn't that dangerous? Would it not have cut my throat or become lodged in my throat? They did not comp the dinner or anything, they offered me a free desert.
(3)Manda H.
I really liked Club Lucky. I have wanted to go here for quite some time. Luckily last Friday my friend and I were feeling a little pasta so we made our way to Club Lucky. I didn't know what to expect. I love the people (especially the guys at the bar!) and the food was great. I asked the server what she recommended since it was my first time. I ended up with the eggplant parmigiana and it was perfect. The bread was addicting and after a few vodka sevens I was in heaven. I can't wait to come back with a larger group of people to eat family style.
(4)Brian S.
This place is really good. Its a little steep as far as drink costs but the food is worth every penny. Portions are big enough to share. Decor is 50's retro and cool. The chicken stuffed tortellini is my favorite dish. The staff is on top of their game. I did an online reservation for the first time and It was nice because as I was leaving they said goodbye using my last name. I like a place that makes a personable gesture. Highly recommended!
(4)Nick S.
Club Lucky is that rare restaurant that you can take anyone from your cheap, anal retentive uncle to your overly-pierced and tattooed cousin. The ambiance is nostalgic, service is above average and the food is consistent and competent. Club Lucky gets the coveted 5 star review because it's the stand by or no brainer. It's good for couples and parties of 4 or more.
(5)Ashley L.
The food, wine, atmosphere, and service at Club Lucky are wonderful. Great for a group of friends or a fun date night. It has a warm, cozy environment even though the seating area is quite large. It can get a bit noisy, but that's never bothered me. Highly recommend.
(5)Lourdes A.
When you walk in, it seems that the only seating that exists is the 4 booths off of the bar area. Well, there is a WHOLE other side to this place with lots and lots of tables but when we peeked in there it seemed so cavernous and unappealing that we decided to wait for one of the 4 booths in the bar area. We had a couple of beers at the bar, which is awesome. It is a small bar area but the bartenders were friendly and the atmosphere was genuinely relaxed. The music was from another era but it added to the charm of the place. This is a great place to just relax and have a few drinks at the bar without obnoxious drunks trying to talk to you. It seemed a more mature crowd but it worked. When we were finally seated, we ordered a caprese salad as an appetizer, which was ok. For my main dish, I ordered a pesto pasta dish off of the specials menu, which was good but not great. The lighting was nearly non-existent in the booth area (I think they rely on the bar lighting to carry over into the booth area) but I think that helped give the place that relaxed vibe so I won't complain too much about that. All in all, it is a decent culinary experience, if a little pricey.
(3)Dave S.
We knew we were going to enjoy our night at Club Lucky starting with the gracious host, Jeremy, who adds a lot of character to the restaurant, not that it needs anymore. This place is a true hidden gem and we will be returning very soon. The food was phenomenal, as was the waitstaff and chef. If you haven't dined at Club Lucky you are missing out.
(5)Allison B.
What on earth has happened to this place? With it's "tin roof, Frank Sinatra music, mob style feel" It used to be a nice hangout to bring out of town guests for decent, basic Italian food. Well scrap the decent food. Everything we ordered during our recent visit tasted like cafeteria food. My ravioli looked like they came out of a frozen food package from Jewel Osco and it was chewy. Yuck. Halfway through the meal, my sister's baby started sticking out his tongue and blowing raspberries - yes, my thoughts exactly too kid. One star only because the bread was warm and the wine arrived quickly.
(1)Angel G.
Highly recommend this place for brunch, lunch, and brinner. The bloody Mary's are mighty delicious and come garnished with an anti-pasta deli platter on a toothpick. Enjoyed the eggs and pesto dish partially because of my fetish for all things pesto. The waiter Edwin went above and beyond traditional service and even offered me a scone. I would have preferred a shot or more pesto, but I will take a scone. Lets just say that Edwin is gonna get a Christmas card come December. Great neighborhood spot!
(4)Tiff B.
This is one of the very few restaurants in Wicker Park/Bucktown that will accept a Saturday night reservation for a group larger than 10 people without requiring everyone to order of some limited crappy menu. They get 3 stars for that alone! Plus, there's valet parking for those that must drive. The food itself is pretty standard. It's not as good as the Italian food offered at Francesca's down the street, but eh, it's three times better than the Olive Garden and the employees are very friendly.
(4)Julie H.
Club Lucky... I could nickname this place Old Faithful. It's really consistent and really great. There are so many things to like about Club Lucky: FOOD: I would consider it pretty traditional Italian food, no frills, but generous portions that you can definitely share. I always get the grilled chicken breast, which comes with broccoli and a little bit of spaghetti. There are some great appetizers for sharing, too, and they have a BIG SALAD that I love. DRINKS: Killer martinis. Blue cheese stuffed olives. Cozy, retro bar with an awesome jukebox. Whats not to enjoy? AMBIANCE: The beauty of Club Lucky is that it pleases all crowds. Its got a great neighborhood atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to go on a weeknight. Its tame enough that you can bring your family (even kids). But its lively enough for a Friday/Saturday night out. Club Lucky is a great time all around.
(4)