I went in for lunch when I was at work, wasn't sure what to expect because I usually don't eat outside of home too much, but this place has amazing food and high-quality. It's almost like I was eating from home. read more

Wow. I'm down here for work from Washington, DC. Found this place on Yelp and had to go since it's tough to find real soul food in DC. I met the owners and they were so friendly. Everyone was incredibly nice. All the food looked awesome. I wasn't super hungry so all I got was a biscuit with sausage gravy - it was so flavorful and that was definitely a home made biscuit! I loved that they have 3 different Obama specials! read more

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I really enjoy this family owned mom and pop business. Walking in, you can tell that this place had so much history and culture behind it. Best place in Tally for southern breakfast! The special grits are BOMB! The servers are nice and you can even catch the owner working. read more

The gospel music in the background is a refreshing treat and delicous down home food is what's on the menu. The fried chicken was fantastic! The Jesus passion punch needs to be in every grocery store in America because it is outstanding. read more

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On the outskirts of FAMU is the greatest restaurant in Tallahassee: Olean's cafe. It is southern comfort cooking at its best. It is also very inexpensive! One of my favorite breakfast dish is corned beef hash, and they have one of the best I've ever tried! - Ansel Ponce Diama read more

Olean's Cafe - Ansel Ponce Diama - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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Good southern food can be as comforting as a soft recliner or a warm embrace from someone you care about. Olean's delivered that kind of soulful nurture in the form of a styrofoam box that contained some of the best home cooking southern food I have ever eaten. The building is a little out of the way if you are unfamiliar with the FAMU campus, and the hours are pretty short only catering to those available to stop by for breakfast or lunch, but believe me when I say that the extra effort is well worth the end result. This place might be a hole in the wall but I believe the food gives it the opportunity or at least the right to be a landmark on a map. In mention of food, the available menu changes from day to day, but a guarantee as well as a must have is the fried chicken. To be fair, the baked chicken is also outstanding. It's like a moist curveball of flavor hitting you in the mouth at 84 mph with all of the crunchy and crispy skin on board for the ride. The sides are also crucial to the success of this place so even though the chicken is the star do not forget about the supporting cast. For my meal, I went with the yams and the mac and cheese. The yams were perfectly sweet and the mac and cheese was done right. Cheese mixed into the macaroni noodles and then that thick layer of gooey cheese baked on top to give it just a kiss of crisp reminiscent of the mouthwatering crisp of the fried chicken I mentioned earlier. Each main dish comes with two sides and some sweet yellow cornbread, which they heat up right before serving. The cornbread stared me right in the face and demanded that I pay for a third side because the cornbread wanted to go to its rightful home in a bowl of collared greens. Worth every penny. In summary, this place is usually crowded and always delicious. I did some talking with the other folks in the establishment and they all agreed that it was the kind of spot that keeps you coming back. I hope to go back real soon, and if this review has you convinced maybe I will see you there too. read more

This restaurant earned the key to the city of Tallahassee so that should speak for itself. It's a go to breakfast spot for me when visiting Tallahassee. They have an Obama Special for $6 that comes with 2 pancakes, 2 sausage patties, bacon, toast, scramble eggs and grits(which I switch out for potatoes lol). You can't go wrong with that. People have also told me the catfish for breakfast is good as well. One thing though, get there early because the line is ALWAYS long ! read more

I love Olean's! I always have to swing by for breakfast whenever my travels take me to Tallahassee. Delicious, affordable and comforting for a weary traveler. Plus you know the food is gonna be fire when the menu board looks like theirs! read more

Best soul food in the city. The staff all have friendly faces. I felt at home the moment I walked in for the first time. I ordered fried chicken plate with greens, mac and cheese, and corn bread. It was delicious. My friend got a hotcake breakfast platter with eggs bacon and cheese grits. All delicious. Expect slow pace service because that's the energy in the store. Be patient and you'll have a wonderful experience. read more

Just moved my kid into the dorms the night before. It was hard work, needed a good, hearty breakfast to ride me over on the long drive back. What do I get?? Some straight up DELICIOUSNESS! Fresh French toast, eggs and sausage for me - and my kid tries for the first time, cheesy grits - with eggs and bacon - blew me away- loved, loved the cheesy grits and we've never had grits that was good before!! This will be our definite breakfast spot from now on! read more

