My hubby and I had errands to run. We found ourselves in Riverside and other adjacent cities. We decided to stop by Messi Soul Kitchen.. We were not disappointed!!! Lines were a little long.. there's bench seating against the wall and chairs and tables. One side is for order pickup, the other for in-person. The portion size is ridiculous in a good way! We initially ordered 2 smothered pork chop plates w/ yams, black eyed peas, and greens(nice chunk of cornbread too) 2 huge porked chops on a bed of rice then covered in gravy..yams were just sweet enough, black-eyed peas, greens were hitting too! I ended up ordering an extra side of yams, Mac n cheese(best I've had) and 2 pork chop plates and 1 baked chicken plate... for my kids and sister. The Owners and Fam are wonderful people! You can tell they take great pride in what they do!!! I will definitely be a repeat customer read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered Pork Chop plate with Black Eye peas and Yams.. after a couple of bites - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Excellent service by all the beautiful women in this establishment. Everyone is smiling and cheerful. The food is made fresh daily, nothing is fried every is made with love. The oxtails and meatloaf were my favorite but you have to see for yourself. read more

The food is delicious and you get nice portion sizes. You have enough for 2days. I also want to say the service from everyone has always been excellent. Keep up the good work. read more

Don't listen to Shyrias racist and completely irrational review. Both the food and customer service are excellent. As a person who has been in the food service industry for over a decade I can say there are zero health code violations. With food like this they don't even need Yelp. Good food may sell out early that just means you need to get there early and I love this business model. Pork chop the oxtails and Mac and cheese are among the best I've ever had. Eat here, you will not be disappointed read more

Let me just start with I rarely give 5 stars but this place, OH My Gawshhhh!!! I'm blown away with the amount of flavor in EVERY bite. I was also very impressed that they offered a vegetarian combo, which was your choice of four sides. Between the two of us we tried all of them except the yams and the broccoli. Then sides all stood out on their own yet complimented each other easily. There is no holding back on the seasoning and spices here and there's no way your saying this food is bland. I will say seating is sparse and extremely limited. I will for sure be back. read more

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Me and my best friend and her mother came to the area to go the gun range around the corner. We googled what was near to eat and this little hidden gem popped up ! So glad we came ! We got 3 different meat combo plates and just about every side. 10/10. It's a great price with a great portion. The staff is friendly and the bathroom was spotless !!! I got a Diet Coke but my friend got a kool aid and it was just right ! read more

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Omg! I've been craving some good comfort food and I can say I have been satisfied! My bf found them on DoorDash and I am truly glad he did. I ordered the pot roast with Mac n cheese and the cabbage.... Everything was sooooo good! I didn't want it to end lol. The cornbread was also very very good! My bf got the pork chops and the greens; I tried some of the pork chops and they're delicious! He also got their KoolAid and it was amazing. I can keep complimenting the food because it was that good ! But I definitely recommend you try it for yourself! We will for sure be ordering from here again! read more

Open Thurs - Sun weekly. Gives you something to look forward too! The place can get busy so if you're in a hurry to be served, order online. The service is always very friendly. Always. The food is so delicious! Oxtail is awesome! Meatloaf is fantastic. The MAC N CHEESE is the best around! Pork chops are tender and delish. Yams are perfect. Black eyed peas perfect. WARNING: this food is addictive! If you're looking for great home cooked food, with really generous portions, where you get your money's worth, then you have to try Messi's. read more

The food was great. I went there once and instantly fell in love. They have a very good selection of food to pick from.

The service was great, the portions are more than generous. We had the Smothered Pork Chops which were so tender, the gravy is divine. We also had the Roasted Chicken which is perfectly seasoned. Rounded out the meal with Greens, Mac & Cheese, and Cornbread which was all delicious. The Kool-Aid was a great bonus. Can't wait to go back. read more

Good morning this is Miss Fee. I can't wait for Messi open up this morning. I need me some real salt food. Their food is so delicious. It goes straight to the soul. Everything is hot and fresh the oxtails are so delicious so is her pot roast all her sides are so delicious. I gave her food a 10+ hands-down keep doing your thing girl. read more

The food was ok . First thing I notice it could use a good cleaning the food was not bad cabbage was over cooked and the gravy tasted canned.the oxtails needed some seasoning but not bad .corn bread was good roast was pretty good red beans and rice was good overall it was ok..please go support and judge for yourself .I am.a little harsh cause I think I can cook so don't mind me . Oh yeah a hello goes a long ways read more

Everything is just Phenomenal! This lady puts her heart and soul into everything and it shows!!!! You can't go wrong with whatever combo you make up!! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Meatloaf. Macaroni and cheese and cabbage! Corn bread ! - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

The service was great and the ox's tails were to die for the sweet potatoes oh my what can I say.

