Excellent restaurant with superb service. I haven't ate good food like that in awhile especially being from Southern California. Food put me right to asleep afterwards read more

Epic!!! I went to mamaj's for my 30th Birthday on August 5 , it was a friday and all the Redskins players were there !!!!!! Cuteeeeee!!!! They were waited outside like we did!!! NO Favoritism!!! KUDOS!!!! we were actually seated 10 min earlier than our schedule waited time. The food was so good. Try the crabcakes and greens , the yam's were yummy !!!! Our waiter Jamal was a sweetheart!!! This place will make you feel like home!!! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Crab cakes, mac&Cheese and greens - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Food was fabulous! The chicken, Mac and cheese and corn muffins are the best we've ever had. The greens were tender and had just the right seasoning.The pound cake and coconut cake were off the chart. Hats off to a great place to eat. They give you lots of food so go hungry! read more

We really wanted to try this place, as we heard good things about it. The problem was that we couldn't get in. We arrived at 5:30 last Saturday night and were told that there would be a wait of an hour and a half. Even though we were with my 89 year old mother, we waited it out. (And, the only place to wait is outside on the sidewalk.) After the hour and a half had passed, we were told that it likely would be another 45 minutes to an hour. We left. I'm sorry, but even the best fried chicken in the world is not worth a wait of almost 2 and a half hours. read more

OMG, had the fried catfish with collard greens and mashed potatoes and this is some of the best eating I've had in a long time. Just heavenly. read more

Soul food all the way. Left this incredible gem with a full stomach and a desire to return as soon as I could. The fried chicken was great, as was the pork chops and crab cakes. I don't think you could go wrong with anything on this menu. Small diner, but worth the wait. Such good food read more

10/10 southern cooking & the loveliest staff!! the fried catfish and mac & cheese are to dieeeee for!! honestly everything is to die for- truly one of the best restaurants in rva read more

I've been to this restaurant many times and it seems like it is getting better and better. When my family goes out to dinner, we can all agree on this place. While I'm not too much of a fan of the a la cart price system, I ignore it because the food is so dang on good. My favorite combination is the fried catfish, collard greens, macaroni & cheese, and cornbread muffins, For dessert, I always get the candied yams. I've tried the wings and they are pretty good. I had a few bites of the crab cake sandwich and I loved it. However, it's hard for me to shake my go to combination because it is the absolute best! The service is always fantastic and have no complaints over the years. Beware, the restaurant is very small so be prepared for a long wait. It is definitely worth it though. read more

Stopped in for lunch. Get there early or do take out because of limited seating. However it is worth the wait. Service is friendly and knowledgable. I did porkchops and greens. One fried and one grilled. Yummy read more

Expect a long wait so go during the week after 7pm. I had the smothered pork chops with cabbage. Both were really good. Coworker had catfish with macaroni and cheese. She loved the catfish but wasn't to impressed with the macaroni and cheese. We also had the peach cobbler. The peaches were delicious but wasn't impressed with the crust. read more

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

Mama J is off the chain. I look you may a to wait for a seat but it is worth it all the way..

Visiting Richmond and stumbled across this cute restaurant. The server was very nice and attentive and the place was very clean and modern. My daughter ordered the catfish , yams and greens and I order fried chicken , Mac and Cheese and cabbage and took rum cake and peach cobbler to go. The only reason I couldn't give a 5 is the Mac and cheese wasn't great (It was cheese and noodles but not creamy) and the peach cobbler was not sweet and it's crust was flavorless). The rum cake was outstanding and my daughter ate ALL of my cabbage. read more

So this place intrigued us because of all of the very positive Yelp reviews. I was, however, hesitant to try it,since it doesn't appear to be in the best area. Don't let this deter you. It may not look like much when looking in the window when it's closed, but believe me, once it opens for lunchtime, it becomes a loud, fun, busy, happening place! This casual, soul food place, offers a full bar and friendly staff, in addition to delicious Southern food. We shared the fried chicken(white meat), mac & cheese and corn bread muffin. It came out after a little while, but not so quickly that we felt rushed. Bad news first: the mac & cheese was pretty bland, in my opinion. It seems just like cooked pasta with some melted cheddar on it. Blah. No creamy sauce :-( Ok, now the good news: The corn bread muffin was so moist and delicious and made more so by adding a bit of butter. It could have been a bit more warm, but that's ok. Now to the fried chicken: It was obviously very fresh, as it arrived steamy hot. It was so moist with a crispy coating on the outside that wasn't overly salty. Really enjoyable. They also have tons of other soul food on the menu I would have loved to have tried. Maybe next time.... read more

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

Fried catfish is amazing. The homemade tartar sauce is an added bonus, very flavorful and creamy.