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Someone I know recommended this place to me because this was my first time in Tallahassee. I was planning on eating at the restaurant but once I got there I saw that the chairs were stacked and there were signs that said they were only doing to go orders. This place looks like it's been there for a long time. Looked like it has a lot of history. The place isn't very big even with the chairs stacked up. At the time I got there, the kitchen was in transition from breakfast to lunch so it was possible to order either. I ordered fried chicken, yams, macaroni and cheese, and a side of collard greens. It took a few minutes for my food but I think it was because of the transition from breakfast to lunch. The woman taking my order was nice. I also ordered coffee but you have to sort of go towards behind the counter to get it yourself. That wasn't a big deal but it threw me off a bit. I ordered a drink for my daughter and I wasn't sure if we were suppose to get it from the fountain or the fridge. Once I got my food, I ate in the car and it was so good. Later once I got home, the food was still really good after I heated it up. I'd go back to Olean's if I'm in Tallahassee again. read more

I just got lunch from Oleans and it was on point makes me remember my grandma's home cooking. Love it and the price was great now having a hard time getting work completed. Lol read more

First off let me state that the "Obama" breakfast is awesome! I usually dont eat the dinner items but today I tried the Smothered Chicken meal with yellow rice and mash potatoes. I enjoyed the meal mainly because the smothered pork chop tastes as good if not better than my mom's growing up. This restaurant has many different items to where you can mix and match to come up with a meal that you will love from sausage to bacon (breakfast) & baked chicken to smothered pork chops (dinner). The food is always filling and a good size. Oh and the cakes! So delicious! My personal favorite is the red velvet cake. Unlike cakes I've had at other places, Olean's cakes are always moist and that icing, oh it's so good! Whenever im in my hometown it is a MUST to go eat at Olean's and go support my cousin's business. I'm glad to see that she is still doing well and I even think her working in her business cooking and serving food keeps her feeling young and happy! I hope she expands someday and opens up other Olean's throughout the city, the state of FL and maybe even worldwide someday (partly because I would like to eat her food no matter where I travel to). read more

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Very good seafood some of the best in Tallahassee!!! I've always heard good things about it and decided to try it and was beyond amazed by the exquisite flavor of the food!!!5/5 read more

Soul Food at its best. This place is located directly across the street from Florida A&M University. Good quality and tasty soul food for cheap. My all time favorite---fried chicken, greens and mac & cheese. Yummy. My mouth is surely watering right now. Every time I'm in town....this is a spot that I must hit. I heard the breakfast is also good too. I'll have to try that next time. I love this spot. read more

Friendly staff and huge portions! We were starving today, and were too lazy to get up early for breakfast food - but luckily Oleans serves breakfast until 3 pm. We walked in and were greeted by the smell of homemade cooking. Yum. The girl at the counter today was very sweet, and explained the menu and recommended the Jesus Juice. We ordered the Obama, which is grits (1 dollar more for cheese in them) sausage patties, eggs (better than Canopy Roads....) pancakes or French Toast and bacon. All in generous portions. The French Toast is plenty with a cinnamon taste. The pancakes taste so homemade and buttery! I think you could split an Obama breakfast and be satisfied. It's plenty and delicious. Now. I don't know what is in that Jesus drink punch, and I don't drink soda...but that punch is yummy. Not too sweet and it goes so well with the food.... Yes, the food is greasy, and it is not the healthiest...but it is certainly satisfying! I took a nap after that delicious food..in fact I'm finishing some of that yummy delicious left over bacon. The service is wonderful. Ms. Olean and her staff were nice...and I will be back. :) read more

Mac and cheese was banging! The staff were all pleasant and the portions were generous, but Miss Olean are you spiking the staff drinks, they move like snails. My first time in a place, I always order what the restaurant is known for. I ordered fried chicken they said 12 minutes. That's a very popular item it should be on frequency. I was in line for over 20 minutes. Will frequent your establishment again when it is almost empty. read more

Very good soul food cooked fresh. Prices are very fair for the portions. Definitely recommended the fried chicken and mac and cheese. Grab the obama breakfast if you're there early. read more

