Next Step Soul Food Cafe

Firstly, to the lovely owner and her sister: thank you for extending kindness to our little family. Thank you for opening your doors for us. The food! The food was amazing! I can tell that you cook/serve with Love!!!! I felt as if I was sitting in my grandmothers kitchen eating food that she prepared. I can see why you were sold out of most of your menu. From the few items that we did get to try I would still gladly give your restaurant a 10/10 and I would definitely recommend it to anyone that I know. If we are ever in town again we are definitely stopping by!

This food is delicious. The atmosphere and owner are warm and inviting and it comes as no surprise that they have a loyal following. The chicken was solid and juicy but the pork neck was out of this world! An absolute gem! Hope to come back soon!

Visited this last past weekend. Whiting fish dinner with yams and macaroni. Fish fried perfectly. Food was delicious and portions very filling. Packing of the food was also great because i hate when fried foods are made soggy by sides. I would advise anyone who likes good soul food to visit. The only thing is, you have to text messages for all orders. That can be a plus for a small order without needing questions answered. A possible minus for those who have questions and larger orders. And if you are one who like to see the restaurant atmosphere, your out of luck because you pick up food at the window and can not see anything on the inside. Overall, my food experience was very pleasant and l look forward to my return.

So, first of all, I had a very hard time finding this restaurant, because their sign is so bleak and bland. It’s in the middle of offices, which is kind of unusual but once I did find the restaurant, they do not permit you to come inside. So you’re literally stuck ordering food out of a little window and don’t really get to see what you’re ordering or the atmosphere of the kitchen. They have you text them to order and then they text you back when the order is ready which was pretty consistent. It only took 15 minutes but again just unusual because pandemic is definitely over. When ordering from a restaurant like this for me it’s essential to see my food but I took a chance with this restaurant anyways. So let me start off by saying that the macaroni was not good at all. This was definitely more macaroni pie style versus southern food, and I didn’t really like that. Another big red flag was this macaroni was completely burnt and dry. Like if the food over cook save it for home make a new pan but don’t serve it to customers. my children absolutely love macaroni, and they did not eat this which is a big waste of money and food. So I ordered three plates, I had the pork chops, the whiting fish, fried chicken, all with Collard greens and macaroni. The pork chops were the best out of everything. I did not like the small portion three pieces of chicken for a $18 plate. I was expecting a large order also they pack, every single thing individually, which is a waste of paper and plastic. The fish was dry and overcooked so I don’t know that I would be ordering from here again definitely not as good as down home delivery. I think this is more of a Caribbean restaurant pushing southern food. I hope someone else has a better experience than me, but I like to be honest because no one should be wasting their money. Also, they don’t have any of the deserts they advertise in the pictures. The lady told me the kitchen was too hot to bake.

I have been eating this food for a few years now. Everything I've ever had has tasted is like " a mother's home cooked meal." The catfish is so great and I order it so much the owner calls me CATFISH MAN lol. My child loves the Mac and cheese and potato salad( and yall know kids hate veggies and greens! ) please go support this sister and her establishment. You won't be disappointed! Be patient with ordering... only accepts by text but she will reply!

Chicken had no flavor or seasoning to it. The yams all I can say is never again and the rest of the food to be honest the only thing I could do was trash the rest.

I went there at 11:30 for lunch to my surprise I was told they don’t open until noon even though Google said they were open. I placed my order and came back later. I ordered the three piece chicken with collards and Mac and cheese. Everything was delicious. I was confused by only having 3 chicken wings? They were good sized wings but I thought three pieces of chicken would be wing, thigh and breast? But very tasty and good deal for $16

Absolutely delicious! Perfectly fried chicken, creamy mac & cheese and delicious greens. This restaurant is by far the best Soulfood in Boston. The staff were also very nice. My family loved the food & the pound cake.

I selected this place randomly from Yelp while visiting my aunt in Boston. She's doesn't eat out much so wasn't much help in the selection. I admittedly was a bit nervous when I called and there was no answer but I got a text message back. I submitted my order via text and drove to the location to pick up when I got the message it was ready. When I arrived the woman, was so sweet. Just super nice. When I got on the car and my aunt smelled the food she made me go order a decks one. We ate when we got home. It was all delicious. The greens had a smokiness to it that I hadn't tasted before but I really enjoyed and the catfish, yams and Mac and cheese were good as well. The price was on point and everything tasted fresh. I will go back when I come back to town.

