The Licking

Soul food restaurant · Downtown North Miami

The Licking

Soul food restaurant · Downtown North Miami

1

12490 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33168

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Highlights

DJ Khaled's The Licking offers a lively fast-food vibe with mouthwatering soul food staples that keep diners coming back for more.  

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12490 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33168 Get directions

thelicking.com
@thelickingmiamigardens

$20–30 · Menu

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12490 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33168 Get directions

+1 786 703 3087
thelicking.com
@thelickingmiamigardens
𝕏
@thelicking

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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"DJ Khaled’s soul food restaurant the Licking has 'hit-or-miss execution' but is still a welcome draw on the West Side." - Jeffy Mai

A Critic Finds ‘Assertive Flavors’ at Globe-Trotting River North Spot - Eater Chicago
View Postcard for The Licking

Queen Lewis

Google
The food was disgusting I got baked chicken it had no taste and extremely dry. The Mac and cheese was very loose and not tasty and the “seafood rice” was just yellow rice with peppers and celery and one big crab it had no seafood taste or seasoning. The shrimp in my pasta was over cooked I would rate this place a 0 if I could I never experienced food this bad.

Demetrius Thomas

Google
One of the most cleanest fast food servicing ever. The food was so clean plus light. Oneself tasted fried broccoli dish meal. Plus macaroni delicious. One million percent. Out this world great. tip top remarkable? I still have the sensation of the taste plus texture ingredients inside Oneself mouth. After eating All this food great work. I'm going to recommend this to all my customers that come inside. Oneself jobs inside work. Them have to try licking Restaurants food menus items. 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭

Jessica B

Google
The girl at the counter is such a sweetheart! Always takes her time with each guest and makes their experience a personal one! The food is always ON POINTTTTTTTTT! Definitely recommend this location

Gabriel Gareis

Google
First time here. Good was really good and served in a big size. The counter girls were super nice and fast. Can't wait to try it again.

Loyce McDonald

Google
My husband and I spent a few days in Miami and heard great things about how good the food was at DJ Khaled's restaurant. Let me tell you... they're ALL TRUE!! The fried turkey wings, mac & cheese, greens and green beans, fried shrimp, candied yams, fried lobster!! Amazing, amazing, amazing!!! The juice was bomb! The customer service was great!! We will definitely be back to try other dishes. But, if you visit, you have to try everything I just listed here. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Nika Smith

Google
The food was great. I loved the seafood rice! I will definitely go there again!

Namanda Thompson

Google
Never again. The place has potential though. I will add photos. I believe in giving businesses a fair chance. The manager wasn’t very apologetic. When he came to me my table to see what was wrong with our food he made it seem like nothing was wrong. The chicken was the problem. Definitely old. The Mac and cheese would have been good but it was salty. Probably just a bad batch. The greens were amazing and the fruit punch was really good. Shout out to my server Robert. His service was amazing. The place was clean and the music was good.

Maria Garces

Google
I purchased a surprise bag from them. Supposed to get 2 but they only had 1 that night so they're letting me come back tomorrow. Hopefully no issues there. Shout out to the service and the folks working tonight for offering that. Was my first time at this location but not my first time at The Licking. Got the baked chicken with rice and peas and collard greens. Never disappoints. Flavor is always full and right amount of spice even without hot sauce. Had to hold myself back from eating the entire meal because it definitely is good for at least two servings.

Latisha W.

Yelp
I was highly disappointed in my meal this time. The macaroni was the worse I've had in awhile.I spent $98 and could hardly eat my meal. The fried shrimp was good but the macaroni and greens were barely mediocre to say the least and the sides were cold.The mystery drink was tasty as usual but for $5 it could have most certainly came with a free refill.

Erica W.

Yelp
Satisfied! I was craving soul food and this was the closest option. At 9p on a Friday, it was empty so pick up was a breeze. The cashier was polite and the space was very clean and sparkling. I've had the food at other locations so I knew what to expect but this was my first time getting actual soul food - fried turkey wings, green beans & Mac n cheese. Obsessed! I love food that I don't have to season or add anything to. The wings were delicious, juicy and well seasoned and it also came with a wet lemon pepper sauce which tastes homemade so that's a plus, the Mac was creamy and flavorful and the green beans were amazing (made w/ turkey) with a hint of spice. The lemonade was a little too sugary for what I like but still good. It's a win for me so I'll definitely return

David G.

