Wow! Just Wow! I can't recommend this place enough. It's an art gallery + a restaurant, serving up the most delicious Asian fusion dishes. I went here with a group of 5 via a reservation. We were immediately welcomed and greeted by a wonderful host who sat us and explained the menu options and recommended we try everything. We did just that we tried over half the menu and everything was incredible. Highly recommend the deviled eggs, brussel sprouts, bao buns, spicy edamame, udon noodles and more. After dinner we popped into the other side of the bar which is an art gallery and the bartender was so friendly, welcoming and fun! We walked around the art gallery, enjoying the beautiful exhibit and sipped our cocktails for at least an hour. This was such a wonderful experience, we will def be back! read more

The Lucky Duck - Deviled Eggs - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

We are really excited to try this because it was advertised as a speakeasy, which was right next to the gallery restaurant that we have been to before and we like their food. It wasn't so much a speakeasy because it was not hidden, but that didn't really matter to us once we were there . The food was Asian themed and they had different drinks than the other restaurant next-door . I thought the focal point would be a bar in the middle of the restaurant, but there was never any bar that I could locate so that was also confusing. The food was really good. We had black garlic, deviled eggs, some tuna tartare and a lamb Ragu that was really good. So if you're looking for speakeasy, this is not really a speakeasy, but it has really good Asian food so just an FYI when browsing the Internet. The only reason I gave it four stars is because I was expecting one thing when I walked in and I got another, but we were pleasantly surprised with the food and drinks that we received so we will be back. read more

See all

Second time here for dinner. On the first visit everything was very good. The flavors were on point and the cozy atmosphere is big bonus. The appetizers seem to be even better than the mains. Tonight started off great. We selected the steak dinner for two. The appetizers were excellent and the shrimp lobster dumplings were particularly tasty. It was a shame there were only one a piece. We chose the Brussel sprouts and fries to accompany our steak and both of the sides were very good. Our steak however arrived cold - barely room temperature. We asked our server to please warm up the steak which she did but we devoured our sides while we awaited the return of the steak. When the steak arrived again it was warmed but we had to eat it on its own as we had eaten our side dishes. The worst thing however, was that the steak was as tough as nails! Over half of the meat was inedible - could not even be cut with a knife. We mentioned this issue to our server, and also to the host who checked in on us, but nothing was done. Desert was fine but the menu said macaroons for desert (my favorite). It was disappointing that there were only one macaroon per person (and they were the size of a quarter) and a small fortune cookie. I really like this restaurant and hope they fix their "tough steak issue" and are a bit more generous with their desert portions. One macaroon and one fortune cookie is not a desert. read more

The Lucky Duck - Over half the steak for two was left on our plates as it was too tough to cut let alone chew. - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

I am so happy The Lucky Duck is back open! The food is as good as I remember, maybe even better, as they have all the old favorites and new menu items to try! The portions also seem larger, so you're getting a good value. I'm glad they are in a bigger space (The Gallery restaurant). Expect me as a regular because they are back and serving some of the best bites on the North Shore :) read more

See all

This place is great. The food is always perfect, the drinks are delicious and the staff is fun and kind. We just attended a LFHS sports banquet there and they were great hosts. Highly recommend. read more

I would certainly come here again, since the food was outstanding. I would like to get the negatives out of the way first; it's good to know the good and the bad before anywhere you spend your money. The "vibe" of the restaurant is odd, since it is not sure what it wants to be. The food skews more toward pan-Asian gastropub, with higher-than-average prices. The space is really just half of The Gallery, with its walls painted black and some unique art and sconces. The wobbly cafe tables have black tablecloths on them. Its ambiance does not feel "fully baked" - it almost feels like an amateur black box theatre space. I really dislike their focus on "coursing" the menu. Our server told us that we had to order everything at the beginning. When I voiced some confusion, he didn't really know how to proceed. We haven't been here- we don't know the portion sizes, if we'll still want to order more, if we had wished we ordered less (bingo), etc., so why must everything be ordered upfront? If this had been prixe-fixe, I'd get it, but this is really not. My husband asked questions about the whiskey and scotch selection, and our server had no idea. At a pricier restaurant that is at least trying to seem fancy, this would be where he'd ask the bartender(s) and report back, but there was no such impulse. I asked at one point for a cocktail menu and we had to remind him after 10 minutes went by. Timing wise, there were two items that got served about 30-45 minutes after everything else. I am not sure if they forgot them, but it seemed like it. Crazy enough, it still gets 4 stars, because the food is just that good. It's the kind of food where you try to identify the variety of flavors you're eating, and you basically give up because there are so many (a good problem to have, especially compared to the alternative). The wontons I tried were almost like pierogi, with tremendous umami flavor. The bao buns were terrific, with each filling option we tried. The lemongrass chili fries were something my husband really enjoyed, and I loved the sauce. The idea of adding lemongrass spices to a chili sauce was unexpected but pulled off so well. You truly can't go wrong with the food here. (The strawberry drink was margarita-esque and not poured with a weak hand, definitely a unique offering from them.) This restaurant needs to decide a bit more what it wants to be and how it can structure its service, so it needs to work out the kinks, but the kitchen itself does not. read more