So people are always going to hate but I love this place. Great soul food in RVA and makes you feel like time doesn't exist for a little bit as you enjoy the atmosphere. read more

I went to Mama J's a few times with my mom and also got their catering service back in 2019. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu! I especially remember their catfish! It was perfectly cooked and they gave me a generous helping! If you haven't been to Mama J's, you need to go TODAY! read more

Food was excellent but the bartender who was serving me was rude! I waited 45 minutes for him to even ask if I wanted to place an order but was continuously asking other customers for their orders. Customer Service needs to be addressed within this restaurant. read more

If you're ever in Virginia this is a place you can't miss! The food here is UNBELIEVABLE! It's just like grandmas!!!!!

After several people suggested this restaurant. I decided to finally visit on my last trip to Richmond. My waitress suggested that I try the catfish meal. It was well seasoned and wasn't fried too hard. There were two things that prevent me from giving this 4 stars. The cornbread was way too small and too dry and the yams reminded me of sweet potato pie without the crust. It was too sweet for me. read more

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

Mama Js has become a Richmond hot spot. I love to bring out of town guests here so I can watch them enjoy it as much as I do! The cat fish is delicious. read more

Amazing food! Beef tips was amazing!!!!!!!!! I go here quite a bit and still is one of the best home cooked food thanks mama j

Not only the best soul food I've ever had and I had it from everywhere, Atlanta, Savana, Kansas City, Boston, NYC, Philly, Charlotte, New Orleans, you name it I had it in the so called best spot in all of these cities. Mama J's is in League of its own. It's not fair to just limit it as a good Soul food spot, one of the best restaurants I've ever been too. read more

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Delicious! I got their special of the day, BBQ chicken which comes with a side (got sweet potato fries) and a soft drink, all for $8! The chicken fell right off the bone and was not dry at all. The bbq sauce was not overwhelming as well, I couldn't get enough! Service was excellent and ambiance was really chill. read more

Yum Yum Yum! Perfectly good comfort food at great prices! Get the fried catfish. First thing I asked the bartender is what he would recommend, "Imma tell you forget the fried chicken since everyone gets that and get the catfish." he said. I did not regret. That fried catfish is simply put, perfectly cooked, and battered lightly where it's still crispy. The greens are great too, Mac and cheese, corn bread, etc., it's all good! I'm from California and no soul food restaurants here is near as good as this one. This is a must stop if you are in the area. read more

This place is amazing! Would come again. Don't think you can do soul food restaurant any better. Some of the best I've had. read more

I left this place with a VERY happy tummy. They have perfect portion sizes that will leave you full but not intimidate you. Very reasonable pricing, my fiance and I each got an entree with 2 sides and split a slice of cake to go. It was $37! Soo delicious. The coconut pineapple cake is Amazing!! So are the candied yams, perfectly sweet but not overpowering, and a note of citrus. Even the coffee is good!! Staff is very friendly and welcoming. Definitely will be going back, and bringing friends! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Mac and cheese, candied yams, and crab cake sandwich - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

To summarize why I'm so in love with this place: great food & even better service. The fried chicken is very well done & the corn bread just melts in your mouth. On top of the quality last time I got so much food I had to take a box home with me! Servers are super attentive & made me feel very welcomed. I recommend this place to anyone and everyone! read more

This was my favorite meal in Richmond. I still salivate at the memory of this establishment. Mmm...*drools* I was recommended Mama J's as the best restaurant in Richmond, and of the places I have tried, I have to say this was not wrong. I was totally thrilled with my catfish, collard greens, and candied yams. Literally this was the best catfish I ever ate in my life, and I am not even a catfish fan. Simply because this establishment was able to make such an outstanding catfish, I am giving it five stars for that if nothing else!! read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Catfish, collard greens, and candied yams. Soooo gooood!!! - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I was drawn to this very casual, very loud hole in the wall from the reviews on Yelp and Tripadvisor. Visiting from the Northeast and wanted southern cooking. Had the yams (best I've ever had by far), greens (delicious), and fried chicken which unfortunately was very dry. Tasty but dry. Sat at the bar. Service was excellent and fast. This is a Tuesday night and the place is packed with several groups waiting for tables. Clearly a popular place. Definitely worth the visit. Maybe try the catfish instead of chicken. read more

