as a vegan imbiber, i can’t think of any place more wonderful than pure luck. it’s probably the only place you won’t see me bitching and complaining about on this blog. in fact, the absolute worst thing that really irritates me about pure luck is that they aren’t open on sunday. because if they were, i would be there right now.

first off, unlike most vegan eateries, they have amazing tap beer. not that budweiser bullshit, i’m talking about the real thing—at a great value. a 20 oz. glass of craftsmen ipa only costs $6, a very competitive price (especially in a vegan restaurant!!!), considering the quality and the quantity.

but as an ardent drinker, even fancy & cheap beers are auxiliary when it comes to my enjoyment of pure luck. what sets this establishment apart is the amazing and unique food. they don’t resort to the same tired menu as many vegan spots in los angeles (faux meat piled onto noodles with lots of salt). it seems any restaurant that has the word “vegan” in the title serves basically a carbon copy of a thai menu, with the substitution of seitan for meat, and the addition of french fries. thankfully, not pure luck. instead, it offers up new and tasty creations like fried gnocchi “potato pals” and spring rolls wrapped in flour tortillas.

i am making it a point to go to pure luck every saturday, and order something new each time until i’ve had everything on the menu.

i highly recommend starting with the potato pals. even as i try more and more things off the menu, they are the one dish i can’t help but order every time i visit pure luck. just be sure to ask for the special sauce. it will be light-pink and creamy, not your typical bbq sauce. you may have to hassle the server, but trust me, it’s worth it!

as a main course, this weekend i sampled the pure luck spring rolls (the fresh and spicy option). inventive and untraditional, these uncooked rolls contain spinach and tofu rolled up in a flour tortilla. while i’m sure the fried version would have been amazing, after drinking 2 beers and eating a ton of potato pals, i just couldn’t justify this more fattening option. however, the fresh rolls certainly didn’t disappoint.

the bottom line is, go visit pure luck…no matter what. they have great food, a wonderful selection of tap beer, and reasonable prices. the staff is friendly, and they play the best music.

i mean, what other restaurant keeps transformer and the white album on heavy rotation? and serves only vegan food? and TAP BEER? honestly, it’s ridiculous!

check it out, you will not be sorry!

you can find pure luck at:
707 n heliotrope dr
los angeles, ca 90029

just look for this sign that says “uck” outside.