I visited from CalIfornia. Bowman's is Black owned and the food and drinks were absolutely delicious

We were craving for some soul food. So we had to come to Soul in the wall Ms. Taja provided great customer service and recommendations. We got the following Honey-Cajun catfish and fried pork chops With fresh collards and fried okra I Stopped by a couple years ago and it was amazing and nothing changed. Most definitely will be back again when in town read more

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The food is decent. The wait is horrific. I have called items in several times and still waited for over 45/50 minutes because it was not ready. I've missed my lunch hour and so did my colleagues, several times. Something as simple as calling in an order and picking it up is non existent. They can also do a better job in cleaning their restrooms. They are filthy. I am not an interior decorator, but clearly they don't re-invest in their restaurant with updates etc. Everything is very old and outdated. They need to close down for a few weeks and re-model. It really is a hole in the wall. The food isn't that great for us to return. We have given them plenty of opportunities. Find someone else to patronize. read more

Do not visit this restaurant. Overall, the experience was exhausting. We were greeted kindly and were told that we arrived at the perfect time because there was a jazz festival happening and that we beat the expected crowd from that event. This appeared to be great news. There was only one family of 3 sitting and a few folks by the bar for pickup orders, so we were hopeful that this would be a speedy experience as we were all hungry! We placed our order (party of 12) and waited 90 minutes to begin receiving our orders. Then over the following 45 minutes, each order was slowly brought out one by one. leaving the two kids meals for last - one of which was the wrong order. Typically, restaurants bring the kids meals out first as they are simple and usually the least patient customers (chicken tenders & french fries). After inquiring with the waitress for timing updates, a man came out from the kitchen to address my concerns. He was not apologetic and did not come out in good faith. He almost seemed a little annoyed that we were complaining. He stated that they can't fry the fish and chicken/french fries in the same oil. This leads me to believe that there is only one fryer. He also said that fried chicken takes an hour to cook. I am not a restaurant owner, but I can fry chicken at home for my family in less than an hour. A few of our orders were incorrect but we suffered through because we could not stand to wait another hour for a piece of fried chicken. From the various dishes ordered, none of them were anything to enjoy. The fried chicken was bland, absolutely no seasoning or flavor. The chicken & waffles (priced at $18) was 2 soggy eggo waffles and what appeared to be deep battered low-quality chicken (similar to chinese food sweet & sour chicken without the sauce). The mac n cheese was not good at all, no flavor, wrong texture, very dry. The garlic mashed potatoes tasted like boxed mashed potatoes. Others had the smothered pork chop which also was flavorless. The bathroom was disgusting, unclean and was not maintained. The restaurant floors were a little slippery, your shoe slid a little when walking. Ultimately this restaurant got our time and money once but will never get it again. read more

I was visiting this restaurant from California the owner of the place was very grumpy was not nice at all the food I really didn't care for the fish and the macaroni and cheese I had friends that ordered other things and they like but I did not care for this restaurant in the manager should smile more and show better customer service I went a few times and he was always grumpy looking I'm from California and no I will not go back to this restaurant if I go visit again read more

If you like greens with no seasoning, sweet potato casserole with no sweet or soul, and "peach Cobbler" which appears to be can peach filling and microwaved in the serving styrofoam, then this will be your favorite place. I wish I would have checked the ribs before I let my kid eat them. Apparently "they were fine!" If you like fair seasoned-day old, broiled pork ribs, covered in sauce to mask what soul food ribs to be, you'll enjoy these too. read more

Bowmans Soul in the Wall - Non seasoned greens, no soul sweet potato casserole, and pork ribs that'll make you wish you ordered something else. - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

A nice restaurant along a busy stretch of highway. The dining room was nice and clean and the hostess/waitress was very friendly. The food was very good and reasonably priced. There was a regular string of locals getting take out while we were there. That's always a good sign. read more

