Doll's Family Cafe

Soul food restaurant · East Nashville

Doll's Family Cafe

Soul food restaurant · East Nashville

2

2501 Gallatin Ave B, Nashville, TN 37206

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Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by Kelli Dirks
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null
Doll's Family Cafe by null

Highlights

Fried chicken, mac & cheese, and delicious home cooking  

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2501 Gallatin Ave B, Nashville, TN 37206 Get directions

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@dolls_family_cafe

$10–20 · Menu

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2501 Gallatin Ave B, Nashville, TN 37206 Get directions

+1 615 226 4441
facebook.com
@dolls_family_cafe

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 25, 2025

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@infatuation

The 9 Best Meat And Threes In Nashville - Nashville - The Infatuation

"If you’re in East Nashville, Doll’s is well worth a pit stop for a takeout lunch. While there’s seating inside the nondescript building (keep your eyes peeled as the signage is mostly faded), you won’t find many people using it. This family-owned joint does know its way around excellent fried chicken and a plate of braised oxtails, though. The turnip greens cooked in pork fat should make their way into one of the coveted three spots for sides, right along with the mac and cheese." - jackie gutierrez jones 2

https://www.theinfatuation.com/nashville/guides/best-meat-and-threes-nashville
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@infatuation

Doll’s Cafe - Review - East Nashville - Nashville - The Infatuation

"If you’re in East Nashville, Doll’s is well worth a pit stop for a takeout lunch. While there’s seating inside the nondescript building (keep your eyes peeled as the signage is mostly faded), you won’t find many people using it. This family-owned joint does know its way around excellent fried chicken and a plate of braised oxtails, though. The turnip greens cooked in pork fat should make their way into one of the coveted three spots for sides, right along with the mac and cheese. photo credit: Kelli Dirks photo credit: Kelli Dirks photo credit: Kelli Dirks Pause Unmute" - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones

https://www.theinfatuation.com/nashville/reviews/dolls-cafe
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Sooya xyooj

Google
I'm visiting from out of state and this place is delicious! I got the ribs, greens, and Mac. The staff was helpful as well. Delish delish. A must try!

LaKindra Howard

Google
The food was amazing, the staff was friendly and I can't wait to go back.

Yvonne West

Google
While visiting Nashville, TN, we had a craving for soul food and stopped by Doll’s Family Café—and let me just say, the food was phenomenal and the customer service was outstanding! From the moment we walked in, the gentleman at the counter welcomed us warmly. I mentioned it was our first time, and he took the time to explain the menu and even offered tastings of the sides before we ordered. We dined in and enjoyed every bite. The portions were generous, and everything was seasoned to perfection. We were so full, I had to take dessert to go! Highly recommend this spot—authentic food and true Southern hospitality!

Juanita Danielle

Google
The food here is excellent! I can’t believe this is my first time eating here and I’m from Nashville. I will definitely return over and over. It’s like being able to eat your Grandmother’s Thanksgiving food any day of the year! This place is definitely a hidden gem.

hello brain

Google
Very friendly service. got the baked chicken and stuffing.Macaroni and cheese turnip greens and the extra corn bread. They made it just like my grandma used to. So good.

I H

Google
I needed a place to eat while I was passing through Nashville and I very much enjoyed the fried chicken, mac&cheese, and baked beans. The peach cobbler was cold, but probably would have tasted better if it was still warm. There were plenty of options to choose from and everything had good flavor and seasoning. I would eat there again.

Teresa Jordan

Google
Doll's restaurant has the Best meat and three. The food is fresh and cooked daily. Reasonable price for your family's. Stop by on Sunday, if you don't want to cook. The food is delicious

Denisejamari Beachmom

Google
Came 30 min before opening waited in line came for oxtails, chitterings and banana pudding said it wouldn’t be ready till about 2 pm they close at 5!!! So disappointed got dressing & pork chop meal nothing to write home about I also had to cook turnips longer plus added bacon grease & ham for perfection…I’ll await the oxtails & chits one day when they on time at 11:30 opening✌🏽
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Yolanda B.

