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    Big Momma's Kitchen

    3.4 (100 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Big Momma's Kitchen Photos

    BIG MOMMA'S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Mac and cheese
    Kevin F.

    I visited this establishment recently on the recommendation from a good friend. Im all about supporting local businesses in my city so it was plus that it was in Oakland and Black owned so I was like hell yeah let's go.. I decided to try their chicken wings and shrimp combo and it comes with two sides. I choose to run with Mac & Cheese and Red Beans and rice. Usually my goto when visiting a new soul food restaurant. My experience started off great as when I got my food one of the workers blessed me with their Kool Aid free of charge. So that was a win in my book and good service. The total rate of the experience is a 2.8 out of 5. I actually had high hopes for the food as well. The chicken wings were on point. Nice size wings not overly fried and seasoned well. No ranch or sauce needed. I gave the chicken a 4 out of 5. The fried shrimp was ok not the best but definitely not the worst. Nice size shrimps seasoned okay could of used a little more love(more batter on the shrimp and little more seasoning in my opinon). I gave the shrimp a 3 out of 5. Next was the red beans and rice. This side I gave it a 2 out of 5 because the beans could of been a 3 if it had more seasoning it wasn't the business. The last side I tried was their Mac & cheese and in the words of my guy Daym Drop call it Whack N Cheese. Their mac and cheese needed all the love and attention. The dish didn't taste like nothing with no type of flavor which was sad. It wasn't good not after a few bites had to toss it.. Last was the Kool Aid that the young worker blessed me with and I havent had any Kool Aid in long time and by far this was one of the best cups of red Kool Aid I've had in years. Everything was just and some more!!! The Kool aid was a 4 out of 5. Overall experience was good. Service was good & I want to come back to give the food another try as it could of been bad day.

    Now Open!
    Jonathan B.

    This southern soul food spot on a corner of International Boulevard is hot, new, and definitely worth trying. If the exterior painting and design don't grab your attention, just wait until you get inside. With all of the tables away due to shelter in place, you have a better view of the walls (pictures attached) that show celebrities from Oakland. In addition to the cool vibe, the food was delicious and hit the spot. I had the chicken and shrimp combo, which is just enough for two people when you take into account the sides. Make sure to add their lemon and hot sauces to the chicken; it's basically a palette waiting for these sauces to bring it to life. I'm sure you'll find a combination that you enjoy. I recommend eating it fresh, because some of the sides (like the fries) can get a bit cold if you don't eat them right away. Overall it was a very satisfactory meal at a reasonable price (around $25), so I'll definitely return. Bonus: if you're nice you might get some Kool-Aid on the house!

    Menu
    Ongrainna H.

    The service here is poor and very slow. The cashier didn't know how to use the register and took about 10 mins to ring me up. I ordered a combo and a side, and I waited over an hour for my food. The food is alright, but the wait is a breaking point for me.

    Eugene L.

    Oakland has gotten a Lot More Soul with Big Mommas Kitchen open now!!! I rolled into Big Mommas and was impressed on how nice the Décor is . There is a lot of Original Artwork that I found out later , a family member of Mommas painted . The Dining Area looks Freshly Remodeled and Spacious . There are 3 LCD TVs for Entertainment . While I was there I met Big Momma which turned out to be Little Momma Big Momma is a Petite lady but she definitely is the Boss. Big Mommas Kitchen is a Family Run Business. Everybody at Big Mommas is Friendly and very Knowledgeable about their Food . Which is Cooked fresh to the Order . Big Mommas Specialty is their Po'boy's . I perused their Menu and Ordered a Shrimp Po Boy ,Turkey Red Beans and Rice and a Lemonade. The Lemonade was very refreshing and came with free refills . I was given a Sample of the Fried Chicken . It was Moist and the Skin had a Great Flavor and taste to it . Not Oily or Greasy . Ill definitely order Fried Chicken on my next visit. My Very Friendly and Cheerful Server brought me my Shrimp Po Boy and my Red Beans and Rice . The Shrimp Po Boy was packed full of flavor and served on a Sesame Hot Dog roll which really worked . Great Idea. The Turkey Red Beans and Rice were very Good . It was Savory and Very Meaty . The Quality is definitely is there at Big Mommas Kitchen . They take Cash and Debit Card . Ten Tables to Dine at.

    Diddy 3way
    El J.

    Been waiting for this spot to reopen and it was worth the wait!!! I went with the diddy 3way with Mac and cheese and red beans & rice I'm beyond satisfied

    Shrimp dinner with two sides
    Keon C.

    Food was absolutely delicious they threw in an extra candy yam on top of my meal hats off to the Cook

    . I would have given them a three if they would have put paper towels in the microwave when they reheated the fish
    Mack F.

    got to give them one more try, because my expectations.. were reasonable, but the experience! today!, was disappointing. next time I'll stick with the deal of the day because although I do eat leftover fish, I would have preferred them put paper towels in the microwave so that it doesn't come out as soggy when you reheat it. And givin it was 7:30 at night, so they could have been closing but I'd rather a business give me their best service for 30 minutes, then to give me half of their service for 8 hours. so I'll wait for them to get some rest, I'll try them earlier next time, on a different date. I'm rooting for them... Besides a professional upscale restaurant, it's just a mom and pop restaurant with amateur chefs, that never quit. I want them to have my business but I want to get my money's worth. Fried Fish Plate

    Smothered Turkey
    Gee M.

