Chef Marilyn's, Queen of Down Home Southern Goodies

I had a great breakfast, they give great portions. I ordered Beef Brisket, Meatloaf, Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Cornbread, Candied Yams, and a Pecan Pie. Everything was delicious. I recommend you stop by when you can.

TRASH SERVICE! Pre-paid for my order and when I arrived, this lady refused to open the door to give me my order! I’ll be calling my bank for a refund! Ain’t no way yall are locking this place up before closing time!

This was my first time visiting. I've seen long lines going out the door at times but there was no waiting on this particular day so I decided to try Marilyn's. PROS: Loved the Mac 'n cheese. It almost tasted like baked macaroni. The dressing didn't have a lot of ingredients but it was still delicious. The chicken was good but not great. Nice variety of sides. Everything appeared to be fresh and warm. CONS: Marilyn's is a hole in the wall so if you're looking for ambiance, this ain't it. However, it's takeout so that works for me. AS TO THE SERVICE, IT SUCKED. There was a woman at the cash register and a male at the buffet / steam table taking your order. Neither acknowledged my presence and went about their tasks as if I was invisible. Finally, I asked the male was there anyone to take my order He responded he was the only one there and would be with me in a minute. The female looked up at me and then went to the back. The male did help me a few minutes later but made no eye contact. He rung up my order and after I paid, I said thank you. Crickets. He never responded and went to the next person. I'm a firm believer in supporting the community but I can patronize other black owned businesses if need be.

I saw the long line outside, and did some research on this place while I was finishing up some work with a client. This place is really a local favorite and I can see why it is so popular. The flavors are really wonderful and probably what you would expect from an authentic home cooked meal from your favorite family chef. We had the yams, greens and meatloaf. Normally I don’t like meatloaf all that much but this was some of the best I ever had. Will come back when I am in the area again to try additional items. The pictures from the other side of the counter doesn’t do this place justice. Go for yourself and experience this food. So much yum.

The service and wait time has improved over the last 6 months. The food was well seasoned and tasty. Both the turkey and beef neck bones were meaty, collards good, and yams fresh and not overly sweet.

I would like to start off by being realistic due to me seeing the story about this business on the news a few weeks ago…. Sometimes when people go to a establishment the food doesn’t have to be all that however, it’s the bad service and non-attention to detail that will turn people away. There is always room for improvement when it comes to food but, when it comes to serving your customers you either got it or you don’t. I can guarantee that if the owner would of had people that truly cared about good quality service that this place would thrive even better. It’s such a shame that this restaurant isn’t doing good these day’s and, is on the verge on closing down. I have been a food server long enough to know that good customer service can make a difference in business. This is how you create loyalty amongst customers and the community…

I used to love this place but the quality has gone down. I was charged for 4 cornbread stuffings, I only ordered and received 1. I was also charged $15.00 for oxtails, which I didn't order. I ASKED for oxtail gravy for my suffing. Then my husband went back in and purchased a sweet potato pie (mind you I purchased this food the on 11-22-23, look at the top of the receipt) and the damn pie began to mold in one day??? I WILL NEVER PATRONIZE THIS ESTABLISHMENT AGAIN.

Her food is entirely too high for the economy. Nowadays I realize she has to make a living too but no. A whole meal cost you almost 40 to $50. I rather go to family restaurant. I am not happy with chef merlin i've been supporting them for years

This is a solid no-frills soul food place. I had it for the first time in over 5 years and it's still good! The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because I wish they kept the food hot. Even though they have food warmers, the food isn't hot. Also, the cornbread was dry and hard. Other than that, everything was good and the ladies helping me provided great customer service. The price point is also very fair in my opinion. I will return.

