Southern Kitchen PDX

Soul food restaurant · Boise

Southern Kitchen PDX

Soul food restaurant · Boise

3

3503 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227

Photos

Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null
Southern Kitchen PDX by null

Highlights

Casual restaurant serving soul food staples such as mac ’n’ cheese, ribs and BBQ sandwiches.  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

3503 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227 Get directions

southernkitchenpdx.com
@southernkitchenpdx

Menu

Information

Static Map

3503 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227 Get directions

+1 971 325 8701
southernkitchenpdx.com
@southernkitchenpdx

Menu

Features

delivery
takeout
dine in
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
wifi

Last updated

Mar 5, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

"Discreetly tucked in a small, shady food pod at the southern end of the Mississippi main drag, Southern Kitchen lives up to the long tradition of soul food in the neighborhood, with a particular specialty in po’boys — offered with oysters, shrimp, or salmon. Portions are generous and the covered picnic seating is an ideal spot to polish off a basket of ribs before heading out to the bar or a concert at Mississippi Studios." - Ron Scott, Nathan Williams, Eater Staff

Where to Find the Best Soul Food in Portland
View Postcard for Southern Kitchen PDX
@eater

"Discreetly tucked in a small, shady food pod at the southern end of the Mississippi main drag, Southern Kitchen lives up to the long tradition of soul food in the neighborhood, with a particular specialty in po’boys — offered with oysters, shrimp, or salmon. Portions are generous and the covered picnic seating is an ideal spot to polish off a basket of ribs before heading out to the bar or a concert at Mississippi Studios." - Ron Scott, Nathan Williams

Where to Find Serious Soul Food in Portland and Beyond
View Postcard for Southern Kitchen PDX
@eater

"Tucked away in the food cart pod on the south end of Mississippi, Maurice Fain and Jermaine Atherton grill racks of ribs, fill hero rolls with crispy and light fried basa and coleslaw, and pack takeout containers full of fluffy, hazelnut-brown hush puppies. The cart’s flaky catfish is a fan favorite, but it’s really hard to miss out on the collard greens, laden with slow-cooked turkey." - Eater Staff, Thom Hilton

A Handy Dining Guide to North Mississippi Avenue
View Postcard for Southern Kitchen PDX

mrawesome Walker

Google
Never got a chance to eat their food due to close on a Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. Google told me there was open. Coming from a tour of Portland wanted to stop by. Couldn't because it was closed. Didn't even know leave a note indicating why

River Viertz

Google
Best catfish I have had since I moved away from the actual Mississippi (the state). Potato salad is to die for. Real Southern potato salad. Cute little covered area with a gas fire pit.

K G

Google
Nothing bad to say about the fellas at this place. The food truck is kinda hidden away, and it's about a 20min wait but worth it. They have music playing and an outdoor eating area. The food was delicious I got the ribs and 2 sides the ribs were flavourful and the Mac and cheese was creamy potato salad was just average. I'll definitely will be returning since they forgot my mom's rib and offered to replace it. But the real reason is I wanna try the rest of the menu 😆

S Johnson

Google
Best catfish in Portland. Every time I visit it's a must I get food from here. They also have a liquor stand while you wait for the food. They never disappoint.

Kelly Richards

Google
Love love love the food! Best fried fish in the city. So succulent, perfectly seasoned, a light, crunchy batter. Everything we ordered was amazing!

John Yogi Bama

Google
The food here; is truly down south, taste of home cooked delicious food. Ribs are cooked to perfection with a BBQ sauce that ( to me) has a hint of spice with enough ting. Fish was fantastic...though I got a strange look and response for wanting/using cocktail sauce on fish. Erica has a charming way that will make you want to order everything there and seemingly...you won't go wrong with any choice. Will be back, safe and pleasant atmosphere.

Ryan Rouska

Google
This place has the best Po-boy I have ever had in the PNW. There ribs and Cole slaw are also out of this world. The customer service is awesome, and the seating area was very clean. I highly recommend this place.

Julian Sutton

Google
A great taste of southern soul in Portland. The mac and cheese is legit. Loved the fried fish too

Adrienne M.

