Greer's OC

LJ's Lounge has opened at Triangle Square, bringing elevated Southern-inspired comfort food and a lively music scene to Costa Mesa. The restaurant serves dinner on weekdays and brunch on weekends, with plans to add breakfast and lunch daily in the coming weeks.

Black and veteran-owned by Orange County native Kenneth Jackson, LJ's is named for his mother, Linda Jean. The weekend brunch series, Soul to Sole, features a DJ spinning old-school music on Saturdays and live gospel and jazz on Sunday mornings that transition to reggae by evening. A full entertainment calendar is coming in August.

Jackson developed the menu with chef Justin McNeil, blending Southern classics with a California coastal twist, from citrus-brightened roasted potatoes to a layered, well-seasoned gumbo. Breakfast and brunch highlights include the Sunshine Waffle & Soul Stack, Darlene's Shrimp & Grits, and a West Coast Breakfast Burrito. Lunch and dinner bring Uncle Manuel's Delta Catfish, a Fried Chicken Sandwich, the Black Mamba Smash Burger, gumbo, pizzas and shareable sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and wings. Desserts include peach cobbler and chocolate cake.

The bar offers craft cocktails, mocktails, beer on tap, and a wine list featuring House of Brown, a Black-owned, sustainably farmed Napa Valley label. Signature drinks include the Rhythm & Soul, Georgia on My Mind, and a Passion Fruit Margarita. Offset Coffee, a South Bay roaster, is also served, with a take-out window opening in August.

The 4,000-square-foot space will host live music, DJs, podcast recordings and community events throughout the week.

“LJ's is a long-awaited soul-infused restaurant and social hub for Orange County,” said Jackson. “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,” he added.

LJ's Lounge is located on the upper level of Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd. at Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa. For reservations, hours or the entertainment schedule, call (949) 791-2022 or visit ljslounge.com.