I gave them a two because the service is piss poor all the time. if there are three people in the small restaurant it will literally take them 30 to 40 minutes to serve them and then the next three, same deal. The prices have now changed again. I get it inflation? if it cost you more to make it, you charge me more. But here's the real deal Holyfield. Black folk know what it costs to make soul food. So when it cost me $50-60 bucks to feed 2 or 3 people. That's not financially wise to continue to support you. When we can go to the store and eat for three to four days off what it costs to eat one meal at your place. Then I have to wait and generally they don't buy enough food to make it through the day. So you'll be in line and finally get in and and no Mac cheese, no short ribs, no fried chicken, greens or no oxtail. Here's the deal if you have a soul food restaurant or any for that matter you must have enough food and understand your market. People are struggling more than ever. You expect them to pay $6 a gallon to drive to your place and wait and then deal with lines and over priced sometimes under quality food? That is asking a bit much for even your staunchest supporters. You begin to price yourselves out the market and as always they eventually close. Hope they can understand. I know the truth hurts but supporting a restaurant that does not understand this is almost impossible. read more

WARNING: Very long wait! Always a expect a line of people when thinking about getting a bite to eat at Chef Marilyn's SO plan accordingly. (Comfy shoes and check weather) My boyfriend and I were pretty excited when we arrived to the Buzzfeed reviewed eatery! We got there at a good time when the line was short but quickly grew as minutes passed. The weather was hot (we bought drinks across the street at a gas station) and people were hangry AF! Everything is al a carte and you have the choice to fill up a to-go plate with as much as you want! The portions are MASSIVE and there will definitely be leftovers. Honestly, I don't understand what the hype is all about. Nothing too fantastic about the food, just your typical comfortable soul food. I ordered mash potatoes (which I added salt and pepper for flavor), collard greens (wasn't a fan of unfortunately), bed of white rice, chicken (a little too much salt in the seasoning), and a corn bread muffin which was baked perfectly. FYI, there is no place to sit so EVERYTHING is to go. We walked over to McDonalds and enjoyed our meal there. Also, give the workers some slack! They are working as hard and fast as they can. Kudos to them for helping customer after customer. read more

Chef Marilyn's - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Sadness, that's all I feel like dude this place has gone so downhill I remember when Turkey neck bones were like $1 each they are now $3 the oxtail plate is over priced for the like amount you get and the Mac and cheeses is so so dry, the rice tastes like it was microwaved and the baked chicken was beyond dry. Wow I'm so dissatisfied it's unreal and spent and I spent $45 and change for this. Two thumbs down! read more

My favorite here was the rice with gravy and fried chicken sooo good! Corn bread was also good

*Update* Oooommmg I was in dyer need of soul food. So I decided to give Ms.Marilyn another try despite my 1st review...I decided to try the food on a not so busy day Thursday.(My experience before was on a Sunday)... This time the food was finger lickin good chile!!!!. I kept it cute and ordered short ribs which was very tender yes gawd, the yams were better & the cabbage was very tasteful....Im so pleased this time... I'm leaning to the side as I write this review, so u Kno where I'm finna be in a min Only minus is Mac n eese............. Notice I said Eese cause there's no cheese in the Mac. Pls revamp your Mac n cheese!! It's suppose to be creamy n cheesy not that old fashion baked Mac n cheese mess read more

Chef Marilyn's - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Now I remember why I stopped coming here. Because there is always an issue. The machine isn't working and they're only accepting cash. Absolutely ridiculous in 2022. They were out of oxtails too. read more

For ten dollars, I got enough food for me and my large, healthy son. The thing is, I don't have a son. read more

its sad to say that they used to be much better. The prices are extreme for food we know is cheaper to cook at home. The lines are alot smaller and almost non existent. I'm sure the price and service is the root cause. I have come from far away for years to patronize them and I don't even live on that side anymore. With gas at $6 a gallon. Its just not sustainable and the quality of the food is extra average. We have got to do better. We continue to block our blessings. Lucky Phillips BBQ is across the street. So when I do come to this side. I'll go there because chef Marilyn's cost too much for the quality of the food and service, which has always been horrible but the prices at least matched the quality of the food; not anymore. Love you guys but its a hard and disappointing no to coming back to this establishment. read more

