This is the best fried chicken I've had in Philadelphia. The portion sizes are huge (a bit too large for me), but that makes the value well worth it. Some of the sides are a bit sweet; for example, I prefer my collard greens more tart and vinegary. But if you experiment, you're certain to find some that you love. The mac and cheese is one of my favorites. And yes, you will have to wait. I tried calling 30 minutes ahead but have learned 45-60 minutes is a better strategy. As for Miss Frances, I can't imagine saying a bad thing about her. She's always been extremely polite, caring, and has even thrown in a few complimentary sides for me to try something new.
(4)
Paige B.
Absolutely loved my first experience at Debreaux's. If you go, keep in mind: 1) This food takes a good while to prepare. The average protein with 2 sides can take up to an hour. Therefore, I recommend calling your order in /at least/ a half hour in advance. 2) Miss Frances, the Owner and Chef, prepares everything with great intention and love. 3) This joint is no-frills. We ordered two platters, which each came with two sides. Fried Chicken Breast - Fried to perfection. Humongous. Delicious. (Also, I don't feel nearly as guilty eating fried food from here because it's all cooked in olive oil! As opposed to peanut oil or vegetable oil, both of which are not nearly as healthy.) Macaroni and Cheese - Delicious and flavorful. Cabbage - We weren't planning on ordering this side, but Miss Frances suggested it, so we decided to give it a try. The cabbage was soft and seasoned to perfection. Oddly enough, my boyfriend and I finished this side up first, it was one of our favorites. Candied Sweet Potatoes - Very sweet and cinnamon-y. Think sweet potato pie filling. Cornbread - Moist and delicious. Pork Short Ribs - Fall-off-the-bone amazing. The barbecue sauce was awesome as well. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to appreciate real southern food. Miss Frances is welcoming and sweet. She gave me a hug when I met her. She even chided me for asking for salt; citing heart attack risk and other health woes. I think she is a very sweet woman who is getting a bad wrap here on Yelp because people don't understand her cooking process. Everything is made from scratch at the time you order. It takes an hour and it's well worth it.
(5)
Gunga D.
DeBreaux's, as run by Miss Frannie, isn't for everyone. If you expect to walk in and get your food in ten minutes, don't go, especially if you're gonna throw a tantrum about it. Don't go if you terribly mind being elbow to elbow with perfect (and some imperfect) strangers, a few feet away from a train station parking lot in a dining/waiting room that might be 15'x15' if it's lucky. Don't go if you're gonna go in there with a 'tude and a chip on your shoulder. Do go to DeBreaux's if you're looking for the best soul food in Philadelphia, hands down. Do go to DeBreaux's if you understand that food this good, prepared with this much TLC, from scratch, takes time, and that yours is not the only plate that she's fixing up at any given moment. Do go if you're organized enough to remember to phone your order in ahead of time, with at least an hour's notice, as it lets her figure out her orders with greater ease. Do go to DeBreaux's if you believe in the goodness of others, and the power of serendipity in enjoying brief encounters with perfect strangers who are passing through grabbing a plate of tasty Southern comfort food, just like you. Quick and cheap, it's not. If those are the metrics by which you measure restaurants, I recommend Popeye's, which is about five minutes down City Line Avenue. Seriously, go on down the road. It'll leave that much more for the patient and discerning. Edited to add: For the aggrieved diner who risked dying of thirst, despite loving the unbeatable mac n' cheese: good grief, yes, there are beverages. There's a whole cooler full of them in the back area behind the dining room. Frannie even serves Stewart's! And as I said at the beginning of my review, expect a wait, and save the drama for your momma. If you want convenience, try a WaWa!
(5)
Eric B.
If you saw my quick tip then you know that you should call ahead. I even posted a picture of the menu to help. The food was excellent and the portions are huge. I had four wings a side of Mac n cheese and collar greens. That's a pretty basic platter as far as soul food is concern. The price for the platter came to $15 which is a little high but the portions were pretty big so I guess it balances out. I'll most certainly be going back.
(4)
Pam W.
Just had to tell...I've been here a few times and no lie the food is good but the attitude is not. I called in to order for pickup and wanted to know how many pork chops were on the platter, she told me it depended on the size of the pork chop, I said oh ok, I was asking because it was going to be shared she said, quote "I don't have nothing to do with that and I really don't care what you do with the pork chop after you order it." end quote....???? Take your chances on whether you get her on a good or bad day. I told her I would call her back because I really had to tell my husband.
