Lucille's

A meal at Lucille’s feels like a TV reboot that we’d actually happily watch. A few new twists and turns, but we never lose the heart of the show that made us love it in the first place. And just like a good TV reboot, the folks at Lucille’s have mastered putting modern takes on Southern comfort food without rendering them unrecognizable. At the timeless restaurant Lucille’s in the Museum District, the new spins don’t lose the flavors that make the dishes classics.

The menu at Lucille’s is full of familiar comfort food dishes like spicy gumbos, deep fried chicken with crackling skin, and impossibly tender oxtails. Everything comes dressed to the nines on carefully constructed plates, with a few sneaky elevations here and there. Serrano peppers add an extra kick to cheese grits, hearty oxtail jus gets slathered onto plates of crispy catfish, and greens and ham hocks find their way into the crowded gumbo pot. The slight spins are fun without being intrusive. Still, sometimes there are stumbles: for every tender plate of oxtail, there’s a fish with half the breading already crumbling onto the plate. For every friendly staff member, there are a few forgetful moments where you have to remind them what drink you ordered. But if you have a little patience, there’s very little in the way that will keep you from having a great time at Lucille’s.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Much like the food, the space at Lucille’s keeps some of the history while remaining in the present. Modern R&B tunes and old soul classics fill the air as well-dressed guests chat with their dates at the bar or laugh with long-time best friends over old stories. The updated ground floor is filled with dark wood and a sleek bar that gives off the vibe of a modern juke joint. But upstairs, the heart of Lucille’s remains rooted in its history, with family photos (including Ms. Lucille) lining the walls. Regardless of where you’re enjoying a meal, everyone seems to feel relaxed and at home. 

As modern as Lucille’s is, it never loses the feeling of comfortability. Sure, the experience is a bit more formal than a casual dinner around the dining room table, but you’ll still see folks passing around their entrees so everyone at the table can try some. Or, maybe, the occasional person reclined back in their seat after they’ve stuffed themselves with the last bite of spiced collard greens. So swing by whenever you need that familial feeling, whether it’s for a sit down dinner or during the weekends for brunch. Or, whenever you need to be reminded that some reboots can be fun.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

photo credit: Richard Casteel

photo credit: Richard Casteel

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Food Rundown

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Yardbird

Deep fried and brined, the yardbird is served with pillowy mashed potatoes and a heap of collard greens. We love the dark meat option.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Chili Biscuits

A true Lucille’s classic, you’ll find the chili biscuits on most tables. The buttery biscuits are filled with hearty chili and topped with gooey melted cheese.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Baked Mac And Cheese

Macaroni and cheese all but determines the experience at a comfort food spot. Luckily, the mac and cheese at Lucille’s is firm but loaded with cheese and has a golden crust topping the dish. Get it any time you go.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Braised Oxtails

The fall apart braised oxtails sit on a bed of cheddar cheese grits and are surrounded in a pool of gravy. The grits taste like the oxtails by the time you’re halfway through your meal and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Gumbo Z’herbs

What’s a Southern-style restaurant without a good bowl of gumbo? Whatever you do, make sure you get shrimp added to yours.