Mama Reta's has some of the BEST fried chicken I have ever eaten. Mama Reta and her staff are SUPER friendly and the service was GREAT. I would HIGHLY recommend Mama Reta's Kitchen. read more

Simple but well done food done the right way! Very friendly service - just wish they had a dine-in area.

Walked into a super friendly staff and amazing smells.... We ordered the Friday lunch special which was the fried catfish... The catfish with seasoned perfectly the fish was moist.. It was delicious We also got to meet Mama Reta while we were there... She walked from table to table and spoke with everyone in the restaurant.... I will be back to this little gem next time I'm in town read more

Amazing plate lunches. Fresh food. Delicious flavors. Nice people. I just with they had indoor seating.

A few friends and I spent a weekend at Golden Nugget and were looking for some authentic Southern food, and I found this place on Yelp. I can tell you right now - I WILL COME BACK HERE EVERY TIME I GO TO LAKE CHARLES. The place is small and per COVID regulations, some tables weren't available. Since we came on a Sunday, they had their Sunday Lunch Special: 2 pieces of baked or fried chicken or BBQ pork steak or BBQ ribs, cornbread or rice dressing, a vegetable side, a roll or cornbread...AND a piece of cake! Amazing deal! Their menu is small but seems really good and they do also have other daily specials. I got a cup of gumbo (which was huge) as well as the special - 2 pieces of fried chicken, rice dressing, smothered cabbage and cornbread. The gumbo was absolutely divine. It was more soupy and not as thick as what I'm used to. The cup is plenty big and I can only imagine how big their bowl is. The absolute STAR of my meal was the fried chicken though. I can literally say that is the BEST fried chicken I have EVER had. You don't need any hot sauce or any type of sauce with it. It's so flavorful all on its own. My mouth is watering thinking about it now. The rice dressing and smothered cabbage were so good as well. The cabbage has a little kick to it and it just complimented the dish so well. As for the cornbread, A+. I am not a fan of cornbread at all, but I couldn't get enough of this one. Then to top it off, the cake! It tasted homemade and was very delicious! I always love finding "hole in the walls" with amazing food. Mama Reta even came out and greeted us. Great staff, great service. Please make it a point to stop here if you're in Lake Charles. You won't regret it. read more

Delicious comfort soul food with a super welcoming owner. I met Mama Reta through the drive through, and she is so passionate and loves her customers. I got the fried chicken, and the skin was crispy, the meat was juicy, and the whole thigh was flavorful. To top it off, she gifted me a free dessert. Definitely coming back! read more

Mama Reta was there, and was so pleased we stopped by. The food was incredible, with very generous servings, and cake! This will definitely be a destination stop when driving from Texas to Louisiana. read more

Based on Yelp reviews we chose Mama Reta's for lunch while passing through Lake Charles. It's a nice sparkling clean cafe with lots of inspirational and religious messaging on the walls throughout, very tasteful and uplifting. We were greeted very warmly by the staff and invited to take our time even though we arrived only 30 minutes before closing time and were the last customers of the day. Ambiance, cleanliness and vibe: A+. Wife ordered a shrimp po-boy and ate it all. It was ample, not huge, but usually she doesn't finish a sandwich of that size ... this time she did because she loved it. She had a side of potato salad that had a balance of mustard and sweet relish. I had a bowl of chicken and sausage gumbo, very peppery and what made it great was the chicken was still on the bone, not overcooked like it had been in gumbo re-warmed many times over. The chicken was tender and the gumbo itself was spicy. I ate it all. Food quality and quantity: A-. The price for all of this was very reasonable, plus the interesting extra touch here is a piece of sheet cake ("cake of the day") which comes gratis with any meal. A nice touch and a reminder that lagniappe is still alive and well in Louisiana. Service was attentive and prompt. I am a tough grader and I didn't think it merited a 5, but would have given it a 4.5 if Yelp allowed me. Well worth the five minute detour off the freeway. p.s. the staff did a nice job with social distancing, they wore masks and the place was spotless. read more

First time in New Orleans and we decided to stop by here to eat since it had amazing reviews, I must say it does not disappoint, best way to describe is homemade comfort food. Like other reviews said the menu is small but still has some good staples in it. the place is small and on Sunday it gets pretty packed so you might have to wait to be seated Owner came to our table and greeted us since it was almost closing time and she made sure we were having a good time. My favorite was the shrimp I would definitely recommend it! read more

