I frequented Lucca quite a bit when it first opened - always have high hopes for a new mid- or downtown opening. Aside from the minor missteps of a fresh venue finding its footing, Lucca showed great promise. The bar has the makings of a great Sac hangout: solid wine list, full bar, yummy appetizers (love the escargot) and a good location. And in my book, it gets extra points for offering more than one sparkling wine by the glass/split. The post-work crowd is usually professionals, with some hip midtowners thrown in, so big thumbs up on the atmosphere.

Sadly, the bar is too small for kissmekate’s ideal …

The side tables are OK if there’s only two of you (buyer beware if you order appetizers - those tables are barely big enough for drinks and a bread plate). Bar seating is another option, but not suitable for larger groups (how can each contribute equally to a conversation when lined up side-by-side?!). There are a couple larger tables with huge arm chairs - but those go quickly (and at least one of those chairs has an offending odor, according to one my fellow cocktailers).

And … drumroll … the service is still consistently subpar. Oh, they try - I’ve had more than one uber-courteous server. But for every eager-to-pleaser, I’ve had a counterbalance of botched drink orders, forgetful waiters, and even a snafu that involved a chair, a purse and a dueling waiter and busboy (perhaps that’s a tale for a future entry - stay tuned).

All in all - if you have a very small group and don’t mind average service, Lucca is a decent choice for your happy hour gathering.