Chris Barnes fell in love with Manayunk many years ago. Specifically, he was working at the space on Main Street that is now Lucky’s Last Chance and immediately knew he wanted to create a business there someday. The moment he saw the front room with the long, copper-topped bar, 4421 Main Street became his dream. As luck (or fate) would have it, the site became available at precisely the time when Chris was looking for a restaurant locale.
When I asked Chris why he loves Manayunk so much, his eyes lit up with an unmistakable sparkle and he broadly smiled. He states, “Manayunk has small town charm, even though it’s still Philly.” He continues, “There is a real sense of community here. If you walk into any business, you will find the owner behind the counter. Often times, it’s the same owner who has been behind the counter for 50 years.”
In developing the concept for Lucky’s, Chris and his partner Mike Ganter wanted to create a place with hometown charm, comforting food and killer cocktails and craft beer. They also wanted to listen to their staff and customers opinions and provide an experience that is continuously evolving with tastes and trends. For example, the Mak Attack burger— topped with cheese and then a heaping pile of macaroni and cheese has become a bestseller. Customers always wanted to order macaroni and cheese as a dish but it wasn’t on the menu. So, by popular demand, they now serve four different varieties of “Lucky’s Mak ‘n Cheese” using their secret recipe.
Lucky’s menu also boasts an award-winning burger— the PB and Bacon Burger.
They have taken a childhood favorite and added an adult twist and put creamy peanut butter, American cheese and bacon on a burger and serve it with a side of grape jelly. Take a bite and you will see why it won the 2013 People’s Choice Award at the annual Philadelphia Burger Brawl.
The hot dog menu is a source of pride for Chris. He and his staff spent several months trying to nail down the perfect bun to serve as a vehicle for the different dogs. They finally settled on split-top, New England-style buttered buns and use locally made, natural casing frankfurters. Chris’ favorite is the Scorpion Dog, topped with that famous macaroni and cheese and diced jalapeños. Chris is quick to tell me that there are “no salads or healthy options” on their decadent, comfort food menu.
While Manayunk is home to a lot of macro beer like Bud Light and Blue Moon, Chris and Mike knew from the start that they wanted to become a craft beer destination. Lucky’s has six rotating taps and a large bottle and can list from some of the best local and national breweries. By limiting their taps to six, you can be assured that there is always something fresh and new on tap as most change over within three days. Swing by on Tuesdays for their Tuesday Tappings, when they tap a brand-new beer at 8 p.m., usually a rarity or difficult to locate beer, along with live music. For the most up-to-date tap list, keep an eye on their Twitter.
One of the best times to visit Lucky’s is on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for brunch. Start your morning off with the rich bananas Foster French toast. This dish isn’t for anyone watching their waistline. They take three big slices of Texas toast dredged in cinnamon and egg then toast them to perfection and serve with a bananas Foster-style sauce including maple syrup, brown sugar, bananas and rum. As if that wasn’t decadent enough, it comes with side of their homemade Grand Marnier whipped cream.
Lucky’s turned to their neighbor at Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes when searching for a biscuit to serve at brunch. He explains that the specially made biscuit is painted with bacon fat twice during the baking process. You can get the biscuits served with sausage and gravy or as part of one of their many biscuit breakfast sandwiches. Of course you can pair it with one of their classic cocktails like an Orange Crush or Dark and Stormy.
Get to know Lucky’s Last Chance and Chris Barnes a little bit better and learn why Chris loves Manayunk in this short spot created for Manyunk.com’s “This Is My Manayunk” promotion.
Find Lucky’s Last Chance at 4421 Main Street in Manayunk; phone: (215) 509-6005.
Photo credit: Nina Lea Photography.
