Normally live this place and visit quite often. The owner and her daughter is the nicest people, great customer interaction. But I went there a couple of weeks ago and the two young girls that was working gave terrible service. I stood at the counter at the front for 30 minutes and still didn't get serviced. Both girls do do untuned to the young men that was walking end to until they left the customers wait until I guess they could way on the young guys that came in. Basically I waited in the line far 20 minutes or more just to get to the front counter and not get waited in and surely ignored. This was so rude and they need to do the flirting outside of work and on their own time. Neither ne if them took any attemptto assist the customers waiting, it was really ridiculous. If I go again and these girls are the customer service I will turn around, not a gain read more

I have been in this place over and over again. I have never waited any longer than 20 minutes even at their busiest time. I've seen delivery orders be out before people in line. Why would a door dash order take an hour and a half? This is unacceptable! To make a dasher wait over an hour is not a good business practice. Ordered at 5:11pm and here we are at 6:30 and the dasher is being told 10 more minutes. We will re evaluate re visiting or referring others. Very disappointing. read more

I just got in the car after leaving with my order. I haven't even tasted the food yet. But I immediately had to get in the car and start a review! Their service is AMAZING! I was helped by Berniece* and Carmen the mother of this great establishment, and let me tell you service like this doesn't exist anymore. They were full of personality and real ness! It was just a joy to order the food, and the food LOOKS AMAZING. FINALLY REAL SOUL FOOD IN RIVERSIDE... how it tastes? Coming soon... Oh yeah, THE FOOD IS OFF THE CHAIN - i'm from LA, and i've had some of the best soul food. But their soul food here? is STRAIGHT UP HOME COOKING. And it's some of the best there is. Both times i've been, the oxtails fall off the bone, mac and cheese is better than your mommas and the yams are amazingggggg. Don't get me started on the kool aid and cornbread. I don't ever leave reviews (unfortunately) and i've had some amazing food. But this sh** right here!? Ridiculous. Stop thinking about it. And get up, go place an order... NOW. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Oxtails (hot sauce added), Mac and Yams - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Great portions / rich food / great seasoning / decent prices / you will get a great experience !

Highly recommend. Everything is so so good. Have tried almost everything from their menu. Very professional and courteous staff. read more

See all

Today I tried the meatloaf, prior only tried the ox tails which were delicious, however this time I can't say the same. Unfortunately, my meatloaf was burnt where I couldn't chew almost an inch from entire edges... the middle was ok but the taste was not that good. Yams were great and the cabbage... just wish I didn't have to throw away most of my main dish today. **Update: 5 STARS- I spoke with the owner and she made it right by replacing my order with another dish or a refund. I returned for a different meal and I appreciate it so much for making things right. I highly recommend this restaurant. Thank you read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Burnt about an inch from edges and had to throw in trash - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Best soul food restaurant in the IE. however, Be aware that they never open at 1:00pm like their business hours say. On top of that, while customers are waiting in line outside for at least 30 min after they are supposed to open, we saw the employees sitting inside chit chatting. I won't be visiting here too often, if at all. read more

the food slaps; but i would prefer yellow rice over the white, and a more comfortable seating arrangement

Great customer service, food, and large portions. I highly recommend this establishment.. read more

This food is made with love and delicious down to every last bite. I have tried the pot roast, BBQ chicken, yams, greens, and Mac and cheese .. and I'll be back for more! My only complaint is that this place is not open 7 days a week because me and my husband could eat here everyday. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - BBQ chicken plate - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Let me tell you.. this spot hits every time. The roast and pork chops are the bomb. Sides are good and you get a decent amount of food.

I love this place you seriously feels like you're at your aunts house eating bomb food and your cool ass cousins serving you food. The environment has a family vibe with great music and food. I got the pot roast with yams and mac and cheese with a side of the best cornbread ever. Thank you for the great service and making me feel welcomed. read more

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

See all

I want to support black businesses but it's difficult! Sign said 1pm opening on Saturday and it's 1:08 and no one's opened the door. People are standing in line waiting for them to open. Horrible read more

Yes, Yes I finally made it over to MSK........I don't know if y'all know about this hidden gem. You better stop what u doing....Soul food to the bone. I couldn't eat all my food. But boo oh boo them YAMs take like my mama. The pork chops feel off the bone. The cabbage with good ole corn bread was excellent. Remember kool-laid yep. It was blue. Stop by and get some good ole soul food cooking in Riverside CA read more