(1)
Ceara D.
After my visit this weekend I must say the reviews delivered. The woman that owns this place is terrible!! I called ahead on a friday afternoon, she answered the phone, Yes? I asked may I place an order she nonchalantly says, no I'm actually not opening this weekend Ok and hangs up the phone lol. Me being the curious cat I am, I call again next sunday. She answers the phone, Debreaux's, I ask to place an order for the chicken platter, she says, Which part?? I say well what do you have( mind you I don't have a menu) instead of giving a suggestion. She says "you know what parts!" lol, I'm actually tickled by her attitude but any normal person would've ended the conversation for that reply. So I say I'll have wings with mac and cheese and greens. This was about 4:40pm. I arrive to her store at 5:30 to give her some time. It's about 6 hungry people waiting. I can tell by their expressions my food is most likely not ready. I approach the extremely high counter and tell her I've called ahead for the wing platter. She's says Ok it'll be a minute, wow it's only been an hour wth! After sitting inside the store with no tv or radio with the hungry crew for twenty mins I decide to wait in my car. At this point I wanted to drive off to any other restaurant on city av but again the curiosity n me says stay. Finally, about 6:45, 7pm!! Smh she comes from behind the counter and shows me my platter inside. I can't lie it looks amazing and the portions are cool. My wings were fried a tad too hard for me, personally I prefer tasties wings better. The Mac and cheese was one of the best I've had in philly, very nice flavor. The greens were good also reminded me of my family down south cooking. However, later that night the greens gave me quite a trip to the restroom that night. I also came to the conclusion calling ahead means nothing. I believe she doesn't actually put the order in until u arrive due to prank callers. However, you'll still be waiting another hour or more! entirely too long. The owner is not friendly, no smiles, small talk and it appears she does everything alone, go figure... If your still interested, just go and place your order in person and have at least two hours to waste. And please don't expect the service to be good as your meal. I also must add this place is a little over priced 16, 17 bucks just for four wings and two sides is a little steep. Not incl the bad atmosphere, attitude, sells NO beverages, and extremely long wait. The bare minimum you can do is be kind to people contributing to your business. Positivity goes a long way ;)
(2)
MissDimples K.
Went back and got another platter, this time I had gotten a Fried Chicken Platter w/ Collard Greens and Potato Salad, and damn was it good lol Took me three days to finish it all lol but I really appreciate the time and love Ms. Frances puts into her food, it's worth every penny. She's such a darling and I've adopted her as my auntie lol
(5)
Matt L.
The food is unbelievable here. Very fresh. Made from scratch. Ask if she, ms. Francis has barbecue sauce and she will say no, but she will prep it from scratch as well. The one and only downside is that dishes take quite some time to be completed. Call well in advance for takeaways and set time aside for dining in. Soul food is not fast food my friends.
(5)
Dion R.
On the 2nd Day of May I visit this establishment for I once before went I with a friend and thought since I live very close by this would be a good option for soul food. So I go in and I say hello and ask for a menu, the response I got back was so not one of a person who really cares if they got my business or not. After I looked over the menu like any first timer I had questions. Every question was treated as if I was bothering her. ( her I later found out is the owner, Ms Frances ) She was so nasty to me and rude treated me so condescendingly I drew back my order and she says "good" as I exited. I went back on May 4th to get the name of the lady who had been so rude to me. She identifies me immediately, with a few people in the Resturant I did not wish to make a scene I asked the man behind the counter who was the owner, ms Frances says from the floor " I am" I ask her name and she tells me and continues by recalling my lat visit and says I remember you , you were in here the other day and got mad about the menu. I correct her and say no I was displeased with how I was talked to and treated and I let her know I would be reporting this establishment to the BBB and she tells me "honey you can report it to Jesus I don't care", the man comes from the behind the counter and tells me to get the "fu*k out" and goes on to threaten me saying I had 3 seconds to get the "fu*k out" he took off her apron and walk toward me telling me again to leave. I was so taking back, what hurts is that this is suppose to be a christian faith establishment. I would never step foot back there and will be making my story none earnestly. I suggest no one way there for they give Beleivers a bad name black owned businesses a bad rap and the service industry a bad rap.
