Lucky’s Steakhouse Montecito 25th Anniversary

By Joanne A Calitri | March 3, 2026

Dear Readers from here to around the world! This year we celebrate 25 years of being lucky to have the Coast Village Road cornerstone and landmark restaurant, Lucky’s Steakhouse Montecito. This is the flagship location that launched its Malibu, NYC Soho and East Hampton Long Island sisters.

The restaurant’s refined dining rooms and bar areas are the home of luxury business deals, Ferrari Vintage car owners, real estate deals, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, matchmaking, book authors, GNOs, film festivals, travelers, celebrity seekers, and in community spirit every Ghost Village Road!

Lucky’s is the destination location with its beloved menu, incomparably extensive wine cellar, and prized liquor selections. Its history of extraordinary maître d’s and sommeliers says all that need be said, from Eric Maldonado serving a 1970 Pétrus wine or 1982 Château Mouton-Rothchild, and overseeing private client cellars; to epic Executive Chef and General Manager Leonard Schwartz, who was at the helm from 2007-2024; to current master maître d’ Larry Nobles. Plus, all under the genius of owners Gene Montesano, Jimmy Argyropoulos, and Herb Simon.

With a Russian River chardonnay in hand, we know Lucky’s affords a sub rosa spot for tête-à-têtes, if those walls could talk! And if you can’t help but wonder, I do have many such stories to share, but what happens at Lucky’s stays at Lucky’s! Suffice it to say Eric intuitively escorted me from a boring dinner date to the restaurant’s comfy bar – how did he know!? And the time I had to stop a star-struck, out-of-town friend from staring and attempting photos of Carol Burnett, who was dining by the fireplace. Not to mention my many wonderful years of photographing the happy, costumed visitors for Ghost Village Road. Oh my! In the words of my London friend, “now this is a proper steak and martini!”

As the many photos and memories have shown, we can all truly savor this legendary “second living room of Montecito,” and toast its continued success.

Xx Forever Lucky’s! JAC

Here’s What the Community Had to Say About Lucky’s!

We are four long-term friends whose busy lives don’t allow us to get together as often as we’d like. But when we do, it’s always a boys’ night out at Lucky’s. We can count on great food, excellent service, and a night of laughter as we enjoy each other’s company in an exceptional restaurant.
– Paulo Sitolini, Kevin Finnegan, Brett Cambern, Jack Martin

In 2009 we moved to Montecito, making it our healing place after the loss of our son, Scott. From day one, Lucky’s became our favorite local restaurant largely due to the most warm and welcoming managers and staff always showing us kindness & empathy! We instantly considered them treasured members of our family. – Frank & Pam Stapleton

We’ve celebrated birthdays and milestones at Lucky’s for years—it’s our Game-Designer, steak-loving son’s favorite. Here he is marking his grad school acceptance with a two-steak meal. Congrats on 25 years! – Rich Block

Although we live in Ventura, we celebrate all of our Birthdays at Lucky’s. Congratulations Lucky’s!!!!
– Kerby Zozula

Lucky’s on Christmas Eve. Great food, great atmosphere, great service, great ambiance, great family (3 generations of Sanfords), great friends…perfection. We asked the waitress how long she has worked there and she said 28 years. Her husband, who she met there, worked at Lucky’s for 17 years before passing. We love seeing the same faces every time we go there. Special place. – John Sanford

Sam Maphis, local Landscape Architect extraordinaire who was born on New Year’s Eve in 1954, wouldn’t think of celebrating both his birthday and New Year’s Eve anywhere else but Luckys!!
A family tradition! – Terry Maphis

Always fun at Lucky’s! – Quentin & Kristin Wahl

Thank you, Lucky’s. We are huge fans of weekend brunch, however cannot say enough about how you took such good care of the community without losing one bit of professionalism, quality, or deliciousness during Covid. Since we couldn’t dine in the restaurant, Eric and I ordered our dinners several times during the weeks of the shutdown. We were always so touched by the staff that prepared our dinners. Everything was just as hot and yummy as if we were there. Thank you & here’s to 25 more years!! Love you! – Sincerely, Stephanie & Eric Kaster!

It was indeed our community’s lucky day when Lucky’s Restaurant opened its doors 25 years ago. Over the years, we’ve shared so many wonderful memories there — delicious meals, festive parties, and cocktails at “our” corner high-top table in the bar.

Among my favorite memories are from the early days, when we would occasionally dress in black tie just to have dinner at Lucky’s — just the two of us. It always felt so special.

The staff never failed to greet us with a warm welcome, outstanding service, and a dependability that kept us coming back. Thank you for the beautiful memories. I look forward to making many more.

Congratulations on 25 wonderful years! – All my best wishes, Marlene Veloz

We adore Lucky’s! – Brett Davison

A warm Thank You to Lucky’s for employing a wonderful service staff. We’ve been “regular customers” for many years and come back week after week because of the warm and personal service we receive. You all are AWESOME! – Ed & Kat Wetzel

Life, lady’s lunches, and love at Lucky’s – Patricia Griffin

When our oldest grandson (now 23) was an infant, we regularly dined at Lucky’s. Sam was in his car seat and we five became regulars. One night, Kirk Douglas was dining, and with his permission we took a photo of Sam and Kirk, which Lucky’s kept on a shelf for a long time. Sam became a fixture, moving from the baby seat to a chair at the table, and very often he would sit outside the kitchen watching what was going on in there. Our favorite waitress was Brenda. As the family grew, we spent many lovely dinners at Lucky’s. – Sandy Oshinsky