Lucky's Deli
Sandwich-making is an art, and Lucky’s Deli undoubtedly proves that. Found in the heart of Downtown Durham, our friendly pickle friend stands tall by the door, pointing the way to where the magic happens. Since its opening in 2016, Lucky’s has been refining its unique position, making a deli restaurant work “like a community service, meeting customers’ sandwich needs”. The dedicated clientele that comes in week after week is the perfect attestation to the fact that fresh, homemade ingredients, and a lot of love make the perfect sandwich recipe.
Drew Brown, dedicated owner and chef, was inspired by an Italian mix of pickled vegetables called Giardiniera to infuse a blend of vintage and contemporary into Lucky’s atmosphere. The bright white tile floors, rust red lamps, and olive green benches reflect the ingredients of Giardiniera, which includes carrots, cauliflower, and olives. Lucky’s also creates its own Giardiniera, bringing its bright, vivid colors to life in the dining space as well as the physical interior.
From choosing the music to using the dining space as storage, Brown tries to make the setting at Lucky’s as intimate as possible while striving for a light, open, and bright environment, and they have achieved just that. Although the menu is very simple, none of the sandwiches are ordinary. Everything that comes out of the kitchen has a touch of Lucky’s. The classic BLT, for instance, is given a makeover , with a special twist of kimchi mayo, making it one of the most popular menu items. Brown also knows that a sandwich can’t go without pickles; Lucky’s own famous half sour and full sour pickles have people going out of their way to get it.
An honest and modest space, Lucky’s has shown to be the new neighborhood deli in Durham. The line that goes out the door during lunch rush hour, shows that the made to order sandwiches keeps bringing people back for more. Combining the kitchen and dining area connects the restaurant’s staff and customers as one big family, and most importantly, makes the space feel like home.