Club Lucky

The experience was underwhelming last night. Ordered well done grilled calamari and a side of peppers for my dinner. Grilled calamary were cold and practically unvisible under the cold chopped peppers. There were 6 tiny pieces. A separate side of peppers was cold too, roasted salad type of peppers. Not what I expected from the two classic Italian dishes that together were over $25. Service was good, but it was too loud.

Obnoxiously Pretentious…. an old-school Italian restaurant would never be run under this pompous a standard. Al Capone is rolling in his grave… Sorry, that sort of attitude in what’s supposed to be a fine-dining experience is a deal breaker for me. Excited about and in the mood for the touted old-school Italian mid-century dinning experience, I brought my date who I knew would appreciate, to check this joint out. Definitely not the vibe when entering the bar area, but ok… let’s give it a chance. Went to the host stand to put in my name for a table for 2. Her attitude was a bit crude and I felt a bit scolded for not having a reservation, but I understand… they were very busy and in a time when many restaurants no longer take reservations, I just didn’t have one. But I don’t mind waiting anyway. Was arrogantly told it would be at least a 2 hour wait. Overlooked her tone… despite my date being a little taken-a-back by the attitude from the hostess… and ordered a couple glasses of wine. Bartender was awesome and had a great attitude. After an hour, we walked into the dining area to check it out. On-point aesthetic for sure, but the main thing noticed was that literally at least half the tables were empty! This with a jam packed bar of waiting patrons. When we spoke about that out loud to each other, an overseeing manager overheard and sort of pretentiously stated those were all for upcoming reservations. I understand reservations, but to have that many tables empty at the same time in such a busy place on a Saturday night seems like they’re trying to create a false demand… either that or they’re just really inefficient at running a busy dinning room. Checked in with the hostess just to see where things might be. She quickly said something I didn’t understand. When I asked for clarification, she got purposefully condescending. NOPE!… UH-UH, thank you very much but take us off the waitlist sweetheart. Tipped the bartender and took my business to a real Italian restaurant… will never give Club-Unlucky another look! Such a shame as the idea for this concept is great. Just that they’re not at all pulling off the old-school professional Italian hospitality standard which is half the reason to go.

Great Food and Great Service!!! A Wicker Park staple!!!

Came for a birthday (thanks for the free bday dessert!!) and had a great time. The energy in the main dining room is great even though the tables are a little crammed. The portions aren’t huge so can be a personal order or shared family style. Was very impressed with their sausage & peppers, chicken vesuvio and pastas. Also some of the best martinis in chicago!!

Awesome food, great atmosphere, good people. The lasagna was melt in your mouth, fried calamari and meat balls to die for. Oh, and who could forget the drinks. The flirtini was the best martini I've ever had, so good. Parking: You may end up like a block away, but it's worth it

Club Lucky is my favorite place to go when I’m in Chicago. Love the atmosphere and the people who work there, especially Courtney. She is my favorite server.

Courtney is our favorite server! She turns a good time into a great time, we love getting her!