I live north of Boston , wanted some good Soul food to take home , These Restaurant didn't disappoint. 5 Stars *****. Food is amazing. I'll be visiting your Establishment again

Fried chicken was good but lacked seasoning All the food was in separate containers like cafeteria food Mac n cheese is made with the smallest elbows possible that I didn't even know existed Cornbread tasted like blueberries wasn't bad just didn't taste like cornbread Mashed potatoes weren't real mashed potatoes but boxed kind like the one popeyes/ KFC uses Corn had no flavor just bland like it was cooked for an elderly person Collard green were decent Smothered pork chops were decent a lil on the fatty side but decent No sweet ice tea or lemonade Owner needs assistance, she seems to struggle with operations and preparations. Better management and organization is def needed. They need better containers for their dinners, instead of everything being separated/ divided. It didn't feel as if you're eating a meal but rather fast food. Take out only Long wait times Lil attitude Can't yams were sub par And I seen a very unsanitary looking man enter the establishment when it was closed to the public but he somehow was allowed in..maybe he was family or something but not someone I would have around or near food preparations.. and it clearly stated no public restrooms too.

Amazing BBQ Chicken collards and Mac and Cheese. Will definitely come back. Great service too.

This food took me back to my roots! The embodiment of Soul Food and southern beginnings. The owner treated my husband and I with kindness and welcoming southern hospitality. I'm so excited to take my friends and family to this black owned business. Amen!

My coworkers hyped this place so I got excited to be disappointed. They close at 6pm so I couldn't even go back for a new plate; pretty much wasted $15 today. I got the fried chicken plate with baked mac n cheese and canned yams with a side of sweet potato pie. My chicken was under cooked ; I could still see the pink, the baked mac was dry and unseasoned. I tried salt , pepper and hot sauce and I still couldn't eat it. However, the yams were good and the sweet potato pie was worth the $3.50 because they aren't cheap with the portion. I won't be back.

Sooooo good! I came on a Sunday around 3 pm. It wasn't packed or anything. A few people inside talking everyone was super friendly. I got my food pretty fast and everything was still hot and fresh! I got the fried chicken dinner with Mac and cheese and candies yams. The plate automatically comes with bomb corn bread. The chicken is probably the best fried chicken I've had. The yams were bomb. The Mac and cheese was good a little on the mushy side but still good and cheesy. Huge portions! My plate was only 11 dollars! Super affordable for super good food! I would recommend them to anyone and everyone!

I had the fried chicken plate with yellow rice and Mac and cheese. Everything was sooo flavorful. Homemade food at its best. I even saw them preparing a new batch of chicken and I was glad to see how everything was so well prepared. You can not go wrong eating here. My best friend had baked chicken, greens, and rice. She had nothing left on her plate! I'm on my way to try some different thing NOW!

Michelle is an absolute treasure. We used her catering services for multiple community events and she never disappoints! Even better food in person at her amazing storefront. Don't miss out, go here.

I this new spot in my neighborhood! I stopped in to pick up a couple of sides for dinner. The Mac and cheese was delicious: baked, a little bit of a crunchy top. The potato salad is church lady realness. Equally great. And, the corn muffin was so good I ate it and instantly regretted only getting one. I plan on returning to try out the rest of the menu, but I love what I had to start and I also say kudos for the family for putting a restaurant in Codman Square. Oh, and they said breakfast on Saturdays?!! What?!? I'm here for it! Welcome, Next Step.

My first visit was bitter-sweet. I arrived between 2-3 pm. I ordered haddock and was told they were sold out. Then, I had to go down the line of 1-2 more kinds of fish before the owner would just tell me what was available. Finally, we arrived at Whiting, great! For my sides, that was a hassle as well. I ordered macaroni and the owner said, "That's if we have anymore." Mmk, what about candied yams I asked. She said, "I will check. You might be getting the very last of them". She followed that up by saying they would figure out something for me. I waited for the food and happily took off once it was ready. I wanted to chow down! The food...let's start with the fish - it was good! Nicely seasoned and cooked. The candied yams were good as well. Wasn't missing anything. As for the macaroni and cheese, I can't say that I would try it again. The flavor was not a hit, for me. This is not the end. While my first visit was bitter-sweet, I decided to give this restaurant another chance. I showed up recently on a Saturday after the website said it was open only to find that at 1:30 pm they were not open AND their sign said that they were. Ugh! Seems like it's a hit or miss, so call before you go and don't have any expectations.

