Lillie Mae’s: The soul of San Jose
Barbecue and soul food fans can satisfy their cravings as the restaurant brings its tasty dishes to a new home
Just a few months after closing their doors in Santa Clara, Rhonda Manning and the Gaulden family have reopened Lillie Mae’s Soul BBQ in a former A&W in San Jose. Here’s a first look inside the new barbecue and soul food digs.
THE VIBE » Housed in a former fast-food restaurant, the unmistakable red roofline makes Lillie Mae’s cheerful from the getgo. The Mason jar light fixtures and brick walls adorned with family photos make the space feel welcoming and homey. Oversized letters on one side of the counter spell out E-A-T, reminding you what you’re here to do.
Place your order at the counter, then grab a seat and wait for your number to be called. There are a few tables outside on the enclosed patio, which faces the parking lot. Inside the small, air-conditioned dining room, you’ll find a couple of red vinyl booths, plus tables and a small bar. (Parties of more than six will have a hard time squeezing in.)
THE FOOD » All the usual suspects are here at lunch, from smoked chicken ($11.95) to sliced hot links ($11.95) and fried catfish ($14.95). Two-way combos offer up a mix, including the very popular No. 8, fried chicken and ribs ($15.95). But who could pass up No. 1, brisket and hot links ($16.95) with a side of sweet coleslaw, or sweet baked beans or steak fries? At dinner, it’s two sides and everything is priced a bit higher.
Chicken and waffles get their own menu section with four options: The fragrant cinnamon-scented Signature ($14.95) — the aroma wafts across the eatery — or for $2 more, peach cobbler, “Makin’ Bacon” and chocolate chip.
Wash it down with soda, beer, Southern sweet tea ($3.95) or grape mimosas ($11), and save room for dessert — peach cobbler, perhaps, or sweet potato pie ($6.50 each).
GOOD TO KNOW » Portions are on the small side, so go ahead and order a side of crispy hush puppies ($4.95). And if you are coming
from Highway 280 South, note that you cannot turn left across Meridian Avenue to get into Lillie Mae’s parking lot. You’ll need to drive a bit down the road and turn around.
PERFECT FOR … » Lazy Sunday afternoons spending time with the family, relaxing and sipping cool drinks and enjoying some great R&B booming from the speakers.
DETAILS » Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, until 9 p.m. Friday. On weekends, noon-9 p.m. Saturday and until 6 p.m. Sunday at 910 Meridian Ave., San Jose.