Yo' Mama's

Was looking for a burger place in downtown. Google recommended Yo’ Mama’s. Upon a first arrival, the restaurant was very clean and staffed with pleasant employees. I ordered the barbecue burger minus the barbecue sauce (as I’m not a huge fan of bar sauce on my burgers). Which came with a side of fresh hand, cut fries and added a sweet tea. We sat down and within five minutes, our food was delivered as ordered . I must tell you I’ve eaten burgers in a lot of places, but this was by far one of the best burgers I have had in my life. I don’t know what about the flavor was so good but it was outstanding. The fries had a seasoning on them which complimented everything and the sweet tea was homemade southern sweet tea. my coworker got the fried chicken and said her meal was also delicious. if you’re ever in the area, give these folks a shot you will not be sorry. It might even be on my list for tomorrow’s lunch ( here traveling for work).

I visited Yo Mama’s for the first time on July 25, 2025, and was impressed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and excellent customer service. I ordered the Hot Wing Plate, and the wings were huge! The sauce had great flavor, but the wings were a bit larger than I personally prefer. On the plus side, the juice I ordered was absolutely delicious. Overall, it was a good experience, and I’m looking forward to going back to try other dishes on their menu.

A really sweet spot! The atmosphere is chill and welcoming. The food.... Portions are really generous Quality is amazing I had chicken wings and waffles with warm peaches. And cheesy grits. The chicken is so flavourful and the crispy coating is the best! Waffles are stellar! Tried grits for the first time and would definitely recommend. Thanks to the crew working hard putting out top notch meals!

Came in town from Seagoville,TX to visit Pastor Mike Jr church and this was one of the restaurants under PMJ picks. We decided to give this place a try and didn't regret it one bit. From the customer service, to the food to the atmosphere. This is a true southern gem. And their in house syrup they make is so good. Make sure if you're in town you check them out. You will not be disappointed.

I found this place just searching Google maps for the area. My Dad and I came across it and I told him we would try it. Upon opening the door we were greeted with a warm welcome. The menu was explained and we ordered. Our food came out quick cooked perfectly. Chicken and waffles were amazing it came with fresh fruit and whipped topping. They even have dessert I got 7 up pound cake it reminds me of my grandmother. The atmosphere was so relaxing and welcoming. YES COME HERE AND EAT! ITS WORTH IT. AMAZING FOOD! Updated Post.... They have done some renovations since my last visit and it's still an amazing place with amazing food. Why I don't have a pic of food because "DUH" I ate it ALL. GREAT FOOD GREAT VIBE.

15-minute line and then an additional 50-minute wait for lunch -- lots of folks waiting at *least* that long. The beans and rice were fine. The grilled fish tacos were pretty decent, but the slaw put in the shells with 'em was suuuper watery and it ran all over and made everything soggy. Friendly staff, looks like they've got a good thing going. But there are some coaching opportunities to help get where Yo' Mama's is looking to be. Will stop back sometime when it's slower and hope for a smoother visit.

No catfish, just tilapia :( the staff was very nice and the space is clean and spacious. Plenty of tables. The food was good.

This place has been a Birmingham staple for me and I can’t recommend it enough. Everything I have ever had there has been great, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits Do yourself a favor and get some punch, especially if it’s with the wings.

Whenever I visit a new city, I make it a point to support a Black woman-owned restaurant--and Birmingham did not disappoint. From the moment I stepped inside, I was wowed by the space: bright, beautiful, and full of natural light. Despite the lunchtime rush, the staff was incredibly friendly, and everything was spotless--always a great sign. I went with six hot wings, freshly cut fries, and their homemade Tropical Splash. Let me tell you... I'm still thinking about those wings. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with just the right kick of heat. The fries were golden and perfectly seasoned, and that drink? A refreshing burst of tropical flavor that tied the whole meal together. Southern food just hits different--and somehow, even the water tasted better here. I'll absolutely be back next time I'm in town!

