Review: Sunday Southern Brunch at Lillie's Q in Brea

By Dru Chai

If you're going to the all-you-can-eat Sunday southern brunch at Lillie's Q in Brea, you're going to need bring at least two of the following items: a huge appetite, stretchy pants, and a wheelbarrow to roll yourself out. Oh yeah, it's also a big plus if you love juicy, slow smoked, melt-in-your-mouth brisket.

During my initial visit to Lillie's Q, I was salivating at the thought of trying their brisket, which was not yet available. The prime brisket is now the crown jewel of the Sunday brunch offering. Listed at $33/lb on the menu, the brisket has all the makings of respectable Texas-style cow. The outside crust (bark) is heavy on the black pepper, and the peach smoke flavor is subtle yet aromatic.

Most of Lillie's Q regular menu is a la carte, and the check can quickly skyrocket if you're ordering multiple dishes. A relative bargain at $25 per person, the brunch is the best way to sample many of Lillie Q's popular dishes like the pork rinds with pimento cheese, Kool-Aid pickles, and creamy stone-ground grits.

Brunch item classics like bacon, pancakes, and potatoes are all there, but it's the Southern dishes that shine -- mac 'n cheese, baked beans, biscuits and gravy, cornmeal-crusted tilapia, collard greens, and green beans. That doesn't even include the chopped salad, potato salad, chicken salad, coleslaw, and watermelon.

The short order kitchen menu includes three different types of omelettes to go along with several chef specials. The chicken n' waffles and the Southern eggs benedict are highly recommended.

Brunch also includes mini versions from Lillie Q's dessert menu: banana pudding, cobbler, build-your-own peach shortcake, and even chocolate stout (yes, beer) brownies. There's even a chocolate fountain with assorted dippers. If your stretchy pants aren't already bursting at the seams at this point, you can wash it all down with endless champagne and mimosas.

Lillie's Q
240 S. Brea Blvd
Brea, CA 92821

Brunch is available on Sundays, 10am-2pm.
$24.99 for adults, $9.99 for children ages 3-10.