This place is a plus for me as they serve fish that isn't JUST fried, but grilled as well. They actually offer grilled, fried AND baked food. We dined in and were sat in one of the booths. The vibe is like an in-between fast food & hip dine in. My guest had the chicken wing sampler that looked pretty good. I had the grilled red snapper with shrimp, onions and peppers with mac & cheese and greens. It was delicious. The fish was seasoned well and flaky. The shrimp was also seasoned well and cooked perfectly with a snap back exterior and juicy interior. The mac was pretty good, not grandma's, but good. Same sentiment with the greens. Only downside to the greens were the occasional bone from the turkey meat added to the greens. I ended up eating half my meal, so for $29 it wasn't too bad since I can make two meals out of it. The service was good as well. Check them out! read more

The Licking - Red snapper with shrimp, macaroni and cheese, turkey greens - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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The food here is really good. Some of the items are overpriced, but there's plenty of things that are priced just right. I'm known for adding salt to my food before tasting it, but that's not necessary here. They do their seasoning right. I had the fried snapper and shrimp, and it was fabulous! Hot, fresh, and seasoned. That's all I need in my life. The sides (fries and rice) were just okay. I also tried the lemon drop, which was good if you like sweet drinks. My friend wanted a spicy drink, and they were able to accommodate her. Our server was also really friendly, helpful, and respectful. I'd definitely come back here soon! read more

The Licking - Lemon drop. Good if you like sweet drinks. - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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I had been hearing about this restaurant and I happened to be not far from it on vacation so I decided I need to go here to eat. I had elected to get the wings and it came with two sides so I got the yams and collard greens with turkey meat in it. I also had to have the famous lemonade. It wouldn't be a good stop without the mystery lemonade. With the lemonade you can get it with liquor in it or without. The drink was very delicious along with the food. I wasn't disappointed at all. I left in a food coma due to how delicious and fulfilling the food was. The decor was nice and they played some great music. The price was definitely your typical price you would pay for an establishment of this nature. The service was great. If you are debating on trying this place definitely do it because you won't be disappointed. read more

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KUDOS to the staff for providing supreme quality customer service! I ordered the tilapia dinner with candied yams and grits. It was delicious! The ambiance was jamming! I highly recommend all to come and visit to support this local business! read more

Service was great portion are small and prices are bit high wasn't a big fan when the check came out and they added automatic gratuity on table of 3 but I did tip over the added on gratuity ambiance is ok place was full of people and tasted pretty decent read more

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First impression into the restaurant after seeing the staff outfit - shocked we thought we were in the hooters . We have a 15 yr old boy who keeps giggling the whole time. Totally not teenager's place to go lol. Food though was good. We ordered chicken wings and fried calamari. No complaints about the flavors. They all tasted GOOD. There was a lady offered taking pictures on each table and after the pictures developed, she presented to us the pictures taken and with the frame. Cost $20 each, we end up getting the black and white picture instead. Not sure if she is the the staff there or allowed to be there to promote her photography business. read more

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While out shopping I stopped at the Licking on Florida Mall Ave. The service was quick and the cashier was cordial. I ordered a shrimp dinner (6pc), yams, and Mac & cheese as my sides. There is an up charge for the Mac & cheese. I posted a picture of the meal. You can decide on how it looks and the taste was ok. read more

The Licking - Fried Shrimp Dinner - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This was my first time coming here. The food was excellent. I never tried Lemon turkey. It was really good. The customer service excellent the waitress was wonderful. I just recommend everybody to come to this restaurant. read more

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The licking is a a must have after church when I'm in the mood for some southern fill me up food. I'm from Miami and was familiar with the licking back home. There are 2 locations in Orlando & I prefer the Fl Mall location because it's closer to my church & This is also the only location that sells the buffalo Mac & Cheese. I usually order the same things when I come . I love the baked buffalo Mac & the fried lemon pepper turkey wings. I absolutely loved their Collard greens & Yams! I get a mystery drink & a slice of red velvet cake and I can eat that over the course of 2 days if I don't share it. The wait time can be lengthy sometimes so be patient. When I come on Sundays they are usually playing gospel jams & at about 1:30 or 2 pm it switches to hop hop & R&B . The staff is very helpful and the ambiance it clean and colorful. They also usually have a photographer who walks around taking pics . read more