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Hello my fellow yelpers! My family and I were looking for new restaurants in lake Charles and found this 5 stars yelp recommendation, and let me tell you that it is well deserved. The place is a little small but we were sit quite fast, the atmosphere is great and the services was really polite and fast. The menu is perfect not to big but really good options, after reviewing the many I decided to get the fried chicken! (I was debating between that and the pork chop) with Mac and cheese, cornbread and dirty rice. The chicken was amazing! Crunchy in the outside and juicy in the inside and the sides tasted like home made delicious! You can also get a free piece of cake yum yum! I do recommend this place 100% I would definitely come back to this place to get the pork chop ... read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

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Had a wonderful lunch at Mana Reta's the other day. They have all the Covid precautions in place, tables spaced out, etc... I had the chicken sausage gumbo bowl. It was huge! Had the leftovers for lunch the next day. Got the cornbread with it. So good! Friends got the chicken fingers, Mac and cheese, shrimp poboy, and potato salad. All was soooo delicious. Service was amazing and Mama Rena came out to say hello. Wonderful place, you must go! Can't wait to go back. They have daily specials, FYI! read more

Felt the prior reviews kinda hyped the place up a little bit, it's good just not great. Had better gumbo and red beans, smothered chicken was ok. Catfish was the shining star, perfectly cooked as was the fried chicken. And the cake was pretty darn good. Service was excellent, prompt and courteous. read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - Smothered chicken. Thursday special - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

Very good food. Well prepared and enjoyable. Love Mama Reta food. Try it out you will not be disappoint. read more

Finally got a chance to try this place which I've had bookmarked for about a year-and-a-half now. The food was really good and the staff was awesome. read more

Great little place,excellent service , good home made food ,fresh and taste. I had the fried catfish basket is one fillet and potato salad,plenty! I order a couple side dishes / Fried okra , red beans. read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - Fried catfish basket and mashed salad - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

We are here driving through on our way home from New Orleans and we were not disappointed! I had the daily special of Smothered Pork Steak. It came with 2 large sides and a dessert for $9! My wife had a cup of gumbo (which was more like a bowl!) and thought it was delicious too. The restaurant felt like my grandmother's kitchen in how quaint and friendly the atmosphere was. Mama Reta even came out to check on us several times to make sure we had everything we needed! If you ever find yourself in Lake Charles, make sure you stop by at this little gem of a restaurant! read more

Driving back to Texas, we had so many choices but when I saw soul food and 5***** it was a must stop. It is only a few miles away from the casinos. This diamond in a small town is a must stop and eat for any foodie. Once you entered, you are greeted by friendly staff in this family owned restaurant. It is a small and quaint establishment where the menu was not over complicated with lunch specials 10-3pm. First drinks you have to try the peach tea sweet and tart just perfect for anyone that southern gentleman or gal. If you are not from the south you may have to water it down a little . Next the menu comes with this amazing moist cake aka tummy pleaser. I could eat 15 pieces on my own . So I ordered the chicken and sausage gumbo. I have gone to the New Orleans school of cooking to learn how to make gumbo. But this gumbo was off the chain. It had a large piece of chicken and rich broth. It was as if your grandma made it all day for you. So it is a must try! So Friday special was Fried catfish with Mama Reta special sauce. It was freshly prepared and flakey. Let's just season seasoning was perfection. As I dipped the sauce it gave it another level of deliciousness to the mouth. My husband was not much of a fish eater. HE CLEANED his plate ! So need I say more. The Mac and cheese was very moist and cheesey. The mustard greens and the okra was perfectly cooked. The corn bread and Texas toast was just made the new complete. The meal was beyond perfect and a must have. The icing on the cake was how this restaurant made you feel like family. Mama Reta knew everyone no matter if you lived in Lake Charles or a traveler she made you feel that you were at Grandma house. The southern hospitality of the waitress which we later found was her sweet daughter was just a delight. So needless to say service was amazing. The small town feeling where there is conversation among the patrons and the comfort of home cooking is why Mama Reta is the best place to be and eat. I will be coming back soon to fill my tummy with joy and see the friendly faces. read more

