Southern Kitchen
1716 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98405
Southern Kitchen Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Tacoma for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Tacoma for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Tacoma for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1716 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA, 98405 - Phone (253) 627-4282
- Website https://www.southernkitchen-tacoma.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Cobra K.
Great food portions. Got the meat lovers breakfast. A ton of food. A huge slice of ham, three strips of bacon, two sausages, toast, eggs and a mountain of hash!!! Service is friendly too.
(4)Doreen E.
Perhaps part of the problem lies in the fact that I was hoping to be wowed by the food. It was good, not great. Fried chicken was crispy, but not flavorful, and not salted enough - and I usually think restaurant food is too salty. Mac and cheese was nice, but not amazing. Same with the fried okra. The mashed potatoes were good. Brisket was tender, but if you're not in love with their bbq sauce, I'd ask for it on the side as it covered the plate. The corn pancakes were great. Service can be summed up in one word - apologetic. As far as I could observe, there were two servers for the whole restaurant. There was some busing help, and help seating. But the poor woman who was seating and cleaning looked clearly overwhelmed. I felt so badly for her. Our server only offered up apology after apology for taking so long to take our order, taking so long to get our food, etc. For as much business as this little restaurant does, they really could afford to have a few more servers. It would have run much more smoothly and I wouldn't have felt so badly for everyone working there.
(3)Adam P.
Went here for Breakfast and it was amazing...had the special which was Biscuits & Gravy with eggs and hashbrowns. Service was amazing as well, will definitely be back. Also Mango lemonade is the best lemonade I have ever had; check this place out! P A R V I S Yeah that just happened!
(5)Pam H.
I really did want to like this place more, but it didn't work out. I just felt like the food I had was too oily for my liking. I had the butterfish entree with mac and cheese, but I couldn't eat more than maybe 1/3 of my plate. The mac and cheese solidified into one big lump rather quickly and the battered butterfish was a tinge on the salty side. The only thing I really enjoyed was the Fried Green Tomatoes. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing...
(2)Jennifer L.
My family of 3 stopped by here on the way back to Seattle and boy, are we glad we did. It is a cozy southern style diner, different from all the restaurants we dined in while in the Pacific Northwest. It was just before lunch time and only about 4 other customers were there. We sat wherever we pleased and were served right away. Other than water, we ordered an iced tea and strawberry lemonade, which both came in big jugs (similar to Lucille's, but bigger). The strawberry lemonade was delicious, but I'd recommend scooping some of the whipped cream out before drinking it. My mom and I shared the strawberry lemonade and still could not finish it. It was the perfect strawberry lemonade, both sweet and sour with chunks of strawberries in it. For our entrees, we ordered the Southern Fried Chicken dish with 4 pieces and the Chicken Fried Steak, 2 plates to share among the 3 of us. Each plate came with cornbread and 2 sides. The cornbread was to die for! For the fried chicken, we got yams & mac n cheese. For the fried steak, we got yams & corn. The yams were overly sweet due to being drenched in some type of sauce/syrup, a bit difficult to eat. The corn was also super sweet, but delicious. The mac n cheese was good. The food was more than enough for us, as we were stuffed and couldn't finish everthing. I'd definitely recommend the fried chicken, so crispy! The chicken fried steak was okay, the fried pieces fell off the meat too easily. Overall, it was a good dining experience in a small shop that got packed during lunch time.
(4)Karen N.
I love their corn bread pancake thing ! So delicious ! My chicken was crunchy and bigger than I expected too ! I thought it was going to be something small but it was more than I expected ! I loved the strawberry mango lemonade ! The service was great and friendly ! Checked up on me , refill water and even before I paid she noticed I didn't finish eating . And offered me a Togo box before I even asked which is nice ! Pretty sure I will be back ! And the prices were decent ! I love it !
(5)Jane B.
I never would have picked this place driving by. It doesn't look like much from the outside. Southern Kitchen is a perfect example of "never judge a book by its cover." Every single item, including the drinks, were extremely satisfying. Highlights were the sweet drinks topped with whipped cream, the cornbread pancakes and the fried mac n cheese. In addition to the great food, the service is among the best I've ever experienced. Everybody is so friendly and kind! Our server and the cooks kept making jokes that made us laugh so hard, we could barely breathe. We had a lovely meal and a wonderful time. The comedy and constant laughs added to the experience.
(5)Ashley S.
The service was great but the food was okay. I ordered wings with a side of mac and cheese and mashed potatoes with gravy. The wings were decent; crispy and had good flavor, the mashed with gravy was coo but the Mac and cheese was a disappointment. It was plain, had no seasoning to it. Had to add my own salt and pepper to it. My bf ordered the fried catfish with a side of mashed and collard greens. We also got the mango and strawberry lemonade, which is so good. Overall, this place isn't worth driving all the way to Tacoma unless I'm already in the area.
(3)Roanne E.
The servers here are sweeter than their teas and lemonades! I felt very comfortable while dining here. They know the menu well and was very patient with us while we asked them a million and one questions. Came in on a Tuesday night for random Tacoma shenanigans. We ordered three Mango Lemonades, an order of Jalapeño Hush Puppies and 4 sides worth of Mac and Cheese! The portions were really big; we ordered for three of us and had a huge box of leftovers to take home. They came out in a timely manner, we only waited about 15 minutes for our food. The mango lemonade was one of the most delicious drinks I have ever tasted. I love how it was presented in a huge mason jar! I will be back for the strawberry lemonade! My only complain is that the parking lot is very small and compact! I had to squeeze myself out of my car while trying not to hit the car next to me with my door! I will give this place three stars for now because I really did not care for the hush puppies or the mac and cheese. I wasn't in the mood for fried chicken, but when I start craving for it, this will be my go-to place!
(3)Bao-Yen T.
