Lucky Cafe — Restaurant in The Woodlands

I had begun visiting this restaurant early 2024 a friend introduced it to me and I visited often with no problems, even bringing others and my daughter really enjoyed it. The owners are Hispanic and upon conversing with Alex it’s my understanding that they had only been here in the U.S. about a year at the time and only owned the restaurant about a year at the time.

I ordered the Vietnamese coffee on several different occasions. Apparently the language barrier is an issue. Each time I asked for a refill they would say no refill I repeatedly explained that I understand and don’t mind paying, but apparently each time I visited it just wasn’t understood that I understand refills are not free and that I’m more than happy to pay..

On another occasion. I’m sitting in a booth having lunch with my daughter when a family member of the owners come in with two small children and sit in the booth directly behind me. The little boy about 2 or 3 the mother told me is kicking my seat for a good five minutes before I finally politely turn around and ask the mother to stop the child from kicking the back of my seat. Then of course the family/ owners rush over to speak to the women in Spanish never once apologizing to me. Upon leaving I made small talk with the mom as to say be polite.

My final straw came when again I visit with my daughter for lunch. This time we order a Vietnamese coffee and smoothie. I tried to be polite and make conversation with the waiter who i could tell was not interested in talking from the previous incidents. When Alex brings our food out Finally, he sets it on the table behind him instead of placing the food in front of us. Just as I’m noticing flies flying over our food the gentleman seated behind us advised me that there were flies in our food. That’s when I noticed the flies feasting off of the food. When Alex came back to the table he tries to serve us the food. I told him flies were in the food he smiles and continues to place the food down. When I again tell him flies were in the food and we are not eating it he tells me “You know what , it’s always something with you. “ At this point I felt completely disrespected and belittled. We proceed to the counter to pay for our drinks. The owners are again speaking in Spanish. Not one apology but I get a look of pity from a Spanish customer who was checking out around the same time when she saw me in the parking lot. Which makes me wonder what they said but I’m sure it’s best not to know. Apparently sanitation is not their strong point. I...

Food here is great, service is TERRIBLE. My husband and I went a second time today and ordered egg rolls, spring rolls, chicken pho, and meatball pho. The first round of egg rolls came out cold, but we didn't complain because both my husband and I have worked in the restaurant industry for 10+ years, so we just ordered another 4 with another server because we didn't want to be a nuesance. I had told the server that was taking care of us that we had ordered another round so that there wasn't any confusion and he yelled at us "just wait your spring rolls will be out soon!" In front of all the other tables. We weren't even talking about the spring rolls we were waiting on, we just simply wanted to communicate that we had ordered another side of egg rolls with another server. The second round came out nice and fresh and were delicious. The spring rolls were amazing, and the pho was delicious. We sat with empty cups while we ate thinking that they would come over and refill our water and tea, they never did so we had flagged someone down and asked if we may please have some more refills. The server had taken our glasses and refilled our drinks, but didn't put any ice in my cup, so we had asked for a cup of ice for my tea, he came back over and slammed the cup of ice on the table so loud and passive aggressively that we looked at eachother like "what did we do wrong?" Needless to say, the treatment we had received warrants us to not return to this restaurant, which is unfortunate because I loved the food. The servers should be replaced with people who actually take pride in their job and just smile every once in a while. Makes me sad. Those spring rolls...

Very strange to say the least. But that isn’t a bad statement. Actually it’s a weird form of appreciation for something I never know could be so good.

From what I gather as a first timer who never heard of the this place before… I thought wait so this is a Chinese spot? But don’t judge a book by its cover ladies and gentlemen. This is a bonafide legit Vietnamese restaurant in sheep’s clothing. First off it’s already hard to find decent Vietnamese food in woodlands or spring but to call it “Lucky Cafe” puts this under the radar even more so! But here I am to say to everyone reading this review you are in fact lucky to have found a good eat.

Lucky Cafe is in a quiet shopping strip in the Woodlands. Another surprise… You’ll be caught off guard since there isn’t an Asian auntie/uncle who will wait and provide service to you…(common in most pho spots) rather you will meet some very nice El Salvadorians will make sure you are taken cared of. They from what I heard are the new owners while the original owner(s) still cook.l for the business. Customer service was great. Also a plus for those who speak spanish and have a hard time understanding the menu since they can translate for you.

Quality of food! The pork bahn mi with an egg is crazy good! I highly recommend ! I even remember the order number #5.

Pho is good - I ordered with steak and meatballs.

I will be coming back to try the spring rolls since I forgot to get them. ( I ended up ordering two sandwiches instead!)

Well worth...