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If you come to Lake Charles you must eat here!!!!! Gumbo absolutely DELICIOUS!!!!!! As well as everything else. Mama Reta even comes to your table. We will back next time we are here. read more

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Wow wow wow. Gumbo is the best I and my husband have ever had. Veggies excellent. Everything. Super nice family. read more

Came here with pretty high expectations and it sure lived up to them. Ordered onion rings and special of the day which was fried chicken. Onion rings were very good as was the sauce that came with it. Mama Reta herself came and checked to see how everything was and to just see how I was doing. It was much appreciated. Then the main course came out. The mustard greens were a tad salty (only complaint) the fried chicken and rice and gravy were amazing. Will be back when in lake charles. read more

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We stopped here on our way to Lafayette and we were not disappointed. The food was delicious and Mama Reta is very sweet. You can tell there's a lot of love and soul put into the food. Just a heads up, there's no seating area but I swear I'd eat her food off the floor. read more

Had the pleasure of meeting Mama Reta and eating the delicious fried chicken. My wife had the fried fish which was also perfect. Must try in Lake Charles. Service was friendly and fast. read more

Maybe the reviews are from out of state people or above i10. Just was expecting more from the reviews. I'll start with the fried chicken is good, it's just seasoned and salted a lot. The Mac and cheese was bland but cheezy, the cornbread was dry and needed more butter. The cornbread dressing was really good. Almost reminded me of my mother's. Service was ok not overly attentive and the owner is nice. Just left feeling eh read more

Man, Man, o'Man! The wife and I were in Lake Charles this past weekend and we were not lucky at either of the casinos, but were lucky to find this hideaway called Mama Reta's! I was skeptical at first because they close at 3pm and that was weird to me, but we gave it a try anyway and so so glad that we did! The food was awesome! We felt like we were back home in East Texas at our mother and grandmother homes! I had the Fried Chicken (OMG) and you have to get the cornbread dressing which was amazing to say the least! I almost kissed Mrs. Reta after tasting the Yams, Mac & Cheese, Rice Dressing and Cabbage because I truly felt like my grandmother was back there cooking!!! Get the Peach Tea as well, but be careful of the sugar rush it's great though! We will be back!!! Extend the hours though so I can come here first and let you take my money before the casino!!! The fact that Mama Reta does the cooking and comes out to greet her guests adds even more flavor to my review!!! Four Thumbs Up!!! read more

Let me start off by saying... best fried chicken in Lake Charles. Not taking away from Ball's Fried Chick n which is nearby. But Mama Reta's has the best fried chicken in the city and we can argue about it if you want. I live within about a 7-8 minute walk from this place and wanted brunch on a Sunday. Then I saw the menu and realized I'd never been to this place before, even though I pass by it a ton. So I walked over. It's a very small, intimate restaurant. You know it's good because there were a couple families waiting. Anyhow, I walk in and they let me sit at the front counter to eat since I was by myself. All of the employees were friendly, the food was great. It's hard to get good macaroni and cheese at a restaurant, but there's was superb. I even had a lady sit next to me and we had a conversation for a few minutes until she picked up her to-go order. For each meal, they also give you a slice of cake for no additional charge. It was also very good. I guess the only negative is that they're not open longer hours! Otherwise, great restaurant which definitely gets my 'dB stamp of approval' to try. read more

.Walked in. Was greated very nicely which set the tone. Its comfortable clean charming,the waitress was informative patient helpful.. The owner was walking ard greating everyone was very Nice to see the cheft takeing pride in your food and welcoming feed back soo the food was delicious i got the fried chicken special to go and ate the fired catfish in. Mac,stuffing, oakra, red beans. dirty rice and greens they complement the special with slice of cake) homed cooked meal healthy portions read more

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The best food in town. Sadly, closed on the weekend. Everything on the menu is good. Daily plate specials, burgers or po-boys. I usually opt for the daily special. read more

This is one of my favorite places to eat, you can enjoy have a great Margarita, tasty confort food, great atmosphere and service. I really enjoy this place, love their decoración, their tacos are bomb. read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - Sangria Margarita, delish! - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

Is there ANYTHING these good people can mess up? I don't think so!!! My wife, son, and I have eaten here for a long time and are we glad we discovered it! Mama Reta and her staff are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Highly recommended for ANYONE with a hankering for home cooking. read more