Ordered Mac and cheese, red beans, fried wing and breast. It did not taste like chicken. They must fry all their foods in the same oil. Really gross. I only took a few bites and threw my plate away. $$ wasted :( read more

When a customer calls and asks if you have something, please don't say "yes", and when they get there it won't be finished cooking for over an hour. Thank you read more

Great food, cool place to get some fire food. Whenever Marilyn's there, the energy is superb. I'll always support her businesses. Taste and see for yourself. read more

Soul food spot that's been around forever and have great prices! Always gotta stop by when I have time to wait in line! Parking all around the block if you pay attention! No seating! Love everything. read more

Chef Marilyn's - Drove all the way from Glendale and they aren't open like it says on the site!!! Ugh. - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Sometimes they're awesome and sometimes not The food is what you go there for which is delicious yet scheduling is sometimes difficult during the time we live in. Patience is a virtue now more than ever read more

Great Food and great service with a pleasant smile. they prepare my food just the way I like it prepared. I go at least once a month for two retired senior Citizens, who are special to me and they are very pleased with their dinner. Thank you Chef ‍ Marilyn read more

If you like to order soul food from extremely rude and pissed off people then this is the place for you. Waited at the front of the line 20 minutes before order taken. While this is unacceptable, I expected it because of them being famous for the long line out front. They were very unapologetic about not having most of what I wanted to order when she finally dished my food. She was talking to me like I made her wait and she was paying me for food! Food was mediocre. Today was my first and last time I'll waste time and my tastebuds on Chef Marilyn's cusine. Had to update....food worse than I originally thought as I eat more now. :-( read more

It's been along time since I have ate at Chef Marilyn's. When I am in town I try to go to all the places that I like to eat at. If I was a good critic- I would give score of 4. I ordered two plates of oxtail and smothered chicken plate. I was told the wait would be 30mins, to waiting over 1hr. The oxtails were not tender and they were burnt. The only thing that was good was the corn bread and Thank God I asked for 2 side wings. I end up giving my food to my dog. At least those that work in there were nice. read more

The food is excellent. It's Overpriced but food is high everywhere. The restaurant seems to cater to older, retired people. Chef Marilyn needs to invest in an airblower or large fan. It is incredibly hot in there. The line is slow, very, very slow. I avoid the restaurant if there is more than 2 people in there. read more

I hate to give a bad review to indigenous owned restaurants But the food was not tasty at all. I had the baked chicken, blackeye peas and rice. The simple rice was the worst. Who messes up rice?. I got a bad taste in my mouth just walking in. Nothing looked good. I grab a slice of cake and was only getting the cake but I decided to tru some food. This is NOT SOUL FOOD. You would think caucasians cooked this because Nothing Soulful about this food. The place is a shit hole. This place has been here so lo g you would think MARILYN would have upgraded by now. Sad indigenous owned restaurant. read more

Chef Marilyn is my favorite soulfood and has been for years. The food is excellent and healthfully prepared and the soulfood selections are great. The baked chicken melts in your mouth! read more

Very slow service. In my opinion the food is over priced just like other soul food places in So Cal. Not worth the price or time. Catfish was rubbery and not satisfying. read more

Horrible! Thanksgiving day and they were suppose to open at 11 am. I called ahead of time to make sure. Since I would be coming all the way from Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. I was still waiting in line at 12:30 for them to open. They finally opened and were only letting 3 customers in at a time. This took FOREVER! The line barely moved. I couldn't take the wait any longer. I finally left and went to another neighboring Soulfood eatery. Marilyn's has lost my business for good. You wonder why blacks don't support black businesses. It is because of the unprofessionalism. Marilyn get it together! read more

The food here is ridiculously good. If you want some holes type cooked southern food I would definitely recommend. The Mac and cheese is as good as I've had anywhere. The dressing is pretty comparable to my moms. The fried chicken, smothered chicken, ox tails, short ribs, collard greens... all amazing. The only knock is The efficiency. It's kind of a Panda Express style way of ordering. The food is all already made and you just tell them what you want and they scoop it onto you trey. But for some reason or another it takes absolutely forever for you to get to the front of the line. But they make up for the wait with the portion size they provide. They really stack the food up. Your meal can easily provide for 2 or three normal size people. read more