(1)
Antonio F.
Been here twice in the last week and I must admit, the food is very good here. i recently moved to Philly about a month ago from Maryland, where we have Carolina Kitchen, which is the best soul food restaurant in the Prince Georg'es County and Washington DC Metro area. Debreaux's food is very tasty and reminds you of good down home cookin' from grandma's house during Sunday dinner or during the holidays. I've had the pork chops which were seasoned very well. Her mac and cheese was very good as well as her collard greens. The yams are better than my grandma. The portion sizes of the side items are huge. It took me about 2 days to finish my sides. Corbread is skillet made and the size of a 2 layer cake. Very tasty and the owner is very nice and approachable. I came in one night to pick up an order and we talked the whole time. It's just like being around family. The only downside would be it takes about an hour or so to get your order but the second time I went, I made sure to call it in and showed up about an hr and half later and the food was ready in about 15 mins. I would really recommend this place if you want high quality well seasoned food.
(5)
Thomas L.
If anyone ever knew how to drive a customer away, it is the sassy rude cashier/cook at DeBreaux's. A 30 minute wait promised over the phone turned into almost an hour long ordeal, and then when I questioned the young lady about the total price/sales tax, she completely flips out like I'm not allowed to question her about the money I'm about to hand over! The only reason I paid is because I was really hungry and already committed to eating there. Any other time, I would've left her looking stupid after cooking all of that food. An employee should never refer to a customer as "honey" or "sweetie" in a demeaning way. Never again, I don't need soul food that bad. Please work on your customer service because really, your business will not thrive if you keep driving people away. And Ms. DeBreaux if you read this and can figure out the clues, my coworkers and I ought to be your best and most loyal customers. As far as the food goes, the meal was actually pretty good (Fried Chicken Dinner) but I couldn't stop thinking about how poorly I was treated as a customer at this restaurant. Not to mention the flies that got in the waiting/dining area, probably due to the dumpsters out front. Just a mess, really. Get it together and maybe I'll come back!
(1)
Bruce B.
Debreaux's is a little restaurant located in the Overbrook train station in the Wynnfield section of Philly. I have been going here for Delicious soul food for years. They have a small dinning room with hand painted orchids, the owner's favorite flower, on the tables I went there with Peggy, a friend from Zimbabwe for dinner. We both ordered the Fried Chicken, Collard Greens and Baked Macaroni & Cheese. A plate of hot, buttery Cornbread came out first. It was absolutely Delicious.! The Cornbread was moist and a little sweet and I it felt like I was having dessert first. It was so good, I had to give it the "fat man's napkin" you know, finger licking good! The entrees came out and the chicken was so crisp, when I tried to penetrate the skin, you heard a loud crunch. Then when my fork and knife got past the skin, juices squirted out of the chicken! It was a crunchy, savory experience. The Collards had that smokey, old time flavor and the Mac & Cheese was excellent. Everything I've tried here was indeed excellent, but as usual with most Soul Food spots, it takes a long time to get your food. But look how long it took the Phillies to win the World Series, same payoff!
(5)
Alex T.
I've honestly never had better fried chicken. The portions are huge, so you're definitely getting the most bang for your buck. The mac and cheese is great, and the crazy rice was delicious. The ONLY drawback, if you can even call it that, was the amount of time it took to get the food. However, it's definitely worth the wait, and the food came out piping hot. This place is definitely a hidden gem in Philadelphia.
(4)
Nikki W.
This little golden nugget has been 1 of my favs for years . Soulfood heaven , this quaint little jewel is tucked away off of city line ave, the menu states "Soulfood is not fast food" and if Ms Frances is makin gravy I'm waiting! From ribs to chicken to turkey wings and smothered porkchops , each platter can literally feed me twice. 2day was my 1 st day back in a couple of years and the owner still remembered me . She is a tell-it-like-it-is sister that can cook her tail off , and she knows it . When you have the coin and a Lil extra time , check her out ... You'll be suffering from the "Itis" in no time
(5)
James B.