Yelp
So came here since it was the closest thing off the highway , and was pleasantly surprised . Had some wings and fries with my daughter and we really enjoyed them. Had the lemon pepper , bbq and hot wings and they were all fresh crispy and delicious . Also the fries were very crispy which I enjoyed very much . My only complain that both my daughter and I agreed was that the lemonade drinks were too sweet . But other than that, all was great . Great music , vibe and service as well - also the decor was nice as well .

Deniece W.

Yelp
Finally gave this The Licking location a try via Uber Eats. The chicken quesadilla and fries was a very generous portion. My bf really liked it. The collard greens were very salty. The grilled shrimp were good. The surprise star of the show was the broccoli. It was seasoned amazingly and swimming in butter, which I dipped my shrimp in. It's hard to find a place to order from on Uber Eats when I'm craving soul food and my bf isn't, but fortunately The Licking had food to make both of us happy.

Laura R.

Yelp
I enjoyed my time at this establishment, it had a great ambiance & I loved the music they played over the PA system, but I was given small portions for my side dishes I didn't like that at all, but they were still delish; I had collard greens & Mac n cheese. It was my first time having fried lobster and it was good. Their mystery drink was good too. It's a black-owned business (if you were wondering).

Iris F.

Yelp
This place got a lot of internet's buzz,so for our trip to Miami we wanted to see what the hype was about. The parking lot was an immediate turn off. It was so small I'm so glad it wasn't busy when we went. However, the trip got better. We were seated as soon as we walked in. Our server got our drink orders the informed our party of 6 that there is a limit of 1 check. Not ideal but we figured it out. We all got the flavored lemonade. The Watermelon was my favorite. We all we pretty pleased with our entrees as well. The food came out in 25 mins and it was very hot. I didn't like the fact that they only offer bottled water for purchase. I would like for that to change. Also the restrooms needed some TLC. There was no tissue or paper towels. All in all it was a good experience.

Melissa F.

Yelp
This place was amazing the food was the best Miami could offer I was not disappointed I can't wait till my next trip I will be stopping back by!

Didee J.

Yelp
I ordered for delivery and I think this was the fastest delivery I've received. The delivery person followed instructions. The food was warm and packaged appeared secure. I could smell the food through the package and it smelled good. The presentation was good. Portion size was good. The shrimp was well seasoned and tasted good. The veggie rice was good. I was disappointed with the mac and cheese. Seemed like the elbows were cooked a little too long and I wasn't a fan of the taste. I will try more dishes next time.

Dina E.

Yelp
The size of the chicken wings was small like a nugget! I have ordered a few times from the Licking, however in the last 2 years containers smaller, food portion smaller, and prices increased! Spent $20 for 9 small wings when I could have went to chinese restaurant paid $5 for 6 big wings! Another change was the flavor of Mac n cheese bland and cut back on the cheese! $15 for small container for 1 person. Popeye's taste better and again only $5. I think DJ Kalid just being greedy. I spent $70 for 1 meal with side of rice and no drink!! Im so hungry, not going back! Skip going and just hit up Popeye's so you get full on $10

A'kayla A.

Yelp
The food is AMAZING! Always fresh & the customer service is decent. The aura of the restaurant is nice too. Definitely recommend stopping here for a bite to eat!

Danielle B.

Yelp
After getting off a cruise, my husband & I came by this restaurant by chance on a Wednesday afternoon. The food was hot, and so delicious. We ate in the restaurant & was served by a"Queen". Hope to see you in Durham, NC-"The Bull City".

Edward K.

Yelp
Horrible in every way. The shrimp was undercooked and the breading couldn't stick it. It was a mess. The Mac and cheese was a gummy ball of overcooked macaroni, mushy and unpleasant. The broccoli was hard and raw on the stalk side. Terrible, wretched "food."

Justinsank ..

Yelp
Great music, great food, great ambience, great servers, everything is good and the advertising is so pop out. this place is special for vacationers. (south beach miami)

Lawrencia L.

Yelp
I ordered the baked chicken, green beans and broccoli. The chicken and green beans were well seasoned. The broccoli was very fresh and unseasoned; however, the waitress exchanged it for me for more green beans. The Service was alright. It was interesting I ordered a drink but I had to pay for it separately.

Rosa R.

Yelp
Service, atmosphere and culinary cuisine genius! Plus take beautiful pics while you wait for your food.

Gwa W.