Yelp
Alright so I heard good things about this cart already! So I decided to go have lunch with my daughter and check it out! When we got there I instantly felt like I was at a backyard bbq! I could see the big smoker yo the left and the smells coming from it. Oh lorddddddd! So good. We ended trying the chicken wings w fries and a few pieces of fish! So let's just say the size of the fish was delightful. Fried perfectly crispy on the outside and still flaky on the inside! Super yummy and light. The wings.... okay so they are the party wings but they batter them and season so there nice and crunchy yet still can taste that chicken! Lol Let's just say. I have so much more to try and his menu. Shout to the guys cooking up this Soul Food! You've shot something good! I appreciate you!!!!! Plus not having to cook all that and still eat it wonderful!! See you in a few days! I need some ribs in my life!

Donavan J.

Yelp
This is the second time i have traveled to this food truck and they have been closed on a day they clearly say are open. Very disappointed.

Katya L.

Yelp
I was in the area and desperately craving Southern food - Southern Kitchen to the rescue! I ordered the combination basket with catfish and ribs, and let me tell you - that hit the spot. The catfish was the definite standout. Lightly battered in cornmeal and seasoning and gently fried, it was tender, fall-apart flaky, and so flavorful. The ribs were great as well - the meat came off the bone super easily, and the vinegary sauce was addictive. Unfortunately, the sides were a bust; I ordered the collard greens and the mac and cheese, which were both completely bland. How do you manage to make mac and cheese flavorless? It didn't even taste like cheese. The collards were watery. It was a bummer since the proteins were so good. I would definitely come back for that fish, though.

Patrick W.

Yelp
New ownership in an area that's clearly going through gentrification by the day. I came hoping to use a supposed Restaurant.com coupon but alas they tell me it's not valid b/c they've been trying to tell the portal to stop the offer (but somehow R.com just won't listen). While disappointed it's not their fault. I asked what's popular and they said fish and chips. I was surprised... their smoker in the back was huge with an assortment of meats. Well I already drove this far so I ordered the fish ad chips as recommended. For me being used to more UK style f&c this was a yawn. The batter was heavily seasoned and wasn't the crispy kind, more cornmeal kind of course and based on catfish. I can't say whether it was authentic or not, but personally I wish I had gone for their smoked meats instead (though I came when they first opened and not all the meats were ready). Lukewarm experience for me. Seems like a bit after 12:30p might give you more variety if they are rubbing behind smoking all the meats that morning.

Bodie P.

Yelp
While back in the States for Christmas I stayed near Mississippi and found this little food truck. I was so happy I did! Got their ribs and they were very moist and delicious. I highly recommend Southern Kitchen PDX.

Emily V.

Yelp
Holy. Shit. Yes. This placeeeeee. We got the rib combo with fish and everything was EXCELLENT. I want to bathe in that bbq sauce. Amazing. We will definitely be back (like... tomorrow).

Njeri P.

Yelp
When I say my taste buds experienced bliss, I mean it. The food here is delicious! I think they have the best collard greens I've ever had and that's saying a lot since I come from a long line of black women who make amazing collards. The Mac and cheese is on point and the yams are to die for. I also tried a piece of their ribs and I gave them an extra tip because it was soooo good. I live close by so this place is very dangerous for me. I'm already planning my next trip. Lol! The service is also great! I can't wait to try more items off the menu. I'm already dreaming of their catfish!

Latoya D.

Yelp
Best greens ever There hotlink was good their mac & cheese with other potato salad was good everything even the cornbread with that I go back every day if I could

Demetrius C.

Yelp
The ribs are pretty good next time minus the mustard sauce. The sides were ok. Next time I'll get all ribs no sauce and hold the sides

Terasa G.

Yelp
I ordered 3ribs and fish from southern kitchen on Postmates. The portions are nice, I would order again.

Chris B.

Yelp
Great music and even better food. Reminded me so much of being back home in the south eating fried catfish with a side of greens and red beans and rice. Will be coming back for sure

Marissa A.

Yelp
These were the best wings I've ever had!! I wish we took a picture of the rib sandwich that my partner got, cause that was delicious too. So so good!! Perfectly crisp breading on the wings the rib was perfectly smokey too

Michelle F.