See all

We absolutely loved the food here! I couldn't believe it's been down the street from us all these years and this is the first time we try it... I'm actually pissed because we've been missing out! I got the smothered pork chops, Mac n cheese and greens. My husband got the bbq baked chicken and Mac n cheese. They LOAD the Mac n cheese! Everything had so much flavor! Mac n cheese best I've ever had! And all plates come with cornbread and OMG! Warm and buttery! Truly feels like you're eating at someone's mom or granny's house! The humble hospitable attitudes from all the staff and owner makes this place feel so welcoming and comfortable too! And the music is another vibe! 1000/10 do recommend!!!! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered Pork Chop, Mac n Cheese & Greens - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

I am very picky about my soul food but they are by far the best around! Their food is not too salty and very flavorful. The staff is very courteous and the atmosphere of the place is very welcoming. read more

Took my grandson and he ordered the oxtails, Mac and cheese, and yams. He absolutely loved it. Large portions and had leftovers. I ordered the bbq chicken, greens and yams. The yams were delicious. The greens were a little too salty for me, but very tender. The bbq chicken was good, maybe baked a bit longer do the meat falls off the bone. Their red beans and rice were delicious too. I'm gluten free so I couldn't get any of the other meat, but when you walk in, the smell alone makes you want to eat everything!! Staff is excellent at customer service. Ambience is also wonderful. read more

Perfect sould food. Clean, new, Pot roast, black eyed peas, collard greens, Corn Bread, and Banana Pudding all executed perfectly. Right flavor, salt balance, just done right. They give you a whole mess of food and I am just very happy this place is cooking! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - pot roast, black eyed peas, collard, greens, banana pudding AMAZING! - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Everything Was Great,Thank You...Great Music Playing while Ordering , Thank You Smothered Pork Chops read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered Pork Chops,Yams Mac n Cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

This has to be the best food I've had yet in corona, affordable with generous portions! Wonderful service staff are polite and patient. Definitely my new go-to spot. read more

We decided to grab a meal at Messy Soul Kitchen today and we are delighted we did! Food was delicious, prices were great and customer service guaranteed return customers! Very difficult to have the entire family LOVE their meals yet this restuarant surpassed all of our expectations! Food hot, well seasoned, just as if Grandma was in the kitchen herself! They also have a signature jalapeno cornbread that comes (and goes lol) with every meal. I suggest you try Olivia's drink (yummy koolaid and call before you go to verify hours during Covid19. The young ladies who served us also wore mask and gloves. They were polite and knowledgeable about what they are serving. There is also nice music playing. Overall will definitely come again! Thank you!!! read more

See all

Messi Soul Kitchen was great!! They were able to accommodate my family and I on Easter Sunday. The food was great, along with the service. Carmen the owner is the best and her daughter was the server and she handled our large party very well we will be back. read more

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

Service and food were surprisingly fast. Food was delicious. Location was perfect!! Cannot wait to go back!

My favorite place of all. Have been coming here for years, and even had them cater one of our company events. Everyone kind. Food delicious. read more

Everything I ate from this restaurant was so flavorful and delicious. We were staying at the hotel next door so we walked over to pick up dinner on a Saturday evening. My husband ordered the oxtail plate with greens and mac & cheese as the sides. I had the baked chicken with mac & cheese as the side. Both plates come with corn bread. Mmm mmm mmm. This is the best soul food I've ever had. My husband fell in love with the oxtails at first bite. The mac & cheese was scrumptious. The cornbread was perfectly buttery with just a little sweetness. The mother and daughter who own the business are so lovely. We waited a little for the freshly baked cornbread and it was worth the wait on its own. But we were doubly rewarded because the sweet daughter gave us extra cornbread and extra sides since we waited and it was almost closing time. She gave us a full plate of mac & cheese, green beans, and the BEST yams. Such generosity (especially in this current economy) and kindness!! We had a whole conversation with them as we waited for everything to be plated and learned that they moved to Riverside from Long Beach--where my husband and I also grew up. It felt so comfortable to just talk about shared experiences. They were both so wonderful and you can totally taste the love and care they put into the mouthwatering food they share. We'll definitely be back. read more