I've been avoiding posting this review, but it wouldn't be fair to others if I didn't. I know I'll probably catch some flack or criticism for it, but it is what it is. I don't get paid for this. I don't receive free food. I experience these restaurants just like any other customer, from the moment I walk in to the moment I leave. That being said, here's my honest review of Yo' Mama's! I went here with friends and family for lunch, and my first impression was great. The restaurant was very clean, and the staff was friendly and efficient. To start on a positive note, everyone else in my group really enjoyed their food. They said the fish was well-seasoned and delicious, and they had no complaints. Unfortunately, I wasn't as lucky. I ordered the fried chicken and waffles, and while it looked absolutely delicious, the taste didn't match the appearance. Let's start with the chicken. It was fried to perfection crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, practically falling off the bone. No issues there. However, the biggest problem was the complete lack of seasoning. It tasted like it was simply floured and fried no salt, no pepper, nothing. I was so disappointed that I couldn't even finish it and ended up giving it away. As for the waffle, it was cooked beautifully crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. It was good, but unfortunately, syrup didn't seem to be an option. Instead, I was given something that resembled honey butter but had a strange, fruity taste and a gritty texture, which threw it off for me. Had I just received regular syrup, I think I would have enjoyed it much more. Now, let me be clear I hate that I even have to say this but this review is not meant to bash or tear down a Black-owned business. I was genuinely excited to try this place, only to walk away feeling let down. This is why I always try to dine with others when I do reviews to get a well rounded perspective. I had three other people with me, and they all enjoyed their meals. Unfortunately, I just drew the short straw that day. Final thoughts: Based on my personal experience, I'd have to rate my meal 5/10 not because the food wasn't cooked well, but because key elements of flavor were missing. That said, would I return? Yes. The food was prepared properly, and the restaurant itself had a great atmosphere. They just missed the mark on seasoning, which is crucial. I'd still encourage others to check this place out. Every dining experience is different, and just because mine wasn't great doesn't mean yours won't be. Hopefully, if I visit again, my experience will be much better!

Somehow this was my first time at this Birmingham staple. I tried the Hot Chicken Sandwich with fries, and I was not disappointed! The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the fries were the perfect amount of crispy. All-around a great lunch spot to zip into when you're looking for a quick, tasty lunch!

I love the new location. This time I got shrimp tacos, fries, and broccoli. I ordered online and when I came inside it was ready. The service was quick and the ambiance was spacious. I will definitely be back

Yo Mama's was a great find for lunch in downtown Birmingham, AL. The atmosphere was fun, the staff were attentive and informative, and the food was delicious. I had fried chicken and waffles for the first time in the 20+ years I have been gluten free. I highly recommend Yo Mama's for anyone, but especially for gluten free people as the whole menu is GF!

Here for a business trip and we saw this on Google and I did check the ratings on Yelp. Sounds/Looks like they have moved into a bigger and newer location and they have big screens for their menus and they were quick with taking our orders. It has a fast casual feel but still keeping it homey where they would deliver your food to your table and some times with the help of a robot server. While I was there they had food runners which made it a personal touch. It was clean and the food was very good. I had the fried catfish with side of french fries which is their classic in the south. My colleague got the Shrimp and Grits and he was raving about how its probably one of the best he's had. Rarely I give 5 stars but this one hit it out of the park.

I came here on the Monday morning of MLK day. We were able to park on the street but if we wouldn't have found a spot there was a parking garage not too far away. The restaurant was pretty full but there was still seating. It's a large venue. The servers were nice and pretty quick as well; however, one of them forgot to wipe the last remaining table dry after they wiped it with a wet towel so we had to dry it off ourselves. I ordered the peach cobbler chicken & waffle at the recommendation of a friend who loved it. They set the peaches and syrup mixture on the side. The chicken was fried extra crispy, but I didn't taste any hint of seasoning, not even salt or pepper. It had a red tint around some parts of the chicken which my guess was probably paprika, but I could not taste that either so it was pretty bland. I put the peaches on top of the chicken and stacked the chicken over the center of the waffle since they'd placed them over to the side and then draped a small amount of the syrup mixture over the dish. The waffle was okay. I wasn't sure if it was soft in the middle from the chicken sitting on it or if it wasn't cooked long enough. Overall I did not like this dish but would return to try other items on the menu.

