This review is only for the breakfast. We came her to have breakfast with some friends. It was mid-morning on a Sunday and the place was not very busy at all. This is not a good sign in my book. Their menu is fairly standard with some interesting "Southern" options. My one friend and I ordered the standard 2 eggs, hashbrown, ham (my friend ordered bacon) and biscuit. My egg was cooked properly but the hashbrowns needed to be a little more brown. My ham was way too salty. My friends bacon looked burnt and overcooked. The biscuits are pretty flat and was a little soggy on the bottom. Hubby had pancakes and eggs. The pancakes looked fluffy but they only had the syrup with HFCS....guess that shouldn't have been too surprising. Our other friend had the catfish and he seemed to enjoy it. I was also a little put off by the plastic plates and mug. read more

ambiance//**** cute diner...with a bar facing the kitchen.... it's how i *imagine* eating in the south would be service//*** know what you want to order, but even if you don't, they're very nice and helpful food//**** forget the fried catfish and omlettes...it's ALL ABOUT the CHICKEN =9 *hands down* southern people know how to deep fry their chicken....breast!!! HOT DAMN! i don't even like white meat because it's usually too dry, but these people fry it to PERFECTION: the crust was crispy golden brown w/o a hint of refried greasyness...the chicken breast was tender and the juice was visible on the bite! ~ fried okra balls was yummy...not in the typical oozy nature of okra...plus you fool yourself into thinking you got your 'veggies' ~ stuffing was good but a bit salty alright tied for my favorite with the chicken was their strawberry lemonade: served with fresh strawberries on the bottom third, this lemonade is filled to the brim of a FREAKING mason jar AND topped with whipped cream!!!~ yes i'm a sucker for whippped happiness!~ if you don't know what a mason jar is...let me put it in perspective, i still had half a jar when we were leaving...and that completely filled a 16oz. to go cup ~*~ ironic to find such southern goodness in such a northern state? yay for diversity!~ read more

Used to go here every weekend. Last time we had horrible service. No explanation why it took so long or even got an apology. Haven't-been back since. read more

My wife and I came here for breakfast on a Saturday morning. Walked in and we had a few choices to sit, we chose the front left corner and that was a mistake, it was 8:45 in the morning and there was flies flying all over the place, so that sucked. We asked the waitress what she recommend and she said the french toast and omelette's. So i decided on the french toast since i haven't had it in a while and i always get omelette's every where else. It was nothing special at all, probably just below average. My wife got the biscuits and gravy, it was ok. I tried it and it was very peppery which i didn't mind. I got the mango lemonade and it was a 5 but not enough to save the french toast and the flies. I was very disappointed, i really wanted to like this place. We almost came back for at lunch time to just get some more lemonade but decided not to. Guess we should have came for lunch and got some of this stuff fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, corn bread and jalepeno hush puppies. Maybe next time :-( read more

I've only been here for breakfast and I'd have to say, I don't get the hype. Maybe I came for the wrong meal, but the biscuits are small and chewy and everything else leaves a puddle of grease behind on your plate. I wanted to like it but was very disappointed. read more

This place blew me away. I was waiting for Aretha Franklin to do a dance with the fry cook! Outstanding waiter and service, no wait, sunny day, sweet tea, introducing my buddy to fried green tomatoes, southern fried chicken was the bizzomb!!! Mac and cheese killed it!! They offered us a glass of sweet tea TO GO and like a dummy I turned them down!!! Who does that?!?? Me apparently! I won't do that the next time. I feel like pilgrimages from Seattle are essential! I loved every darn thing I ate! Please get the jalapeño hush pushies, honey: please! It was the very best! Thank you Southern Kitchen - you are the BEST!!!! read more

Too be honest this is the place to go for some down home soul food. Not a knock to be found on any of the food here, it is all out of bounds delicious. From the chicken to the fish to the mac'n'cheese & my favorite the greens. All entrees & all sides are spot on & you can not go wrong with whatever it is you choose to eat. My wife & I go here regularly. read more

This is our favorite place to eat in Washington! Best fried chicken we have ever tasted!!! We have eaten fried chicken from Georgia to Washington and this is hands down the best! We visit this area two to three times a year and have not missed once since finding this restaurant, food is great, staff are friendly and helpful, can't say enough good things about it! Don't forget to leave room for pie! read more

Great southern food considering it's location and met the nicest waitress maybe even nicest stranger in my life here.

