Visiting DMV and asked clerk her recommendation for a quick lunch. Only a couple of blocks away and we agree that it was just like Momma's home cooking. It's cafeteria style with pricing by the number of "mains" and sides you choose. We both selected fried chicken and it crispy, seasoned just right and juicy. The sides were plentiful. I chose squash casserole and Mac & cheese. My sister took mashed potatoes/gravy and buttered corn. All good. Price for entree, two sides, buttered roll and drink under $20. Place was busy at 12:40 PM but ample seating. Attentive staff checked on us frequently and provided to go drinks. Definitely would eat here again. read more

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Amazing menu with far too many choices to list. I'm a big fan of their oxtails, although my preference is for Caribbean-style seasoning. Collard greens, casseroles, yellow rices, fried chicken, fried catfish...the list of offerings is long & tasty. Leave room for dessert!!! The blueberry cobbler is to die for! read more

In March of 2022, my wife and I moved to Dade City. We love southern soul food and were delighted to come across Steph's. The staff was wonderful and the food was great. It's a black owned business, with a predominately brown staff, and a lot of white patrons. This becomes relevant later in the review. For a while, we were regulars and always got along with everyone in the restaurant. My wife swore they had the best fried chicken in town! As a retired Army War Veteran, I often wear patriotic t-shirts. I have a few t's that display my support for the US Flag and the Veterans who died to defend Her. One day, this did not seem to sit well with the black management; as the Colin Kaepernick incident was still fresh in the minds of most black Americans. The black gentleman who manages the restaurant wasn't his usual jovial self after he saw my t-shirt. After a few visits, I felt a bit unwelcomed only by the black staff. No one else changed. The Black Eyed Pea became my new top restaurant for southern food, but my wife still loved Steph's. So, we continued to go there occasionally, but not as often. After a while, the manager seemed to have returned to his old self and was friendly and joking with us again. After Steph's temporarily closed to give the staff a well-deserved vacation, we started to return as regular customers again. Unfortunately, while eating a bowl of collard greens, a piece of the metal mesh they used to strain the greens got lodged into my gums. This scared my wife as she thought I was choking. I was able to remove the metal wire and I reported it to the manager. He did apologize and recognized that it was from one of his strainers. His final statement to me was "Thank you for understanding." No removal of the contaminated food tray from the line. No replacement side. No complimentary dessert. No refund or discount. At that point, my wife was angry! There are a lot of elderly people who eat there. If one of them had swallowed that wire and was injured, Steph's would have ended up getting sued. Luck was on their side with me not pursuing the matter, but their lack of gratitude and their unwillingness to correct their error got them on my wife's bad side. And we haven't returned since. read more

Thursday 9/12/2024 Saw this spot on yelp and my aunt (who had been there many times) said she really liked it so we decided to visit. I got the HJs plate of fried chicken, Mac n cheese, squash casserole, & corn bread for $10.74 and a slice of carrot cake $7.24. - the fried chicken was alright but definitely could've benefited with seasoning. - The Mac n cheese was very average as it had 0 flavor and 0 type of seasoning. - The squash casserole was something that I was unfamiliar with and it was alright. - The cornbread didn't taste like cornbread at all but instead like a biscuit and it was weak. - The carrot cake was my favorite item as it was decent BUT it was significantly smaller than what I'd expect from a $7 piece of cake. Overall, The prices are fair (besides the cake), the service was solid, but I personally wouldn't return as the food was not good. read more

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Great good and great service!! Lots of selections! Cafeteria style! Baked chicken was flavorful and moist! Sweet potato casserole was scrumptious! read more

Absolutely the best food Served by the best people. Casual friendly they welcome you each time you walk in the door read more

Imagine walking into a cafeteria that looks like a charming small town budget cafe.... Only there is nobody to greet you, no menus, no idea if you should sit or wait to be seated.... First timers stand by the door trying to figure out what to do as the seated locals just stare at them..... There are lots of signs that despite appearances, it is actually not a buffet and there is no serving yourself.... But there are no obvious signs telling you how or where to order..... (I did spot a START HERE sign hidden behind some plants as I was leaving.) There is an odd electronic menu on the wall (near the hidden stack of cafeteria trays) listing prices for unspecified entrees, sides, and bread.... Highly recommend walking the length of the food counter before choosing anything, as the choices are not apparent and you'll likely end up choosing entrees and sides you'd not normally eat (not realizing there may be better choices farther down the line).... I've only lived in this town for 5 years, so I'm hardly a local.... But I have no idea why this place is so popular.... The food is mediocre, at best.... And for $20 (before tip) you're going to get their biggest listed 1.5 entree combo, which is essentially a light lunch big enough to fill a small woman or a child.... In my case it was 3 tiny slivers of meatloaf, three small slices of watermelon, a tiny cucumber salad, and a decent unsweetened tea.... I have no idea how the dessert pricing works, as that seems to be a separate secret you have to figure out.... I wasn't even asked if I was interested..... And at this point I pissed I bothered to come in here at all.... Now I'm off to get a burger somewhere.... read more

