It’s stop number two on my tour of Cleveland’s independent coffee houses, today focusing on Lucky’s Cafe in Tremont. After going to Lucky’s Cafe for the first time, I knew that it will become a recurring favorite hangout of mine. I came for lunch after class and had an outstanding reuben. The cafe uses local ingredients, some coming from as close as their garden right outside the window, and it is clear that they take pride in their food. In fact, upon walking in I was surprised to learn from a sign that the cafe was featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. My food was professionally prepared- the reuben was delectable, the potato chips were flavorful and fresh from the fryer, and the fresh fruit was a refreshing way to complete the meal. The dining at Lucky’s should set the standard for any respectable restaurant, and it is unusual to see such high-quality ingredients an establishment that still claims to be a diner.
Following the meal, I had a cappuccino. The espresso was flavorful and was made correctly. The coffee beans are the best I have had thus far in Cleveland. The milk foam was a nice uniform consistency, but it was put on like a dome nearly overflowing from the cup. While this differs from the more European-style cappuccino that I prefer, it was still tasty and enjoyable.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is a bit eclectic. The front of the house features a large wooden bar where the wide range of beverage are concocted. In addition, they feature pastries that are made in-house fresh daily. With my sweet tooth, I had to try the vanilla bean cupcake with a chocolate buttercream. The pastry was made with care and plenty of butter. It had a rich and full flavor that could be the backbone of a respectable pastry shop.
The back of the building is the diner, which has a more Victorian feeling with some diner chairs and tables. It is cozy but still informal. The waiters are knowledgeable and friendly, but still have the nonchalant attitude of a diner. One notable part of their staff is their maturity. As a whole they are a bit older, and this long-term dedication to Lucky’s Cafe is apparent in the quality of their service and food.
Overall, I feel that Lucky’s Cafe has the potential to be for Cleveland what Zingerman’s is for Ann Arbor. It is a haven for high-quality ingredients, conscious cooking and epicurean palates. If you are in Cleveland I suggest that you make it a priority to come to Lucky’s Cafe.
Below is the segment from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives about Lucky’s Diner:
