TODAY WE ARE GONNA GET LUCKY. In the wee bits of the early morning, with the sky shrouded in shadows and the streets empty of exuberant life, I was thinking that it would be just another breakfast in Dallas. However, when I walked into Lucky's Cafe, I saw all an explosion of life: people eating, laughing, and enjoying their breakfast. The good vibes are as plentiful as their menu offerings; did I mention that they will serve all meals at breakfast? Ladies and gentlemen, definitely feel lucky when you walk through those double doors. Now, back to the food... The Food: BREAKFAST WORTH EATING AND ENJOYING. The meal starts off with an offering of fresh corn bread muffins and biscuits. The corn muffins are sweet while the biscuits are fluffy. Enjoy them with the tabletop butter, jam, and honey. Chicken Fried Steak with 2 Sides (Onion Rings & Roasted Broccoli): CHICKEN FRIED WORTH CHISELING DOWN. Simple and clean, the Chicken Fried Steak is crispy and crunchy on the outside, meaty and fatty on the inside, and generously covered in gravy. The beef itself resonates with beefiness, like a soft steak with the chewing already done for you. The fried breading does not add flavor or anything memorable (-1 star), but the gravy provided a smooth, creaminess that woke up my Southern taste buds. The onion rings were perfectly crisp and not soggy at all, while crunchy on the inside. The roasted broccoli had a fragrant earthiness, hardiness, and smokiness that added some boldness to this classic song and dance. Reuben Sandwich: NY TASTE IN A DALLAS CAFE. Peppery pastrami hugged between crispy sourdough toast with an ever-so-pleasant sauerkraut without the pungent smell that kicks you in the throat. Swiss cheese is usually very mild, but here it steps up and makes its presence known to the pastrami and sauerkraut, slightly controlling their intensity. With one bite, I had a brief glimpse down memory lane back in NY, but without paying $25 for sandwich (fuhget about it!). Definitely recommend this Reuben for those seeking something hearty, meaty, and overall good eats. The Verdict: GET LUCKY AT LUCKY'S CAFE. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but most of the time, it is often the plainest meal. Lucky's Cafe changes that by offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options at breakfast time. The Chicken Fried Steak comes with two sides of a large variety of options. Overall, it is the perfect balance of crispy and crunchy on the outside and chewy and meaty on the inside. The Reuben has all the makings of a fine sandwich with its peppery pastrami, mildly sour sauerkraut, creamy swiss cheese, and sourdough toast. The warm, fresh corn bread muffins and biscuits have that baked at home feeling that will stuff you up. I may just come back for the Banana Cognac Pancakes (sounds like a grandiose Bananas Foster on Pancakes), Bird Benedict, and Pot Roast Hash. Stay tuned. read more

Luckys Cafe - Free Cornbread and Biscuits. Oh yes please. - American Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Food was great! The service was pretty good. It is very tight seating but it works. I would go back.

Ordered from them because they had a $3 delivery special through Favor. Best decision ever!!!! The Favor driver had my food to me in less than 30minutes which shows the promptness of the restaurant as well. I had chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes and okra. AMAZING! The breading was very flavorful and chicken very juicy and tender. They also provided muffins and cornbread made from scratch and I can't decide which one I like better so I usually get both. I ordered take-out on a Friday night and the restaurant was packed. The server was taking to-go orders and serving tables. However, the service was still great and was treated as if there was not a crowd at all. Great diner feel with lots of food options, breakfast all day, great prices and amazing service! They will be one of my go to delivery options and I wlll be trying breakfast next as well as dining in. read more

Luckys Cafe - Grilled chicken breast, potatoes and creamed corn (take-out) - American Near Me - Dallas, Texas

This is a well-deserved update. We visited again this past Saturday - walking in in the midst of a mad brunch rush at about 11:30. The wait was 20 minutes - which ended up being closer to 30-35 - but I didn't mind. We'd gotten stellar parking karma right out front, kid was in a good mood, and the bar will serve you while you wait to be seated - so an Irish coffee kept me warm and content. The gentleman who hustles people in and to their tables is a treat. He's got an entertaining character and kind demeanor and honestly makes you want to just chat and get to know him - a conversation that would be punctuated by sudden cattle-calls of patrons to open tables. Half the time, those on the list have wedged into a bar seat and gone ahead and ordered a meal - Do him a favor folks, and let him know so he doesn't have to scream your name and hunt you down just to move on. I also observed him very sweetly grab a chair and assist a blind woman to her seat so she didn't have to stand, like most of us, the entire time we waited. It was a very kind gesture which inspired kindness in me that day, so I applaud him for it. The food this time: Huge improvement. I had the Southwest Omelette - which includes cheddar and is smothered with black beans, with the potatoes again on the side. The wait this time for the food, despite the mad brunch rush, was completely reasonable. My server, she was sweet as pie and even guarded the bathroom door when my five year old visited the lu, which is way above and beyond. My daughter's pancakes were perfection - hot and fluffy and soft and sweet. And the mimosa was fantastic. the first visit I had the blood orange. This time I had a classic and it was quite yum. So - sweet redemption. I'm glad I gave Lucky's another chance, and I'm glad they came through. Come in with patience, be prepared to stand and wait, and be okay with that. If you're a fan of Tex-Mex style breakfasts and prefer savory to sweet, get the Southwest Omelette instead of the Huevos Rancheros and you're good to go. Next time, I'll probably request the potatoes be on the crisp side - but with special requests, I'll be keeping in mind that I'm not the only guest nor the most important and that poor kitchen is slammed. read more

Luckys Cafe - Southwest Omelette - American Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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This has been my go to place for several years and during the pandemic. I just learned last night that Shane who has been there for years as a manager no longer has a position as a manager. It's very sad as the food is good but no way to treat a loyal employee. Shane always knows how to prepare my food and I must say that when I go in and Shane is not there the food tastes different. He knows exactly how to tell the cooks how to make my food as I have been going there for years. Unfortunately, last night was my last night at Lucky's. Very sad day for all of his loyal customers. We will be finding other restaurants. It was funny because other customers of Shane's said the same thing last night that nobody else knows how to get our orders perfect like Shane. read more

First time we went in was for lunch. We split a grilled cheese and each got a cup of tomato basil soup. The grilled cheese lived up to its description on the menu. Yeah it was sleezy and cheesy filled with onions, bacon, tomatoes, and, green chile's. We both liked it. The tomato basil was unlike any I've had. It was chunky and thick, but lacked good flavor. Kinda felt like they dumped some tomatoes in a blender, punched chop, then served as soup. Didn't do it for us. We went back for breakfast. Jeezus! JFC! This was hands down without a doubt the worst breakfast I have had in Dallas. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and, I get my Irish up when places screw it up. I asked the waiter if they had sausage gravy. He looked at me, puzzled, and said: "We have gravy that has pepper in it". WTF? No, they don't have sausage gravy. I got wheat toast instead of biscuit and gravy. The toast was hard and dry and unbuttered. The bacon was so salty I felt my urethra starting to dry out. The breakfast came with "Country Potatoes". WOW. WTF?. I have never experienced anything like that. I don't really know WTF was going on with those potatoes. Sheesh!I told my waiter that I was unhappy with my food and he blew me off with a Ya, Ya, Ya. Mr Ya Ya got little tip. Overall the breakfast was a $28 disastrous disappointment. They should really rethink about that their breakfast cook. Seriously speaking I've had better at Denny's. We won't be back. One star for the grilled cheese. read more

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This is true local-diner dining! With all-day breakfast, Lucky's is a perfect spot for lunch, brunch or breakfast. Food here is consistently delicious! Farm-to-table goodness means everything is fresh and well prepared. A few touches set Lucky's apart from your average diner: cinnamon butter with pancakes, complimentary biscuits or cornbread with honey at every table, full bar, and welcoming decor. Inside is always clean and bright! Service is great and food comes out quickly! Ask for one of Kevin's tables for excellent service! read more

Lucky is a good place to drop in and grab a bite if your in the area. The service is good, professional and friendly. The decor is definitely channeling the 1950's Diner vibe so I'm not sure why they call themselves a "Cafe" but hey you say tomato and I say diner! The menu is large, tons of items to choose from which always makes me bit nervous. A place this size with a menu this large usually means I am going to get food fresh from the freezer or can. I'm from the school of doing a few things and do them well but I just eat at these places so what do I know? After the great service and ok food I was a little disappointed to see my check, I definitely felt I was overcharged for what we received. I am in no hurry to go back but if I'm in the area and super hungry I would give them another try. read more

