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    South

    4.2 (840 reviews)
    Closed 4:30 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    South Photos

    SOUTH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - South

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    Reviews With Photos

    Martinis
    Lori T.

    Wow what a great place! Gorgeous decor, fabulous true, down South food and flavors! Gumbo made right with file' and okra, sweet corny, cornbread served hot in a cast iron skillet, smoked turkey collards, roasted salmon--everything was perfectly executed & delicious. Add the sweet sounds of Jazz and this was a night to remember and repeat! Headliner Andrea Lisa sings enchantingly plus plays like should could be a rock star too! Piano, sax, drums, and based all played with heart and soul in every song--you felt like you were on a journey with them as they jammed out. Spectacular evening!

    Clams
    Lynette H.

    My girlfriend and I stopped by SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club for dinner before heading to see Jill Scott at The Met. While the food was fantastic, our seating experience wasn't quite what we expected. The restaurant is visually stunning. The dining room is beautifully decked out with plants and nature-inspired decor that creates a gorgeous, relaxing ambiance. It was also incredibly refreshing and fun to be served by an all-Black staff. Everyone was welcoming, extremely helpful, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Everything we ate was delicious. We specifically booked the Chef's Table hoping for a typical interactive experience where you can engage with the chef and try new things. Unfortunately, it's just a counter facing a wall. You can basically only see the tops of the chefs' heads and can't actually watch them cook or interact with them at all. We didn't get the experience we wanted. The live jazz is in a separate room in the back, and you must have a ticket to enter since they have artists and shows running around the clock. Keep in mind that you can't really hear the jazz music if you are seated in the main dining room. Come for the beautiful atmosphere, the excellent service, and the amazing Southern food, but save yourself the disappointment and just book a regular table or a ticket to the jazz experience. #Enjoygoodpeople

    Jamie D.

    Just wow! Took my bestfriend to Philly for the weekend and he is a soul food person so wanted to try. Really appreciated the fast service, really welcoming staff, ambiance wasn't overly fancy but very elegant. I love that the decor embodied black history. Food was excellent. The only thing I wish was the added shrimp to the deviled eggs had seasoning but did not stop me from giving this place a 10/10. When in Philly, go to South!!

    Crab cakes
    Teyah S.

    I was in town visiting my good friend and she made reservations for dinner and jazz on Saturday evening. What a beautiful experience from beginning to end! The service. The food. The jazz. All amazing! I'll just let the pics do the talking but when I'm in Philly again I'll definitely be back!

    SOUTH-ern Fried Chicken TG
    Shaleah T.

    From the moment I stepped onto the sidewalk at South Jazz Kitchen, I knew I was somewhere sacred. The greeting at the door was prompt, warm, and intentional. The kind of welcome that reminds you hospitality is still an art. The ambiance is chic, upscale, and intentional without ever feeling stiff. It is not too loud, allowing laughter and conversations to breathe naturally. They thoughtfully left space for guests without reservations, which shows they value people, not just bookings. Everyone was dressed beautifully, and the staff matched that same elevated professionalism. Clean. Polished. Intentional. Our server, Ashley, was exceptional. Knowledgeable. Present. Confident. She didn't just take orders. She guided an experience. The space is wheelchair accessible, and the outdoor courtyard is stunning. Photo worthy. Elegant. It instantly transported me to New Orleans. The aesthetic, the warmth, the spirit. It felt like Mama nem's table on a Sunday after church. Cousins laughing. Plates heavy. Love flowing. Culture present in every detail. Even the private event space is breathtaking. Weddings. Baby showers. Political donor events. Receptions. Community celebrations. I saw vision the moment I looked inside. And now... let's talk about the food. I had the smoked jerk turkey wings, slow cooked to perfection and served with Creole beans and rice and collard greens with smoked turkey. Let me be clear. This was not just food. This was memory. The seasoning was deep, layered, and soulful. The meat was tender, falling off the bone with ease. I fought the urge to bite the bones themselves just to stay in that moment a little longer. The mac and cheese deserves its own standing ovation. Made with a blend of four cheeses and baked into a rich, creamy cheese joy with perfection, it was rich, indulgent, and comforting in every bite. This is not a side. This is an experience. The freshly baked skillet cornbread, served with Steen's cane syrup and honey butter, was warm, soft, and balanced between sweet and savory. It was the kind of cornbread you slow down for. The kind you remember. My Nina mocktail was refreshing, sweet, and layered. Every sip revealed something new. A drink meant to be savored, not rushed. My husband ordered the buttermilk fried chicken, drizzled with hot honey and served alongside collards with smoked turkey and sweet potato gratin. I stole a wing, of course. Moist. Flavorful. Perfectly crisp. The kind of bite that makes you close your eyes and say "mmmm" without realizing it. This is not just a restaurant. It is culture. It is comfort. It is community. Meeting the general manager felt like reconnecting with family you didn't know you missed. From the first hello at the door to the final goodbye, I felt seen, welcomed, and valued. Even the bathrooms and hallways are selfie worthy. Every detail is intentional. This is where you bring your spouse. Your girls. Your sorors. Your frat brothers. Your business partners. Your family. Your whole community. We drove six hours to experience South Jazz Kitchen, and I would do it again next week without hesitation. I am sending everyone I know. And when they say "Shaleah sent me"... just know that's me, y'all. That's me. Yelp Elites, RUN. Amazing food. Amazing culture. Amazing establishment.