Ok Im doing this Baltimore style...I heard about this restaurant and we went yesterday. Got there at 7:45pm and was told that the owner went to a graduation and they could no longer take orders... hummm. So we went back the next evening and purchased over 100.00 worth of food to taste test. Turkey wings were white, tough, and salty but the gravy helped the flavor (2). Baked chicken was also white-I think it was boiled in fish water because thats what we tasted (0).Fried chicken wings had enough feathers to fly off the plate, no flavor (1). Ribs were not seasoned, but tender and slathered in bar b q sauce (5). sweet potatoes, canned and horrible (4), Mac & cheese-dry , no cheese, old, cold no flavor (2), Green beans-canned, mushy, vinegary, Ugh (0). Collard greens -canned, mushy, too much vinegar (2). Potato Salad was flavorful-but seemed store bought (8). corned bread ok-maybe store bought as well (7). Bread Pudding did taste like bread-but thats about it! Worst soul food ever!! read more

The service was good but the food was very much Meh! Nothing tasted homemade...at all. The mashed potatoes were grainy, so they didn't even use the good store bought stuff. The meatloaf I ordered was okay but I could swear it was Stouffers. I like Stouffers, don't get me wrong....but not when I go out to eat. The water was definitely tap and chlorine was overpowering. So no filteraaaaand even the Diet Pepsi tasted like the dispenser may not have been cleaned. Food was not hot and of the group of six, everyone had a problem with their meal. I never got my cornbread with my meal, nor any napkins. But like I said , the server was very nice. read more

I made the mistake of ordering smothered pork chops, Mac and cheese and collards and was EXTREMELY disappointed. The pork chops were fried hard and had what tasted like canned gravy dumped on them. They were tough and unseasoned.The greens were unseasoned and the Mac and Cheese was just...basic. Unfortunately I can not support this business. I work too hard for my money. read more

Food wasn't as season to taste or fresh and service wasn't friendly or welcoming! Personally was over hype!!!

The food is great! I had some problems ordering take out which was kind of annoying because the hostesses repeated my order it seemed like a million times before I walked out to wait but the mistakes were eventually fixed swiftly and professionally so I'm not complaining :) The food was worth it. Its truly a soul food joint with a real soulfood taste! The inside gave me a vibe as well and cant wait til we're done quaratining to sit and have dinner at the actual restaurant. I ordered the fried catfish plate with mac and cheese and candied yams. My favorite dish was the candied yams because the candied yams had pecans in it. That was interesting to try because I've never seen a dish quite like that. read more

Bowmans Soul in the Wall - Dining area - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

loved everything people was friendly food was good. the restaurant was clean not to many people in there

The food here was amazing! Fran, the bartender, was simply wonderful!! Her service alone makes me want to come back. The Wings & cabbage were nothing short of phenomenal. The service upon first entering was not the best as we were sat at a table but no one came over. However, after going to the bar and being taken care of by Fran, my first impression changed to a positive one. The night I came was the 6 year anniversary along with the Champagne Band was celebrating their 7 year anniversary. So it was an enjoyable evening with exceptional food read more

Everything was nice but the serving size of the side items. The customer service was great and the food was decent. Those small servings will probably turn most people off. I can understand a small business trying to manage cost, but this is a bit extreme. read more

About a 2-2.5: Bowman's Soul-N-the-Wall offers various apps (Crab Dip, Chicken Quesadillas, Wings, She-Crab Soup), salads, sandwiches, house signature dishes, main platters, sides, and desserts. We came here for an early dinner, and we ordered: +the New Orleans Pasta - made with fettuccine pasta, chicken, sausage, peppers, tomatoes, and onions in a cajun sauce; the sauce was watered down and the pasta was overcooked +Fried Chicken - two pieces of buttermilk-dipped chicken, fried to a golden brown; felt that the chicken could be drained a bit more properly as it was super greasy +Bo's Seafood Platter - crabcakes, catfish, scallops, and shrimp; the scallops were overcooked +sides of fresh collards, green string beans, sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, potato salad, and garlic mashed potatoes We found the food to be more on the bland side, and was hoping items to be more well seasoned. Also, I was a little surprised with the small portion sizes, considering how many had commented on how it was super filling. Maybe we went on an off day? Staff was friendly, and there was plenty of parking. +underseasoned food +friendly staff +plenty of parking read more

You have to try the turkey wings!! They were falling off the bone, super tender. The wings were delicious, actually everything I had was yummy. The sweet potato casserole is no joke. It tastes like candied yams whipped, baked, and with pecans on top. The macaroni and cheese is the baked kind (the only kind worth eating if you ask me), and it had a good balance of cheese and noodles. Even the cornbread is sweet. I like the atmosphere, very chill. I had a to-go order, but the service from the time I placed my order until I paid was spot on! read more