Found this place today while passing through Dade City. If you grew up in the south or are well versed in southern Soul cuisine then this place is for you. From ox tails to fried chicken to collard greens and rutabaga. This is a great throw back to the food of my childhood. I settled on the cornmeal battered fried shrimp with collard greens and rutabaga. Wow everything was delicious. I also got banana pudding for dessert. We were greeted with great service and a down home atmosphere. You move through a cafeteria style line where they serve you the items you request. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and can accommodate small to medium sized groups. We had a a great time and will certainly be back next time we come through Dade City. read more

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Staff was wonderful and l loved the food. The ambiance is great because it's like a little dinner.

I got the chicken and three sides to try them out, and every single bite was excellent. The food was fresh, full of flavor, and definitely worth ordering again. read more

I was in New Port Richey to get my hair done and I decided to try out this restaurant due to the reviews. I will say it is about the restaurant that is family owned and very clean. The fried chicken was great. If I'm in the area again I would definitely stop in and get a bucket of chicken. They offer quality food for great prices. I also had the yellow chocolate cake which was really great as well. Sorry I didn't. I get a picture of that. read more

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It was as good as last time, maybe better as my brother got a second lunch. We loved the collard greens and fried catfish. The peach and blueberry cobbler was also amazing. read more

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Very busy. Always Hurried through line. Do not know what sides available before deciding on if want meats or just veggies. Need glass covering the foods from customers that would eliminate all the signs to not touch/get your own food plus far more sanitary. The dumplings were delicious but barely warm! The cornbread was COLD. Plus side - love this place. Loved Steph. Happy her husband and employees still working hard. Just improve a few things. Hot food. Erasable Signs w/sides/entrees available, line will move faster, too. Love the young lady cleaning the tables so efficiently & sweet. Hubby loved the sugar free chocolate cake. It is tr read more

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Gross chicken pot pie had no chicken in it at all and was over cooked..asked for an exchange he said no and no refund..$20 dollars down the drain‍ I should have known when there was not a car in the parking lot. Very rude never go here. Very disappointed. I left still hungry. read more

Great place my favorite!!! I come here quite often and they know me well and always. The food is great and so is the staff.

Still awesome! Introducing a friend to the best fried chicken. Collards rolls blueberry cobbler broccoli were All top notch. Worth the drive from Tampa read more

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OMG, best meal ever! Best service ever can't wait to go back. Environment was welcoming and warm! Place was busy but fast!

Food is really good if you're looking for a southern tasting food. Quick and good customer service, prices are affordable. Plenty of free parking lot. Not my first time and definitely coming back. read more

Authentic home cooking! This southern gem puts their heart in soul into each meal every day. Seating is limited for large party's, but can be done. The staff is friendly and is going to make sure you enjoyed your meal! Best oxtail I've ever had. And her fried chicken is nothing short of spectacular! You order cafeteria style, typically 1 meat and 2 diced, but there are several combo options or ala-carte. read more

I want to start by saying a prayer for EVERYONE'S hands who blessed this food prepared for my dining experience! ***AMEN*** This was my first time coming here and I was HIGHLY impressed. Upon arriving, you notice a small parking lot, restaurant, outside seating attached to a church. Nothing that says WOW until you get inside, are greeted with smiling faces and then see this buffet of delight! It is very difficult to make any selection, but this just means you must return multiple times to try different dishes. My partner and I ordered many foods and each one were incredible. Being raised in Alabama, I can happily say I was spoiled growing up and each bite felt like "home" We also met the owner, who is also the Pastor of the church. I live an hour away, but would love to attend service one of these Sundays. Whatever diet or food restrictions you may have....throw it out the door when you visit! Get the sweet tea! Get the dessert! Please get the extra gravy! Definitely get the cornbread! Life is too short not to try this amazing restaurant!!!! read more

