Mama J's Kitchen

4.3 (1.6k reviews)

ModerateSoul Food, Bars, Sandwiches

Closed • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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Mama J's Kitchen - Mac and cheese and sweet potatoes are on the side. - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Seating - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Pork Chops, Cabbage - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Mama J's Kitchen - Exterior - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Mama J's Kitchen Popular Dishes

$18.88

Catfish

231 Photos646 Reviews

$18.88

Fried Chicken

125 Photos399 Reviews

$16.52

Pork Chop Sandwich

57 Photos151 Reviews

Mama J's Kitchen menu photos

Menu photo 1 Mama J's Kitchen Richmond, VA

Menu photo 2 Mama J's Kitchen Richmond, VA

Menu photo 3 Mama J's Kitchen Richmond, VA

Menu photo 4 Mama J's Kitchen Richmond, VA

Menu photo 5 Mama J's Kitchen Richmond, VA

Menu photo 6 Mama J's Kitchen Richmond, VA

Menu photo 7 Mama J's Kitchen Richmond, VA

Menu photo 8 Mama J's Kitchen Richmond, VA

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MAMA J'S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

146 Photos

Outside

69 Photos

Moderate noise

Casual

Classy

Good for groups

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Tammy N.

7 out of 5 stars. Yes, I said 7. So I went to Mama J's after scoping it out on Yelp, and let me tell you something: Richmond, we may have a problem. I have found the food. I initially walked into the market next door, which is actually great because there aren't a lot of grocery stores nearby. Then I headed over to Mama J's on a Monday afternoon. The place was teeming with associates doing all kinds of things, which I actually loved. I was seated quickly and started looking around. It was comfortable and familiar, even though it was my first time there. Then my server greeted me, called me "baby," and suddenly I felt like I had walked into my auntie's house. Okay. We were off to a good start. I ordered an Arnold Palmer and some catfish nuggets. Now, I knew I was in the right place when my server brought me TWO glasses of the most perfectly made Arnold Palmer. Two. Glasses. Start the happy dance. While I waited for my food, I looked around at the old photographs and magazine covers featuring Mama J's. It all made sense. The restaurant felt familiar because it felt like somebody's dining room. A place that has history. A place where people have been eating, talking, laughing and coming back for years. Then my catfish nuggets arrived. HOT. Golden. Crispy. When I tell you I did a happy dance... I ate those catfish nuggets with a knife and fork, humming to myself and saying, "This is the best catfish I have eaten in my life." And mind you, I eat out at least twice a week. So I ordered the crab cake sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese. We were not particularly focused on vegetables because my server could not promise me the collards and cabbage weren't cooked with chicken broth. It's fine. I didn't really want my vegetables anyway. Then my plate arrived. HOT. I ate that macaroni and cheese and literally had to rock, hum and say to myself, "Woo. This food is good." The crab cake sandwich and fries were so good that I immediately knew some of them were coming home with me for lunch tomorrow. Because I may love food, but I also believe in planning ahead. Now let's talk about this crab cake. First, the brioche bun was EXACTLY the right bread. I am not a sliced-white-bread kind of woman. I need a brioche bun sturdy enough for the remoulade to hold onto. And then there was the crab cake. Enunciate that K. Fresh crabmeat. Maryland could NEVER. I know, I know. Maryland swears they have the best crab cakes. No ma'am. No sir. The best crab cake is sitting on Clay Street, about a mile from the James River, in Jackson Ward, the Harlem of the South. And the fries? HOT. You know that perfect fry: crispy on the outside, soft in the center? Yeah. Those. At this point, I was full and getting sleepy at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. But apparently that wasn't enough because I ordered some potato salad to go so I could top off tomorrow's lunch. Because priorities. I left Mama J's full as a tick. Came home. And promptly took a several-hour nap. That is how good this meal was. Mama J's, you have officially set the bar. 7 out of 5 stars. I am going back. And, quite frankly, they are going to get sick of seeing me. Richmond, if you haven't been to Mama J's, what are you waiting for?

Fried chicken with a side of mac and cheese and greens.

Shawn O.

Arrived at Mama J's with a table for 6 (5 adults and a baby). It was packed so we had a little wait. Staff was welcoming and pleasant. Everyone but 1 ordered catfish, either yams, greens or mac and cheese. I'm not an expert on greens but I thought they were very good while my mom thought they were tough. The yams are cooked with cloves, a spice I've never had in yams. It was different but good. The mac and cheese was very good too. It had just the right amount of cheese, small macaroni and perfect texture. Thank God it was baked like my family's and not soupy and weird. Iykyk what I mean. I ordered the 2 piece catfish. They were large fillets. Fried nicely and had a nice light coating and seasoning. I could only finish 1 fillet. My eyes were bigger than my stomach bc I got 3 sides. It's not often I have access to good soul food. Our daughter and sil enjoyed the leftovers. My husband ordered the fried chicken which came with 2 pieces, a wing and breast. He finished half the breast. It looked like it was fried perfectly and he enjoyed it. The menu is categorized and the only issue I take with the menu is that it lists "entrees". Entrees as I understand them and have always had them are a meal (ie protein and at least 1 side). Their entrees are not meals with sides. It's a protein with a small muffin. Basically, everything is à la cart. For 2 people, our meal was $90 plus 20% gratuity already added due to the number in our party, understandably. They do ask if you want to add an addl gratuity of 7%. 20% is already more than enough! These are the times when I miss eating in Europe where tipping is not standard. Overall, we had a great experience and would definitely eat here again.

Joyce C.

Excellent hole-in-the wall gem atmosphere, service and food! I enjoyed every bite of everything I tasted! We shared sides and I got a to-go plate of chicken to try later! Catfish was fried perfectly and trout was blackened to perfection! Cabbage and yams were out of this world! We will be making the trip from Fredericksburg again real soon!

Eve J.