I went to Messi's today. I was very dissatisfied with the unprofessional service that I received there. I called the restaurant to make an order, and was told that I would need to place my order online. So I did. Once I made my order, the message said that my meal would be ready for pick-up in an hour. I arrived at Messi's after an hour, to discover that my food was not ready. I was told that there wasn't any Mac N Cheese and the wait was an additional 25 minutes. I had come too far to just leave, so I waited and also ordered 2 sides of Yams. 45 minutes later, I was still waiting. After seeing several people come after me, get their meal and leave, I started getting antsy. So I inquired as to why I was still waiting. I was told that my food had been ready, however since I ordered additional sides of Yams, I had to wait for them to be ready. So what was I waiting for, the Yams or the Mac n Cheese?? So what was the point of me ordering online??? I never received an apology for the wait, and was given an explanation of it being my fault that the food wasn't ready. After having spent over $100, the behavior and unprofessionalism was unacceptable. There is too many Soul Food restaurants around here for me to spend my time and money there. I believe that my money will be best spent at "Not Your Mamas Kitchen". read more

This weekend we visited this restaurant. I had low expectations because I grew up on my grandmas cooking and nothing compares to that. I brought my family in here only to be blown away by how good the food was. Not only was everything delicious, but the ladies were so kind and friendly. The restaurant was also very clean and super cute!! Loved the vibe, the music, and the smiles on everyones face (customers and employees) I work walking distance so I cant wait to bring my friends! Thank you all for giving me a little taste of home! Messi Kitchen is the bomb! The Browns read more

OMG great food great vibes. Mom and daughters are so funny and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this place and definitely will be back for more. Oxtails were so juicy and tender fall off the bone. Mac and cheese was so cheesy and gooey. Greens were great cabbage was nice and just the way I like it. Only downside was food didn't come with a bib. Oh well that's what tide is for lol. Thanks momma and daughters great food. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Oxtails Mac n cheese cabbage and greens - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

The food was good however the customer service was horrible. I went on Saturday and the girl working was so rude and I spent 70 bucks. I asked for the manager and I could tell the manager was related to the girl with the attitude. The manager did not seem to care at all however girl did apologize to me. I try to support black owned business and it seems like it's always bad energy when it comes to customer service. Let's also talk about the code violations which I have reported. Crook pots plugged in on the floor next to a drain. I included a photo and recommend they get it together soon. The owner seems to come up with a lot of excuses as to why her staff is rude, I've seen at least four different reviews that made the same comment about the rudeness , sorry say it's typical for black business . read more

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

I stumbled on this little tasty paradise by accident and I'm so glad I did. Everything I ordered was amazingly delicious. A big issue I often have is buying chicken and it's not cooked completely, NOT HERE! Baaaby that chicken was calling my name and let's not talk about the flavor. If ever in the area do yourself a big favor and stop by. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Baked chicken, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

My cousin from the area recommended we come and boy was he right. Food is SO good. I'm from the LA area and this is by far the best Soul food I've had at a restaurant. Food is seasoned very well. Nothing is too salty or too sweet, definitely just right. We will be back Also, everyone working had phenomenal customer service! read more

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

Soul food is a rare find, and this place has a line out the door if you don't get there early. The food is freshly made, portion size is enough to feed you twice in a day. I had the smothered pork chops with greens & mac & cheese, made sure to get extra cornbread. I was stuffed for the entire day and barely got thru half my order. I'm planning on making a return trip to sample the pot roast & yams. Although a small menu, you can't go wrong with any of their selections. read more

This review is for take out during the COVID 19 pandemic. Oh, how I wish I'd visited you sooner!!!! This place has been on my radar to try for months and I could kick myself for not heading over before now. This is a strip mall store front restuarant with ample parking out front. I walked in and was immediately greeted by the employees and the delicious smells. The place isn't large and seems suited to carry out dining. The food is displayed cafeteria style behind a glass counter with a placard menu up front and one on the wall behind the counter. Ordering is fairly straight forward and portions are good sized. We ordered the smothered chicken with a side of yams and black-eyed peas. The chicken placed on a bed of rice is an option that sounded perfect to me. Entrees come with cornbread. Hubby ordered pork ribs, mac & cheese and greens. My food was DELISH!!! The chicken was fall off the bone moist with great seasoning, the yams were sweet without being overly so, the rice was perfection in the chicken juices and my peas were good but not great. I thought they needed a bit more seasoning as the flavor had no depth. I can't speak about hubby's food because he wouldn't let me have any after he took the first bite. I explained it was for research purposes but he growled and held up a knife so I backed away from his food slowly. We'll be seeing you frequently!!! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Today's menu - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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***During COVID-19 Visit*** I've had many co-workers during my military career who were from the south and I was introduced to good old southern style cooking. My BFF is from North Carolina and knows all about soul food. This place is really good! I ordered the smothered pork chops over rice and the beef stew also over rice. My sides were the collard greens and green beans. They are very generous with the portions. I found the beans a little too salty, but the rest of the food was amazing. You'll definitely have leftovers. The restaurant is very welcoming in appearance and equally clean. What did it for me was the customer service. The girl who took my order was very friendly and answered all of my questions. When I arrived to pick up my food, she even made recommendations as to what the popular selections were. I'll definitely be back and THANK YOU again!!! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered pork chops over rice with green beans and collard greens. A MUST order! - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Customer service needs to be a lot better but overall the food is good. The owner is very nice.

