best soul food in the IE. your going to get your moneys worth. great customer service as well.

This business has changed its name to The Soul Kitchen and has relocated to a small, rental commercial kitchen located in Norco on Hamner. Same owners. They call it a "ghost kitchen". Warning, they do not answer their phone, but take online orders only using the Toast app. I had to use Google to find the link, new address, and place my order. I am unsure if this, the original Riverside location on Riverwalk Pkwy, is closed. I do not live near the original to confirm one way or another, however months ago the owner had said they were closing. The menu has pretty much remained the same. Their mac and cheese is insanely good!!!Orders can be placed using this link: https://www.toasttab.com/local/order/messi-soul-kitchen-riverside-ghost-kitchen-2-1434-hamner-ave#:~:text=1434%20Hamner%20Ave,Large%20Collard%20Greens read more

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Pro Tip: Open Thursday through Sunday, 1-7pm only. Well, this turned into a pleasant surprise. I had no idea there were any restaurants in this area, much less a Hampton Inn lurking nearby. It was making a delivery to Inn that led to spotting this Soul food spot. Inside it's a vibrant, inviting yellow themed front space and dining room. Very conducive to good moods. I decided that the mini combo, with one side and cornbread, was a good value at $13.99, whereas the full combo adds a second side and costs $17.99. Lots of choices, including several styles of chicken, the smothered pork chops both sounded, and looked good. I saw a plate being assembled before I ordered. And the oxtail also appealed. Future trips will expand the experience. Ultimately, it was the pot roast that I ordered, with rice (or not if you prefer), and the greens rounded out the side choice. I proceeded to devour the entire meal in short order. The pot roast was amazing. Killer gravy, melt in the mouth tenderness, and the greens were another pleasant surprise. Hard to say what I tasted other than absolute goodness! Well done, and the host and her assistant were also warm and friendly. Über Eats, and possibly Doordash can deliver to your door. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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The wait will be long, but it is worth it!! I ordered the pot roast with yams and collard greens, and everything on the plate was delicious! They do not skimp on the portions! The full combo plate was generous for the price ($18). I will definitely be returning to try the pork chops and meatloaf. read more

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Messi Soul Kitchen is a no frills, order first, seat yourself, or take out eatery; but! It's ALL ABOUT THE FOOD. One eats there to get down messy, trust me. Thee most delicious southern soul food eatery we've had the pleasure of patronizing in ages. Oxtails and pork chops were succulent! The side dishes are divine too! It was 3pm on a Saturday, there was a line to the door. The line never ended. People waited. So thankful we did. I bookmarked for future travels to Corona area :D read more

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Whoo hoo! They're just moving to a new location. As they close the Brick and Mortor they will move to a commercial kitchen in Norco effective 10/3 and another commercial kitchen downtown Riverside in November. Pickup, delivery and catering will be available at both locations! The food is scrumptious!! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - They're closing - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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This is THE spot for the best food in Riverside. Large portions of food! Enough for two persons easily. The smothered pork chops are off the charts and the pot roast.... Melts in your mouth. So tender The staff... Always on top of it and super nice. 5 + stars!!! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Pot roast, Mac n cheese & Greens - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

If there ever was a restaurant that was worth the wait, this is it! Stood in line for 30 minutes and I could hear that they ran out of some items, like the oxtail, but they were cooking up more so some people paid for it and then said they would be back in an hour. I got the smothered pork and it was so tender, no knife needed. My son got baked chicken with gravy, he said it was good but next time he's gonna try the pot roast. There were lots of sides to choose from, I got greens but also tried the red beans and mac & cheese on my son's plate. Can't forget about the cornbread! Everything was so good. Even though there was a long line, the server remained calm and friendly and the customers were all patient (because they know a good thing when they see it!) Wonderful place and will definitely be coming back. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered Pork - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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Food was good, I had the last bit of the yams that were available and I wish they were more fresh. Seemed like scraps. The service needs some work. The line took forever and there were only 2 in front of me. No hello, no sorry for the wait. The lady seemed so over whelmed. Taking orders, packing orders, answering her phone from her watch, just all over the place. 4 people who already ordered, were waiting on their cornbread for quite some time. I also waited about 30-35 mins for one order. A $17.00 plate From start to finish. The food was good but I wish they had some other meat options. Like brisket or beef. Anyhoo I truly enjoyed the Mac and cheese and cornbread. read more