Mama J's is the definition of comfort food done right. The soul food was absolutely incredible, and let me talk about the sweet tea... because WOW. It was seriously to die for! This little gem in downtown Richmond completely surprised me. Finding a really good soul food spot can be rare, and Mama J's definitely delivered. The flavors, the vibes, and the overall experience made it a place I'd happily recommend. The server I had was so friendly and welcoming. Just a heads up--this place can get pretty packed during dinner time, so plan ahead and be prepared for a wait. If you're craving authentic soul food while in Richmond, definitely add Mama J's to your list.

Angel E.

I ordered take out while attending a conference in richmond. The restaurant is intimate and has a bar. The service was great. The food was ready for pick up when I arrived. The fried chicken was cooked to perfection. Seasoned well. The yams were perfect, not too sweet or sugary. The collard greens were tasty. The chicken came with a corn muffin which was a little over baked. Overall, food was delicious and I ate most of it.

Collard Greens, Catfish (2 piece), Macaroni & Cheese, cornbread

Wil C.

Truly exactly how great the soul food is described to be. Yes the fish is the size of your full plate but more importantly is the flavor is impeccable yet still tastes homemade. It's giving' Mama's Sunday Dinner. And the sides do the same. The space is intimate and casual. Service was prompt and staff was friendly. I'm ready to try more of the menu!!

Seating in the Market / beautiful clean restroom

Winifred W.

OMG !!!! If you want the cool trendy downtown RVA experience, with excellent food and service pleeeeeeease go to Mama J's Kitchen. We were first greeted by the most personable, young man that truly made us feel welcome. That's there motto "Welcome Home" His name is EJ. You will know it's him. This restaurant is a cute neighborhood landmark. It's a little small but not tight or uncomfortable with a full bar for additional seating. Because it has that old school I know this food is going to be FIRE, it's Perfect. Soooooo, the music certainly fits this cool old school vibe. The menu was under a very clean glass table topper to view and order. Very big Plus, Sanitary !!!!! I ordered the Fried Chicken (2pcs white), corn muffin comes with the meal, candied yams and cabbage. My plate was BEAUTIFUL, pictures will confirm. The chicken was golden brown, crispy on outside, flavorful and moist on the inside. YES, like my mom's use to be. The yams were perfectly sweet and the caaaabage was delicious. Go early to avoid the crowds, because everyone wants this good food and hospitality. Ooooh Lord, I forgot our extremely attentive server Dana. He checked in while being super busy with other customers, making sure the glasses were refilled in a timely manner. He also offered to go drinks, and very nice to go containers. This review is long because it's accurate and I need to share my experience. Last but not least, the owner came by and asked how was everything with her warm, down home hospitality. She also ask that we visit next door, Mama J's Market, so we did. It was sooo cool. I felt like I was in Greenwich Village NYC. If the restaurant is too busy for you, there in the market you can order from the kiosk and a staff member will bring it to you. There are refrigerated food and meal options to grab and go. Snacks, drinks, a little fresh produce, household and personal items. The Perfect Neighborhood Market. If you want the Old Historic Jackson Ward feeling of community, come to Mama J's Kitchen and Market. Thank you !!!!!!!

Brandi P.

Went here with my family and I will say the food is good. We both had the catfish and were a little underwhelmed to be honest. It wasn't as seasoned as I expected it to be for a soul food restaurant. The Mac and cheese was about a 6 and the greens weren't very flavorful so we have them a 5. The candied yams were really good. Very tender and not too sweet. Our server wasn't the most personable, but he got the job done. The music was great! Parking was easy on a Sunday evening. I do recommend this place, but just be prepared to use the tartar sauce for your fish if you want a little razzle dazzle.

Catfish (2 piece) collard greens, macaroni, and cheese, and candied yams

Yes! Yes! Yes! Mama J's has ruined me for anything else right now. I was eating and humming and legs were dancing throughout my meal. SO, SO GOOD! Okay so, I love fish, but if I run up on a bone, I am done. This catfish was crispy, flaky, boneless and downright delicious. The collards, Mac & cheese and sweet potato.....excellent. My husband had to personally thank the cookI I will travel to eat at Mama J's.

Thembi S.

This restaurant came up in a search of things to do/places to visit in Richmond, VA. I'm totally into soul food, so challenge accepted. Mama J's is an unassuming place, but was packed when I arrived. I opted to sit at the bar because I was near starvation and didn't have time to wait for a table. I was super impressed with the bartender. Half the time it didn't seem like she heard me, but she always did, and always handled whatever it was that needed handling. I placed an order for catfish nuggets with fries and requested a cornbread muffin. The food arrived and looked amazing! And it all was very good, though I have had better catfish nuggets before. I crushed everything. No complaints.

Grace M.

We were greeted and seated quickly. Service was pleasant and our waitress gave great recommendations as far as drinks and food. It was a cute and homey atmosphere. We started off with the chicken rings and they were so good, starting off strong! Pork chop and crabcake meals were super satisfying. No complaints about any of the sides. The cornbread was a nice little sweet treat. I would have loved to try dessert but they were out of a few due to the time we were at the restaurant. I will definitely be back to try them out!

Daniel A.

Greeted with the friendliest service. The most homecooked meal not cooked at your home that you probably couldn't even cook yourself. The catfish had the flakiest breading to it, I could have even eaten it without any tartar sauce which was also delicious. That paired with the perfect Candied Yams that weren't overly sweet but still golden roasted; Yum. Loved this place. Absolutely loved.

Catfish nuggets, mac & cheese and meatless collards

Ayana O.

My 1st time in Richmond and ii I can say is Mama J's is EVERYTHING! Chyna was our server and she was so attentive. It felt like Sunday dinner at your favorite Aunt's house The coffee was awesome (im a critic of coffee) I had catfish nuggets, mac & cheese and Collards . Alll gooood!

Fried Catfish (2 piece) and Macaroni & Cheese

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Ashley K.

