Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles

Soul food restaurant · Center City East

Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles

Soul food restaurant · Center City East

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Highlights

Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles at Reading Terminal Market dishes out hearty soul food favorites like crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and giant turkey legs.

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Get directions

@infatuation

"There’s lots that draws visitors into Reading Terminal Market: tourists can’t get enough of it, the endless cuisine options mean there’s something for everyone, and it offers great coverage on a rainy Center City day. But when you’re craving soul food, the real draw is Ma Lessie’s Chicken & Waffles. The black-eyed peas are perfectly peppery, the mac and cheese has that ideal creaminess, and although every main is good, the tender turkey wing is as day-saving as your umbrella. " - candis mclean

The Best Soul Food In Philadelphia

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@infatuation

"There was a massive soul food gap in Reading Terminal Market. Thankfully, Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles opened up to serve up some tender and juicy ribs, crunchy fried chicken, and savory collard greens and cabbage. From yams, creamy mac and cheese, and turkey legs that are so big they sometimes struggle to close the takeout tray, everything here is delicious and will probably send you straight to your couch to take a nap when you’re done eating. " - candis mclean, alison kessler

The 19 Best Places To Eat In Reading Terminal Market

View Postcard for Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles

@infatuation

"When Ms. Tootsie's Restaurant Bar Lounge closed down, there was a massive soul food gap in Reading Terminal Market. Thankfully, Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles opened up to serve up some tender and juicy ribs, crunchy fried chicken, and savory collard greens and cabbage. From yams, creamy mac and cheese, and turkey legs that are so big they sometimes struggle to close the takeout tray, everything here is delicious and will probably send you straight to your couch to take a nap when you’re done eating." - Candis R. McLean

Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles - Review - Center City - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

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Erika Pizarro

Google

I was visiting from Chicago so being from a large foodie city and knowing what good food is, I can say this place was amazing! Best meal I had in Philly. I spent about $25 which is probably on the higher side for me. But I got food from another place in the market a couple days before and it was much more expensive for what I had. I think for the location, it seems to be comparable. But I’m not here to argue price. It did come with 3 pieces of chicken but one was under the waffle. I couldn’t decide between the sides so I had to get 2. The candied yams were delicious! The skin on the chicken-CRISPY! Waffle and potato salad were very good. Overall, everything was perfect together and very well balanced. The line was long but the music they had playing made the wait less boring. Only disappointment was that they only had the classic waffle available and I had my heart set on trying the savory one. But I was still satisfied and if I ever make it back out to Philly, I will definitely have another go at this place.

K O

Google

Came here with expectations because it was my second visit to the market and the queue is always so long at this stall. I was also under the impression that it was black run and that since most of its clientele were blacks, the waffle and chicken would be good. The fried chicken looked good, but realistically didn’t taste as good as it looked. It was crispy, but salty and not much depth in flavours. It also had a burnt taste - prob cause the oil doesn’t get changed as often as it should. Mac and cheese wasn’t spectacular either. I’d describe the food overall as rough. Staff are friendly though and they do their best to keep the queue moving. Food portions are also sizeable and prices are fair - $16 for 3 large chicken pieces, half a waffle and a size of Mac & Cheese. They accept card payment but no contactless or Apple Pay.

LaTara Argentina

Google

Wasn't too bad but not cooked very well the service is very low in presentation and friendliness. The waffle was half cooked and half of a what was to be a Belgian waffle it was under cooked. The chick and fish was good the mac and cheese was disgusting and taste like cooking grease was in it. They had food spilling over and then laughed about it because it was just done in front of us. The portions for the price of the side were off too small for $5 they can change the oil more often. We all felt a bit sick after and my friend threw it up. The rest of their terminal looks nice and would come again just may not eat there. Might got just for the chicken and the fish but not the rest of the menu. 3/10

Jessica Bailey

Google

Definitely not worth the hype. I got a chicken breast && yams and a strawberry lemonade it was $23 okay cool but the food was not even good. For being black owned seems Like y’all forgot the seasonings. Cause that chicken wasn’t hitting. The yams was mid at best. I tried some of my sisters Mac && cheese not at all good. Waited in the line for 40 minutes. Got charged .40 cents for a bag when I never asked for a bag that’s not really a big deal . definitely not the best place I been too. The strawberry lemonade was good but didn’t have ice in it. My sister ordered a sweet tea but it was TERRIBLE! Tasted like tea mixed with fruit punch juice. I wouldn’t go back.

Everywhere With Erika

Google

While visiting Philadelphia I stopped at the Reading Terminal. I saw folks rave about Ma Lessie's on TikTok so I had to try them. I ordered their candid yams, potato salad, fried chicken, greens, smothered turkey wings and baked Mac. I should be ashamed of myself, for ordering all that food but I am not. It was all so good, especially those smothered turkey wings. I must say I will be back on my next visit.

P Jett

Google

While visiting the Philadelphia Flower Show, we decided to eat at the Reading Terminal Market. We found Ma Lessie's Soul Food. Wow! The best soul food is right here. OMG! The portions are HUGE, and the taste is DELICIOUS!! Our platters were fried chicken, catfish, collard greens, candied yams, macaroni, and cheese. Topped off with a tasty strawberry fruit drink. We had plenty of food left over to take home for dinner. This will definitely be our go-to place on our next visit to Philadelphia. Friendly staff.

Ethan Fleury

Google

Was walking through the market with a dreaded hangover, sick with no appetite, and I saw this beautiful golden chicken glowing.. like I was looking at the holy grail. I ordered 3 pieces not really expecting my stomach to be able to take it down but the knew I needed to eat. MAN that chicken is every bit as good as it looks! Cooked so perfect, so crispy, so seasoned! I walked around center city until my stomach was back to normal and walked myself right back to this spot for the chicken and waffles so I could properly engorge myself😂 Cashier was great and they keep that line moving! I will be back!

Khalil Collins

Google

NEVER AGAIN!!!!! I began patronizing this place when they first opened The idea of soul food in center city was appealing. I gave them several attempts and each one was worse than the last. The food was horrible, old, cold, salty, and trash worthy. The service feels like a confrontation. These people don’t smile. And the prices are outrageous. I didn’t eat a fraction of it. I would post a pic of this crap in its rightful place…. The trash receptacle, but I’m done with this food and the people who cooked it.🤮