Long-Awaited Malibu Steakhouse Lucky’s Is Finally Ready to Seat You

It’s certainly been a long road for Lucky’s, the upscale Malibu steakhouse at 3835 Cross Creek Road. In a non-pandemic world the restaurant would have likely slid directly into the upper echelon of Malibu dining sometime last summer, thanks in part to its positive reputation at the original location in tony Montecito, just outside of Santa Barbara. Instead, ownership opted to build a much smaller local following, offering takeout through the latter half of last year and even using the parking lot as a partial carhop setup from time to time. Now, with limited-capacity indoor dining returned to greater Los Angeles, Lucky’s Malibu is ready for a full reveal.

The former Mr. Chow space feels a world away now, as the redone space gleams with Malibu sunlight and crisp white tablecloths. The wicker two-toned chairs and wraparound views give off a seaside bistro feel, complemented by a jazzy black and white mural, and long bar. Dark wooden booths and matching flooring complete the feel, though expect a bit more distance under current COVID-19 guidelines than what’s been set up for the photo shoot here.

As for the menu, Lucky’s sticks close to the upscale casual steakhouse playbook, offering staple appetizers like shrimp cocktail and fried calamari alongside heavy steaks and chops, sautéed sand dabs, a half roast chicken, and more. Cocktails run $18 a pop, and of course there’s molten chocolate cake for dessert.

The new Lucky’s Malibu is open for patio and limited-capacity indoor dining now, keeping hours from Tuesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pickup is also available.