I am impressed, Next Step Soul Food Cafe was simply fabulous. Love the vibe here. Some people suggested BBQ Chicken to me, I must say it was really terrific. I became good friends with the staff, who are all outstanding and super welcoming. Next Step Soul Food Cafe...Go now.

The service was just ok. The fried haddock and yams were delicious, but it stops there. The fried chicken had great flavors but the wings were absolutely giant, so I could not really wrap my mind around eating a whole one., knowing chickens aren't naturally that size without a lot of added hormones. The mac and cheese, collard greens, and cabbage were nothing special- not bad- just not wow. The potato salad was full of salt, which the owner told us that her mother over-salted AFTER we paid and then threw in an EXTRA side of the salty potato salad as a freebie? Ok... thanks? I guess. I wish them well but I won't be back.

If you're looking for soul food, this place isn't it. This place has the potential to be it. The collard greens had a weird molasses taste. The Mac & cheese wasn't cheesy but made to look cheesy. They dyed Mac & cheese with season) the chicken was the only thing good. The service was slow. Almost everything is made to order, you have to wait 20 mins to get your food. which is silly because it supposed to be a quick food place.

I love coming here once a week during my lunch breaks for the Fried chicken plate with collard greens and Mac n cheese! The fried chicken is always crispy; lightly seasoned , the Mac and cheese isn't dry with slight crunch on the outside, collard greens can be a tad salty to others but not bad at all- I still enjoyed it! Customer service is always friendly and welcoming! Prices are reasonable and portions are just right. They are usually open 12pm-6pm, I wouldn't wait til last minute before closing to grab food as selection can be very limited! I'd highly recommend this place for your soul food fixed!

I'm always a bit skeptical when people say they make "soul food," but this place was a pleasant surprise. The portions were big and food was well-seasoned. A little sad I didn't come on a Thursday when they make ox-tail and I'm encouraged enough to come back again. My only gripe was the macroni cheese had either cripsy or uncooked pasta shells on top. I kind of get what they were going for but it was a bit odd.

Next Step should be your next stop...if you're looking for soul food. This place did not disappoint. I came across their site on a day when I just needed something to stick to my ribs, and the food did just that! I called in my order before arriving and it was seamless. A very pleasant guy answered, helped me understand the menu options and placed my order with ease. When I arrived my food was ready and smoking hot. I didn't plan to eat in but the food smelled so good I had to try it. I probably finished more than half my plate lol! To make it even better they had every kind of hot sauce I could've wanted in the restaurant. Next step gets 4 stars from me for great food and great service.

Good food, had the fried chicken, potato salad, and mac and cheese, not bad at all. Tried the ribs and those were ok. Good place just the hours of operation are weird but hey, can't win em all

I had a lunch meeting here today and... wow! They steak and gravy, mixed veg... it was like being at home on a a cold rainy day. Definitely going to be back here again.

The Chitterling dinner was delicious some of the best ones I've had since Bob the Chef . The Collard greens and potatoe salad was also amazing . However I got a chicken dinner to go and the wife was disappointed. It was a little dry and not very well seasoned . I'll stick to Slades for wings but this is definitely my place for everything else .

Great neighborhood Soul Food restaurant in Dorchester. The food was really good. I had the whiting with yams and Mac and cheese. I've been wanting to try this restaurant since I came home for a visit back in August. Glad I got the chance this time. I love supporting great neighborhood restaurants. Customer service was also very good. Thanks Michelle happy holidays and blessings for your continued success.

Love this place! Been here a couple times and the service is always amazing! Huge space, wey clean, small yet good menu, and most of all the food is amazing!!!!!!! AMAZING!!!

I honestly don't know where to start, I've been ordering here for over a year now, the food is amazing! There isn't any soul food in Boston, as good as there's. The portion size is enough to fill you up twice. I always get the fried chicken and Mac n cheese but their oxtails are certainly good too. If you want southern hospitality and flavor, definitely highly recommended!

I recently used Next Step Soul Food Cafe's catering for a large event in Cambridge. The food was prepared on time, reasonably priced, and the owner took care to make sure we had everything we needed to have a successful event. Our attendees loved the food, in particular the candied yams got rave reviews.

I asked, "What do you recommend?"... She answered, "Everything!!". I had the fried chicken dinner with collards and yellow rice. My friend had catfish and cabbage. Both meals were super. The woman (owner?) was so friendly. Stop in and enjoy yourself.