Yelp
Went in search of a cold beverage after wandering the reclaimed construction spot next door. Tempted by the hush puppies, one of my husband's favorite foods. Ohmygosh they were so good, we went back for two more orders! Will definitely be back here, can't imagine how good the rest of his food is! Not to mention, excellent service. They cater, too!

Trista A.

Yelp
Yummy!! My sister in law and I picked up food from this awesome place to take home for dinner. Wow! It was still hot and fresh when we got home even though we went clear back to Beaverton! We really loved the fried fish & the chicken wings were perfectly seasoned. We thought that the spiced yams were yummy too- such flavor! The collard greens were the best ones I have ever tasted! The black eyed peas were also perfection. To top it all off the peach pound cake was fluffy and sweet. So well done! It made me wish we got more slices of it. We are excited to come back to try some of the ribs and other sides soon! Thank you for an awesome meal! :)

Daniel M.

Yelp
They have the worst fish I've ever had. Tastes like sh** smells like sh**Do not waste your money here.

Jessica D.

Yelp
Chef Fain is amazing! I was so excited to stop at this food truck I had to extend my stay in Portland one more day and it was worth it. I've never tried Georgia style southern food and every bite was perfect. Whether you live here or are just visiting, you have got to eat at Southern Kitchen Pdx. Thank you Chef Fain for sharing your delicious food with the world!

Roger B.

Yelp
Sorry gents, your smoking and ingredient selection skills are sorely lacking. .I ordered the catfish 3 piece and 2 rib selection about a week or so. The left overs are no better than hot off the grill (so to speak). The ribs were so tough I could barely cut the meat, let alone chew it. Almost any rib joint in Kansas City will serve you meat almost falling off the bone, and not dependent on the sauce for flavor. And the prices! Don't get me started. Nope, this little out of the way food cart is not worth the time or money. OK, the catfish was acceptable. Still, even for Portland, you get way better at Screen Door. They are getting a little too Portlandia with their prices, but the food at the Door is excellent. And no, I am not an owner or employee. I really like to support fledgling businesses, but you all need to go back to school.

Mutiso F.

Yelp
Oh my lord...this cart has the TRUE definition of Soul Food flavor from waay back. I saw it made from scratch one time when I came before opening. I got excited when I saw that because so many soul food providers use frozen ingredients to cut corners/save time and the end result is food you can't take home and eat the next day. First thing I ordered from here was 2 sides to get my palate in gear for what I'm dealing with: Turkey flavored greens and Mac n Cheese....WoooW. The greens were so fresh and fLavorful. The Mac had a pinch of pepper in it and a herb that I couldn't figure out but added a punch that'd make you write home about! From there I knew everything else was gonna be fire. And get this; they will fry any fish fillet that bring in if you're not feelin Basa or Catfish. I LOVE that because I'm a big fan of Halibut. AND, on ThanKsgiving week they will fry your Turkey for you. Mannn, now we talkin! The ribs are spectacular, the hush puppies, the sweet yams, macaroni salad, potato salad...I could go on forever. Kee's might give you the 5lb plate but here you're getting quality AND quantity. Nuff said.

Temika B.

Yelp
Potato salad was different I didn't eat it. The fish was ok. The greens, Mac and cheese and yams were good. The portions are small. Flavor was good. There aren't any cornbread but cornbread hush puppies. Yes, just cause it says cornbread there is still a difference in tastes. I will be back for the ribs next. My husband sd it was good. In the pic my mom made her own cornbread lol.

Dionne N.

