Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

Reviews 3

TR

Triangle Trusted Realty, Inc.

This restaurant is one of my favorite places in the Triangle. If I am meeting someone in Cary, Im quick to suggest it because it never lets me down. It goes well with business lunches, or family gatherings, and its perfect for dates because theres a lot of quiet booths and warm atmosphere. I go there at least once a quarter and as many times as Ive been there I never had a bad meal, and the waitstaff have always been attentive without being overly hovering or nosy. The food is fresh, well prepared, and served with fabulous bread. Im a coffee fan, and they do that right too. The food is frequently locally sourced and the menu changes a few times a year. I find the staff to be really kind, protective, and the overall vibe to be well mannered, think "refined Southern charm" and youll get the feel. It is very similiar to the attentiveness at the country club, but in a more relaxed way. The other night I met my friend there and we had a great time. He had the chicken special and I went for the black bean cakes as usual (they are awesome), so we were laughing and talking and enjoying ourselves. At the end of the meal our awesome, attentive, waiter brought the check. One check. Im pretty sure he thought we were a couple on a date. Anyway, my friend looked at the check and said, "oh, we need two," The waiter looks at me to confirm and it was obvious he was sending a sad "this guys not good for you" vibe. My friend, the engineer, totally missed it, cause all social stuff goes right over his head, but it made me smile that the waiter was sad for the insult to me. It was obvious that he was not impressed with a guy who would go on a date and at the end ask for two checks. Anyway, I joked and confirmed we were only friends, that my buddy was not even my type, etc., and all worked out well. I was fully anticipating paying my way because this guy is on the same level as all my girl buddies. The waiter wasnt giving him a hard time mind you, it was a quick sad look to me to say "sorry" for this insult. Thats what I mean by protective and well mannered. Obviously, if youre on a date it is the height of bad manners to ask for two checks. So, if youre on a date and you have no manners, this is not the place for you. Youll get good service but your date will subtly pick up that the waiter is nicer than you are, and your date will be ruined. However, if you are a decent human being and you are looking for a great place for business lunches, family gatherings, and if you love good food and attentive staff then it is absolutely the best option. Bring your manners though, because the staff are using their best manners to serve you and keep you happy, and they deserve to get respect and a good tip for bringing their best. I hope it always stay a haven for well mannered hungry folks.

AM

Amber Cook

We ordered take out from Lucky 32 on Valentines Day. This was our first experience with this restaurant. I called to place the order and one of the items ordered was the petite dessert ensemble. The girl taking my order asked which desserts Id like in my ensemble. I let her know that I wasnt aware that I could choose, and she said that I could, so I made my selections and finished the order. I was told that our food would be ready by 2:45. When I let my boyfriend know that we could choose the desserts in the ensemble, he also wanted to order one, so I called right back (maybe 2 minutes later). The girl that I spoke to the 2nd time was rude and seemed irritated that I wanted to make a change to the order. When I told her what change I wanted to make, she told me that the only changes that could be made to the ensemble were to substitute one of the desserts for the chocolate chess pie, but that it would be $3 more. I let her know that I had just called and what the first person had told me, and she said that I was given incorrect information. Not off to a great start. I arrived to pick up the food at 2:48 and waited an additional 10 minutes or so before the food was brought out…so approximately 15 to 20 minutes later than it should have been ready. We only live 10 minutes from the restaurant, and when we opened the food at home, all of it was barely warm. I’m assuming the food was ready on time but sat inside until the waitress brought it out late. I ordered the grilled lemon caper salmon salad. The salmon was overdone and had no lemon flavor. My boyfriend ordered the stew beef and rice and said that it tasted like salt. I ordered my son the chicken tomato basil soup, and he took one bite and refused to eat the rest. We also ordered the pimiento mac and cheese, which tasted like flavorless macaroni noodles. The buttermilk pie was also a disappointment. In my opinion, the only item I would ever order again would be the chocolate peanut butter cream pie. We were extremely disappointed in the service, quality of the food, and the price and will not be returning customers. This meal was definitely not worth $80.

KE

Kelly Wackerhagen

Somehow I lived in Raleigh for 4.5 years without making it to Lucky 32! My fiances birthday fell on a Monday this year, so I made a reservation at Lucky 32 for a low key, intimate weeknight birthday dinner and it was just perfect. The atmosphere and decor is relaxed, warm and perfect for a one on one date. I had a reservation for 7pm but I probably didnt need one - the restaurant was not full. Our server was really helpful and did just fine, but was clearly working on his timing and tempo. I ordered a Bells Two Hearted (they did have a nice beer selection) and my fiance ordered an Old Fashion followed by a Dark and Stormier - both were good, the Old Fashioned was better. The Voodoo Pig Bread on the appetizer menu is no joke. This pulled pork smothered bread was so good, I could have stopped before the entrees and been happy. Definitely a cant miss item. Josh had the chicken and dumplings off their seasonal menu (another nice feature - seems to change quarterly). He was happy with his, but on top of the heavy appetizer he was very full! I ordered the pulled pork with voodoo sauce, which came with three sides. I had macaroni and cheese (good but very mild, not very sharp cheese), collard greens (awesome!) and cornbread (would not order again). This pulled pork was SO GOOD. I would rather eat this pulled pork than The Pits. I feel like it takes a lot to really blow me away in pulled pork, being in central/eastern NC where were surrounded by awesome pulled pork. This is THE best. Cant stop thinking about it. Will definitely be returning just for this pulled pork. I had noted that is was my fiances birthday on my Open Table reservation. We declined dessert but our server brought out a free slice of peanut butter pie with a candle - so nice! Even though we were stuffed we HAD to make room for this pie - really delicious but HUGE! This is the place I will bring family next time they are in town - I feel like everyone will find something they love on this menu. Cant wait to go back!