Peach topped pancakes were great, as was the bacon and eggs. Service was great, the staff was friendly from ordering to delivering food to the table. Vibes were awesome, though the place was busy, we were able to find a table to eat, as we sat at the bar tops. You saw some of everyone in the place, which lets you know the food is pretty good, wish they were open more Saturdays.

The food was delicious and fresh. The service was great. The ambiance was natural and well lite. It is great for family time or nice conversations

I came here with no intention to leave a review. Just grab some quick breakfast and leave. But this place was so delicious and the staff so courteous and kind that I have to leave a review. We tried the seafood omelette, a waffle, some thick cut bacon and scrambled eggs. The seafood omelette was a large size stuffed with a delicious crab and shrimp. Served with a delicious biscuit and delicious grits. I ate every bit of it. It was so good. The waffle was very fresh and delicious. Bacon was very tasty. This place is great. Definitely stop in.

I had the pleasure of checking out Yo' Mama's Restaurant The food and the customer service was top notch!!!! 5 !!!! Their new address is 2024 Fourth Ave. North. They are open Monday - Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. I will definitely be back

Love supporting black businesses especially on Juneteenth. The restaurant is vibrant and cute. Only downfall is limited seating and you are only able to be seated if you purchase food and/or drinks. Pricing is agreeable to other restaurants in this economy. I had the fried shrimp and they were large to extra large with great seasoning. The punch and lemonade were that good church punch sweet!

The chicken is gluten free! Service to table! No need to pick up from a window. No spoons unfortunately but the grits are thick enough to pick up with the fork. It's hot in there in the summer, so don't be too bundled up! It must be because everything is fresh off the kitchen heat. Just go!

Wow. I do not know why I have not been here before. This is a mindblower local restaurant. My most favorite thing at any place is the service more so than anything else and the server here that I placed my order with was super awesome. The feel inside here was calm and fun and nice to sit and chill while you eat. The food I got was perfect too and such a large amount of food too. Great place to go to in town.

Easily one of my fav restaurants in town! Time you hit the door you're gonna be greeted, their hospitality is top notch. The building is covered in cool green and purple paintings but my fav is a pic of the family's matriarch (mama) on the wall :) I'm a fan of the whole menu but the fried fish and grits along with the chicken and waffles (and house made syrup) are my favs. It can get pretty packed around lunchtime so come early or order to go. They do weekend brunch on certain Saturdays and you can definitely catch me in line getting my waffles to go, great way to start your day!

First timers and felt welcome from the time we walked in. The lady at the cashier gave us southern hospitality and let us know the specialties or what they were known for. Well I can tell you what they're known for for me and that is hot food, freshly cooked very flavorful and very clean restaurant! She gave me an option to split my wing order up so I had hot extra crispy fried chicken, wings, and hot wings with french fries the waffles were so good. It didn't even need anything. A very clean restaurant and tables! We drove from Tampa, running from a hurricane and landed in a great spot. Thank Yo mama !

Consistently awesome food and friendly people! My favorite place in Birmingham. I would recommend to anyone.

Visiting Birmingham for the weekend, I stumbled upon Yo Mama's on an internet search. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the hospitality. I ordered the chicken wings and waffles and the wings were the best wings I've ever had. I've eaten wings all over the world and nothing compares to the flavor, crunch, and love felt in these wings. I can see myself driving the 5.5 hours back to Birmingham just for Yo Mama's.

The food was amazing, made with love and tasting straight out of momma's kitchen! Service was so friendly and like family! The ambiance is so beautiful and chill with lots of natural sunlight and jazz music.

