LJ Lounge in Costa Mesa was an absolute 5-star experience! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Mr. Kenny, whose hospitality made us feel right at home. Our server, Kristin, was exceptional--attentive, friendly, and made sure every detail of our dining experience was perfect. The food was outstanding. I enjoyed the tender, flavorful oxtails served with perfectly seasoned collard greens and sweet potatoes. My husband ordered the shrimp and grits, and they were rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. We started with the fried green tomatoes, and they were one of the best appetizers we've ever had crispy, fresh, and bursting with flavor. To top it all off, the live entertainment was incredible. A beautiful young lady performed, and she was absolutely amazing. Her talent, energy, and stage presence created the perfect atmosphere and made the evening even more memorable. Great food, outstanding service, wonderful hospitality, and fantastic entertainment,LJ Lounge has it all. We can't wait to return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience! read more

LJ's Lounge - Shrimp and Grits!!!! - Comfort Food Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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This restaurant was everything we needed here in OC! From the moment we walked in, the customer service was amazing. The food was incredibly hearty , flavorful and the drinks were sooooo good! The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with great music and plenty of good lighting. I also thought it was really cool that they displayed the Wi-Fi password on the TV screen, such a simple but thoughtful touch that made things easy. My biggest takeaway was the hospitality. The owner, co-owners, and chefs actually came to our table to chat, share a few stories, and genuinely ask how everything was. That personal connection means a lot to me and made us feel so welcome. We were there for almost two hours and didn't have a single bad experience. Great food, great drinks, amazing service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Phenomenal service and food! Happy to see a unique restaurant move into Triangle Square and I have high hopes for LJ's Lounge. Not only are they specializing in fantastic southern food, but they also have INCREDIBLE live performances during your meal on the weekends. We came for an earlier dinner and got to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous and talented woman (who I did not catch the name of - so sorry!) shine like a star on stage. It was hard to not be blown away through every bite because the food was delish but also because her talent was genuinely shocking. Highly recommend their fried chicken and lemon pepper wings. Their cornbread is a MUST as well, genuinely some of the best cornbread I've ever had. Perfectly moist but also the right amount of corn flavor in the bread. We will be back! read more

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I generally do not enjoy leaving negative reviews, but I believe thoughtful feedback is important, especially for a newly opened business. Our 7:30 p.m. reservation was honored, and we received a warm, unique welcome. The lounge itself had a cool, relaxing atmosphere, great music, and a vibe that reminded me of an upscale jazz/RnB lounge. Unfortunately, the dining experience did not meet the same standard. Several menu items, including fried green tomatoes and a few entrées, were already unavailable. My friend's catfish arrived promptly, while my sides were served well before my entrée with no explanation, leaving them to cool. The catfish appeared undercooked, with an unpleasant gelatinous texture and unusually thick cuts. The staff graciously took it back. When my fried chicken arrived, I cut into it and found it to be undercooked as well. I brought this to the staff's attention. I also sampled the sides and gumbo. The yams were watery and lacked the caramelized sweetness and warm buttery spices I expected, the macaroni and cheese was not as rich or creamy as I prefer, the greens were quite bitter, and the rice and gravy were dominated by thyme. The cornmeal muffins had a texture more akin to bread than to traditional cornbread. The gumbo was thick and floury, too much thyme and rather than having the darker roux- or stew-based flavor I associate with the dish. I truly appreciated how attentive and kind the owners and staff were throughout the evening. They listened to our concerns, adjusted the bill, and even offered an additional glass of prosecco. Although we took some leftovers home out of courtesy and appreciation for their hospitality, we ultimately chose not to eat them. The lemon condensed pie was delicious and ended the meal on a positive note alongside the complimentary prosecco. I am sharing this experience in the hope that it helps the restaurant strengthen its kitchen consistency and food safety practices. The hospitality, music, and ambiance show tremendous promise, and I wish the team success as they continue to grow. read more

LJ's Lounge - Lemon Pie Dessert and Prosecco - Comfort Food Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

New restaurant in the triangle square! Great service, love the music ( the dj is the owner) , and the inside is beautiful with pictures of historical representation of African American culture. The food was good! If you're looking for a soul food spot that plays real good hip hop and rnb music this is your spot. Definitely want to come back for brunch! I highly recommend the cornbread! It's delicious. Order 2 of them! read more

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We absolutely loved this establishment, from the ambience, service & food, everything was top tier!! We'll definitely be dining here again very soon!! read more

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Been seeing this restaurant on instagram so made a reservation to try it out for date night. The customer service was great! Everyone was attentive. Out of all of the items ordered, the lemon pepper wings were our favorite along with the gumbo. The rice was crunchy in both the red beans & rice and the rice and gravy. I wish the macaroni and cheese was seasoned along with the roasted chicken. The entertainment was great! I would recommend changing the height of the toilet tissue holder in the first stall of the ladies restroom because I did bump my head since it was so high read more