Yelp
Take it from a born-and-raised Southerner (Alabama) - this place could actually hold a candle to a number of the Southern greats! Definitely, so far, the best I've had in my five years in Portland Ribs were nicely smoked, tender, and well seasoned. I could have done with a tad less sauce, but that's just a personal preference. The sauce was thick, sticky, and neither too mustardy nor too sweet. I had the greens and candied yams (told you I was Southern) as sides. The greens were tender, nicely seasoned, and perhaps a touch spicy; the yams a little heavy on the cinnamon maybe, but again personal preference. The servings of main and sides were LARGE. Probably going to get a couple more servings from the leftovers. Husband had the 3pc fish with slaw and potato salad. The fish fillets were very nicely seasoned, (take a note folks - you CAN season both the fish and the fry) flaky, tender, and not in the least greasy. And were we mistaken that the fish was, in fact, catfish? The menu didn't say, but we have our suspicions ... delectable, delectable suspicions . Everything packaged well, and promptly delivered. From order placement to food on my plate -- roughly 35 minutes ... on a Saturday evening ... between 6 & 7pm. Impressive stuff folks! I'd tell you not to waste a single minute to get a little South in your mouth, but I'm afraid you might block my place in line. Ok, fine, go -- who am I to deny you such a experience. Enjoy!

Tiffany H.

Yelp
Great food, great prices, great service. What more could you ask for? I ate my Basa fish fillet dinner before I could take a picture of it. I'll make up for that later. For now, enjoy chopped rib sandwich. Plenty of meat, plenty of smokey flavor and the potato salad is pretty damn good. Taste like your favorite Aunt made it.

Jules C.

Yelp
WOW so good. I grew up on catfish in Texas and took me back home! Maybe the best catfish I've ever had. Haven't had a hush puppy in 5 years! My heart is warm and my belly is full.

Addison H.

Yelp
One of the best southern restaurants in Portland, hands-down. Flaky and perfectly seasoned catfish stole the show, as well as the sides, which were absolutely perfect. Good collard greens are an illusive and rare find here in Portland, but these were perfect. Tangy, spicy, with enough smokey umami from the turkey thrown into it, which I've honestly never seen in collards before. The texture on the potato salad was exactly how I like it. Will be back to explore the rest of what this place has to offer.

Juan H.

Yelp
BOOOOOOOOOOOOMB! And the vibe from the music they had going in the cart is life! Beef Hot Link Sandwich was amazing 3 Piece Fish with 2 Ribs Combo oh my gawd!

Jill H.

Yelp
Really yummy wings and sides. Breading on the cat fish is very good and the banana pudding was incredible. One of the employees didn't wear a mask which was slightly sketchy. The ribs could have been more tender they were kinda chewy. I would probably go back.

Vanessa W.

Yelp
The fried fish, macaroni & greens were absolutely delicious! My mom loved the red beans & rice & the chicken wings. Will definitely order from Southern Kitchen again. Can't wait to try all of the menu items!

Shunte G.

Yelp
Man these guys did not disappoint. I was desperate for some good soul food and they came thru. The fish was Excellent and so were the ribs. I also tried the greens and they were perfectly seasoned along with the Mac and cheese and the sweet potato. The customer service was excellent definitely check them out. They are a food truck and located a little bit outside downtown def worth the drive. Will be back anytime I'm in Portland

Clarissa B.

Yelp
I found this place on accident and will definitely keep coming back. There wasn't one bacd thing about our meals. The Rib sandwich is amazing and the Mac and cheeses was too!

Kieran Y.

Yelp
Great food with amazing flavor. The southern hospitality enhances the experience. My friends and I ate here on a sunny day and felt like we were at a southern cookout. Nothing less than exceptional!

Kirsten W.

Yelp
Was craving some comforting food and ordered lunch from this cart. I went for it and got ribs and wings. Came with collards and hush puppies. Everything was amazing! Wings were juicy, ribs melted off the bone covered in delicious sauce. The collards were perfect as well as the puppies. Can't wait to try more!

Paul R.

Yelp
Food was amazing! Lots of choices. Good size portions and friendly staff. Great value for what you get.

Ericka W.

Yelp
So pleased with my lunch. I ordered the fried fish with red beans and collards. I also ordered a side of Mac and cheese for my colleague. Everything was seasoned well and flavorful. Food was hot and the fish was still crispy and tender inside. Would have loved to have some hot sauce and tarter with my order but I'm full and satisfied.

Kiara A.

Yelp
AMAAAAAZING. We just moved to Portland and was craving some comfort food. The hot links sandwich was bomb! I am so happy we found this place. Everyone is so sweet here, too. The perfect and most essential southern comfort food cart! Already can't wait to come back.