Food was delicous. I got the southern fried chicken, mac n cheese, and fried green tomatoes. I was wondering why I was given a pancake but it was actually corn bread. I must say the food was one of the best soul food I have eaten. Service was a little slow and the restroom needed a little more attention. Aside from that place rocks. read more

My boyfriend and I ordered the Cajun catfish strips ; his with black eyed peas and greens, mine with Mac and cheese and greens. The catfish was fresh and fried crispy but the Cajun rub I could have done without. The greens were decent but the Mac and cheese is probably the worst I've ever had. Bland noodles + cheese. That's it. The black eyed pease were okay. The teas and lemonades are good although kind of pricey. Overall this place was a disappointment. Won't be back. read more

Hard to find southern classics found here. Large portions but hard to resist ordering multiple things. Super cool staff. Very casual- almost too much so. read more

The absolute best candied yams I have ever eaten! The service is friendly and attentive, but the place is a bit small. Otherwise the food is pretty good, the sweet potato french fries were a bit soggy. read more

I love this place. The fried chicken is awesome but breakfasts are my fave here. I am sure my waist line is glad I don't live around the corner anymore. Can be cramped and slow sometimes but the friendly welcoming attitude from the staff and the food is well worth the wait. The greens are sooo good. Well everything is good. I have never had a disappointing meal. read more

Food in this place is freaking delicious, the staff is nice and the I personally love the ambient. Very down to earth people. My favorite southern food spot here at Tacoma. read more

This hit the spot, i had the butterfish breakfast and yea, now i know why they call it butterfish DELICIOUS! I dont know too much abt the parking situation as i walked here after my appt at st. Joseph's. Food is great, ambience is what you'd expect from a diner and service is prompt and cordial. Will def be back for more! read more

Great food & service. Yummy, affordable, (and vegetarian-friendly) southern food.

The best comfort food I've ever had. I see why this place is regarded so highly. The fried chicken is crisped to perfection and explodes with flavor from the first bite that you take. The sweet sweet candied yams are definitely a treat if it's your cheat day and the Mac and Cheese is simple and delicious. My favorite thing to drink here is the mango lemonade which comes with whip cream and real mango pieces! I would highly recommend it. This food WILL knock you out so make sure to bring a pillow to sleep on for after your meal. read more

I enjoy coming here when it's sunny, to take advantage of their MANGO LEMONADE's with heaping servings of whipped cream. Anything with ice and sugar mixed in it tends to taste 100% times better when the sun's shining you know? The FRIED CATFISH is always a decent choice when it comes to ordering. I'm not sure what kind of batter they use to fry them, but I'm definitely a fan of the tiny crispies that flake off as you're eating it. And personally, a squeeze of lemon with tartar sauce on top, or used to dip, just MAKES MY DAY shine :) I have to admit, the side dishes are a little on the average rating. But I definitely wouldn't turn them away! Not to mention, the people working here are GREAT. Awesome conversations and very homely-like feel. When the sun's a shinin' Southern Kitchen, I'll be back for my food and drinks :D read more

This place is wotrth the money & the drive, the food is just what the claim. Down home southern cooking! Terrific service Terrific food & the portions are so huge you hurt when you leave! Our family went to Seattle for vaca & had heard about this place, it is small and hard to get parking but do NOT let that stop u! Whatever u do, go here & fill up on the best sweet tea & lemon aid, then induldge in comfort food! This place will make you smile! read more

I decided to try this place for lunch as it was featured on DD&D's... the environment was great and inviting. The staff was very happy and helpful. We were greeted immediately and waited on very efficiently. The only drawback was the chicken was a little dry... other than that.. it was a decent place to eat. read more

Fried chicken has been sampled and enjoyed :) The portion is HUGE, come hungry!!

The only bad thing about this place is the limited seating. I have been here so many times and have never been disappointed with the service or my food. The owner is amazing, the staff is amazing and my food is always amazing. LOVE THIS PLACE. It wasn't on the food network for no reason. HANDS DOWN one of my favorite soul food places *drops mic and walks off stage* read more

I always have a good meal here. My favorite breakfast is the French toast. I also love their country fried steak. The servers are very nice and down to earth. They can be busy, but it's worth the wait!! read more

When they ask if you want whipped cream in your lemonaid, the answer is YES. Fried chicken was the juiciest I've ever had and the customer service was great. A+ read more

I have eaten here many times and have always enjoyed the food. The wait staff is always attentive and friendly, especially a young man who always wears a tie. The sides are delicious, especially the collard greens. Excellent catfish!! read more

Not bad at all but i can cook better. Reminds me of navy Days trying to be a cook. They wouldn't let me but I always tried and tried. Eventually made a good chicken meal read more

Its been a while since we were there, but based on my experience I don't think I would go back. Fried Chicken was definitely better than KFC but not as good as chicken I can make at home. Sides were ok...I wouldn't say they were great. I was a bit disappointed with the stuffing...No flavor whatsover...Mac and Cheese was ok...Small place. Stay away during those really hot days...we were there during that heatwave a while back and it was very stuffy in there...Our waitress was very nice though... read more