Bowmans Soul in the Wall - Collard greens and cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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Walked in to Bowman's, the place was pitch dark. With what little light that seemed to squeeze through the half-closed blinds, we were able to find a booth and begin our Grubbing journey. When we first entered Bowman's Soul in the Wall restaurant in Hampton, VA, my Grubbing Buddy and I noticed the place had sort of a Louisiana vibe to it, not really prominent, but subtle displays gave it away. The crab dip appetizer arrived shortly after we ordered it, and what looked to be a simple dish turned out to be bursting with awesome flavor. The dip was heated, had plenty of lump crab meat and was very tasty. Shortly afterward, our entrees came out. I ordered the crispy, juicy fried chicken with two sides: fresh collards and perfectly seasoned cabbage. My Grubbing Buddy ordered the liver and onions along with the collards and some mac and cheese. Our waitress was attentive and curious as to whether we were enjoying our visit. The chef came out a couple of times asking if we were OK, checking to find out if we liked the food. If he hadn't stepped out the kitchen, I would have sworn there was somebody's country-cooking grandma back there stirring up a pot of delicious soul-food fixin's. We will most definitely be returning to this establishment if only to tryout all of our other Soul Food favorites... read more

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Great service, awesome food a must for soul food!!! We had a large group and the service tackled our orders fast read more

More like "Hole In The Wall" with no focus on working customers. Lunch took over an hour to receive our order. Catfish fillet sandwich tasted premade and the lettuce and tomato were not fresh. I'm disappointed as I strive to spend my hard earned money at local establishments. Do better and respect the customer that PAYS to keep your doors open. read more

This is my 3rd time here in the past month and they have yet to Disappoint. I've tried and loved their crack wings, mashed potatoes and gravy, Mac and cheese, liver and onion, hommade fries, fried fish sandwiches, turkey wings and yams . It is so Worth the long trip from Williamsburg!! Very consistent! read more

Bowmans Soul in the Wall - Crack Wings and mashed potatoes - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

The portions size were small and not very fulfilling. Most soul food places give you too much food. This wasn't the case. The food was like a 6/10. The customer service and drinks were a 10/10. Live music was decent read more

My meal I had twice was good. I would order again. I have already told my family and friends about this place

Great 1st impression! I'll definitely have more!! The chicken was still steaming after being delivered! The sides weren't as hot, but they were still enjoyable! read more

Bowmans Soul in the Wall - Fried chicken (dark), macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potatoes, with cornbread I'm the bottom left corner. - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Ok it's Sunday me and my favorite Lady are out in Hampton just going with it and I decided let's try a new digs on the other side of the bridge so we stopped in after reading the reviews. Greeted with a smile and a great vibe we sat down and prepared to place our order. I must say the wings with the crack sauce are to Live for what a blend of sweet and hot sauce over perfectly fried crisp chicken wings with a cup of perfectly blended Arnold Palmer tea what could possibly go wrong...... Well the wife order smothered turkey wings that were good it's the sides where the train wreck happened, sweet potatoes casserole smh "you have to strain the sweet potatoes Momma always said!" And the cabbage, smh " it's ok to season the pot"flavor is essential in soul food throughout the entire meal! I ordered the Seafood platter safe choice so I thought the shrimp were hot but over cooked the scallops were ok the catfish could have been seasoned a lil more and the crab cake the green peppers could have been left out the overpowered the entire taste of the crab and with the cake falling apart that didn't help! Too soft to call it a cake but a mash would be more appropriate. The greens tasted like greens thanks to Texas Pete and the Mac and cheese was tolerable. Over All the star was the wings with the crack sauce read more

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Worst food I've ever eaten. Idaho boxed potatoes. Week old grocery store chicken. Ribs my cats wouldn't eat. Nothing redeemable. Mac & cheese chunks. Extremely poor quality. read more

Ordered fried pork chops with baked Mac and cheese along with mash potatoes and gravy. I'm from the south, those pork chops were fried with no flour, but were seasoned well. They give you two huge pieces tho. Who serves fried pork chop with no bread??? Cornbread was trash as well. Mac and cheese was overall trash. Mashed potatoes and gravy were ok. I sat outside the restaurant and attempted to eat the food soon as I got it. Overall I give it 4.6/10. Wasn't impressed nor will I ever go back. read more