Went there today as a recommendation by a coworker, absolutely loved the food and atmosphere can't wait to go back again! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered Pork Chops with Collard Greens and Mac n Cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Where do I begin, I tried this place out this past Sunday, Upon walking in it took 10 minutes to even be greeted by anybody. Right off the bat I got a bad feel but Im a firm believer on giving everyone a chance until there is a reason not too, Well that reason not to came shortly After. After I ordered my food I sat down Patiently waiting, 1 hour passes by, I ask if my order is almost out, The lady at the register was extremely rude as if I was bothering her responded to me that it will be out shortly. As im waiting im observing the environment and i noticed the workers Pouring old gravy on the new pork chops that just came out. I was absolutely disgusted by this as you can see the different color scheme from the old vs the new gravy. When I noticed that I knew right then and there I should have walked out...But Me being the person I am and already waiting close to 2 hours I decided to still wait as I felt my food would be out shortly. After waiting damn near 3 HOURS for my food I FINALLY got it, When I got home and Finally started eating what I had High expectations for considering the "Good" Reviews this place had which led me to try it in the first place, The Collard Greens were Extremely Salty, and it was LITERALLY nothing but Stems, YUCK...The Macaroni was So damn dry that every bite needed to be washed down with water, The BBQ Chicken seemed like it was sitting there for HOURS as it didnt taste fresh at all, The BBQ sauce they put on the Chicken was COLD and bland in flavor. Needless to say, Everything I got from this place was TRASH....I wouldnt even feed it to my English Bulldog. Id suggest if you want good soul food, Dont Come here go ANYWHERE else. Id also suggest if you dont want to waste 3+ hours of your day for TRASH food, go Elsewhere...you have been warned. ---RESPONSE TO CARMEN--- Whats with the extremely Defensive response? Instead of trying to make things right you respond extremely defensively for whatever reason and making up stories that NEVER even happened like the Following : "You were spoken to by myself 3 times and every time I spoke to you the answer changed because I was trying to help you and get your food ready". First of all I have No idea who you are because When I spoke to Someone, it was a different person everytime. I was NEVER spoken to by same person 3 times so I have no idea what you're talking about. You Literally just made up that Scenerio in your own head which is quite disturbing to say the least. No where in your Response did you take ANY Accountability for the experience I had in your Establishment. You seem to have the same Defensive response to any controversial review that I noticed and that Is not how a business Owner Should conduct themselfs when receiving Constructive Critisism. Just goes to show the type of person you are in Real life, You make up made up scenerios that NEVER even happened. I cant believe you made up such a Lie that You SPECIFICALLY remember who I am and that you spoke to me THREE Times when I never met you a day in my life. Really shows the type of person you are, Ill pray for you Since you and me both know what you said is a flat out lie. Acting out like this will only hurt you in the end as a person and as a business will not last with an owner like you. What a shame, I did my part and warned everyone else and thats all i needed to do. I wouldnt step foot back in this place especially with an owner like you and the experience I had. Enough said read more

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

I had friends in from out of town and the food was amazing. I got the pot roast, mac & cheese, rice and gravy yams. It was amazing. They save the day my friends are totally satisfied. read more

From the service to the food all are amazing! Every time I get a chance to come here I do. It's a great option for a Sunday dinner after church or come whenever you can. Try them out if you haven't yet. read more

Go!!! Don't think twice, it's delicious! The sides were our favorite part! The portions are huge! Satisfied and will definitely go back!! Best: Yams! They are sweet but made fresh! Mac n' cheese is so creamy and delicious! Cornbread is fantastic and fresh! read more

See all

We will Absolutely be back here. The food is AMAZING, I had the Smothered PorkChops with greens and Mac and cheese, my husband had the Oxtails, black eyed peas with Mac and cheese. They were both over rice and came with a side of cornbread. My mouth is still watering and I will have more of my leftovers tonight and lunch tomorrow, they give you soooo much food. Let's talk about the wonderful customer service and ambiance. They had the Isley Brothers making you want to start dancing in line and we received excellent customer service from the girls in the front. Thank you for the wonderful experience read more

See all

The restaurant is clean, and the girls are so polite and helpful. The food is AMAZING I had Mac and cheese (wowowow), chicken, yams and a few other things. I'm bummed this place is so far away (but that might be a good thing for my hips hahaha) Highly recommend read more

food is good but why are they aways out of cornbread and i know they are busy but a smile and hello goes a long way