    SOUTH-ern Fried Chicken TG

    Everything was amazing!!! The service was great, our server took her time to accommodate. The food was well seasoned and very delicious. The drinks were flavorful! I had their special and I'm think of returning again really soon. The environment was just so amazing with the improvised jazz music going on in the next room. And a special shoutout for the chef taking the time out of his nonstop cooking and attention to detail of playing to ask us how the food was!!

    Band
    Amber K.

    I had the most amazing time at south. We made reservations for the room with the live music and it was 30 per person but I do believe that fluctuates depending on who's playing. The band was fantastic and I really loved the Christmas vibes for the holidays. If you come I would definitely say make reservations for this because it elevated my experience so much. The food was absolutely amazing. We ordered the corn bread skillet to share with 4 people and it was the best corn bread I've ever had. It was perfectly moist and sweet. The fried chicken was also delicious and crispy. It came with collard greens and sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes were perfectly seasoned and I liked the crumble on top. The biscuit was also good, I'm just not a huge fan of biscuit. We also ordered the catfish which was also fantastic. The crust was crispy and I thought it was a tiny bit salty but otherwise wonderfully seasoned. The shrimp and rice was also deliciously paired with it. Lastly we ended with the pineapple bread pudding and crème brûlée which was good but nothing special. Overall super pleased with all of the food and will definitely be returning to try everything on the menu!

    Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread TG
    Jazzy J.

    What can I say? The reviews did not lie one bit. When I go out for dinner, this is the type of service I expect. From the all walk-in I was warmly greeted by gentleman in a fly suit, who assisted me with the hostess. Then we were lead to our seats where we ate at the Chefs counter and watching them work was nothing short of amazing. The speed and detail to which they plated was a sight to see. The main chef was in his zone hunny! Didn't break a move or sweat and moved with liquidity. We ordered our drinks; Southern Nobility and the Hibiscus margarita then of course the cornbread which tasted like a cloud. The ambiance was inviting and chill that we didn't even realize our food didn't come until the manager came to apologize for the delay. He then sent an additional appetizer to our table for the inconvenience (deviled eggs) which were delish! Now to the food: I don't eat pork or red meat so the fact that the everything had turkey e.g the collard greens, the jambalaya, was a solidified A++++ in my book. The jambalaya reminded me of when my grandmother used to make her red rice (which I will call her to get the recipe for) so it was welcoming feeling of nostalgia. The Jumbo lump crab cakes were LUMPING okay?! The collard pesto rice delish as I have never had collard pesto before. The Oysters: outstanding. The Mac n cheese, come on now! Now dessert is normally skipped but since this was southern hospitality I had to try that pineapple bread pudding! It was like a symphony in my mouth my. The ice cream was velvety smooth and not sweet. Everything was just grand. I had a good time here, the service, the food, the ambiance, the vibe and you can still hear the jazz show. This is a 10/10 for me that I will always recommend. If it's on your list, GO! You will not be disappointed. Oh and dress the part, I didn't see anyone get turned away BUT everyone so far adhered to the dress code.

