*** Discrimination by Lucca bar and grill. **** On Sunday, March 17th 2024, my PTSD service dog and I were walking downtown. FIRST ST, BENICICA, CA 94510, we were walking and entering local businesses, window shopping, and such. We decided to enter the establishment called LUCCA BAR AND GRILL located on 439 1st st, Benicia CA 94510. As soon as we entered, around 1540HRS we noticed it pretty busy do to it being ST Patrick's Day, we walked up to the bar, they were pretty busy, we noticed they had an Irish band in their outdoor area, my service dog and I walked out to the backyard area where an band was playing Irish music, we walked around for a bit, decide to busy for us and decided to leave. We were going to exit via the rear exit but I noticed there were 2 dogs and their owners sitting right outside the rear entrance. At that we decide to turn around and go out the way we came. We walked up the stairs from the back area and into the bar. This was when we were immediately confronted by a man that pointed his finger to the door and said "Out!", at that time I replied "excuse me?!" Then again this individual said in louder voice gesturing to the door "GET OUT!" at this point t I was shocked by the way this person was talking to me, in a disrespectful and demeaning manner. I said "Who the f are you?!" he replied by aggressively yelling at me and my service dog to "GET OUT!" I informed him that he was a certified service dog, and what he was doing was ILLEGAL, and Discrimination and not okay to talk to people like that, at this point I became triggered and felt personally and emotionally attacked. I told him he was making a mistake and he was wrong. I told what he was certified PTSD service dog and what he was doing was violating federal law. He said "I dont care GET the fuck out!" I was shocked and appaled by this man's behavior, I was told he was the owner, JAN LUCCA. There were many witnesses and security video. This was totally unprofessional, unprovoked, and the most disgusting way to approach someone with a service animal. I'm a permanently and disabled 12 year war veteran. I was wearing my Iraqi Freedom Veteran ball cap and my dog was wearing his narked and clearly labeled service dog vest. The way were treated was humiliating and triggered my PTSD and this incident will affect me for long time to come.
Aimee P.
First time here and we had a really good meal. It was late last year and Rachel was our server that evening. She was super attentive, good recommendations and over all a great experience. Next time I'll remember the photos!
Michelle T.
The food was good but felt the wait staff service was lacking a tad bit. No one really checked up on you unless I made contact and maybe bc there were more people in the back of the restaurant and outside. Who knows!! The presentation for the shrimp appetizer that we ordered which I forgot to take pictures of was blah. Don't get me wrong the shrimp was great but the presentation made the food less appealing with sides of carrots just thrown onto the plate. As far as the sandwiches it was good. I would go back again and try other items on the menu.
Joseph A.
Dined indoor on a Thursday evening. Loud. Not good for conversation unless you want to be competing w other tables. Wait barely came to table and forgot to bring water multiple times, leaving glasses empty throughout most of the evening. Famous fried chicken was so-so; and on the dry side. Friend had the fish and chips which looked fine, though she didn't care to take remainder home. Would not go back.
Colleen K.
Our favorite restaurant. Great food and wonderful ambiance. Live music is the best. Friendly service.
Brian Cross
It's fantastic every time I eat here. Great place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
CR Din
I wish I could give a review on the food, but I am unable to as I have never had my order taken. Other reviewers seem to like it. But twice I have visited Luca to get dinner ( solo) and once they sat me in the corner and the second time on the sidewalk (on 1st St). BOTH times I have waited for 10 + minutes while being virtually ignored before I got up and eventually left. Working in the restaurant industry for years in the 80s there was a common misconception with certain servers that solo diners weren’t good guests / tables as the tip would not be as good. I am wondering if that is the case here? Regardless, not a good place for a solo diner if you are looking for a welcoming environment.Bummer
I am sure that Lucca has many delicious dishes; I can only speak to a simple lunch I had there. My lunch companion and I were pleased to be able to sit outside in front. It was very noisy and crowded inside. I had the $12 grilled cheese sandwich and tomato bisque soup. The bowl of soup was not very warm and there wasn't much of it, but it was good. The sandwich was just laughable. It tasted like Velveeta cheese in Wonder bread. I had expected a more interesting bread and cheese. This was what I used to make for my children when they were young! It was fun to sit outside and watch the passing parade. The servers did their best. There are obviously better choices than what I had ! But I expected much more from such a highly regarded restaurant.
Chris Pitta
Very disappointed!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Will F.
My go to restaurant for one of the best Burgers in the Bay Area and with garlic fries you can't go wrong. The atmosphere and the service is great. A must visit restaurant in Benicia.
Regina I.
Really enjoyed our dinner at Lucca. The fish and chips was so fresh. And the Cole slaw that comes with it was the best I ever had since I am not even into Cole slaw. My friend enjoyed her pork chops too. And the Jalapeño poppers was so good! Their flourless chocolate cake was a perfect ending. But the best part of our experience is our server Jack. He was the sweetest and most amiable ever! He was such a delight! Will definitely eat there again!
