New Restaurant: Lucky Jack Bar and Restaurant

By Lena Gidwani, February 19, 2016

With the famed Tennessee sippin’ whiskey as its inspiration, Lucky Jack is Party Pier’s newest watering hole. For those who haven’t hit the riverside in the last year or so, it’s undergone a rather public transformation; the bars along the waterfront have been replaced by an above-ground tram route, showcasing the sights of the city all the way to the Canton Tower.What the party (and the pier) needs is someone to inject a bit of energy into a seemingly dull tourist space, and Lucky Jack is poised to be their main player.

Good for a large group or simply to drink a lonely pint while spilling your woes to the well-suited and extremely attractive Russian bartender, Lucky Jack channels a traditional Irish pub feel with its wooden hues and dark leather seats, but keeps it real with an elevated stage featuring the sweet sounds of live band RadioGamma.

The bar-cum-restaurant features over a dozen beers on tap from around the world, from Stella Artois and Singha to Liefmans Fruitesse and Hamovniki. Try the signature strawberry daiquiri (RMB55) or Earl Grey martini (RMB65). And if you’re there after 8pm, the happy hour special promises half-price beers on tap.

Bottles are well priced: Hendrick’s gin sells for RMB650 and Hibiki 12 year old for just RMB1,000. Those craving shots will be superbly pleased too: at just RMB35 each or six for RMB190, there are plenty of sweet options to get you on that dance floor. As Jack lives here, buying a bottle of JD gets you a second at 50 percent off, and the full collection – from Gentleman to Honey – is available.

Of course, the endless imbibing will get you voracious, so Lucky Jack offers a full menu from 6pm onwards. The piping hot creamy mushroom soup (RMB38) with shavings of Parmesan is luscious and great for keeping the blues away.

The Lebanese baba ghanoush comes perfectly formed with a spicy pungency and balanced aftertaste we weren’t anticipating. Ask for some hot garlic bread to sop it all up. For meatier appetizers, try the BBQ chicken salad (RMB58) and Spanish gambas al ajillo, both surprisingly easy on the palate.

If you’re noting our incredulity, you’re dead-on. We never expected such bold, memorable flavors, and were pleasantly surprised to learn the kitchen is run by a former hotel chef from Egypt.

Mains stay true to form. Try the bangers and mash (RMB88), grilled salmon (RMB138) or the filet mignon (RMB168), all offering great value for money. The new menu also features lobster and cod, tomahawk steaks, pizzas and burgers – perfect for when the heat kicks in.

With seats for 300, Lucky Jack is sizeable but still cozy. Come fairer weather, there are plans to open up the second floor for open-air barbecue nights.

The venue isn’t one to boast of all trades, but it appears to have mastered the fine, and rather competitive, art of food and drink.