Yelp
Listen!!!! I love the fish sandwich here! It is epic and so delicious! They always make it to order! The first time I got one, they handed me that greasy brown bag and I knew it was ON!!! Highly recommend! So yummy!
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Latore H.

Yelp
I love coming here, first of all the food is amazing, affordable and get a large amount, unlike some of these other overpriced soul food places. The staff is amazing they have great hospitality not to mention how busy it was when I came here and they were very patient. I haven't been able to sit down here and eat yet but I make plans on it, it has a nice cozy vibe to it, sort of gives a homey feel.
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Jeffery S.

Yelp
This place has been excellent so far in my experience. Good price for a good portion of food that is great tasting. Im a student at Lincoln tech and place is literally across the street. The on campus dining cafeteria cost more and is not good, but it is all you can eat so the dining halls do have its pro and cons. Dolls kitchen offers quality food that is tasteful and its right across campus. I wish I saw more of us on the campus support them and go try this place out but we get released for lunch at 1045am and the students don't want to wait 15 minutes for this kitchen to open up 11am so they got eat elsewhere. If you're close by this place and hungry, try them out. I dont think you'll be disappointed. This place is hands down legit.
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Philip B.

Yelp
There are really no words to describe how great the food is at this place. The whitefish is absolutely delicious. Mac n cheese is amazing. Everything is amazing. Home cooking at its best.
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Austin B.

Yelp
Their fried catfish is best in class! Friendly staff. Great little joint to stop and eat good
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Myia W.

Yelp
Omg! As I sit here and eat my beef tips on white rice and double Mac and cheese, I can tell you I am truly satisfied. I love how they don't over salt it just incase people have high blood pressure. My plate was big enough for leftovers. I put my hot water cornbread in the air fryer and omg, I want more!
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Marcelius T.

Yelp
This was the nastiest soul food that I've ever had in my life and I've ate a lot of soul food. I definitely do not recommend this place. The health department should shut them down.
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Kleopatra G.

Yelp
I just came here to say this is the best soul food in Nashville hands down. I drove by one day and saw a line out the door of people. But what I noticed is this line was full of locals, not like other popular chicken or soul food spots where the lines are long because of tourists and gentrifiers. I knew at that moment this was a place I needed to try. Not only is the food good, they only use pork in one side and even then, you have the option to get greens with turkey. Everything was made to perfection and I'm so happy to have stumbled upon them.
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Cynthia H.

Yelp
Decent food. Bad customer service. The young lady at the cash register was handling money and then handling the food w/o washing her hands. I whispered in her ear that she should wash her hands after handling money before she handle the food and she said okay but went right back to handling food for the next customer. She dismissed me. I did tell the customer what was going on. My money isn't good enough for Doll's. I will not be going back and I will be reporting them to the Health Department
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Mike W.

Yelp
Doll's Family Cafe - Dark Quarter HOT - Cayenne forward, but heat was on the spot. Needed some sugar. Looks like a sauce. Chicken was crisp and cooked well. Tasty. SMOKES-2 out of 3 Interesting place and this is more of what of authentic NHC experienc should be. Side items were average, very nice chess pie. This place is probably packed for lunch. I'll be back to try a white quarter
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Andrew J.

Yelp
I have eaten at so many meat and 3's and old country cafe's and this one is hands down my favorite. I've had the meatloaf roast beeffried chicken and pork chopsbeef tipscatfish . The desserts are the best too. They have chess squares, chocolate and red velvet cake and some dang good banana pudding. I've lived in East Nashville for 16 years I've been coming there since 2013. Don't miss this wonderful local gem folks.
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Jose G.

Yelp
Good food, ice cold sweet tea, and the prices are unbeatable. Down home atmosphere. My first time here and I had the rib tips - they are tasty. I wish they had chitlins daily since I had a taste for them - I only get to Nashville twice a year. Can't get them back home. The cornbread is delicious (get two pieces, it's worth it) Looking forward to eating my slice of strawberry chess pie
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Cherita W.