This is a locally-owned cafe on Adams Street near the FAMU campus that serves up home cooking from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every week day and until 12:30 on Saturday. It's decorated by Miss Olean in the theme of things she holds dear. No cheesy boat paddles or otherwise tired early 20th century reproduction items to serve as wall decorations. No corporate abstract art or looping satellite radio. The atmosphere is folksy, genuine, and inspired by the famous Miss Olean. The food is equally inspired by this working machine of a lady. Her kitchen runs like clockwork and the homemade omelets, grits, biscuits, cakes, and southern vegetables & meats can't be beat. She is delightful and her place shines because of her. Come see for yourself! read more

Olean's Cafe - Keepsakes of Miss Olean's at her cafe. I could stand here and read all of this for hours! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

I went here for breakfast when I was staying in Tallahassee. The food was great, the service was incredible. They had something called "Faith Juice" which I didn't drink because it was so early. But the grits were amazing. Everything else looked incredible including the Obama breakfast! read more

While I was moving into my dorm room, my dad went on a hunt to find food. Gladly, he came across this place. Breakfast isn't my favorite meal to eat but when I tell you, you would think your grandmother was in that kitchen cooking up a storm. I had eggs, cheese grits and bacon, I believe. I never eat all my food but best believe that day I did. I also tried the collard greens, macaroni and cheese and fried chicken.. if you think FAMU's chicken is good, wait until you try this place. read more

After hearing about Oleans in NPR, we decided our next trip to Tallahassee would include a visit. Hubby had the Obama breakfast and was not disappointed. I chose Miss Olean's Omelet, which is more of a baked egg/meat/veggie/cheese casserole. I ordered the cheese grits, which could have served 3 people. The food was excellent and will definitely be back later in the day for the much praised fries chicken. Music, faith and love create a great ambiance. Miss Olean was at the register, and came out to visit is at the table. She is a treasure! read more

Olean's Cafe - Miss Olean's Omelet with Cheese Grits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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I waited in line for about 15 minutes. Gospel music was playing, which reminded me of being in my grandmothers house. It got pretty warm after a while, and was uncomfortable. I ordered smothered pork chop with macaroni and cheese and collard greens. I didn't care for the flavor of the collard greens. The Mac and cheese was delicious, very cheesy and didn't lack in flavor at all. The pork chop was very tender and delicious. My sister ordered fried chicken (dark meat) with the same sides. The chicken was tender and juicy with excellent seasonings. Overall I like my food, and will go back. read more

Olean's Cafe - Smothered pork chop with Mac and cheese and collards. $9.44 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

I thought I've already reviewed Olean's but maybe I haven't. Anyway, this is a true local gem. Located just across from the campus of FAMU, Olean's is always hopping with students as well as locals. You order cafeteria style but please don't let this scare you away...the food is always fresh and hot. I can't vouch for anything on the menu other than the fried chicken, collard greens and mac n cheese and I may not ever try anything else because of the greatness of these three items. The chicken is beautifully seasoned and fried to perfection. The collards are loaded with flavor and have a great bite...many restaurants tend to overcook theirs in my opinion. The mac n cheese is a showstopper! Good lord, there could not be any more cheese in this dish and I could be satisfied with this by itself. The prices are more than fair. When people refer to "soul food", Olean's is the true definition. Pictures don't do the food justice so just head over for a lunch you won't forget! read more

If you're in Tallahassee for breakfast or lunch....just STOP HERE. No need to look anywhere else. This place is perfect. Directly across the road from FAMU, it's a small local jewel. The owner and staff are wonderfully hospitable, and the food is fresh and delicious. My family split three Obama breakfasts and we left with clean plates. Pancakes, grits, eggs, bacon....so great! When I search out places to eat on Yelp, this is exactly what I hope to find. Well done! read more

Hands down best breakfast in tallahassee. Keeps your stomach on point till late afternoon. Has that grandma house after church feel read more

Olean's Cafe - Outside sign post - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

This little gem. Oh my! The food! The people! I absolutely love everything about O'leans. My favorite thing to get is Fried chicken, Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and beef gravy. The meat is so incredibly tasty and flavorful. I'd say at times, the chicken maybe on the saltier side but it's such a small detail. Also a fan of their cornbread. Every time I want to try something else...I don't lol. The only way I'd try something else is if I buy multiple plates and you know what...id be okay with that!! read more

