Luckey's

I've had many experiences in this place and my overall take is that if you want a medium sized bar that is just "ok", this place will do. I have been here when people have actually been smoking inside (an Ohio no no), and/or people smoke so close to the entrance, that the smoke wafts right into the bar. Now, I may be sensitive to this kinda stuff, but by golly, if I wanted to breath in a bunch of smoke, I would just go to KY.

Luckey's bartenders range from average to ignorant, and this of course is a hindrance to your experience. There is also only the most basic of drink specials, not that the prices are high, but specials on PBR and the like are nothing "special". I do appreciate that they have a pool table and a few video games. However, if the place gets packed, don't expect much room for your pool shots.

Entertainment on the stage ranges from karaoke to acoustic to very loud bands. Depending on your placement and angle to the speakers, you might either get blasted, or be able to at least occasionally have a conversation. (but nobody goes to bars to talk right? :) )

Parking is usually close by and found along the street. That's cool. I recommend NYPD Pizza across the street as a good place to get your base.

Lucky's. Not so Lucky. And the problem is that I really like Lucky's. Really. But last night threw me a curve ball.

The Monday night bartender was there. You know, the one that's a bit grumpy and not happy to be there. But she's cute, and her grumpiness is cute, too. So the sarcasm was going full force, and it worked for the evening. The crowd was small, just six inside, and that included the two of us.

Well, we ordered our first beer. I headed for the poddy, and the guy I was with went for the juke box. The beer was served at the bar. Returning from the poddy, the bartender said, "Four bucks..."

I've been here before, and she has been the bartender other times. So I thought it odd she served us beers in a plastic cup. Ahh, well, not exactly Murder on Harrison Avenue. The next round we were clear: bottles, please.

Then, at 11:45 she said, "Last call! Doors close at twelve, and I'm going home." I understand that there were just a few people inside, but we left feeling a bit unlucky.

Recently opened in the old Stewart's place on Harrison in Cheviot, Luckey's owners have gutted the entire place to create a friendly, Irish-themed pub on the Westside. On a recent visit, they weren't scheduled to open for another couple of hours, but opened the doors for us anyway and bought us pizza from across the street, to boot.