Lucille’s

Walking into Lucille’s feels like coming home to a warm hug and a hearty meal waiting at the table. This beloved Houston establishment has become a cornerstone of our community, serving up delicious Southern comfort food with a modern twist since opening its doors.

We’ve seen firsthand how Lucille’s commitment to quality extends beyond their kitchen – they maintain impeccable standards throughout their establishment. Much like how Mold Remediation Houston Heroes ensures homes stay safe and healthy, Lucille’s ensures every dining experience is memorable. Their attention to detail and dedication to excellence reminds us why proper maintenance matters, whether it’s a historic restaurant building or your family home.

The Story Behind Lucille’s

Lucille’s was founded by Chris Williams in 2012 as a tribute to his grandmother, Lucille B. Smith, a culinary pioneer and entrepreneur. Lucille was a remarkable woman who broke barriers in Texas during the mid-20th century, publishing one of the first cookbooks by an African-American woman and creating her famous “hot roll mix” that was even served to American soldiers during World War II.

Chris transformed his grandmother’s 1913 home in Houston’s Museum District into the restaurant we know today. The space maintains its historic charm with original hardwood floors and intimate dining rooms that evoke the warmth of Lucille’s kitchen. Family photos and memorabilia decorate the walls, creating a connection between past and present.

The menu at Lucille’s honors traditional Southern recipes while incorporating modern culinary techniques. Many dishes feature adaptations of Lucille’s original recipes, including her famous chili biscuits and braised oxtails. Chris and his team balance respect for these time-honored recipes with innovative approaches that appeal to contemporary diners.

Beyond serving exceptional food, Lucille’s embodies the spirit of community service that was central to Lucille’s life. She was known for feeding civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., during their visits to Fort Worth. Today, the restaurant continues this legacy through Lucille’s 1913, a non-profit initiative that addresses food insecurity in Houston’s underserved neighborhoods.

What began as a grandson’s tribute has evolved into one of Houston’s most beloved culinary destinations, preserving not just recipes but values of hospitality, innovation, and community that defined Lucille B. Smith’s remarkable life.

• Name: Lucille’s
• Address: 5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
• Phone: http://www.lucilleshouston.com/

Lucille’s Signature Southern Comfort Food

Lucille’s establishments deliver authentic Southern flavors with distinctive approaches to comfort food classics. Their signature dishes showcase regional cooking techniques and family recipes that have been perfected over generations.

BBQ Specialties That Shine

At Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ, the slow-smoked meats steal the spotlight. Their St. Louis-style ribs, smoked for hours over hickory wood, feature a perfect bark and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The beef brisket, trimmed and seasoned with a proprietary rub, maintains its juiciness through a 14-hour smoking process. Don’t miss their Carolina pulled pork, topped with tangy vinegar-based sauce, or the smoked chicken with crispy skin. Each BBQ plate comes with traditional sides like cornbread, baked beans, and cole slaw, honoring authentic Southern BBQ traditions.

Soul Food Classics Worth Trying

Lucille’s Fine Southern Foods in Houston elevates traditional soul food with refined techniques. Chef Chris Williams’ chili biscuits, based on his great-grandmother’s original recipe, feature buttery layers topped with spicy beef chili. The shrimp and grits incorporate Gulf shrimp with smoked tomato butter and stone-ground grits sourced from Texas mills. Their oxtails, braised for six hours until tender, come served over creamy mashed potatoes. The fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce offer the perfect balance of tartness and crunch, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to Southern classics with modern precision.

The Ambiance and Dining Experience

Lucille’s offers distinct dining atmospheres depending on which location you visit. Each establishment creates a unique ambiance that enhances the overall culinary journey, making your meal more than just about the food.

