My wife and I came through here and saw the barbecue place. I had the half slab plate and my wife…read morehad the soul men's bowls. We both loved it definitely coming back if our travel take us through the area.. Thanks to the owner and staff for their great work!!!

Best bbq ever , I get a three meat plate Everytime, great sides, fast and good atmosphere like it…read more Good waitstaff.

Absolutely the best soul food southern comfort cuisine in East Texas. The dressing is some of the…read morebest around with their gravy and as for the delicious fried catfish, it's probably the best I have had too. Southern hospitality is found here from the friendly staff and owner and you will definitely leave here full and satisfied. Grab a wonderful dessert too before you head out. The pecan pie is terrific!

OH MY LORD!!! Good Soul Food and the staff is very pleasant. The place is very clean. It's a Hidden…read moreGem in Tyler. Its menu prices are right on point with the portions

I feel like I have to give this place 5 stars. The food is 4 to 4.5 (so far) but the fact that it's…read moretiny, local, family run, everything made from scratch just pushes it up that extra notch. Chicken fried chicken was juicy and properly seasoned and the best we'd ever had. Ditto for the green beans and the okra. She wouldn't tell us what she puts in the green beans, but it's some combination of bacon grease and magic, I swear. The okra was fresh cut, fresh battered, fresh fried, unlike every other place I get it where you can tell it's out of a bag. Hot water cornbread was ah-mazing. I only wish I had honey to slather on it along with the butter. White gravy was fantastic, with just a hint of sweetness we couldn't quite put our finger on. Chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes were delicious, but also the only things I can say were on par with some of our other favorites. Prices are extremely reasonable. And the service is as down home and personal as you would expect at a place like Sylvia Mae's. But don't expect quick delivery of your food. Everything is made to order and it takes time, so settle in and be patient. We will definitely return here as often as we can when we are in the area.

Occasionally you stumble upon something truly special. This unassuming small business is exactly…read morewhat you want it to be. It is a meeting place, a comfort zone, a haven of good nature and community. The food is simple and good. The person providing the food is honest and real. This establishment is a lifeline of stability in an otherwise downtrodden neighborhood. THIS is the reason we have yelp...to discover and highlight businesses that actually deserve recognition. Sylvia Mae's is all of these things and more. Go visit...manage expectations and enjoy the moment. There aren't many places like this left.

We were on a road trip and my husband was craving some soul food. Halliburton's came up on Yelp so…read morewe decided to give it a try. As another review said, do not let the looks of this place dissuade you. Mr. Halliburton was such a nice gentleman and a great cook. He patiently told us what our options were and served us immediately. One of our friends was hesitant to dine here, but contentedly admitted that she was wrong to judge the food based on how the establishment looked. Among our group of 6 we ordered: chicken, brisket, Mac and cheese, collard greens, potato salad, and black eyed peas. Everything satisfied our soul food cravings. There is no indoor seating, but a covered patio with several patio tables and chairs. There are comfortable cushions to put on the seats. Mr. H. even placed his speakers outside and turned on some music for us while we dined. It's not fancy, but the service is great, food is delicious, and you'll make a new friend in Mr. Halliburton. If we ever find ourselves back in Waco, we will definitely be back! The Yelp location was incorrect, it should be 1724 N. 18th St.

Always great fresh homemade soul food our family favorite Sunday eats its fast ready to eat easily…read moreaccessible family friendly food

I swore I thought I wrote a review on this place years ago. Anyhow, this is my favorite soul food…read moreplace in the country. Anytime I'm passing through, I try to coordinate the timing to eat here. Glad it's far enough away so I don't eat like this too often! Very few places make good dressing and Mac n cheese. I like their baked chicken. Wished their hours were longer and they served breakfast. I could see fried potatoes, hot sausage and salmon croquettes in my future! This place is like eating at someone home that you know can cook.

Not sure why they are closed. Maybe for good? Yelp says they're open. Reviews are great. Closed on…read morea Friday afternoon.

