Lucy’s Story
Lucy’s first opened its doors in 1985 on the corner of 84th and Columbus Avenue (deep in Manhattan in the upper west side), New York City, far away from the nearest reef break. Owner Bruce Rampick, a native Southern Californian, joined forces with long-board riders, Kim Rampick and Bill Durkin, to open New York’s first “surfer bar” and restaurant. According to legend, lore, and a few interesting characters, the name Lucy is the closest American translation of the Polynesian Goddess of Surfing (that’s our story, anyway). The decor featured old surfboards hung from walls and ceiling accented by red and blue neon lighting, black-and-white surf photos were the artwork of choice, and the wild drink concoctions were laced with tropical toys.
The style was relaxed, the Cali-Mex dishes hearty and fulfilling, and the drinks inspired by the ocean breezes and the crashing surf. From Santa Barbara to Baja, this was the food the surfers were raised on, and grew to know as true Southern California “Surfer” Food. It’s reminiscent of La Esparanza, Mom, Grandma, Tijuana Street vendors and the Baja Motel after a hard day’s night rippin’ up the California Coast. Whether your interest was surfing, drag racing, or just rockin’ and rolling,’ this is the fresh and satisfying food they would run to.
Today, you can experience Lucy’s laid-back, surfer-inspired digs at locations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Austin, Texas. Marked by a zany staff, ice-cold beer, great food, and classic music, Lucy’s has become a refuge for misplaced surfers, gremmies, and ho-dads. Even though the New York location is just a memory, its history lives on in the Gulf South. In addition to our Cali-Mex favorites, Lucy’s serves local delicacies such as Red Beans and Rice, Po-boys, Crawfish, spicy Shrimp, refreshing salads and creative brunch items. Surf’s up, dude…and the legends live on!
5/12/2012 - if you're from SoCal and you're craving some fish tacos- go here. They're good.