Lou's Red Oak BBQ Grill

Read some of these reviews and felt I had to chime in. I feel like I'm one of the silent 99% as the 1% take the time to write negative reviews... that said, We've been going to Lou's BBQ for 20 years now. No one does Tri-Tip better. Prices are reasonable considering all you get including pretzel appetizers. I take business clients there for lunch - food is great, service friendly, casual atmosphere - making it ideal to talk business. Lately we've been getting take-out for dinner to enjoy at home watching TV. I usually get the BBQ Ribs, my wife usually gets the chicken or her favorite, Lou's Chilli. I (we) highly recommend Lou's BBQ for great food, casual atmosphere - our neighborhood restaurant of choice. more

First time there. Sat right away. Shared the Tri-Tip Combo platter with my husband; which they split for us. Had it with the BBQ Shredded Beef, mac & cheese and the sweet potato fries (which were all really yummy). Added the Tr-Tip Chili which had big chunks of meat in it. The service was great. We were really surprised at how good it was (we are big Lucille's fans). Cheaper then Lucille's. Tri-Tip Combo platter/baked beans, bread and 2 sides $16.99 Side of Chili $1.89 2 beers $3.99 each We will be back for more. Plus you can call in an order for pick up. more

I've been going to Lou's for over 10 years. I bet that I've eaten there at least 100 times, maybe 150 or even 200 times. \r \r Food- GREAT: The food is very, very good. Great linguisa, tri-tip, turkey dinner. Both the beef and pork BBQ are great.\r \r Service- 99% of the time the service is excellent. Seating is always fast, and the food gets to the table very fast. \r \r But there have been the rare moments when the servers seem a little too young, inexperienced, and not attentive enough. The rare occasion where they've been slow to take my order. And sometimes slow to get my bill.\r \r However, I do classify myself as a impatient diner, and I tend to be somewhat critical of the service where ever I eat. Lou's HAS managed to keep me happy enough to keep me as a regular for some 10 years now, so only a place with service way above average could keep me coming back so often.\r \r My ratings:\r Food: 9\r Service: 8\r Atmosphere: 8\r Value: 8 Pros: relaxed atmosphere Cons: service is above average, but could use some improvement more

I wish I could give a review on the food at this restaurant, but the day I gave this place a try they decided to close because there were too many customers. No, I'm not saying that it was closed when I got there. If they had told us this in the very beginning, that would be one thing? but no. They didn't tell us that they were going to be closing until asking us if we would be dining in or ordering to go, and then even handing us menus. I'm not sure how long they made us wait before telling us they were closed, but it was long enough for me to stare at the menu and decide what I wanted, and I'm a really indecisive person. I could maybe understand this if there was a line out the door, but the dining room wasn't even full (and after four plus years as a waitress, I know how to judge how busy a place is.) Even then I might have even forgiven them if they had been polite about the whole thing, but the way they dealt with us was not just unprofessional, it was downright rude. Who wants to be made to feel like you're inconveniencing someone just by showing up? If this is what people mean by ""feels like you're family"", then I think I'll pass. The bright side to all of this is that not only did it happen before they got any money from me, but after reading the other reviews it appears that I was apparently spared the joy of finding insects in my food. I will NEVER go back.\r \r Cons: Terrible service more

Terrible service. Even worse food. I felt as though I was inconveniencing them by placing my order. I WISH I HAD SEEN THE INSECTS BEFORE I GOT MY FOOD. Yes, insects. I'm feeling sick as I write this out. My leftovers went in the trash (which is kind of funny, because the portions aren't large enough to give you leftovers. I was going to offer them to my dog, but then decided against it. Don't go to this restaurant. Pros: Easy to find Cons: Poor parking, poor service, rude employees, small portions, INSECTS more

I Love Lou's!.... and I am not a family member writing a review. I live all the way in South OC and will come down on any given day just to savor the taste of Lou's moist, tender and flavorful tri-tip (smothered in tasty salsa and yummy bbq sauce of course) of the Lou's Original. From the soft pretzels served with bbq sauce and horsie, to the complimentary chocolate chip cookie at the end, in my opinion Lou's rocks. The tin plates and cups and the chilled jar mugs that I pour my usual Stewarts Orange Cream Soda in is what gives Lou's character. Service has always been friendly and expedient and Lou himself is usually there working hard to make sure everyone is satisfied. If you eat inside rather than the patio, you can watch the tri-tip and chicken cooking away in the oak oven. I love Santa Maria style tri-tip and chicken and Lou and his team do it well. Lou's is a unique and casual eating experience be it lunch or dinner, that rates high in my book. Pros: Delicious food, Fast Service more

I've been eating here since 1997. There food is of the highest quality and I have always had friendly service. Lou is there most of the time and he loves to jump right in and serve customers himself. From the tri-tip (My favorite) to the pork and chicken, everything is wonderful. If you're a bottomless pit like me finish your meal off with some fresh baked pie. I have brought family, friends, and clients here. NONE have been disappointed. I have a client who comes in from Minnesota who now eats here everytime he's in town. Yes, it's that good Pros: Meat quality, Friendly staff, Ample menu choices Cons: Can get crowded more

I just finished their Tri-Tip sandwich. I can make a better Tri-Tip with my own BBQ, and to be honest, I did not even see a BBQ on site. The portion was VERY small for the price of the meal and the Tri-Tip was Iice cold. If I was a betting man, I would bet the previous positive entrys were made by Lou or his family. DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I DID BY WASTING YOUR TIME AND YOUR MONEY AT LOUS. THE MEAL WAS SO BAD I WOULD NOT EVEN GIVE IT TO MY GARBAGE DISPOSAL. SORRY LOU. more

We will definitely come back to eat here. All the meat was cooked perfectly. We had the mixed plate which had 3 different meats all from the red oak oven. The sauces are all homemade. They have great side dishes, the green beans were wonderful. We were surprised when we received chocolate chip cookies for dessert. They also have homemade pies. Ask for Eric if he's there, he will take good care of you. Sharon 1/14/06 Pros: Good Service, Delicious BBQ Sauces, Sides were great more

You feel like a part of the family at Lou's. The tri-tip is great - tender and flavorful. The best thing on the menu is the linguisa. Pros: Great Value, Friendly, Very Good more

I quickly discovered the difference between my home state, Texas, and California barbque. Ca only serves the finest meats. In Texas, we barbequed road kill. Not bad (if you cook it long enough). Eneb thou we don't have smoakes out here, Lou's is as close to Texas I have found. Great food, great atmosphere, great place to eat. Pros: good parking, seating outside as we, prompt service more