Super delicious food made with love. My first time visiting Messi Soul Kitchen today. I had the baked chicken, red beans and yams. I can say the chicken fell off the bone with delicious flavor, yams had the right amount of sweetness, and I couldn't stop eating the red beans. It reminded me of having a home made meal with the family. The portions are worth the price. The service is fantastic. All the options looked really good, from pork chops, ox tail, meat loaf and more. Support a local business and stop by for lunch. It's located in the River Walk shopping center by Anytime Fitness and the nail & spa. read more

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

As someone who just wolfed my plate down as if I had never eaten something that wasn't cardboard in flavor before I have to tell you this restaurant's food is amazing! I had the Smothered Pork Chop on Rice, a side of Mac n Cheese, and Greens Beans with a piece of Corn Bread that is part of their Meal Combo, for less than an extremely justifiable $20. When I walked in I was immediately greeted with a clean environment and a beautiful woman who was dancing to the old school R&B on the radio, she smiled and apologized as she rushed over to the counter to take my order, off her suggestion I got the Smothered Pork Chop, I'm so glad I did, the meat was tender and falling away from the bone while being juicy and well seasoned, the Rice absorbed the gravy but didn't get mushy at all. My side of Mac N Cheese was perfectly cheesy without being pasty or artificial tasting like with lesser Macs, the noodles held up well to the cheese and were perfectly al dente, the Green Beans were so flavorful, my words cannot do them justice, they may look plain but I highly recommend getting them, to die for. The cornbread ended my meal with a sweet, almost dessert like, corn meal flavor that had me wishing for whole or condensed milk to top it with. Besides the food though, the amazing specimen of a woman who assisted me with my order was so cute and attentive, I do not feel at all ashamed to say I was enthralled with her. She put gravy on my Rice without me even having to ask and was laser focused and bursting with energy the whole time. I plan to take any friends and family I can to this establishment, I hope it does well since I was informed they just opened in September, they deserve all the business they can get! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered Pork Chop, Green Bean, Mac n Cheese, Rice - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

DELICIOUS! The baked chicken seasoned to perfection! The cornbread, a little sweeter than what I am used to but good. The yam's were like down home (Alabama/Georgia). :-) The Mac n cheese a bit wetter than what I am used to but the flavor! Like down home. I will be back.:-) You absolutely will not be disappointed. read more

Sooooo yummy and delicious!! Everything and everything absolutely amazing food and deserts too.

Friendly, fast and clean but mostly delicious! The mac and cheese and very creamy amd i loved it!

I have been to this place at least a half a dozen times. Today by far was the worst experience I have ever had and questioning ever returning. My husband and I placed our order for five plates. We were advised that the pork chops and yams would be about a 20 minute wait for them to be finished. After driving 20 miles to get here, we decided to wait. After waiting close to 30 minutes we were advised that it was coming out and she just needed to put it in the bag. My husband continued to wait in the restaurant and I went and lay down in the car because I wasn't feeling well. While in the parking lot, my husband called me to let me know that it was gonna be an additional 15 minutes. We decided to wait. Like I stated, we had already driven 20 miles. At this point, it has been well over an hour. I go back inside and was advised that it will take another 10 minutes for the macaroni and cheese to be browned. I advise the employee that there was Mac and cheese when I was there and that another fresh pan came out. I asked her why didn't she go ahead and put macaroni and cheese in the container. The young lady advised she could not put the macaroni and cheese in the container. Because it would be an incomplete plate and the plates need to be completed. A few moments later, a woman comes out from the kitchen and says I am so sorry. There was a miscommunication with your order. The pork chops that you order had already been sold and it would be a long while for the next batch. No, Can we comp your order or give you a voucher for next time or anything? Just an insincere sorry and a couple of excuses to follow. At this point I was beyond frustrated and just decided the best thing was to leave. The craziest thing is I recommended my company with 1500 employees to have this place cater for Black History Month. They can't even handle correctly 5 plates and provide good customer service! read more

We ordered the pot roast , mac and cheese, yams, and a side of greens. The food was fresh, not over nor under seasoned. All of it was good ! All I can say is sheesh! Refreshing to have a great soul food option in the I.E. It's a must try! Also I must commend Messi on their service. The staff is friendly and service oriented. Overall a great experience and we will be coming back ! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Pot Roast, Mac and Cheese and Yams - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California