Let me start by saying that the only reason that I even went here is because my mother in law loves the dressing and I wanted her to have what she wanted. I ordered online via Menufy as it is listed as their "preferred way" for online ordering and ordering via Doordash was not available. I placed the order and went to pick it up but was told that they had no idea what Menufy is. Thankfully I had email confirmation. The order was not ready and not only that, they were out of some of the items that we ordered. The service was not got and the food is mediocre. I'm convinced that people go here out of desperation because there are limited soul food options in Los Angeles. Go elsewhere if you can. I hate to negatively review a black owned business but I am only being honest. Hopefully they improve in the future but I won't know if they do because I won't be back unfortunately.

First time to chef Marilyn's on a Tuesday and it definitely did not disappoint. First thing to note is that it's a take out place and it's priced per item. It's a relatively small spot so it only fits a few people inside, the line will lead to outside. When it came to the food, it was all that we asked for. We saw a lot of people hype up the Mac and cheese and it definitely deserves the hype, cooked perfectly with plenty of cheese. Both chickens and catfish were tender with lots of juice and flavor. Mash potatoes were soft and the gravy paired perfectly. Cornbread was the only that was just okay but still really good. The woman that was serving was by herself and was really helpful and patient with everyone. Definitely created a welcoming service.

Sundays seem to be when I crave Mac & cheese and my dining partner wants the smothered turkey wings. I called mid Sunday afternoon and inquired if these delectable items were still available and alas they were, a friendly voice Ms. Ariel answered the phone and said she would have the food waiting for me upon arrival. As soon as I arrived there was a decent line, I'm guessing the beautiful post Church crowd also wanting their Sunday Soul Food Fix. I walked to the front, and Ms Ariel personally handed me my food items. After paying, and opening the precious cargo in my car I dived into baked salmon & Macaroni & cheese: both were cooked to perfection, in fact I scarfed the Mac & cheese so fast I considered going back in for a second portion.... Lip smacking good. The smothered turkey wing is a large portion and yielded my dining partner several servings. There were several patrons in line who said it was their first time and asked me for recommendations, I rattled off quite a long list of options and they smiled in anticipation. Kudos to this Black woman owned business serving delicious soul food for countless Angelenos.

I went there recently and was dismayed to see all sides and meat had a separate price. There was no option to get a plate of food (2 sides and a meat). This is not why I gave it one star. The reason for the low rating was the spicy, sweet chicken breast that i purchased for $5.00. It was terrible. The little bit of sauce on the chicken was ok, but salty, and the chicken was just horrible it was dry, hard and tasteless (maybe old) chicken. Not edible. I used to love their food but I don't know what happened, needless to say I I will not waste my money here again.

The look of the place is unclean and the flavors are subpar. Back in the day the food seemed far more flavorful.

The customer service needs some immediate attention. The young lady that took the payment for the food was very professional. The boy preparing the food for the order was extremely unprofessional. I'm guessing because it was the end of the shift and he was tired. Even with that understating ...if I am a paying customer the very least I expect is professionalism. I would advise the Management team to look into who they choose to be customer facing. Not a good business.

I would give this place 0 stars if I could. We waited for 30 mins and then when we got to the front they closed the door because of a leak. The guy said it would be 10 mins. We wait 5 mins and the girl came to lock the door. I asked for the wait, they didn't tell us, and she said 30 mins. Save your time and go somewhere else. There was only one person serving as well. The food isn't that good.

Learned about Chef Marilyn on the show "Worth It" Season 3, Episode 1 Mac N Cheese...I just had to try this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2COl0ui4Sc This is old school Soul Food that has been around for 30 years...its traditional, delicious, and made with love. $5 Mac N Cheese...definitely soul food style, a little pricy for what it is. $5 Collard Greens...traditional and tasty, again a bit pricy $.69 Cornbread...yes please! $6.50 Smothered Pork Chop...a nice meaty pork chop in a light gravy. $2.25 Fried Chicken Thigh and $2.85 Chicken Wing...this was the BEST part of my meal. The batter is thick and crispy, with juicy tender meat inside. I've eaten A LOT of fried chicken in my time, and Chef Marilyn's is amongst the best, and its CHEAP! Before you Yuppies, Elitists and Trust Funds Kids come visit, keep in mind this is on Crenshaw, its Cafeteria style, no alcohol, and Take Out only without anywhere nearby in walking distance to sit at. I wouldn't call it the Ghetto, but its definitely not West Hollywood or Beverly Hills.

