Written by Julian Salinas / Staff Writer
The newly opened Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ lives up to its great southern BBQ reputation, and is much closer for most San Gabriel Valley residents than the Chino Hills location. With lines leading out the door with waits that range from thirty minutes to two hours, the food is well worth the wait.
The mouth watering smell of barbeque penetrates the air around the restaurant leaving bystanders helpless to the attraction of anything served to customers. The restaurant is decorated with folk art highlighting black history and southern life, playing classical standards mixed with jazz, blues, and soul music offers a very light-hearted and warm atmosphere.
Mid-day seems to be the best time to dine with the family to beat the dinner rush. At first glance the restaurant seems crowded with clustered tables leaving no room for comfortableness. Personal space seems to be worth the sacrifice for the great slow-roasted barbecue that is offered.
With a bar centering the restaurant, it seems to invade everyone’s space. The bar attracts customers eyes with televisions hanging from the ceiling, only allowing some customers to view it. Trying to open space of the restaurant, there is a patio that allows customers the choice of seating outside, or inside, but there is an unneeded light that blinds customers as they eat. A section of the restaurant is in the dark and much more crowded than the rest of it with thick booths surrounding an island of tables in a U-shape formation.
Customer care seems to be an apparent priority within the restaurant tending to customers need without being smothered or feeling stranded tending to their needs with appropriately cheerful attitudes. The menu offered a variation from slow cooked tri-tip, pulled pork sandwich, fried chicken, and meat hearty salads. It can satisfy any customer’s need without breaking the bank.
Serving seemed to be quick and easy coming out hot and all at once. I ordered a fried chicken with gravy and side of mash potatoes with vegetables, I found a hair and politely asked for a new plate. The manager came and apologized sincerely and offered compensation for a free dessert and new plate.
Overall my experience at Lucille’s leaves a want to come back knowing that delicious food will be served and my customer needs will be met without much hassle.