Not good. We came in directly after church and several of their items were already sold out. So we ordered turkey wings. We waited 30 minutes for the worst turkey wings ever they were boiled not bakes and the gravy was thin watery and rancid tasting. Truly a hole in the wall that needs to invest in a better cook. Lastly repair the paking lot. read more

my cornbread was hard and burnt chicken wasn't seasoned and yams and macaroni was ok

My husband and I stopped by for dinner today. He had the pork chops with mac and cheese as well as mashed potatoes. I had the ribs with mac and cheese as well as cabbage. Firstly, the ambiance is very nice. Everyone was actively cleaning and there was good music on. The employees were so friendly and sweet! Everyone in the restaurant asked how we were doing at least once. Lastly the food... we will be back! It's so nice to have genuine flavorful soul food. The portions were huge too. Very yummy! I highly recommend stopping by if you're hungry! read more

We waited for almost an hour for food, and there was only one other table in the restaurant being waited on. When the food arrived it was subpar, and that's being nice. A substitute was given, which was just as bad if not worse. Customer service goes a long way even if the food is not up to par but the owner about being dissatisfied , he came with an attitude instead of peacefully coming up With a solution. I am not one for reviews but I will NEVER go back there nor would I recommend them to anyone. read more

Being an out-of-towner, I found this place on yelp & ordered takeout. 1/2 slab of ribs, coleslaw and mac&cheese. The food is ridiculously GOOD!! Thanks to you...I've blown my diet tonight! read more

Lovely establishment with welcoming staff! The service is great and the food even better! The food here tastes just like what my grandma used to make in Georgia. We went on Easter Sunday and they had a buffet and even a bunny walking around greeting everyone. The buffet was kept hot and fresh! Will definitely recommend to friends! read more

Bowmans Soul in the Wall - Easter bunny with my babygirl - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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You gotta have patience, but the food was delicious. My nephew got some fried fish and fries, and I shared the chicken and waffles with a side of Mac and cheese with the niece. Upon finishing his fish, my nephew wanted another order, but we had to leave for an event. Everyone there was kind. :) read more

This place has nothing going for it! Don't know how they're still in business. My family and I was on a short vacation in VA and tried this place; waste of time and money. we ordered whiting's, Mac n cheese, collards, liver and onions, BBQ chicken,rice and gravy, and fried okra. nothing was good. worst was the whiting's they smelled and tasted spoiled. The the sweet tea made with faucet water, soda flat. THE SERVICE HORRIBLE! They attempted to sit us at a dirty table and when we ask for it to be cleaned the waitress go an attitude and spent most of her time outside on the phone. When I told my Stepmother 5$ was too much tip she got upset and said we were rude. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER. DON'T WASTE UR TIME OR MONEY! read more

Overall, great atmosphere. I was trying something off the beaten path and it was a good find. The people are very friendly, and the Long Island Ice Tea was very good. The food was not bad, but I blame it on the fact that my travels have allowed me to be very discriminating. I would go again. read more

The Food was HORRIBLE!! We went Mother's Day!! The food was nasty, dry, can food!! We ask for refund owner is rude!! he said No !! We have only tasted food!! Never again!! read more

My order consisted of 2 crab cake dinners w/ garlic mashed potatoes, one with sweet buttered corn and the other w/ string beans, wings, and a smothered pork chop dinner w/ garlic mashed potatoes, potato salad and macaroni and cheese. For $79 I should not have gotten watered down instant potatoes with way too much garlic powder and no seasoning, corn out the can ( with no seasoning) burnt crab cakes, naked wings with no seasoning, store bought potato salad, and Walmart brand corn bread ( dressed up to pass for theirs). They're food used to be wonderful, now I wouldn't feed it to my dog!!! read more

I went there a couple of times and I did think the food was very good. Its a small place. Not a lot of traffic but if you want a good meal then go head. read more

Turkey Wing - very tender and delicious Collard greens - very bitter and unseasoned I was so excited to try Bowman's and I was not impressed. Serve is takeout only and fast. I didn't have to wait over 5 minutes. read more

Bowmans Soul in the Wall - Turkey Wing meal - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia