Lucille’s Bar-be-que open in Santa Ana

Lucille’s opened a location at the Main Place Mall which used to be a Macy’s Men’s and Furniture department store.  Located near Nordstrom, it was gutted out to make room for a 24-hour fitness center, a bowling place, a Mediterranean restaurant, Ashley’s Furniture, and this bar-b-que restaurant.

Upon walking in, you’re greeted immediately by the hostess station, and the waiting area is tiny.  Unlike the Brea, Orange or Tustin location, where you can wait at the bar for your table, the bar is located toward the back of the restaurant, with just counter space available.  However, the back of the restaurant is where you want to be, as it is near a floor to ceiling window area with the view of the parking area and Main Street.  I wouldn’t say its the largest Lucille’s I’ve been to, but it is spacious and open.

We came here as a group of 9 on a Sunday for a birthday, and had 7:30 pm reservations.  Even though the mall closes early on Sunday, the parking lot was still pretty full.  We didn’t have to wait very long, as we were shown a table near the bar. After placing our drink order, the famous biscuits came out.

We decided to order the Family Feast, which was served family style.  The menu included a family dinner salad, 2 whole chicken, 3 pounds of ribs (baby back, St. Louis or beef), plus 2 selection of meat: either tri tip, pulled pork, burnt tips, or sausage and 6 sides.  We chose all baby back ribs, the pulled pork and sausage, and for our sides: mac n cheese, bbq beans, creamy cole slaw, corn on the cob, garlic mashed potatoes, and watermelon.

With drinks and 2 appetizers (chips and sweet potato fries), our bill came to $350 with tax and tip.  Most of us had the gift cards from Costco, which saved us 20%.  We had TONS of leftovers, so the family feast could easily serve 12-14 people.  For the most part, the service was pretty good.  Our server came frequently, and when we asked for something, he brought us what we needed.  He even came out with a birthday cake.  Overall decent service, and I would recommend this place if you have a reservation.