By Rick Winterson

     The classic dinner club is a venue that combines fine dining with various styles of entertainment – jazz, cabaret, rhythm and blues, you name it.  Lucky’s keeps that tradition alive and up to date at the corner of A and Congress Streets in South Boston.

     The first thing to understand about Lucky’s Lounge is that it’s a casual, friendly place to drop in on.  Even though Lucky’s is located at the busy intersection of A and Congress Streets, a quiet, softly lit ambiance takes over as you walk in the door on the corner.

     When General Manager Bill Costa and Marketing Manager Amanda McLain are asked where their patrons come from, they mention South Boston, over from Downtown, and photographers and artists from Fort Point.  They speak of family groups that come in for Sunday brunch (more about that later).  Clearly, the clientele at Lucky’s Lounge is diverse.  And as mentioned, Lucky’s is a casual place where it’s easy to strike up friendships.

     Lucky’s Lounge consists of a dining environment with great entertainment.  The menu varies with the seasons.  Among the recent creations of Executive Chef Josh Heller are Cajun Shrimp Alfredo and Fall Duck, a breast of duck with cider reduction.  Pasta, pizzas, salads, and appetizers complement the main dishes.

     And a word or two about the Sunday brunch.  This is served from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  A leading favorite at the brunch is “Fat Tony’s” breakfast sausage and cheeseburgers.  “Fats Domino’s” classic French toast and “Ricky Ricardo’s” huevos rancheros are close seconds.  When the sun is over the yardarm (noontime), exotic breakfast drinks become available.  Try Lucky’s bellinis, which are mimosas mixed with mango, prickly pear, or the like.  And Lucky’s has a secret, 10-ingredient bloody Mary, rimmed with wasabi and black pepper – worth about three to three and a half peppers on the heat scale and the best in Boston, according to Amanda.

     A true lounge also must have quality entertainment.  On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Bennett Miller Trio plays jazz on keyboard, percussion, and stand-up bass.  Did you guess the trio was from Berklee?  You were right.

     On Thursday and Fridays, local favorite Alex MacDougall anchors a four-piece band for the after-work crowd.  They combine some James Brown and Stevie Wonder sounds with some classic rock and R&B.  Now and then, some of the top singers in the Boston area come in and stage cameo performances with the band.

     Sunday evenings are Sinatra Nights.  The Al Vega Trio performs; Alex MacDougall shares the crooning with Mark Mahar.  Sinatra covers are featured, of course, but you’ll hear Dean Martin and Tony Bennett songs as well.  In an interesting variation on good dining, guest chefs come in on Sunday to serve their specialties – never a dull moment at Lucky’s Lounge.

     The décor at Lucky’s manages to be informal, but with touches of sophistication.  The word “cabaret” springs to mind, although that doesn’t capture it completely.  Bill Costa likes to use the word “transitions”.  You can dine well, and then move on to an evening’s entertainment seamlessly.  Actually, Lucky’s has two sections for its patrons – take your pick, depending on whether you want to dine elegantly or keep an eye on a sporting event.  Or spend time in both sections during the evening.

     As for the mechanics, parking is easy, especially on Sundays.  Boston Wharf Road between Seaport Boulevard and Congress Street is metered.  The dinner hours are Mon-Tue-Wed, 5 to 10; Thu, 5 to 11:30; Fri, 5 to 12; Sat, 6 to 12; and Sun, 5 to 11.  You theater-goers, notice the late weekend hours.  For late partygoers, a cab to L and Broadway costs an even seven dollars ($5.95 on the meter, plus tip).

In addition to excellent food at reasonable prices, Lucky’s Lounge is blessedly free of any cover charges.  Keep that in mind the next time you want some entertainment as part of your evening.