My friend had a hankering for some chicken fried steak, so we decided to give Lucky's a try. The space feels nice and dinery, and the service was decent. They started us off with a basket of free cornbread and biscuits. The cornbread was delicious, but sadly, it was the best part of the meal. The biscuits were really dry, and we didn't feel the need to finish them. For the main course, I got fish and chips with a side of dirty rice. The fish was not terrible, but I only felt compelled to eat half of it. I didn't even want to take the leftovers home. The sides were really bland, and I definitely wouldn't try them again. My friends got the steak and chicken fried chicken, and neither of them were particularly impressed with their food either. Overall, Lucky's wasn't horrible, and the prices were decent, but there are just too many better options in the area for me to eat there again. The next time I get a craving for diner food, I'll go to Buzzbrews down the street. read more

I eat here several times a week and the food is always good, the service friendly, fast, and efficient...but not rushed. James often waits on me and it's always a pleasure to see him. This is my favorite breakfast spot in Dallas, and I also enjoy it for lunch! read more

This is a great local place you can tell they truly care about the food the service and coming from food this is so great!

I placed an order through Grub Hub. I came inside and it was pretty busy so I just picked up my food and left. Once I was ready to eat, I found a gray hair in my bacon. Also, I realized my orange juice was only half full. It was my first time here and it will be my last. read more

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My friend and I split the big payback (chicken fried chicken sandwich) and meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes with brown gravy and fried okra. The sandwich is ok but much less flavorful and drier than I expected. I would suggest going for a burger instead. The meatloaf and potatoes is what made the meal for me. The brown gravy is some of the best I've ever had. If I came back, I would probably just ask for a portion of the potatoes with gravy. The tomato sauce they serve with the meatloaf is delicious as well. They were kind enough to give us a free dessert since it was my other friend's birthday. She picked banana pudding and that was amazing, loaded with banana slices and nilla wafers. Our servers were nice. It was a little pricier than I expected. Overall, we had a good time. read more

I can't help but feel Lucky when I come to Lucky's, and I'm not just saying that because his restaurant is on a certain part of Oaklawn and he likes to be felt. In fact for all I know, Lucky may be a gal. Regardless of Lucky's personal persuasions and allegiances, this place serves up home style cooking and comfort food that's comforting. It'll quickly disabuse you of any illusions that running away from home is a good idea. Great chicken fried steak. Phenomenal pot roast. Fluffy cornbread. Watery grits. Wait, watery grits? Yup. That's what loses them the all-important fifth star. Tighten those grits up Lucky, or I just may run away from home. read more

big fan of lucky's. since moving to the big d from nyc, i have been missing the diner-vibe. their social distancing measures are commendable for sure - it seems like they're really taking care to adhere to the guidelines, which is something we can all appreciate. everything on the menu is quality and i love their biscuits. read more

2 Stars just because its been around forever. Tired and dated decor. Food reminded of the high school cafeteria from days gone by. The chicken fried steak seemed processed and was bland. Vegetables same. Filthy bathroom, I question the cleanliness of Luckys. Way overpriced cafeteria food. read more

In all the decades Lucky's has been open, the only frustration is that it doesn't have double the tables, there's sometimes a wait. That may be a reason it's still there. It's the sole survivor of the Black-Eyed Pea, Dixie House era, it still defines what a Chicken Fried Steak should be. (sorry, Street's Fried Chicken) Much of the original menu, with some added lah-dee-dah additions. I can't recall a single 'bad' meal in all the visits. I'll put Lucky's in the same extremely-high-class as Kuby's: no pretensions, great food at good prices, no interest in expanding, just keep doing what you're doing. Chalkboard with daily specials, fast, friendly service, if what you wear won't get you arrested, no dress code. If you've never been ... make plans. But you might want to get there early! read more

What happened to Lucky's? This used to be my favorite place for chicken fried steak. I visited the other day with my son and the whole vibe was off. Our waitress was nice enough, but seemed to lack an inner spark. Like her mind was absolutely elsewhere. She eventually got everything done, but wasn't exactly quick, and we were her only table; the other 2 tables being served by the other waiter. And she wasn't even doing side work, or talking to coworkers, just kind of drifting around the restaurant. When I finally got my meal, the okra was great, but the roasted Brussel Sprouts were sad: lukewarm and soggy. I ate my sides 1st, because I'm one of those weirdos who eat one thing at a time. When I got to my chicken fried steak, it was so vile that I spit it out! I think the meat was bad. "Oh? Can I bring you something else?" All said in the most lackadaisical manner possible. The words were right, but the attitude was that of a shrug. Nobody but the waitress checked on us. She replaced my order with another cover and even replaced the sides, which wasn't necessary, but was appreciated. The okra was great both times. The Roasted Brussel sprouts both times were soggy and under seasoned. My son got a burger, plain, like he always does, and it and his fries were fine. I don't think the waitress is the only thing that's lost it's spark. It's just not the same Lucky's as I used to patronize when I lived here. I doubt I'll make a trek out to Oak Lawn again for mediocre diner food. read more

