The Lucky Platter seems out of place on Evanston’s Main St. First, there’s it’s obscure location. The restaurant does not blend well with the construction trucks driving outside; it’s also hidden from general view, pushed back to behind an alley. Second, though, is it’s different cuisine. Where else in Evanston can you find the “funkalicious superfood” The Lucky Platter offers?
The phrase “funkalicious superfood” alone – displayed on the menu and sign outside – was enough to draw my attention. But what exactly does it mean? At first glance, it looks like the restaurant offers burgers, pizza and sandwiches; there’s nothing “super” about that. In the middle of the menu, though, are the specialties. The Little Platter serves lemon-peppered salMonday, turkey meatballs and horseradish-crusted tilapia. The April dinner specials even had Thai braised kale and steak fajitas.
The breakfast menu has its unique choices, too. The restaurant offers cinnamon-raisin French toast and apple ricotta blintzes in addition to the omelets, eggs and pancakes found at most diners.
Despite its unconventional menu, the restaurant – a self-proclaimed “diner deluxe” – has a very cozy and friendly atmosphere. The wall decorations are a little strange, but they add to the homey feel of the place.
Many health-wise patrons come for special menu offerings. The restaurant draws a large vegan crowd with its egg-less tofu scramble and similar dishes. The menu also has Southern flair: The Jambalaya and Louisiana crab cakes are customer favorites.
The dessert menu is almost a separate meal. Devil’s Food chocolate cake and key lime pie are served all the time, but, if you’re lucky, you’ll come on a day when the restaurant offers its banana cream pie special.
But perhaps the most attractive part of The Lucky Platter – at least for NU students – is the pricing. It may take an El ride to get there, but the meals are within a reasonable price range. Breakfast entrees are around $7, and dinner entrees start around $10.
The Lucky Platter is located at 514 Main St. It serves breakfast and lunch every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner starts at 3 p.m. daily and ends at 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 p.m. Sunday.
