Lucky's Press

Among many other things Lucky’s executive chef and general manager, Leonard Schwartz has been in the restaurant business more than 30 years, working his way from the bottom up, through some of the best kitchens in Los Angeles. Among his most notable efforts was the launching of the landmark 72 Market Street in Venice and then in 1989 the award winning Maple Drive in Beverly Hills.

 So it came as no surprise when Lucky’s founder Gene Montesano, who was in need of a GM and had heard of his reputation, gave Schwartz a call to run the day to day operations and bring an added flair to the already popular Montecito eatery.

That was in the summer of 2007, and today, two years later, Schwartz has never been happier.

“Classic” is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but while ersatz classics abound, genuine classics endure. Diners seeking a real-deal, here-to-stay steakhouse in our neck of the woods need look no further than Lucky’s.

 Since opening its doors in 2000, this lively and welcoming Montecito restaurant has faithfully and authentically embodied the time-honored attributes of this much-loved niche in American gastronomy. “The idea was to create a classic American steakhouse in terms of the menu and the feeling of the place, says general manager and executive chef Leonard Schwartz. Since coming to Lucky’s in 2007, the former chef-owner of Maple Drive in Beverly Hills and executive chef at 72 Market Street in Venice Beach has honored and extended that vision.

There’s just no other eatery in Santa Barbara that practices the art of serving a prime steak dinner better than Lucky’s on Coast Village Road. In an era where many restaurants are trending towards a quick table turn and high volume bar food, Lucky’s remains one of a rare few to honor the no nonsense steak dinner traditions. From the moment you’re greeted at you car by the valet, seated at your table, encouraged to roll up your sleeves, martini in hand, you are served. Are you ever served!