A Burger A Week (Mini) – Lucky 8
NOLA cuisine isn’t the only thing on the menu at Lucky 8!
๐ It’s your lucky day! Sorry, I just couldn’t resist that low-hanging fruit. Yes, I know it’s cheesy and probably closer to a “dad joke” than I want to get. But it was right there!…
Usually, when I write these burger pieces, there’s a little bit of a formula.
1๏ธโฃ First, I like to introduce you to the place in case it’s not somewhere that you normally hang out. What’s the feel? The neighborhood? Who are the folks that dine there?
2๏ธโฃ Second, maybe a little bit on the people that make the spot run. What else besides the burger are they famous for?
3๏ธโฃ Third, now we get to the star of the show, the burger!
4๏ธโฃ Fourth, the big wrap-up.
๐ The secret is out! Now you can just write up your very own A Burger A Week piece. OR you could just keep doing what you’ve been doing and let me handle the chores. (I’d prefer the latter!)
With this A Burger A Week spotlight, we are going to skip right to #3! Why? Because ALL THE WAY back in January, we did a little intro feature on the place where this burger lives. No sense in wasting a bunch of words rewriting something we’ve already written. That’s why we’re calling this a “mini”! ** Maybe we should just stay true to the burger theme, call this the “slider” version! **๐
๐ If you’d like to read (or re-read) the original Lucky’s article, you can DO THAT HERE!
OK โ Here we go! Let’s jump right in.
RESTAURANT: LUCKY 8 LUNCHEONETTE (1812 S. Osprey Ave. | 941- 444-0155)
DATE OF VISIT: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
STOP #: WE’RE IN OVERTIME NOW!
BURGER TASTED: SMASH BURGER SINGLE
๐ OUR TASTING NOTES
๐ This burger is served as listed on the menu: sesame seed bun | one smashed beef patty | American cheese, onion, pickle, lucky sauce ($9)
โข The single smash is the PERFECT size for lunch. Yes, of course, I can handle a double any day of the week. (I’m a pro, remember?) But the single won’t leave you looking for a couch to crash on one hour after mealtime. ๐
โข The sauce is tasty. But the crunchy pickles give this burger the texture contrast that really makes it sing.
โข The bun! When you first see that bun, you definitely think, “Whoa, that’s a whole lotta sesame seeds!” ๐ฎ It still takes me by surprise a little. It’s those seeds that make this burger carrier unique. They’re a great contrast with the soft bun interior. But they’re there for more than just their good looks! You actually get some subtle sesame flavor from them. ๐ These addictive buns are baked locally by Mama G’s Bakery. Chef Mark Majorie adds the final touches on top!
โข The Fries! Well, what more do you really need to say besides “double-cooked”! They are extra crispy and perfectly seasoned. You’ll get both hot sauce aioli and ketchup for your dipping pleasure! Don’t pass these up. ๐
Let’s check out how all of this looked when I ordered itโฆ
BURGER TAKEAWAYS: A delicious burger that seems simple on the surface but is actually pretty complex โข If you don’t want fries, they have a great mustardy potato salad! (see above pic) โข Pair this burger with the small order of gumbo, and you have a real lunchtime treat! โข The price is nice. $9 for a fresh smash burger will make you smile
~ LH
โ Did you miss a week? No worries. Here’s a link to our A BURGER A WEEK SERIES ARCHIVE! ๐
๐ ODDS & ENDS
๐ Stay-Drink-Place. I’m not quite sure how many more restaurants we can squeeze into the UTC/LWR area. But at some point, we’re bound to find out!
This summer or fall, Zลtล (1190 N. Cattlemen Rd) will be welcoming guests to enjoy an “upscale izakaya” experience at their new place next to Shake Shack (UTC Sarasota). Yes, the Japanese/sushi space is getting crowded. But James Beard nominated Chefs Jimmy and Johnny Tung hope to break through with a unique take on traditional Japanese fare. More to come…
๐น Pianos at Forty Paces. I know that Vegas has a pretty famous dueling piano show (The Twins – Harrah’s LV). But a local Sarasota Brewery? YES! Every Wednesday, you can catch Todd Adams and Chris Guertin slinging (and singing) it out at Big Top Brewing (3045 Fruitville Commons Blvd. | 225-8438). The battle for the best of the 88 keys starts at 6PM. – MORE INFO HERE!
๐ In Fine Voice. Visit Sarasota County has named John and Amanda Horne the 2025 Voice of Sarasota award recipients. Congrats on the BIG honor!
The Hornes are the Co-Owners of Oysters Rock Hospitality. If you’ve ever visited one of their Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations, then you’ve experienced firsthand their hospitality industry expertise. They have just recently finished a complete transformation of the menu and the decor of the new Cafe on St. Armands (the former Cafe L’Europe).
Last But Certainly Not Least…
๐ด Forks Up!! Yes, the 2025 edition of Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week is nearly upon us! There will be lots and lots of new dishes to sample, and of course, all at great Savor pricing (we could all use a bit of a price break about now).
Yes, we will be bringing you some restaurant week features and other Savor goodies during the two-week run. Mark your calendars now, June 1-20. More details to follow!…
๐๏ธ SARASOTA FOOD INFO๐๏ธ
Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.
๐ BUY A COPY OF OUR 2025 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE ๐
๐ MICHAEL’S ON EAST – MONTHLY EPICUREAN MENU โ MEXICO๐
๐งโ๐พ FARMER’S MARKET INFO โ๐พ
EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY โ Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY โ The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY โ The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS
EVERY THURSDAY โ Englewood Farmerโs Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY โ Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY โ Venice Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH โ UTC Night Market – DETAILS
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