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    Soul Food Joint

    4.6 (71 reviews)

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    SOUL FOOD JOINT ATMOSPHERE

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    Outdoor seating

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    Fried chicken- Mac n cheese- collard greens- corn bread
    Latoya J.

    The fried chicken was so damn good. I love love love wings n these were fresh- piping hot! The seasoning was delicious. The Mac and cheese was good. The noodles on top was a lil hard and the greens needed a Lil vinegar- but it was good. I'd go back when in town. Please try them. They are some of the nicest people. My sis got the fish and said it was really good. The rib plate was my hubby's. Ribs fell off the bone. He also got deviled eggs and he really liked those.

    Our meal..
    Deidra H.

    Customer Service: We arrived in the restaurant on 07/01/2021 approximately 5:38 the restaurant was empty we asked when it would be closing and if we could dine in. The individual stated they closed at 7:00pm and hesitate to provide a straight answer as to weather or not we could dine in. I stated we did not live in local area and if we could not dine in we would select a different restaurant. At that time he said we could dine in. I understand you cook some of your meats to order which takes time. Therefore, I would suggest you establish a standard time you will stop taking customers prior to closing. Food Quality: We decided to dine at this restaurant because the food on YELP was receiving a solid 5 star rating. However during our dining experience we did not receive the 5 star quality food. Chicken: The chicken was cooked fresh but was not done. Consider using a thermometer to check internal temperature. Macaroni and cheese: The top layer of noodles were brown and hard. Consider placing a layer of cheese on the top of the noodles so they are soft and eatable. Corn: Please consider adjusting your recipe on the sweet corn. Cinnamon is not a staple in fresh corn. However, if it's your signature ingredient consider adjusting the amount of cinnamon used. Please consider a different cornbread recipe. I have never seen cornbread so thin in my humble opinion great corn bread is made in a cast iron skillet with some depth. Once again cinnamon is not a staple in most cornbread recipe however as stated if this is your signature adjust the amount being used because it dominates the flavor profile. The cabbage was freshly cooked however could use some flavor (seasoning). The baby back ribs were tender.

    Ribs & fish & yams
    Donny P.

    My girl & I came for lunch and are both blown away!! We both got platters, she the fish & I the ribs! Simply incredible & delicious! For sides, we both ordered the fried deviled eggs, and she potato salad & I candied yams that melt in your mouth! Everything is wonderful, including the story of how the restaurant came about (from Grandmother, to Mom, to Son Shaun) & very kind staff! We WILL return soon! Definitely HAVE to come try this charming place! Btw, we ate on the patio. Thank you! Donny & Kristin

    Fried fish with Mac and cheese and deviled eggs.
    Jimmy S.

    The soul food selection is pretty limited in the Charlottesville area but this place nails it. There is indoor and shaded outdoor seating to choose from. The portions are great and the flavor is on point. #eatlocal

    Soul food platters!!
    Jannatul P.

    Explored Soul Food with a few friends to commemorate Juneteenth - we got two soul food platters which came with a protein, two sides, and cornbread. I got the fried chicken platter which came with three pieces of chicken - the meat was super flavorful, not oily at all, and so TENDER! Truly really really good The mashed potatoes and gravy were a special they were offering with the fried chicken and they were also really good and not too salty which is a huge plus for me!! The sweet cornbread had a good texture and wasn't too dense - perfect combo with the fried chicken~ The deviled eggs were absolutely DELICIOUS - the filling was very creamy and tasty. There was a bit of spice to it which was a delectable surprise. The service was really fast - they used to only serve through a take out window, but now they have a full on restaurant space which is awesome! Looking forward to trying more food at this establishment and it was nice to support a Black owned local business in Charlottesville.

    Inside
    Annalisa M.

    A hole-in-the-wall with mega flavor This shop off Main Street is the perfect spot - we ordered two combos with fried fish and baby back ribs with deviled eggs, Mac and cheese, and potato salad. Everything was seasoned right and tasted delicious. The ribs were so tender, they fell right off the bone. That's when you know you have savoury, juicy meat. The fish was generous, and came with three-four tenders, and was crispy. Deviled eggs came in three seasoned with paprika. Combo comes with corn bread, a drink, and two sides. We got ginger ale and iced tea. Easy to miss this spot, but not a place you want to miss! The interior is beautiful, culturally-rich, and has plenty of space for indoor seating.

    Yams, ribs, corn bread

    This place was really good! They have a different flare to cornbread and yams but I loved it! The collard greens are on point. My husband had Mac and cheese and chicken. The chicken was fresh and fried to perfection. It's a very laid-back atmosphere. The cook ( I think the owner) was very friendly and hospitable. We def will visit again. Sorry, don't have pics of the chicken we forgot to snap.

    Sweet corn, Mac and cheese, ribs
    Krista R.

    I was so excited to try this place. I heard so many good things but was sadly disappointed. I came here one evening for dinner and I got the ribs with Mac and cheese, corn and corn bread. The ribs were good, fall off the bone food. The corn seemed like it had been sitting on the stover for hours. The corn bread was semi stale and dried out, the Mac and cheese also looked like it had been sitting out on a warmer for hours and some of the pasta was dried out. This place is like a hole in the wall. Almost couldn't find the registered. Because it's hiding in a corner behind soda fridges.

    Fried chicken, deviled eggs, mac & tuna salad, sweet corn bread.
    T W.

    The Soul Food Joint was the perfect lunch spot on a Sunday afternoon. Walking up to the screened door and smelling all that goodness made me feel like I was @ Big Mama's house. The chicken was crispy and juicy and the sides were outstanding. The chef and her assistant were awesome too. I loved the decor with the old school posters of Grits-n-Gravy, Gladis Knight and the Fabulous Pips, Etc. Definitely a must stop and I will be back!

    Soul Food Platter Sweet Corn Sweet Corn Bread
    Kat N.

    This place had some of the most well seasoned juicy fried chicken. The chef was incredibly sweet and accommodating. Chicken was very crispy, I enjoyed their unsweetened tea, corn, and cornbread. The hot sauce was a perfect touch to the chicken.

    Soul Food Platter $22  Baby back ribs with a side on baked mac and cheese and Candied Yams, collard greens

    The food was delicious! The collard greens were a little too salty, but other then that it was good! Their prices have gone up now but for the portion sizes I'm not mad about it!

    Baby back ribs sandwich, cornbread, fried deviled eggs, and macaroni and tuna salad
    Joe J.

    This place is awesome. It has the homiest feel inside the location which matches the home cooked meal environment. The ribs just fell off the bone and right onto the bun to make the sandwich, and it tastes incredible. Definitely recommend the baby back ribs and the fried deviled eggs. I will be coming back again.

    Chicken sand
    Holly D.

    Oh my gooooooodness!! I don't even know what to say. We had the chicken and deviled eggs. Just go.

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    3 years ago

    Food was great, the service was awesome very engaging and friendly. Overall great experience.

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    2 years ago

    Excellent food, excellent bbq sauce, friendly staff. We ordered ribs, collard greens, mac&cheese for the family. The kids loved it.

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    3 years ago

    Tried to order over the phone for pick up and every time someone would pick up and hang up.

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    Ask the Community - Soul Food Joint

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    Mama J's Kitchen

    Mama J's Kitchen

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    OMG !!!! If you want the cool trendy downtown RVA experience, with excellent food and service…read morepleeeeeeease go to Mama J's Kitchen. We were first greeted by the most personable, young man that truly made us feel welcome. That's there motto "Welcome Home" His name is EJ. You will know it's him. This restaurant is a cute neighborhood landmark. It's a little small but not tight or uncomfortable with a full bar for additional seating. Because it has that old school I know this food is going to be FIRE, it's Perfect. Soooooo, the music certainly fits this cool old school vibe. The menu was under a very clean glass table topper to view and order. Very big Plus, Sanitary !!!!! I ordered the Fried Chicken (2pcs white), corn muffin comes with the meal, candied yams and cabbage. My plate was BEAUTIFUL, pictures will confirm. The chicken was golden brown, crispy on outside, flavorful and moist on the inside. YES, like my mom's use to be. The yams were perfectly sweet and the caaaabage was delicious. Go early to avoid the crowds, because everyone wants this good food and hospitality. Ooooh Lord, I forgot our extremely attentive server Dana. He checked in while being super busy with other customers, making sure the glasses were refilled in a timely manner. He also offered to go drinks, and very nice to go containers. This review is long because it's accurate and I need to share my experience. Last but not least, the owner came by and asked how was everything with her warm, down home hospitality. She also ask that we visit next door, Mama J's Market, so we did. It was sooo cool. I felt like I was in Greenwich Village NYC. If the restaurant is too busy for you, there in the market you can order from the kiosk and a staff member will bring it to you. There are refrigerated food and meal options to grab and go. Snacks, drinks, a little fresh produce, household and personal items. The Perfect Neighborhood Market. If you want the Old Historic Jackson Ward feeling of community, come to Mama J's Kitchen and Market. Thank you !!!!!!!

    Went here with my family and I will say the food is good. We both had the catfish and were a little…read moreunderwhelmed to be honest. It wasn't as seasoned as I expected it to be for a soul food restaurant. The Mac and cheese was about a 6 and the greens weren't very flavorful so we have them a 5. The candied yams were really good. Very tender and not too sweet. Our server wasn't the most personable, but he got the job done. The music was great! Parking was easy on a Sunday evening. I do recommend this place, but just be prepared to use the tartar sauce for your fish if you want a little razzle dazzle.

    Photos
    Seating
    Seating
    Pork Chops, Cabbage
    Pork Chops, Cabbage
    Exterior

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    Exterior

    Soul Food Joint - soulfood - Updated June 2026

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