Well I went there yesterday. I read the reviews but after visiting Ms Frances is alright with me. She is a nice lady and does not have time for foolishness. We talked and laughed about the reviews that some left. Now to the food. I ordered two platters. Chicken wings, Mac and cheese, greens, yams, and cabbage. My chicken was done just the way I like it, I loved my greens. The cabbage was a different kind of taste that I wasn't expecting but it was good. Mac and cheese was good and I didn't care for the yams. Cornbread was moist and just good. I would definitely go back once I lose some weight. I don't know if it was because she liked me or if this is normal but I received a lot of food. I mean if you get one platter and order some additional wings the sides will feed a family. It was a lot for my fat ass but I'm not complaining. Just make sure you order 45 mins I'm advance and have patience. It will definitely be worth it.
(5)
Kethsy D.
The best soul food place in Philly, hands down. My first time there was 1/13/15 and Ms. Frances was the sweetest thing ever. My food took about an hour for her to make, but that did not bother me. Her food is worth the time and the price (I ordered 4 chicken wings platter; my 2 sides were mac and cheese and candy yams; it was about $16). I went in to order then I left for about forty minutes and came back and spent the other 20 minutes waiting for my food. She made me feel comfortable by talking to me about random things such as fashion, school, and my career goals. My first experience there was really great, no complaints!
(5)
Venold J.
The food is good, but the prices are too high. Now! Im gonna address the whole Ms. Frances thing. She is an elderly lady and when I went in there...we had a nice conversation...about my life, my career, my family (and yes, I waited the 20-25 min) for my food, but it wasnt that bad. If you dont like to wait or you're not a friendly person, this place isnt for you. The chicken was good....the crust was wonderful and the MAC....yea..that mac is theeeeee best MAC in Philly- It costs $5 for a side, which I think should be $3...the collard greens were good- the cornbread is moist- the platters are too high..but its not a bad place....on food alone, they get 4 stars, but they lost a star for service and price....
(4)
Sharon F.
I know I'm gonna catch shade for this, but anyone who give this place one star has lost their mind. And I just moved here from Los Angeles, where time is money, but I would wait two hours for this food... it's just that good. You can't rush soul food. My grandma grew up in the south and God forgive me, but the fried chicken is the best I've ever had. The potato salad is downright perfect. The mac & cheese is smooth as silk and reheats the same way. The peach cobbler is made with fresh peaches and has crust all the way through it. And the prices are more than reasonable for a platter that has to be rubberbanded shut because there's so much food. Personally, I have had such a good time sitting in that dining room talking, many times to the same people. I've learned more about Philly there than anywhere else. But if that's not your thing, TIP: call ahead, wait at least an hour, maybe 15 minutes after that. All I'm asking is that you please, please, not give an amazing soul food restaurant a bad rating for not giving you fast food. Bottom line, this is a great restaurant with a ton of repeat customers, including me, who absolutely love her food and her service.
(5)
Katie P.
Update: I found out ROOST is now closed and the owners may relocate to another location. I am very sad about this! Meanwhile, I still stand by my 1 star review for Debreauxs for their terrible service. I will get my fried chicken from Soho Cafe ( Bon Chon) Korean fried chicken.
(1)
L J.
The food is good but made simple for the masses. Large portions. Everything made from scratch and pretty good. When you visit the restaurant it is as if you are going into someone's home, so greet Ms. Frances and show respect. As folks have said, it is best to call and place your order in advance or else you will be waiting for a while. I waited for about 20 minutes. Ms. Frances has not seen me in 6 years and she remembered me. She cares about people, her customers, and her community. She is always happy for the success of others. Just because she is kind it does not mean that she will not tell you off LOL. Debreaux's is conveniently located right off of City Ave. at the train station in a nice neighborhood. The place is small, clean, and nice decor.
(2)
Jackie H.
STOP DON'T DO IT!!! Yes the food may be good but Debreaux is not the end all be all in soul food. This lady is VERY RUDE and unprofessional. There is nothing worth me being disrespected and talked to rudely when I am paying you my hard earned money. I was told my meal would be ready in 25 minutes. I arrived at the promised time only to wait another 25 min and I still didn't get my meal because I asked why it wasn't ready after calling 50 minutes ago. Debreaux went off on me. WOW!!! Can't take them out of the hood. Oh well I pleasantly asked for my money back and exited the hole in the wall. In addition I removed the number from my contacts and posted this blog. I will pray for her and you if you decide to dine there after reading this.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dale C.
