The Lucky Well Irish Pub and Eatery: Where History Meets Quality
Anyone in the real estate game will tell you that the most important factor in buying or renting a property is “location, location, location.” For The Lucky Well Irish Pub and Eatery, located on Monument Avenue, that maxim is certainly true.
Operated by the Cafeo Hospitality group, also behind local favorite Billy Yanks, The Lucky Well opened its doors late in 2024 following a two-year development project. The spacious pub and eatery occupies three previous storefronts, offering 22 tables in the dining area and 20 seats at a sprawling bar. With a diverse menu and an evolving drink selection, the establishment has quickly become a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
A Play on History
The unique name “The Lucky Well” pays tribute to the historic site on which the restaurant is located. It draws inspiration from one of the city’s first drinking wells, dating back to the days of Fort Hamilton, which was once situated on Monument Avenue near the pub. The name honors both the site's history and its original purpose, offering a clever nod that won’t go unnoticed by the local community.
Hamilton’s rich history is something that many citizens take great pride in. General Manager Mat Wells considers that to be one of the most rewarding aspects of running the new restaurant.
“It’s been really cool how customers have come in and shared their connection to this building,” says Wells. “Many of them have said this is the place where they had their first date, or that they remember coming here before it was renovated. It’s so cool to be a part of that.”
In the Kitchen
The vibrant establishment features an extensive menu of Irish-inspired dishes, along with a unique and ever-evolving drink menu designed to satisfy its customers' tastes.
The scratch kitchen is curated by Managing Partner and Chef Jason Campbell, who has worked with Cafeo Hospitality since 2011 at other locations such as the Bell Event Center, and the Incline Public House.
Campbell has been in the business for nearly 25 years, but admits that his grooming for a life in the restaurant business started way before then.
“I was in a kitchen since I was able to walk,” says Campbell. “My father was a chef and he grew up in Hamilton in the early years of his life. So I grew up in the business.”
The vast menu at The Lucky Well runs deep, offering everything from starters and salads to hearty handhelds and main dishes.
“The Irish fare has been our most popular,” says Wells. “But our pasta dishes can’t be beat and the New York Strip, Shephards Pie, Bangers & Mash, and Reuben Egg Rolls have all been hits.”
“I really love our Potato Skins,” says Campbell. “The fusion of flavors makes it unique. We use Irish cheddar, which is creamy and velvety, sour cream, crispy bacon, and finish it with a Mexican chimichurri sauce which adds a little bit of spice.”
Campbell also notes that what makes their Irish-fare-favorite Bangers & Mash special is that they get traditional Irish bangers from Wassler Meats in Cincinnati.
“Pair that with the onion mustard demi-glaze and you can’t go wrong,” adds Campbell.
Both Wells and Campbell agree that the customer feedback has been positive and that they’ve already seen a heavy dose of repeat customers in their limited time with the doors open.
“I love the entire concept,” says loyal customer Mark Brown. “I recently had the Seared Salmon which was much better than I expected. And the service was really good.”
What truly sets The Lucky Well apart is its commitment to quality. The experienced kitchen staff takes great pride in their work and are given a significant degree of autonomy in developing the menu.
“It’s a true collaboration,” boasts Wells. “Our menu is updated and upgraded based on the feedback of the customers and the input of all of the staff.”
Campbell is quick to admit that the collaborative nature of the restaurant is something that inspires him and the others on staff.
“It’s definitely the team effort that keeps it all going,” says Campbell. “When Mat comes to me and wants to do a pairing for a wine dinner, or a monthly special it motivates me to be creative, keep things fresh, and try new things.”
At the Bar
But The Lucky Well isn’t just about great food. The bar offers an impressive selection of drinks. Mat Wells and the experienced bartenders on staff recognize that the cocktail is king right now.
“We are in the middle of a cocktail renaissance,” says Wells. “Good quality ingredients make the cocktail. Our veteran bartenders know how to use those ingredients to make a quality cocktail.”
The drink menu blends classic cocktails with the modern Irish flavor of the pub. Alongside traditional Irish drafts like Harp, Guinness, and Smithwicks, popular choices include the Espresso Martini and Old Fashioned.
Wells is particularly proud of the attention to detail from his bartenders, noting that they use bonded bourbons in cocktails for a superior taste. The Maverick, an exclusive offering inspired by Wells’ travels in Australia, is a standout drink on the menu. However, the bar staff is far from finished innovating, with plans to eventually introduce fat-washing cocktails, a popular technique gaining traction worldwide.
Hamilton’s Finest
“It’s been special,” says Wells, proudly. “People didn’t really know what to expect, but the excitement from the citizens of Hamilton, the historic element of the building, and customers thanking us for opening have made it all worth it. Typically, new customers want to come in and critique the new spot in town, but our customers have done the opposite.”
Looking ahead, The Lucky Well plans to expand its offerings, including an outdoor patio when weather permits. The pub also has big plans for St. Patrick’s Day this year, with Wells hinting at the possibility of a weekend-long celebration and a special festive menu featuring green beer and other holiday-themed options.
“We want to be one of the top restaurants in Hamilton,” says Wells. “We are always refining to offer the best quality. Ultimately, we want this to be a place that the local community is proud of.”
“There are so many great options to eat, drink, and shop in the area,” adds Campbell. “I am excited for The Lucky Well to become a staple in Hamilton.”
The Lucky Well Irish Pub and Eatery is currently open and taking reservations Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Whether you’re there for a drink, a meal, or both, you will walk away having experienced quality local offerings at its finest.