758

11 years ago

If you want soul food in Richmond..this is definitely the place to go! I ordered the dark meat fried chicken with mashed potatoes and coleslaw for my sides. The fried chicken is so good and I loved the coleslaw so much (coleslaw is one of my fav foods and this place nailed it) If you want something lighter order the fish- my friend got it and I might actually like it better than the chicken. It literally melts in your mouth . Also I would recommend the sweet potato fries over the mashed potatoes any day. read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Chicken with coleslaw and mashed potatoes! So yummy! - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Xuliana O.

6 years ago

Honestly cannot wait to get back to normal to try dine-in. Really could not ask for better Mac and chicken :)

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Mary Ann Keogh K.

135

9 years ago

We thoroughly enjoyed the fried pork chops and the fried chicken. This is the most amazing food we also enjoyed the candied yams by he cherry on top was the pineapple coconut cake read more

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Lola V.

7 years ago

Everything about my meal was perfection. I had the catfish. Which was perfect. Best catfish I've had. The catfish is huge so honestly next time I'll be getting the 1 pc meal. The yams were really good. Very sweet and the Mac and cheese was good! Portion sizes are worth what you are paying for. I got two meals out of what i ordered( 2 pc catfish with yams and Mac and cheese. Sweet tea was also like that!!! Even the strawberry cake was very good. A lot of people have said this place was overrated but this place is definitely the hype. read more

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Allison W.

395

9 years ago

Mama J's made my trip to Richmond worth every second! My date and I were told about Mama J's and we were thrilled with the recommendation. I ordered the Fried Catfish (THE best catfish I've ever had) and Charles had the special, Jerk Chicken (also delicious). We read that there would likely be a wait, so we arrived at 7:30pm prepared. (Smallish establishment and very popular!) However, after only waiting 30 minutes, we were seated and treated to the best dinner we could have ever imagined! I can't wait to drive up from Virginia Beach to visit Mama J's again! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Dette T.

Elite 21

197

120

7 years ago

I've never had catfish before cuz alive, they don't look too appetizing.. lol but anyway, was visiting and I wanted to get something that's unique in the area and I stumbled on mama j's (on yelp of course!). Since everybody's raving about the catfish, I jumped in with 2 feet and ordered 2 piece, fried and blackened- did not disappoint!! Even hubby who refused at first ended up finishing it all! Way too good! No fish smell! Flavored well and cooked perfect! The corn muffins too were so good, I had 3 of them.. my 1 yo was are the whole cup of mac n cheese too! The only complaint about this place is it's too far away from NOVA lol! But I guess it's something to look forward to when we go to Richmond. read more

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Homer J.

5 years ago

I didn't try this place, as the first thing I was yelled at walking In the door to put on my mask. I had been vaccinated and tried telling the cashier that. She didn't want to listen. Funny thing is, when you sit down you can take off your mask. Please tell me what the difference is?? Also, please tell me why you weren't yelling at the delivery man to put his mask on?? Oh yeah, customer is always right?? Well I won't be back to try the food. Maybe think before you speak. And ps, no customers were even in the restaurant. read more

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Renae H.

4 years ago

Waited for 10 minutes to be seated. Not one staff member acknowledged us. We walked out with a line behind us that weren't acknowledged.

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Lynn M.

126

9 years ago

I'd love to give this place more stars. The food was delicious. However the hostess told us it would take 45 minutes for a table. It took well over an hour. She kept seating people who came after us . Many never waited more than 10 minutes. We had kids with us. No meal is worth waiting that long. Especially since once we were seated. Our waitress was sour too! I'll be sure to write to Garden & Gun magazine and let them know their recommendation to this restaurant was an epic fail! Truly a disappointment. Maybe retrain staff might be helpful. Also, cake was DRY.. read more

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Howard B.

4 years ago

Have ordered from here several times for delivery use their driver not the slice driver. Have always been polite and food hot when it arrives. read more

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Rubana M.

9 years ago

Mama J's is a Richmond staple for a reason! We went for lunch on a weekday and had a wait a little bit, but it was totally worth it! The highlight of my meal was the catfish - light & flakey. I'm usually don't order seafood, but I am so happy I did! The sides keep worth their southern tradition - the collard green were well seasons and we were scrapping the bowl after the mac and cheese. I would recommended Mama Js if you wanna show off some of the best Richmond has to offer! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Great catfish! And of course everything comes with a corn muffin! - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Denise T.

4 years ago

Absolutely AMAZING! Definitely will be my go to when visiting Richmond. They were extremely busy and short staff but they in the midst provided stellar service and wonderland food. Them pork chops and peach cobbler mmm good. read more

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Octavia M.

Elite 26

141

235

822

9 years ago

This is my fave comfort food spot in RVA, and based on the normal wait times here everyone else feels the same way. My go to foods here are the fish and fried chicken. For sides, I salivate over it all! No, seriously though, the yams are my fave side here. So sweet, rich and flavorful! The mac-n-cheese and collard greens are delish too! I mean, let's be honest really-EVERYTHING here is SOOO good!! I definitely suggest ordering a few sides to sample and share, especially so you don't have to decide on just one or two. One side is at least enough for two to share, but no judgement at all if you want it all to yourself. Been there! Mama J's is a staple in RVA and really is that spot that you take friends and family who are visiting for a meal that is sure to be a conversation back on the ride home about just how good it was. It is a small place and gets packed quickly, but trust me, it is worth the wait. So, do yourself the favor, plan your time factoring in a bit of a wait, but be prepared to leave with a happy heart and belly! read more

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David K.

8 years ago

We are first timers at Mama J's who had to try it to believe the reviews. After reading reviews about the seating, we decided to go around 7PM on a Tuesday. We were greeted by staff upon our arrival. While it was crowded, there were only two couples ahead of us. We chose to sit at the bar so we effectively jumped to the front of the line. Our server/bartender was friendly and helpful with recommendations. My companion ordered catfish and mac n cheese. I ordered the white meat chicken with collared greens. You have a choice of roll or corn muffin, we chose the muffins. Mama J's did not disappoint. The meal was delivered in a short period of time. It was a perfect temperature with the chicken crisp and the fish lightly fried. Both meals were delicious and satisfying. Even though the meals were more than enough food, we had to have the homemade cake that was just a glance away under a glass cover. Looks yummy! We took it home for a late night snack. All this great food for just over $25! read more

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Jess B.

