by Steven Doyle
Shuffling in and finding one of the few remaining seats at the bar, a popular spot for the regulars, you grab a menu and peruse knowing that you will order the chicken fried steak. But you scan the menu with the thought you may discover a new Texas favorite, but alas you do not. Nothing new has been invented in the past hundred years that might exceed the perfection of a slab of tasty beef pounded thick and hand breaded and deep fried. The craggy crisp layers are an exciting place for unctuous creamed gravy to lay rest in anticipation of your first bite.
And it happens. No faster than your order is placed does your steaming plate arrive. You are offered warm biscuits and fresh cornbread. For a few brief moments there is nothing wrong with the planet. All problems are solved; life is good.
Lucky’s Cafe is the resting place of its previous restaurant, Phil’s Diner. It has always been a neighborhood location for sustenance both human and culinary. Your bar neighbors are glad to discuss a full range of topics from sports to local politics. And these same neighbors are ordering the chicken fried steak. Breakfast is served all day, so at times the CFS will share a plate with a few sunny eggs.
Originally opened by master restaurateur Gene Street, Lucky’s is now run by the same restaurant group which operates III Forks, El Chico and many others. In the past few years the restaurant joined the farm-to-table movement and sells fresh eggs from Vital Farms, Coombs maple syrup, Windy Meadows chicken and those beautiful Homestead grits that are so easily identified.
Enjoy and relax.
