Lucille's Smokehouse Bbq - Santa Ana

When I arrived, I was expecting a typical steakhouse experience, similar to Outback (not that Outback is bad). However, the portion sizes here were enormous! My cousin wasn't joking when he said he had never made it to dessert. One standout item I noticed was their onion rings; unlike anywhere else, they are lightly battered with just enough flour to keep them crispy, allowing the pure onion flavor to shine through. The BBQ is fantastic, and I highly recommend trying one of the combo plates, as they offer great value for your money. Afterwards, I felt deliciously stuffed—if that makes sense! The service was excellent, too. Just a heads up: be prepared to ask for extra napkins; it’s a smokehouse, after all, so don’t be shy about eating with your hands like everyone else. They provide hot towels to clean your hands afterwards, which is a nice touch.

Nestled within the vast expanse of The District, Lucille’s stands out like an oasis, surrounded primarily by an abundance of parking. I visited for a late weekend lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the BBQ, the fun and casual atmosphere (which is very family-friendly), and the welcoming service. The portion sizes are enormous, and the food was genuinely satisfying—definitely not comparable to The Outback, contrary to what the previous reviewer mentioned. Despite being a chain restaurant, I would happily return for a hearty lunch or dinner.