Elite 23

144

101

419

7 years ago

Let me say above anything else, the food is amazing!!!! Staff is very friendly. Location and decor are very nice and welcoming. Not a fan of the a la carts menu setup but that's not exclusive to Mama J's--I don't like any restaurants a la carte menu. read more

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Dacia W.

8 years ago

Hands DOWN the BEST souls food I've EVER had. Great staff, awesome management and an absolute "at home" atmosphere. I WILL be back...soon! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Catfish, cabbage, and seafood salad - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Peach Cobbler - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Crab Cake Sandwich and sweet potato fries - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Club sandwich and French Fries - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Ijene L.

Elite 18

469

155

645

9 years ago

Listen....lol.... One day I hope they set free whomevers great grandmother they have holed up in the back making food so damn soul hugging that it makes no sense. How do I explain all the goodness I just ate without gaining a pound by sheer descriptions? There's so many good things about this place, I hardly know where to begin. Let's see. Ok how about the classic compliment sandwich? Strong suits: the menu is wondrously simple for those who are just hungry and don't have time for hollandaise & shtuff en croute...no. You got beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, lamb, ram, hog YOU NAME IT...LOL no seriously, chicken, catfish, pork chops, crab cakes, alllll the sides ya mama used to make & ya girlfriend tries, no fuss, no muss. But the gag is, it tastes like PUH-LENTY of fuss and muss and someone's foot went into this food. Flavors amazing, you will never need the bored salt and pepper shakers on the table and sweet tea that had me reminiscing on times I never even took part in. The vibe of the place is energetic and family oriented with just a touch of there must be a spades game going down in the back, the music was every classic your parents woke you up to dance for their friends at 1130 at night. And the drinks were just like I like my men, smooth and strong. The only draw back: the Wait on weekends. Bruh...50 mins EASY. On Sunday just come back Monday cuz sheesh! Which is only why I withheld a star. But we did wait and once seated the service was TOP NOTCH. 3 swallows into my tea, it was being topped off, and the food came out hot and fresh as he-.... Finally, if you don't get a piece of cake, I will punch you right in the face. When I tell you that yellow cake with chocolate icing was everything you better listen to me now and believe me later on. :) Reasonable prices for quality food, nice wait staff and a southern charm that's all too authentic, you really can't go wrong...so just go in. 4 out of 5 "sorry about the itis" stars! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Pork chops, baked mac, greens and corn bread...lawd. - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - The very easy to navigate menu. - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Jaylen S.

3 years ago

nothing less than perfect, best soul food in the south. nothing can compare to the service provided by the workers

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Gail F.

6 years ago

Traveled into town from AZ, and yelp did not steer me wrong. I had the Pork chops (one fried and one baked). Both good but I recommend the fried. I had the gravy and peppers/onions on the side so I could dip the pork chop. Tons of flavor and damn good. I ordered fresh collared greens as my side. My husband had Fried chicken (white meat- breast and a huge wing). Again great flavor. I liked the pork chop more. His side was Mac n Cheese. No indoor seating due to Covid; so we had to eat in the car. Definitely worth the visit. Called to place the order, it was ready in 20 minutes and total cost was $30. Thanks for a great lunch- read more

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Brandon A.

117

9 years ago

I'm a fan of this place. I've been wanting to try it for quite some time and finally got a chance to one evening. Probably the second best fried chicken in town (behind Tanglewood Ordinary). A very close second. The food was fantastic, the service was great, and they were extremely fast in getting you served and on your way. We ordered a couple slices of cake to go, and I couldn't decide which one I wanted....so I chose one and the waitress through in the other slice on the house. I will definitely be back! read more

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Tiff C.

Elite 21

7 years ago

Came here based off the recommendation from the local hotel staff, food did not disappoint. Started off with the catfish nuggets which were delicious I would highly recommend getting these. The fried chicken was seasoned nicely. The sides were tasty as well, mac and cheese was a bit salty but still good. I left here feeling like I ate at home. Home cooked food (not chain food) made with fresh ingredients. Food was decently priced as well. read more

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Melissa R.

4 years ago

Food was GREAT service was good. The only bad thing is that it is entirely too small.

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C M.

7 years ago

I have eaten at a lot of restaurants and Mama J's is my favorite!!! When I come into town, I make it a point to have lunch or dinner there. The pork chops smothered with gravy, onions, and peppers are what I tend to order the most. I love how fresh the food is and the portions are generous. The sides are just as amazing as the entrees! I have also tried the fried chicken, liver and onions, crab cakes, and the country fried steak. Each entree was well executed! The wait staff is always friendly! I can't wait to return to Richmond to enjoy another meal at my favorite restaurant!!! read more

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August E.

249

2502

9 years ago

I've been here several times. The food is good, but average. The atmosphere is nice if you don't mine it being loud. Nothing to writing home about. Seems as if they chance up how they season the fish (now- bland) and seafood salad. I think this will be my last time visiting this restaurant :(. read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Entrance - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Trout, seafood salad and Mac & cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Crab cakes, cabbage, Mac & cheese, sweet potato pie - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Tobias C.

9 years ago

Mmmmhmmmm. Sooooo good. The catfish was to die for. The service, impeccable. The atmosphere was very fun. I travel to RVA monthly and this is definitely one of the best restaurants I have been too. Fried catfish: 5 stars Mac and cheese: 5 stars Seafood salad: 5 stars Mashed potatoes: 5 stars read more

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Lisha S.

9 years ago

This used to be one of my favorite spots to visit until yesterday. After we finished lunch, the largest cockroach crawled up the wall next to our table. I told the hostess and waiter, the hostesses killed and said it was a water bug. The picture that I took clearly shows that it was a roach. read more

Mama J's Kitchen - The cockroach that made a grand appearance. - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Everett W.