It's sad to see Chef Marilyn get dementia while changing food prices, the whole package isn't for the local anymore she's going for European tourist pounds not dollars. Now I can only eat there when I get my taxes back at the end of the year. Dulans will get new visits from me because at least you can get 2 days food for 1 price. read more

Found this place through Buzzfeed's Worth It and had been meaning to check it out for a while. SO glad I did. The first thing you notice when you go in, other than the delicious smell of soul food, is the friendliness of everyone on staff. They really make you feel like you're at home with them-- smiles and greetings abound. The food can't be beat for the price! I got macaroni and cheese and a fried chicken leg for around $5; and they do NOT skimp on portions. Will absolutely go here again! If you're in the area, definitely support Chef Marilyn's! read more

I love coming to Chef Marilyn's. The food is so good and it's worth the 30 minute drive from the Valley. Everyone is always friendly and very professional. They have some of the best fried catfish around. The yams, greens and mac and cheese are always good and tasty. You wont be disappointed read more

Chef Marilyn's - I couldn't wait to get home to eat my catfish so I enjoy enjoyed my meal in the car. I cleaned my plate. - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've been coming to chef Marilyn's for years. Great soul food!!! 4.5 stars. Take out only. Wide selection of food. They don't have parking spaces. You can park on the street, right in a front of the store. I see some people park their cars in the liquor store parking right next door but I don't think you should:/ I've tried almost everything on the menu but I always order spinach, mac n cheese, beef brisket, mashed potatoes with beef gravy. Make sure to ask for gravy or you'll get only mashed potatoes. Their tuna casserole and candied yams are also super delish. (Tuna casserole isn't always available) I mean....everything is good! Portion is BIG and one container of food turn into 3 meals for me:) lunch,dinner and next day's lunch! I remember seeing people complaining about this place on previous Yelp. They expected everybody is supposed to smile, have everything they wanted when they show up within 10 minutes of closing. I do notice some workers don't smile(most are nice and friendly) but I don't get how some people rated this establishment 1 star only based on the attitude of the workers and forget about rating on their great food:/ Anyways...their food is fab, service is not too fast, you may wait 10 minutes just to get your order started when it's crowded because there are only 1-2 workers taking orders. But it's definitely worth waiting! read more

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!! Do not get there as soon as they open because the food will most likely not be ready until like... 11:30. I had to wait almost an hour to get what I wanted because the entrees kept trickling in around every 10 mins. Also, don't expect to find any tables/seating anywhere. The food itself was good, and the cashier was sweet and very funny. read more

What happened to chef Marilyn's this place use to be soo delicious now the food taste really bland and unseasoned ... I stopped by today after not eating there in like 3 months .. the yams were out of the can and super bland the Mac n cheese was just gross idk I use to love this place but the food quality is terrible .. the service has never Been good but when the food is good that's how it usually is.. also the pricing went up I got a side of yams Mac n cheese and baked catfish and it cost me 20 bucks !! Overpriced for this under quality food.. hope they can get it together. Other than that save your money and time. read more

Absolutely delicious meals, and southern hospitality. The catfish (baked), red beans and rice, greens and cornbread were awesome! To replace yams, I had the sweet potato pie and I was not disappointed. read more

I love the food and I've been coming here for years! You have to call in the the catfish orders, FYI. I love everything about chefs Marilyn from the fired chicken to one of the best smothered chicken, to the brisket and the flavorful meatloaf, what more can you ask for. The greens Mac and cheese and all the other sides are worth the wait! Be prepared for the line and you know it's good so be patient stay off your phone and know what to order. Thanks for the years of amazing food! read more

Just had the short ribs with rice and gravy, collards and Kownbread!! Fire!! Taste like my Auntie cooking down in Lousiana!