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It's a landmark! Tasty and clean little cafeteria style featuring down home cooking and southern flavors - lots of food choices you pick for your tray. Very satisfying place for your Dade City restaurant rotation. Check the chalk board for daily specials. read more

First time diners. Contrary to Yelp, they do not serve breakfast. Food is on a protected buffet line that the staff serve from. Lots of appetizing soul food dishes. Some fried selections are cooked to order--okra, fish, liver, green beans, green tomatoes. They have homemade pies, cakes and make a strawberry shortcake in a float glass to order. Prices are reasonable. Portions shown are for the HP meal (one entree/meat), 2 sides and choice of bread for $11.99 and the kids meal. Of the meals we got, everything was tasty. The sweet potatoes were too sweet though. Staff greet you as soon as you enter and when you leave. Table service was attentive whenever we needed a refill or napkins or whatever they were there and we didn't have to wait or go looking for help. Dining area is cozy, plus they have picnic tables outside. Location shares a perking lot with a church. Ironically, the church pastor and First Lady are the restaurant owners. Without a doubt, we'd return. Dined around 5pm on a Saturday. Business was busy. A celebratory party was leaving and customers of all ages and ethnicities were steady coming in. A BOB read more

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Someone suggested this place because he said you get to load up your tray with food, kinda like a buffet but only that one trip. Upon entering, we were not greeted by anyone then eventually a person cleaning the tables pointed towards the kitchen. As we stood in front of the food, we weren't certain what to do. But we knew by alllllll the signs that you are not supposed to serve yourself. I didn't see any prices indicating how much anything was except for a few items not on the hot bar. There is a sign on the outside of the building that says, you get this and that and a drink but there's no prices. I chose my meat then asked about the banana pudding since it was in same area but was told "sweetie, that's a dessert not a side" so, I'm not allowed to eat it? I got 3 other sides, again thinking i could get however much I wanted, well except banana pudding, I had no idea that my bill was racking up to be over $18. I definitely will not be back. I'm sure the locals know how things work but we're not local and it would have been nice to know the prices ahead of time. read more

Portions were plentiful, prices were minuscule, and the service was awesome..one of the regulars o met said everything was good. So I tried the fried chicken, cat fish, meatloaf...all pretty good....great variety of sides. read more

Steph's Southern Soul Restaurant - Front - Soul Food Near Me - Dade City, Florida

We moved to Central Florida back in the Summer of '19 and I have eaten many a piece of fried chicken but wasn't satisfied like I was back home until Friday, when I stepped into Steph's Southern Soul Restaurant and my heart skipped a beat. There was that tell-tale smell in the air, that faint hum of a fryer, that gentle heat of an oven that made me wonder - is this it? SPOILER ALERT - YES IT IS! OK, I had my mum with me, we were exhausted from mental/physical toil, and starving, and frankly must have looked like two lost urchins wandering in. A lovely man ("Preacher") wandered up to us and explained that we were to walk over to the rear left, grab a tray, pick a meal from the menu board then tell the nice ladies behind the buffet what foods we wanted. We thanked him profusely (and heard some ladies giggle) and dove in. Yes, they had the meats. All the meats. More than my paltry pictures show. But I only had eyes for the fried chicken, it was singing my name. Both mum and I chose Herold's Plate which was 1 1/2 meats (or 1 1/2 entrees, depending on which menu you're looking at), 2 sides, and a bread. Basically it's one full entree meat and 1/2 of a second and it doesn't have to be the same one. So, I could have gotten meatloaf or fish or ribs with my chicken! Nope, I got chicken with my chicken. HAH. Mum was a copycat and did the same thing. I chose mac & cheese and green beans for my sides, she chose potato salad and squash casserole. I kicked myself when I heard my mum ask about the sides (she was behind me) and discovered they also had broccoli casserole. Yum! The bread options were rolls, cornbread muffins and ... Didn't hear the rest, both of us yelled "CORNBREAD!" Yes, we were embarrassing even to ourselves by that point. We ordered Diet Pepsi (no Coke products sadly, but lots of brewed tea), and drooled (politely) over the dessert display but couldn't order anything but two Key Lime Cakes (happy dance) which my mum had never heard of (haha) but I have and had not had since I left back home. Mum paid (another happy dance) and I carried both our trays over to the last free table. #PhonesEatFirst and then I picked up that gorgeous chicken leg and took a bite and almost cried with happiness. I wouldn't say it had a batter, more like a super thin crispy coating, so juicy inside, not greasy at all, cooked perfectly all the way to the bone. Every piece was exactly like that. Best. Chicken. Ever. If I've had better chicken, I no longer remember it, sorry. I ate all three pieces slowly, savoring every bite. Green beans, good and savory, with a hint of whatever porky goodness they were cooked in. Mac & cheese was big macaroni and real cheese, baked. Yummy. Cornbread was surprisingly different. White, not yellow, super soft, lacking the characteristic grittiness that so many have, but smelled and tasted like traditional cornbread. Savory, not sweet, loved every crumb. The Key Lime Cake? Happy Dance! Mmm, mmm, good. Thick icing, super moist cake, only one layer but any more than that would be a sin. Good lime flavor, hitting you on the tongue like a puckery aftertaste. We were so full, we literally ate a couple of bites, took the rest of it home and then finished it off as dinner. Tee-hee! The service was awesome. Everyone was super friendly and nice. The young lady taking care of the tables made sure we had extra napkins and drink refills, without us ever asking. She was constantly cleaning (sanitizing) at all times. As we were leaving, I believe we met the owner, Miss Steph herself, but I was slowly lapsing into a food coma and not paying attention until my mum pointed it out in the car. Drat. I wish I had realized it because I would have thanked her for such a wonderful place. Sadly this place is an hour away from us, but after my husband heard, he really wants to come here, so we will be making plans to come back. read more

