After months of anticipation, Lucky Catskills has opened its doors on North Front Street in Kingston, taking over the former Kingston Bread + Bar space. The new location from Patty Wu and David Schneider, the duo behind Lucky Catskills and Tabla in Tannersville, debuted October 9 with a soft opening. “It went very well,” says Wu. “We’re working out the kinks, but I think we figured it out since we’ve already done it once before.”
Wu and Schneider opened the original Lucky Catskills in late 2024, turning a small Main Street storefront in Tannersville into a cafe and provisions market known for its mix of dim sum, Asian comfort food, and inventive coffee drinks. Less than a year later, the pair have brought the concept down the mountain to Kingston, carrying over the same format but adding a full kitchen that opens the door to a broader menu and new specials.
Inside, the design nods to Lucky’s Tannersville roots. The moody floral wallpaper and deep blue paint return, paired with warm lighting, bright red stools, and a classic Stockade District tin ceiling. “It’s the same vibe,” Wu says. “It’s only a riff on a theme. We want the same feeling, but it’s slightly different. It’s bigger, obviously.”
The menu blends familiar Lucky staples with new additions. Standouts include the tonkotsu ramen with a rich pork bone broth and crispy pork belly ($21); and the spicy dan dan noodles with ground pork and mustard greens ($16). Vegetarian-friendly options include the mapo tofu with mala and soybean sauce, beech mushrooms, preserved mustard greens, and scallions ($14) and the three pan seared radish cakes served with hoisin and sriracha. Wu says the full kitchen will also allow for new specials, including Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken with Thai basil and five spice.
In addition to the cafe menu, a small provisions section offers pantry staples and snacks—various types of chili crisp, jarred teas, Tao Kae Noi tempura seaweed, Asian gummy candies, and chips in flavors like spicy hot pot and yellow curry.
Breakfast options include the 888 Sando (heirloom eggs, American cheese, pork belly, housemade kimchi, and Kewpie mayo) and the Brekky Sando, a spam, egg, and cheese with Kewpie mayo, a Taiwanese take on a deli classic. The team also plans to add jianbing, a savory Chinese-style crepe with egg, to the menu soon.
On the drink side are espresso classics—cappuccinos, macchiatos, and lattes—that can be customized with flavors such as black sesame, red bean, miso caramel, and gochujang caramel. The menu also features Vietnamese coffee, a matcha latte, and a black sugar shaken espresso, along with a hot chocolate ganache.
While the focus for now is on breakfast, lunch, and midday snacks, the team has plans to expand hours and offerings. A liquor license is in progress, with plans for a bar program with sake and cocktails down the line. They also hope to host collaborative pop-up dinners featuring other Asian chefs. “I cannot represent the complete Asian community,” Wu says. “I have to have others represent themselves.” Schneider adds, “Maybe one night we do Chinese banquet, another night Korean barbecue—or bring in local Asian pop-ups to do dinners too.”
For the couple, expanding to Kingston wasn’t part of a long-term strategy—just good timing. “We weren’t really looking to expand,” Schneider says. “But somebody came to us with a space, and we thought it was a good location. I like Kingston. It’s more of a city in the sense that there are people here year-round, whereas other places still rely more on second homeowners and tourists.”
Still settling into its rhythm, Lucky Kingston is shaping up as an unfussy daytime cafe with a menu that rewards repeat visits. Delivery through DoorDash and extended hours are on the horizon. For now, Wu says, “We just want people to feel good being here.”
Lucky Kingston is open Thursday through Tuesday from 8am to 6pm at 43 North Front Street, Kingston.
yay!! finally dim sum locally, albeit very limited choices! no duck feet, alas!! hopefully char siu bao?!
Incredible dumplings by Patty.
Even the grumpy David has his charm.
Very exciting news for Kingston.