Lucky Cat, the newest addition to Chef Troy Guard’s restaurant portfolio, opened in the Hangar 2 development in the Lowry neighborhood in Denver. Lucky Cat offers Guard’s unconventional takes on traditional Chinese dishes in an 80’s style, Kung-fu inspired space.
The eatery is Asian-inspired and boasts a “Guard-esque” menu with fresh takes that appeal to all palates. Diners will find an array of small plates and snacks, sushi and sashimi, favorite Chinese take-out entrees and convenient curb-side pick up for those who want to take it home.
The menu, inspired by Guard’s time living in Asia, includes Lucky Dumplings, Crunchy Tilapia Bao Buns and Spring Onion Pancakes on the small plates list. Entrees put a spin on familiar favorites and include General Guard, B&B (Guard’s take on Beef & Broccoli) and Cantonese Style Steamed Fish, while noodle lovers will dig Dan Dan, LoMein and Saimin. Fresh interpretations of sushi rolls include the White Tiger Roll and Zhuang Roll, and Lucky Cat guests end their meals with playful and cheeky fortune cookies. If you have take-out in mind, then you should know that everything at Lucky Cat can be ordered as take-out with curbside service offered.
Lucky Cat’s bar boasts inventive cocktails and a select sake list alongside wines and local craft beers, perfect for imbibing on the vibrant street side patio.
The 1,662 square foot, 60-seat space has been updated with Asian-inspired design elements that incorporate bursts of color and Guard-inspired playfulness including new fortune cookie pop-art light fixtures, eye-catching neon light installations and anime wall coverings. An impressive and chic mural featuring a collage of Asian cultural icons hangs above the open kitchen, while the walls (in a nod to the namesake) are outfitted with Lucky Cat patterned wallpaper. The lively outdoor patio seats an additional 32 diners and also benefitted from a facelift with new drapes, comfortable throw pillows and a living garden wall.
Lucky Cat is open Tuesday through Sunday from 3pm to 9:15pm. The restaurant will open for weekend brunch this summer and for lunch in the fall.
Lucky Cat is located at 7559 E. Academy Blvd., Denver, CO 80230. For more information and to view the complete menu, visit: www.luckycatdenver.com.