The food was absolutely delicious! I had the whole fried snapper with candied yams and macaroni and cheese. The macaroni looked very light in color, but don't let that fool you, it was flavorful, creamy, and very well prepared. Everything on the plate was seasoned nicely and satisfying. That said, there were a few things about the atmosphere that took away from the experience for me. The restaurant was extremely dark inside, and the music was much louder than necessary, making it difficult to fully relax and enjoy the meal. I was also caught off guard by customers smoking marijuana indoors. I'm pretty sure I left with a contact high while writing this review. I do think it would be helpful for the establishment to make guests aware of that at the entrance so people can decide beforehand whether that environment is for them. read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - This is the fish and grits. It was a lot, but the way that they sell it was a little unusual. - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I debated on writing a review, because I honestly don't think it will do any good. My first concern was that within 15-20 minutes of me placing my order, it was delivered. I had been wanting some lamb chops for a few months, and I found Yo Chef online. The reviews for the lamb chops were mostly great, so I decided to give them a try. I didn't dine in, I placed an order for delivery. I ordered the lamb chops, with mashed sweet potatoes, and red beans and rice. I had never had fried pound cake, so I ordered 2 fried pound cakes, one for myself and one for my mom. We were both looking forward to everything. Unfortunately, we were both disappointed. The lamb chops were terrible. They were extremely tough. They tasted as if they had been sitting under a warming lamp or something. Even more disappointing was they were so skimpy. They definitely didn't taste as if they were freshly cooked. The mashed sweet potatoes were not mashed at all. They were simply candied yams. The red beans and rice were the best of my order. The fried pound cake tasted as if it was fried too long. I ended up throwing everything away after trying to eat one of the lamb chops. Ultimately, it was a wasted $78, $96 including the tip. read more

First time at Yo Chef. Went after work on a Friday. Not crowded at all, but beginning to fill up as we left. Enjoyed our food though the vegetables were just warm, but fish was hot. Fried catfish (could have used just a tad more seasoning) fried snapper, collard greens, sweet potatoes, mac n cheese (was oh so good), cornbread muffin ( sweet) . Drinks- Texas margarita good & strong. Demon time good not too strong can really taste the orange juice. Pros- food was good, restaurant really is a vibe, prices reasonable Cons: Food not hot, plasticware, plastic plates- gave the vibe a cheapness that didn't match the prices on menu. service slow, outside dirty kinda makes you wanna change your mind about going in, bathroom HORRIBLE , stinky, my husband said mens bathroom toilet was stopped up. Still will give it another try to at least come up to 4 stars nxt time for brunch. read more

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This place has grown on me. Pros: Food is delicious. I haven't had a bad dish in the times I've visited. I stick with the salmon, and they know how to cook it to my liking. Cons: Pricing. If I'm gonna pay for an upscale experience, give me real plates, real cups and real silverware to go with it, not the plastic stuff. Also, gratuity is added automatically to every ticket, regardless of party size. I'm a tipper, but I don't like being forced to do it upfront regardless of how service may be. To me, that sometimes equals poor service because the server knows that she's gonna get a tip regardless of performance. Overall, this is a place I visit every now and again. The night vibe isn't for me, but I enjoy the daytime visits. I like to support minority businesses, so I will be back on occasion. read more

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Haven't been once and did not enjoy the food. My go to Rasta Pasta with shrimp or lamb chops. The drinks are great too. Tips: gratuity comes on each check (be prepared), wait time on food (just start talking and having a conversation lol, it may take a while), brunch is a good time to go, but arrive earlier than later, (they may run out of items). read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I've always heard good things about Yo Chef, so it quickly popped in my mind when my friends and I needed a last minute place to eat brunch. In an effort to support more Black Owned, and minority owned businesses... this was a good choice. The location has pretty good seating space. It wasn't crowded so we were able to be seated immediately. Our server, Jasmine, was very kind and helpful. We ordered waters (which we later found out are $1 each). We also quickly settled on getting the 6 whole wings and fries as an app. The "app" came out quickly. The chicken and fries were DELISH! The fries are hand cut potatoes. We loved them. The flavor of those wings just hit, no sauce or tipping needed. They menu is pretty extensive so it took us a min to narrow our options. On to entrées. I got the fried pork chops with greens and green beans. My sis got the fried catfish plate with greens and mashed potatoes. My friend got the glazed lamb chops with green beans and mashed sweet potatoes. We tasted each other's food. The catfish and wings were an all around fav. Chefs kiss! The pork chops were good, not great and the lamb was tiny and we had mixed reviews on that glaze. The greens were AMAZING to me. A bit salty, tangy but tender... yum! Green beans and mashed potatoes were just OK. The "mashed" sweet potatoes were just yams... not whipped. The cornbread muffin was sweet and good. We got cocktails... the demon time was top tier! Note they auto add gratuity to every order but the food is tasty. I plan to go back soon... yum yum yummy! read more

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This was our first time but definitely not the last. This is the express location on Greensprings Ave. Jasen is the manager and chef. He does an outstanding job getting your food out fresh and timely. This is a hidden gem in our city. I look forward to trying the lamb chops next week. read more

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I visited for the first time and everything I tried was delicious. It was great food, good drinks, for a fun time with friends. The service was prompt and our waitress was responsive. The seating was comfortable and there is space available to accommodate large parties. I'll definitely come back. read more

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Fast forward to a year later. My friends and I came here for lunch on a Friday. It wasn't crowded so we were seated immediately. Nene , our server was amazing! She actually was my server the last time I was here. I like her. I ordered the pork chop meal which comes with 2 sides. The pork chops were thin and highly over seasoned! Same can be said for the collards. Omg , these greens were over seasoned and over cooked. They were almost mushy! I couldn't eat many of them. The yams were decent. The cornbread was tiny .... Mini. My friends enjoyed their food fairly. The Rasta pasta is extremely spicy, per my friend. My other friend had the fish and grits. She said her grits were really good but she didn't love the fried snapper. We all had sweet tea and it was also wayyyyyy too sweet. Goodness! I don't know. This spot has potential but I likely won't return here for food. Maybe for hookah and a beer. There's an automatic 15% gratuity on 1-3 parties and 20% on 4 or more ( I believe). We definitely paid 15%. Our food was brought out by a robot. Cute. Guess we gotta pay for the robot! J/k Overall , this spot is ok but it's just not there yet. I think they need a new executive chef. Oh, and a new parking lot! read more

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Haven't been here in years. LONG wait time with barely anyone in the restaurant on a Thursday. Food and hookah were definitely great though. Water is $4 after 7pm and they will not give you a cup of water lol. They gave me a cup of ice that I had to let melt. read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - Rasta Pasta - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Absolutely incredible experience! From the moment we walked in, the service was top-tier--attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming without ever feeling overbearing. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. The food? Next level. Every dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients and really care about what they're putting out. Not a single thing we tried missed the mark. read more

So I went her for the first time today and had the shrimp queso appetizer,oxtails with smack and cheese and asparagus. 1. Smack and cheese is the best I have had from any restaurant. I would order a pan of this for my family holidays and PROUDLY sit it on the table! Me and my wife ordered some to go. 2. A couple of the oxtails were a little on the salty side but overall the jerk flavor in them was delicious. 3. Asparagus had a good flavor. I did not like it laid across my smack and cheese like it was but it was not a deal breaker. Wife had the fajitas and they were amazing also. They brought out the sizzling skillet and she had to literally duck for cover it was still popping and cracking. Deliciously seasoned meat and vegetables though. Fantastic dish. Queso was delicious also I will definitely go back! The Chef really knows how to take care of his customers. read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - Oxtails on a bed of rice with smack and cheese and asparagus - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The shrimp and grits were amazing. They don't provide water after 7pm which I thought was weird. You have to pay $4 for a bottle. The hookah took a while for it to get to the table. The booths look nice but I prefer to not stare a table with friends for over 20 minutes without anything on the table. The server was nice but overall the experience was mid. read more