Elite 23

183

371

9 years ago

After two failed attempts to eat here (long wait times) we finally made it inside and I'm glad we did. Ordered the catfish nuggets for a appetizer and it was tasty I almost changed my entree order to the catfish!! As for entrees I ordered the crab cake and my companion ordered pork chops. The crab cakes were pan seared to perfection and accompanied by Mac and cheese and corn muffin. The pork chops were tasty and not over cooked. Our waitress gave us the option of having one grilled and one fried. I'm glad we took that option. I didn't want to feel cheated by missing out on one of them. Overall a great place to eat but beware it gets crowded and wait times can be excessive. They do offer carryout service and a bar area that's first come first serve. read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Menu - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Crab cakes, Mac and cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Pork chops (fried,grilled) collards - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Jessica H.

141

7 years ago

Amazing catfish! Everything was so good and the staff were so friendly. We had a perfect lunch with friends

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Chelsea B.

Elite 17

316

9 years ago

We put our names in for a table around 6:30 at Mama J's and waited just a bit more than an hour for a table. This is the norm so be ready to take an extended stroll around the neighborhood or occupy yourself some other way. Through our visit, our service was incredible! Very attentive and never let our glasses get empty! To start, we shared some catfish fritters. They were INCREDIBLE. Light, buttery, flaky, crisp, and all of the good things about fish. Around the table we ordered 2 catfish dinners, 1 dark meat fried chicken dinner, and a salad. My plate had the chicken and sides of mac n cheese and greens. The greens were my favorite part by far, incredibly flavorful and nice and hot. (It was VERY cold in the restaurant). The mac n cheese was not great to me - I had a cup of mostly naked noodles with little chunks of tough cheddar cheese. It might be different since other people had rave reviews, but it really wasn't for me. As for the chicken, it was juicy, but I prefer chicken with a thicker breading with a bit more spice in it. It definitely tasted homemade though, which left me feeling happy and satisfied. The catfish fillets on the other plates were incredible as well. The catfish is by far the winner here and something I will definitely be back for. read more

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Steven H.

9 years ago

Everyone is singing praises for MamaJ's Unfortunately for me my first experience was not so "glorious". I ordered the baked chicken the leg n thight was very small and dry and tasteless.It was not seasoned at all.Not what I expected for $9. To make it worse.. $3 EACH for those small sides...I should have just opened a can of green beans. Someone else went and made the purchase and brought it back to me but had I gone myself it would have stayed in the restaurant. read more

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Annie P.

9 years ago

The food is to die for! Reasonable and fast, and includes a bar. Had fried chicken, catfish, mac and cheese, greens, candied yams and peach cobbler. Fried chicken and mac and cheese were the highlights. Fried chicken was fried perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Mac and cheese was not that creamy stuff you can get anywhere, it was the REAL mac and cheese. BEST I've ever tasted! Chelsea was the adorable, bubbly waitress that never kept us waiting. Make sure you ask to be seated in her section. She definitely added to our experience! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Thank you for the great service, Chelsea! - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Kristen S.

Elite 16

105

9 years ago

Only soul food I ever need in my life... Friend catfish was the best I ever had. Don't get me started on the coconut pineapple cake. I'd walk uphill both ways in the snow for it. Service was average.... But they're always busy, I really felt service did the best the could with the constant flow of people. Only complaint... They need a bigger restaurant! read more

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Zoe W.

134

7 years ago

Food here is amazing !!! I ordered the ribs with a side of Mac and cheese and candied yams and it was all delicious. My boyfriend also ordered the catfish sandwich, which we were told was the most popular thing and once we had our first bite we could see why ! Amazing comfort food! read more

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Sarah R.

4 years ago

I'm not usually a fan of much fish, but the entire menu at Mama J's is perfection, and their catfish is incredible

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Larissa H.

9 years ago

Love love the food! But the reason I give Mama Js 3 stars is because of the service. I actually went twice in one week, the first time my party of 2 had to sit at the bar due to the crowd & wait on a late Sunday evening. As I sat at the bar the wait staff & management huddled around the bar and bashed each other. It was difficult to enjoy the evening with my fiancé due to the drama that was so visible. I ate the catfish plate & had double strawberry cake that was kind of dry. The second time I attempted to go back with my family a party of 5 on a Friday night was worse. They quoted my party a hour and 45 min wait. The staff was scrambling around like chickens with there heads cut off and when my uncle asked if there were any other soul food restaurants around the hostess/waitress responded rudely "I work here" . We left, as I sure you figured out by now & it was a disappointment that management here is so poor. The food is great but there service & staff need to make some adjustments if they want to see me return. read more

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Stephanie B.

Elite 25

355

120

197

7 years ago

Food is absolutely amazing and pleasing visually!!! It's tiny but clean. Great service. Looooong wait. Super long wait.

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Jkv J.

4 years ago

The best pork chops fried or grilled best fried catfish. Their collards are great because they do not cook them in all the grease other restaurants do. I also love their yams, coconut cake too. These are the only things I eat here. They were so good the first time, I keep going back for the same. read more

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Alyssa B.

4 years ago

Sooo good 10/10 just wish some of the portion sizes were bigger for the price definitely would recommend though.

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Alex H.

9 years ago

Absolutely delicious southern food in a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The catfish was incredible, lightly battered and fresh taste. You really only need 1 piece unless very hungry. The sides also absolutely exceeded expectations. We'd recommend the candied yams, collared greens, and mac and cheese. Don't forget a sweet tea! Waitress Chelsea was fantastic and very friendly. Can't wait to return on another visit to Richmond! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - The two-piece catfish comes with a cornbread muffin. Sides pictured are candied yams, collared greens, and mac/cheese. Delicious! - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Devin B.