Anthony F.

Yelp
Black owned and food is fire af plz support a great business I personally like the salmon basket the wing basket or the 3 piece fish dinner

Mikayla J.

Yelp
Truly the best southern food I have had here in Portland or anywhere for that matter and I am from the south. I miss the food dearly. This is it! Delicious, fresh, authentic. I crave it all the time!

Everett H.

Yelp
Don't miss it! The real deal. Great variety, large portions, fair prices. Very nice owners, incl. Jermaine. Be sure to try the incredible Basa fish. Ribs are smoky and meaty. All sides (incl. collards) are yum, like mama used to make. Hint: get some pound cake before it's gone. I predict that Guy Fiery will be here soon!

Dean T.

Yelp
The rib sandwich was just outstanding. Smoky, sweet and tender as can be. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu.

Jasmine J.

Yelp
Yummy food, great customer service, and decent prices. My favorite is the fish & chips, but the other menu items are equally delicious. Give them a try if you haven't already.

Keaton H.

Yelp
Yea... this the spot. Been looking for good bbq for a while. I got back from a trip to Texas about 5 months ago and been disappointed by everything until I got this. Fire sauce, catfish on point, greens are great... everything was 5/5

Fuzzy T.

Yelp
This chicken is dry good. I wish I could eat here every day. Easily the best in Portland

Hannah P.

Yelp
We must have come in on an off day, or served leftovers due to the chaos going on, because the rib sandwich was not what we've seen on the reviews, nor what we were hoping for. Very dry and tough. Also, extremely small "side" of Mac n cheese. But, good hot link - would recommend it!

Kahti K.

Yelp
I drove across town for the Fish Po boy and they were out of coleslaw. I was a little frustrated but ordered the fish and chips. I thought the cook on the fish was perfect, but the tartar was those little squares of packaged Kraft tartar. Which was warm and gross, and sort of ruined it for me. Also the fries had waaay too much salt on them and no ketchup in my to go bag. There was only one person in front of me and we both waited for a long time for our food. I kept wondering, what if they actually had a decent customer base, not sure they could pull it off.

Gracey S.

Yelp
Very disappointed The food was overly salty was not warm the macaroni and cheese was dry the greens where so salty

Rian D.

Yelp
Had the spare rib dinner with black eyed peas and collard greens, wow! The ribs were smokey, sweet, peppery and tender--amazing. The black eyed peas and collard greens were not messing around either. Everything was delicious! I'm glad I got the dinner plate because you get more of the amazing ribs and the sides are so worth it!

Courtney S.

Yelp
We were craving some BBQ and happened to be in the area. We walked up to order and the aroma started to make my mouth water. I chatted up the 3 gentlemen who work here. The ribs had been on the grill for over an hour. One of the gentleman told me it was his birthday and I saw the peach cobbler his colleagues made him - to die for. I ordered the ribs and fish combo with candied yams and mac n cheese as the included sides. For extras I got the wasabi coleslaw and collard greens. Perfect amount for 2 people. The fish was perfection. The sauce on the ribs - finger licking good. The wasabi coleslaw was so unique. For dessert - the pound cake! Everything was awesome and great price!

Moe J.

Yelp
They had nothing but ribs an basa maybe I came at the wrong time 3PM on sat ? I thought there was a line but it was friends visiting while paying customers waiting is not great for business . Will give a try again when they get it together. I support small business

Meredith G.

Yelp
This was the worst bbq I've ever eaten. The ribs were chewy the chicken was so salty I couldn't eat it. The fries were soggy and the coleslaw tasted like windex. I spent 50 bucks and had to throw it out. Never eat here and save your money.

Ladyq42 J.

Yelp
Great customer service and food. I ordered the 3 piece filet meal and the fish was perfectly seasoned and golden fried. I had the yams which were very tasty along with the greens and hush puppies. I will definitely be back!

Sy M.

Yelp
LOVE! The food was soooo good! Great food, great service!! They were so nice to even give my 7 year old niece a free peach cobbler. Will definitely be back :)