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Food is always amazing!! We have been coming here for over 10 years and you won't find better soul food anywhere!

Absolutely delicious down home food the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. I can't recommend this place enough. The place is charming with a wonderful southern ambience. read more

I visited Stephs on the first day of 2023 Strawberry Festivel. I got AMAZING strawberry shortcake for my friend. A MUST do!

I asked myself, "Sally do we like rutabaga?" Self said, "we do now! Thanks to Ms. Steph!" Saturday we had to go to a football game in Dade City and one of the officials recommended this place which was close to the field. So we went after the game. I ordered collard greens, black eye peas and rice, baked and fried chicken. And some refreshing Watermelon Lemonade(reminded me of Friendly's). The nice lady taking care of my order asked if I ever had rutabaga. I hadn't so she gave me a side of it to try. Thank you! It was the first thing I finished on my plate. Everything was well prepared, flavorful and just good. Not over seasoned, I mean just right. Now I do apologize for no pictures, before I knew it I had devoured everything on my plate. Ms. Steph thank you for a wonderful meal. If your going through Dade City please stop and treat yourself to some of this good home cooking. read more

Steph's Southern Soul Restaurant - the front of the restaurant - Soul Food Near Me - Dade City, Florida

My friends recommended Steph's Restaurant. We traveled 48.5 miles to give it a try. When we drove up, I could tell it was a at home family type place. There is a church next door that seems to be inviting. There is a sign that says sinners welcome( to me that means everyone). There is a monitor that has advertisement ( I did not realize the man serving me was the pastor of the church Nextdoor). When we walked in, you can see people enjoying the food and having great conversation. The food selections looked great and I really could not decide. Since there were many reviews noting " Herolds Plate" I decided to go for it. I was not disappointed with my food, except my chocolate cake was a little dry. All of my excitement went out the window when a distinguished male came and sat down close to my table. Many people were starting to leave and two young ladies( will say #1 and #2) started cleaning tables. Then, the pastor rudely said to the #1 " what are you doing? Wipe chairs-Wipe tables do something. Next, #2 asked for her phone- which the pastor had in his pocket He said no, go get the vacuum. She then came back out and he said I guess I will give it to you but don't use out her go to the back. The pastor seemed fed up. He was speaking to the ladies very harsh. As we were leaving, the #1 asked if she could go on break as she had not had a break. He said - well aren't you leaving early. Ohhh, I was pissed. The young ladies just looked at us. I was upset for them. Well pastor, I drove a long way to come to you and the First Lady establishment. If I was not saved, I would definitely not get the sense that you could help lead me to the salvation prayer. My bible tells me: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think on these things. I encourage you to think on letting your patience show through you. Like in the book of James. You could have spoke with them up close with a low tone or took them off the floor. I will Strongly consider returning to your restaurant. I know, I would not visit your church because you are not representing the role of Pastor/Leader. Regards, Demetria read more

Steph's Southern Soul Restaurant - Herolds plate - Soul Food Near Me - Dade City, Florida