This is the best fried chicken I've had in Philadelphia. The portion sizes are huge (a bit too large for me), but that makes the value well worth it. Some of the sides are a bit sweet; for example, I prefer my collard greens more tart and vinegary. But if you experiment, you're certain to find some that you love. The mac and cheese is one of my favorites. And yes, you will have to wait. I tried calling 30 minutes ahead but have learned 45-60 minutes is a better strategy. As for Miss Frances, I can't imagine saying a bad thing about her. She's always been extremely polite, caring, and has even thrown in a few complimentary sides for me to try something new.
(4)Paige B.
Absolutely loved my first experience at Debreaux's. If you go, keep in mind: 1) This food takes a good while to prepare. The average protein with 2 sides can take up to an hour. Therefore, I recommend calling your order in /at least/ a half hour in advance. 2) Miss Frances, the Owner and Chef, prepares everything with great intention and love. 3) This joint is no-frills. We ordered two platters, which each came with two sides. Fried Chicken Breast - Fried to perfection. Humongous. Delicious. (Also, I don't feel nearly as guilty eating fried food from here because it's all cooked in olive oil! As opposed to peanut oil or vegetable oil, both of which are not nearly as healthy.) Macaroni and Cheese - Delicious and flavorful. Cabbage - We weren't planning on ordering this side, but Miss Frances suggested it, so we decided to give it a try. The cabbage was soft and seasoned to perfection. Oddly enough, my boyfriend and I finished this side up first, it was one of our favorites. Candied Sweet Potatoes - Very sweet and cinnamon-y. Think sweet potato pie filling. Cornbread - Moist and delicious. Pork Short Ribs - Fall-off-the-bone amazing. The barbecue sauce was awesome as well. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to appreciate real southern food. Miss Frances is welcoming and sweet. She gave me a hug when I met her. She even chided me for asking for salt; citing heart attack risk and other health woes. I think she is a very sweet woman who is getting a bad wrap here on Yelp because people don't understand her cooking process. Everything is made from scratch at the time you order. It takes an hour and it's well worth it.
(5)Gunga D.
DeBreaux's, as run by Miss Frannie, isn't for everyone. If you expect to walk in and get your food in ten minutes, don't go, especially if you're gonna throw a tantrum about it. Don't go if you terribly mind being elbow to elbow with perfect (and some imperfect) strangers, a few feet away from a train station parking lot in a dining/waiting room that might be 15'x15' if it's lucky. Don't go if you're gonna go in there with a 'tude and a chip on your shoulder. Do go to DeBreaux's if you're looking for the best soul food in Philadelphia, hands down. Do go to DeBreaux's if you understand that food this good, prepared with this much TLC, from scratch, takes time, and that yours is not the only plate that she's fixing up at any given moment. Do go if you're organized enough to remember to phone your order in ahead of time, with at least an hour's notice, as it lets her figure out her orders with greater ease. Do go to DeBreaux's if you believe in the goodness of others, and the power of serendipity in enjoying brief encounters with perfect strangers who are passing through grabbing a plate of tasty Southern comfort food, just like you. Quick and cheap, it's not. If those are the metrics by which you measure restaurants, I recommend Popeye's, which is about five minutes down City Line Avenue. Seriously, go on down the road. It'll leave that much more for the patient and discerning. Edited to add: For the aggrieved diner who risked dying of thirst, despite loving the unbeatable mac n' cheese: good grief, yes, there are beverages. There's a whole cooler full of them in the back area behind the dining room. Frannie even serves Stewart's! And as I said at the beginning of my review, expect a wait, and save the drama for your momma. If you want convenience, try a WaWa!
(5)Eric B.
If you saw my quick tip then you know that you should call ahead. I even posted a picture of the menu to help. The food was excellent and the portions are huge. I had four wings a side of Mac n cheese and collar greens. That's a pretty basic platter as far as soul food is concern. The price for the platter came to $15 which is a little high but the portions were pretty big so I guess it balances out. I'll most certainly be going back.
(4)Pam W.
Just had to tell...I've been here a few times and no lie the food is good but the attitude is not. I called in to order for pickup and wanted to know how many pork chops were on the platter, she told me it depended on the size of the pork chop, I said oh ok, I was asking because it was going to be shared she said, quote "I don't have nothing to do with that and I really don't care what you do with the pork chop after you order it." end quote....???? Take your chances on whether you get her on a good or bad day. I told her I would call her back because I really had to tell my husband.