This was a late night visit to the drive thru! It was worth the drive. The drive thru moved pretty quickly for a cook to order restaurant. We only waited about 15 minutes. There were 3 cars ahead of us. The worker was nice and helpful when we asked about vegetarian options. There aren't many, but you can get any of the bowls without veggies instead of meat. We ordered a veggie Fiesta bowl, a chicken fiesta bowl, and a Philly steak with fries. We paid around $55. The portions are large. I was only able to eat half. All of us thought the food was really good. We will be back. Warning: if you don't like spicy, the fiesta bowl is not for you! read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Yo Chef was recommended to me by an actual chef. I read the reviews which seem to range from 'it didn't live up to Ticktock' to I loved it! My experience... I made reservations a week prior for a party of 15 for Saturday brunch @ 12:30. Our table was ready and we were seated on time. One end of the table ordered mimosas - they loved them. I explained to the waitress that I don't like sweet mixed drinks. She was very honest and responded, All of our drinks are really sweet. (According to others at the table that ordered mixed drinks, she was exactly right they are pretty sweet) They were out of wine and club soda. So I ordered Tito and pineapple juice worked fine for me. For a party our size I expected a long wait for the food. There was not. I had the baked potato add chicken. Others had the lamb chops, fish/shrimp and grits. Everyone was happy with their food selection and said it tasted really good. Oh they played really good music! I'm giving four stars because they were out of a few of the featured brunch items we tried to order. read more

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This place had THEE best shrimp and grits I've ever had ever! If I ever go back to Birmingham I'll have to go to Yo Chef to get some more.This place has a drive thru. You order your food and wait 30 minutes then your order is finished. Their greens were decent. If you get their after 8pm you can't take kids inside. It turns into a 21 and over crowd only. That is good to know for the future. Thank you all for your amazing food read more

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The food was awesome. Tiny our server was excellent but and attentive. The music and ambience was 100! read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - Barbecue ribs, green beans and homemade mashed potatoes. Chefs kiss! - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Yo Chef! Yelp! I made it back. This time I brought a crew and you did not disappoint! Thanks to Zee for Her Amazing service! You were up on top of this demanding crowd. Like my husband said, "this girl always bringing you stuff back"! I love it. I been impressed with Yo Ambiance! You added some new decor. Looks like you added Hookah's too.! Yo Music still Fie. But, we here for Yo FOOD! I brought all these folks with me. We are a party of 25, and yelp, we showed up! We got EVERYTHING! Standouts with us are Yo lamb chops, Yo chicken Cavatappi, Yo spinach dip, Yo lobster tails, Yo whole chicken wings, Yo shrimp and grits, Yo collard greens, Yo Mac and cheese, Yo steak and Yo sweet potato mashup. Yo Chef! This stuff here good. You got rave reviews. I'm so glad I trust you with my peeps. You already know, everybody say they coming back. Yo, keep it up! read more

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Though I didn't get to have a meal here, I can say that The resteraunt is easily accessible from the highway. It features a convenient drive-through. The servers were very responsive, and we were quickly seated. The presentation is very classy and forward-leaning. Large-screen Televisions are featured. I can report the restrooms were spotless. I was impressed that most new restaurants I have visited overlook the need to take care of the restrooms. We were looking forward to dining here, but unfortunately, someone in our party reportedly saw a cockroach and other dead bugs in a nearby window sill. My party decided not to risk it, even though we were excited to enjoy the delicious-smelling offerings. Three stars are to be as fair as possible, and negative one stars are for the reported issue. I hope they take care of the pest and cleanliness issue soon so we can return and actually enjoy a meal. read more