Yelp
The food is absolutely delicious and the service was great. Definitely will go back. Miami Gardens location #christainmusicwason

Jessica C.

Yelp
I ordered on door dash so I'm not too sure what it looks like on the inside of this place. However, I ordered the wing plate with Mac n cheese and candied yams, the presentation of it, left me a bit more to be desired but when I tell you, I was CRAVING this place for the rest of the day! The food was so good and the chicken was seasoned so well!

Art R.

Yelp
I went with Too Good to Go, they announced that it is a 25.00 dish for 8.00 when I get the surprise dish it is CHICKEN REALLY, what a rip off not even FISH was added They think they are slick but they are only fooling themselves I WILL NEVER GO OR ORDER FROM THEM! They are deceitful and bogus with their slickness NEVER AGAIN

Raneisha M.

Yelp
The ambiance was great and so was the customer service. We were made aware that most of the menu items were not available at that time which was disappointing. I ordered the chicken wing dinner with Mac and Cheese and yams. I also ordered a side of seafood rice (I do not recommend this it only had 2 pieces of shrimp and it was a very small portion for the price) but . The chicken wings had feathers and a small hair still on them so I sent it back ( I couldn't eat it with the hair and feathers but it could be ok for some). I ordered fried tilapia and it was ok. I feel like all of the food could have been better but it all came out nice and hot. I don't think I will be back. The food just wasn't what I expected.

S C.

Yelp
Best Fried Lobster tails In Miami , every time I come to to Miami I gotta get fried lobster and yams!

Devaneé T.

Yelp
I am involve with their croissant sandwich. Must try this and their signature drink. You will not be disappointed! Quick and Friendly Service. Casual Dining!

Ebby P.

Yelp
Went there in the middle of the week and the service was very slow & food was extremely salty.

Marcy J.

Yelp
My friend had a longer layover than expected in Miami and always wanted to try the Licking and so there we went. It has been a long time since I've ate here and didn't know what to expect. So theres only bottled water available. I decided to order the grilled Shrimp dinner with Mac and cheese and brocoli on the side. The shrimp was good but nothing to write home about. I would say the same for the Mac & cheese and broccoli they were ok but not something that I would be pressed about coming a second time. They do sell bottled wine and beer but not a full bar.

Brea W.

Yelp
This is my first and last time wasting my money at this establishment. I walked in not too long after they opened and no one was around to seat us. After waiting 15 minutes to be seated, we're advised to use the QR code on the table to review the menu. The menu doesn't give a clear break down of the prices or how the "dinners" come. OH and how could I forget? They were out of waffles, shrimp rolls, collard greens but that was false. They had this stuff but it was not prepared yet therefore they were saying they were "out" and originally I just wanted to try the chicken and waffles. I ordered the shrimp DINNER and two sides with a strawberry lemonade. The menu says the lemonade is $5.99. The shrimp dinner was $21.99. My boyfriend ordered wings and fries which was $18.99. Once we place our order it took over 50 minutes to receive 7 pieces of shrimp and my two small sides. Why did we get charged $72 for 7 pieces of shrimp, a side of broccoli and rice and pease then 5 wings and fries? There is 0 professionalism here whatsoever, every employee was in/ on their phones, going in and outside and not paying the customers any attention. The menu prices online don't match the menu prices on the QR code OR what they charge. It's a mess and they're getting off on people. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!

Curvy B.

Yelp
We are visiting from San Diego & we were craving soul food!! We stopped by here & dined in because my son was hungry as h*ll.. Tony was our server & she was really nice & since it was our first time here she gave us some suggestions.. EVERYTHING was delicious!! We will definitely be back when we are back in town!!

April S.

Yelp
I mean, it's okay. You don't have to rush to go here. Though I do like the fried conch, things are just over priced (and refills are not included). There was a wait to be seated (it was a Sunday). Maybe 30-40 min wait. The service was okay, the hostess was also the waitress so she had to juggle a lot. I had the mystery drink. It is a SUGAR IN A CUP ... but I liked it a lot. Lol. If you have a sweet tooth you can make sure to order this. Savor it - because there are no refills. The option for water is only bottled water. I ordered the wings as well and ... they were the size of my pinky. No bueno. The Licking sauce is basically bbq sauce. The lemon pepper were good. Overall, okay experience. Music was LOUD. You better be a Lil Durk fan because his music was on REPEAT. Not lying. I Would have loved to see more Miami artists represented in the decor and musical selection. Don't see myself rushing back.

Tauheedah M.

Yelp
Best Meal I ate in Miami the entire time I was there!!!!! I didn't like the Mixed Colada, it had a strange after taste but I don't even care bc my baked chicken was so seasoned and moist. My Mac and cheese was delicious and the greens were cooked perfectly. He had conch. My first time trying it so I can't speak on it but I wasn't feeling it. Shared a shrimp dinner and shrimp were seasoned and fried to perfection. I hated the bathroom so for the drink and nasty bathroom they lose a star.

DeShawn A.

Yelp
This place is a waste of time and money! Staff is rude af!! No professionalism what so ever! The food was cold and disgusting. I waited almost 3 hours for something I could have made myself and done a better job too! If I could give zero stars I would! Note to staff! Stop twerking at the front counter! It's not cute and stop cursing where the customer can hear you! It's not lady like! Save yourself time and money! It's not worth it!

Bre W.

Yelp
A+++++ The music, ambiance, and the bomb ass food & drinks. DJ Khalid did his research on how to create a superb restaurant. Staff was amazing!

Nicole G.

Yelp
I'm so annoyed right now! They gave me the wrong sides and I ordered online so heading to the location right now to get it fixed isn't an option. This is my 3rd ordering from here and out of the 3x, the first time I was satisfied with their Alfredo chicken pasta (so good), but this time and the last was a bust. Disappointing and waste of money.

Just K.

Yelp
STOP TELLING CUSTOMERS 15mins If it's going to take 40 mins Back service between clients . Come on it's easy communication!!!!! Don't go Easy

Reba G.

Yelp
The food is always consistent. This time I had the baked chicken with greens and yams. The chicken was flavorful and well seasoned. The greens were cooked with smoked turkey which was good. The yams weren't overly sweet, just right. I love their mystery punch, which I opted not to order this time, as I ordered through ubereats and don't trust the drivers not to take a sip.

Joe D.

Yelp
5-star food, 4-star service, 4-star ambience. Fantastic soul food with decent service in a place with a cool vibe. The food is the star of the show here. The menu leans heavily on soul food favorites, with lots of fried and heavy cholesterol dishes, so plan on some extra time on the treadmill LOL. They also have healthier options (grilled snapper) and classy modern updates on old favorites (lobster alfredo as a proxy for lobster mac & cheese, etc). Fingalickin' sauce on just about anything is good. It's a small chain these days, with locations even in Chicago and Orlando as well as Dade and Broward. Outside, this particular location is a little forlorn in the parking lot. Inside it's a softly mood-lighted space with very cool art. Service was decent, although a little slow. I grew up in a tiny Deep South place 100 miles from nowhere, so knew most of the menu options pretty well, but the folks working here explain things incredibly well if you have any questions.

Kevin K.

Yelp
A must try when your in Miami. The wait was short. The menu was full of great choices. D.J Khaled is the man. He ain't playin. I heard he owns 9 other locations. The Licking

Vee S.

Yelp
Overrated, super slow and overpriced. Everyone needs to take a refresher course in Customer Service. When this restaurant first opened on 62nd street(NEAR EDISON HIGH SCHOOL), u could taste the love and passion in the food. Since the expansion and the addition of more locations, the food is not the same. Don't waste your time

Tiffani A.

Yelp
5 star food & ambiance The food is no doubt 10/10! The greens are the best I've ever had , the flavor is truly unmatched. I also recommend the coconut chicken curry it was delicious! The lobster was amazing also , you seriously can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Mac & cheese and the dirty rice were good too. Perfect side dishes. This spot was perfect for date night before our night out. The staff was super nice & attentive.

Keni G.

Yelp
The food was delicious. I wish I would've bought more, I was craving it on the flight back to SoCal. I was able to try almost everything on the menu because my dining group and I are greedy. LOL! That bottled water they sale taste like it's right from the kitchen faucet. That felt like a waste of money because I took 1 sip and gave the remaining to another person in my party. The food made up for the disappointment I had with the water.

D M.

Yelp
Had to wait forever just to get seated even though the place had several open tables, another 20 minutes before we even had water on the table, The food was decent but the service was so slow that it just took the air right out of my balloon Not going back

B G.

Yelp
The location in miami was horrible a lady working there was so rude and bragged of management being family so nothing would change .food is decent but waitresses are trash and don't take that place serious.. manager did offer free drink .

Sherri W.

Yelp
Prior to departing for a quick trip down to Miami from Philly, this restaurant was recommended. Since I reserved a rental car I figured why not take the 20 or something minute drive from South Beach to check it out. I liked the lit up pictures of musical artists hanging in the way but it's a bit dark overall. They have one unisex bathroom that is black with purple lighting. The restaurant it self is small but there were a few booths and a couple of tables that can accommodate parties of 8 comfortably with additional tables outside near the handicap parking spaces. Our table for 8 took about 35 minutes to become available. Once we placed our order, it took close to that for our food to arrive but everyone was pleased with their food. I ordered the grilled snapper with Mac and cheese and veggie rice. The snapper and Mac and cheese were delicious. The rice was a bit on the dry side but I remedied that by mixing it in with the snapper. I had a bottle of water so I can not speak to the quality of the drinks but the rest of my dining companions enjoyed the mystery drink we were told had different clear spirits in it.

Yajaira B.

Yelp
If I could give this place more then 5 stars I would!!!! The seasoning on the food is beyond perfect like "omggggg" amazinggggg I really wish they would open one up in New York! I ordered the shrimp dinner combo which comes with fry shrimps seasoned to perfection and you pick two sides I had to go with the Mac and cheese!!!! Definitely one of the best Mac and cheese I have ever had and French fries.

William R.

Yelp
Visited Miami for the weekend and only one day to try out a dinner spot. Felt like some soul food and this place was perfect. Also ordered the wing appetizer where you get 3 types of wings to try (3 flavors, 9 wings total) and they all were amazing don't know which one was best. Waitresses were extremely polite and accommodating. Food was 10/10 chicken seasoned to perfect, waffles light and fluffy. Venue was clean and comfortable. Couldn't recommend more!!!

R. M.

Yelp
Food isn't spectacular but nevertheless is good, music is a bit loud but no one is there to have a lengthy conversation so is ok. The best part of my visit was the treatment I received from Lavondria at the register. She was pleasant, friendly, engaging, and all the things that are rare to find in Miami even at "high end" establishments. If any lone from management reads this review I hope they know what a great service she provided.

Ileana H.

Yelp
I have nothing but positive things to say! The licking on 12490 NW seventh Ave was the best experience! The customer service was great but my waiter Alexus was the best her customer service was A1! She was very sweet she made me and my family very comfortable! The food was soooooooo Finger licking good!

Dayzel T.

Yelp
Super dope ambience, great customer service the most beautiful ladies to help you get your food And the coolest armed gaurd ever #dee , from Jadakiss camp #Dblock dayzel the machine #Zayzee

Nicole B.

Yelp
The food was good Wait time was long But it was on a Saturday and spring break just started .... understandable The only thing I didn't like was how crowded it was in the lobby and no one was practicing social distancing.... they had a cop walking the spot he even came inside two people didn't have Mask on He just walked through .... I would eat their again but it will be for pickup

Megan N.

Yelp
Food is just absolutely not worth the price. The girls working today were absolutely unprofessional and shouldn't be working in customer service if that's how they tend to act. Almost $16 for a dry quesadilla and old rubbery fries. Seasoning on chicken is ok, but I've had much better at smaller wing places and wasn't overcharged and off put by the employees. First AND last visit. Believe the bad reviews.

Tara F.

Yelp
Ordered Uber eats for dinner, each one of meals was supposed to come with two sides, the restaurant claims to be sold out of collard greens, do you think they tried to contact me and ask me if I wanted to substitute the missing item or if they at least tried to compensate me by including a side of fries with my meal or even doubling up on the side that they did have ?? No nothing, I do not recommend this place. It's horrible. I'm so disappointed, paid full price for a "dinner" plate to come with one tiny side. My appetite is lost. 0 stars from me. Order at your own risk. And... they were so thoughtful to include 1 tartar sauce for two fried fish "dinners". Thanks.just Horrible.

kay l.

Yelp
I've been wanting to try this place for a while & it was decent. If you're someone who gets cold easily bring a sweater!! Lol but this spot is your average soul food restaurant. The fried shrimp was really good, well seasoned. I wasn't crazy about the steak because it was cooked well done & I personally prefer medium or medium well. The Mac n cheese, lobster and green beans were really good! The mystery drink was super sweet and reminded me of kool aide. Our waitress Kayla was nice too.