Feeling Lucky’s: a Love Letter

A version of this article was published in Dayton Beer Advisor June 2023.

It’s a common misconception that vegetarians and vegans only eat salad. More to the point – that all they want to eat is cold salad and some strange cauliflower concoctions. In reality, people of the veg persuasion want a variety of foods. And at a bar we want to eat bar food, of course. Think burgers, chili, sandwiches – hearty food that sticks with you. But to find a bar offering vegan versions of bar food favorites? You’d have to be very lucky to find a gem like that. That’s why just about every vegan and vegetarian in Dayton loves Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery.

“I love that they offer vegan and vegetarian options and that they can make a vegan/vegetarian-friendly version of almost everything on their menu,” explains local vegetarian, Anna Fernandez. “Their vegan tequila chili is amazing to eat all year long!”

When walking into Lucky’s, it looks like many other bars around town with a shotgun-style layout and dark, moody colors. Like many places, the menus have been replaced with QR codes. There’s a chalkboard at one entrance with specials written out. Tables, chairs, and banquet seating at one end, bar seating in the middle, restrooms beyond that, and a kitchen at the end of the building. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think it was just a perfect example of a normal neighborhood bar. Until you look at the menu.

“Lucky’s is the perfect combination of one of the best neighborhood bars and one of the best places around for vegetarian food,” says local vegetarian, Jared Ball. “You can substitute an Impossible Burger on anything and not many places do that!”

The menu truly has something for everyone. In addition to a plethora of vegan and vegetarian options, they offer plenty of meat dishes, gluten-free offerings, and so many delicious sides to pair with your meal. What makes this place even more special in the eyes of vegans and vegetarians is the separate grill and fryer Lucky’s uses for preparing these menu items. They take food seriously, using fresh, local (when possible) ingredients in their scratch-made, trans-fat-free meals.

Outside of the menu, Lucky’s captures the hearts and hunger of locals with their exciting and creative weekly specials. It’s important to keep an eye on their social media accounts where they share these mouthwatering dishes like cabbage rolls, buffalo chickpea wraps, vegan meatloaf, cavatappi pasta with meat sauce, and so, so many more.

“Since I became vegan, Lucky’s has been a go-to gem of a restaurant!” explains local vegan, Irene Goldstein. “It is an oasis where vegans are not only welcome but seen, heard, and supported. Their dishes are bursting with flavor, which even non-vegans are excited to taste and come back for! I want to thank Lucky’s for existing and being so accommodating to so many!”

Brunch at a bar or restaurant is not normally an exciting meal for most vegans and vegetarians. Fruit plates can only fill you up for a little while and taste pretty terrible with coffee. Don’t get me started on plain toast. Lucky’s offers a different brunch experience with “soyrizo” tacos, JUST Egg vegan egg substitute omelettes, fake chicken and waffles, etc. All of which go just fine with their local Wholly Grounds coffee.

Lucky’s boasts having the largest selection of craft draft beer in the Oregon District. With 20 rotating taps, they might be right. It was relatively uncommon when they opened in 2011 to offer so many craft beers, as the craft beer movement was still finding its footing in the area. They offer a mix of local brews and other small breweries’ offerings. Plus, they have plenty of bottles and cans as well as wine, liquor, non-alcoholic options, and a selection of hard seltzers.

Owner Andrew Trick opened Lucky’s in 2011 to offer a place where people could relax and enjoy good beer while sharing good times with friends. He named the establishment after Lucky, whom he describes as a hardworking man who loved his family, a good joke, and collecting model cars. His impressive collection of model cars is proudly displayed at Lucky’s all the time. It’s just another interesting, homey detail of this wonderfully welcoming bar.

The best places in any community are the ones that make you feel seen, understood, and cared for. By offering well-made food that accommodates a variety of special dietary needs, excellent craft beer, and friendly, welcoming service, Lucky’s makes us all feel pretty lucky.

Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery

520 East Fifth Street, Dayton, OH 45402

(937) 222-6800