Yelp
7.30 was my very 1st time here. I had heard about it from acquaintances. I personally don't prefer to cook on Fridays or Saturdays so I decided to give them a try. It was good. I am picky about my soul food being from Memphis. I had the Fried chicken, cabbage and Mac n cheese. I got my husband the ribs, cabbage and Mac and cheese. He was at work so I took him his food and told him to let me know how it was. The plate was gone within 5 minutes of me dropping it off. Will definitely keep them in my food arsenal.
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Tootie S.

Yelp
Good place! Walking up, we were a little skeptical but the food was very good with large portions. Prices are very reasonable also!! Stop here and be sure to get the cornbread!
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Gabrielle C.

Yelp
I finally got here after passing it a million times! WOW. I have been missing out! The ambiance could be better but it really doesn't matter because the food and people cooking/serving are FANTASTIC. The food is all homemade, fresh, delicious and very affordable. Again - WOW. This is what meat and 3 should be.

Tina J.

Yelp
Got 2 fish plates for my parents and the fish was SPOLIED. Its NO way in HELL they didn't smell how bad that fish was while cooking it. I attempted to take the food back at 4:30pm on a Saturday and they were closed. Their sign says they close at 5pm. I think they saw me coming to return the plate and locked the doors (the front door is tinted) I will NEVER eat here again. I feel sorry for the young people that attend the auto college next door. If you want some good soul food go to Silver Sands or Kingdom Café or Cee's on Douglas Ave. Yall should be ashamed of yourselves.
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Randall M.

Yelp
This spot is awesomeness!!! The food here is good and not the typical out of the can bland, they use seasonings here!! Definitely worth checking out. It's tucked away in East Nashville near Douglas. If you want some good soul food.. Go here...you will be satisfied!
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Tiffany T.

Yelp
My favorite plate at Doll's is the meatloaf with 3 sides and 2 pieces of cornbread. The food is delicious, always. I've only been on a Sunday once and there was a line but I waited cuz....yes. I don't attempt to go to dolls after 5pm, they're usually closed before their hours' state they are and while it is an irritating situation to be in, it doesn't bother me because I'm usually out East and heading home or to work when I make the last minute decision. Meatloaf Mac Apples Cabbage/Greens (they offer pork and turkey Greens) 2 pieces of cornbread (always 2, I'll wait if I have to. I don't even know what their rolls taste like)
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Shub N.

Yelp
I love some good ole home cooking. I got the chicken and dressing, greens, and mac n cheese and was very delicious however I saw a roach crawling on the table and that turned me off.
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Kait W.

Yelp
I just moved here from NC and was looking for some comfort food that reminds me of home, and Doll's did not disappoint! I got the fried white fish with Mac & cheese and mashed potatoes and everything was delicious! I loved the corn bread cakes also
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Kate R.

Yelp
Just plain delicious. Fried chicken, the Mac and cheese of your dreams, and huge super sweet pieces of pie for 2.50.
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Dronda D.

Yelp
Ordered chitterlings greens and yams Mac an cheese . Everything was great except the yams they were canned . The turnip greens were very good chitterlings were very good ! Mac an cheese was dry but ok . I will try them again
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Clyde B.

Yelp
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this restaurant. I go EVERY Sunday and get their roast with macaroni and sweet potatoes with an EXTRA piece of their AMAZING cornbread. They always have a good flow of traffic but the line never stops, your never in more than 10minutes and for the portion and taste of the food WELL WORTH every penny.

Zaniesha D.

Yelp
This restaurant's soul food wasn't really good. We ordered chicken and dressing, roast, fried chicken, pork greens, green beans, macaroni, yams, cornbread, and caramel cake. The baked chicken, the roast, and the caramel cake were really good! Seasoned and flavored well. The dressing was ok. Didn't taste homemade. The fried chicken lacked seasoning and flavor. The pork greens lacked flavor and just didn't taste good. The green beans had a vinegary taste to it, which may be good to some but not to me. The macaroni taste generic. The yams had wayyyy too much cinnamon (it was almost spicy) and was very mushy. The cornbread...a major no. Not really sure what that was. The inside could look cleaner, and they should have red and grape kool-aid flavors...not orange and yellow.
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Shirley F.