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After following on instagram for a while, I was SO excited to try this new spot when they opened....and it was amazing! From Kenny's greeting and introduction, the music, decor, to our delicious meal- everything was fantastic. We had the fried chicken (perfection), best collard greens I ever had, the sweet potato's were like dessert and so creamy. The gumbo was super flavorful, but not overly spicy. Corn bread was fluffy, light and perfectly complimented with the honey butter. Not sure why anyone has left a negative review here, because 11/10 our experience was great! Especially for being brand new and working out the kinks. We will definitely be back!!! read more

The old black Knight Gasto Pub is now LJ's Lounge. My wife and I stumbled in on a Monday night not knowing it was the soft opening. The environment still reminded me of Black Knight yet the lights were turned up something I disliked about Black Knight it was way too dark. But the lighting highlighted a clean restaurant with very comforting decor. Tables are perfect for a family dinner or a date night. I like how they use the stage area for podcast and performers. Music was excellent my wife adored the R&B. No going to lie it was a vibe! Now LJ came up to us and conversed with my wife and I very nice gentleman! Staff were very professional and on their game! They noticed when our water was low and paid attention to our table precisely. Excellent service!! We started off with a bowl of gumbo and honey butter cornbread. The soup could have been hotter but overall flavor was amazing. The cornbread was magnificent! Overall the food was great I had the fried chicken Mac and cheese and collard greens! A+ My wife had the Salmon Mac & Cheese and puréed Yams. She didn't like the Yams but enjoyed everything else. Overall great experience! Food Service and Ambience Excellent!! I want to try the Ribeye next! read more

LJ's Lounge - Gumbo and Honey Butter Cornbread - Comfort Food Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

We have been patiently waiting for a spot to enjoy in our beautiful OC... well we got it! The food was bomb! I had the blackened salmon with greens and mashed sweet potatoes, scraped the plate clean... the atmosphere is none other with the decor, comfort, music and of course friendly faces and great service!! Thank you for making us feel at HOME! read more

LJ's Lounge - Comfort Food Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Our new spot! I'm so elated LJ's opened in Costa Mesa, what a perfect new (and much needed) addition. Everything we ordered was perfection. The fried chicken was delectable, collared greens were flavorful, and I could've eaten ten pieces of cornbread to myself. We were touched that the owner, Kenny, stopped by our table to chat and tell us more about his space. We're so excited for all the live music and events he has planned! The energy was lively, service was impeccable and music was perfect all night. read more

Atmosphere, owner is welcoming & checks in to be sure that customers are happy! The food is delicious& hardy. Returning to try brunch very soon! read more

Went to a soft opening brunch and ohhhh my!!! A much needed soul food spot, with great ambiance, great music, great service, and the food was soooo good!!! We had chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and biscuits and gravy. Flavor was definitely delivering! Crispy chicken with the waffles was on point! Biscuits and gravy was yummmm, loved the gravy. My favorite was the shrimp and grits, it had a little kick, which I loved, the shrimp had so much flavor it was delicious! Staff was friendly and attentive! Great experience, if you're craving soul food, and you're looking for a place to chill and listen to good music, this is your spot!!!! read more

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Came here last night with my family and friends.. food was mediocre. Service was good up until we wanted to stay for the performance or dj that was arriving . The owner sent his girlfriend or wife to tell use we exceeded our 2 our maximum, after we had spent over $500 in their establishment. What establishment turns away patrons after continuously spending money! Black ppl can't run businesses. It always them targeting other blacks!!! Then as a man could come speak to us himself! What a coward ! Anywho we went to the Mexican spot around the corner and were treated amazing ! We will be contacting the Bette business bureau for cold food and to be inspected to make sure they reach all Codes.... Coming from the hospitality business yall need to do better !!!!! Wish we could have been treated better for the amount of money we've spent at your establishment ! read more

Stopped by LJ's Lounge today on a whim, and I'm so glad I did! Great food, great vibes, and even better hospitality. The catfish, grits, scrambled eggs, and frozen strawberry puree w/rosé were all delicious. Thank you to owner Kenneth Jackson, General Manager, Cheryl and hostess, Mikyla for making me feel so welcome. I'll definitely be back! read more

LJ's Lounge - Catfish from the Delta, scrambled eggs and grits..... frozen strawberry puree - Comfort Food Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Went on Saturday night for an early bday celebration and had the best dinner! The service, food, and ambience were all 5 stars. Everyone working was very welcoming and nice, and our waiter was hilarious. We got the cornbread, chicken, Mac n cheese and candied yams. Had a delicious lemon drop martini, and also got the peach cobbler as a free bday dessert which was so nice :) I loved the live singer, whole time was a vibe! Can't wait to come back! read more

LJ's Lounge - Comfort Food Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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food was amazing. Entertainment was great, service out of site. The only challenge for us is a little bit pricey. Recommend for that special night out. added benefit making it special, it's veteran owned. read more

What a great new restaurant. It has it all. Great food, service and atmosphere. The staff were as friendly as if you were family. The Soulful Southern vibe is almost intoxicating. We will be back...and soon. read more

I visited LJ's Lounge for brunch on Sunday, and I am happy to say, that I have found my new go to spot! I had the chicken and waffles, and it was amazing. The chicken was seasoned perfectly, and the syrup was SO good and the prices are reasonable. You can see the love and attention to detail in this place. The décor is great and the vibe is incredible. They had live music and the young lady singing was unbelievable. Our server Emily was attentive and on point. Everyone made us feel like we were family. The phrase "Welcome Home" is everywhere and that's how they make you feel, like you are at home. I can't wait to go back! read more

Food was amazing. I had the blackened catfish with Mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. It was amazing. My husband had the burger which was also amazing. The peach cobbler and lemon pie were so good. The service was excellent. Will definitely be going back. read more

LJ's Lounge - Peach cobbler - Comfort Food Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I went to the soft opening / private event dinner they had and it was SUPERB. I tried a bit of everything they offered and honestly... it was all stellar. Blackened catfish was top tier with a bit of a kick spice wise. Cooked to perfection. The collard greens were my favorite side by far. The biggest surprise for me personally was the burger. It's a smash burger made with wagyu beef and a potato bun I was not expecting it to be as amazing as it was. The staff was attentive, kind, and not overbearing. The vibe was immaculate. Live music + incredible food + an owner/staff who truly care for their guests = winning combo. The doorman Chip was super cool and ready to get his groove on. Monte, the manager, was knowledgeable, personable and service-oriented. Kenya, our waitress, was attentive and super sweet. This place is gonna be a hit. I could go on and on, but if you're on the fence, wanna try something new, or looking for a place that serves some cultured soul food -- this is it! read more

LJ's Lounge - Blackened catfish with mac n cheese + candied yams - Comfort Food Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My friend and I went to visit and I was so impressed. The owner was amazingly nice. He was busy greeting at the tables and just showing amazing Customer Service. The Vibe in the place was lively and fun. We had a singer and she was very good. Out waitress Royal was also magnificent. She was very tentative and seemed to be there at our table checking in on us. Once the Mr. DJ got on the stage the place was jumping. Good music and everyone just enjoy all of it. Food was okay! I recommend this joint! You have to like soul dancing music. read more

I attended Father's Day brunch! Food was very tasty, and music was a vibe!! Our table ordered chicken and waffles, shrimp & grits, and mamba burger, all excellent options!! read more

Unfortunate dining experience 7/18 Sat party of 6 birthday celebration. Decor and ambiance very nice. Greeted at our table with formal introduction from DJ Kenny very personable and went as far as pointing out his mom seated behind us with a large group. Our server was fantastic , funny and very attentive. We did experience a delay in the food delivery to our table like the food was sitting for a while it wasn't hot. Ordered OxtailsBaked chicken , Catfish under seasoned, Mac n Cheese lacked cheese, Collard green, yams purée texture no flavor, Red beans and rice no Cajun flare, Gumbo no flavor or Roux,Fried green tomatoes and Skins weresalads were good. Here is the reason for 2 stars, our dinner was interrupted by a woman named Cheryl Ingram that we had no formal introduction to she informed us our 2 hour dining limit had concluded and there were 2 seats available at the bar. We were just finishing dinner and explained to Cheryl we had not seen the dessert menu ,she showed no empathy continuing to explain she has another party arriving. We were rushed packing our food and our dining experience was horrible.Our bill tab over $750 with gratuity , unacceptable restaurant management warrants negative reviews like this one with the hope that you learn to value those that patronize your business . DJ Kenny we are disappointed this happened on your watch.Our dining experience was ruined by a restaurant that lacks warmth for its patrons in hospitality. read more

Went for dinner last night for their soft opening. My friend and I split the smothered pork chops with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables and the fried chicken, with the candy jams and mac and cheese. We also got a side of the corn bread with honey butter. The food was amazing!!!! It was all seasoned perfectly, didn't need any additional salt or pepper, and all was good. Service was impeccable.Staff was friendly.The owner was going from table to table and making everybody feel welcome. I will definitely be going back to this place.The atmosphere was amazing. Can't wait to go for their brunch on sundays!!! read more

The food lacked any seasoning.Service was good.Not a variety of liquor selection. Ran out of several dishes.Drove from LosAngeles to support.Very disappointed. read more

Kristian was the best server. He was the best and the food was delicious ! We had the biscuits so good , chicken and waffles and the shrimp and grits was bomb too. read more