Best chicken and waffles! The hand cut fries are yummy. House made syrup is delicious. Friendly atmosphere and attentive service. I love this place!

we got the crispy fish tacos and chickens and waffles with sweet tea! everything was delicious and there was lots of seating! food was fast even though the restaurant was packed during weekday rush hour. we'll definitely be back!

Came here for brunch. They have Sat. brunch on the 2nd and last Saturday of each month. I ordered the chicken and waffle with fruit and it was sooooo good! They make your chicken how you like and I got mine extra crispy. The dining area is small but spacious. Finding tables on busier days is difficult. Wonderful option for breakfast or lunch!

There is only street parking near this venue. I missed the 10% yelp check-in discount because I checked in after paying for my order. You order at the counter and they bring the food out to you. I ordered the chicken and waffles. For chicken, I got the hot wings. I got fresh fruit for the waffles. The chicken wings are big. The sauce is pretty good. I wish they covered all the wings in sauce. They made up for it by giving me generous portions of ranch and blue cheese. The fresh fruit were strawberries and blueberries with butter and whipped cream. The food is great and the service is great. I would love to come again.

The food was absolutely delicious, and the customer service was top-notch! I'll definitely be back. The fish tacos were flavorful and fresh, and the homemade French fries were the perfect side--crispy and delicious. Highly recommend!

Food- wow! Felt like my own family's home cooking. Flavorful, fresh and to the point. Service- daughter took our orders and the mama brought our order to our table. She gave us great recommendations as first timers passing through the city. Ambiance- you walk up to the counter and order and then find your seat if you plan to sit there and eat (which I highly suggest). Food came out very quickly. Their menu is not extensive but they've got some heavy hitters on there.

The food here is great ! The service was excellent the food was served hot. The temperature was being checked regularly. On the steam table, I will a return again.

Food was delicious order was spot on cobbler apple was good.thing was right . There is nothing more . everything was good nothing to complain about

I had the pleasure of visiting Yo Mama's for brunch today. The new building is so inviting and spacious. While the food is delicious, the service is what will make me a repeat customer. All of the staff, I mean all of them, were extremely kind! My mother had a mishap with her order, which is inevitable to happen when you have so many orders churning out the kitchen. Normally, this is where an experience can take a turn. But, not in this case. They were swift to rectify the issue and still maintained a positive attitude. It gives me so much joy to see a locally ran, black owned business thriving! They are so deserving of it. I urge any and everyone to visit!

Food was authentic to the southern standard...service was fast. I would highly recommend

Simply put, the food is delicious!!! Everything was expertly cooked. We had the burger, the shrimp plate (fried), the shrimp tacos (grilled), the salmon pasta dish. All were very tasty, including the french fries. Amazing!

I was off work today and decided to stop by for brunch. I've been here a few times before and have always been pleased with the food and customer service. The lady working the register is always fully of energy and makes you feel welcome like you're at home. The restaurant does have inside/outside seating available for dine in customers. Due to the popularity of the restaurant it is always packed and full, which is a great thing. I ordered the shrimp and grits, a piece of catfish and the fruit punch/lemonade juice. All of their food is cooked to order and is delicious. Every time I come I am always satisfied with my food and the portion size is good as well. I highly recommend this restaurant and will continue dining here whenever I can.

Yo'Moma's still holds it DOWN here in the wonderful city of Birmingham Al, I'm at their new location ever since it was announced they had moved to this location I will continue to dine with them and we drive from Tuscaloosa to dine here, I must say you should too the trip, the food, the Owner and Staff as well as the top notch excellent service I don't have to say anything more but show up and they will show out. Ky Porter2024 4th Ave North is the place you want to eat at for your dining experience in the city of Birmingham

Oh my goshhh!!! This place had some of the best gluten free food I've had ever. I got the chicken and waffles of course with grits, Mac and cheese, and she upsold me on some Oreos which were also amazing. Even if you don't have a gluten allergy I'd still recommend this place, and you couldn't even tell the difference between gf and non gf! I would literally get on a plane from Alaska to come eat here every week if I could. 10/10

Crystal and her Mama serve up the best food and warm service in all of Birmingham. I can't recommend this place enough for lunch or weekend breakfast. You won't be disappointed!!!!

