LJ’s Lounge has opened at Triangle Square, bringing elevated Southern-inspired comfort food and a vibrant music experience to Costa Mesa. LJ’s Lounge serves dinner on weekdays and brunch on the weekend in a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. The restaurant will transition to offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in the coming weeks.
LJ’s Lounge is black and veteran-owned by Orange County native Kenneth Jackson and inspired by his mother Linda Jean. LJ’s has a signature weekend brunch, Soul to Sole, where a DJ plays old-school music on Saturdays, and on Sundays, guests will be entertained with live music — gospel and jazz early in the day, then transitioning to reggae in the evening. The full entertainment calendar will become available in August.
The menu – created by Jackson and chef Justin McNeil – features elevated Southern-inspired food presented with warm, soulful hospitality. Many of LJ’s dishes also reflect a California coastal twist with bright citrus accents that add a slight sweetness to roasted potatoes in the signature salad, and deepen the layered flavors of the restaurant’s gumbo.
At weekday breakfast and weekend brunch, guests can choose from an array of dishes including Sunshine Waffle & Soul Stack (golden Belgian waffle with fried chicken), Darlene’s Shrimp & Grits (sauteed shrimp over creamy cheese grits with coastal seasoning), and a West Coast Breakfast Burrito (scrambled eggs, hash browns, a choice of protein, veggies and cheese).
LJ’s lunch and dinner offerings include Uncle Manuel’s Delta Catfish Entrée (fried with a signature spicy remoulade and an optional house made blackening spice for added heat, with a choice of two sides), Fried Chicken Sandwich (crispy chicken, pickles, slaw on brioche bun with choice of fries), Black Mamba Smash Burger (double Wagyu beef patty, with #24 sauce, toppings and a choice of fries), Never Too Much Gumbo, and a selection of pizza and other sharables and sides such as Mom’s Cornbread served with honey butter, Aunt Benella’s Collard Greens, Chicken Wings (with hot money, buffalo, Cajun, or lemon pepper sauce), Molly’s Mac & Cheese, and more.
Meals at LJ’s end on a sweet note with house made desserts including Midnight Train to Georgia Peach Cobbler, Big Ken’s Chocolate Cake, and other selections.
The restaurant offers a full bar of hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails, beer on tap, and a unique wine list including House of Brown, a black-owned label from Napa Valley. House of Brown wines are regeneratively farmed, certified sustainable, and vegan friendly. A few of LJ’s signature cocktails include Rhythm & Soul (Mezcal and Aperol meets citrus; optional muddled jalapeño for those who want a little extra heat); Georgia on My Mind (Southern Comfort, ripe peach, and fresh basil); and a Passion Fruit Margarita (a prickly pear margarita with reposado tequila, fresh lime, and a touch of sweetness.)
In addition, the popular South Bay coffee roaster Offset Coffee is served in the restaurant and will be available at a convenient take-out window in August.
The 4,000 sq. ft. restaurant features curated live music and DJs throughout the week, weekly podcast recordings, and engaging community events.
“LJ’s is a long-awaited soul-infused restaurant and social hub for Orange County,” said Jackson in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating great food, unforgettable music, and connection, along with the kind of hospitality that makes every visit feel like Sunday dinner at Mom’s.”
“Our mission is to become Orange County’s go-to destination for dining, music, and elevated private and corporate events,” added Jackson. “Triangle Square is the center as the premier dining and entertainment destination in Orange County, and the additional of LJ’s Lounge just underscores that.”
LJ’s Lounge is located on the upper level of Triangle Square at 1870 Harbor Blvd. at Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa. For reservations, the entertainment schedule, or current hours of operation, call (949) 791-2022 or visit www.ljslounge.com.
