Bartlett's Lucky Star rustles up live music, dancing at old Ranch site
I was expecting to hear a lot of Hank and Willie on my visit to Lucky Star Bar in Bartlett, but I ended up bumping into a Donny and Marie hybrid - a place that's a little bit country and a little bit rock 'n' roll. But while this Bartlett bar is more country than not, it should also appeal to fans of other kinds of live music and anyone looking for a late-night place to drink, dance and unwind.
<b>Motif: </b>Occupying the site of the old Cadillac Ranch, Lucky Star features Western decor in its spacious interior. Yes, you'll find country music and line dancing, as well as a mechanical bull, but the bar is about as country as you want to make it.
Lucky Star is open for business Wednesday through Saturday. On a recent Thursday night, I made my second trip out to Lucky Star only to find what I discovered on my first visit - not many folks are there early. The staff told me that the action picks up around 11, especially if they have a popular band booked.
<b>Food: </b>Lucky Star shares the building with the Moretti's Ristorante & Pizzeria and offers a shorter version of Moretti's menu. Although the coconut onion rings looked tempting as a starter, we decided to start the evening with the chicken wing platter, a very good move. The wings were hot and hit the spot. They could easily work as an appetizer or full meal. There were plenty of other bar food choices and pizzas as well. If you're starting out early, you can take advantage of Moretti's larger menu and then walk down the dark wood-paneled hallway into Lucky Star for entertainment.
<b>
Liquid consumption: </b>A tip of the 10-gallon hat to Lucky Star for not only having plenty of draft brews available, but also a nice selection of locally made picks. Nothing against the usual Bud, Miller and Corona, but when I belly up to the bar I always scan the menu for something I haven't tried before. On this visit, the Gatecrasher IPA from Temperance Beer Co. of Evanston caught my eye and it didn't disappoint. Many people don't enjoy the hops-induced bite of an IPA, but this one was on the smoother side.
My wingman for the night went the mixed drink route and got his cocktail exactly the way he wanted, including extra packets of sugar. Good thing this place isn't a Wild West saloon.
<b>Service:</b> Lucky Star has ample staff and service to handle a big crowd. Since we arrived early in the evening, the door staff was able to welcome and check us in quickly after scanning our IDs. When you get to a certain age, getting carded at the front door actually feels good.
Our bartender was also readily available and service was swift.
<b>
Crowd:</b> If you want the real “Nashville” experience at Lucky Star, it's best to check their website first and make sure it's a country-themed night before showing up. Things don't start kicking in until late, so be prepared to spend some time watching videos and enjoying the atmosphere if you walk in shortly after the doors open.
<b>Music: </b>Country music is what Lucky Star is becoming known for, but there's something for everyone. During our visit, everything from Justin Timberlake to 1980s glitter rock and hip-hop played over the loudspeakers and on video monitors. On the night we visited, a DJ was setting up on the small stage overlooking the dance floor.
<b>
Parking: </b>There is ample, well-lit parking in the lot for both Lucky Star and Moretti's, which is located on the south side of Route 20, just west of Route 59. There were no issues getting a parking spot close to the door and there are entrances for each place.
If you use Google Maps or other satellite navigation services to help you get there, don't be alarmed if the friendly voice giving you directions starts steering you into a residential subdivision. No, Lucky Star isn't in someone's basement. But driving through neighborhood streets right before you emerge on Route 20 and see Lucky Star is apparently the best way to get there if you're coming from the North suburbs.
<b>Overall: </b>If you're a fan of country music, Lucky Star is well worth a visit. And if you've always wanted to check out a country bar but didn't have the nerve, this place would be a good start. Just don't be surprised if you hear some Snoop Dogg or Ariana Grande mixed in with your country classics.
Lucky Star
1175 W. Lake Street (Route 20), Bartlett, (630) 830-7200,
Hours: 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday; 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday