My son picked this place. The place is very small, maybe four tables. It's really a one man operation with some help to clear tables. Each meal is cooked by Shaun who is especially nice, friendly, and puts love into each dish he prepares. You can tell. Just take a breath when you walk in and take it in. Service is good, but like I said - its a one man operation so just be patience. The Fried Chicken and Devil Eggs are EXCELLENT. We would go back. Keep up the good job Shaun. Nicely done. read more

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Came here to grab a bite with friends. The inside is very casual. The food was good and the portions were great for the price. I tried the Babyback Ribs and Fried Chicken Soul Sandwiches. The Babyback Ribs were really good. The ribs are taken off the bone for the soul sandwich and plated on slices of potato rolls. The Fried Chicken was good but not the best I've had in Charlottesville. I would have liked the outside to be crispier. The cornbread that comes with the order was also good. It was not traditional cornbread-- it tasted like carrot cake corn bread. The Mac and Cheese was a little too overcooked for my liking. However, for the meat sandwich and two sides were a large portion and cost 12 dollars which was awesome. Overall, Soul Food Joint is a charming locally owned soul food place downtown. It wasn't the best fried chicken or barbecue that I've had in Charlottesville, however the food was good and the portions were great for the price. read more

Soul Food Joint - Babyback Ribs Soul Sandwich with Mac & Cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I ordered the fried chicken Mac and cheese and the corn. The chicken was the best I've ever had. The seasoning in the Mac and cheese and corn were seasoned like nothing I've had before. The food was perfect and I'll definitely be going back!! read more

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. read more

Soul Food Joint - Fried chicken- Mac n cheese- collard greens- corn bread - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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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. read more

Soul Food Joint - Our meal.. - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Can really rate 8t this place is never open. I LITERALLY went by there 18 times, different days, and different times. We want to support it but you need to be open‍ read more

Soul Food Joint is a one man show!!! 5 :Stars!!! On the food. I'll be back to try the deviled eggs. The collards- I just need a lil hot sauce- but I'm traveling oh well. Mac&Cheese - good. The couple at the table had the fish & I want to come back to try the potato salad. The one man show I didn't get his name but you can't miss his beautiful smile and the service he provided. Thank you! About time Charlottesville gets a soul food spot!! Open up until 2am!! read more

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 read more

Soul Food Joint - Ribs & fish & yams - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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 read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Soul Food Joint - Yams, ribs, corn bread - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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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. read more

Soul Food Joint - Sweet corn, Mac and cheese, ribs - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

When in Charlottesville, eat soul food! I came here specifically for the fried chicken and it mostly delivered. When I got there, I was able to order right away. However, I think there was only 1 person there who did it all (took orders, cooked, cleaned, etc) so it took awhile (~20 min) before I got my food. I got the 4 piece fried chicken which came with corn bread. The seasoning and fry of the fried chicken was out of this world. It was probably the best southern fried chicken flavor I've had. Unfortunately, the chicken could have been a little juicier because it was a little dry. Perhaps if they brined it, then it would be the perfect southern fried chicken. The corn bread was not good at all (or maybe it's not the traditional corn bread I get so I wasn't really into it). Anyways, I saw some other people order the fried fish and that also looked good. I would come back and try that and also get the fried chicken again (maybe just dark meat). read more

This place is good, no doubt. But after seeing the 5-star reviews and being excited to try it, it was a let down. The chicken was great, but the cornbread and mac and cheese were not. It's certainly not traditional cornbread since it tastes nothing like cornbread, but that's not my main issue; it was lacking a full body flavor and the texture wasn't great. It mainly tasted like somebody dumped a lot of fall spices into the batter with no rhyme or reason. The Mac and cheese also wasn't that flavorful; it could've been saltier and they could use a stronger/more pungent cheese. The price for the full chicken plate ($16) is also too high. I will certainly go back to try it again and see if I misjudged it, but right now I think Mel's Cafe offers up better fried chicken and cornbread and at cheaper prices. read more

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! read more

Soul Food Joint - Fried chicken, deviled eggs, mac & tuna salad, sweet corn bread. - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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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. read more

Soul Food Joint - Soul Food Platter Sweet Corn Sweet Corn Bread - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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! read more

Soul Food Joint - Soul Food Platter $22 Baby back ribs with a side on baked mac and cheese and Candied Yams, collard greens - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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. read more

Soul Food Joint - Baby back ribs sandwich, cornbread, fried deviled eggs, and macaroni and tuna salad - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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

Soul Food Joint - Chicken sand - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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

Our family of five came for dinner on a gorgeous Friday night and ate outside on their charming patio. This place is great value with huge platters. My favorite was the fried fish (truly the best southern fried fish I've had here in c'ville) and hubby enjoyed his fried chicken. They had run out of cornbread (bummer) but they let us sub in some extra sides- so we ended up sampling most of the sides - which tasted fresh and surprisingly light. Nothing felt too greasy or fatty. Next time I'd probably just get the regular deviled eggs as the deep fried ones were just ok (and more expensive). Fun concept but regular deviled eggs are better! read more

I have been trying to catch this place open but always seem to miss them. But today I was able to try what a lot of people on Facebook have been talking about. Baby, when I tell you they do not disappoint, they don't. I got the chicken salad, mac n cheese, yams, and potato salad. Let's start with the potato salad; the best I have had HANDS DOWN! The yams were perfectly sweet and the Mac and cheese is definitely what you remember your grandma making. Nothing but positive praise for this place. I will definitely be trying the fried chicken next! read more

Soul Food Joint - Yams - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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My second time trying this soul food restaurant on the downtown mall. First visit passed my fried chicken test so I came back today for the ribs. And they didn't disappoint. Great flavor and fall off the bone tender. This place is legit as a southern soul food they over achieved on the corn bread. Food always fresh and service is right on time. read more

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The food was delicious and the atmosphere was nice! I ordered the fried chicken platter and would definitely order it again the next time that I visit. There's pictures of different souls singers on the walls and the music that was playing was really nice. The owner was very friendly and made the food himself. The portions are really good for the price too. read more

Soul Food Joint - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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Food was awesome. Best fried chicken I've had. Service was friendly and brought food out quickly. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone. read more

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

The fried chicken (especially with the BBQ sauce) was amazing. The collard greens exceptional (my young daughter told me twice how much she liked them). The music and ambiance was great. And the restaurant owner went out of his way to provide hospitality and make us feel welcome! We will be return diners! read more

Cute restaurant with some really good fried chicken. Wasn't the biggest fan of their corn bread or potato salad. Great location because it's right next to downtown mall. Would go back just for the fried chicken. read more

Soul Food Joint - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

This place was fantastic. Food was unbelievable and for only one person working, it was better service than I've had at fancy restaurants with 20 people working. 10/10 would recommend!!! read more

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

So good!!! The atmosphere, the selection, the food. I love this place (and I'm a vegetarian!). Some of the best Mac n cheese I've had in a long time read more

Wow! Excellent food and service! Our new favorite place. We're always looking for these non-chain places run by wonderful people and this is the real deal. We had fried chicken and pulled pork and it was delicious. The sides were great too. The people running the place we're a pleasure and so accommodating. Will definitely be back! read more

I have toured all the southern restaurants in Charlottesville and the Joint is by far the best! Not one dish missed, all bangers. Had a blast read more

Really good! They give you a lot of food for the price. Honestly this is hands down the best soul food in cville has, we need more black owned restaurants!! read more

Soul Food Joint - Fried chicken platter w/ Mac & cheese, yams & cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

This restaurant is beyond amazing! My wife and I came for a long weekend and this was by far the best meal we had. The owner went above and beyond the call of normal customer service and made us feel at home. We have the pulled pork with corn bread, Mac n' cheese, and Cole slaw. Everything was perfectly done and extremely flavorful. Make a stop by the Soul Food Joint and you won't regret it read more

Sitting outside as I write this. I live for corn bread and Cole slaw and I have to say, this was the best coleslaw I have ever had! Absolutely delicious! The cornbread has a perfect hint of nutmeg in it, delicious. We also are currently eating fried chicken and Mac n cheese. Perfect lunch spot. I would highly recommend. Plus, the staff could not be more friendly!! I am so happy we popped in. read more

The food was amazing, and the place was clean! I loved the fried chicken and potato salad, we couldn't even wait to get to our hotel room to eat! We sat in the car and smashed! My mouth is watering now as I reminisce LOL read more

Soul Food Joint should be your "go to" place for Southern comfort food. Ribs, chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread - it's all good, and the experience is very much like a home-cooked meal. The chicken was juicy, the ribs were fall off the bone, and the service was excellent. Shaun and his team are super friendly and genuinely care that you have a great experience. read more

Eat here all the time. Collards & deviled eggs are ordered upon every visit, then I try new stuff. Pulled chicken sando w cole slaw. Their fried chick sandwich too w cole slaw. Always so good. Cant wait for the new kitchen! read more