The Licking - Outside - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

What was that experience? Walking in immediately the music is deafening. It was so bad that the family ahead of me in line couldn't even hear the hostess trying to ask if they were dining in or doing to go and they were RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER AND SCREAMING. Turn the f*king music down. I finally get waved over by a cashier who asks if I'm here for pickup I SCREAM "no" and shake my head aggressively because we can't head each other. She then asks if I'm doing to-go, I say DINE IN and she NODS then proceeds to put my order in for to go. Adds gratuity to it without saying a thing to me, then after handing me the receipt just walks away without saying anything else. Mind you, I told her i was eating here so I stood there for a second thinking "why is no one seating me??" After realizing she either doesn't give a f*ck or couldn't hear me over the DJ's idiotic skills over the volume knob, I sat myself down at a random table. All the servers groups up and started shaking a*s with families and kids around too. Have some decorum man what is wrong with you? You are at work. Takes roughly 30-35 for my food to finally come out. Tasted like sh*t. Fries were limp and unseasoned like the DJ and the chicken was drier than the desert. This restaurant desperately needs new management or more attentive management because it's being run like trash. The servers were nice though who weren't twerking and making a loud fool of themselves were great though. All smiles and good vibes. The hostess was also polite. The cashiers need an attitude check though. read more

This place has only had 3 stars for a reason. Food was just ok. Definitely not worth the price. The turkey wings were fried extra extra hard. The pigeon peas rice was just ok. The collards were tasty. The restaurant was clean, but my gripe is that they are not customer focused at all. $2 for a side of gravy on dry over fried turkey wings. When I got my receipt I was shocked to see a 3% INFLATION charge. When I inquired , I was told that it was added to all checks. There is no mention of this charge anywhere. Unlike the 3.5% fee for using credit cards signage that is visible at the register. Also, only 2 forms of payment accepted per party.. and they will only allow TWO checks per party.... So if you go out with a group, be prepared to designate 2 people to pay the bill and then you and your crew can figure out repayment amongst yourselves. I won't go back and I won't recommend this place to anyone else. Thumbs DOWN. read more

I have been to the other location and it was just like this one but it is bigger . The customer service was professional and friendly. My sides were a tad bit salty but the food was prepared well and came out hot. The batter is nice flavorful and golden brown. If you are like me and love to eat soul food but not cook it this is the place! Added bonus it is right next to the Florida mall great for those coming in town! read more

The Licking - Fried Shrimp dinner - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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So this is dj khaled's restaurant. Its cool looking inside with rappers posted everywhere. The food was good but not great. Greens are canned and the sweet potatoes are also good but canned. Fried lobster fried to perfection but lack taste. Wings werent whole wings like picture. And they are wayyyyy over priced. My meal was $70 for fried lobster meal and drink and since i wanted greens which are canned was a $6 upcharge. And no drink refills you have to pay. And they add tip no matter how many in party. Smh Dont never need to go back read more

The fried turkey wings were moist, flavorful and fried perfectly. The collards and mac were great additions. I really wanted yams but they were out for the day. My friends had the wings and fried shrimp, they both enjoyed their meals. Expect great soul food when you come. They have an option to make their signature drinks into a cocktail and they're not shy with the liquor so that's a plus. The drinks were stronggg lol. However, my food took almost an hour to come out. So if you're in a rush make sure to order way ahead. read more

The Licking - Turkey wings, collards and mac - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Service was excellent, food was excellent and ambiance was great also. Food came out quick, hot and fresh. read more