This place right is the best southern food restaurant I ever had. I had the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, greens and the peach cobbler will make you slap your momma. That's how good it is. This place is just pure awesome. From the drinks, food, staff and overall decor. Whenever you are in Richmond this is the #1 place to go. The owner is a cool dude. Thanks for taking pride in your restaurant. read more

Mama J's Kitchen - Fried chicken is da truth!!!!! Food is fuckin phenomenon - Soul Food Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Richmond is my home for a few days due to work, so after getting off I wanted something good! My girlfriend sent me a few options, and this was one of them. Upon arriving, I got some good suggestions from the employees and decided on the smothered pork chops, with mac & cheese, and greens. The pork chops were very tender and delicious! I enjoyed the entire meal, and would more than likely visit again with my girlfriend. read more

I gave this 4 stars because the baked chicken was dry and not well seasoned. The catfish, Mac and cheese yams, cabbage, cake and peach cobbler was exceptional. The service was great and very accommodating to our party of four. read more

Mama J's has amazing food, great service and world class value. They are great people and I'll give a strong endorsement for the catfish. It does taste a bit like fried chicken but is very good. read more

A friend recommended this little place as we have been searching for a good soul food spot. Mama J's definitely didn't disappoint. Our waitress Chelsea highly recommended the catfish and I was apprehensive as I am NOT a catfish fan but she was right - it was deelish! Hubby ordered the fried trout which also was really good (not heavily battered, like most places). Our sides were melt in your mouth good - mac & cheese was DEF homemade and sweet yams tasted like it should've been our dessert. To top it off, we ordered the Peach Cobbler w/ice cream and it was big enough to share and once again, did not disappoint. There was no wait since it was just 2 ppl at 6pm on a Tuesday but as the night wore on, I saw a small crowd/line forming outside. It was definitely worth the wait and we will be back again ... SOON!! As you can see, I took pics after I sampled the entre & dessert. :) read more

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Can't seem to not eat here when in town . Simply put the food is so good and the staff is so nice ! Very solid spot that makes you want to help ! read more

Excellent food. And way cheaper than croaker spot. No long wait. Service is great. Must go back

Everything was delicious! Recommend: chicken, collard greens, Mac and cheese and corn muffin. The place is a little small so there's normally a wait. They offer online ordering for to-go/ carry out meals. read more

Visited most recently 8/15/17 I've been to Mama J's a few times in the past and I've never been disappointed. I'm not sure if it's because the long wait makes you jump for joy when the food comes or if it's the incredible Southern hospitality I encounter on each visit, but I'd like to think that it's because of the delicious food. Fried chicken- the fried chicken is a MUST. The meat is always very juicy and the skin is crisp without being oily. They don't overseason the chicken so you get a hint of spice but the flavor of the chicken itself is always highlighted. Catfish- OH.MY.GOODNESS. the fried catfish is AMAZING. The crust is light and crisp and the fish inside is flaky and moist. I usually only visit Mama J's when I have a craving for fried chicken, but the catfish is a must. Mashed potatoes and gravy- Not a fan, at all. It's not so much the potatoes but the gravy. The gravy tastes like a mushroom gravy that doesn't have much depth of flavor. It seems like it could use a touch of sweetness and a lot more flavor in general. Greens- Also delicious. The green are cooked so that they're not overdone but still retain good texture. Unlike those I have at most places, they're also not oversalted. Mac and cheese- I'm not a huge fan of the macaroni and cheese. I prefer my mac n cheese really cheesy and I feel like this just didn't pack much cheesy flavor or creamy texture. Corn bread- I really like the cornbread. It's sweet, moist and extremely flaky. The fried chicken comes with it, but I recommend ordering some extra because it's so good! Mama J's has great food with some exceptions. Nothing on the menu is all that special but that each item is done to perfection is quite remarkable. I really recommend visiting when you have a craving for Southern comfort food but otherwise, the wait time might not be worth it. read more

Very good. Flavorful, fresh, affordable and large portions. Will definitely come back. read more

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

The food is delicious and the service was great. This establishment deserves a A grade for its response to the COVID 19 situation