RESTAURANT THE SPOT Yo Chef 2201 4th Pl W, Birmingham, AL 35204 Order Herbed chicken and spinach dip (roasted chicken, spinach, Italian herbs) Glazed Lamb Chops BBQ smoked half chicken with mashed potatoes and baked beans Hey y'all! I went to Yo Chef a couple of weeks ago. We love to support a black business! Before I discuss my food, I want to go ahead and point out the fact that the people overhype places so much now don't get me wrong, the food wasn't nasty, but it definitely wasn't something I just have to have. ‍ The spinach dip was the bomb! The bbq smoked chicken was a little on the dry side but the bbq sauce made up for it. The lamb chops disappointed me. I would've rather had them from Longhorn the mashed potatoes were not it. They can keep them. However, the baked beans were delish. All I was missing was a lil hamburger meat in them I'll give them a 6.5/10. They have hookah, cocktails, and music so if you're looking for a vibe, this is the place to go if you want a late night meal with the vibe! Tell them #VictheCrit sent you! https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=oHMOxoVT-HmY2ZDJXoAcvA&utm_source=ishare https://goo.gl/maps/b5EmjYrPQTMbvkF79 read more

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It seems to be a popular spot in the community. As I watched various delicious looking dishes go to other customers, I made may food selection. It took a long period of time for most of the food that was possibly prepared to be plated and served. The ambiance is more for young people. Once I received my food it was half the portion of the person sitting next to me at the neighboring table. The few green beans were salty (cut white potatoes would have balance some of that salt) , the few yams were delicious, did not eat the meat. The party with the hookah was a nice group however their smoke was very intrusive maybe because of the ceiling fans. If you enjoy good food you may want to get it to go if smoke is an issue with your sinuses. read more

I've given this place THREE chances and most people would say that is one too many. A mimosa takes maybe 5 minutes to make but somehow we have waited 2 hours for one pitcher. Then it was full of black stuff. THEN they refused to take it off, they gave us "half" off. They have to do better. My friends pancakes were dryer than the Sahara. The waiter was terrible and the ambiance was hostile because MULTIPLE customers were waiting for MULTIPLE things whether drinks or food. Don't worry that was definitely that last time. I will make a trip to this establishment. read more

Horrible experience. Don't believe the hype !!!! No one understands anything. Waiter came to my table 4 times and ask what I wanted to drink when i put my order in 45 minutes ago. Was told they don't sell mix drinks and proceeds to bring shots when i told her we did not want shot. Waited 30 minutes for a check and watched her sitting down talking. The food was not good at all. Don't waste your money or time read more

The ambiance gives lounge/ almost club vibes even though it's a restaurant. The music being played was a perfect mix of old and new R&B. I went during happy hour. I ordered 2 (shots are required to be ordered in two's) green tea shots. They were good and strong. Our waitress was very humble about the food. The shrimp and grits are to die for OMG. The chef came and gave a sample of the lamb chops. They were very tender and flavorful. We also got a hookah that pulled and tasted good. Will definitely be back asap. read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - A sample of the lamb. Very good. - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Londen!!!!!!! Best Server Hands Down. I visited home (I live in St. Louis, MO) and my bestie said she wanted to try a new place. We came here 7.27.23 We were told to seat ourselves. It was pretty early and no need to seat us. We asked Londen to recommend cocktails as this was our first visit. One peach & one strawberry lemon drop martini . That drop was drop'n instantly felt it. Instantly drunk it up. The starter we chose the Roasted Chicken Spinach Dip. YALLLLLL THE FLAVOR WAS INSTANT FOODGASM. It was seasoned perfectly and it was hot and the chicken was juicy and plentiful. We devoured it. Round 2 for drinks. We ordered the WAP lol. It was also delicious but the punch didn't match the lemon drop punch. We struggled like hell to decide on what to eat but what made my bestie choose here was someone raving about the lamb chops but we didn't want to both order the same meal as we have a thing about getting separate dishes to try more items lol. Wellll the amazing and great Londen went and got a damn sample of LAMB CHOP. We expected a bite or a piece. She brought us a whole chop and a like. See video I damn near at the bone. That was impressive to me. Say what you will but my experience was top notch. Entrees: Amber ordered Lamb Chops w/ Mash and Asparagus. I had the whole Red Snapper and Grits w/ Collards Greens. I already knew the chops were good so I tasted her potatoes and they were delicious and so was her asparagus. Now this fish was crispy and crunchy and nice sized and piping hot and it was just cooked just right. The crust was seasoned so well that nothing was needed to enhance it. NOTHING. My grits were not so great. They needed some love so I left them alone. My Greens was the absolute best part. The pot liquor (ask ya elders what that is) was surely memorable. Them greens made my eyes roll up in my head. FOODGASM #2. Amber and I couldn't believe how flavorful they were. The cornbread was yummy but it was also heavy so I couldn't eat as much. Londen stopped by to check in and I told her the grits were just a no. She said okay and asked what I wanted instead and yep I got more greens and yep they were just as good. Kept eating. Londen reappeared with a cup of grits that was just right and said even though they replaced them with greens she wanted to taste the grits done right. Great Customer Service. The vibe here was everything and I asked to meet the chef and the most well mannered young man appeared. He was so humble and included the entire kitchen staff in every statement he made. I was just outdone with every aspect of this place. read more

Owner was super nice. Food was good as always. Definitely one of my spots to drop by when in town.

Food was great! Staff were very friendly ! for my first time going it hit every spot!! Music was good!! Good innerg !

Yo Chef is a spot for those looking for a menu with variety, great music, and drinks. My first experience was par, but I will go back. The menu offers brunch, lunch, and dinner options that range from sea food, soul food, BBQ, and a little Mexican. They also have a full bar with special drink menu. The food and its portions were good. It did take a while to get our food (fish and grits and lamb chops) but I respected that because it was served hot. The service could be better only because there was 1 waiter serving multiple (if not all) the tables. She did well for it only to be her. read more

Yo Chef is a restaurant to try if you want more food choices to choose from. Their menu have a lot of different foods to choose from. This was my 3rd time eating here, and so far, everything I have tried has been very delicious. There are still a few things I would like to try, so I will definitely be going back. read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - Lambchops, mashed sweet potatoes and broccolini - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

This place is a whole vibe. Everything was delicious and I will definitely be back as customer service , food and drinks were all great! read more

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I recently ate at this restaurant. The service and food was delicious with good drinks. The restaurant has drive thru service but you have to be patient because menu items are made to order and this is not fast food. The restaurant offers musics with DJ and Live band some days. It has TVs at the bar and around the restaurant. Plus the kitchen is open late nights as well. Check their hours. I would recommend this restaurant. read more

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Stopped by Saturday night at midnight after the Millennium Tour Concert. We got in the drive through line waited 45 minutes, made it to the window, was told we were to place our order on the intercom, mind you we stopped at the speaker and waited. No one ever came on to place the order. The cashier at the window was rude. She told 3 cars in front of us the samething. If you had that many people come through a drive through line and not get an order with that not be a red flag for you? First impressions are everything, you want to capture the customer on initial contact it will drive them to come back. She could have offered to take our order and told us to come inside to pick it up. She turned down hundreds of dollars that night for your business. Please train her common courtesy and professionalism. The attitude needs to be coached. Take the lady from the Homewood location that was there Saturday night and have her train the Birmingham cashier, I think your business will do better. Goodluck! read more

In Alabama visiting family, and wanted a chill vibe with good food. Yo Chef! - has a very unique business model, it is a drive thru & hookah lounge. At first I thought- wth is happening here but once I took a bite of those chicken wings, everything made sense. Ordered: Food- Oysters (good taste, not well prepared), Shrimp stuffed potato (good) and Chicken wings w/smoked mac & cheese (delicious) Drinks - Love Potion (so good, we had 3) & Demon Time (good stuff) read more

Pro: - Taste: Everything was well seasoned and cooked to perfection!! They are on to something good with the flavors in each part of the dish. Con: - Portion sizes were TINY. I put the fork in the picture for size reference. The wings were the smallest I've ever seen served at a restaurant. I got about 4 forks of greens and the order of fries literally came with like 10 fries...count them for yourself. The sizes seemed more fitting for a kids meal. I will not return, but If you choose to eat here, just know you'll need to eat light before coming or order a few appetizers to make up for the small entrees. read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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This place is an absolute vibe, with the best hookah in the city--the boss said so. My friend and I sat at the bar, which was nice because I don't enjoy sitting in the midst of crowed places. Crowded is good, this means this place is great! The food is awesome too. We had just arrived from dinner, my friend enjoyed a drink or so, but I just puffed away on the smooth hookah while enjoying some good ole trap music--I love being black and being surrounded by black people! Nothing like culture. The lighting is bold and blue, the perfect feel for this kind of bar. It was clean and the servers and bartenders are so patient and kind. I love this place! I can't wait to get back to smoke more hookah! Since the boss said it's the best in the city, this will be the only place I smoke it! Two thumbs up! read more

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Not a fan. Mimosas took ages and when they finally arrived they were the wrong ones. We let it pass bc it was early in the morning and we thought maybe they were just getting everything ready for the day. Then our food took ages as well by the time we got it it was cold and hard. Also they gave us plastic silverware which I guess is fine but considering how cold and hard our food was our table was shaking from us trying to cut into it. I guess I was just confused on the aesthetic of the place and the service. Won't be back. read more

Im here to second Carmen's brutal but completely honest previous review. We came to enjoy the end of a good Valentine's Day Weekend, but it was the furthest from it. From waiting over 2 hours for a Mimosa pitcher (it got to a point where the bartender asked "Oh yall still want that?), to the food coming out even later than that, and a Gnat being in the second Mimosa Pitcher, we were mentally exhausted from having to track down a waitress that was too busy slinging hookahs around like free candy. They couldn't even bring out correctly prepared Baked Beans to the table next to us (The guy ordered Pinto Beans :/). The ambiance and vibe was totally off, and I should be apologizing to Carmen for ruining her Valentine's Day Weekend. Until they start moving like a team, Yo Chef will NEVER reach their full potential. I wish I could leave less than a One Star Review. read more

I literally just paid $27 for a kids meal... thank heavens it taste good though. Long wait for call in order for such a small amount. read more

Yo Chef Surf & Turf Smokehouse - Thin boneless chops - Seafood Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

So enjoyed my brunch experience here today! Nice spot in North Birmingham with alot of options and an exceptional drink menu. I had the shrimp n grits, which was fantastic! My friend had the catfish and grits and she was equally pleased. I will most def be back! read more

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This particular restaurant is overhyped by a suspicious food critique. The food is definitely not delicious. I ordered two barbecue ribs plates with smack n cheese, sweet potato casserole, collard greens and cornbread. The ribs were undercooked. I had to put the ribs into a Dutch oven and recook for an hour and a half. The sweet potatoes were runny and extremely sweet, as well as, the Jiffy Mix Cornbread. The cook actually added sugar or honey to the Jiffy Mix. That's an overkill with sweetness. The collard greens most likely were cooked with a salty pork meat and the cook added additional salt. The greens were too, too salty. The restaurant serves something called smack n cheese. It taste like the sauce was made from powdered cheese and spoiled milk. The dish was gross. I ordered a third dish for my brother. My brother had a shrimp fiesta bowl. He said his food was all right. I think this restaurant is not a good place to patronize for southern soul food. It's most likely a hit-or-miss as far as food taste and food satisfaction. If you really don't want to take the risk of being disappointed with your food, I suggest you go where you for sure the food is worthy of your time and money. Sorry, I deleted the photos after posting them on Google Reviews. read more