(1)Ceara D.
After my visit this weekend I must say the reviews delivered. The woman that owns this place is terrible!! I called ahead on a friday afternoon, she answered the phone, Yes? I asked may I place an order she nonchalantly says, no I'm actually not opening this weekend Ok and hangs up the phone lol. Me being the curious cat I am, I call again next sunday. She answers the phone, Debreaux's, I ask to place an order for the chicken platter, she says, Which part?? I say well what do you have( mind you I don't have a menu) instead of giving a suggestion. She says "you know what parts!" lol, I'm actually tickled by her attitude but any normal person would've ended the conversation for that reply. So I say I'll have wings with mac and cheese and greens. This was about 4:40pm. I arrive to her store at 5:30 to give her some time. It's about 6 hungry people waiting. I can tell by their expressions my food is most likely not ready. I approach the extremely high counter and tell her I've called ahead for the wing platter. She's says Ok it'll be a minute, wow it's only been an hour wth! After sitting inside the store with no tv or radio with the hungry crew for twenty mins I decide to wait in my car. At this point I wanted to drive off to any other restaurant on city av but again the curiosity n me says stay. Finally, about 6:45, 7pm!! Smh she comes from behind the counter and shows me my platter inside. I can't lie it looks amazing and the portions are cool. My wings were fried a tad too hard for me, personally I prefer tasties wings better. The Mac and cheese was one of the best I've had in philly, very nice flavor. The greens were good also reminded me of my family down south cooking. However, later that night the greens gave me quite a trip to the restroom that night. I also came to the conclusion calling ahead means nothing. I believe she doesn't actually put the order in until u arrive due to prank callers. However, you'll still be waiting another hour or more! entirely too long. The owner is not friendly, no smiles, small talk and it appears she does everything alone, go figure... If your still interested, just go and place your order in person and have at least two hours to waste. And please don't expect the service to be good as your meal. I also must add this place is a little over priced 16, 17 bucks just for four wings and two sides is a little steep. Not incl the bad atmosphere, attitude, sells NO beverages, and extremely long wait. The bare minimum you can do is be kind to people contributing to your business. Positivity goes a long way ;)
(2)MissDimples K.
Went back and got another platter, this time I had gotten a Fried Chicken Platter w/ Collard Greens and Potato Salad, and damn was it good lol Took me three days to finish it all lol but I really appreciate the time and love Ms. Frances puts into her food, it's worth every penny. She's such a darling and I've adopted her as my auntie lol
(5)Matt L.
The food is unbelievable here. Very fresh. Made from scratch. Ask if she, ms. Francis has barbecue sauce and she will say no, but she will prep it from scratch as well. The one and only downside is that dishes take quite some time to be completed. Call well in advance for takeaways and set time aside for dining in. Soul food is not fast food my friends.
(5)Dion R.
On the 2nd Day of May I visit this establishment for I once before went I with a friend and thought since I live very close by this would be a good option for soul food. So I go in and I say hello and ask for a menu, the response I got back was so not one of a person who really cares if they got my business or not. After I looked over the menu like any first timer I had questions. Every question was treated as if I was bothering her. ( her I later found out is the owner, Ms Frances ) She was so nasty to me and rude treated me so condescendingly I drew back my order and she says "good" as I exited. I went back on May 4th to get the name of the lady who had been so rude to me. She identifies me immediately, with a few people in the Resturant I did not wish to make a scene I asked the man behind the counter who was the owner, ms Frances says from the floor " I am" I ask her name and she tells me and continues by recalling my lat visit and says I remember you , you were in here the other day and got mad about the menu. I correct her and say no I was displeased with how I was talked to and treated and I let her know I would be reporting this establishment to the BBB and she tells me "honey you can report it to Jesus I don't care", the man comes from the behind the counter and tells me to get the "fu*k out" and goes on to threaten me saying I had 3 seconds to get the "fu*k out" he took off her apron and walk toward me telling me again to leave. I was so taking back, what hurts is that this is suppose to be a christian faith establishment. I would never step foot back there and will be making my story none earnestly. I suggest no one way there for they give Beleivers a bad name black owned businesses a bad rap and the service industry a bad rap.