I saw this place on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. When I recently visited Tacoma, I decided to try it. PROS: The restaurant is small but very cozy. The service was great! They really do make you feel like home here. I started off with the mango lemonade. The mango lemonade had actual chunks of mango in it and topped with whipped cream. I've never had whipped cream on my lemonade before, it was very good and not too sweet. We were served corn-pancakes as a starter. The flat cornbread was different than traditional cornbread. It was served with butter and jam. I ordered the fried chicken with mash potato and mac n cheese. The fried chicken was the best thing that I ate. The batter was perfect and it was seasoned very well. The chicken was flaky yet crispy with moist meat. It goes very well with their hot sauce. Sad to say, the sides weren't all that great. CONS: The consistency of the flat cornbread was a little dry for me. I wish it was a little bit more moist. The mashed potato were nothing special. It kinda tasted like what you would get out of the box. The gravy was okay, kinda bland. The macaroni was okay, not much flavor really, I've had better. It looked very cheesy but there is a lack of cheese flavor to it. It was also very dry and did not taste freshly made. Since the restaurant is small, seating is limited. I came on a weekday with three people and we waited for about 30 minutes for a table. Don't expect your food to come out quickly as well. It took another 30-40 minutes after taking our order for the food to come out. Overall, it was an okay experience. The chicken was delicious, i just wish the sides were as well.
(3)Elizabeth C.
Ive always enjoyed coming here. I dont know if its the vibe, the fact that you're greeted as soon as you step in, or maybe its the yummy food! This time it was just the kids and I. We got lemonades strawberry and mango and my daughter and i shared biscuits and gravy with corncakes. My son got a stack of pancakes and bacon and eggs! As long as we get those happy smiles when we walk in, we'll always come back!
(5)Tiffany K.
Great service! Staff is easy-going, crackin jokes, and making sure you were being taken care of. Service is pretty quick as well, maybe because they weren't too busy. Reminds me of restaurants in NOLA, just a neighborhood, laid-back joint. Strawberry lemonade and sweet tea in huge ass mason jars are what's up. So fresh and thirst-quenching. The thirst was real. Portions are huge. Be prepared to go in. Pick an entree, comes with two sides of your choice and cornbread pancakes. We had butterfish and the southern fried chicken, with mac n cheese, oh oh collard greens (holla q), and rice. I'm not a fan of catfish so the butterfish was a great alternative! I don't like the texture of catfish, butterfish is more similar to cod. Batter was really nicely seasoned, crispy but not greasy, and provided a nice contrast to the tender fish. Fried chicken was ok, not amazing, gotta have the skin with rice. I feel like the meat wasn't juicy enough and was a little tough to eat after awhile. Corn cakes were amazing, absolutely perfect. I'm sad af I forgot my leftovers. I love collard greens, that meat-infused flavor gets me, but most places make it way too salty. I'd prob skip it next time or eat them over rice. Mac n cheese was kind of heavy and a little bland, skip. Warning, you will smell like a deep fryer upon leaving this establishment. Just gotta deal with it and shower after.
(4)K C.
Coming from the south, I expected this restaurant to rock. But for me, it failed. I'm giving three stars for the sweet tea(reminded me of home), the collard greens(they had pepper vinegar too, which was a plus in my book), and the fried green tomatoes. Fried catfish filet tasted frozen, thawed and then cornmeal battered and fried. The cornbread pancake was too dry. Like others said, mac and cheese was bland, black eyed peas resembled something of baby food and the fried chicken was pretty much a fail too. Then coating was great on the chicken, but the chicken had darkened on the inside, like it had been frozen and then thawed to be finally fried. Plus, outrageous prices! 12.95 for a two piece chicken, with two sides and a cake! My son got a wing and a leg and we paid that? Family of three, and our bill came to 61.00. We could have gone to Popeyes for much less.
(3)Mae D.
Oh Southern Kitchen. My guilty pleasure of fried chicken and greens! How I love frequenting your delicious establishment. I often drove past and had been wanting to go. After being featured on Diner's, Drive-in's and Dives I knew I had to seriously go! The first time I came here I ordered their fried chicken, which I didn't know chicken breasts were ever so big. I got them with mac and cheese and okra. The second time I called in a lunch order for the fried chicken sandwich with mac and cheese and collard greens for pick up. The mac and cheese were nice and creamy, the fried okra was to die for. It was nicely fried, and the batter was nice and airy. When I had my fried chicken sandwich and got the collard greens on the side, they were nice and perfectly salty with little bits of ham in it. It was super delicious! I just love the friendly service, homey feel of the restaurant and the community feel when dining in. Just because they were featured on the food network, they are still just as busy if not more and its awesome that many more people are making the trek to Tacoma to visit this tasty gem. Mmmmm.... fried chicken.
(5)Patrick L.
We ordered all this: Catfish. Butterfish. Fried chicken. Brisket. Okra. Grits. Collard greens. Red beans. Candied Yams. Eggs. Hash browns. Biscuits. Corn Cakes. Mango lemonade. Sweet tea. Crazy thing is, that's not the entire menu, although damn near. This place is legit, from the crazy friendly family atmosphere to the plastic picnic tablecloths and gigantic mason jar drinks with way to much whipped cream on top. They use natural hormone-free chicken, they smoke their own brisket....what's not to love? Everything was good, although my favorites were probably the butterfish and fried chicken. I don't kick it in Tactown often, but when I do next time, I for sure will be hitting up this place for a hangover lunch.
(5)Suzette P.
Wait for service was quite long. Very busy & popular restaurant. Ordered chicken wing plate with collard greens & rice. Very delicious & worth the wait.
(4)William D.
The food was good but I didn't find myself mmm'ing and awe'ing like I thought I would. We got the southern fried chicken and the catfish. The fried chicken was yummy. There's something in the batter that tastes great and very unique among all the other fried chicken I've tried. The catfish was fried well but the meat itself was quite mushy. All the sides that came with the meal were good as well. We also got the strawberry lemonade everyone raved about and it was good! The food itself was all great, but not knock my socks off amazing. The service was very nice and courteous but the food did take quite a while to come out. We came later at night which might have been the reason but there were only one or two people who ordered before us and it took about 30-45 min before our meal came.
(3)Vince N.
I love me some fried Catfish..And the fried catfish is delicious. The fried chicken also had a great crisp and moist inside. The service at this restaurant was spectacular, restaurant unassuming and quaint. The diversity with employees was absolutely pleasant. Prices are bit steeper than other restaurants but I don't mind paying a bit more for some good cooking. I would come back here again.
(3)Stephanie S.
One of the best brunch spots in Tacoma, but it fills up quickly! Luckily, service is great and fast, so the waits normally aren't too long. Everything is great - had the chicken fried steak this morning, my husband had the corn cakes - both were phenomenal. Sweet tea is a little too sweet for my taste... but delicious. The specials are great, too - so cheap and delicious!