I love nothing more than supporting black business. But this place is a NO for me. I came here for lunch after being in the area, the fried chicken was unseasoned and the macaroni and cheeses tasted although it came out of a box. I will not be returning.

This is the worst soul food I ever tasted. The macaroni and cheese was mushy and oily. The fried chicken had no flavor and it was oily. The side of mashed potatoes tasted like instant potatoes with absolutely no flavor. The only reason I will give it one star is because the portions were large but if the food is disgusting does it even matter.

Food was amazing very nice customer service. Love that it's a mom and pop shop. Please go visit there're not many authentic restaurants around anymore... True whole in the wall Gem !

I'm so glad we are here. The ambience is down home, no stress, just eat. Hot and fresh, even the wait was cozy. As an out-of-Towner from the Midwest by way of the South; ya'll come back now ya hear! Great great food. Delicious! Support the family and the brothers/sisters from another Mother!!

It's right next to my school. They offer a $2 plate if you're a student(if I remember correctly) from Codman Academy. They have different types of chicken and the food is always seasoned perfectly.

They have some GREAT food!!! However their hours are horrible open at 12 close at 630

I decided to give this place another try. I had looked this place up before my original visit and was initially really excited to go. So after my first experience I decided to give the place another chance. The women who work there were very kind to me, reminded me a lot of the women in my family. They made sure I was serviced quickly and helped answer some of my questions about the menu. Now the food, the fried chicken is great tasted just like my grandmother's. I can say the same candied yams and cornbread. As a plus the cornbread came with the meal, I didn't have to purchase it separately. I will be sure to come back and explore the menu further. My rating is based solely upon customer service. I walked in around 6:15 last Sunday to try the food after reading good Yelp and Google reviews, as well as checking out their social media. As stated I got in at 6:15 waited around for almost 10 minutes and a gentlemen comes around and tells the restaurant is closed and offers me a menu. The restaurant claims it closes at 7 on Sunday but I understand sometimes business needs to wrap up earlier. However this Sunday I walk in around 2, there are a few other patrons seated and two women behind the counter cooking and carrying on with their business. I'm eyeing the menu waiting to possible be greeted and after a few minutes approach the counter waiting for one of the women behind the counter to turn around and acknowledge me and still nothing. I pipe up an inquire about the menu and get pushed aside with a few "yeah yeah yeahs" as the woman behind the counter continues to ignore me. Extremely rude. I took her attitude as my cue to leave and did just that. Based on photos the food looks nice and possibly could be good, excluding the fact everything seemed to pre-made and reheated in aluminum pans. However, in terms of customer service I highly suggest going elsewhere

We ordered the three-piece chicken plates, it was a lot of food! Loved the candied yams!

I was craving fried chicken and this place DID NOT disappoint. First I was welcome with a smile. The man behind the counter was so friendly, made me feel like I knew him. Second the fried chicken, collard greens and Mac and cheese were delicious. I got a large which includes two sides and three nice sized pieces of chicken. Oh and corn bread! (Only 11ish dollars) Definitely a place I will visit again!

Hands down the best soul food in Boston! My favorite is to get a plate with fried chicken, collards, and mac n cheese, but really everything here has been excellent. They've been really great about catering events for me, as well!

Down home cooking in a plain setting that's just what you're looking for if you're craving delicious food like our moms, aunties, and grandma's used to serve up on the regular among friendly people. Southern cooking is an art, done right. When I'm seeking the comfort of homemade fried chicken, collard greens, mac & cheese, cornbread, sweet potato pie and the like, Next Step is my first step. If you can't go home, go here. A true neighborhood gem.

It's tough to find soul food like my family made it growing up by Next Step succeeds greatly. Great food, fair prices, and excellent service. My go to is the fried chicken dinner w/Mac and Cheese and collard greens. Cooked to perfection every each time and I'll continue to visit.

Next Step is s a great find! My sister, boyfriend, and I were pretty hungry after moving her into her new place down the street. The service was superb- friendly and fast. We all enjoyed the fried chicken, and had an assortment of sides. The mac and cheese had a delicious hint of chili, and the candied yams went with everything. The cornbread was moist and not too sweet. Finally, the homemade lemonade went perfectly with every bite. I can't wait for my next visit!

