Shamar H.
Yelp
As a native Detroiter and one who LOVES Soul Food, I have to give an honest version of my opinion. So to do so, I will do a Pros and Cons version of this review. ** I was at the Jefferson location**
Cons (as I like my bad news first)
-The service is lacking. Our waitress dropped off our drinks and it was another 15-20 minutes before she circled back around to get our order. After we placed our order it took a VERY long time to get our food, I'm talking over 35-40 minutes. We heard for at least 15 minutes, we are waiting on the fried chicken. . I told my wife, I guess they went and murked the chick and we will have some very fresh chicken. Not fully the case. Also, we had to flag our server down to get the check as things took so long we were now late for our show. Lastly- it was less than 10 total people in the whole dining area and 4-5 of them worked for this establishment. There is no excuse for why it took almost 45 minutes for us to get a fairly basic meal.
-Surprise ‼The Ice Cream Lady. Before we got our food and honestly before we could order our meal the Ice Cream lady came over and very pointedly interrupted my wife and I's conversation. Like it was shocking! And when she told us the special, I asked a question and I won't tell you what she said to me, but I had to clutch my pearls on what I thought was a basic question about what she was peddling to us. My Boo later said, you pissed someone off and that's why our food is taking so long....... I can neither confirm nor deny that statement.
-The Food, I'm trying to be kind and say, we all have our bad days. So to wait an extremely long time for the food and it be brought out in a very odd way, some sides first, then some other items, then 15 minutes later my chicken, it was disjointed. As for the food itself, a lot and I mean A LOT of salt and pepper and hot sauce was used at our table. Simply stated, the food was bland. Maybe they cater to a crowd that has a specific diet.
Pro (and there are a few)
- We were graciously welcomed when we entered. It helped to make us feel welcomed and we were immediately seated.
- No pork in the veggie options, greens, green beans and others were using smoked Turkey. Very, very, very, very appreciated.
- The open concept was great as the sun was shining and with all of the windows, it's a beautiful setting. You also get to look out those wonderful windows and imagine what that part of Detroit used to be.
- An amazing play list. The music was very relaxing and set a very calming mood. It was not too heavy on word play but nice instrumental ambiance to guide us through our experience.
- I love the concept of having two services in one. Ice cream after dinner is a great touch, especially for couples or friends hanging out.
- Our meal was affordable. I didn't have sticker shock and the bill was true to what we ordered and that allowed be to leave a decent gratuity, despite the total experience.
All in All, I am glad we trekked from Ypsilanti over to this space. I appreciate what was trying to be delivered. But when we asked each other our key question when reviewing our experiences- "Would you come back", unfortunately it was a resounding no.... Too many other places to try and when the meal takes forever, the food is lack luster and you are made to feel like you pissed a staffer off for asking a question, it all equates to a No Thank You for us. Thank you for the experience Jefferson Detroit Soul.