Decor and Atmosphere

At Lucille Restaurant at Drury Lane, elegance defines the space with its high ceilings and spacious floorplan. The extensive ventilation system ensures comfort throughout your dining experience. The upscale atmosphere adapts perfectly for various occasions—group gatherings, romantic date nights, or sophisticated evenings with friends. What makes this location particularly convenient is its integration with the Drury Lane theatre complex, allowing for seamless pre-show or post-performance dining.

In contrast, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que creates a casual, homey feeling reminiscent of backyard gatherings. The welcoming environment mimics the comfort of dining on someone’s patio, encouraging relaxation and conversation. This laid-back setting complements the hearty BBQ offerings, creating an authentic Southern hospitality experience.

Service Quality at Lucille’s

At Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, exceptional service quality forms the cornerstone of the dining experience. As part of the Hofman Hospitality Group with 21 locations across California, Arizona, and Nevada, Lucille’s has built its reputation on authentic, attentive service that makes every guest feel welcome.

The restaurant’s service philosophy reflects their deep-rooted family values dating back to the 1940s. Rather than adopting corporate service standards, Lucille’s embraces a genuine mom-and-pop style approach where staff treat customers like extended family. This commitment to personalized service creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that complements their down-home comfort food.

What distinguishes Lucille’s service quality is their consistency across all locations. The Hofman family maintains strict service standards even as the business expands, ensuring that each restaurant delivers the same level of hospitality that built their legacy. Staff members receive comprehensive training to uphold these traditions while adapting to modern customer expectations.

The success of Lucille’s isn’t accidental but stems from the family’s unwavering dedication to hospitality excellence. Their service approach balances efficient operations with the personal touches that create memorable dining experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a family celebration or casual weeknight dinner, the attentive staff at Lucille’s consistently delivers service that honors their heritage while meeting contemporary standards.

Price Point and Value

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ offers considerable value through its thoughtfully priced menu options and generous portion sizes. The restaurant balances quality ingredients with affordable pricing across various dining experiences.

Happy Hour Specials

Happy hour at Lucille’s provides exceptional value with appetizers priced between $5 and $15. Guests can enjoy Southern classics like Southern Fried Dill Pickles ($5) and Loaded Fried Green Tomatoes ($5) at budget-friendly prices. The 2-Piece Bone-In Fried Chicken Plate ($7) represents an outstanding deal for those seeking heartier options. Drink specials include $2 off draft beer pints and half-price bottles of wine, making social gatherings more economical without sacrificing quality.

Regular Menu Pricing

The main menu at Lucille’s features reasonably priced Southern comfort favorites. Signature sandwiches like the Original Pulled Pork ($13.99) and Nashville Hot Chicken ($14.50) deliver substantial portions at mid-range prices. Shareable options such as Smoked BBQ Nachos ($13) offer value for groups, with affordable add-ons like French fries for just $2. Premium sides can be upgraded for $1.50 or added separately for $4.25, giving guests flexibility to customize their meals according to appetite and budget.

Portion Size and Quality Balance

What truly defines Lucille’s value proposition is the balance between portion size and food quality. The generous servings regularly satisfy hearty appetites, while the authentic flavors and careful preparation justify the price point. The restaurant’s commitment to traditional smoking techniques and quality ingredients ensures guests receive genuine value that extends beyond simple cost considerations. This combination of fair pricing and exceptional quality creates a dining experience that feels both indulgent and accessible.

Location and Accessibility

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ offers a welcoming dining experience across multiple locations throughout the Western United States. The restaurant’s strategic placement in key California cities makes it accessible to BBQ enthusiasts across the state.

In Southern California, you’ll find Lucille’s in Brea at 1639 E. Imperial Highway and in Cerritos at 11338 South St. For those in the Inland Empire, the Chino Hills location at 4611 Chino Hills Parkway provides convenient access within The Commons shopping center. Los Angeles residents can visit the Culver City restaurant inside Westfield Culver City at 6000 Sepulveda Blvd.