(5)Linaya P.
My husband and I moved from Georgia and have been craving some southern comfort. This place hit the ball out of the park. It's amazing. We ordered the brisket, fried chicken wings, and a veggie plate. Everything was perfectly prepared and so tasty. We couldn't be more grateful to have found this little jewel. Try the sweet tea!! Can't wait to go back again.
(5)Leigh O.
I've never been further south than... Minneapolis. I'm not sure what exactly southern hospitality is, but I'm pretty sure these guys got it. There's a cheap blown up photo of Guy Fieri and the owner stapled to the wall and a giant header on the top of their menu that lets you know this place has been on TV. Not sure if they are milking their claim to fame or if this is a blatant attempt at bringing the hipster appeal of this place down to zero. Let's face it, your friends aren't going to listen to you go on about this place you found when everyone already knows about it. There's a gentleman sitting at the counter at the front of the restaurant yelling his greetings over the diners to welcome people at the door, from his bar stool across the room. To be honest, I'm not even sure if he works there. His paper sprawled across the counter among his personal effects has me wondering if he's on a very long break or just a guy who likes to greet stuff and amuses himself by trying to get people to make asses of themselves when he tries to make them talk with their mouths full. We're on day 4 of our stay of eating only the heaviest greasiest foods Seattle has to offer and my stomach hates me for it. I order what I thought would be the simplest item on the menu, The Texas links. I know what you're thinking, but you haven't seen the menu. Catfish, biscuits and gravy, Chicken fried steak, I'm telling you the Texas links were the way to go when your gut degenerates to the point that breathing causes heart burn. This is southern cuisine.The wife orders the Creamed Beef and our friend orders the Chicken Fried Steak. Although this was breakfast, I yielded to Yelp's demands of the Strawberry Lemonade even though it totally doesn't go with the meal. The lemonade came first, and I wasn't sure if I was supposed to drink it or take a bath in it. I was just glad I brought company. It tasted like a diabetic coma. Tasted more like strawberries than lemonade and that's not a bad thing. Then strawberries get stuck in the straw until you try harder and are rewarded with a stewed strawberry projectile launched into the back of your throat. I'm pretty sure the eggs are still of the diner-variety that are ladled from a bucket, judging by the texture, but they still somehow managed to make them taste good. The hash-browns were nothing spectacular, but the hotlinks were great. Just a slight spice to them without being hot. The beef in the Creamed Beef was a bit sparse and the grits were flavorless and could use some salt. It was agreed by the other side of the table that the Texas Links and the Country Fried Steak were the better of the 3 dishes but I'm not sure if I was entranced with my plate but I never even saw the Country Fried Steak and Josh definitely didn't share any with me and my donated section of hotlink was not returned in kind. I'm calling you out here Josh! But I guess that does say something on behalf of the fried steak if Josh was unwilling to share Josh. I may forgive Josh, but I don't forget Josh. Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh Josh.
(4)Teo D.
A triple D location. Had to try it myself. I have to say it was awesome experience. One of the best fried chicken joints I'm been to.
(5)Tan Lo S.
Ahhhh I hope my friends don't kill me!!!! Deciding between a 2 or 3 stars is very hard! The reason why I am giving them a 2 star is because of their overall quality. I want to start by saying that they have the most impeccable customer service I have ever seen and experienced! Right when I walked in, I was greeted by so many people wanting to genuinely make sure that I was seated or had my order taken. I loved all the smiles and the people seemed so genuine and welcoming. I seriously felt the hospitality and that is 1 thing I will appreciate and truly acknowledge! Now, the hardest part of the review: :( the food is nothing to rave about, sorry!! My bf (very familiar to southern/soul food) & I were eager to try (his was a revisit) the food. First of all, it took forever to order my food on the phone because the worker could not understand me even though I repeated myself several times. That wasn't too bad because the service overall was too good to even trip about. We ordered: 2 chicken wing dinners, mash & gravy , red beans and rice, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and it all came with the corn cake. The mac n cheese was too dry, a little seasoned (needed more salt) & a little too done for me. I liked the idea of simplicity but sad to say I think I can make better and have had better. Too many hard pieces and not creamy at all. At least it didn't taste old. The red beans & rice was sadly disgusting. *sigh*; I'm sorry. I truly wanted to adore and love this place but I could not. The red beans tasted like they were from a can mixed with the Holy Trinity (maybe) and just some basic Minute Rice. It was something I am sure Gordon Ramsay would throw in the garbage because of the poor quality and poor taste. It's almost like a bunch of mush put together from a can. It def needed seasoning, & some ham or something. The corn cake was a dry pancake. Not very corn-tasting but it was almost close. It seriously was just a very dry texture of a pancake which did nothing for me. I appreciated it though. And lastly, the fried chicken. Thun thun thun. Lol. This was the semi good thing here. But.....Unfortunately it was wayyyyy tooo greasy. U could seeel the grease pool around on my bf's hands as he tried eating it. Yuck. It was a sexy looking fried chicken though-perfectly fried, golden brown, soooo tender and juicy....but way too oily where you kind of felt sick after 2 bites. :( it tasted like the corner store chicken. Honestly. Same taste and everything. Lol. Idk if that's good or bad. But I ended up giving away 80% of my food after eating/trying this food. Oh- the one thing that is good is the lemonade!! I ordered the mango lemonade and it was quite tasty.I like the subtle sweetness and the chunks of fruit, even though they are frozen or from a can. I can't really tell but I know that it's one or the other. Definitely a refresher! It's a little small but so cozy & feels like home. Some lot parking and street parking. This was probably one of the hardest reviews I have written because of all the great things I have heard about this place. But unfortunately it is not my cup of tea. Thank you to the owner and the amazing staff for their hospitality, kindness, love and service! You are still appreciated! Hilltop!! (Sike, I rep Soufend). Lol jk.
(2)Pam Ann G.
Oh my gosh I had been trying to find a place with fried okra since moving here from Georgia... And Southern Kitchen did not let me down! This place is definitely for a treat, not everyday eating, because the food is in the higher side. Could we skip sweet tea and bring the bill down? Of course not, it's too flipping good! I recommend the fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and fried okra. The strawberry lemonades are good, too.