Great place to eat. I was so happy to find a soul food restaurant in Boston. I had to try this place and it was well worth it. I had fried chicken Mac and cheese and collard greens, it was delicious! The customer service was awesome as well. They did not have my drink of choice in stock so they guy went to the store and brought me my drink of choice no charge. I will visit this place again soon.

This place is awesome, great food, but mostly, great staff...I had the oxtails, greens and yams, great portions for the price...I recommend that you visit, not many, if any, soul food places around the Boston area...can't wait to try something else on the menu soon. Oh by the way, the correct phone number to Next Step is: 617-514-6456...the number from the Yelp page is wrong, I told the owner I'll give out the correct number.

Great gem in Dorchester. Just what you'd expect from a no-nonsense, no frills bbq joint. The chicken was great and tasted fresh and they don't skimp on the portions. I came in hungry and couldn't even finish everything they gave me for 12 bucks. Seems like it would be a great spot for a winter dinner.

So excited to get some good soul food in Codman Square! The fried chicken was great and I really liked their BBQ sauce with some kick. I'd recommend the collards and mac as sides. This will definitely be added to our top local takeout places. Hope they're able to extend their hours soon!

Huge shoutout to Michelle and her mama for blessing my afternoon yesterday with the best soul food I've had in Boston (I'm from the South)! I got the BBQ chicken plate with mac 'n cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and a slice of sweet potato pie. Normally I don't try most other peoples' sweet potato pie because it's not my Grandma's but this pie was EVERYTHING! I also had a brief but lovely conversation with Michelle and appreciated our exchange because she reminded me of an Auntie from back home. From the food to the service to the atmosphere, I was reminded of home and for that I am grateful to these sisters. All that in mind, y'all know what to do, support these sisters and support this Black-owned business that nourish our bodies and our souls! :)

I've had the privilege of having this restaurant within walking distance of my house. Whenever I can't decide on what I would like to eat. I simply go there and there selection has me trying different things every time. I haven't been disappointed yet. But I will say there fried chicken is something to sing about. DELICIOUS!!!

Seriously some of the best soul food in Boston!!! The fried chicken is amazing - I highly recommend.

I have visited and order meals and I am completely satisfied, the food is well seasoned and well cooked. There are variety of meal choices and sides that will keep you coming back, not to mention the deserts. All home cook taste. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the customer service is great.

I am thoroughly impressed with the foodgasm I just experienced!! Order the chicken plate with baked and fried chicken, candied yams, macaroni n' cheese, with an extra side of potato salad! Man O Man!!! I almost didn't write a review because I wanted to keep this place ALL TO MYSELF but that would be very selfish of me! A MUST TRY! My fiancé wanted to try my food and I almost had to fight him to give me back my plate! He is especially in love with the potato salad. I'm in love with everything! Needless to say, we will be headed back there today so he can get his own plate!! Trust me, you won't be disappointed!! The service was amazing. Michelle is awesome and very warm and inviting. Almost ate there because I felt at home. Had I known my fiancé was going to rob me of my plate, I definitely would have stayed there to eat with this family owned business. Just stop reading this review AND GO GET SOME OF THIS DELICIOUSNESS!!

Had a really great lunch here today. Really good fried chicken. Plump, fresh nice fry and great collards. Friendly hospitality as well. I'll be back !

AMAZING!! Best soul food in Boston for sure. I had the mac & cheese, collard greens, friend chicken, and cabbage. I have to say, I felt like I was having thanksgiving dinner, it was really too good and extremely affordable (I only paid $6 for this plate). Truly a hidden gem!

My husband and I ordered from this establishment today. I ordered the BBQ chicken dinner with Mac and Cheese and collard greens with a side of candied yams. My husband ordered oxtails with the same sides. He also had a Haddock sandwich on wheat bread. I was pleasantly surprised with the taste. The Mac and Cheese was made with love. The combination of cheese and pasta was perfectly portioned. The collards were tasty. The candied yams were not overly sweet. It was made with perfection. The BBQ chicken was yummy. It was flavorful. My husband's oxtails were tender, the meat was falling from the bone. I didn't try the fish but it was gone quickly. I felt like I was invited to dinner by a family member who knows how to burn in the kitchen. This restaurant has great potential and is wonderful for the community. The prices were reasonable. The portions were plentiful. My husband wished it was slightly more but he has a healthy appetite. I really hope the owner succeeds. Best wishes to the owner and the stomachs that enjoy their meal.