Looking for a tasty brunch spot in Auburn? Lucy’s won the 2023 Plainsman's Choice Award for “The Best Brunch in Auburn."
The restaurant is decorated with vibrant yellow chairs covering the patio, the famous neon sign that Auburn students love to take photos in front of and a big open layout. There are two private spaces customers can rent out for events, The Larder and The Library. This establishment was opened in 2018 by Lisa van der Reijden who is originally from St. Louis.
Southern Living wrote an article about this restaurant in July of 2022 talking all about how this restaurant started and Van der Reijden said she owes her inspiration to Chef David Bancroft, owner of Acre. He is also a big fan of her restaurant.
In a YouTube interview by Lillie Young, she asked the owner of Lucy’s, Lisa van der Reijden what her inspiration for the name of this restaurant was.
“Lucy was actually a nickname my dad gave me and unfortunately he passed away in 2009 so in his honor I named the restaurant Lucy’s,” van der Reijden said.
Van Der Reijden said Lucy’s menu was inspired by the cuisine of California, fresh and very light but also made from the most incredible local ingredients
From this restaurant, the coffee selection for this brunch menu they serve is actually “A house roast locally sourced from Mama Mocha's Coffee Roastery,” according to Southern Living.
“My proudest accomplishment when it comes to this restaurant is making it to 5 years for sure,” van der Reijden said.
When asked if she had to eat one item of the menu for the rest of her life, what would it be, van der Reijden said truffle fries.
The executive chef of this establishment is Brian Paulina, from Southern California. He has been cooking for 25 years.
“My favorite dish would be the farmer's daughter and the most popular item would be the juicy Lucy burger," van der Reijden said.
Not only can locals enjoy this restaurant but the Auburn football fans can buy a tailgate package filled with their brunch foods for the game as well.
Auburn student Madeline Ottenritter, sophomore in marketing, loves Lucy’s brunch.
“It’s so good. The food is delicious and the vibes are really cute, like very open with lots of natural light," Ottenritter said. "They also have cute non-alcoholic beverages."
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