Orange County hosts multiple Lucille’s locations, including Lake Forest at 23760 El Toro Rd. and Orange at 4050 W. Chapman Ave. Long Beach residents have two convenient options: one at the Towne Center (7411 Carson St.) and another on 2nd Street (6257 E. 2nd St.).

For those in the Inland Empire, the Rancho Cucamonga location at 12624 N. Mainstreet provides easy access to Lucille’s signature BBQ flavors. Northern California residents can enjoy Lucille’s in Rocklin at 6628 Lonetree Blvd.

Each location maintains the same commitment to authentic Southern hospitality and exceptional BBQ that’s made Lucille’s a regional favorite. Most restaurants feature ample parking and wheelchair accessibility, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.

Conclusion

Lucille’s stands as a beautiful testament to family heritage and culinary excellence. Whether you’re enjoying the refined offerings at Drury Lane or the homey atmosphere of the Smokehouse locations we’ve explored each facet of what makes this establishment special.

From Chris Williams’ heartfelt tribute to his grandmother’s pioneering spirit to the thoughtful balance of tradition and innovation on every plate Lucille’s delivers an experience that goes beyond dining. Their commitment to community service through Lucille’s 1913 shows that great food can nourish both body and soul.

We hope you’ll visit one of their accessible locations to discover the warm hospitality generous portions and exceptional value that have made Lucille’s a beloved institution. The legacy of Lucille B. Smith lives on in every carefully crafted dish they serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Lucille’s restaurant?

Lucille’s was founded by Chris Williams in 2012 as a tribute to his grandmother, Lucille B. Smith, who was a culinary pioneer in Texas. The restaurant honors her legacy and continues her tradition of excellent Southern cuisine while breaking barriers in the food industry.

What type of food does Lucille’s serve?

Lucille’s specializes in Southern comfort food with a modern twist. The menu features slow-smoked BBQ meats like St. Louis-style ribs and beef brisket, alongside elevated soul food dishes such as chili biscuits, shrimp and grits, and braised oxtails, all prepared with authentic flavors and contemporary culinary techniques.

Where are Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ locations?

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ has multiple locations throughout the Western United States, primarily in California cities including Brea, Cerritos, Chino Hills, Culver City, Lake Forest, Orange, Long Beach, Rancho Cucamonga, and Rocklin. Each location offers the same authentic Southern hospitality and exceptional BBQ experience.

What makes Lucille’s interior design special?

Lucille’s maintains its historic charm by featuring original hardwood floors and family memorabilia throughout the restaurant. The Houston location preserves architectural elements while Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que offers a casual, homey atmosphere. The Drury Lane location provides elegant decor with a spacious layout suitable for pre-theater dining.

Is Lucille’s affordable?

Yes, Lucille’s offers great value with thoughtfully priced menu options and generous portion sizes. Happy hour features appetizers between $5-$15 and drink specials. The main menu includes reasonably priced Southern comfort favorites with substantial portions at mid-range prices, creating a dining experience that feels both indulgent and accessible.

Does Lucille’s have a community service component?

Absolutely. Lucille’s embodies a spirit of community service through its non-profit initiative, Lucille’s 1913. This program continues Lucille B. Smith’s legacy of feeding those in need, reflecting the founder’s commitment to giving back to the community while providing excellent food service.

What kind of service can I expect at Lucille’s?

Lucille’s provides exceptional, attentive service with a genuine mom-and-pop approach. As part of the Hofman Hospitality Group, they treat customers like extended family, creating a warm atmosphere that complements their comfort food. Staff receive comprehensive training to maintain strict service standards across all locations.

Is Lucille’s accessible for all guests?

Yes, all Lucille’s locations feature ample parking and wheelchair accessibility to ensure a comfortable visit for all guests. The restaurants are strategically placed in accessible areas, making the authentic Southern BBQ experience available to everyone regardless of mobility needs.

• Name: Mold Remediation Houston Heroes
• Address: 2100 Travis St #1393, Houston, TX 77002
• Phone: (346) 447-8765