By Dennis Henderson
TraditionMeetsInnovation SACRAMENTO'S BURGER SCENE
Lucky’s Drive-In brings retro flavor and family charm to Sacramento.
From Washington to Curtis Park
Nestled in the heart of Sacramento's Curtis Park neighborhood, Lucky's Drive-In stands as a testament to passion, family, and a love for timeless flavors. Coowners Willow Eskridge d Mi h l F i
A Decade of Burgers and Big Dreams
“We started our first location in Tacoma almost a decade ago," Willow reminisces. "After success in Parkland, Washington, we decided to expand to Sacramento.
No Restaurant Experience? No Problem!
Their decision to enter the food industry was spontaneous yet driven by shared enthusiasm. "Neither of us were in the food industry. Never worked in a restaurant before," Willow laughs. "The opportunity came around and we just kind of went for it.”
Co-owners Willow Eskridge and Michael Feagin, with mom Patricia, smile in front of Lucky’s Drive-In.
CLASSIC DRIVE-IN, ELEVATED FLAVOR
At Lucky's, freshness is a top priority. "Everything is fresh. We chop our lettuce every day, have fresh chopped onions, and slice our pickles from whole pickles," Willow explains. "Our buns are fresh, soft, and toasted We craft our own sauces our flavor combinations are incredible."
This commitment also extends to their shakes. "Real dairy with high butterfat content Our shakes are thick with real ingredients actual caramel, fresh strawberries, bananas," Willow emphasizes "These small details elevate our food."
DINE THE DRIVE-IN WAY
Lucky’s outdoor dining area is the kind of spot you discover once and want to come back to. Set beneath tall trees and tucked alongside a quiet, vegetated hillside, it’s a peaceful place to kick back and enjoy your meal. The open-air space lets you enjoy fresh air and sunlight throughout the day, with spots of shade depending on the time. Whether you ’ re grabbing a quick bite or lingering over lunch, this is where drive-in nostalgia meets easygoing comfort.
THE COOLEST SEAT IN CURTIS PARK
A standout feature of Lucky's Sacramento location is the vintage 1960 Bristol Lodekka doubledecker bus on the patio. "We love vintage things it complements our vibe," Willow says. "It's something you ' re curious about, drawing you in. We’re transforming it into additional dining space, enhancing our unique charm."
BRING YOUR PUP, SNAP A PIC, STAY AWHILE
At Lucky’s, dogs are part of the family The patio is completely dog-friendly, with leash holders available so you can pop inside to place your order without worry Once you ’ re settled, relax with your four-legged buddy and enjoy lunch outdoors And don’t miss the photo op the vintage 1960 Bristol Lodekka double-decker bus on the patio isn’t just extra seating, it’s an iconic backdrop that adds to Lucky’s retro charm Whether you ’ re here for the food, the vibe, or that perfect social media shot, Lucky’s patio has you covered
In-Person Dining, the Way It Should Be
Lucky's prioritizes genuine, immediate dining experiences. "We don’t offer delivery or online orders," Willow states. "We want food fresh and served hot, directly to customers who visit. It’s part of our vintage feel. We encourage interaction, conversation, and community connection."
COMMUNITY LOVED FAMILY OWNED
At Lucky’s, everyone feels like part of the family.
Family lies at Lucky’s core. Co-owners Willow Eskridge and Michael Feagin, along with Mike’s mom Patricia, have poured their hearts into creating a space that feels like home. “Lucky's Drive-In is myself, Mike, our incredible team, and Mike's mom Patricia,” Willow shares. “When you walk in, we want you to feel like family.”
That sense of connection extends beyond the counter. Patricia, often seen greeting customers with a warm smile, has quickly become a familiar face in the neighborhood. “She’s the heart of this place,” Willow says.
Sacramento’s response has been overwhelming. “People tell us, ‘We’ve been waiting for you,’” Willow reflects. “The excitement and support from this community have been incredible.”
For Willow and Mike, it’s about more than great food. It’s about creating a space where people connect, slow down, and feel welcome. “Curtis Park has welcomed us like we’ve always been here,” Mike adds. “It’s an amazing feeling.”
A local hangout where nostalgia and community meet.
Willow and Mike envision Lucky's as more than just a restaurant "We aim to create memorable food experiences," Willow smiles "Family meals, dates, community gatherings we plan to host classic car cruise-ins and events, becoming a beloved local destination."
Whether you ' re a car enthusiast or just love the energy of a community gathering, Lucky’s cruiseins offer something special. Shiny chrome, vintage engines, and the hum of conversation fill the lot as neighbors and visitors come together. It's not just about the cars it’s about shared stories, smiles, and the simple joy of spending time with people who feel like family Willow and Mike are committed to keeping these traditions alive, creating a space where everyone is welcome, and every visit feels like a hometown reunion.
l dS c h o o l S h a k e s ,
OE x t r a T h i c k
At Lucky’s, the milkshakes are a throwback to the good old days—thick, creamy, and made the way they should be. Each one is hand-spun with real ice cream, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream and then capped off with a straw that might be wishful thinking. These shakes are so thick, you’ll need a spoon to get started—and you won’t mind one bit.
Explore
After a decade of serving up favorites in Washington, Willow, Mike, and Grandma Patricia brought Rusty’s Drive-In to Sacramento—and it already feels like home. Located on Franklin Boulevard, just down the road from Gunther’s Ice Cream, Rusty’s serves up old-school burgers, thick-cut fries, and creamy shakes in a retro, dine-in-only setting.
With its vintage vibe, dog-friendly patio featuring a double-decker bus, and welcoming atmosphere, Rusty’s is more than just a burger joint. It’s a neighborhood hangout where families, friends, and food lovers can relax, enjoy a meal, and soak in the feel-good energy. Open daily from 11 to 8, Rusty’s Drive-In is quickly becoming a must-stop in Curtis Park.
The Story Behind the Name Collector. Racer. Legend.
Inspired by a Legend
The name Lucky’s pays tribute to Harold “Lucky” LeMay, a remarkable man whose love for cars and racing left a lasting mark on Tacoma, Washington. After serving in the war, Lucky returned home and built one of the largest and most diverse car collections in the world— ranging from steam engines to modern classics. Today, his legacy lives on at the LeMay Car Museum, a must-see destination for auto enthusiasts everywhere.
A Neighborhood Icon
Before becoming known for his car collection, Lucky was a race car driver, earning his nickname on the track. He was also a local businessman, running companies like Lucky’s Towing. His influence stretched across the community, and his name became a familiar part of Tacoma life. When Willow and Mike leased their first drive-in location from Lucky’s son, they noticed the neighborhood was still filled with businesses that carried his name.
Carrying the Name Forward
With their new burger spot taking shape, Willow and Mike decided to honor Lucky’s legacy by naming their restaurant Lucky’s Drive-In. It felt like the perfect fit—a nod to a man who loved cars, community, and speed. With his family’s blessing, Lucky’s became more than a name; it became a symbol of connection, history, and timeless flavor. Just like Lucky’s incredible car collection, the drive-in celebrates the best of old and new.
