As a first-year at Elizabethtown College, there’s lots to take in and new experiences to be had. One of my favorite things to try has been the food and drink varieties. While the campus offers several great options, such as Jay’s Nest and the Blue Bean Cafe, it’s only natural to be curious about the alternatives off campus.
During the Jay Walk, I was able to try a little bit of everything but wasn’t able to get a deep sense for each place. Along the walk, I mentally bookmarked several restaurants that piqued my interest, such as Lucky Ducks.
Lucky Ducks Bar & Grille, often simply called Lucky Ducks by Etown students, serves primarily bar food. Think juicy burgers, cheesy nachos and savory wings. But don’t let that fool you into thinking their selection is limited—they have whole sections of their menu dedicated to salads, soups, pasta and other entrees. No matter who you are, there is something delicious waiting for you at Lucky Ducks.
As you enter the space, quirky paintings of ducks unites with an old charm to welcome you. One of my favorite touches was the exposed brick fireplace which adds a rustic feel. The decorations help to establish an atmosphere, but the real selling point of a restaurant is the food.
As an appetizer, I split the Nachos with some friends. The dish had strengths and weaknesses. Notably, the jalapenos added a nice kick, the toppings were evenly spread and the complimentary salsa and sour cream complimented the dish well. However, the cheese was not the most flavorful, which made the dish less satisfying to eat. That said, it is such a minor critique that it doesn’t weigh the dish down too much.
With so many tempting options, it was challenging to decide on an entree. I settled on the “Bigger” Mac Burger; what convinced me was the 1000 Island Sauce with fresh ground beef. The patty was cooked to a perfect medium well, I couldn’t list a complaint even if I tried. The sauce complimented the juiciness of the patty, the brioche bun and the cheddar cheese. The cherry on top was the crispy chips. Overall, this is one of the most memorable meals I’ve had since coming to Etown.
The staff were friendly, quick to tend to our table and very accommodating. There was never a single time in which I had to ask them to clear plates, refill waters or bring out our food. Speaking of water, the water didn’t have a weird aftertaste and was very refreshing. Again, a minor point but it matters in the grand scale of the meal. Finally, one of the highlights of the trip was seeing ducks swimming in the creek. It’s always great to see animals enjoying nature.
To conclude, Lucky Ducks left a lasting impression on me. I would love to visit again with friends or by myself for a delicious lunch. I look forward to trying their Cobb Salad and French Onion Soup, considering two locals raved about those two items specifically. I see myself being a frequent visitor in the years to come.
