Once in a while we sit on reviews because we either don’t know what our “hook” is, maybe our food experience wasn’t what we thought it would be, or we just haven’t been to a place enough times to give a full (or full enough) review. With that said, that’s the hook!
Lucky’s Classic Burger & Malt Shop fits a few of those reasons why we take our time with certain reviews. But wait, before you jump all over me and surmise that “I don’t like Lucky’s,” you’re wrong.
I went to Lucky’s for the first time about a year ago when the weather was really nice, and if you know anything about Downtown Stamford, sunny days and “warm enough” temperatures mean dining al fresco and Lucky’s gets in on the action with many other restaurants in the area. I sort of missed out on eating in the throwback 1950’s style dining room that looks like something out of (insert movie of your choice), but managed to pop in to snap a few photos.
Lucky’s menu sort of sticks to the diner theme with hearty dishes like meatloaf, honey dipped fried chicken, chicken parm, a take on a Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich, plus the stuff they’re known for…burgers, shakes, and creative sundaes. And they’re even open for breakfast.
On your first visit, do what I did and keep it O.G. and get one of their burgers. I’m a bacon fanatic but also a simple dude, so I went with a bacon cheeseburger, no frills, just meat, double cheddar, lettuce and tomato. Lucky’s makes a nice burger and there’s a lot to love. The bun stood up to the burger’s juiciness and it was cooked properly and as requested (medium). My only gripe, and the reason why I held off on writing this one for so long, is that the burger needed some seasoning. Aw man! No seasoning or not enough seasoning on an otherwise awesome burger is the equivalent to having the date of your lifetime but not getting a kiss close at the end.
If you paid attention in the past, I like to judge shakes based on whether Vincent Vega would approve. That’s John Travolta’s character in “Pulp Fiction” who had a gripe about a $5 shake at a place much like Lucky’s, because a shake is just “milk and ice cream.” When Vega tried the shake, he says, “Goddamn, that’s a pretty (rhymes with ducking) good milkshake!”
Well, Lucky’s has my Vincent Vega approval based on perfect thickness to “being able to actually drink it” standards. And if it’s just milk and ice cream, they made it better than I could at home.
I look forward to going back to Lucky’s so I can meet one of my own criteria and try another burger or other dishes they serve, and surely for another shake! A “Lucky’s Revisited” review is in my future.
Lucky’s Classic Burger & Malt Shop
209 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 978-0268
For more diner-like burger joints, hit us up at http://www.realfood-dudes.com/.