(5)Christine R.
I, like many others have seen Guy Farrerri on DDD rave about this place. I've passed by their booth at the Bite Of Seattle without stopping because the line has always been too long to wait- so I was glad to make the trip across the bridge on a Wednesday afternoon. We arrived about noon thinking it would be busy with the lunch time crowd. I was pleasantly surprised to find some open tables. It was clean and we were promptly greeted with a genuinely warm welcome. The lone waiter was super friendly and helpful and gave some great recommendations as we mentioned it was our first time. I ordered the 2 piece chicken with buttered corn and mashed potatoes ($12.95) my husband ordered the Southern omelette with a short stack and we ordered the French toast meal for our 2 and 1 yo ($9.95) we also ordered 2 strawberry lemonades ($3.95 each) The wait wasn't long- but I appreciate the fact that their chickens are all locally sourced, no antibiotics and hormone free- a plus for me. While waiting for our meal we were served flat cornbread which my 2 yo thought was a pancake. After buttering it up she quickly devoured the whole thing. It was flavorful and moist The chicken was moist with just enough flavor. Now I'm Filipino- and I'm used to eating fried chicken with ketchup- however/ this chicken was so delicious I couldn't bare to ruin it with ketchup. The mashed potatoes were good- nothing to write home to mama- but they complimented the chicken well. My husband enjoys his omelet but I was too into my chicken to ask. We will definitely be back to try the other dishes soon.
(5)Jessica D.
I'm writing the same review as at least a few others who have given poor reviews to this place. I don't want to write this up as anything other than 5 stars but I just can't. Here's the good and the bad and why it has to get a two star review. First the good... the service is great and the people here are awesome. It's why I really don't want to give anything other than 5 stars. Service was fast even during a lunch rush. I'm sure that's not always true but it was for us. But, and here's where the place loses stars... the food... it just wasn't very good. We had hush puppies, corn pancakes, mashed potatoes, corn, corn stuffing, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese and none of it was very good. Most everything was too greasy - as in REALLY greasy. The corn stuffing and sweet potatoes were over spiced. The corn and mashed potatoes were good enough but not anything to write home about. The mac and cheese was fairly flavorless. Even the sweet tea was too sweet (and I have a sweet tooth and tend to drink my sweet tea pretty sweet so that's saying something). And yes, all of the fried foods can be done without being so greasy... I've had all of these things before elsewhere with much better results. I really did want to love this place if nothing else because I LOVE hushpuppies. Indeed if they could figure out how to fry food without it being so greasy (it can be done... likely the oil temp is way too low) it would likely get at least one more star even though the food isn't super flavorful (or too flavorful). I should also add that it's fairly expensive for Tacoma and what it is. Prices are more in line with what you'd expect from a Seattle restaurant with really stellar food.... and sadly it's just not that. Again, that would be fine with me if the food were worth it. Support small biz and all... but only if the food is worth the price.
(2)Alene L.
Do not come here if you are watching your weight, are scared of carbs, or hate good food. Don't be shy with calories when you come, because this is comfort food to the max. I'm not super experienced or familiar with southern food, but I do know good food when I taste it, and I'm in love with Southern Kitchen. I had the dark meat fried chicken with collard greens and mac. Moist, flavorful, and different - rarely do you find a place that has your taste buds saying, this is new! My husband had the fried catfish, he was also in love. He had the strawberry lemonade and I had the mango. They just have all of my favorite things on one menu - I can't say enough good things about this place. The staff is also amazing! You just feel good, comfortable, and happy when you come here. I've never had to wait for a table, but I also only come during the workday lunch hour. I always leave telling myself that I can't wait until I come back.
(4)Sheri S.
Have been eating there. Since my 20`s now I am in my 40`s I go there whenever I am missing the southern food from N.Carolina where I was born. Butterfish and iced tea for breakfast..,,nectar of the Gods
(5)Nio S.
I had dinner here with my wife, my mom and cousins. I'm glad they came along because I wanted to try everything on the menu. Wait, first I just wanna say the strawberry and mango lemonade is a must get(try is an understatement) and become addicted!! Ok so back to being lucky to have family with me for dinner. Since I wanted to try everything on the menu and so did everyone else. We all decided to get the meals that we all wanted to try and just share the food. So I got a double order of catfish with collared greens and fried okra, my wife got the traditional fried half chicken with southern red beans and rice, my mom got buttered fish with mash potatoes and candied yams, and my cousins got Fried Chicken with mac and cheese and mash potatoes as well. Believe me when I tell you that this was the best family meal game plan ever because we got to try almost everything and became very full to the point it was a struggle to finish dessert which was sweet potato pie and it was only one order split between 5 people. I have no idea how people in the south handle this good food on a daily because this stuff will put me in a food coma everytime!! Its like Thanksgiving all year around.....I don't wanna even know what Thanksgiving is like in the south.....hooooweee! thats a whole lotta food!! By far this is my favorite joint for southern comfort food. Thank god it is two cities away from where we live or else this will become a weekly "go-to" spot for dinner. Definitely check this out if you like fried chicken or southern food in general! I promise you won't be disappointed. Happy eats you guys!!
(5)Miriam S.
Best Mac and cheese I've had! I loved their lemonades as well. They have chunks of fruit on top and you get to choose whether you whipped cream on top. It's so good. I had the hot link sand which which was delicious. The links were very delicious. I loved the Mac and cheese. It was so cheesy.... My boyfriend had the country fried steak, he choose mashed potatoes and collard greens for his sides. The mashed potatoes with the gravy were delicious. The collard greens were good as well.... When you come in they bring out a corn cake which is like a pancake but out of corn meal. They give you endless butter and is delicious. I'll be returning there soon. I loved the service as well.
(5)Erica C.
I came because of the rave reviews from friends and this place was worth it. I loved the corn cake, which i lathered with butter and jam. I also had the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese. The best part was the strawberry lemonade!
(5)Shaqia C.
Absolutely delicious...i had the catfish dinner with baked macaroni and yams. Food comes out fast. Food is reasonably priced...i didn't care for the yams or corn cake though.
(4)David L.
I moved to Tacoma a year ago, and this is hands-down the best food I have eaten here. Coming from the Desert Southwest, I have never had soul food, and I will admit that I have been missing out. SK's fried chicken is the best I've had anywhere. Having never eaten collard greens, I must say that they are far more delicious than they look on television cooking shows. SK is the lone great restaurant in Tacoma that I have tried so far, and I have been looking hard. This is my oasis in the culinary wasteland that is Tacoma.
(5)Angela K.
We decided to try this place after we visited the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium on Sunday. Since my cousins came from San Diego over the weekend, we wanted to take them to places we've never been. When we arrived, it was jammed packed inside. Luckily, there was an empty table outside, so we asked if we could sit out there. The person who sat us down was polite and very nice and told us someone would be with us shortly. He came out after 15 minutes to ask us if we wanted to order any drinks, so we ordered two mango lemonades and 1 strawberry lemonade. Then it took another 20 minutes (so over a half an hour total) for someone to come out to take our orders, but I guess we came during some weekend rush hour they usually have, so we weren't too bothered. My boyfriend and cousin decided to order some fried chicken while I had the country fried steak and an appetizer sized order of fried okra. We were waiting for a very long time before our server (whom was very nice himself) came out with some cornbread and butter to fill our stomachs up a bit. After about 15 minutes, our food came out. My appetizer didn't come out with our food, so I had to ask for it. My bf and cousin were pretty impressed with their fried chicken. She even said she might like it better than Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles fried chicken (from Long Beach, CA)! My chicken fried steak was interesting. It wasn't what I totally expected because it was like a flour coated beef patty. Not sure if I was feeling it or not, but I was hungry. The mac & cheese and candied yams were alright as well. I think this place might be a hype, but at least I got to try it out. I don't think I'll be coming all the way out to Tacoma for Southern food though.
(3)Jeff H.
We have been waiting for a while to get fried chicken here and finally did. We were NOT disappointed. The chicken was too hot so we had to let it cool. I had black eyed peas-really good. The strawberry lemonade is fantastic so don't forget that. Comes with whipped cream!! Back to the chicken-after it cooled I not in and went straight into a cloud of heavenly goodness. Fantastic chicken. From the outside I would not have guessed I was in for the best fried chicken ever! If you're in the area, go! You won't be disappointed
(5)Chris J.
A southern boy- DC was a southern city when I grew up- I know my cheese grits from my collards, and Maryland fried chicken is still a fave. Ever one in t town that I know was a buzz about southern kitchen. At a recent lunch, enjoyed great and very friendly service. The food，not so much. While some of the axioms about southern cooking- veggies cooked to death- have some merit; the food must have flavor. We need some ham hocks in these greens. And where are the black eyed peas? Or hoppin johns as they are referred to. The chicken was dried out and over cooked.
(3)Tammy L.
I had dinner here with my boyfriend and his family after our trip to the zoo about ten minutes away. Service was great and our waitress was super friendly! We had the 4pc wing dinner, country fried steak, catfish strips, and creamed beef. Everything was tasty, but the fried chicken was especially amazing. So crispy and flavorful and moist! Not greasy at all. The country fried steak was also really good with the onions. Can't forget the lemonades! Both strawberry and mango are sooooo yummy and it's a great size for price. I would definitely come again if I was in the area!
(5)Sharon C.
I wanted to know why everyone loves this place and now I do! We got luck and were seated as soon as we entered the place. It was packed! We ordered the fried chicken and some grilled cheese- both amazingly tasty. The fried chicken was made perfectly. it wasn't too fried and there was a lot of meat. Order their mac and cheese! It is to die for. I loved the grilled cheese. It was buttery and the cheese was thick and almost creamy. By the way, they give you corn cakes and you will not be disappointed. If you like corn bread then you'll be surprised at how good theirs are. Start yourself with a nice glass of strawberry lemonade though! It's super refreshing and the whipped cream makes it all the better.
(5)Kari R.
The best part of eating here was the staff. Everyone was super friendly and had a smile. The corn cakes were delicious and the fried chicken was crispy and hot!
(5)M S.
Went here to have the Fried Green Tomatoes and was not dissapointed. Service was wonderful and the atmosphere was very welcoming. I had their fried chicken wings with side of okra and delicious homemade mash potatoes with gravy. Then wash every thing down with their southern style sweetened ice tea. OMG, they know how to make a party in your mouth! Their corn cake was amazing too. I can see how there are regulars at this place. YUM YUM YUM!
(4)Julie S.
My first experience wasn't as expected. I ordered the 2 piece meal with 2 sides; one mashed potato and one collard greens. The collard greens were good, but a bit too bitter for my taste. My boyfriend loved them though, so he ate them. The breading was a little over cooked, it almost tasted burnt. But the chicken thigh itself was a nice and big juicy one! The problem is, is that they didn't cook it long enough so the middle of my thigh was completely raw. I asked the server for a new piece and she kindly replaced it, but she did grab my chicken with her hands straight from my plate and walked to the kitchen with it. I personally thought that was funny. After my first experience I didn't think I would be going back, but something told me to give it another try. The second time I went, I ordered the 4 piece wing with mashed potatoes and collard greens again. This time the chicken was cooked to perfection! The breading was nice thin and crispy and was flavored perfectly. The mashed potatoes were great as always and the service was really good! I now crave southern kitchen at least once a week and is definitely one of my new fave spots to hit when craving perfect crusted chicken.
(5)Tani S.
We were hoping this would be Seattle's version of Screen Door with the number of positive reviews. Not too sure what we missed but found the food fairly bland (the mashed potatoes were lacking salt/seasoning), chicken was overcooked (one person in our group tried the fried chicken), and biscuits were dry... Nice to try once but not going back. The waitresses were very friendly.
(2)Anitria G.
I had the 2 piece chicken meal with macaroni & cheese and collard greens as sides. Everything was just OK.. Overall the service was great and I might be return soon! Or not.
(2)Kayla A.
I can honestly say Southern Kitchen has THE BEST fried chicken i've ever had. My friends and I decided to try this place out one Saturday. We arrived around 12pm and got the last table available. We sat down and the lunch crowd started to pile in (talk about good timing). Southern Kitchen is a very small, mom and pop type of business, and the food is amazing! I ordered a the two-piece chicken meal with rice and macaroni and cheese. I also had an order of sweet tea. The sweet tea is very authentic and the best thing about it is that it's BOTTOMLESS!! The service was slow (only two or three on the wait staff), but we were in no rush and the workers were very friendly. They do have a small parking lot, but it does fill up quickly. Street parking is also available.
(5)Faye F.
BEST FRIED CHICKEN I've had up here in the PNW! Service is FANTASTIC! Our waitress gave us recommendations of what we should try since it was our first time and we were just passing through. They have daily breakfast specials that are as low as $5.95. Today, I tried their weekend breakfast special of creamed biscuits with two eggs and choices from homefries (with onions YUM), hashbrowns or grits, but I added two southern fried chicken to my order. All of that came down to a total of $13.95, and it was so worth it!!! My friend ordered the southern fried chicken with a side of mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread cake (very very yummy!) They take card, so no need to worry about not having cash. This place fills up quick, so get there as soon as you can! I'll definitely keep this in mind the next time I pass through Tacoma.
(5)Lucy J.
Great place, awesome staff, good food. What else do you want? We were there in the morning, but I wanted fried green tomatoes and before I could even finish asking the waiter, "is it too early for...?" He cut me off and said "it's never too early!" Right on. It's never too early for fried catfish or butter fish or fried chicken. And where else in Tacoma can you order fried green tomatoes? In January? Yeah. Huge portions too. And the staff acts like they want your business and are actually happy to see you there. NO complaints here!
(5)Belynda H.
Food was great!!! I loved every single thing I ate. I hade the fried catfish collard greens and black eyes peas the corn cake with well with my meal. The location is right next to a car garage not too much parking and place is always full. There was a little wait for the food to hit the table but it it well worth the wait I will be going back again next week for sure.
(5)Sam S.
I came in on Wednesday afternoon arrived around 3pm. I walked in was not greeted, sat and watch has the drink waiter talked to three other tables and took their drink order. I then waited as the waitress took the orders of every table that arrived after me before taking my order. It took over an hour to receive my food. This place had great reviews and I was really excited to try this place. I am extremely disappointed on the service I received and will not likely return.
(1)Felicia T.
Ordered the strawberry lemonade imagine my surprise when it was served in a large mason jar! With the option of whipped cream on top. Ordered the wing meal with collards and Mac and cheese. Most amazing fried chicken I've ever tasted. Can't wait to go back again.
(5)Ashley E.
My family was on vacation in Tacoma, Was. We heard about it from one of my husbands friends, and we found out that Southern Kitchen was Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on Food Network. Upon entering, I absolutely loved the mom and pop feel of the dining area. The staff was very friendly and we were seated immediately. On to the food! I ordered the Mango Lemonade, it was huge and served with whipped cream on the top. For food, I ordered the catfish strips with greens and mac'n'cheese, the mac'n'cheese was a little too greasy for my liking. My husband had the fried chicken with red beans and mac'n'cheese. My sister-in-law had the fried chicken as well, but for her sides she ordered the greens with yams. She raved about the yams with every single bite! And I must say, they were delicious! My husband's grandpa ordered the catfish breakfast and basically licked his plate. All in all we will be going again before we head back to Vegas so I can try the breakfast!
(4)MeiSean T.
Catfish strips were nicely cooked & seasoned. I like my mac&cheese more cheesy. The corncakes w/butter are delish!! Order the lemonades! Mmm so refreshing. I like the mango one :)
(4)Jay S.
Southern Kitchen is a charming soul food restaurant that has gotten a lot of notoriety, especially after appearing on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives...but as far as soul food joints go, it's not in the constellation of all-stars...good but not great. Biggest thing to note: It is common to wait a lonnngggg time for your food and sometimes your service. We've been kept waiting 40 minutes a few times. My husband - who knows his soul food, being from St. Louis - was so annoyed last time, he's not returned. That was 2 years ago. One thing that biases me against SK in its current incarnation: no fried livers or gizzards. They used to carry them, and they were GOOD, but no more. You'll start off your meal with a Johnny cake, that's a corn pancake and one of SK's signature items. They're moist and quite good. You'll see people load mounds of butter and syrup on them...but they don't necessarily need it. The fried chicken is the main claim to fame here; a simple preparation that is more home-style in that it is not super crunchy and the seasonings are more on the simple side. It is very good but a little pricey at $12 for a 2 piece meal. Get the 4 piece and take home leftovers or share for better value ($15). The liver and onions are reliable ($11). Really good chicken fried steak as well. I do think the sides are solid - but not killer. You can get a vegetarian plate for about $10 made up of your choice of 3 sides. This includes traditional offerings of greens, mac n cheese, cornbread stuffing, okra, candied yams, red beans and black-eyed peas. Solid, but not a soul food Mecca like those in other cities like: Sweetie Pie's, Roscoe's or Mary Mac's. 31/30
(3)Steven S.
Stopped by for breakfast after a run at Point Defiance Park. Was great comfort food. Spent time in North Carolina so haven't had grits and ages. Great food and great service staff.
(4)Sabrina H.
Saw this place on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Thought we'd give it a try while visiting the area. Although the eggs, bacon and home made biscuits were fresh and tasty....I definitely wouldn't say they were outstanding in any way. Service was very poor. We had to flag someone down for a coffee refill and to get our bill (which wasn't brought to the table, only gestured for us to come to the counter to pay). I was hoping to try their cobbler that I heard mentioned to another patron, but since our waiter couldn't be bothered to come back to our table, I decided to spend my money elsewhere. What a disappointment this place was. I usually love little hole in the wall, mom & pop places, but wouldn't bother visiting this place again. We visited on a Thursday morning around 10am. There were five other patrons at the time, and two men serving. They spent more time behind the counter, talking to each other, than bothering to wait on the tables. Sorry Guy Fieri - you made a mistake on this one! Two thumbs down.
(1)Kdubou C.
This place is extremely overrated! I'm pretty sure it's one of those local spots that was very good at one time or another. I tried several different dishes and was extremely disappointed everything smelled like old fish grease. The service was poor an I'm pretty sure they put at least a cup of sugar in each jar of sweet tea. Nothing southern a bout this place except for the name on the door
(1)Paul A.
Amazing soul food joint! I ordered the fried okra, mac & cheese, collard greens, and the peach cobbler. They were all delicious and reminded me of my relatives home cooking whenever I used to visit Texas. I only rated them 4/5 because I wish they advertised the prices of their food online. Otherwise, I will definitely be back soon.
(4)Aaron B.
Add a little hot sauce to your corn cake. It lived up to the hype for me. However, I wasn't paying. However, red beans and rice are considered two side dishes when it should be one. Fantastic green and fried chicken, though.
(5)Aundrey L.
Absolutely disgusting the softest fried green tomatoes I've ever had and the gummiest hush puppies
(1)Crystal D.
I would give this restaurant 10 stars if I could but... since 5 is the most I can give 5 it is :) I love the strawberry lemonade! You must get it! It's delicious! I love the fried catfish, fried chicken, okra, greens, corn bread, mac n cheese, and more!! I definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone!
(5)Christina M.
Amazing! Of all the places I have eaten, this place is great. The employees are beyond friendly and the food is delicious. My husband and I had the fried chicken, Mac and cheese, collard greens, and candied yams. You get plenty of food for the price and it is soooooo good. The strawberry and mango lemonades are amazing and nothing like you would find somewhere else. We really wanted to try the desserts but didn't have room after scarfing our entree. It might not be the healthiest choice, but definitely worth trying at least once in your life. We will definitely be going back.
(5)Nina H.
We came down to Tacoma for a day trip and had originally planned on going to Tatanka Take-Out for burgers, but on the way there, I changed my mind and decided that I was in the mood for Southern food. I read reviews about another Tacoma Southern joint, but it was in a bad part of town, so we decided to venture to Southern Kitchen instead. Little did we know that this place was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives! What a nice surprise! The restaurant was pretty small and the lot is tiny, but we managed to squeeze into a parking spot and found a table for two also. Service was superb!!! They really do make you feel like home here. They're so kind and always tell you to take your time, no rush. We were hungry and wanted to order everything on the menu, but managed to order two main entrees that came with a total of four sides (mac n' cheese, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and creamed corn)... oh my... the mac n' cheese was oh-so-cheesy! The collard greens were a bit on the salty side though. The mashed potatoes were pretty normal and the creamed corn tasted good. My fave was the mac n' cheese... now for the entrees... The bf got the fried catfish fillet and I got the two-piece fried chicken. For some reason, I always end up liking his dishes more than what I get. So yes, I favored the catfish over the fried chicken. The fried batter was SO good and peppery, and the texture was crunchy (my favorite). The fried chicken was very tender and I like how I had the option of picking white or dark chicken meat. I opted for white, and the meat was juicy and the skin was yums. The strawberry lemonade was also spectacular!!! A bit on the sweet side, but still pretty good. I highly recommend this spot because it's super cute, friendly and the food is downright Southern and spectacular!
(4)Kristin H.
I heard raves about the Southern Kitchen and really wanted to try it! I was so excited. I had breakfast. Not warm enough food served on a cold, cheap plastic plate. The food was good, but not that exciting. Our waiter totally ignored us once we got our food. No coffee refills, no picking up of dirty plates.......we had to go to the cash register to pay. Disappointing!
(2)Dan O.
On a recent trip to Tacoma, saw that Southern Kitchen was featured and got a recommendation from a fellow Yelper to check it out, so I had to. SK is small, less than 15 tables (half of them two-man). We had a six-man party, no reservation, and had to wait a while for dinner. When we were ready to order, they were out of a couple of dishes. We all managed to order something we wanted. I had the chicken fried steak with dressing and a side piece of fried chicken. It was spot on! The fried chicken had a great taste and crunch, the gravy for the chicken fried steak was savory and complemented the other items on the dish perfectly. I had their mango lemonade as a drink. I've never had a fruit lemonade with that much fruit before. What a thirst quencher, it was satisfactory enough for my dessert as well! Someplace to repeat whenever I'm back in town!
(4)Mallory M.
Far from a "southern kitchen" I felt nothing but complete and utter disappointment while consuming this food. A few Sundays ago I decided to go try the place out since I'm a Mississippi native and I've been longin for some southern food! I expected so much more from this place, I really did. I started off with sweet tea of course - it wasn't half bad but it was bitter which means the tea bags steeper longer than they needed to. I wouldn't consider the corn cakes southern and I'm pretty sure it was a box of jiffy mix - any true southerner knows that jiffy is a no no. The fried green tomatoes took about an hour to arrive - they were decent but salt had to be added. They also fried up the "butt ends" of the tomatoes and served them along with the slices it was just awful. I decided to order the Cajun catfish because I had a feeling it wouldn't be flavorful enough. Thank The Lord that I ordered the Cajun style because it had virtually no flavor at all - I can't begin to imagine what the regular recipe tastes like. The Mac and cheese was cold. Noodles were overlooked. It was greasy and had a hard layer of cheese on top - I couldn't eat it. Mashed potatoes and gravy tasted identical to KFC. If I wanted KFC I would have gone there. Boxed potatoes? Really? Black eyed peas were SOUR yuck. Just yuck. Canned yams - enough said. I've never had a hush puppy so bad in my life. The jalapeños were not cooked and it was dry dry dry!!!! The okra was most definitely from a bag. I could make the same thing at home and it would be 10 times better. Fried chicken was greasy and flavorless. Service was decent and the staff was friendly at least. The prices are outrageous. Especially for the quality of food they're serving here. If this place was in the south it wouldn't last a day. I'm sure that if you're not from the south you'll love it. I hate to write such a negative review but my experience has scarred me and I will not be returning. I didn't watch the DDD episode but I wouldn't suggest coming to the place based on the episode.
(1)Linda H.
I always enjoy the food and the customer service here. Not many REAL home cookin southern food restaurants around. I love almost everything in the menu (not a liver fan). Today I had chicken fried steak. It was delicious. Steak was simple w/ a flavorful onion smothered gravy... wonderful! Okra crispy the way it should be. I love this place. The place is the next best thing to eating at home :)
(4)Leeyah R.
Had a craving for southern food so we yelped this spot and stopped in for lunch on our way back from the Coast. Luckily, we were able to get seating that Saturday because it's a tiny restaurant which I believe has only one restroom ( I didnt have to go but my kid had to wait for a line of people to be done). The drinks were too sweet, I could've went into diabetic shock or the opposite of it, and I don't have diabetes....yet. The collard greens were okay in fact, it was the only thing I finished. The fried chicken was ok, I know I can make it with more flavor. And the mac and cheese was not amazing at all. We were able to make it all the way home before my stomach exploded! Damn those collard greens! Bottom line, the place is small, the food is average, thankfully the service was good but the price is unjust.
