Live Oak Grill — Restaurant in Sugar Land

Left a Dr. appointment early at about 9 AM and searched Google Maps to find open now and sort by distance, this place popped up first. After a short scouring on their Google Maps info I decided to try it. First off as a side note their parking lot is huge and goes deep so I don’t think anyone will have trouble finding parking, the amount of land is the property sits on is just quite extensive. I saw what I learned later was the owner outside watering plants, I also saw him inside doing some other things. It seems as he has a good attention to detail, didn’t mind rolling up his sleeves, and his staff was friendly and seemed happy to be there, good job owner! The entire menu was available to me practically as they opened at 9 AM. I started off with the southwest chicken egg rolls. Wow, these were quite amazing, I love was blown away by how tasty these were. You get 3 large ones which I could say would be easy to cut in half to make 6 pieces if you were to share with someone else. As I was contemplating what I should order next I saw a larger group of women (about 20-30) that seemed to have an arrangement for their own kind of set up meeting, in short I would say it seems this restaurant had the space and resources to host an event that gives your party space and doesn’t interfere or interrupt their normal service. I checked out the space, saw a really comfy screened in patio with fans that led to a spacious backyard with children’s playground equipment that looked to be in really good shape. There are several different dining areas on the interior and even more umbrella tables out front among the wonderful garden and Texas kitsch put lovingly about. New to TX and foreign to this area I decided to pop my cherry and finally try a Texas famous Chicken Fried Steak with sides of Mac and. Cheese and Fried Okra. Everything was outstanding. The gravy on top of the steak just rounded out such a high level of comfort I was getting from being this space, friendly atmosphere and wonderful authentic local cuisine. From what I can tell this is an easy recommendation for any time, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I went by myself but the amenities cater to groups easily and I can’t wait to come back with friends. As 2 side notes, I did see a dog with a group on the covered back patio, as a dog owner I think this is great to allow your dog with you in certain sections (out front someone even had their cat). Just to give a heads up it is also a bit more counter serve style and pick up rather than full service but the staff was very attentive and helpful. Also the music was pretty much straight country, as someone new coming in to the genre it didn’t seem like they were playing straight up commercial pop country but I did enjoy what I heard. I hope you try this spot in order to give them some more business that is definitely deserved and...

I was excited to visit Live Oak Grill for the first time. It certainly has the look of one of those legendary local spots that’s a treasure for the community. I looked up the menu online, and got caught up on the burgers. Certainly an establishment of this caliber and reputation with “grill” in the name would deliver an exceptional hamburger. I couldn’t have been more disappointed.

From the moment I walked in, there was absolute chaos. No rhyme or reason to the long line, just a sea of humanity standing around waiting to order or waiting to pick up their food. Dozens of signs hung all about with phrases like “Service Depends On My Mood And Your Attitude.” A few of those can be cheeky fun, a dozen of them come off desperate and insecure.

I ordered the mushroom and swiss burger, and the man taking the order said, “Medium Well?” Since he didn’t bother asking how I’d like it cooked, and their signs warn against speaking up or having an opinion (literally, “Your Opinion Isn’t A Part Of Our Recipes” is a sign by the register), I just agreed. What got presented to me was a patty so burnt it turned to rubber. This wasn’t medium-well, it was charcoal. The mushrooms tasted like the metal can they’d clearly come from, and weren’t even warm, let alone fresh-off-the-grill. The lettuce was the most present thing about this farce of a burger, and was dripping wet, which was a nice relief from the huge, dry bun. I appreciate that they had condiments at-the-ready on the table, because there’d have been zero flavor to this thing otherwise.

The fries were incredibly delicious, actually. But, I haven’t had a worse hamburger since the elementary school cafeteria.

As for seating, there’s a lot of odd choices. The too-loud interior dining room where you sit amongst the folks clamoring for their orders, drinks, etc. The outdoor patio with scorching sun beaming down (though umbrellas do offer a few shady spots). The indoor patio was where we ended up. It was quite nice, actually. Highly recommend.

I saw no evidence after my first visit why this place carries its prestige, and after the abomination of a meal I had, I’ve no desire to...

We went for the CFS (chicken fried steak if you're not from Texas) and it didn't disappoint. Steak was tender with a crispy golden brown batter. It's served with white cream gravy but they have brown gray if you prefer, but you have to ask for it, like the hubby did and he loved it. I mixed the two gravies together, it was yummy. Hehehehe! I love to play with my food. Despite having ordered our lunches I also ordered the lunch special of coconut shrimp because, why not. The coconut shrimp was extremely crisp and the batter wasn't overly sweet, which I enjoyed because the taste of the clean bright shrimp wasn't overpowered.

The sides! Oh my, the list is extensive and needs to be read with care and excitement. Choose wisely because they're all homemade. Don't miss the collard greens, possibly the best we've ever had. Mashed potatoes with skins on made me happy and nostalgic of my childhood. French fries were good while they were hot, and the hushpuppies were spiced with jalapeño. The pineapple coleslaw that came with the coconut shrimp was a vibrant surprise that wasn't heavy with mayonnaise. As we watched other diners walk by with beautiful trays staked with bountiful plates of homemade show shoppers we oood and awed. We can't wait to return and have already amassed our list of what we want to try next such as, onion rings, the Ruben sandwich, the steak sandwich, the catfish, mac and cheese, ok, we want to try EVERYTHING!

The ambiance is all Texas in a fun and quirky way, indoors and out. Live Oak Grill is beloved by locals and sought-after by food lovers near and...