Charles Rubi
First time there,February,great time,good crowd,great music,service,was excellent,considering the lrg crowd,will definitely be
*** Discrimination by Lucca bar and grill. **** On Sunday, March 17th 2024, my PTSD service dog and I were walking downtown. FIRST ST, BENICICA, CA 94510, we were walking and entering local businesses, window shopping, and such. We decided to enter the establishment called LUCCA BAR AND GRILL located on 439 1st st, Benicia CA 94510. As soon as we entered, around 1540HRS we noticed it pretty busy do to it being ST Patrick's Day, we walked up to the bar, they were pretty busy, we noticed they had an Irish band in their outdoor area, my service dog and I walked out to the backyard area where an band was playing Irish music, we walked around for a bit, decide to busy for us and decided to leave. We were going to exit via the rear exit but I noticed there were 2 dogs and their owners sitting right outside the rear entrance. At that we decide to turn around and go out the way we came. We walked up the stairs from the back area and into the bar. This was when we were immediately confronted by a man that pointed his finger to the door and said "Out!", at that time I replied "excuse me?!" Then again this individual said in louder voice gesturing to the door "GET OUT!" at this point t I was shocked by the way this person was talking to me, in a disrespectful and demeaning manner. I said "Who the f are you?!" he replied by aggressively yelling at me and my service dog to "GET OUT!" I informed him that he was a certified service dog, and what he was doing was ILLEGAL, and Discrimination and not okay to talk to people like that, at this point I became triggered and felt personally and emotionally attacked. I told him he was making a mistake and he was wrong. I told what he was certified PTSD service dog and what he was doing was violating federal law. He said "I dont care GET the fuck out!" I was shocked and appaled by this man's behavior, I was told he was the owner, JAN LUCCA. There were many witnesses and security video. This was totally unprofessional, unprovoked, and the most disgusting way to approach someone with a service animal. I'm a permanently and disabled 12 year war veteran. I was wearing my Iraqi Freedom Veteran ball cap and my dog was wearing his narked and clearly labeled service dog vest. The way were treated was humiliating and triggered my PTSD and this incident will affect me for long time to come.
First time here and we had a really good meal. It was late last year and Rachel was our server that evening. She was super attentive, good recommendations and over all a great experience. Next time I'll remember the photos!
The food was good but felt the wait staff service was lacking a tad bit. No one really checked up on you unless I made contact and maybe bc there were more people in the back of the restaurant and outside. Who knows!! The presentation for the shrimp appetizer that we ordered which I forgot to take pictures of was blah. Don't get me wrong the shrimp was great but the presentation made the food less appealing with sides of carrots just thrown onto the plate. As far as the sandwiches it was good. I would go back again and try other items on the menu.
Dined indoor on a Thursday evening. Loud. Not good for conversation unless you want to be competing w other tables. Wait barely came to table and forgot to bring water multiple times, leaving glasses empty throughout most of the evening. Famous fried chicken was so-so; and on the dry side. Friend had the fish and chips which looked fine, though she didn't care to take remainder home. Would not go back.
Our favorite restaurant. Great food and wonderful ambiance. Live music is the best. Friendly service.
It's fantastic every time I eat here. Great place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I wish I could give a review on the food, but I am unable to as I have never had my order taken. Other reviewers seem to like it. But twice I have visited Luca to get dinner ( solo) and once they sat me in the corner and the second time on the sidewalk (on 1st St). BOTH times I have waited for 10 + minutes while being virtually ignored before I got up and eventually left. Working in the restaurant industry for years in the 80s there was a common misconception with certain servers that solo diners weren’t good guests / tables as the tip would not be as good. I am wondering if that is the case here? Regardless, not a good place for a solo diner if you are looking for a welcoming environment.Bummer
Service: 1
Delicious, convenient,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was terrible. Service was non-
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Wonderful!!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
I am sure that Lucca has many delicious dishes; I can only speak to a simple lunch I had there. My lunch companion and I were pleased to be able to sit outside in front. It was very noisy and crowded inside. I had the $12 grilled cheese sandwich and tomato bisque soup. The bowl of soup was not very warm and there wasn't much of it, but it was good. The sandwich was just laughable. It tasted like Velveeta cheese in Wonder bread. I had expected a more interesting bread and cheese. This was what I used to make for my children when they were young! It was fun to sit outside and watch the passing parade. The servers did their best. There are obviously better choices than what I had ! But I expected much more from such a highly regarded restaurant.
Very disappointed!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
My go to restaurant for one of the best Burgers in the Bay Area and with garlic fries you can't go wrong. The atmosphere and the service is great. A must visit restaurant in Benicia.
Really enjoyed our dinner at Lucca. The fish and chips was so fresh. And the Cole slaw that comes with it was the best I ever had since I am not even into Cole slaw. My friend enjoyed her pork chops too. And the Jalapeño poppers was so good! Their flourless chocolate cake was a perfect ending. But the best part of our experience is our server Jack. He was the sweetest and most amiable ever! He was such a delight! Will definitely eat there again!
First time there,February,great time,good crowd,great music,service,was excellent,considering the lrg crowd,will definitely be
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Fries