Yelp
I went on a Saturday. First I had exceptional customer service and for that reason alone I recommend this restaurant. I tried the meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and peach cobbler. I was above and beyond delicious. It is going to be difficult not to order meat loaf next week, but I will definitely try some of the other foods then have my favorites when I visit Doll's. Bye for now..

Aaron E.

Yelp
If you ain't eating Dolls your crazy, hands down the best greens in the game! I've never had a bad experience and some of the friendliest people in the world........ and that catfish!
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Nyeisha P.

Yelp
I was super excited to visit Doll's after I read the reviews. Maybe I was expecting too much but my meal didn't live up to the hype. On the plus side, great customer service and very attentive staff. Also, my friend LOVED the sweet tea, and he isn't easily impressed. On the minus side, my chicken was dry, the Mac and cheese lacked flavor, and it both looked like they were sitting out all day. I wish I could, but can't give this place a good review. The three stars is generous. Maybe it was just a bad day for them but I won't be back.
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Flower Child ..

Yelp
I love Southern cuisine! I have discovered and have fallen in love with: 1) fried chicken 2) pimento cheese & 3) shrimp and grits. When I go to Doll's, I get the fried chicken. I haven't been able to get past the chicken and try his meatloaf or salmon patties.. I love his fried chicken. It's so damn crunchy.. I'm a flower child of the 60's and 70's and we didn't eat carbohydrates.. that has followed me for a minute or two.. so when I say, I've discovered fried chicken, it's because I never dreamed I would be eating something that had batter on it! And let me tell you something... Levi's batter is crunnnnnnchy!!!! I wish he would do one lunch with shrimp and grits.. I'd love to taste his version of shrimp and grits... and pimento cheese. I hope he does something with pimento cheese, one of these days. Fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese! Maybe he'll go looking through his mama's cookbook and find a good recipe for fried green maters! This place is the shiztizzle for Southern cuisine, at very reasonable prices. Go get you some soul food and say hello to Levi!
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Benjamin O.

Yelp
Plain & simple.....GREAT down home Nashville meat & two soul food. This spot is easily missed & doesn't look like the Waldorf. However, if you are looking for a great lunch in East Nashville....these guys will hook you up! :-) My favorite is the dark meat fried chicken. Idk what the batter has in it but its just awesome. Doll's.is not stingy on serving size either....and the price point for most meat, two veggies and hot water corn.bread.....$6.50...yes, you read that right.
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MaryAnn J.

Yelp
We had seen Doll's, passing by and when a friend was visiting from Oregon, we decided to try it. That was a great idea. The food was great, the service was wonderful. We felt at home. I had the meatloaf because I love it and seldom make it. It was memorably good and I will order that again. Our friend had pork chops and loved them. Laura had the fried chicken and it was delicious. Home cooked and family run. Couldn't ask for better.
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Rebecca L.

Yelp
I drove from Antioch with my family to eat here and they were closed. Their website states they're are open until 6pm. When I pulled up there was no sign informing the public.

Max W.

Yelp
Terrible. Bad odor hits you in the face when you open the door. The dining room is messy, some tables are strewn with litter, papers, invoices, etc. The food is terrible. The meatloaf was served off the steam table at less than body temp, a very dangerous practice. The meatloaf was smimming in fat and thin sauce. It tasted horrible and was not properly bound with eggs and bread crumbs. The pinto beans were undercooked. The mashed potatoes tasted Ok but had large chunks of whole potatoes in them and a thick crust from being uncovered in the steam table too lone. The peach cobbler was over sweetened and has mushy peaches and gummy crust in it."indoor" voices. You can hardly hear yourself think from the yelling. It was a terrible place with horrible food. A jailer would be placed under court ordered scrutiny if a jail served food this bad. $12+ was an insult for what was served.
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Janelle B.

Yelp
Everything is amazing. The chicken, fish, meatloaf, koolaid. It's all good. Southern food just like you want it.
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Candace L.

Yelp
Had the chitterlings plate with spaghetti and cole slaw. It was really good. The staff was friendly and the restaurant was clean!
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Jenifer G.