Wooooo yes. Lunch was good. All of it. * Sunday Lunch Special Fried Chicken, rice dressing, okra. * Gumbo w/ Potatoe Salad * Cheese Burger comes with fries and pickle * Kids grilled cheese (A *little* more than I want to pay for a kids meal but everything was delicious so I don't care. Lol) * We also for a side of green beans (good) and Mac and Cheese that was a touch spicy and was fantastic! Plus, every meal apparently comes with a piece of cake! BONUS: Mama Reta, came out to our table and thanked us for coming in to dine. She was lovely. We will definitely return. This place is a winner. read more

The food is ABSOLUTELY delicious. I was visiting the area and came with some friends and we enjoyed every bit of the food and ambiance. We ordered the Daily Special fried catfish with a select vegetable. I ordered mustard greens and they ordered mac and cheese and cabbage. We all enjoyed our sides and sampled off of each other. The catfish was seasoned and fried to perfection. The service was quick and attentive, and the meal came exactly as ordered. The staff was also friendly and very welcoming. We came on a Friday during lunch time and were immediately seated. We will definitely be back!! read more

The food is good! It has deep flavor, love the atmosphere including the American flag proudly on display. Mama Reta herself is such a presence and you can experience her passion in her food! It is quality. Why 4 stars? Service was terrible for me. It was so bad I almost suspect intensional. Just one bad waitress experience that's all I suppose. Most of my meal I was thirsty because I did not get refills but once. She didn't even serve me my cake. I just sat there waiting but gave up. Maybe I am too fat anyways I thought to myself so I did not make it an issue.... Normally with service that bad I would justify a 3 star but the food and price was good enough to make me feel too guilty to do that. UPDATE: Went again for lunch. My waiter was the exact opposite! Never went thirsty and I could not expect more from his service. Even got the slice of cake! I tipped him well.....food was delicious of course and that seems to be consistent. read more

Amazing place! Great impeccable service! The food... the food is delicious!!! Best place in Lake Charles!!! The place is beautiful, clean and decorated amazingly! Service is top notch and very kind... A MUST IN LAKE CHARLES! read more

Mama Reta is definitely an awesome place to eat. The food was delicious and the people were beautiful! Such a great experience and we came in at the perfect time! And we got to meet Mama Reta read more

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Closed -- bummed - wanted to try it! Most likely closed due damage from Hurricane.. hope you reopen soon! God bless

We were driving through Lake Charles on vacation and decided to stop and eat. We saw the 5 star rating and said "why not?" I rarely give 5 star reviews but this place tops the chart. Not just for the delicious food but service was spectacular! The smothered pork chop was bigger than the plate and was topped with an amazing gravy. Mama Reta came to our table and she was genuinely concerned how our food was. We got cake with our meal and it was so light and fluffy. read more

Quaint little place...love the food and the service was also excellent...Mama Reta came by our table twice! Will definitely be back next time we're in Lake Charles. The free piece of cake at the of our meal sealed the deal.. YUM YUM YUMMY! read more

My Brother told me that our usual lunch spot was closed(Zeus) on Sunday. He looked on Yelp and found this amazing place to eat. I would 100% come back to eat again read more

Our first stop after the Louisiana border did not disappoint! Mama Reta made us feel like family instantly, and then we tasted her food.......LAWWWWWWRRDDYYYY! The best Southern Soul Food that has ever hit my lips! You can not go wrong with anything on her menu! Sit back and let Mama Reta treat you! Thank you, Mama Reta and HAPPY BIRTHDAY #springbreak2018 #neworleans read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

I live in Shreveport and I was in Lake Charles for training. I was told that I should stop by this little diner and try the food so I went by after reading the reviews which were all pretty good and I wanted to see for myself. I walked into a very Friendly staff after being seated she was very knowledgeable about the menu I ended up getting the fried chicken wings with fries and onion rings. While I wait for my food to come out Mama Reta came to the table introduced herself and spoke with us for a few minutes. This was the type of customer service and care for your customer that I simply love before I got my food I was already a fan of the establishment. I receive my food and to say the least it was amazingAnytime I'm in Lake Charles I will make this a must stop Place to go. read more