10 years ago

A great spot to get some classic Southern fare. The fried catfish had great flavor and didn't need the tartar sauce (which wasn't bad either). The candied yams saved me from caving in and indulging in one of their beautiful cakes. They were sweet without tasting like candy and spoke more to me of fall than any PSL from Starbucks. Jamal, our server, was welcoming and it felt like a truly warm establishment. Thank you, Mama J! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Found it! - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Fried Catfish (single portion) with green beans, candied yams and a corn muffin. - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Mama J's Kitchen - Great menu. - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Page 17 of 40

415 N 1st St
Richmond, VA 23219
Jackson Ward, Downtown
Directions
(804) 225-7449
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.mamajskitchen.com/

Full menu

Hours

What time does Mama J's Kitchen open?

Mama J's Kitchen opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Mama J's Kitchen close?

Mama J's Kitchen closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Mama J's Kitchen closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Mama J's Kitchen take Bitcoin?

No, Mama J's Kitchen does not take Bitcoin.

Does Mama J's Kitchen take credit cards?

Yes, Mama J's Kitchen takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Mama J's Kitchen have catering options?

Yes, Mama J's Kitchen does have catering options.

Does Mama J's Kitchen have a drive thru?

No, Mama J's Kitchen does not have a drive thru.

Does Mama J's Kitchen have a happy hour?

No, Mama J's Kitchen does not have a happy hour.

Does Mama J's Kitchen serve alcohol?

Yes, Mama J's Kitchen serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Mama J's Kitchen allow dogs?

No, Mama J's Kitchen does not allow dogs.

Does Mama J's Kitchen have TVs?

Yes, Mama J's Kitchen has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Mama J's Kitchen have bike parking?

Yes, Mama J's Kitchen has bike parking.

Does Mama J's Kitchen have outdoor seating?

No, Mama J's Kitchen does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Mama J's Kitchen have parking?

Yes, Mama J's Kitchen has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Mama J's Kitchen wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Mama J's Kitchen is wheelchair accessible.

Does Mama J's Kitchen allow outdoor smoking?

No, Mama J's Kitchen does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Mama J's Kitchen have free WiFi?

No, Mama J's Kitchen does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Mama J's is a neighborhood restaurant based on the family tradition of going to grandma's for Sunday dinner. Our goal is to combine great southern food with outstanding service in a relaxing atmosphere. We prepare our food fresh daily on site, everything from Pan Fried Catfish to Candied Yams & Macaroni & Cheese to Homemade Cakes & Cobblers. The Mama J's experience is designed to take you back to a simpler time where family gatherings were commonplace and everyone looked forward to them because of the food and fellowship. Come experience it for yourself and let us know what you think. Welcome Home

History

Established in 2009.

About Mama J the Person One of fourteen children of Willard and Alease Roland, Mama J was born and raised right here in Richmond, VA. As part of a family that large, along with her sisters and brothers, they took on a lot of responsibility around the house. One of those responsibilities was helping their mother in the kitchen. This is where she learned many of the recipes that are now served in Mama J's.

More Info

Health Score

Mama J's Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

Chinese
1 Review

Ask the Community - Mama J's Kitchen

Are pets allow Ed?

I don't know the official answer but it is a small place. It didn't seem like there would be enough space for pets.

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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

124 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Jenny S.

10 years ago

Holy sh**balls, y'all!! This was soul food at its FINEST! And the service was INCREDIBLE! Yes, you will probably have to wait a little bit to be seated, but that's because they're so damn good and lots of other people want to eat there, too. (It's a tiny place, so be warned - you might end up in a tight scrum at the front door with everyone else who is waiting. Don't worry, though. You will all bond over how much you love the food there and likely be friends for life.) I have some food sensitivities/allergies and I figured I'd ask about certain ingredients in the dishes I was interested in during our wait (about 25-30 min) instead of being "that person" (think Sally from "When Harry Met Sally" only with food sensitivities instead of just being ridiculously finicky) when we were seated and ordering food. Now, because of said food sensitivities I am completely used to just adapting my food choices if it is just becoming too much to ask the restaurant to accommodate me. Or my dinner partners start rolling their eyes... Not only did the manager go back and ask what was in a variety of toppings and dishes (turns out it probably wasn't a good idea for me to order the fried chicken I totally had my heart set on...), but he offered to MAKE MY ORDER (pork chops) ANY WAY I WANTED!! It's better than Burger King, y'all. And he meant it. He had set aside unseasoned pork chops for me and allowed me to decide what I wanted them seasoned with. (I initially balked at this because it really did seem too good to be true. It wasn't.) ROSEMARY. Lots of rosemary. He relayed that order and when he came back said that the chefs felt that grilling them would probably be the best option to preserve the rosemary. Well, alrighty then! Grill 'em up, my man!! Ehr mer gehrd....... They were MAGNIFICENT!!! As were the sauteed veggies (which were a surprise), mashed potatoes, and the corn muffin (I almost cried that muffin was so damn good; but crying would've interfered with me smashing my face into the potatoes and then smearing them on my face in a NSFW manner, so I didn't...). And they bent over backwards to make sure my food was exactly to my liking because they really wanted me to enjoy every bite I took. And if taking 10 minutes of doing a questions shuttle run would make that happen, then they shuttled. As for desserts, well, I was waaaaaay too full to order any, but I saw a guy walk out the door with a giant piece of chocolate cake in a To Go box when we first arrived and I seriously considered mugging him. It looked amazing!! GO THERE. EAT LOTS OF STUFF. YOUR SOUL WILL THANK YOU!!! =0) read more

Linda D.

10 years ago

I bring all the out of towners here and it is always everyone's favorite meal. Most of the time, our wait is over an hour but it is always totally worth it. The staff is super friendly and you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My go to is the catfish and the crab cakes. I never would have ordered the crab cakes on my own but my sister got it one time and it was all crab and very little filler. I am super gluttonous so I always get the double order of catfish ($6 for 1 or $9 for 2.. its like a no brainer!) but can never finish it. So next day for breakfast I throw that catfish on some toast with their tartar sauce for round 2 of Mama J's! They do have a disclaimer about charging $3 for sharing a plate so don't try to be smart by ordering a double catfish to share because it will end up costing the same. You should order your own entree anyway just for the corn bread muffin. It looks unassuming but it is amazing. Also super delicious are the cakes! My favorite is their rum cake. Which by the looks of it, would not have been my first choice but one of the awesome servers the first time we were there gave us a complementary free piece (because we couldn't decide but gluttony worked in our favor this time) and I still occasionally dream about it. Just to warn you, the place is pretty small and you will have to parallel park. read more

Keishawna R.