After having an awesome experience at another restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, I decided to make a list of some of the places near my home which have also appeared on the show. Southern Kitchen was on my list and our recent trip to Tacoma gave us an excuse to try it out. At first glance, the place may seem sketchy, but don't let outward appearances fool you. The restaurant is much smaller than I was expecting, but the size and the extremely cordial staff make the place feel cozy and comfortable. The menu is loaded with southern classics and I was immediately drawn to the Mango Lemonade. What a treat! With big slices of mango nestled at the bottom of a giant mason jar glass and whipped cream on the top. It was excellent. After ordering our meals, the friendly waiter brought us some Corn Bread Cake to get us started. It was delicious. I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Black-Eyed Peas. I feel I should I stop here and explain that I am the product of a very southern mother who has raised me on deep-south, homemade cooking. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the food at Southern Kitchen was just like my Mom makes. I was immediately taken back to my childhood in South Carolina. My wife had the Fried Catfish Strips which I could hear her cooing over as she ate. My brother-in-law ordered the Fried Chicken and exclaimed that it was hands-down the best fried chicken he's ever had. The next time you're in Tacoma, do yourself a favor and give Southern Kitchen a try. read more

GREAT FRIED CHICKEN & CATFISH!! I'm a native of Mississippi so I know good soul food. The Seattle area is not the easiest place to find true Southern cooking, but look no further than Southern Kitchen. They have great sweet tea as well which is a rare find in the Pacific Northwest & great deserts. The restaurant also makes you feel home like you're at Big Mammas house w/ the layout & glass jars for your beverage. When I relocated to Southern California, I stopped at this place with a car full of luggage to bid my farewell to awesome food on the way south to LA. read more

Took my daughter for Breakfast. I had the Big catfish $16.95(bone in is the best) I got to order some whole pan sized catfish online. The grits were better this time, no lumps. My Daughter ordered the hot link omelette $10.95 it looked a little over cooked to me. However. she liked it. I really like this place just think it is a bit to pricey. With 2 sodas our meal came up to nearly $35.00 not including tip,. I did make it in a while ago and had the Liver and onions. They were good just over cooked. The gravy and onions were prefect. read more

Great breakfast specials for only $5.95 you can get a good full plate of food. Even though the specials looked tasty, we wanted fried chicken. My baby daddy and I both had the fried chicken breakfast with hash browns and pancakes meal was only $30 which is a great deal for the juicy delicious chicken and fluffy pancakes. The hash browns were crispy and cooked perfectly. Fresh squeezed OJ and delicious sweet teas and lemonades. This place is legit with friendly staff and open spaces we always have a great time. read more

Before today I never would have considered having catfish for breakfast, but it appeared to be a specialty of the house and I was feeling adventuresome. What a delicious complement to scrambled eggs, a biscuit and grits! We were fortunate to find a table within five minutes of arrival. My only complaint for this restaurant is that our food took about 40 minutes to be served after we placed our order. read more

Some of the best fried chicken in town. If you ever come here, you have to try their mango or strawberry lemonade! This place gets 5 stars in my book every time I go. read more

The catfish was great and the mac and cheese. The greens were good as well, but gave me the runs

This place is a hidden gem! yummy southern food. wings were on point and so were the sides ( mac n cheese & candied yams). they even had my favorite hot sauce in packets!!! read more

Everything is was great. I had the country fried steak with mashed potatoes and cornbread dressing. Pro-tip: the sweet tea has free refills.

Had a taste for southern breakfast and didn't want to cook so decided to go to southern kitchen. I was very disappointed. The grits were lumpy and bordering on cold ,no flavor.the omelet had veggies in it that were chopped diced very small and not hot.Needless to say we won't be back. It was not worth the price at all! I will say staff was friendly. They got a three star for customer service otherwise I would rate food itself a two. Uncle thurm or simply soulful is place to go. read more

I've wanted to eat here for quite awhile and finally made it for lunch. It was SO good, although it was 2 days ago and I'm still not hungry. Catfish was delicious, cooked perfectly. The collards were smoky and bacony, just what they should be. We loved the cornbread dressing, would love the recipe for Thanksgiving. My husband had the fried chicken and loved it. The candied yams are to die for. For an appetizer, we got fried green tomatoes, they were perfect. And you have to have the mango lemonade, it was one of the best things I've ever had. My only regret was that we ordered too much food and there was no way we could eat dessert. My advice: order dessert first. read more

Loved the food here! The mango lemonade had actual chunks of mango in it, and the chicken fried steak was crispy and fresh. My girlfriend ordered the cod strips which were AMAZINGLY good. Their batter was nice and dry - I think they were baked. The peach cobbler was a little watery but it was still quite tasty. read more