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My aunt was raving about this place, so I took the 2 1/2 hour drive to see. Upon arrival, I wasn't impressed. It's in a strip mall behind the gas station, but the hotel is within walking distance, and that's always a plus. I can't remember the young lady's name, but she had the patience of job. Upon entering, it was nice and simple seating. There was 1 person at the counter being helped, but she couldn't seem to make up her mind. As we patiently waited, more people started to come in, and within 5 minutes, it was packed. You order your food and sit down or get it to go. Saturday was oxtail day, but it was about 5 pm and they were all out, but the other selections were good. Pot Roast, Meat Loaf, BBQ Baked Chicken, Smothered Pork Chops, side Mac n cheese very creamy, greens, yams, Cabbage, Black eyed peas, and green beans, you know good Soul Food. They also have what many call porch kool aid, which was good and hits the spot like grandmas did when you were little. Oh, the portions were large, and you can also get a half-entree or whole entree. It was well worth the drive. Check them out you won't be disappointed. read more

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Just ordered on Uber eats wanting something new and LET-ME-TELL-YOU! Hands down the best soul food I've had in alonggggg time. Amazing! Recommending and will return. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

We fam. Of (3) visiting for Bball tournament... Umm grew up on Soul kitchens in Midwest.. so always looking 4 GOOD EATS! All expectations met!! Fresh Timely.. small crowd so some wait.. Means u doing it WELL.. PICKY wife so dinning area was clean.. We ate at a bench booth.. kinda tall 4me so couldn't get my full flow fork too mouth ratio going.. lol.. Overall nothing I didn't like.. I had pork chops.. amazing.. Corn bread... delicious.. Mac n Cheese like it supposed 2b!! Ordered some Chops too take home.. about 1hr. Away for next day.. Can't Wait til next travel ball season too hit again.. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Pork chops.. Mac n Cheese!! - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Excellent slow cooked meats serve in a fast food style. Great music. Courteous service. I go to get soul food I don't or won't cook myself. The oxtails are worth the trip. We got it to go and it didn't disappoint when we got it home. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Interior. Walk up to order. - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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Service. 10 Food. 10+ Love coming back. If you want great food here's your place to come. I give it a 10+. TikTok here I come. read more

The service took a long time, but we came at the end of the day about an hour before closing. No one should come to soul food restaurant in a hurry. Soul food takes time and, it's supposed to be eaten with family and friends as catch up with each other. So, the wait didn't bother us. The food was great, and reminded me of soul food I have at home with my family. Ox tails were delicious. The mac and cheese was bomb. I would recommend ordering for pickup to insure you don't have a long wait. Also, they serve red and blue Kool Aid for drinks. My husband's favorite!! lol read more

I just want to say that Messi Soul Kitchen is one of the best soul food places you'll ever find! Their food, service and the vibe is unmatched! I ordered the pot roast over rice and gravy, and let me tell you! It was the bomb! I will be returning and I'm going to tell everyone I know to come and eat at Messi Soul Kitchen! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Pot roast over rice, with veggies, cabbage and Mac n cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Drove down from Vegas to try this place and here's my take on it. 1. Doesn't matter what time you come the wait will be long but worth it! 2. The prices are very reasonable. I got the 2 smothered pork chop over rice and gravy with mac&cheese and sweet potato's for $17.99 plus tax. Huge portions!!! My husband and I split 1 dinner! 3. The pork chop flavor was great but they were slightly overcooked and not tender. But my husbands porkchop was cooked perfect just an FYI All the sides were hitting! So good!!! 4. Lastly that vanilla cake and koolaid was amazing!!! I will definitely be back but this time I want to try the meatloaf and see what it's about. Great customer service, helpful and great attitude! Oh I forgot BEST CORNBREAD IVE EVER HAD!!!!!!! Oh and that slice of cake...OMG the best!!!! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - This is half of the dinner!!!! We still have another half left! Huge portions!!! - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

411-Don't be in a rush, don't be in a hurry, and don't have a prior engagement appointment when you come to Messi Soul Kitchen.

The food here is so unbelievably good, but you gotta give yourself some time to get through that line because it takes a little bit of time to put the food together but totally worth it read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Awesome,Awesome,Awesome, The oxtails are amazing! The other foods are good too. Now if you arrive there when they first open, they maybe running a little late, you must have patience, these ladies will keep it moving and they have good attitudes under pressure. Please be nice to them, and the wonderful woman behind these recipes puts lots of love in her food. The place is clean and quaint. I will be visiting again. read more

Keeping it simple - I like the setting, in a great location close to everything. I was greeted and the conversation was inviting. I really am a small talk person and the girl at the counter worked well while sharing her Texas roots with me. When I say, " this young lady hooked us up.!" I had the pot roast black-eye peas, rice and candied yams. Every single bite was delicious and the small plate is well enough for 2. Only suggestion I'd make is to have a child's sized plate and senior plate. It's a lot of food on my plate for just me. Very delicious!!! I'll be back.... read more

Food is good and they give you plenty. It's the to go place for soul food in the IE however they closed the business and didn't have any signs to let customers know or post it on Yelp. read more

