About Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny is a casual cafe for dining in on our outdoor heated patio or taking away to the beach, your favorite tasting room or other local Santa Barbara location. Lucky Penny features artisanal pizzas from a wood-burning oven, garden fresh salads, seasonal small plates, house-made hot & cold sandwiches, and house-made baked treats. Lucky Penny serves locally produced wines from Notary Public, craft beers and the ever popular frozen libation, Frosé (frozen rosé). Covered in 156,000 pennies, Lucky Penny is a sight not to be missed.

Jason Paluska, Executive Chef

Executive Chef Jason Paluska oversees three dynamic kitchens that serve five distinctive and award-winning concepts within Acme Hospitality – The Lark, Lucky Penny, Helena Avenue Bakery, Pearl Social and Santa Barbara Collective. Originally from Tomball, Texas, Jason began his cooking career in 2006 under chefs Mitch and Steve Rosenthal of Town Hall, Salt House, and Anchor & Hope in San Francisco. Jason then worked as a sous chef under renowned chef Jason Berthold at Michael Mina’s RN74. In 2013, he was the opening executive chef of The Lark in Santa Barbara, where he and his team were honored with a Michelin Plate Award in 2019 among numerous other prestigious recognitions. Jason’s tenure with Acme Hospitality spans more than a decade, contributing to the company’s success and elevating the culinary experiences across its diverse portfolio. Jason’s journey in the hospitality industry showcases his unwavering passion, exceptional talent, and dedication to the culinary arts.

Catie Hindman, Manager

Catie hails from the Bay Area and began her career in hospitality as she entered college. Moving to Santa Barbara to continue college, Catie spent two years at Lucky Penny and then moved on to the original Tyger Tyger as opening Assistant Manager. During the Covid years, Catie ran a successful breakfast pop-up and also spent time in the hotel space until returning to Acme at Loquita as floor manager. Moving full circle, Catie is now back to Lucky Penny as its Manager and looks forward to continuing the successes of this Funk Zone original.

Accolades & Awards

2014 “10 Hottest Restaurants in Santa Barbara”, Zagat

Santa Barbara Best Value Restaurants – Gayot’s

Best Santa Barbara Kid-Friendly Restaurant – Gayot’s

2014 Best Architectural Feature, Santa Barbara Beautiful Award

For more information or reservations, visit luckypennysb.com

127 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 | 805-284-0358
Sunday – Thursday 11am to 9pm | Friday & Saturday 11am to 10pm

Follow Lucky Penny | @luckypennysb