Yelp
This place is some kind of good! The hot water cornbread alone is worth a visit. Everything I've ever had has been memorable. Oh, and the varieties of chess pie put me in a special place mentally. I have driven by for 5 years and been told so many times and I finally made the smart choice.
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Dana N.

Yelp
My husband and I left Doll's and we are very full and very happy! We had the ribs and the salmon patties and both were delicious. We also can't get over the fried cornbread. So good. We could have eaten just a plateful of those. Doll's slogan is "soul food from heaven," and I totally agree. My heaven definitely includes Doll's food! The service is cheerful and friendly, and it has just the right "hole-in-the-wall" feel to it. If you are missing your granny's cooking, head to Doll's! It'll cure what ails ya!
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Yvette L.

Yelp
I tried Doll's in my search for a good soul food restaurant. Never again! The food was tasteless, the staff was rude with an unconcerned attitude. The restaurant also has a bad smell in it. I will never spend my money there again.
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Trent H.

Yelp
Always good! Great solid choice for a fast home cooked meal. Good price and excellent southern food.
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Bri B.

Yelp
The food is phenomenal and the service is so friendly! I felt right at home here. Just wish I could remember the name of the girl working behind the counter, because she was excellent!
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Billy W.

Yelp
I went there for lunch yesterday. It was really good! The staff was very friendly and the portions are almost enough for two people to eat. The recipes are from Mrs. Doll and one of her son's is carrying on the legacy.
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Donovan S.

Yelp
Got the meatloaf, green beans, and Mac and cheese. Big portions and delicious. They were closing down when I got there but still helped me out and even cooked up some fresh Mac and cheese for me. Check em out!

Michelle A.

Yelp
Favorite is the chicken and dressing! Best hot water cornbread hands down! Family atmosphere and delicious home cooking
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Brian H.

Yelp
Yum! Huge portions of delicious food served by super friendly folks - what more could you ask? Get your butt in here and check 'em out. Everything looked so good I had extreme difficulty deciding what to get. No worries though - I'll be back to try it all! My belly is very happy right now...
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Victoria H.

Yelp
First time I went I just got peach cobbler and sweet tea. That sweet tea was the truth but the cobbler was a little soggy. 2nd time I went I got meatloaf, mash potatoes, and cabbage. Meatloaf and cabbage was alright, I was upset about my potatoes cause I told the lady I wanted gravy and she forgot to put it on there. (O yeah they don't just have gravy for the potatoes. You have to request the gravy from the smothered pork chops.) All in all, it was do-able.

Mark J.

Yelp
When I visit Nashville, I make my way to Doll's for good ol' down home cooking. I'm sure it's all good, put just load me up with fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and cornbread. Wash it down with sweet tea. Aw, but then, a chess square to go - dessert. This is seriously good southern cookin' in a nice little place where they treat you like a neighbor. Can't wait to get back to Doll's. Y'all save me some chicken and a chess square.
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Symone W.

Yelp
My friend has been going here every Sunday and I finally had the chance to go and OMG the food is beyond delicious! I got pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn, and peach cobbler. Mmm mmm mm the best pork chops I have ever tasted in my life and the peach cobbler was delicious. I ate myself into a coma that night. If you haven't gone you are definitely missing out on good southern food. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! I could eat this food all day everyday but I might blow up to the size of a house. So good!
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Shawntay C.

Yelp
This place was awesome! I read some yelp reviews and decided to give this place a try mostly based on the fact that I used to frequent the wing place that formerly occupied this space. I got the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and corn. The meatloaf tasted just like home and my daughter truly enjoyed the corn. I also picked up the chicken and dressing with sweet potatoes and turnip greens and it was truly heavenly. I felt like Thanksgiving came early this year!! They even gave you the option of turnip greens cooked with pork or turkey. They were very friendly and improved the decor tremendously. I definitely plan on going back again and again and again and....

Stephen D.

Yelp
Absolutely fantastic place! GREAT food, amazing service, and oh yeah, they have a pool table. The mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese are musts. The fried chicken is something else! I'll be back soon

Kyle C.

Yelp
Good ol' fashion soul food!! The family that runs this place is second to none! Out faith in what they tell you is good and you won't be disappointed!