This place is Delicious!!!!! I loved it . I felt like i was back home in mississippi! The staff was great, the food was great, and the koolaid was sweet. read more

This has been my favorite spot for the past few years. Sad they have closed but they will reopen soon because good people and good food will always have good luck. I could eat just the cabbage and yams! The pot roast is we miss yall! read more

If I could leave negative stars, I would. This place is unbelievably unprofessional. I placed an order for THANKSGIVING -- literally one of the most important family holidays of the year. They answered the phone, took my order, confirmed everything, and told me to pick up at 10 AM. When I called to check on it? Suddenly nobody knew anything. Then I was told "don't worry, we got you"... and after that they stopped answering the phone completely. So my Thanksgiving meal for my family? Ruined. All because of this business and the way they operate. This is unacceptable, and people deserve to know. Whether they go by the name "Soul Kitchen in Norco" or whatever they decide to call themselves next -- the unprofessionalism is the same. Terrible business!!!!! Avoid at all costs. read more

I just went there and got the food showing in the picture! I can't believe how expensive it was. They charged me a little over $15. After tips, I ended up paying about $18 for that little amount of food. The green beans are so salty for my taste. The chicken is just so so. Nothing special! I would go back there ever again! I wouldn't recommend this place at all! Is this a joke? One chicken wing, one drumstick with rice, and one side plus small slice of cornbread. They charged me over $15. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Two pieces of chicken with rice and one side which is the green beans! - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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Food was delicious went recently for the first time the macaroni cheese and oxtail was amazing. Went back the next day. That was how good their food is. read more

Amazing food as always everytime I go. Service A one. Amazing ladies. The inside is nice good energy. read more

Omg!! Hands the best soul food I've had in years! When I say about to drive to my Mommas in Los Angeles for to taste this food I mean it! I feel like I'm in the South every bite is savoring I'm seating in here eating this food like my life depends on it! Thank you all for the hospitality when we entered the door and the amazing food, The pork chops were tender, the gravy was delicious, the Mac was Mac in', the greens were amazing along with the corn bread and Kool aid was on point! This food was definitely better than Dulans and M&Ms which I'm sure has been around longer than this establishment! I'll be back with my appetite ready! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered Pork Chops, Mac and cheese, greens and Kool Aid - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Great food! Took a while to order but worth the wait. Big portions of food, Meatloaf , Mac n cheese( amazing btw) and delicious greens!!

The was really good and portions are fair. We were welcomed among entering and the server was friendly and answered all of my questions. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Bbq baked chicken, Mac n Cheese, cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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Everything was incredible! The food was fantastic! The service was great as well as those that worked there. You also received wonderful portions for the amount paid. I suggested that others go there and I will definitely be back. I highly recommend this spot! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Pork chops with gravy, greens, and yams! The corn bread not pictured is fantastic! - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

This meal was absolutely bussing. I still dream of this plate to this day. She set me all the way up, and had the most beautiful energy when I told her I was celebrating my bday. Thank you so much for yall hospitality. I'll defffff need to stop by when I'm in riverside again look at this video yall, they are not playing. I got the pot roast 10/10 their sides? You can't go wrong with anyone that you choose read more

The staff was really friendly and the food was so tasty. The smothered pork chops and rice.......my God is all I can say. The Yams were really good and the cornbread as well. The atmosphere was relaxing with good music. I can't wait to bring my family and friend back. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered pork chops, rice, yams, and greens. Black Eye Peas - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Wow and Wow! Where do we start? Customer Service great soon as we walked in the door was greeted and said Hello, i advised the lady that it was my First time she gave me some recommendations and offered me to have a sample of what i was thinking about ordering. Pot Roast was AMAZING.. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Pot roast, Mac and cheese and Yams - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

The food has no flavor or taste I ordered oxtails which was tender but no seasoning, mac and cheese very mushy, greens was still dry and not cooked enough ( not soft) no seasoning, yams no sweetness at all- My food tasted like air and I spent 40.00 for nothing read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - green's oxtails rice - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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This place was amazing. They was running out of food but managed to to still come through on the oxtails. Love them

Stood in line this evening for 45 min to be told nothing is left and I can wait til Later when the next batch comes out. Its 630 and you close at 7 why would i wznt to wait 2 hours for food.Please tell me this when I'm in line so I can make the choice to stay. They definitely need to do better because supposedly this is the norm from other reviews. So sad they don't care. read more

I ordered the roast beef with gravy over rice, (delicious) greens with fresh hot corn bread (delicious) mac n cheese (delicious) ...generous portions couldn't eat it all so I ate the rest for lunch the next day!! Customer service was great!! read more

"I did not receive the side of mac and cheese and greens with my order. I attempted to call back on the same day, as soon as I arrived home, but was unable to reach anyone." read more