This place is right off highway. We split the catfish, fries and pinto beans. It was FABULOUS!…read more Give this place a try. If you want a quick lunch in and out this won't be for you. It says on signs GOOD FOOD takes time to prepare. They definitely know how to make good food. So sit down and enjoy Ms Arlene's Kountry Kitchen.

Food was good but not great. Service was good but for the area prices are high. Table placards are…read morenot cleaned and window sills bordering the booths are unsanitary. Full black trash bags with unknown content ( possibly not trash) are stored in sight shoved in the corner of the table seating area with piled up chairs and unused tables. Could easily be a great place with some simple improvements.

I visited Madea's for the first time on a Thursday while in town visiting family, and I was…read morewelcomed right at the entrance. The hospitality set the tone for a great experience. I ordered the pork chop plate, and the server kindly let me try both a fried pork chop and a smothered one since I couldn't make up my mind. I also had fried cabbage and yams. The cabbage had a little unexpected heat to it, but that's actually the same way my family cooks theirs, so I ended up really enjoying it. One thing that stood out to me was the staff. I'm not sure if the restaurant is always staffed this way, but I was genuinely impressed that all the front-line workers were men -- and every single one of them was courteous, respectful, patient, and mindful of each customer. While I enjoyed my meal, I watched them treat each person who walked in with the same positive energy and attentiveness. If you're in the area, go support this restaurant. The food, the atmosphere, and the service all made my first visit a memorable one.

I was on this side of town and was a little famished for some soul food. Decided to call in a take…read moreout order. The young man who answered the phone was very kind and ensured he had my order correct. Even verified I was ok with paying over the phone before he took my order. I arrived about 15 minutes later and once inside the cashier called for my order number then requested to see the card I paid with and my ID. In today's world it's comforting to know there are businesses verifying identity! Kudos!! Once seated at home I opened my container to hot fried catfish, tomatoes and okra, Mac n cheese and hot water cornbread. My first bite of everything was very good and seasoned to perfection. I got so full so quick that I wasn't able to finish but it made for perfect leftovers later that day. On to the desserts! My mom got a slice of pecan pie and I enjoyed the strawberry cake. Both were tasty and prepared perfectly! I will stop in again for fried pork chops when it's time for an off plan meal.

its a very cute and small family owned restaurant, all of the staff is very friendly and welcoming!…read moreI ordered the chicken fried steak with broccoli and cheese rice and sweet potatoes. and i still cant stop thinking about it, it was so delicious! I will never be able to go to cracker barrel again! everything on my plate was better than expected.

Delicious Cajun food with bold, authentic flavors. A must-try for anyone craving true Soul Food!…read moreExcellent customer service--friendly, attentive, and always ready to assist. The cook was AMAZING! Highly Recommended!

Short Version: Food: Excellent 10/10…read moreAmbience: Adequate 5/10 Service: Friendly and Attentive 10/10 Lengthy Appreciation: The food was phenomenal with healthy portions. I ordered the wings and was pleasantly surprised to find that it included two sides of my choice which were the Yams and Mac and Cheese. Needless to say it was all superb and authentic. My only complaint was the flickering light inside which led me to enjoy my wonderful meal outdoors in the pleasant weather. The music indoors and out is a little loud but the staff here is very kind and will absolutely offer to turn it down if it bothers you.

Food was pretty good! I had Chicken Spaghetti with greens & cabbage and you get hot water cornbread…read morewith it. All was pretty good will be going back for the pork chops cause I hear everyone ordering it!

My wife and I spent a weekend in Huntington Texas, the 4 hour drive back was clearly to much for us…read moreand we had to stop and eat. I literally just chose the Apple map option to add a stop and this was the closest place en route. God clearly was looking down on us at that time. Today was the first day to reopen the dining rooms and oh my god. Black owned, soul food, southern food, straight glee in my mouth the entire meal. I got the Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, and MacNCheese. Wife got the Smother Porkchops, Yams, and Green Beans. Plates were cleaned.