    Turkey wings delicious
    Aleea P.

    This place was nice the food was delicious!!!! The jazz show was very nice everything started on time. I ordered turkey wings salad Mac n collards and corn bread. I live in New York I would come back here for the food

    Kari H.

    Dined at South for Valentine's Day and everything was absolutely phenomenal. Street parking was plentiful outside. The restaurant and jazz bar are connected, but the jazz area is through the restaurant and in a separate space. The jazz bar was cozy and musicians were phenomenal. There was even a proposal this evening. All of the food was delightful and seasoned well - but standouts were the skillet cornbread, Mac and cheese, and catfish. I've been wanting to come check this place out for a while and it did not disappoint. It's a great spot for date night.

    CLASSIC MAC & CHEESE Delicious blend of four cheeses, sweet cream custard
    Angela M.

    My husband and I were in town for one of his fraternity events and were lucky enough to enjoy a date night with one of our favorite couples. My husband, originally from Philadelphia, had heard great things about South and wanted to check it out. Our visit was a bit last-minute and we didn't have a reservation, but the front-of-house staff was incredibly accommodating, and we were seated without much of a wait. The place is cute - not super fancy but also not too casual. For my entrée, I ordered the Sweet & Spicy Crispy Duck Breast with peach demi-glace, haricot verts, and brown sugar mashed sweet potatoes. The duck breast was excellent--perfectly cooked medium with great flavor. The mashed sweet potatoes were good, though not quite as sweet or flavorful as I expected, so I didn't eat much of them. My husband ordered the Low Country Catfish & Gulf Shrimp with cornmeal-fried catfish, sautéed shrimp, broccolini, collard pesto rice, and tomato-okra sauce. He absolutely raved about every bite and thoroughly enjoyed the dish. However, the true stars of the meal were the sides. The Freshly Baked Skillet Cornbread with Steen's cane syrup and honey butter and the Classic Mac & Cheese made with a blend of four cheeses and sweet cream custard were phenomenal. Both came out piping hot and incredibly flavorful--so good that just thinking about them makes me want to go back for more. Overall, we had a wonderful dining experience and would definitely recommend South. Pro tip: They also offer live music with dinner service in a separate room. Don't make our mistake--be sure to make a reservation if you want to enjoy that part of the experience! "Because dining is more than food - it's flavor, style and elegance that should be savored one bite at a time." - AMC

    Fried Chicken soooo good but definitely a lot
    Amihan A.

    One of my absolute favorite places to go eat in Philly. The ambiance, service, food and drinks are always top tier. This is the place you take an out of person town visiting you in Philly. South has a jazz performance where you can eat and listen to live music. You have to book a reservation in advance though so don't expect to walk in and grab a spot. I went with my family during Christmas and they even did a Christmas number which was amazing. Food - Mac and cheese and corn bread as appetizers. Then the fried chicken and/or fish entree (usually the sea bass) and you can thank me later. There's no words to describe how flavorful and delicious the mac and cheese and corn bread is. My boyfriend jokes he could eat those two as appetizers and be completely fine. The fried chicken has hot honey drizzled on it and the sea bass is cooked so delicately the meat comes right off with a fork. Drinks - Honestly, any of their drinks are delicious. I've tried mostly all of them at this point and they don't disappoint. If you're looking for a place that's a bit more elevated and has delicious food, you're looking at the right spot. Just don't forget to book a reservation in advanced because South is VERY popular and can get really busy!

    Allyson M.