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First off, the restaurant isn't very kid-friendly. They don't offer kid-sized drink cups, so my daughter ended up with a big cup that wasn't easy for her to handle. The prices are also on the higher side -- about $20 per person, and even the greens as a side dish cost $7.99. Refills are for Pepsi products only and it's a charge for the tea and lemonade. The customer service felt pretty bland. The staff didn't seem focused on creating a good customer experience, and having to scan a QR code for the menu was a bit of a turn-off for me -- I prefer a physical menu when dining out. I ordered the hot wings with fries, which were decent, but not really my cup of tea. I would've preferred a different style of fries, and the ranch dressing came in a packet instead of a cup, which took away from the dine-in feel. My daughter had the red velvet waffle chicken tender sandwich, and while it looked good, it was pretty bland -- the chicken could've used a little more seasoning. I won't be going back anytime soon. read more

The Licking - Chicken Wings & Fries - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Ate here after a cruise and the food was fresh and good! Fried Chicken and greens were well seasoned and Mac and cheese was good also. Highly recommend. read more

I went around 7pm for dinner and I knew I was going to be disappointed when I noticed only 3 ppl working that night. There was a large party waiting to be seated before me. There were 2 waitresses and 1 waiter. My food looked and tasted like it was old (mushy Mac and cheese, burnt broccoli and fried chicken) and not fresh at all. My partner's food was mostly good (lobster bites and fries) the seafood rice seemed old like it was prepared the day before and this was leftovers. This was my second time trying this chain, I think I'm done forever. They have the potential to be so good. I want to support so bad but nah. The music is awesome, I love the artwork but the quality of the food/service is not what it should be. Service seemed like it was just ok. They took my meal off the tab because I just couldn't eat it but they knew it looked a mess when they brought it out. read more

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I really didn't know what to expect with The Licking. Is it finger licking? Anyway, the ambiance is fast casual. I'm not into hip hop culture but this place has tons of pictures of music stars and the soundtrack is pumping! It was fun. Service was great and friendly. They have beer, wine, and frozen drinks as well. They also do takeout. The food blew us away! I got 6 jumbo fried shrimp. They were a very good size and nice and sweet .Perfectly fried. And the fries were excellent as well. I was super impressed given I thought I was going to get something much more "fast food". The buffalo chicken on mac and cheese was equally awesome. Served in a small cast iron skillet to keep it at about 4000 degrees. Chicken was tangy with a little heat. Then that buffalo sauce mixes up into the mac and it's great. Very filling. I'd say instead of hitting the food court at the Florida Mall, pop over here. You can even walk it easily if it's not 100 degrees outside! read more

The Licking - Fried Shrimp and Fries - Excellent - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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The food was mediocre, and the server was terrible. The restaurant has clearly declined in quality. I couldn't get a drink without ice, and the menu board in the restaurant differed from the menus handed out. When I pointed this out, she responded with "that's not updated," which is false advertising. Everything is a "premium side" and costs extra, but she told us to use them while we were ordering our food instead of at the beginning, like she did when she told us what was not on the menu. I won't be returning to this restaurant and will definitely spread negative reviews about it whenever I get the chance. read more

When I say I want lemon pepper wings, this is what I mean baby!! The Licking did not disappoint with these lemon pepper wings. They were bursting with flavor, crispy and juicy. That side of Buffalo sauce to dip them, hit different. The sides were good as well. The baked chicken was seasoned well and tender. Food 10/10 Service 10/10 Ambiance 10/10 I'lil be back! read more

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If you're craving flavorful, well seasoned comfort food, The Licking delivers. The portions are generous, and the menu has all the soul food classics...fried turkey wings, mac & cheese, collard greens, and seafood options. The fried turkey wings were tender, and the honey garlic shrimp had the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Can't forget the mystery punch, always a hit! Expect a lively atmosphere with music bumping, which adds to the vibe but might not be for everyone. Overall, worth a visit if you're in the mood for bold flavors and Southern style eats! read more