We visited on our trip from montana. My wife is gluten free due to allergy so this amazing place was a great option. We arrived to a warm welcome and my wife was able to get gluten free chicken and waffles with homemade syrup. I ordered the hot wings and they were crisp hot and had a nice subtle burn. The sweet tea was very sweet as expected in the south, so consider adding a splash of water if you so desire. This place was the highlight of our dining experiences on this trip to Alabama, we will be returning if ever we have the chance.

Yo mamma going to be happy now!! Great little place serious about putting out incredible food!! Just sit g. Ugh back and enjoy and imagine what you have the pleasure of tasting! Staff is so friendly and even made sure I got a table as soon as possible. Sit inside or out too. Smokey, buttery, cheesy, all the things you want in grits. Shrimp were so cooked perfectly and andouille sausage was so good! I had to eat it all as I was on foot and it would probably boil in my hands on the way back to the hotel as it's at least 100 degrees out! I will proudly slap a Yo Mamma's sticker on Harvey when I'm back home.

I was diagnosed with Celiac disease almost 9 years ago, so I have been 100% gluten free since then. Within the past few years, I started trying out restaurants who had safe cross-contamination practices. I first ate at Yo Mama's 2 days ago. I ordered the chicken and waffles with fries. The food was so good, and the texture of the waffle was so light and fluffy, that I was afraid they accidentally gave me a regular version of the dish! If you are gluten free, you know the weird texture and small portion size are the tell tale signs something is gluten free. At Yo Mama's, that is not the case. After I didn't get even slightly sick, I knew I had to come back. I reordered the chicken and waffles with fries, but I also ordered deep fried gluten free Oreos. I have not had good American food since before my diagnosis! I honestly was almost tearing up while eating. Everyone is so kind and helpful, and the food is phenomenal. I am only in town for work and am very sad to go specifically because I can't find food like this back home. You will not regret eating here!

The food was delicious. Perfect seasoning, temperature and what I expected. The staff was amazing. The cashier was knowledgeable and efficient. She proactively asked about special requests. For example, my daughter ordered chicken and waffles. Her response was would you like them fried hard. The food came out quick (within minutes). The restaurant was spotless. There was someone clearing all tables ASAP. We will be back for sure.

So Yo'Mamas does not disappoint. The food, the service, everything was really great for my last stop in Birmingham. I sampled a little of everything we ordered except the chicken, which my friends loved. I loved my shrimp and grits, a dish I really only enjoy in the deep south and Yo mama's straight up delivers! The manager mentioned everything was sin gluten! My sample tasting of the Mac and cheese, yams and fries were all good and satisfying. I didn't particularly love the greens as they lacked depth of flavor but, they were better with hot sauce. Definitely worth a try if you're in the mood for down home soul food. If I make it back to B'ham anytime soon, I'll definitely make my way back to Yo Mama's.

First of all, the service was great. They were so kind, helpful & welcoming. I have a gluten allergy and I almost cried when I found this place because I could get the foods I haven't had in years. It was SO GOOD. I highly recommend.

A very solid 5/5, hot fresh food - served exactly as we ordered it, friendly service, pretty quick despite it being lunch rush, a nice space (heard they're expanding to a larger space - even better), relaxed vibe. It stood out to me that the employees seemed to know most of their customers by name which is always just a nice touch and a good sign. Not a bad word could be said! I'm not downtown for lunch often but this is my first choice now whenever I am. My friend in town visiting really enjoyed her shrimp tacos! She had shrimp tacos another place in town over the weekend (more expensive too) and Yo Mama's was better by a mile! An establishment I'm very happy to support.