I have been here a few times and the catfish is the best I have ever had, perfect every time. Today I tried the cheese grits with butter and they were so good! The price to portion ratio is a blessing for any hungry college kid on a budget. Also the people who work here are very nice and friendly. read more

Foods good for the soul, as advertised! Cheese grits, scrambled eggs, chicken wings and cornbread. .... read more

Olean's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

I don't even want to review this because I don't want anyone else in town to find out about my favorite breakfast secret!!! This place is the definition of soul food. It is very small and always busy so expect to wait in line, but also expect that the wait will be worth it!!! My favorite is the fish breakfast, catfish eggs and OH MY GOSH CHEESE GRITS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!! They have the 'Obama Special' which is eggs, pancakes, two choices of meat, and cheese grits for 5 dollars! The prices are unheard of! Try the 'Jesus Passion' some kind of red punch concoction that is served up out of a cooler and into a 32 oz cup (rather, trough)! LOVE THIS PLACE! Will be back soon to try the lunch! read more

The food here was incredible. I was in town for work and will definitely eat here every time I am in town.

Olean's is that soul food that everybody dreams about! Everything I've tried on the menu has been amazing. I would highly recommend it.

This is the place to go for some Southern Soul Food in Tallahassee. The fried chicken has a great taste and fried to perfection. The macaroni and cheese and green beans are to die for. This is a Hidden Gem for Tallahassee stop in for great service nice staff and even better food. read more

I love Ms. Olean's!!! The food is consistently flavorful, the service is excellent, and portion size is always more than what you need. I wish the restaurant was open for evenings and late night. I enjoy the gospel music and the friendly atmosphere. Everything I've eaten here, I've not been disappointed. read more

Best food in Tallahassee for breakfast or lunch. Food is consistent and has never let me down. Portions are as if you're back home and Mom just wants to take care of you. read more

The food was really good. I got the fried chicken with a side of collard greens and mac and cheese it was on of the best dishes i've ever had the chicken was nice and crispy and juicy The mac and cheese was creamy and crispy it was one of the best mac and cheese dishes i've had i would definitely come back here to get just to get the mac n cheese the collard greens were so good it tasted fresh and amazing i got a corn muffin also which was so nice at the perfect temperature it seemed to melt in my mouth from flavor i would come back here again and only eat this and it would fill me up the chicken comes with two pieces dark by the way. 10 out of 10 qould come here again read more

"Olean's! They have some pretty good soul food and Ms. Olean believes in piling your plate without emptying your pocket." Randy Henley FAMU '13 "You get a refrigerator of food on your plate for a few bucks." Angelica Washington FAMU '09 read more

Let me see a show of hands if you've had Soul Food from a restaurant in Tallahassee better than Olean's! No one? Thought so! This modest location on the outskirts of FAMU's campus houses the pinnacle of Down South cuisine here in the capital city. Tastes like Grandma made it and in some instances....for some people.....it surpasses what Grandma made. But you can never tell Grandma this. That's the kinda information that you take to your grave. I mean, straight G14 Classified. I've frequented this establishment for years and never have I been disappointed. Not ONCE. They do breakfast and lunch but cha better get there early because they shut dem doors at bout 4 in the afternoon during the week. Not sure of their weekend hours. Their fried chicken kicks all other Tally fried chickens' asses! We're talking FSU's National Championship year ass kickings. There's no competition. Their prices are great, their portions are large and their personalities are saturated in Southern hospitality. Olean's is a staple in this town so pay homage to one of the best to ever do it! read more

Olean's Cafe - Chitlins over rice, mashed potatoes with gravy and fried chicken - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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Always an amazing meal when we come to Tallahassee! The owner is nice, funny, and she remembers almost everyone if someone like myself who no longer lives in Tallahassee! This place is certainly a busy breakfast and lunch spot especially when school is in session but is worth the wait. The Obama special is a filling and tasty breakfast and chicken for lunch can never go wrong! Don't forget your jesus juice and your meal is perfect! If you want a home cooked meal away from home... This is your place! read more

The menu is limited but what the have is DELICIOUS!!! I'll be back with friends and family.