    Came with my family (my mom had a Groupon). And thank goodness she found them! Anne or Anna was our server and she was everything you want when you go to any restaurant. The food was EXCELLENT! The smothered turkey was the best! The fish and fried chicken were delicious! We were so full by the end of the meal but we still ordered dessert to-go (Peach Cobbler, Red Velvet and Chocolate cake with toffee). I love my mother so much more for introducing us to this place lol And the tribute to the top Oakland figures on the walls creates a sense of community pride! (Just missing Damien Lillard) I will definitely be back !

    Bout to try the Mac & chesse for sure make or break type shit!

    Let preface this by say I'm picky about my food and what I like. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the collard greens tasted just like my mommas nicely seasoned. The fried okra was aiite nothing phone home about. Red beans and rice was great loved the taste but they could have put more beans got dry at the end. Mac and cheese was screaming!!!! That means delicious. If you want some quality soul food come to big mammas I can only speak for what I've tried so far those things mentioned above

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    9 years ago

    The food was so good , "I forgot to take pictures" of the food type of good . Recommend highly

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    Page 2 of 3

    Ask the Community - Big Momma's Kitchen

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    Burdell

    3.5(404 reviews)
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    Took a step into the past and was transported to my Nana's house. The design and scents wafting out…read moreof the kitchen made it feel like a dream. The wait staff was excellent, keeping our glasses filled and entertaining our baby as he was trying to make everyone smile. The charred eggplant gumbo was delicious, adding the rice directly into the pot for maximum flavor while keeping the rice moist. The grits were the star of the show in my opinion, with smooth texture and flavor that popped and made me want to take anther bite. The greens tasted like my mom's when she would go pick them in the summer of my childhood. The chicken was prepared two ways, the fried, was crispy and juicy, with a hint of that hot grease. The roasted chicken was moist and the drippings added another layer of flavor that made it feel homemade. We definitely wish we had room for dessert and we want to come back for a brunch service.

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    Samara Southern Creations - Chicken n waffles

    Samara Southern Creations

    4.4(34 reviews)
    4.2 miUptown
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    Man they gave out warm towels for your hands when we finished our meal. Player type ishh!…read moreDefinitely coming back.

    What are you waiting for?! Just book the reservation! 10/10!!!!…read more Stopped in to try Samara's Southern Creations while in town for the weekend visiting the Black Food and Wine Experience. Of course me and the bestie had to grab brunch before we headed home. Was a bit thrown off when booking via OpenTable as it comes up as Haus of Chefs, but when I got the concept of hosting local chefs and rotating menus all was smooth. We got a few shareables and entrees and everything was so good. S/o to tik tok for putting us on to some amazing food. We ordered the boudin balls, crab stuffed shrimp, peach cobbler waffle, and catfish/ grits. For drinks, we had the brown sugar mint julep and madame butterfly. My fav items had to be the boudin balls, catfish / grits, and brown sugar mint julep. Presentation was so cute. Add a flower or herb to my drink or plate and I'm yours. Everything was so flavorful, paired nicely together , and wasn't too much. Portion sizes were on point and no need for condiments because sis seasoned the hell out that food! The ambiance is definitely brunch vibes. You can tell it's a local favorite as people were so chill about coming in and just enjoying their meal. Seating includes table and bar seating but no matter your area the service was on point almost little to no waiting and everything was freshly served ! Did I mention they had the jams in rotation. Again, who was on the aux because I need the playlist?! Prices for menu items were reasonable and worth it. I had a little moment when I realized the chef herself served us our plates and checked into see how everything was going. Like come on how cool was that! Overall, great experience and yes I'll be back for a dozen boudin balls. Big S/o to our servers/ bartenders Ashlee and Kia for the hospitality and customer service. Keep up the good work! If you in the Oakland neighborhood stop by and try!

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    Rob Ben’s Restaurant & Lounge

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    Oh the fish and grits is to cry for, so tasty and delicious. The grits are flavored through and…read morethrough. Thick with a great consistency, I want the recipe. The savor of flavor in those grits, they are thick but thin. I have taste none other no where. Then the fish, battered just right crispy on the outside but soft and savory inside. I saved some fish for later because the portion can make 2 meals. This meal made me so happy I am going back a few more times. Definitely a repeat, stop by eat and grab a seat. You will be happy you did.

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    Lois the Pie Queen - Fried Chicken

    Lois the Pie Queen

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    I'm so happy that a friend put me on to this place. It reminds me of my late aunts cooking and it's…read morejust good ole simplistic breakfast staples. I tried corned beef hash for the first time and loved it so I came back for that and was not disappointed. The meal is about $16 comes with toast, eggs, and I chose the grits which are also hella good. The service is always amazing and so is the food. The only reason why I gave 4 stars is because I can't bring myself to agree with the price of their breakfast sides compared to what you get. & it may have been some months but they used to fill both sides with grits. Seems like portions are getting cut for Togo orders maybe but prices are staying the same. For 3 slices of thin xtra crispy pieces of bacon (actually two slices and burnt pieces) it's $8.25+ I remember thinking it was insane so I never added any extra meat and after going recently I was reminded why, my order came out to $27, when I opened the side of bacon I was disappointed. I believe the quality and quantity should better match the price. Otherwise I'll gladly go buy a full pack of thick cut Oscar Meyer bacon for less than what they're charging for 3 slices and just add it at home lol. it's tough for business owners and consumers out here so while I understand price increase, it should still make sense for the consumer. Still love this place down. Just won't be paying for a side again.

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    Townhouse - Yes, it used to be a dive bar.

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    I tagged along with a friend to get a drink here. I ended up trying the fried brussels sprouts…read more They are amazing! They are fried and then glazed with a bourbon dressing. The crispies of the outside of the brussels sprout contrasts to the inside softness. So good!. All of the staff here is fantastic. This is a well run restaurant.

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    Big Momma's Kitchen - southern - Updated September 2026

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