The Licking - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Place is sketchy. Service is basically non existent. But the food is BOMB. Worth all the trouble and I will be eating here every time I am in town. read more

The Licking - Snapper, yams, mac and cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I was so hyped to come to this location because of the great reviews from two of my family members how great the food was. I was very disappointed. The food did not taste or look fresh. Since I came on a non busy day on a Wednesday The greens was salty, the Mac was not given and baked chicken was more like stew chicken. I can't believe the audacity to charge more for Mac and cheese and collard greens. I spend $25 and I threw the food away. Horrible. read more

The Licking - So call baked chicken more like stew chicken. Taste and look a day old. Horrible!!!!!!! - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Be prepared and be patient. We came early since we had a big party of 12. They don't take reservation's and you can only be added to a waitlist once they open. The website and Google say they open at 11. We arrived at noon and were told they wouldn't open until 12:30. Once inside two tables were seated prior and we were told it would be another 20 min wait. They explained they didn't have enough staff & we would be seated once orders were prepared for the previous tables which would be much longer than the 20 minute estimate. We called the location nearby who stated they could accommodate our party size. While partially packed into our cars a waitress chased behind us and said the additional staff arrived. This whole encounter was before even being seated. Orders did arrive promptly as well as the drinks. I got the mystery drink which was underwhelming and the entire table didn't receive any refills. My meal was the chicken Alfredo. The sauce was plain but the chicken was seasoned deliciously. Also tried the fried chicken, fried shrimp with fries and all were underwhelming. The restaurant could use a deep clean and the floors are very slick from the grease. Overall it isn't anything special, there are much better food options with better service. read more

The Licking - Chicken Alfredo - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Tough not tender or juicy it something you can most definitely skip. Steak only comes well done but was very chewy and I only ate two bites. My girlfriend ordered the chicken wings with the fingerlicking sauce it was dry even though it had been over sauced. We arrived at 8pm exactly on a Sunday and the "security" told us we had to do to go orders. When we ordered the cashier informed us that we had to wait outside or in the patio for our to-go orders. This is a great location and far from the Universal Studios area but they need to set standards on training employees and having better fresh food. read more

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I hate to write this review but perhaps I can save someone else 90 minutes of their indispensable time. My husband and I stopped by The Licking to place a to go order on Saturday, December 14th. Given the location near the mall, we expected a wait... and they did not underdeliver on that assumption We ordered two entrees and an appetizer. We were told it would be a 30 minute wait. We left and ran to pick up some packages at the mall and returned 40 minutes later. Food not ready. We waited another 50 minutes for our $100 order Just to learn that they were "out" of the chicken roll appetizer And broccoli. They also forgot our drink. The greens were covered in salt. And the yams had no sauce. When my husband went to retrieve a refund, they explained that there was one cook in the building. I counted 26 vehicles. One person on the kitchen. Service matters. I recommend a hard pass on The Licking. read more

Food, ambiance. The frozen drinks machines were not working. Corn was too sweet. Fried turkey wing was ok. They forgot to make it lemon pepper. read more

Food is always great but the service 0/10 literally walked in and was told someone would come take my order at the counter as the 3 employees stood there talking for 15 more minutes before I gave them a look of impatience , she said it would be 20 mins so I sat outside with my son for 20 mins and went to check on our food and a different girl was rude said it would be an additional 10 mins I was at this place for hour before getting my TOGO ORDER. The place was just not as greeting and hype it usually is and the workers at this location were NOT it. read more

Food was delicious.Staff were attentive.The vibe and the music were great! We ended up ordering the fried lobster, fried shrimp, collard greens, vegetable rice, fish, and french fries, and a red velvet waffle, which were all very delicious. read more

The Licking - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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It's very clear which sides I selected and didn't received either of them. If the workers paid more attention to orders this wouldn't be the case. This is not the first time they've gotten my simple order wrong but this will be my last time ordering from them. read more