Cher Marilyn's is a great place to go for soul food. I order the beef short ribs with macaroni and cheese and collard greens. The beef ribs were delicious and very tender. Macaroni and cheese is probably one of the best that I have tasted. The greens were magnificent and very flavorful. Customer service was great and the ambiance is great.

I have no problem with the food. It is pretty good. I had a short rib, mac cheese, and a turkey neck. The sauce is good and flavorful. People are nice. The problem is the price. Everything is a la carte. $15 for one short rib? $5 for each side? Last time I came here, I don't remember it being this expensive. When this restaurant started out, it sold good soul food as cheap as it gets, and lines were long. There was no line this time, and I found out why. I paid $25 for the above. I get three times as much from Dulan's or any other soul food place. And, they taste as good. I was hungry and ate it all before I thought about taking a picture, but it was skimpy. Soul food supposed to fill you up and stick to your ribs without breaking the bank. Well, this not it. I don't think Im coming back anytime soon anymore.

Chef Marilyn's has been a staple in LA for many years at this location and the other location across from McDonald's near 43rd. Lines are always long as it's a takeout location but the food is always good. I get her prices went up but what hasn't these days. Inflation is real for food, groceries and gotta keep staff at competitive wages. The food is so bomb nothing is never nasty chicken meatloaf spaghetti yams greens cornbread smothered chicken and her gumbo is everything. We love it here and will keep visiting. Her ambiance is a to go so it's busy and staff can be a bit slower but they are friendly. Some of the best soul food on the west coast.

Low health score since February, 2024. Seems as if you ate at this establishment it would cause you serious health issues

The young Spanish lady that helped me had a VERY bad attitude. She wasn't smiling. She actually looked like she hated it there. The food was pricey but it was piping hot, seasoned well, and tasted good. I would have bought more but I can support a place where they don't treat you right. Everything seems to be Al la carte. I won't be back, but I wanted to try it out.

Love this place. I hope that someone help to buy the building and keep the business open.

Honestly unbeatable for the price! I love chef Marilyn's! I love how friendly everyone is too! All that said this is my first encounter with soul food so I'm not too experienced but I still think it's worth coming to try especially since she's a small business !

Delicious food! We ordered mac n cheese, collard greens, chicken, the yams, and short ribs.

We love Chef Marilyn's Big portions of great food The meatloaf is very good Cant beat it!

I recently tried some soul food from Chef Marilyn's catering service and it was delicious. Chef Marilyn's has been serving delicious soul food for 30 plus years and is known as the Queen of Down Home Southern goodies. Chef Marilyn's has a generous soul and heart too as part of her mission is to help those less fortunate--by feeding the homeless and seniors in the community. Not only that, Chef Marilyn's has also served some famous celebrities and clients such as Steve Wonder, Steve Harvey and Magic Johnson, to name a few. I have to admit I felt like a celebrity eating her soul food while at a recent community swearing-in ceremony at the California Science Center. I was fortunate enough to try her famous Mac-Cheese dish along with Smothered Chicken, Candied Yams, Collard Greens, and Sweet Potato Pie. The day of the swearing-in ceremony was cold, so her warmth, smile and great cooking skills were very satisfying and it was special treat to meet her. Along with being a great chef, she is a hands-on owner and a positive force in her community. Chef Marilyn's has an extensive catering and take-out menu of Southern, Cajun/Creole, and Soul Food selections.

I drove across town to get their sweet potatoes, greens and black eyed peas. It had been five years! They were all truly delicious! The spicy tender savory greens, the candied fudgy yams and the deeply flavorful peas with black eyes... I am proud to have Chef Marilyn's venerated boutique hot-serve in my corner of the world. Hopefully they'll join my vegan theme park food options once extant.... If only they had vegan mac & cheeze, cornbread, and links et al.

Mobile order cancelled because they didn't have anything in my order, it was 9 different items. I find it hard to believe they didn't have ANY items if so that's pretty concerning.

I would like to start off by being realistic due to me seeing the story about this business on the news a few weeks ago.... Sometimes when people go to a establishment the food doesn't have to be all that however, it's the bad service and non attention to detail that will turn people away. There is always room for improvement when it comes to food but, when it comes to serving your customers you either got it or you don't. I can guarantee that if the owner would of had people that truly cared about good quality service that this place would thrive even better. It's such a shame that this restaurant isn't doing good these day's and, is on the verge on closing down. I have been a food server long enough to know that good customer service can make a difference in business. This is how you create loyalty amongst customers and the community...

Food is excellent decor is terrible. So often they run out of certain items . I love the salmon. The mustard greens ok For a carry out only resturant the decor could and should be improved and the serving trays need to be kept appealing the look terrible.

The prices at this place used to be community friendly now it's community gouging I went there and got some beans rice and the chicken breast came out to almost 20 bucks they're charging $2.50 for a scoop of gravy I will no longer go there sad to say way too high

Chef Marilyn's was actually my first experience with soul food and wow, I did not know how spoiled I was. I first tried it about five years ago because I was going through a rough time and spent six months living near Crenshaw and Adams. I mean, one can only eat Burger King so many times right? I was a little intimidated the first time I went. I had walked by many times and always saw the line and felt very much like a fish out of water. A tourist in my own back yard. I also didn't have a lot of money and food was my main expense at the time. Fortunately my housing was covered for three months while I got my head and priorities in order. My first time in I had no idea what to expect but I just went with it. I ordered Mac and cheese, rice with gravy (I chose the smothered chicken gravy), and got a large smothered chicken breast. I think the total came out to around $7 or something. Considering what I had been ingesting mainly to have fall off the bone tender chicken breast with that perfect gravy... I mean it was something special. So special that I'm still writing about it five years later. I don't need to say how good the mad and cheese was because most already. I ate there the next few days because it was so good and reasonably priced. Every time I went in I was treated with kindness and respect. You never know what someone is going through in life and the employee's kindness went a long way with me. I'm a white guy and honestly I'm the only white person I ever saw there but they still made me feel like I belonged in the community I was apart of. Like I belonged. I think that's really cool and that experience influences me to this day. I'm not a block away from Crenshaw anymore but when I am craving some truly amazing comfort food I make the trip. It's also encouraged me to explore other types of southern cooking as well. That time in my life was extremely painful and difficult but my experience at this little hole in the wall-- amazing cafeteria style food joint was always nice. It's a positive memory which I can't put a price on. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

Good place to grab some tasty soul food. Had a number of portions to choose from and fish was delicious and made fresh. Will always come back, felt like I was at home!!!!

Horribly disappointing. Wanted to skip cooking for me and my cousin on Thanksgiving. Bought turkey wings, dressing, and mac and cheese. Dressing, mac and cheese were okay; turkey was terrible ... really awful. The turkey was so dry not even gravy helped. Then realized it wasn't cooked all the way (partially pink). Customer service was good. This use to be our 'go to' place for soul food, but they have to do better; especially considering how high their prices are now.

I was unpleasantly surprised with the young lady attitude during my first visit on 11/20 near 630pm . The food was decent that could be taken home to be warmed up. But her attitude over weighs the desire to revisit your place. The cost of your food should be made up in customer service. The neighborhood should not dictate your level of service. I'm told she's ( no the young one) generally speak to folks like that as I observed while waiting my turn.

I like how the main entree changes daily, but you gotta be early! For me, its the meatloaf or salmon and a fried chicken breast! Sides, Rice, greens, corn/okra, yams! A lot of good food, at a reasonable price!

The food is delicious, but the wait is always too long. Since there is a regular crowd when it opens, they should have at least 2-3 people ready to serve. If you need to hire, advertise for help. There's 1 person today Friday. That's ridiculous. We support Chef Marilyn's because it's delicious. Increase the prices if needed, but this is not acceptable

Marilyn your prices are ridiculous! The picture I attached tells all!! With these prices I would think the place would be in tip top shape! It looks very much so ran down! I'm curious to know where the money is going. With this price the place should be much nicer. Didn't even get complimentary cornbread. Surprised I wasn't charged for napkins! Also the Hispanic woman that was working on Monday 5/16 absolutely hates her job! She rushed me through my order & seemed as if she had no patience & did not want to be bothered at all. She definitely is tired of serving this ridiculously high food in such a ran down building with no AC. Marilyn do better! Next time I know to go to Dulan's with my money!

The BEST soul food restaurant in the city of Los Angeles- without question!!!!!!! There is not one item on the menu that isn't packed with loads of flavor!!!!! Now, they may not always have what's on the menu, but when they do- you have hit the jackpot!!!!!! I've had the fried chicken, Short Rib of beef, Oxtails, Mac & cheese, greens, candied yams, fried fish, baked fish, cornbread, cabbage, beans, white rice w/gravy, and Tuna Casserole- ALL EXTREEEEEEEEEMELY DELICIOUS!!!! This is a very small establishment meant for take-out only. The line tends to get very long, so be patient while you're standing in the beaming sun (it's so small, that not everyone is able to stand inside of the restaurant, so the line goes out the door). But don't worry, the the long line and beaming sun are worth your wait!!!! Once u go to Marilyn's- you will question if even your Grandmother's cooking can come close!

This business needs to get it together. They open at 11am . I am waiting outside for 30 minutes and the door opens... No mashed potatoes, no fried or baked chicken, no macaroni and cheese. The food out looks ugly too. It's horrible to be missing major dishes. He said 1 hour to wait. I come back in after watching the door and they lock it and put a sign saying open at 1130pm. How dumb is this for running business?

The food here is exploding with flavor. The portions are huge and you can't beat the prices. I have been coming here for decades. The people that work there are very friendly and helpful. Parking has never been a problem. I used to have to stand in a very long line to order. The last time I came I was only 2 people from the front. They are really not set up for dining in, take out only. Even the people in the line are quite friendly. It's right off the freeway.

its sad to say that they used to be much better. The prices are extreme for food we know is cheaper to cook at home. The lines are alot smaller and almost non existent. I'm sure the price and service is the root cause. I have come from far away for years to patronize them and I don't even live on that side anymore. With gas at $6 a gallon. Its just not sustainable and the quality of the food is extra average. We have got to do better. We continue to block our blessings. Lucky Phillips BBQ is across the street. So when I do come to this side. I'll go there because chef Marilyn's cost too much for the quality of the food and service, which has always been horrible but the prices at least matched the quality of the food; not anymore. Love you guys but its a hard and disappointing no to coming back to this establishment.

We waited in line for more than 40 minutes to get inside. There is one wokrer serving the food. She was very professional, courteous, and wearing a mask. She was the only bright spot at this restaurant. Unfortunately, several kitchenstaff were not wearing masks. What is worse is that the kitchen staff was talking and sighing loudly over the food being served. Covid or not, talking over food will put spit in the food. This was a complete waste of time and energy on New Year's eve. Beware of their slack food sanitation behaviors

I'm going to give chief Marylins 3 stars. I Went closer to. Closing time and that's not good for any small take out. I wanted the smother chicken but it was dried out with little gravy. So I settled for the smother turkey necks. Small and Lacked meat but not too bad. I loveed the cabbage and the rice was good as well, no corn bread so that hurts The ladies were nice and overall the food was prety good.I would go back just at a earlier time.

The service, I've been coming here for years but the last time the owner disregarded everyone in line(waited an hour) to service people who just walked in and gave a paper order. That was rude and disrespectful and when asked what's going on she walked away. I have not been back since.

Absolutely DISGUSTING! The dressing was chewy like the nasty frozen stuffing that you buy at Ralph's. The greens tasted like trash. The yams were out of a can. The only thing that was good was the fried chicken, which also could have been purchased from the hot food section at Ralph's. I hate I wasted my money here. I want a refund.

I'm waiting for the girl that had the orange braids to change shifts or something. I WILL NOT BE BACK until they get someone more professional to handle the lunch hour than her. It's one of those type of restaurant where you keep coming back because he food is good, but I refuse to have to deal with the horrible service this girl gives - she can take her service and shove it. Sincerely, Seeking Good Food AND Good Service! Against my better judgement, went over there today - came back empty-handed. They need to FIRE that girl with the Halloween breads! She want to prepare my order along with the stranger behind me (I'm on a lunch break, others have NO WHERE to be). I don't know why she consider that good service, plus she don't know how to communicate with the customers...namely, me!

Too hot to hot to be waiting outside in the sun. The food was tasty, but I gotta score low b cuz of the wait. Shoot, pug a tent out or some mist sprayers. Marylyn is too cheap. She gotta make things comfortable for the people that support her & have been 4 all these years. Heck, if she was in a nicer area, I bet she would have mist sprayers outside while I wait. It was 95 over there today & I waited over 30 min. I had on sandals & my feet tanned. Anyway, They allow three people in at a time with one person trying to manipulate the food line and the cash register. They are constantly switching back and forth and the food is not as fresh as it used to be. I was To, the chef was in the back today, Sunday, August 16, 2020, she needed to come out and tell them to stop talking so much and get that line moving. I'm surprise people weren't passing out, outside. Went again 2 day, Sat., 8/29/20. I was the second person in line. The young lady working there today, she is not the one who usually works on Sunday and she was very skimpy with the food. As my receipt show yams mac & cheese an ox tails 2923 with tax and her spoonfuls of the Mac n chz, yams were very, very small. I don't know where they found those baby ox tails from, but Chef Marilyn's needs 2 b present & let them know, you're charging $3.89 for a side, give that amounts worth. Stop stretching shit! The service and the portion size is much better on Sunday.

My mom went to get some food yesterday I wasn't with her so I don't know about the staffs customer service, she ordered 3, dinners 2 meatloaf and a short ribs dinner. 2 of the dinners sides were greens and yams and 1 was yams and rice. We thought rice always comes with meatloaf but i guess not its considered a side. The greens were ok I have some left over I need to cook them a little more. The yams were ok just not enough either vanilla and or nutmeg. The meat portions are good I guess, 1 big piece of meatloaf and 1 short rib.

Talk about completely falling off, they need to start over because what we got was not it. The greens tasted like tap water and vinegar horrible. The ys are out of a can and for five dollars they need to take that mess off the menu. Marilyn needs to do quality control because they are not popping like they used to be.

delicious food! didn't give 5 Stars because out of the 4 orders i have ordered by way of doordash in the last 30 days, on two occasion's the order was canceled about 10 minutes later & they don't really give an explanation when you have your mouth set on that particular type food. Other than that they are on point.

Stopped by for some cat fish, yams, and Mac n cheese! Loved every bite of it! If you're from the city you need to try this spot!

I recommend them because they food is actually ok and it's convenient if ur in the area and don't want exactly fast food type of food but somethg ur mother could have made thou you know so they get a A+ from me go try it out u may like it as well just don't take my word you had me sit here and write this u better go try it

This place use to be good back I. The day but now it's bland and unseasoned. The greens and red beans and baked chicken taste as if it were prepared for a diabetic. Waste of 13 bucks.

Great Food and great service with a pleasant smile. they prepare my food just the way I like it prepared. I go at least once a month for two retired senior Citizens, who are special to me and they are very pleased with their dinner. Thank you Chef ‍ Marilyn

This place right here Never disappoints. Always consistent well worth the travel. Homestyle soul food cooking without the hard work. Big Yum Flavor with reasonable prices