    OMG this place is amazing. Just walking in the door you are embraced by the atmosphere that is just indescribable. There appears to be so many places you can seat and enjoy your dining experience. The staff is the best!! Rico was amazing and made awesome suggestions, however, I truly believe you can't go wrong with anything on this menu. The food was AMAZING!! The performance was spectacular and the vibes were so awesome!! I can't wait to go back again and again and again.... I loved everything about this place and

    Lamb chops

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    6 months ago

    Amazing! Will be back! Money well spent! Food is impeccable! We really enjoyed everything!

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    Delicious food and amazing service. I'll definitely return when I'm back in Philadelphia.

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    Page 2 of 21

    Ask the Community - South

    Do they offer takeout?

    Yes

    What is the dress requirement?

    Casual, but no hoodies.

    Is their an age requirement to sit in jazz show?

    Under 18 must be accompanied by parent/adult over 21.

    Are any of the meats Halal?

    No, we are not a halal restaurant, but we do not use any pork products in any of our food.

    Are reservations a must to dine here?

    Yes

    Is it byob?

    No it's not

    Is there any dancing?

    It's not set up as a dancing venue but if you're seated in the jazz area I'm sure you could get up and dance.

    Do you have to be vaccinated?

    You must be fully vaxxed and bring your vaccination card per city mandate.

    Gluten free menu?

    We do offer gluten free options. Please ask your server to guide you through the menu.

    If you sit in the jazz area, is it loud to the point where you can't talk to the person you're with?

    If you're sitting close to the front, it can be fairly loud. However, they do have seating still in the jazz area that's seated further back and you would be able to hear the person you're with.

    Are they open for indoor dining?

    yes, they are.

    Do they have Saturday brunch?

    No. They don't open until 4:00pm on Saturday.

    Do I have to be over 21 to enter?

    No just 21 to drink

    Is this place wheelchair accessible?

    Yes. They comply with ADA regulations

    When does the live band perform?

    Hey Paul, They have a live band almost every night! The schedule should be listed on the website.

    Does South have rawbar?

    I have not seen one at all.

    View All 17 Questions

    Review Highlights - South

    I had a good time here, the service, the food, the ambiance, the vibe and you can still hear the jazz show.

    Mentioned in 36 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Rex at the Royal

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    Went for happy hour and it was BOMB! The wings were smoked without being dry and the sauce was so…read moreflavorful. The mac and cheese...damn. So good, need to order it alone in its skillet. The Caesar could've been a little more plentiful, expected a bigger bowl but the biscuit croutons were so good, just don't need to order again! Will be back, great vibes!

    Birthday dinner for yours truly and I found Rex by googling "cozy restaurants in Philly". I wanted…read morea sophisticated and intimate atmosphere and that's exactly what I got. As my girls arrived to celebrate with me, I loved the oooohs and aaahs from them. The live jazz was the cherry on top. I think the band was called Buddy Boy and there was no cover charge. AMAZING!! We sat in a deep, plush booth in the dining room. Definitely took some major wriggling to get in and out from the center where I sat but they're upholstered beautifully with candle lit marble tables. Service was pretty good, certainly attentive and she was able to corral one of my more picky guest. But the food for all of us, really hit the mark. We had two with the Fried Chicken Dinner which came with greens, Mac and cheese and a small piece of cornbread. One had the ribs that were fall off the bone tender and she raved about the sauce. And I had the grilled oyster appetizer (sorry I missed the pic) and the Frogmore Stew. It was delicious. Flavorful broth, mussels, shrimp, crab, fish, potatoes and corn. Oh and two slices of crispy bread. So good yall. A good time was had. I highly recommend.

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    Amina

    Amina

    4.1
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    1.2 mi
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    Amina is definitely a place Philadelphia needed. My friend suggested it knowing I love some really…read moregood food and this menu absolutely did not disappoint. The food was honestly a 10 out of 10. The collard greens were so good and full of flavor, and I got the smothered turkey wings which were amazing. Definitely ask for extra gravy because that gravy is too good not to. My friend got the shrimp and cheesecake pop and the portion size was actually really solid. I also cannot forget the cheesesteak beignets because wow... such a creative idea and they were amazing. I asked for the sauce on the side and it initially came out wrong, so I had to flag someone down to fix it, but once they corrected it everything was perfect. Now the only downside for me was definitely the service. We really were not checked on much outside of taking our order and bringing drinks. Anytime we needed something like boxes, extra help, or corrections to food, we kinda had to wave down bus boys or random staff members passing by. A few more table check ins would've made the experience so much better because the food itself truly deserves top tier service. Parking can also be a little annoying, but I did notice there's a garage across the street which helps. Overall though, I absolutely loved this place and I'm so happy my friend brought me here. Even with the service issues, I would 100% come back because the food alone is worth it. I love the drawings on the wall and the place has a cute and cozy feel which we love! Also there's a Photo Booth! You have to pay but cute touch