Time over time. While she's preparing her food for home, her restaurant on Crenshaw is being ran like a THIRD WORLD COUNTRY! None of the food ready by the times they open or post on window, workers don't know when or what will be on the menu. Once they finally open, good luck to having what you ordered or actually Thanksgiving food items. read more

slow service waited 25 minutes before a server came from the back to help us , food was okay . I went this last weekend and waited 35 minutes in the hot sun, only one server inside and she kept going in the back and disappearing for 10 minutes at a time, after a 45 minute wait and only 3 people served I left. I have to find a new soul food restaurant the customer service here is terrible. read more

Thee best soulfood spot so far. I am a chef myself but once i took a bite of those greens, macc n cheese and fried chicken, OMG!!! I felt like im at big mama house in Alabama... it warmed my heart!! Made a vlog about it lmao So delicious!!!!! read more

5 stars for service. My first time here, so I pestered Mark with questions and he kindly answered them all. Que at the cash register was friendly and nice. A very short line since I was there after the lunch rush on a weekday. The food on the other hand was not 5 star. Portions are generous and the price of the fried chicken a great deal (balanced out by pricey sides). I got two chicken thighs and the meat on one was dry on the outside but pink next to the bone. The mac & cheese needed help. I was home and so could fry it up with some butter and hot sauce. Luckily, the collard greens (Mark brought out a new batch for me from the kitchen) were super yummy. Food not amazing, but I will probably give them at least one more try. Hope they have the peach cobbler if I go back :) ps look for street parking instead of the lot next door where they threaten to tow you. read more

My son and I checked this place out after touring UCLA, and based on having seen it on the BuzzFeed show, "Worth it!" Simply put, it is so worth it...and then some! Go for the mac & cheese, maybe the best I've ever had, but while you're there grab fried chicken, brisket, yams, mashed potatoes, cornbread, peach cobbler...YUM!!! Everything is so good. Served with a healthy side of southern hospitality, this is one of my new favorite go-to spots in LA! read more

Chef Marilyn's - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Delicious Baked fish, I also tried the pasta with tuna and was really tasty...I will definitely try something else next time! read more

Chef Marilyn's - Baked very tasty - Southern Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Much love from someone coming from Vegas! There aren't many spots back home that add up to the this place here! Amazing food and very polite workers! Had yams, greens,Mac n cheese , fried chicken wings and fresh fried catfish! read more

Very upset with the performance from the staff currently working @ Chef Marilyn's. Thursday afternoon May 21, 2020 after my hair appointment I decided to come to my favorite soul food restaurant Chef Marilyn's. I get to the restaurant and there is a line outside of people waiting for their orders and food. It was 3 people already inside I stood in line outside then decided to go in to place a order for some fried catfish so that by the time I placed the rest of my order my fried catfish would be ready and I wouldn't have a longer wait. I stepped out of line to go inside and order I politely said excuse me and the server a light skinned lady with green eyes began yelling at me loud to close the door. I politely said I was just coming in to place a order of fried catfish while I wait in line. She then yelled in a loud tone uh uh we ain't got no more catfish somebody called for the last 6 pieces. I said excuse me mind you I've had issues with this server before for not wanting to wear gloves while serving me my food. Her reason for not wanting to put on gloves was "they keep messing up and her hands kept sweating, but I insisted on her putting gloves on. She never wears a name badge either. I go outside mad as hell and get back in line to only get out of line go to my car and call the restaurant. I call someone named Jay answers. I then say hello I was calling to see if you guys still have any catfish left he tells me to hold on while he checks. He comes back on the phone to say we all outta catfish. So I then reply well I would like to make a complaint about the girl that's serving food she is very rude and unprofessional. Before I could say anymore he was rushing me off the phone saying I'll let management know. I was not only disrespected once by the server, but twice by the person who answered the phone and instead of him listening to my problem questions or concerns he rushed me off the phone like he didn't give a damn. It's very often that I come to Chef Marilyn's and lately the quality of service and performance of servers and the little choices of food you have to choose from is upsetting. There is not a time I come that I don't spend at least 75 dollars or less. This has got to stop. I feel the staff should be considerate to not only customers but each other as well. After this last episode I don't know if I'll be returning to Chef Marilyn's. Sad part about it I come from north long beach which is not close to this establishment at all. read more

Best catfish n Yams in town...I always go there with my buddy Lamont he loves this place reminds him of his mommy's cooking I give this place a 10 out of 10 read more