Maxine's On Saint James

"When the night calls for creamy, Cajun-seasoned shrimp and grits (or chicken and waffles, or chicken and sausage gumbo, or jambalaya), call Maxine’s on Saint James. The Roxbury restaurant has built a solid fanbase for its excellent renditions of Southern comfort food favorites. Don’t forget to top off your order with a cup of banana pudding." - Erika Adams

"The moniker means a little something different to everyone; for me, it means grits. My dad is from the South, and I have wholeheartedly embraced his love for creamy, buttery grits as a salve for just about anything — and the grits at Maxine’s On St. James, a Roxbury restaurant known for its Cajun and Creole cooking, are on another level. My go-to order, the shrimp and grits, are doused in a peppery, herby sauce that warms me to my core. And by some alchemy, the takeout version doesn’t clump up during travel." - Erika Adams

"Maxine’s On St James is a local destination for Cajun and Creole cooking. Order the jambalaya tossed with chicken, sausage, and shrimp, étouffée (similar to a jambalaya but more of a chicken-sausage-shrimp stew served over rice, rather than mixed together), and a glorious number of baked fish dishes served with grits on the side." - Erika Adams

"Simply put, the soul food at Maxine’s On Saint James is superb. With Cajun and Creole inspired dishes such as jambalaya, étouffée, and po’ boys, a visit to Maxine’s will transport you to Louisiana, if only for a moment." - Jae'da Turner

"Maxine’s on Saint James is serving Louisiana-inspired cuisine like shrimp po’ boys, jambalaya, étouffée, and banana pudding. Try the fried catfish with collared greens and Creole corn on the side. The chicken and waffles are also on point." - Terrence Doyle