The Licking - The chicken wing dinner comes with two sides. I selected greens and yams (received Mac and cheese and fries) smh - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Listen they didn't have anything. Super unprofessional. I wish I would have looked at the reviews before coming

Soooooooo, the chicken is delicious: not too greasy, fried with a good crunch, tender inside, large pieces. The Mac N Cheese was gooey like I like and the cheese was 'real'!! The surprise drink was a giant cup (no refills) and was tasty. Son had fries and they were crispy outside and soft inside so he was happy. The food prep was longer than usual but we were enjoying each others company so it came quick enough and everything tasted pretty down home-ish...almost as if I had made it in my kitchen. Nowwwww, if you are willing to overlook the armed security that greets you at the door, the sign that says you should not enter with 'ski-masks', the complete lack of instructions about which line to form for take out orders versus seating (dining in), and no greeter to actually seat you (we had to stop a server and explain we were waiting to be seated) then this place might be for you. What I could not overlook, and why I will not return, was the absolutely exorbitant prices. Three of us had chicken, sides (greens, Mac n cheese, fries) and drinks (no dessert) and spent over $100 dollars. This is technically a fast food chicken joint without ambiance (unless you count the blaring music) or table cloths or even real silverware. One never used to expect to spend that much just on chicken. Sticker shock was an understatement. If the prices were reduced, would I go back, pretty likely. read more

The food is amazing and very flavored. I got the velvet waffles and chicken, with a size of collard greens. Let me tell you how GOOD these collard greens were DEFINITELY good ole comfort food. read more

Our first time here, we always look on Yelp to find good places to go. Been wanting to try this place out and finally got to try it out and I'm so glad I did. The food we order was delicious all so good the server was great but it was very busy. I can't say anything bad about this place. read more

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I have been to both locations every time I'm in Orlando and each time I've waited over an hour . I placed my order at 6:31. It's now 7:31 and the cashier told me I still have to wait an additional 25-30 minutes to have my food cooked and prepared. Luckily, it wasn't that much longer. Customer service is great and food is amazing but be prepared to wait. read more

The Licking - Chicken, greens, and yams - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This place was different from the typical soul food Resturant. When you walk in, everything looks great, but just like an commercial fast food joint. The people are nice and helpful. The food on the other hand is a little different. I had the steak with broccoli and yams. Looks great! But the steak only comes well done, so it was super chewy and very hard to swallow. Yams were super sweet, a little way to sweet. And the broccoli was broccoli. My brother had the Turkey wings. He liked the food. It looked great. But the turkey wing could be a little chewy. And the mac and cheese wasn't really soul or southern. It was commercial. No thought in it. The ambiance was good. Look of the place 10/10 Workers 10/10 Food 6/10 Cleanliness 9/10 Will I go back? I might to try some different stuff off the menu. But if I happen to never make it back there, I wouldn't care, I'm not missing really anything there. read more

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Food took over an hour for simple things like chicken strips and fries, tip already included on bill so not much customer service after an hour wait food finally came and it was indeed tasty but will never try them again. Needs better management. read more

This was my first time at The Licking & wanted to support Khalid & the food looked so good on tv. I will give the turkey wings an A but everything else was not good at all & when you walk in they have several bottles of champagne on display but no liquor license!! Who sells wings without beer?? Where they do that at?? Needless to say we we disappointed. Macaroni had a decent flavor but it was old & the cheese topping was like leather. The yams were straight out of a can. The atmosphere was cool & the music was on point. I just wished the food matched that energy!! read more

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Honestly, don't waste your time here. The wait time to get your food served can take up to 45mins +.... Not counting the time you wait to be seated and order and to get your check. I spent about 2+hrs when it could have been a quicker experience. They had a lot of staff so I am not sure what takes long. The food was also below average. I know a few soul food places that taste better and cost less. The only thing I would order back if I had to will be the Mac and cheese and the collard greens. read more

The Licking - Soul Food Near Me - Orlando, Florida