8 years ago

I've been longing to come to this establishment since I became a freshman at VCU. I heard wonderful things from family members and friends who've been there before. As I walked in, it felt like walking into your grandmother's kitchen on a Sunday night, football was playing on the tv, chatter at every table, and the food smelled delicious. My wait time was 15 minutes on a Saturday night, which wasn't long because I got seated before the 15 minutes were up. It was hard for me to decide what I wanted since everything on the menu sounded great, but I decided to go with fried chicken (white; 3 wings), Mac and Cheese, and Cabbage with a cornbread and lemonade. The food was finger licking good, the chicken was hot and crunchy the way I liked, the Mac and Cheese was cheesy with every bite (I grabbed some to go), the Cabbage reminded me of my papa's in South Carolina, not a lot of seasoning but just the right amount to make you go "mhmm mhm hm" I would recommend this place to anyone who's looking for Sunday Dinners but can't make it to their grandmothers. The only thing you should be warned of is parking is hard to find as well as the restaurant itself since they have such a small sign. read more

K P.

2 years ago

A Family-Friendly Gem Located in the heart of Richmond, Mama J's Kitchen offers a warm and inviting atmosphere alongside delicious Southern comfort food. During our visit as a party of five, we were greeted by Briana, a delightful waitress who provided excellent service throughout our meal. I opted for the catfish dish paired with candied yams and string beans, and I found it to be a satisfying choice. The flavors were well-balanced, and the portion size was generous. However, I was disappointed to learn that they were out of sliced cheese, preventing me from ordering the grilled cheese for my child. Nevertheless, the baked chicken I ordered for them turned out to be a hit. Despite this minor hiccup, our overall experience at Mama J's Kitchen was a positive one. The friendly staff, cozy ambiance, and tasty food left us eager to return and explore more of the menu on our next visit to the Richmond area. If you're craving authentic Southern cuisine in a family-friendly setting, Mama J's Kitchen is definitely worth a visit. read more

Philip H.

1 year ago

Absolutely Delicious + Southern Hospitality at Its Finest! We had an amazing time at Mama J's in Richmond! Our group of family and friends couldn't stop raving about the food. Every dish felt like it came straight from someone's home kitchen -- warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. The fried chicken was perfectly seasoned and crispy, the shrimp were fresh and flavorful, and don't even get me started on the sides... The potato salad was creamy and just right, the candied yams were melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the house-made kettle chips were a surprising favorite! Every bite was a hit. What really made the experience even better was the staff. They were so friendly, welcoming, and fun -- it felt like we were being taken care of by family. The vibe is warm, relaxed, and full of love. If you're in Richmond and craving home-style Southern cooking, Mama J's is the place. We'll definitely be back. Highly recommend! read more

Tj W.

10 years ago

Heard great things about this restaurant online but was terribly disappointed. The staff was in line with the worst I've ever dealt with. We sat down ordered two drinks. The waiter came back with one aid he'd bring the second then never came back. Another waitress came to take our orders a good time later. After ordering we sat there a good 30 minutes and saw several other customer getting food but ours never came and neither did a waiter. We went to a manage who apologized and said she'd check on our food. 15 minutes passed and she finally comes to tell us it's almost ready. After an hour an a half we got our food which was your average holy in the wall greasy food. When asking for a discount 3 members of the staff argued about why it wasn't their fault. Give it a try if you've got all the time in the world and like to spend $15 on an average meal read more

Rhonda S.

7 years ago

Mama J's is a standout restaurant with some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted and they went above and beyond for our special day! My wedding guests are still talking about how great the food was months after the wedding. Their catering coordinator Adrienne is very flexible and professional working to ensure all of you requirements are met and coordinating with other vendors on your behalf to ensure you have a seamless experience. The onsite service was top notch and very elegant. They even fried our catfish onsite to ensure the highest quality of the food. If you love southern soul food cooking, I highly recommend Mama Js as your wedding caterer. read more

9 To 5 Voyager, T.

5 years ago

These guys are not bad. I wrestled with myself on how to say this, but the whole point of these reviews is to be honest, and honestly I was expecting a bit more. Everyone talked up Mama J's, and so I walked over from work to get their fried chicken and greens one day. The greens were pretty good. I liked the greens. The chicken was okay, it was not bad. But it was not by any means great. A coworker told me recently that their food has gone downhill a little bit and they upped their prices, so maybe it's just a Covid thing. Maybe their original quality will come back when things calm down. I would still recommend them, it's just not what I was hoping for. read more

Charlie T.

8 years ago

I tried their fish at a festival and it was good! Restaurant experience is not great. We watched the different staff members, and the service and attitudes can vary a lot. I've only been one time though. We waited over 40 minutes to get our main course, Fried fish with sides...at least we ordered an The fish was ok, not as tasty and fresh as the version I had at the festival. Mac and Cheese was underwhelming. Sweet potatoe fries are restaurant depot quality, fried ok but nothing special. You see a lot of staff standing around, talking, or on their phones. Don't expect attentive service or lots of smiles. read more

Brandon H.

8 years ago

I never in my entire life felt so disrespected by staff at a restaurant. I will never ever ever ever go to mama Jay's again despite how good the food is you should not have to be hung up on by staff and treated so disrespectfully at a place where you spend your hard earned money. management needs to seriously consider doing a customer service training on how to treat customers have potential customers.I feel they get by because they have great tasting phone there's no denying that but the way that they treat people is despicable and disheartening I will let everybody know everywhere don't go to mama Jay's read more

S. J.

7 years ago

To walk in and see the blatant colorism/racism was shocking to say the least. All the brown-darkskin staff are apparently not allowed to be in the front and designated to kitchen duty while the light/non-Black/ambiguous staff are allowed to be the face of the lack luster ghetto establishment. I know I'm from the north and unaccustomed to this blatant Anti-Blackness but the time warp was alarming. I was told that low income plantation has been operating in the same manner for YEARS. Progressive Blacks need to steer clear of this ratchet racist/colorist death shack. The food was barely tolerable at that. read more

Michelle V.