    We finally made it to Amina…read more We knew we were off to a good start when we found a parking spot right near the restaurant, if you know you know. We started off with appetizers ... the deviled eggs topped with lobster (amazing), cornbread (delicious) and cheesesteak beignets (they were just okay to me although my husband and son both really enjoyed them). For entrees we shared a bowl of gumbo, it was quite tasty and full of flavor (definitely worth ordering). I had the Picnic Basket Fried Chicken. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection, the potato salad wasn't my favorite and the condiment was described as a sweet and sassy sauce but it tasted more like a doctored Crystals Hot Sauce. My son ordered the lamb chops cooked medium. They initially came out overcooked but I have to give the restaurant credit, the chef remade them and the second order was cooked properly. My son enjoyed them although he felt they could have used a bit more seasoning. My husband ordered the Po' Boy Cheesesteak and absolutely loved it. The drinks were a bit of a mixed experience. My rum punch had to be remade a few times before it was right but once they got it right, it was delicious. My son really enjoyed his Old Fashioned, no remake was required. Overall we had a great dining experience. I have to note our server , Anye, was amazing. She was friendly, attentive and provided excellent suggestions.m While there were a few misses, ie dirty and damaged menus, the highlights far outweighed them. We would definitely return

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    Honey's Sit-N-Eat

    Honey's Sit-N-Eat

    4.2
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    I recently visited Honey's Sit 'n Eat and witnessed something that truly stood out to me…read more While we were there, a man who appeared to be homeless came in and stood by the register. I paid attention to how the staff would handle the situation. After helping the current customer, the cashier gave him a cup of juice. I didn't see any payment, so I assumed it was offered to him. As he stepped outside, I asked my husband to check if he wanted something to eat. When my husband came back, he told me he had given him money. While that was kind, I honestly would have preferred to get him food myself just to make sure he actually ate. A few minutes later, the man came back in and sat at the counter. At first, I didn't see anyone approach him, but shortly after, the staff brought him a bag with food. I'm not sure if he ordered through the take out window then came in, paid the waiter, or if it was provided to him, but either way, it meant a lot to see. He took his food and left. What stood out most was that the staff didn't ignore him, rush him out, or treat him like he didn't belong. At one point, I even heard a staff member ask if he had received his juice, which made me think this wasn't their first interaction with him. In a world where people are often overlooked or dismissed, it meant a lot to see a business show simple human kindness. Treating people with dignity and empathy shouldn't be rare--but unfortunately, it often is. For that alone, Honey's Sit 'n Eat deserves recognition. Oh... and the food is always great!

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    The Love

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    1.1 mi
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    Great taste Well organized guys…read moreThis was really good. I got the fried chicken and my wife got the salmon. Recommended by us