The space is cozy, and Lucky Duck relocated from a previous space into the Gallery in Lake Forest. Started off with some Black Garlic Deviled Eggs, these were extremely creamy, sweet, and addicting. The small plates like duck & bacon wontons were crunchy and sweet too. If you see crispy Brussels sprouts on the menu, chances are they'll be good, and I'm happy to confirm that that philosophy was upheld here. Their Bulgogi Fries were topped with Korean beef, white cheddar sauce, sesame seeds and scallions, their sister restaurant The Peanut Gallery also does some good fries. Now time for their Bao Buns because I think getting Bao Buns here is critical to experience both some soft texture and juicy flavors. The Big Pig is awesome, the coconut shrimp is super crispy, and the soy marinated steak was my favorite out of the 3. Now for the larger noodle bowls, we got all 3 options because more carbs means more happiness. The Mushroom Udon had a miso vinaigrette and their thick noodles are delicious here. Spicy Lamb Ragu had a medium heat level and was a cool bend of italian and japanese flavors. Now my favorite item of the entire meal was the Mac & Cheese that had red dragon pork belly cut into cubes, and it was creamy, milky, and I could've crushed that dish by myself. A large plate that we had fun eating was the Hanger Steak Ssam, which is their take on the Korean food where you make lettuce wraps with different condiments. Loved their cook on the steak, but it was time for their hyped up donuts. These had mango & tahini curd and covered in black sesame sugar, unreal doughnuts. Also their yuzu coconut cake was mildly sour and sweet, and overall we were very pleased with this place. read more

See all

The food is great! We were a party of 4 and tried several things - all very well executed and tasty. The bourbon slushy was delicious. Our server was super helpful. Not loud at all so it's very easy to have a conversation. I would agree with previous review that the vibe is a little odd but not odd enough that I wouldn't go back. read more

No luck needed, just delicious food and a great atmosphere! American-Japanese fusion, bourbon, and half the menu eaten in one sitting. Such a great experience at The Lucky Duck! The food is simply outstanding and beautiful. Started with the Duck Wantons which appeared to be steamed then finished in the pan. Delicious crispy shallots contrasted the delicate creamy filling with even more texture from the corn inside (sweet surprise). Next was the Chicken Karaage followed by the Okonomiyaka. The Karaage was my least favorite dish of the night and I would eat three of them if they were in front of me. Yes, this place is that good. The Okonomiyaka was my personal favorite. A soft pillowy Japanese pancake topped with kewpie mayo, bulldog sauce, crispy pork belly, and bonito flakes adding a salty briny finish to another dish with amazing textures. In the middle of the experience I annihilated the Kimchee Udon Noodles. The spice was perfect! The waitstaff asked if it was too hot as some customers have given that feedback. If you like spice this is the dish. Addictive heat in each bite! Round three featured four of the buns and they are all delicious and unique! Once again texture, texture, texture done oh so well! The better half and I disagreed on favorites and I would eat any of them any time of day. All are incredibly well balanced and the buns, the bao buns are so freaking good! Finished the meal with Miso Butterscotch Panna Cotta. You know what this had...texture! Crunchy pretzels on top of the smooth and airy panna cotta. Too notch! Service was outstanding with well paced delivery of dishes. Waitstaff was kind and attentive giving drink recommendations and checking on us the perfect amount. The chefs are right in the open reminiscent of a sushi bar. If you're a lover of seeing dishes created sit at the counter to watch them do work! The overall experience reminded me of a restaurant in NYC with its slender floor plan and intimate atmosphere. Given that it you still don't feel like you're on top of other guests. There simply aren't many, if any, other restaurants like this in Lake County! I can't wait to go back and try the other half of the menu. Cheers to The Lucky Duck! read more

See all

Amazing new spot in Lake Forest from the team behind The Gallery and The Peanut Gallery...great cocktails like the bourbon slushy and amazing small plates that are super addicting. read more

See all

You have to try the bourbon slushy. Fantastic. Tonight we had there ramen noodle special, shrimp tempura and bourbon slushies. Everything was great. The ramen had soft boiled egg, perfectly done and a smoked pork belly that was delicious. The sauce for the tempura was really good too. read more

See all

Amazing!! Attempted to "Eat the Menu (Keith from Try Guys reference) but only made it through 9 things. The cozy atmosphere allowed for a great setting to really enjoy with who you go with! Staff were wildly attentive and had the plates come out in succession. Drinks were phenomenal - Bourbon Slushy was a nice cool down for the spicy Kimchee Udon Noodles. Tried almost every Bun (the Big Pig and Chicken Katsu were my favorites) but of course my partner loved the others so I guess we have to order them all again when we go back. Our menu experience (in order) included Duck Wontons, Chicken Karaage, Okonomiyaki, teriyaki Beef Bun, Coconut Shrimp Bun, Kimchee Udon Noodles. At that time...started to run out of room. Refreshed with more drinks. Decided to end with The Big Pig Bun, Chicken Katsu Bun, and OF COURSE the Miso Butterscotch Panna Cotta. Awesome experience. Planning to go back to finish the rest of the menu when we can! I consider myself one Lucky Duck to have the opportunity to eat such great food. read more

The Lucky Duck - Bar seating and atmosphere - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

See all

My new favorite place to go in Lake Forest where you feel like you have left Lake Forest. Brilliant concept, flawless dishes and drinks with character. Attentive service too -- you will not walk away hungry. read more

We took the 90+ minute ride (on 6/02/22) after reading the reviews of the Lucky Duck restaurant. We like trying new places (no matter how far the drive) especially because the comments were so good in the reviews. In fact, while we waited 3 other couples tried the locked door well after the opening time as stated on the website. The Lucky Duck windows were covered and no one showed up. read more