OUR STORY

You can feel the pulse of the Financial District from our doorstep, but once you step inside Lucky Tiger, the city noise fades into something much more soulful.

We live for the moment a guest takes that first meaningful sip. It’s in the brightness of our Lucky Tiger Sour topped with cloud-like sake foam, and the steam rising off a plate of our signature Drunken Noodles. We believe in unpretentious hospitality, the kind that remembers your drink and welcomes you exactly as you are.

We built this space to be a journey within a bar, a sanctuary where the restless energy of Lower Manhattan meets the transportive warmth of a trip across the Pacific. Whether you’re tucked away amidst the lush greenery of the Bamboo Grove or sharing a toast under the glow of the lanterns at Dragon Bar, you aren't just a guest; you’re part of the story.

Why "Lucky Tiger"?

The tiger represents strength, bravery, and a bit of a wild streak. To us, "Lucky" isn't about chance; it’s about the magic that happens when the right people, music, and spirits collide. We’re here to be your urban escape -a place to celebrate the wins, shake off the long days, and find a little luck in every glass.

The lanterns are lit, the vinyl is spinning, and your seat is waiting.

MEET THE TEAM

  • Alex Dominguez

    BEVERAGE DIRECTOR

    Born and raised in New York City, Alex Dominguez brings both technical precision and heartfelt hospitality to his role as Beverage Director at Lucky Tiger in FiDi. His journey began humbly as a dishwasher at Bette Midler’s nonprofit restaurant The New Leaf, before discovering his passion behind the bar at the original Nolita Tacombi in 2013.

    Over the years, Alex refined his craft through mentorship rooted in classic cocktail technique and high-volume excellence, later leading programs that emphasized terroir and storytelling. In 2025, he joined Lucky Tiger’s opening team and was quickly promoted to Beverage Director.

    At Lucky Tiger, Alex leads a beverage program that honors the richness of Asian communities in New York City and across the diaspora, blending modern technique, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful storytelling to create a bar experience that is welcoming, vibrant, and deeply connected to the city it calls home.

  • Matt Almodiel

    HEAD BARTENDER

    Matt Almodiel brings high-energy precision and serious technique to his role as Head Bartender at Lucky Tiger. At the bar, he pairs thoughtful menu development with operational discipline, building cocktails that push the palate while thriving in a high-volume environment. His style is equal parts technical and magnetic, creating an experience that feels elevated, intentional, and unmistakably fun.

    Shaped by three coasts and countless bars, Matt began in the DMV restaurant scene before studying at UC San Diego and helping open locations nationwide with True Food Kitchen. In Los Angeles, he refined his craft at Blind Barber and Clifton’s Republic, later relocating to NYC where he worked at Bathtub Gin and Jeepney, rose to General Manager at The Rooftop at Pier 17, and helped lead operations at Death & Co’s East Village flagship.

    At Lucky Tiger, Matt’s approach to hospitality is simple: push the palate, elevate the experience, and make sure every guest feels like they’re part of something. He blends serious beverage knowledge with playful charisma: the kind of bartender who can talk fermentation, shake with intention, and still dance behind the bar without missing a beat. He may be the comedic relief, the “personality hire,” or the guy laughing at his own joke - but get on a first-name basis with him, and you’ll quickly understand why guests keep coming back.

  • Sarah Barrows

    EVENTS DIRECTOR / MANAGING PARTNER

    Born and raised in New York City, Sarah Barrows brings both operational depth and intuitive hospitality to her role as Events Director at Lucky Tiger NYC. She began her career in the front of house, developing a strong foundation in guest experience and service working in every role from host to bartender. Eager to understand the full scope of restaurant operations, she immersed herself in back-of-house execution as well becoming a chef - gaining a well-rounded perspective that continues to inform her leadership style. She later returned to the front of house in management, where she refined her skills in team leadership, logistics, and high-level event coordination.

    Sarah went on to found Tallerson Events Company, producing refined, high-impact events known for their seamless flow and meticulous detail. Her work blends creativity with operational precision, but always rooted in genuine hospitality.

    In 2025, she joined Lucky Tiger’s opening leadership team, where she oversees private events and experiential programming. At Lucky Tiger, Sarah shapes distinctive dining and event experiences that reflect the energy of New York City — thoughtful, polished, and executed with care.

  • Sam Murphy

    GENERAL MANAGER

    Sam Murphy is the General Manager at Lucky Tiger NYC, overseeing daily operations with a focus on exceptional service and seamless execution. With a strong foundation in hospitality management, Sam is dedicated to cultivating a welcoming, high-performing team and delivering a polished guest experience. His leadership ensures that every detail — from service standards to overall ambiance — reflects the restaurant’s commitment to excellence.