This just was not a good place to eat. The facility itself was rundown looking which could be excused if the food itself was good. It just wasn't. Had the chicken fried steak "the best thing on the menu" according to our server. It makes me shudder what the worst might be. The meat was tasteless, small and the breading fell off. The fries came straight from a Cisco food truck and the veggies were clearly just warmed up from a can. It really was bad. I'd like to say something positive so I will say that our server was attentive and did consistency refill our tea glasses so that we could choke down this mess but we won't be going back. Ever. read more

Wow, great food! I've never noticed this restaurant until I found it on Yelp. Since they have good reviews, my husband and I decided to come here for Saturday brunch. We arrived here around 9:40am, and the restaurant was packed. The gentleman greeted us immediately. He then took us to the booth and handed us the menu. We ordered bird benedict and a short stack of pancakes to share. We waited about 10 minutes for our food. They split our order to two and gave us which was very nice. Bird benedict was great. The egg was cooked perfectly and hollandaise sauce was very rich and flavorful. Chicken was good size and tender. I liked a idea of corn muffin instead of English muffin. Breakfast potatoes were good. Pancakes are huge! Their pancakes are cinnamon flavor and came with cinnamon butter. If you love cinnamon, you will love their pancakes. It was a lot of food, and I was glad we shared it. The service was good, and the staff was nice. The portions are large, and the prices are a little pricy, but you get good quality food. They offer breakfast ALL DAY! They have parking in front of the restaurant and more in the back. read more

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Shout out to Lucky's Cafe! Even though they don't take reservations they kept an eye out for my group of adults with disabilities. The staff was so accommodating to our special needs and space. The food was delicious! This was the second time our group has eaten at Lucky's and it did not disappoint. Thank you for your kindness and patience. Lucky's is a hidden gem in Dallas, TX read more

Luckys Cafe - Group of adults sitting at a table in a diner smiling at the camera - American Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Luckys is a great all-day breakfast place, crowded on the weekends. I started eating there over 30 years ago, even before I met my wife. But now she loves it too. For breakfast she likes the Trainers Choice; I dig the Migas. It is a basic diner atmosphere, but people-watching is primo. Lunch has always been good too. We haven't tried the dinner. read more

I love their breakfasts. The omelettes are off the hook! hahaha...the biscuits are lightly sweet and flaky. I don't really like their potatoes that much, but I'm always too full from my omelette to eat them anyway. They are just regular cut up potatoes with seasoning salt on them I think. The pancakes are really delicious too, order the grain..light cinammon flavor. Big portions, reasonable prices, and great service. We asked for them to split our meal and we only expected an extra plate, but the split everything down the middle on separate plates, even the egg and the grits..it was so helpful! You will have to wait if you go to breakfast on the weekend, and it's difficult to find a parking space, so be warned. read more

Hollar back my lovely friends! This is delicious little gem I've been missing out on until now! How that happened is beyond me, but now that I know, I'm going to line up for a seat anytime I want some good breakfast. Fluffy biscuits, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon (they ask you how crispy you want you bacon) and yummy coffee. I drank so much coffee I'm sure I brought my breakfast mate to tears with how much I was talking. I think the best way to describe my new breakfast spot, is if you want to fold into a table, order detailed breakfast (served as you like) with cups and cups of coffee served by friendly staff, this is your place. read more

Big fan of the Lucky's. I live nearby and go for breakfast all the time. All you need to know about breakfast/brunch at Lucky's: 1. homemade biscuits (w/ honey, a must) 2. I-45 BREAKFAST EXTRAVAGANZA (eggs, bacon, hash browns, chicken fried chicken, biscuits - all on one plate) 3. nap time I've been a few times for other meals but b-fast is supreme. read more

Its a cool diner offering nice "American" feel. They have quite a few options for vegetarians. Along with other entrees, we tried the Jalapeno Loud Puppies, but didn't like it much . Garden Veggie Burger was good. The staff is very friendly and was willing to accommodate dietary restrictions for Vegetarians read more