Elite 23

184

108

107

3 years ago

Today I had the pleasure of having lunch at 'Mama J's Kitchen as a recommendation from a Richmond local. I loved the vibe, the music and the delicious food that I ordered. I had the beef brisket with a side of collard greens and it was seasoned perfectly! Surprisingly, the waitress even gave me an extra plate of brisket. The amount of food was perfect for lunch. The service and staff was friendly and attentive. All in all, my experience at Mama J's was top-notch. I can't wait to go back and try more dishes from the menu. If you're looking for a great soul food restaurant, look no further! read more

Michael H.

9 years ago

The location is kind of hard to see, parking is tricky, the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is kind of airy warm, quaint and family-like, albeit loud, but not too noisy. The wait is long, but you know the saying, I don't even have to say it, Here- I'll write it: The Food is Definitely worth the Wait (in Gold). My family introduced so many lovely people to this Wonderful Mama. Honestly, reviews will not cut it. YOU HAVE to go there to experience it yourself. You will definitely love the ambience. Thank You Mama J's Restaurant for your wonderful Hospitality and Great Food !! read more

Alvin R.

2 years ago

I absolutely love Mama J! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a great meal. The servers are not only professional but also incredibly courteous, providing excellent service throughout my visit. For my appetizer, I decided to try the shrimp and fried fish. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, tender, and well-seasoned, while the fried fish was crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. Each bite was delicious and full of flavor. Overall, my experience at Mama J was outstanding, and I can't wait to visit again! read more

Samatha S.

7 years ago

The food is phenomenal and the service is top notch but I have a complaint about the back of the house staff. as I was leaving I noticed one of the cooks loitering outside the restaurant smoking a cigarette. To my absolute horror, the cook decided to take out a little baggie and snort the contents of it. I don't what kind of show Mama J's is running but I for one don't want a drug addict cooking my food. read more

Jeremy F.

118

1 year ago

Absolutely loved this place! The food here is just phenomenal. I had the catfish and my wife had the crab cakes, and both were cooked to perfection. And let's not forget the sides - they were equally amazing. Seriously, no complaints or suggestions whatsoever, just genuinely great food. It's not the cheapest spot, but you truly get what you pay for in terms of quality. Highly recommend! read more

Kevin M.

108

7 months ago

Owners: beware of this Instagram idiot who calls himself the "fancy chef". He's NOT a chef, but a clown wearing a chefs uniform. He pretends to "review" restaurants, while having no real restaurant experience. He just wants a free meal. Yesterday, he spoke very poorly of your food items. You might want to squash him like a bug, for spreading false info about your business. read more

Edelmira B.

371

329

13 years ago

Food here is outstanding. Portions are large and satisfying. Service is stellar. I go there every time I go to the hair salon in the historic Jackson Ward area that Mama J's is in and then some. However there is one beef I have with them. Unless what you order is part a special, everything else on the menu is a la cart,which is darn expensive. read more

David T.

10 years ago

WOW just WOW this is a great place to eat. I live in Frederick Maryland and was in Richmond for the day and we happen to find out about this place and we are sure glad we did. The food was great and the prices were even better. The staff were really great to deal with. EXCELLENT FOOD AND SERVICE. I would come back again. read more

Jane C.

117

4 years ago

Great restaurant in the downtown area. The Catfish is to die for... seriously. Catfish Nuggets were solid, as were the Fried Chicken, Collard greens, and Mac & Cheese. Service was rather good, albeit a bit slow - but hey, it's the holidays. I'd highly recommend it and will be back for another meal soon. read more

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Mama J's Kitchen - soulfood - Updated September 2026

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I dropped by here for dinner. It seems only the bar area was open for dining. I got a table during…read morethe throes of happy hour. It took awhile before the server noticed me but Jazmine was very sweet when she did come by to take my order. I ordered the chicken Marsala. Not too much chicken. But I did enjoy the fried corn grits. The bar was so dark that I barely can see what I was eating. I got the butter cake for two. The cake was really buttery. Enjoyed the ice cream too.

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JACKIE! JACKIE! JACKIE!…read more I've been eyeing this place since we moved, today we went to a wedding. I asked a simple question, where do yall go for good home style food when you don't feel like cooking?! The WHOLE table in unison said JACKIE's! We order to go. Needless to say, while eating my food I was looking on the menu to see what we were going to try next time! Shrimp dinner Mac & Greens Wingette Dinner Mac& Greens Kids wing dinner. We ALL CRUSHED! Pickup was smooth, very clean, everyone was nice. If the carryout was this good and we had a 25 min drive, I just know eating inside is going to be impeccable. No pics because we crushed. But items listed above!

Man I love this place. If I could describe it in a few words I would say it's a nice old folks spot…read morewith some good ole classic down south home cooking. If you looking for some nice soul food you found it here. I usually get the catfish and wings. I'm never disappointed the Mac is also a classic. I will not eat everyone's Mac but this right here will get me every time. It is always busy when I come but the food is worth the wait.

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All I have to say is ABSOLUTELY and YES!!! That's for the food, the service and the ambiance!!! You…read morefirst walk in, you're greeting like a known, returning customer - even though it was my first time here. Everyone is nice and friendly!!! Service was just as great with honest recommendations. There is plenty of seating available. The food was DELICIOUS!!! I don't normally eat pork chops but that was recommended and I'm glad I did it. Tender, seasoned and enough food for 2 people or 3 meals (that's what it ended up for me).

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Mama J's Kitchen - soulfood - Updated September 2026

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