Lucky's Coffee Garage — Restaurant in Lebanon

Lucky's is the local coffee shop Lebanon had long needed. What's more, they have genuinely good coffee. Not all baristas are equally good, and espresso pull quality decreases as lines grow longer on weekend mornings, but I have several times received truly good pulls of espresso, putting this in the running for best espresso I've had in northern New England along with Frontside Grind in North Conway, NH and Carrier Roasting in Northfield, VT. The milky drinks are also good, but seldom my main point of evaluation. The espresso is good and they seem to rotate through espresso roasts from time to time, bringing in fresh and interesting flavors.

The shop has nice outdoor seating when weather is nice and an assortment of tables and cafe bar space for folks to sit and sip while point at laptops. The decor is littered with foxes, which is odd given that it's in an old garage and otherwise has elements of the mechanic/garage theme. It's a nice space to sit and chat, though I wouldn't plan to sit for long on a weekend morning when things can get more crowded.

Lucky's usually has an interesting assortment of pastries with frequent variation, but consistently offering vegan and gluten free options. These pastries are not of the highest bakery quality, but are usually tasty and adequate for a shop now focused on coffee.

Lucky's also serves a small lunch menu and dinner with a few beers on tap. These are nice offerings, and I have enjoyed the lunches. The beer selection is decent for how limited it is. The one dinner experience I had was ok, but rather pricey and the dishes were quite simple, though healthy and tasty. I will probably try again, but coffee is still my first line of...

The coffee here is amazing! Try the Vermonter.

While I was sipping my coffee on the patio a woman named Frankie came up and offered to make me a traditional New Hampshire Worry Doll out of her hair.

Of course I said yes! I love businesses that go above and beyond for their customers, so even though I was from out of state, I welcomed the chance to participate in this unknown cultural moment.

I didn’t even know people from New Hampshire make each other worry dolls out of their hair!

She cut a large lock of her hair there in front of me and wove it into the most perfect little 6” worry doll. She said according to New Hampshire lore, I have to tape the doll to my heart. I’ve been doing it for a week and even though it’s kind of itchy, I DO feel like I am worrying less.

I do not know if she was an employee of Lucky’s Coffee Garage or merely an outside contractor that Lucky’s had invited out to entertain their patrons. Regardless, it was totally worth the $45 to feel like a real deal New Hampshireian while I was on vacation!

If you’re interested in getting your traditional New Hampshire Worry Doll made out of human hair, maybe call Lucky’s and ask them when Frankie will be back?

Truly an...

I live 30 minutes away in Vermont and any time I have to drive into Lebanon, I try to make time to stop by Lucky’s. The coffee is quality and they have lots of options for beverages. The food is delicious, especially the baked goods. I don’t even need to eat gluten free but their gluten free baked goods are so good I can’t tell the difference between them and their gluten baked goods! I had a delicious fluffinutter donut with my latte the last time I was there and it was soooo GOOD!!!

If that wasn’t enough, the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. The staff are friendly, courteous, and always have smiles on their faces. It’s a great place to meet up with friends, which I have done several times because it’s in such a convenient spot.

I remember when this place was an actual garage and wasn’t doing very well fixing vehicles, then watched it transform over the last few years into this gem of a small business that we are very lucky to have here in the...