Best food, best service, and best waffles in the world! Every time I eat here the food tastes better. They've expanded their menu now, so there are a lot more options to choose from besides the standard chicken and waffles You'll see "Mama" when you're there and her daughter, who treats you like you're family. This truly is a locally owned treasure with the best food you'll ever have and the sweet tea will let you know you're in the south!

You are going to be waiting literally two hours for some food that is just mediocre. Hard to get a seat limited menu and you'll watch ppl come in after you and walk out with their food a hour at least before you get yours.

It is hard to find truly good gluten free options, and I am so happy I can enjoy good food without the upset stomach thanks to this place!

The chicken and waffles are my go to meal. I ordered it today and what I received was not my usual. I got chicken strips that were not seasoned and I only received 3. I'm disappointed. I had my taste buds ready for my usual tasty meal.

I finally made it to try Yo' Mama's and opted for the much recommended Chicken & Waffles. Parking is a challenge in the area, especially with some construction nearby. They have limited outdoor seating and currently no indoor seating so it is predominately to go orders. I recommend ordering online or calling in especially during peak times. The Chicken & Waffle did not disappoint and lived up to the hype. I absolutely would 100% recommend. In addition to the syrup, I also ordered the fresh fruit and whipped cream toppings. It was great both ways but I think I would just stick with the syrup next time. The chicken was some of the best I have had and very reminiscent of my Grandmas. The waffle was not quite as crisp as I prefer but that may have been a result of the drive time back to the office enclosed in the styrofoam container. Regardless it did not take away from the the taste and enjoyment. I really wish this was closer to my office so it could be a more regular part of my lunch plans. I will definitely be back at some point though to try some of the daily specials, Shrimp & Grits, etc.

Yo' Mama's. I could never say enough great things. I figure someone the owner loves must be on a gluten-restricted diet because they make so many great things I normally can't get when I eat out...and you can taste the love with which the food is prepared. I actually found this restaurant by accident one year on my trip down to Mardi Gras. The place in Alabama I stopped for breakfast was out of gluten-free pancake mix...and boy, am I glad they were! This is literally the best GF fried chicken and waffles I've ever had. And you would never, ever guess they are GF. They have other wonderful foods GF peeps usually never get to eat out. They have GF deep-fried Oreos...to die for! I had the mac and cheese last year. What a treat! The syrup is homemade there and it is both sweet and savoury, not sure how they pull that off, but there is no other syrup like it on Earth. I had the boneless chicken tenders with a waffle and those Oreos this time. OMG, it is so good. They are always busy, which tells you how consistently amazing the food is. The staff is so nice, and the, I believe, owner working at the front counter actually remembered me from the year before when I made my Mardi Gras trip! True Southern hospitality and yummy food like my grandmother used to make when I was a child. I can't express to them how amazing it is to stop here every year and enjoy food I thought at one point I had to say goodbye to forever. I love the bright neon-green decor, the industrial feel to the ceiling and brick walls, plus the cute little cozy cabinesque cook area. I will ALWAYS stop at Yo Mama's on my way down to Mardi Gras. I dream about that food in the months in between. I just read they may be moving to a larger location. Hopefully, that will allow many others to experience their out-of-this-galaxy food. LOVE LOVE LOVE Yo' Mama's!!!

This is my first time here. My friends recommended this restaurant for lunch. The menu looked so good I had a hard time choosing so the owner actually suggested combining 2 items together, so I chose a piece of tilapia from the fish plate and bowl of the shrimp and grits. It was amazing. Great flavor. The store is small but never felt cramped. Seating was placed just right and with pops of orange and green on the walls. This is a very nice and stylish place with a great menu.

Searched Yelp for lunch on the way from Memphis to Atlanta and found YoMama's had lots of good reviews. I enjoyed the shrimp & grits - sausage has a bit of spice; kids had chicken (tenders) & waffle; chicken tenders and the BBQ cheeseburger plate. All enjoyed, and had plenty of food. Restaurant has limited seating as others noted, but our group of 6 managed just fine on the early side of lunch. Service was friendly and quick. Would go again if we're in the area!