Some of the best Soul Food in town everything is made right and especially fresh to say the least. I always enjoy the meals here and will be coming back to dine over and over again. read more

Would like to say that we are from the south and good seasoning and good cooking is hard to find. We stop by and didn't realize that the business was close to closing for the day and Informed the lady at the front we would come back the next day when the food was hot and fresh. Well 2 days later when we showed up they showed out. We ordered two different plates with all different sides and we were blown away. finally I place that when we want some good home cooked food and a great taste this is it. Everything was great, amazing, hot and Fresh. The service was awesome. Oh we will be back. Just two Alabamana enjoying the West. read more

Stop in a couple days ago new to the area and found Messi to be very clean and the ladies working where exceptional I felt like a King the potions where on point and the oxtails where amazing corn bread and yams greens was amazing!! Go get you some !! read more

The food here is literally what the title says SOUL food. It's like I walked into a granny's home and she welcomed me and pulled up a seat at the table for me. The Mac and cheese was better than mine, and the yams were so rich they are an explosion of flavors in your mouth. The greens were cooked just right. The pork chops & gravy were so tender. It was like having a holiday meal on a regular day. I definitely will be back to try the cabbage. The service was just as great. Do your taste buds a favor and treat yourself. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Pork chop in gravy, Mac n cheese, greens. - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Wow I can't even describe the food it was so good my God the establishment was clean Customer service was on point. Everything was just well put together and the lady I didn't get her name that cooked very pleasant lady and her staff very pleasant. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Oxtails rice and gravy, greens, macaroni and cheese cornbread on the side amazing - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

The Cornbread and Pork Chops had me like wow , however the Collard Greens, Oxtails, Rice and Macaroni &Cheese was lacking flavor, soul food soaking , taste more like A diet for people who don't eat salt . They were $30 and had nothing but fat as well . read more

The food here is amazing I haven't had a bad meal yet and I've been here 10+ times. The service can be kind of slow but the customer service is excellent & will keep you going back. It's a small restaurant so not many places to sit inside actual location. Bomb food read more

Delicious food and great family vibe! The smothered pork chops and mac and cheese were fire!

This place is the real deal. I am emotional eating these oxtails, because they bring me right back to childhood. My grandmas grandmama would be proud of the greens and macaroni and cheese. The rice is fluffy and flavorful. The yams just melt in your mouth. The best part: The staff is friendly, warm, and welcoming. The restaurant is a gem with its comfy, colorful decor. I want to try EVERYTHING and I will be back. read more

The staff was friendly, the food portions were plentiful. Enjoyed the main dish choices. I would like to see catfish Fridays as an option in the future. read more

I recently found this amazing little place and I am obsessed! Everything I've had there has been absolutely delicious and the service is incredible. What a fun group of beautiful ladies And truly delicious home cooking. You've got to give it a try! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Tender pot roast, amazing gravy & veggies, Collard greens, mac & cheese. - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

This place is a hidden gem. I'm from LA but now live in the I.E and I'm glad I can come here whenever I don't feel like driving to LA for soul food. I've been here three times now. The first time I came they didn't have any meat options that I liked so I opted for the veggie plate. The second and third time I got the smothered fried chicken and it was really good. This will definitely be my go to. The good sides: the rice and gravy, yams and green beans are all delicious. The bad sides: I've tried the Mac and Cheese twice and it's a no for me. They recently posted their Mac and cheese on their story and the cheese that they use explains why I didn't like it. The corn bread has jalapeño in it which I didn't like either. I love cornbread so having to pick out jalapeño pieces took away from me enjoying the cornbread. They should definitely have a cornbread option without jalapeños. Although, the Mac and cheese and cornbread are my least favorite I won't let that stop me from coming as they do have other side options that I like. The Customer service here is always good. Tip: check their Instagram for daily meat options read more

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I highly recommend this restaurant. There are several good options to order from the menu.

I Highly Recommend This Food Place Customer Service Was Great Yes Bookies I Had The Smothered Pork Chops -Nayy read more

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

The food was very good and fresh! I enjoyed the green and black eyed peas . The chicken was tender and flavorful .

Great Food, Great People! I can't get enough of this place, everything is excellent the OX Tail beyond great. Recommend this place to family & friends and will alway have my business!. read more