(1)Antonio F.
Been here twice in the last week and I must admit, the food is very good here. i recently moved to Philly about a month ago from Maryland, where we have Carolina Kitchen, which is the best soul food restaurant in the Prince Georg'es County and Washington DC Metro area. Debreaux's food is very tasty and reminds you of good down home cookin' from grandma's house during Sunday dinner or during the holidays. I've had the pork chops which were seasoned very well. Her mac and cheese was very good as well as her collard greens. The yams are better than my grandma. The portion sizes of the side items are huge. It took me about 2 days to finish my sides. Corbread is skillet made and the size of a 2 layer cake. Very tasty and the owner is very nice and approachable. I came in one night to pick up an order and we talked the whole time. It's just like being around family. The only downside would be it takes about an hour or so to get your order but the second time I went, I made sure to call it in and showed up about an hr and half later and the food was ready in about 15 mins. I would really recommend this place if you want high quality well seasoned food.
(5)Thomas L.
If anyone ever knew how to drive a customer away, it is the sassy rude cashier/cook at DeBreaux's. A 30 minute wait promised over the phone turned into almost an hour long ordeal, and then when I questioned the young lady about the total price/sales tax, she completely flips out like I'm not allowed to question her about the money I'm about to hand over! The only reason I paid is because I was really hungry and already committed to eating there. Any other time, I would've left her looking stupid after cooking all of that food. An employee should never refer to a customer as "honey" or "sweetie" in a demeaning way. Never again, I don't need soul food that bad. Please work on your customer service because really, your business will not thrive if you keep driving people away. And Ms. DeBreaux if you read this and can figure out the clues, my coworkers and I ought to be your best and most loyal customers. As far as the food goes, the meal was actually pretty good (Fried Chicken Dinner) but I couldn't stop thinking about how poorly I was treated as a customer at this restaurant. Not to mention the flies that got in the waiting/dining area, probably due to the dumpsters out front. Just a mess, really. Get it together and maybe I'll come back!
(1)Bruce B.
Debreaux's is a little restaurant located in the Overbrook train station in the Wynnfield section of Philly. I have been going here for Delicious soul food for years. They have a small dinning room with hand painted orchids, the owner's favorite flower, on the tables I went there with Peggy, a friend from Zimbabwe for dinner. We both ordered the Fried Chicken, Collard Greens and Baked Macaroni & Cheese. A plate of hot, buttery Cornbread came out first. It was absolutely Delicious.! The Cornbread was moist and a little sweet and I it felt like I was having dessert first. It was so good, I had to give it the "fat man's napkin" you know, finger licking good! The entrees came out and the chicken was so crisp, when I tried to penetrate the skin, you heard a loud crunch. Then when my fork and knife got past the skin, juices squirted out of the chicken! It was a crunchy, savory experience. The Collards had that smokey, old time flavor and the Mac & Cheese was excellent. Everything I've tried here was indeed excellent, but as usual with most Soul Food spots, it takes a long time to get your food. But look how long it took the Phillies to win the World Series, same payoff!
(5)Alex T.
I've honestly never had better fried chicken. The portions are huge, so you're definitely getting the most bang for your buck. The mac and cheese is great, and the crazy rice was delicious. The ONLY drawback, if you can even call it that, was the amount of time it took to get the food. However, it's definitely worth the wait, and the food came out piping hot. This place is definitely a hidden gem in Philadelphia.
(4)Nikki W.
This little golden nugget has been 1 of my favs for years . Soulfood heaven , this quaint little jewel is tucked away off of city line ave, the menu states "Soulfood is not fast food" and if Ms Frances is makin gravy I'm waiting! From ribs to chicken to turkey wings and smothered porkchops , each platter can literally feed me twice. 2day was my 1 st day back in a couple of years and the owner still remembered me . She is a tell-it-like-it-is sister that can cook her tail off , and she knows it . When you have the coin and a Lil extra time , check her out ... You'll be suffering from the "Itis" in no time
(5)James B.