    I remember when this space was Serafina, which felt familiar from my years in New York, where I…read moreused to go fairly often, sometimes after visits to the Met. Serafina was good. The Love is better. The space is beautiful, the service is consistently warm, and Stephen Starr's fingerprints are all over it. I love the painted white brick, the floral artwork along the walls, the street-level energy, and the outdoor seating. I also remember taking the elevator upstairs once. I can't remember whether we actually stayed and ate up there or asked to move back downstairs, but the space was charming and extremely private. It would be a great setting for a group dinner or event. Personally, I prefer downstairs. It's darker, livelier, and I like being at street level. The menu historically leaned more heavily into elevated Southern comfort food, which has never been my favorite style of cooking. That's probably why I've tended to prefer The Love for lunch over dinner, especially when Philadelphia has so many Starr restaurants competing for the same night out. I used to get what I remember as a salmon and farro bowl, although the menu appears to have evolved since then. Whatever the exact iteration was, I loved it. Fish and farro are both right in my wheelhouse. I've also enjoyed the kale salad and other lighter dishes. The thing I remember most vividly, though, is the cornbread. It is outrageously good and reason enough to order something for the table. I also give Starr credit for continuing to broaden the range of food styles in his portfolio. Once you've built restaurants across Italian, French, Mexican, English, steakhouses, seafood, and the rest, there are only so many obvious boxes left to check. The Love feels like its own lane: distinctly American, approachable, comfort-driven, and still polished enough to feel like a Starr restaurant. Looking at the menu now, it seems broader than I remember, with more options that appeal to me, and I'd be psyched to go back. The Love probably isn't the first Starr restaurant I'd choose purely based on cuisine, but that says more about the depth of his Philadelphia portfolio than it does about this restaurant. The room, hospitality, location, and execution are all excellent. I'd happily come here any day. Starr doesn't miss.

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    2.6 mi

    Ordered from Sheba's to be delivered. Food came quick which I was surprised about given the…read morereviews. Ordered the jerk chicken platter and bbq chicken platter. I def appreciate that the food comes altogether, you already get your sides and not really nickle and dimed for it. The food: the jerk chicken was okay. It had good flavor but it was dry and lacked salt. The whole meal lacked salt. The collards were pretty basic and I know those yams were from the can but okay. Also, def not "rice and peas" but I did find a bean in my rice so rice and beans I guess. I can't lie I won't be coming back but if you're taste buds are with it go for it.

    Sheba's Soul Plate is an unassuming, take-out only restaurant that hides truly delicious bites. I…read moreordered the jerk tofu platter which came with collard greens, yam, and white rice for $14. There was a 25 minute wait and it is small inside, with only a little bench, so I would recommend calling ahead or placing your order ahead of the time online to prevent waiting like I did. The wait though was well worth it! The tofu was crispy and really well-seasoned/packed with flavor. The collard greens were soft and well-seasoned as well. And the yams were so tasty! For me, sometimes yams are too sweet but I felt these yams perfectly balanced the jerk seasoning on the tofu. This meal lasted me ~3 meals because it was very filling with the rice and sides. I highly recommend Sheba's and I am excited to go back to try more food options there soon!

    Photos
    Exterior of Restaurant
    Exterior of Restaurant
    Sheba's Soul Plate
    Interior of restaurant

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    Interior of restaurant
    Mabu Kitchen

    Mabu Kitchen

    4.3
    (104 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    We came here to try the burger and it did not disappoint! Pro tip: The tasty sauce that comes with…read morea burger. Make sure you ask for some extra on the side so that you can dip your skinny perfect fries in the sauce. I'm excited how close this place is to our home and we will definitely come back for more tasty meals. The service was impeccable and the ambience is very date night really romantic and intimate!

    We walked over for lunch at around 1 pm and they were packed from reservations but luckily our…read moreparty of 2 was able to get seats at the window counter. The menu was pretty interesting with some fusion items and comfort foods. Dutch Baby - They described this as kind of a steamed pancake and it was pretty tasty. Besides being piping hot, it had the best chewy eggy texture and reminded me of a popover. It wasn't too sweet and got most of the flavor from the berries and light syrup on top. Pork Katsu Breakfast Sandwich - This one sounded the most interesting to us and it came with the pork katsu, egg, aioli and arugula. The chicken was crispy and light and I really enjoyed the sweet brioche bun but it could have used a bit more sauce. The thin crisp fries on the sides were nice too. Overall, we really enjoyed their brunch dishes and do want to come back to try some of their other more popular items like the french toast banana foster that ran out that day.

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Mud pie--chocolate custard, Valrhona ganache, cookie crust
    Mud pie--chocolate custard, Valrhona ganache, cookie crust
    Mabu Kitchen

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    South - southern - Updated August 2026

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