Dinner is just as fine as their fantastic breakfasts people! Good home cooking and healthy options too. Love the food, staff, atmosphere & prices. My husband & I go there several times a week. read more

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They have come back with a farm to table menu that brings fresh ingredients to the table and it hasn't changed their identify, but more like upgraded their palette for their customers who are loyal without losing their traditional feel to the cafe. I was surprised to see the new menu but it is welcomed. I'll be coming back here as their bird benedict was pretty damn awesome. The crunch on the breading for the fried chicken was amazing, just as was the pached egg on top of their cord bread which is sweet but not too sweet. And if you've seen the size of the chicken and waffles, your eye won't believe what you have to tackle. It's definitely going to have people talking about it. There's usually a line during the weekends during breakfast but it moves fairly quick and you can grab a coffee while you wait. Come in and enjoy a mimosa because the food is welcoming and great. read more

We always past by but it's our 1st time trying it out. The Luckys Club was great. The cheddar burger was really big. Observing other plates coming out the kitchen, the portions are HUGE! You should really try this place. You won't be dissatisfied. read more

Luckys Cafe - Drink Specials - American Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I do not normally write reviews but Luckys deserves some love. Went down last night and had the blackened catfish and it was amazing. I usually get the chicken fried chicken and it is always good but the catfish blew me away (Try the banana pudding too). Service is always quick and staff is always friendly. This place is a true gem and everyone should try it. Oh and did I mention the full bar? And everything reasonably priced compared to some places in the neighborhood. read more

Love this place, if you're a phobe don't go here. Great food great people and great prices. Comfort food for real!

The food was very expensive and just okay... the waiter was a bit rude to me. I felt like he thought I wasn't going to leave a tip. I would never go back here. After reading the other reviewers experience where they experienced racism, I felt as though I experienced something similar. read more

Very cute spot full on a Monday which was obviously a good sign. I had the chicken and waffle. How they got the breading to stay crispy with butter and syrup on it I have no idea but amazing non the less. The wife had the all American and she scraped the plate so it must have been just as good as mine. read more

Luckys Cafe - Crispy Chicken & Waffle - American Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Should have taken a picture. Ordered the Big Payback, a chicken sandwich with Brazos White Cheddar. I added bacon the make it perfect. And it was!! First time visit and I'll be back. It's a corner restaurant with windows that form 90 degrees and a great view. There is a mural near the ceilings with people's comments and dates, as far back as early 90s. Great little spot with good food. read more

Luckys Cafe - The Big Payback. Tough choice between that and the Get Lucky Club. - American Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Food came out pretty quick. And the service was great. Gets packed really fast. Went for Sunday brunch

Favorite old school diner in town. Always great food and great customer service. Will be back!

Good quality basics; from hearty breakfasts to solid lunches and dinners. I keep going back for a reason! Breakfast choices include all if the diner specials; like omelettes with your choice of ingredients, a variety of breads, and yes - you can get grits! Yumm! Lunch sandwiches include Reuben's (beef or turkey), tasty hamburgers, and other common standards. Supper can be meatloaf or other similar southern staples. Sides can get wild; try the roasted brussel sprouts! YES, I did say ROASTED!! Want an appetizer? Try the battered green beans! Of course they have a full bar (or they wouldn't get 5 stars from me), because how can you enjoy an omelette without a Bloody Mary? Bartender can make it spicy - or mild, like mine! read more

I had the all American with Turkey bacon.. Delicious. My husband had the chicken and waffle.. Delicious. Our server Jim was very friendly and nice. Atmosphere was homey and relaxing. Definitely recommend and will come again!!! read more

Food was delicious! There was a long line, but short wait. The server was attentive! A great find! It is a diner and has a great diner vibe! Love the farm to table food. I had an omelet with potatoes and toast. The server brought us biscuits and cornbread after I asked about the local honey! My daughter had a spinach and goat cheese salad! Would love to return and try everything on the menu. It was hard to choose! read more

My first and last time eating at this establishment. I got the half order chicken and waffle for brunch. I knew something was wrong we they poured my mimosa from a pitcher at $4.50 "FLAT" ! !! waffle had no flavor and the chicken breast had no season and lots of batter. My partner had the meat omelette with potatoes and toast. I'm given 2 stars because of the service and friendly staff. This is not a place that I will want to revisit. read more