Well I went there yesterday. I read the reviews but after visiting Ms Frances is alright with me. She is a nice lady and does not have time for foolishness. We talked and laughed about the reviews that some left. Now to the food. I ordered two platters. Chicken wings, Mac and cheese, greens, yams, and cabbage. My chicken was done just the way I like it, I loved my greens. The cabbage was a different kind of taste that I wasn't expecting but it was good. Mac and cheese was good and I didn't care for the yams. Cornbread was moist and just good. I would definitely go back once I lose some weight. I don't know if it was because she liked me or if this is normal but I received a lot of food. I mean if you get one platter and order some additional wings the sides will feed a family. It was a lot for my fat ass but I'm not complaining. Just make sure you order 45 mins I'm advance and have patience. It will definitely be worth it.
(5)Kethsy D.
The best soul food place in Philly, hands down. My first time there was 1/13/15 and Ms. Frances was the sweetest thing ever. My food took about an hour for her to make, but that did not bother me. Her food is worth the time and the price (I ordered 4 chicken wings platter; my 2 sides were mac and cheese and candy yams; it was about $16). I went in to order then I left for about forty minutes and came back and spent the other 20 minutes waiting for my food. She made me feel comfortable by talking to me about random things such as fashion, school, and my career goals. My first experience there was really great, no complaints!
(5)Venold J.
The food is good, but the prices are too high. Now! Im gonna address the whole Ms. Frances thing. She is an elderly lady and when I went in there...we had a nice conversation...about my life, my career, my family (and yes, I waited the 20-25 min) for my food, but it wasnt that bad. If you dont like to wait or you're not a friendly person, this place isnt for you. The chicken was good....the crust was wonderful and the MAC....yea..that mac is theeeeee best MAC in Philly- It costs $5 for a side, which I think should be $3...the collard greens were good- the cornbread is moist- the platters are too high..but its not a bad place....on food alone, they get 4 stars, but they lost a star for service and price....
(4)Sharon F.
I know I'm gonna catch shade for this, but anyone who give this place one star has lost their mind. And I just moved here from Los Angeles, where time is money, but I would wait two hours for this food... it's just that good. You can't rush soul food. My grandma grew up in the south and God forgive me, but the fried chicken is the best I've ever had. The potato salad is downright perfect. The mac & cheese is smooth as silk and reheats the same way. The peach cobbler is made with fresh peaches and has crust all the way through it. And the prices are more than reasonable for a platter that has to be rubberbanded shut because there's so much food. Personally, I have had such a good time sitting in that dining room talking, many times to the same people. I've learned more about Philly there than anywhere else. But if that's not your thing, TIP: call ahead, wait at least an hour, maybe 15 minutes after that. All I'm asking is that you please, please, not give an amazing soul food restaurant a bad rating for not giving you fast food. Bottom line, this is a great restaurant with a ton of repeat customers, including me, who absolutely love her food and her service.
(5)Katie P.
Update: I found out ROOST is now closed and the owners may relocate to another location. I am very sad about this! Meanwhile, I still stand by my 1 star review for Debreauxs for their terrible service. I will get my fried chicken from Soho Cafe ( Bon Chon) Korean fried chicken.
(1)L J.
The food is good but made simple for the masses. Large portions. Everything made from scratch and pretty good. When you visit the restaurant it is as if you are going into someone's home, so greet Ms. Frances and show respect. As folks have said, it is best to call and place your order in advance or else you will be waiting for a while. I waited for about 20 minutes. Ms. Frances has not seen me in 6 years and she remembered me. She cares about people, her customers, and her community. She is always happy for the success of others. Just because she is kind it does not mean that she will not tell you off LOL. Debreaux's is conveniently located right off of City Ave. at the train station in a nice neighborhood. The place is small, clean, and nice decor.
(2)Jackie H.
STOP DON'T DO IT!!! Yes the food may be good but Debreaux is not the end all be all in soul food. This lady is VERY RUDE and unprofessional. There is nothing worth me being disrespected and talked to rudely when I am paying you my hard earned money. I was told my meal would be ready in 25 minutes. I arrived at the promised time only to wait another 25 min and I still didn't get my meal because I asked why it wasn't ready after calling 50 minutes ago. Debreaux went off on me. WOW!!! Can't take them out of the hood. Oh well I pleasantly asked for my money back and exited the hole in the wall. In addition I removed the number from my contacts and posted this blog. I will pray for her and you if you decide to dine there after reading this.
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