long time customer. food is always great, we gad the shrimp, chicken tenders and salmon dinners. owner is very friendly

This is an amazing black owned business. From the moment you walk in you're greeted friendly by a hostess and shown a seat. Our drink orders were taken while we pondered the menu. Some ordered from the brunch menu (me) and others ordered from the dinner menu. The server delivered all the plates (10) at the same time. Which was great because no one was waiting and letting food get cold. Everyone was pleased with their food and beverages. Such a cute place with a full bar, two dining rooms and a small parking lot in the back. Earned 4.5 stars: grits were slightly too salty. read more

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Husband and wife duo are the best. Food is delicious and fresh. Place is clean and they are very polite.

Finally made it to Pretty Toni's. Have tried to visit a few but they were always closed on days/times their posted hours said they were open. Even called and was hung up on. Twice. Entering is confusing. They have 2 doors but no sign that specifically says which to use. Of course, the actual entrance is the furthest away. They do have a cute selfish wall upon entering. The place is really small. Seats about 20 people and a bar that seats maybe 5 or so. Looked like they had another side area that was for pickup orders but I didn't inspect or ask. The server (Gary) was nice and helped with all questions we had. We got red velvet waffle and catfish, sweet potato waffle and half chicken. Also got some mac n cheese and drinks..mango iced tea and a coconut lemonade. You got water and fresh hot cornbread while you waited. Food took a while but was clearly freshly made when it came out. Both waffles and drinks were really good. The chicken, catfish and mac were good too, but the proteins had a touch too much salt and the mac lacked that salt. The menu isnt vast but still has you wondering what to tey. Didn't have any alcohol but saw they only serve black owned spirit brands. They're located on a main road and have a few parking spaces around back. Note they add 20% gratuity to any size party. Music was a vibe the entire time. They never got crowded so we weren't rushed. Their business focus is more on catering than dine-in, but they do host an occasional RnBingo I've heard was a fun time. Might check that out and see about other food options. read more

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Such a nice home-y and quaint spot right in town. It definitely gives grandma's kitchen/cottage vibes. The service was great. Came in a Sunday afternoon. Walked in, greeted warmly and sat right away. It is a small spot don't go in expecting super fast service or anything. With that being said, the service wasn't slow either. It was normal in my opinion. The mimosas were great! Not heavy on the OJ exactly how it should be. The chicken and waffles. So good! Haven't tried anything else yet. But I plan to! read more

The food was really good here. The service was good as well. I can tell that the owner who was also the server was really overwhelmed so had a little 'tude . Overall I would come back again for the food. It is extremely small . Maybe four or five tables so I would call ahead . They don't do reservations and your entire party has to be there to be seated . read more

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Found this southern cafe but never knew its been there for years on Merrick Road just over the Queens boarderline. Small, charming with nice decor, nice music, food was exceptional and owners provided excellent service. They served cornbread squares, had catfish/steak dinner with sides of their collage greens, Mac & cheese and yams. They also serve breakfast. Delicious! Highly recommend you check it out... read more

First visit, and unfortunately will be the last. Ordered the whiting strips it was basically one piece of fish cut up Into pieces for $10. Then the peach cobbler was $7. Looking at them on display it looked pretty hefty so I said why not. Got the $7 peach cobbler (picture attached) and just laughed. I'm no fool, so I just want to warn anyone else wanting to try and support a black business, save your money and go somewhere else. Oh and let me not forget the $4 sweet potatoes fries that weren't even filled in the box it was literally a handful. I'm sorry, but now I know why they barely get business. Can't say much on customer service, nothing spectacular other than, the guy did bring it to the car. But I've worked in restaurant business for a few years and if I were him I would've been ashamed... welp that's it for that read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - $7 Peach Cobbler - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

Faster response, affordable prices and professional service , if you need a professional electrician certificate contacting jc Technical Solutions llc. read more

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Nice intimate spot, great friendly and attentive service. Food was on point and the complimentary cornbread was good. They had good drinks and supported black and brown spirits. I would recommend visiting read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - SOUL BOWL - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

Don't even bother paying the 4.99 fee for this food. Macaroni and cheese?! Yea order it if you just want macaroni with butter. Such a disappointment! read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - Mac no cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

Best Restaurant in Valley Stream. Great warm down home service Food is delicious. Ambience is a vibe

I LOVED it here. The staff/chef couldn't do enough to make us happy and get the food we wanted...without hovering. I was so relaxed in the quaint and charming ambience. A lot of love was put into this cafe. The food (and I'm from the south and am accustomed to soul food flavors) was perfectly seasoned and well presented. I especially appreciated the chicken soup with greens and original flavors that kept evolving and complimenting each other- like it was a well thought out family recipe. The chunks of chicken dissolved in my mouth. Unbelievable. And....The GRITS!!! *slurp* Thanks for a great meal guys! read more

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In the mood for SOUUUULLL food for brunch, I finally went to Pretty Toni ' s and I'm thoroughly satisfied with my dining experience. Tonita was our server and she was a sweetheart. Service was impeccable and personal. We came for Sunday brunch and started with the 2 for 1 Mimosas. Mimosas were Strong and well blended. 2 was enough to be Niiice. I ordered the fried whiting brunch platter. Fried whiting, grits, fried hash browns and scrambled eggs. Everything was perfect. Whiting fish was FRESH. Grits were perfect. Just like Amy Ruth ' s in Harlem. The music was smooth Jazz and the atmosphere was very rich in earth tones and decorated with music artists on the wall. It's a very small quaint Soul Food cafe. Tonita bakes and makes very lavish cakes for events and I believe you can have an event catered in the private room where the dining room is. I will definitely be back for dinner. read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - 2 for 1 Mimosas. Fried Whiting Brunch. Hash, grits n eggs - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

My most recent visit here was a year ago. The service here is awesome and the food is great. I just realized they are opened thru Covid. I will be ordering takeout from here. read more

Oh man.. Where do I start... well I ordered via uber eats. Excited to try this out as we wanted some fried chicken. My order was: lemon pepper wings, deep fried half chicken with fries and sweet potato fries, side of calamari and mac and cheese. As a foodie...i would not order again.. the only thing that was good was the wings but it tasted like pure seasoning the powdered seasoning the seasoning you can get at the store. No home cooked food here...nope! The mac and cheese...dont do it...just ..dont The deep fried half chicken was dry.. ugh .. Calamari ..soggy and just weird but not bad..i ate it..i was starving.. Chicken wings.. the reason why I was starving.. there were 4 pieces aka 2 wings chopped up... for 8.95 ... for 2 whole wings.. the only thing that had potential (even if it was chicken with sprinkled seasoning) I was hungry! Fries! Those are the winners lol fresh fries were a bit raw and hard tasted frozen type of fries...sweet potato fries.. No way to mess that up.. Thank goodness.. I started rating this place 3 stars but as I typed...it went down 1...only because I grew hungry... 2 whole wings.. sigh ..dont do it! read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - I ate 1 wing.. amazing powder lol..$8.95 ...for this...dont do it.. I'm eating all his fries I'm so hungry.. - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

Pretty Toni's Cafe was a complete DISAPPOINTMENT, I will NEVER go there again!! Prices big, portions small, food TERRIBLE. You would think Salomon and shrimp would be a safe bet. NO no no Salmon wasn't cooked, mac with no cheese and greens & shrimp no comment. The Snapper had no flavor. I should have known something was up a Friday night not one person walked in or out while we waited. The one star is for the pictures on the wall. read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

Everything was delicious to say the least!!! The blackberry tea was to die for, warm served cornbread and butter (real butter!!) and the fish were execellent The only reason why I didn't give 5 stars is because the potatoes could have been better. They were like pre frozen French fries and just didn't measure up to the rest of their food. read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - Blackberry tea - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

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I had Brunch here on a Sunday after a friend's positive recommendation. It's a small black-owned business, with minimal workers, but great food and service! We were able to secure a table of 2 before despite it being pretty packed. The place is very small, but gives you a homey/soulful feel. Cute decor and great jazz/r&b music. They're super friendly and accommodating, it's def a place where they try to build relationships. I ordered the fried whiting with eggs, home fries and grits ($12.99). It was delicious, fish perfect about of seasoning and lightly fried. The sides were perfect as well, the grits were well seasoned so I didn't have to drown them in sugar. The home fries were nice and crispy too. I also had a mimosa and had mango purée instead of the OJ. Yummmm. I can't wait to come back for brunch again! FYI: 18% gratuity is included on the weekends for every check (doesn't matter the party size). read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - Brunch Menu - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

Pretty Toni's is an amazing local soul food spot with an intimate flare. Really love to come here with my girl, friends or family. The owner, Toni, is really nice and down to earth. Don't let others experience discourage you, it's been a blast for me. This is going to be my 4th time coming here and I'm traveling from Brooklyn. Pretty Toni's has by support! read more

I love pretty Tony's, the restaurant is small but cozy. The entree is delicious, the service is excellent and so are the drinks. I go there at least three times a month for soul food. The only thing I would change is that the cornbread basket is to small. I am enjoying them rigger now read more

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Loved the food. Had a great time and the hospitality was on point. I had the fried catfish with Mac and cheese, and "soul slaw". It was delicious. I would recommend this spot to anyone trying to have a nice meal in a comfortable spot. read more

I've been wanting to dine at Pretty Toni's for years now and finally decided to stop on in. This has to be the tiniest, cutest restaurant I've ever seen! As soon as we opened the door, we were impressed by its elegance and decor....earthtone, neutral colors providing a very relaxing vibe. We were promptly seated and Gary was our server. He gave us more than enough time to review the menu (everything looked and smelled so good) and then we ordered. There are so many good choices on the menu if you're into soul food. I ended up choosing the Fried Whiting (Whiting is only available on the weekends) with Macaroni and Cheese and green beans with a glass of Moscato. My friend ordered the Fried Catfish with Macaroni and Cheese and the vegetarian collard greens. Afterwards I was full but I realized I enjoyed the service and the ambience more than my meal. Don't get me wrong, the food was good but just not the best soul food I've had. My whiting looked more like chicken fingers and could have used a little more seasoning. I get bigger, better fish pieces at a local fish n chips spot. The macaroni was good and the green beans were just plain. My friends catfish was pretty good and so were the collards to not have any meat flavoring in them. I wish I would have ordered another meat but I'm willing to give Pretty Toni's another try so I'll take the loss for now. Sounds weird but if you go to the bathroom, you'll find out the whole story behind the restaurant. They have articles posted on the walls about the restaurant, owners, and accomplishments. Came to find out that Gary, our server is the General Manager and his wife is the chef, Pretty Toni. Overall it's a nice place and worth checking out. read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - Fried Whiting, Mac n Chz, Green beans - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

Since I've relocated to NYC it's been difficult finding good soul food....until I stepped into Pretty Toni's. This little mom and pop restaurant is truly a gem. The minute you walk in, you can tell that this restaurant is filled with pride and love. From the elegant decor to the smooth jazz playing, everything was perfect. The only reason I didn't give the restaurant 5 stars is because of the small portions in the salmon cakes dish (brunch menu), however, this won't be enough to sway me from returning! Recommendations: Try the chicken and waffle! My chicken was perfectly seasoned and the waffle was homemade. read more

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My first and my last, I ordered their family meal 10 piece whiting and 4 sides. ok so we're three adults right. I get home open the fish looked dry, didn't look like fresh fish (it was frozen whitings out of a bag) the fish wasn't just fried, it's been sitting. The 4 side collard greens, Mac & cheese, candied yams (can sweet potatoe) and 6 plantains (which also from a frozen box) and the three sides were in pint size container. thats wasn't even enough for three adults. read more

I really enjoy the vibe of the restaurant and the service is great - they are very attentive and want to ensure to make you happy with your meal. The BBQ shrimp was good - the salmon cakes were just ok. I really enjoyed the smothered chicken. Loved the batter and the gravy was pretty good too. The people I dined with were fine with their meals - and they ordered the strip steak, fried whiting, and the salmon without the orange glaze. I definitely recommend the smothered chicken. While the food wasn't AMAZING, I'm giving them four stars because it was good food and the service was some of the best you'll get in New York. read more

This cozy restaurant always leaves the best impressions! Everytime I go here I always feel at home. Hospitable hosts, delicious dishes, and consistent beautiful presentations. I recommend this lovely place to everyone especially my favorite dish chicken and red velvet waffle. read more

I was hesitant to write this review, but after visiting here a few times I feel as though I have an accurate perspective of the establishment. I showed up for takeout, and the man seemed slightly annoyed that I was there. My perspective is shaped solely by the way he spoke his words, as the words themselves were not a problem. I asked for a waffle and he responded sarcastically, "just a waffle"as if a waffle is the weirdest item to order. Mind you, I came on "waffle Saturday." Honestly, writing this review I found myself wondering why I was patronizing this business and left. I've been previously and the waffle was good, but I found everything else to lack seasoning. I suppose in order to be treated nicely you have to come in groups. read more

I went for brunch yesterday with a couple Of my friends and it was great !!! I really Enjoyed the atmosphere as well As the service And the drinks !!! They have happy hour and the drinks are all $5 the brunch menu and the food is to die for !! I mean I've been there before And each time they never disappoint me !! The atmosphere is so intimate and grown and sexy ! The only Thing I don't like is that it's not open every day read more

I went over the weekend with a couple of friends and the host was so friendly and welcoming. I ordered the red velvet waffles with chicken and when the food came I immediately noticed that the waffle was just regular pancake/waffle mix with RED FOOD COLORING!!! As a cake business owner I was completely disappointed because I was misled...like a wolf in sheeps' clothing!!! Smh On the other hand the chicken was delicious; nice and crispy. read more

The food looks really good but it tasted alright. I thought I was going to be drooling after the first bite, but the chicken was dry and the waffles were a little chewy (too soft). The thing I love the most is the vibes you get the minute you walk in. Old school songs like Janet Jackson, Prince, Diana Ross etc. even the drinks are named after them which is pretty cool. Also, great customer service! read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York

just had the Whiting PoBoy (sold out the turkey burger) and my life has forever been changed!!!! Going back again next week! And the homemade banana pudding!?!?!?! (even louder) GOING BACK NEXT WEEK!!!! Thank you Pretty Toni's Cafe! read more

For the fact that I ordered 2 burgers and side order of whiting, a $60 order was terrible. I asked for grilled onions, and got raw, whiting were cut up like they were nuggets. I am guessing, because my order was a doordash order, yall felt that it was a money in the bag scenario. Sorry to say, the food sucked, I probably help pay for all the styrofoam plates, which by the way, is outlawed in NY, and most of all I WILL NEVER PATRONIZE THIS PLACE EVER AGAIN. PRETTY TONI'S SHOULD BE NAMED PRETTY SUCKY. read more

Pretty Toni's...what a hidden little gem you are! I was on a mission to find a local soul food restaurant where I could sit down, relax, and enjoy a good meal. When I walked in, I was completely surprised with how adorable this restaurant is. Pretty Toni's decor gives you that feel as though you are home, with the earth tones and the relaxing, soothing music in the background. Gary who served us, was VERY attentive and made sure we were happy with our meal. Not only was Gary our server, but he also owns Pretty Toni's along with his wife, Toni. Yes Yelpers this is a family owned business! They have been featured in various articles including the NY Times on how amazing their restaurant is! I had the red velvet waffles with fried chicken and it was extremely good. I also had a Mango Lemonade which was also very tasty. I am excited to return to Pretty Toni's to try their brunch menu. If you're craving southern food, go to Pretty Toni's whether you are alone or with family and friends. You won't regeret it. read more

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I was excited to come here and support a black owned business, but the service was horrible. My coworkers brought my friend and I here to celebrate our birthdays. Her chicken was not properly cooked. The owner said I apologize you can have anything else you want. When she asked for ribs, he said " oh no ribs is not the same price as chicken!" Ha talk about customer service. You served raw chicken. On top of that we were or allowed to cut the cakes that we brought from outside. Being that it was everyone's first time there, I thought he would exempt us... Nope. We asked the owner and explained we didn't know the rules. He said if we would like to cut the cakes that we bought with our money from a bakery, we would have to pay $3.50 for each plate we used from the restaurant. We paid our bill without tip and left with our cakes unsliced. I would never go again. read more

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On a recent Sunday, my family and I went to this establishment; arrived before 3:30. I had a party of 7, I checked the website and was aware of the size, therefore I went in alone to see if there was space for my group. I saw the owner (I knew from pix) and informed him that there was 7 in my party and inquired if there was space to accommodate us. He brusquely said brunch is over, I said fine, we can do dinner. He said okay give me 5 minutes. I went outside got my party (which took at least 3 minutes) and we were going to wait in line the waiting area. My mother was first and the rest of the party followed. As my mother opened the door, the owner, very rudely said "I said 5 minutes"! He was extremely discourteous, and unwelcoming. Therefore we made a decision to not patronize this black owned establishment. When he came to the compact waiting area to retrieve us, I very calmly explained that we were no longer interested in eating there due to his rudeness. He preceded to say, "no one is going to tell me how to run my business". He was in no way receptive to anything we had to say about the negative treatment of potential customers. Instead of being apologetic and welcoming, he was just the opposite. Needless to say, we spent our money elsewhere. If I could give this a minus 10, it still would not be a true reflection of the condescending and discourteous attitude of the owner. read more

I am definitely a fan of this place. Stopped by a few days ago for the first time and ready to come back for more! I hate that this place is just so dang far from my house, but I would travel all the way out here for some food. I really would. I ordered the fried chicken and red velvet waffles, and believe me when I say THERE WERE NO SCRAPS. None. Crumbs didn't stand a chance in my plastic take home container. No, they didn't. They gave me half of a chicken and what surprised me was that once I got into the chicken breast, it wasn't ONE BIT DRY, and it was fried! And I usually don't like chicken breast, but I would eat it from this place! Prices are a little on the expensive side, but it's so worth it. Next time, I want to sit down and enjoy the wonderful food at this place. You will not be disappointed. read more

Pretty Toni or whoever the server was has a stink ass attitude. The server gave my group an extremely untraditional (rude) welcome. Food was OK at best. I love to support Black-owed business' but you my friend get one single solitary star. read more

I was Highly Disappointed ... First The initial shock of the price , $49.00 for 2 orders and a dessert ... I had the fish ( whiting ) with mac and cheese and collards .. My son had the fried chicken , same sides ... The collards were god awful , if I can expalin the taste , It tasted like the dirt the collards were picked from , the chicken was hard and dry ... The portions are huge , too bad the food wasnt good ... Wasted money , ended up making something else to eat once I got Home .... read more

The first time I came here I was pleased enough to return. I won't say that I ever really ENJOYED the food, but it wasn't bad. The times to follow that I've patronized this place weren't my choice. My friends liked it a lot more than me. The food lacked seasoning. Quality vs pricing is a miss. There's much better food just a few minutes down on Merrick Blvd. The service here is pretty good as far as politeness goes however a bit slow. There is usually 1-2 people on the wait staff. It is a small place but they still need more help. The decor gives you an at home feel. I just wish the food lived up some more. read more

Pretty Toni's Cafe - Shrimp & lobster with grits. BLAND - Soul Food Near Me - Valley Stream, New York