Phyllis M.
Yelp
I really wanted to love Soul Food House after hearing so many rave reviews about the food, service, and atmosphere. Unfortunately, my experience was extremely disappointing from start to finish -- especially because it was my daughter's birthday, and I had hoped for a special evening for her.
We made a confirmed reservation for seven people at 8:30 p.m. and arrived early at 8:27. Despite that, we were told we'd need to wait because they still had to "set up" for our group. For a confirmed large-party reservation, I would have expected the table to be ready. We weren't seated until about 8:45 p.m.--around the time the kitchen was closing. Because of that delay, we couldn't even add a simple Caesar salad minutes after ordering, as the kitchen had stopped taking orders.
Our table of seven was initially given only one menu. After repeatedly asking, we received a second menu, and after even more requests, finally a third. During that time, the staff continued to ask if we were ready to order, even though several people hadn't yet seen the menu.
We were also told that we needed to order everything at once -- appetizers, entrées, and sides -- but were reassured that the appetizers would still come out first. That didn't happen. Instead, dishes arrived completely out of order: some sides and entrées appeared before appetizers, while other items trickled out later. When we asked about it, we were told that the kitchen serves "whatever is ready first." It was chaotic -- I finished most of my sides before my main dish even came out.
When my wine arrived, it was a very small pour served in a champagne flute instead of a wine glass. When I requested a proper wine glass, they brought one--empty--and seemed unsure what to do next. The Chardonnay I ordered was also charged at double the listed price, which was corrected only after I pointed it out.
We also ordered the gumbo, but it never arrived. When we asked about it, the server admitted the kitchen had forgotten the order and said it couldn't be made because the kitchen was already closed.
To make things worse, we had let the staff know at the beginning that it was my daughter's birthday. They said they would sing or do something special, but that never happened either. Eventually, we just sang to her ourselves. It felt like yet another thing they forgot.
The food overall was mediocre. The mac and cheese and hot chicken sandwiches were decent, but the greens lacked flavor and several items weren't hot when served. Considering the high prices, the quality and service were far below expectations.
The manager mentioned being new and still trying to get things organized after COVID, but it's now 2025 -- that excuse only goes so far. For a restaurant that's been open for years and has so many glowing reviews, the lack of organization, communication, and service was shocking.
This was one of the most disappointing dining experiences I've had, and sadly, it ruined what was supposed to be a fun birthday dinner for my daughter. I truly hope they improve, but based on this visit, I wouldn't return or recommend it.