Culver City’s Historic Dear John’s Returns to Life as Casual New Bar Called Lucky’s

Classic Culver City hang Dear John’s has a fresh new look, and a new name to go along with the retool — though one might not notice the subtle changes right away.

New owner Ben Myron tells Eater that the address on Culver Boulevard has reopened this week under the name Lucky’s. There’s new neon signage right by the front door that shows off the moniker, but Myron says that out of respect for the legacy of Dear John’s the plan is to keep the original red and white sign on the lamppost overlooking the restaurant intact.

Inside Lucky’s, the differences are subtle but telling. The carpeting is gone, there’s a big new black banquette running along the length of one wall. Myron’s also upgraded the cocktails — the signature drink is now a mezcalita with Casamigos tequila and Montelobos mezcal — and there’s a full new menu from the kitchen as well. That includes shrimp tacos, nachos, burger sliders, a fried chicken sandwich, and salads. An ode to the original intent of the former Dear John’s remains on the menu in the form of a ten-ounce New York strip steak, served with fries or onion rings. The opening menu is below.

Lucky’s

Myron, who is also the owner of popular Culver City industry bar Backstage, tells Eater that he hoped to keep most of the ambience and vibe of the original restaurant, while modernizing some of the key details for a new clientele. Dear John’s originally opened in 1962 under actor Johnny Harlowe, reportedly with money from Frank Sinatra. Here’s to hoping for another 50-plus years of service as Lucky’s.

Lucky’s. 11208 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

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