Lucky Bull Grill — Restaurant in Carlsbad

We learned about this place from some friends, and made the stop in before a trip to Carlsbad Caverns. Parking is an issue, the nearby back lot isn't clearly marked and you may have to circle the block a few times to find where to turn in, or hope to find another spot nearby on the main strip and walk.

The exterior and interior décor is an mix of industrial metals meets stucco and subdued Southwest brick/wood. The front entranceway houses a staircase and restrooms, and there wasn't anyone to great us when we walked in. The second room has the hostess stand, and we weren't immediately noticed, but we managed to get a table fairly quickly. Even during the lunch rush hours, the place was maybe 30% full at most. We were seated at a family table on the elevated section of the restaraunt, and the lower portion housed a bar and a few smaller tables. The elevated section had a giant mirror that somehow felt out of place among the pictures of rodeo clowns and small TVs.

The menu is pretty straightforward, but the only kids menu is on the back of the coloring pages they get when they sit down. There wasn't a great selection of kid-friendly drinks, just lemonade and soda (no milk or juices when we went).

The food took a really long time to get to us after ordering, and this was during a lunch rush hour with maybe a handful or other customers (already eating or drinking). If I recall correctly, it took around 28 minutes to get two adult and two kids meals to our table. Meanwhile, the staff was more or less disinterested with us, and had coversations with other (local) patrons almost the entire time. Maybe it was just a bad or slow day, but when we went, that was our experience.

The Lucky Bull specials were great, and I really enjoyed the bacon jam and the green chile grits. My wife thought the reuben had some redeemable qualities like the excellent sauerkraut, but was missing some key ingredients like the right dressing, bread, or pepper notes that make a classic reuben. The kid food was typical frozen and heated fare, the chicken and fries were a little burnt but still edible.

I don't mean to bash it or say it isn't a good restaurant. I probably would come back to eat the grits again or give it another shot with something else. They did seem to have a great beer selection, as well. But for us, what dropped it to 3 stars was the wait staff's lackadaisical approach to excellent customer service that (while pleasant and friendly) left us feeling ignored for the majority of our stay. I couldn't find a waitress when we were ready to pay the bill, and had to wait about 10 minutes to do so. That, and the long wait for the half great, half "meh" entrees.

But, give it a try for yourself. The Lucky Bull has some great features that make it worth a visit, but could do with a bit...

Lucky Bull Restaurant

Nestled in a charming corner of the city, Lucky Bull Restaurant offers a delightful culinary escape that transcends the ordinary. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining there, and I must say, it was a memorable experience.

I opted for the steak with shrimp, and I was pleasantly surprised. The shrimp were nothing short of spectacular—juicy, flavorful, and definitely a cut above the usual fare. The steak itself was of excellent quality, cooked to perfection, and complemented the shrimp beautifully.

One dish that truly stood out was the tres guacamole with white cheese. It was creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor—definitely a must-try! While the salsa didn’t quite hit the mark for my palate, I easily compensated with some grilled jalapeños, which added a delightful kick to the meal.

The atmosphere was lively, with upbeat music that enhanced the dining experience without being overwhelming. It created a vibrant backdrop for a wonderful evening.

I also want to give a shout-out to my server, Jessica, who was working at the bar. Her outstanding attitude and attentiveness made a significant difference in my visit. She was knowledgeable about the menu and ensured that my dining experience was smooth and enjoyable.

As a side note, I came in with a hint of apprehension due to the current political climate surrounding Latinos in the U.S. However, my experience at Lucky Bull was nothing but welcoming. Despite the predominantly Anglo clientele, I felt at ease, and the staff treated me with warmth and respect.

In conclusion, Lucky Bull Restaurant is a gem worth visiting. From the scrumptious food to the excellent service and lively atmosphere, it’s a place where you can enjoy a great meal and feel right at home. I’ll definitely be returning for more!...

This place ROCKS!

We stopped by after a long hike thru Carlsbad Caverns before resuming our journey back to Texas.

Before providing a fanfare to the exquisite cuisine served here allow me to provide a counterpoint to a comment I read on Yelp. This establishment is NOT racist. As a Mexican Jew from Texas, this hyperbolic claim by a previous patron made me feel somewhat uneasy to bring my wife and two babies here. Fear not, however. We were treated with the utmost respect and us Texans know hospitality when experienced. Plus, we witnessed Mexican locals who ate their meals joyfully and the restaurant itself employs some Mexican staff.

As such, if you ain't white don't let that stop you from relishing in some Dirty Chips or the Green Chili Grits. Both appetizers are simply decadent. Get ready for some heartburn with the Dirty Chips but they're very delicious nonetheless and worth the pain. The Grits were creamy, rich, and on par with Southern soul food.

Wife and I both ordered burgers, medium rare, and they exceeded our expectations. She had the Mac Attack and I had the Lucky Bull. Definitely make sure you order them this way to maximize the juiciness and flavors.

Order the Left Hand Milk Stout if you're thirsty. Very smooth and robust.

We will definitely bring our growling tummies and our green backs next time we visit the...