They always have great food but I had to add 3 stars because they ran out of fried chicken... either that or they turned off their fryer early. I arrived 30 minutes before closing time and they always have a great selection and hot food... but at 6:30, the food was cold and you could tell it had been sitting there for a little while. I ordered (by recommendation of one of the employees the beef tips with Mac and cheese, and greens. I felt that the portions dished out were smaller than usual, as typically their portions are generous. I also got a piece of pound cake, which was unfortunately not the best. It may have been a couple of days old. I would go back as I will say that this not so good experience is an isolated issue, but will go at an earlier time when I believe their food will be more fresh. My heart goes out to the business as I know Lady Steph is no longer here on Earth. I still felt the love upon entering the restaurant and everyone was still very friendly. read more

When "Soul" is in the name one might set the bar a little higher! It's obvious to me this place has Soul! The location is off the side streets of Dade City and located next to the owners Church. Some amazing fried chicken, green beans with such rich flavors, corn bread that needs nothing but a fork and the richest macaroni and cheese. Service is is provided via chow line, the line turns over so fast everything was HOT and fresh. If you appreciate Southern cooking this is a super spot. I visited with 8 friends from a car club and we had plenty of parking and tables. Cheers and enjoy! read more

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Yummy southern soul food. Great service too. We had the fried chicken, Mac-n-cheese and collard greens. Oh, and fried green tomatoes!! Didn't save room for desert but they looked awesome! Some items available that we never see in the PNW. Rutabagas, stewed okra, liver and onions, smothered pork chops, buttermilk pie and on and on and on. Everything was so good. Not fancy, just good! read more

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Great little place with excellent soul food options at a decent price. The oxtail dinner and beef tips were fantastic, our sides of greens, cabbage, fried okra and fried green tomatoes were excellent also. HUGE dessert list, but we were too full to try them. read more

This cafeteria-style served restaurant has the Southern charm and food I was looking for. Everything I ate was perfect. Fried chicken and sides on one visit, ribs etc the next visit. Everything is hot and homemade. There were also delicious cakes if one still has any room left! And if one needs the most beautiful tomatoes around, they sell them just by the cashier. I will come here every time I'm in town! read more

It's been a while that I have been here. But now I've finally been able to make it. Ive been here about 3 times now. This southern food is amazing and the people who work here make it even better. Steph is there too. She says hi and greets everyone. I love the places like that. This time I had the fried chicken, beef tips, squash casseroles and Mac and cheese. It comes with corn bread or roll. I also brought desserts. One for me and one for a friend - coconut cream pie and red velvet cake. My piece of pie definitely was a dream! This place works well if you are on a time crunch. I was since it was my lunch hour. So glad I stopped by. I also have tons of leftovers! read more

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This is a great place if you just feel like some good home-cooking. Nothing fancy, just quality, comfort food in a casual, laid-back environment. We got fried and baked chicken, both delicious. The baked beans and squash casserole were pretty good- but the best sides were the fried green tomatoes and sweet potato soufflé!! We also got the chicken and dumplings, it had a good flavor, but more on the soupy side and not much in the way of actual dumplings. Now- if you have a sweet tooth-- you CANNOT go wrong with ANY of Steph's desserts-- they are ALL amazing! This time we tried the chocolate cake (moist and rich) and the kumquat pie- reminiscent of a key lime pie and with a graham cracker crust too! We will definitely come back the next time we are in the area! read more

This place is decently worth drying. Very well organized so even if busy at lunch time- the line goes fast. Everything looks fresh and neat. My meal had good flavors going on. Chicken was crispy, I would say with bacon grease addition to flavor. 10 out of 10 on juicy and tender. Cowards and carrot salad for side was a nice addition. Would visit again. read more

Steph's Southern Soul Restaurant - Sides and beef - Soul Food Near Me - Dade City, Florida

This has to be one of the best soul food spots in central Florid, I mean the staff was curious and attentive, and the folks sitting and eating were super nice and friendly, they made us feel like they knew us for years, the food was hot and fresh and the amount of food they give was incredible, the desserts, oh man the deserts are amazing, if you get a chance or want some good old down home soul food do yourself a favor and go, you will not be disappointed. read more

The food here was at best mediocre.. for being some kind of Soul Food comfort food specialist.. my wife and I both got two pieces of chicken and two or three sides I don't remember what it came with.. and for some reason I thought it came with a dessert but does not and I wasn't willing to pay the extra.. but you have to go through and self-serve.. get your own drinks and it came to roughly $40 for two people and then they wanted a tip! Really? They have like five people cleaning tables with nothing but constantly hearing thank you come again thank you come again thank you come again.. not going back thank you very much once again the food wasn't horrible, but it weren't worth that kind of money read more