(1)Nam N.
Truth. I"ve been high and low - far and near around Washington in search of some good ol' southern cookin... I'm confident to say i've came close to a few spots. But I don't know why it took me so long to come to Southern Kitchen - but I will say it won't be too long before I come back. I had the jalapeno hush puppies to start - good texture... I wish there to be a little more heat in the jalapenos but they aren't cooked into a the hush puppy itself, just in the batter but still good taste and texture. followed by the brisket. wish they served the ends as well - but the meat itself was juicy. tender. falls into pieces in every bite. good sauce to meat ratio too. it was smokey but not dry. sweet was dead on and tasted even better with some hot sauce! this of course was paired nicely with some good ol' mac & cheese. good hefty portion, ooey-gooey - just the way it should be. And for my personal favorite that set this experience off... the collard greens. cooked in pork fat, with pork bits in it... hot diggity - mouth is watering again! most other spots try to be healthy and cook it in vinegar and/or oils with some flavoring... i DO NOT eat southern food for my health! pork fat is where its at! PERIOD. my buddy shared some of his fried chicken - nice and light and airy in texture but perfectly crunchy in taste and juicy. its that no hormone, free range chicken. perfect. washed it all down with a mason jar of strawberry lemonade topped high with whipped cream... i had to call my girlfriend to pick me up cuz i wasn't able to drive home. you KNOW good southern cookin when you get the itis at the end. if you don't know what the ITIS is... you haven't had southern kitchen cookin. GO GIT SOME.
(5)Angie M.
This place is gross! I am so confused on why people give it such a high rating. I ordered a chicken sandwich. I figured you can't really go wrong with a simple chicken sandwich. Only this sandwich was not simple at all! I took it to go, go home, opened my Togo box to find a full on chicken breast with a bun, lettuce tomato and deli pickle. Who the fuck serves a full chicken breast for a SANDWICH! I was starving and had to spend 20 minutes picking all the chicken off the bones, put it on the bun and make my own sandwich. Not worth the money, not worthy of being on triple D but definitely deserving of this negative review.
(1)Josie B.
This place is great for breakfast! The waitress has been the same on the few times I've been in and she's very nice. The only thing that I would say kinds sucks is the limited seating but other then that, it's awesome food!
(4)Chante' S.
Came in the summer time with my good friend from Louisiana. First off the idea of the food is southern but the food itself is not. NO FLAVOR in anything! We started off with the fried green tomatoes, mushy and just tasted like soggy breading. I ordered the Cajun catfish dinner. What was Cajun about that? It was the most bland unflavored food I've ever consumed. The macaroni was cold. The greens were the only thing with flavor and sadly that just meant over salted. The only good part of the meal was the mango lemonade which had real chunks of mango and whipped cream. I would go back just for that and that alone. The staff was really nice and had southern hospitality I was sad the food didn't offer the same. How this place made it on DDD I have no idea, but I would recommend if you're looking for real southern food head over to Uncle Thurm's down the street from Lincoln HS.
(1)Daniel B.
I have been here a few times and each time I leave I regret not going someplace else. I think the food is okay but heavy and more expensive then I think its worth. I think today was my last visit.
(2)Lisa N.
The biggest mistake I made is eating here two weeks before I travel to Mexico... A friend and I ordered the fried green tomatoes and Cajun Catfish Strips with Black eyed Peas and Collard Greens. The meal also came with cornbread and a hush puppy. The tomatoes were delicous with a fried corn meal crust. It was served with some delicious buttermilk ranch for dipping. We literally could not stop eating them despite knowing we had a huge meal coming up. The catfish tasted fresh and had the same crusting as the fried green tomatos with a little extra spice. The cornbread, shaped like a pancake, was also good. Soft and moist with butter served on the side. Collard greens were standard and cooked well. The hush puppy was stuffed with jalepenos. Small, however still tasty. The staff were friendly and paced the meal well. Never waiting for your next course. The only reason I gave this four stars instead of five is because the black eyed peas were somewhat mushy and soggy and the flavor wasnt great. This could be my interpretation and inexperience with Southern Cousine. We left compltely stuffed, happy and had leftovers to take home. I would go definitley go back!
(4)Christopher M.
I will tell you this, my first trip years ago was because of DDD but I've been coming back ever since because I do enjoy what they have to offer. I've never ordered the breakfast, nor the fried chicken. I have a grudge against most places claiming southern fried chicken but that's for a rant post not a restaurant review. I always get the catfish and tiger woods (arnold palmer) and cornbread stuffing. I have always been satisfied. Protip: This place gets busy and service can be spotty I ALWAYS SIT AT THE BAR. I can see my food in the window, a server will just grab and sit it in front of me and I can listen in on some fun SK conversations.
(4)La Donna J.
We went for breakfast, but I hear the dinner food is where they really shine! I did try the sweet tea which was very good. Portions are more than enough. Grits were perfectly creamy! I would definitely go again next time I'm in town.
(3)Doriahna D.
This was my 2nd time ever eating County Fried Steak. I really enjoyed it and the portions were more then enough! The strawberry lemonade was EVERYTHING, I just wish I could've received less strawberries so that I could actually finish my drink lol
(4)Willie W.
GREAT FRIED CHICKEN & CATFISH!! I'm a native of Mississippi so I know good soul food. The Seattle area is not the easiest place to find true Southern cooking, but look no further than Southern Kitchen. They have great sweet tea as well which is a rare find in the Pacific Northwest & great deserts. The restaurant also makes you feel home like you're at Big Mammas house w/ the layout & glass jars for your beverage. When I relocated to Southern California, I stopped at this place with a car full of luggage to bid my farewell to awesome food on the way south to LA.
(5)Gretchen H.
OMG! I could go on and on.. I was born and raised in the South, I've only been here for a year.. This is REAL Southern food. I'm in LOVE! The prices are a little high.. But that's the price you pay for good food. The service was also amazing. Get the sweet tea! It's really sweet, but that's how Southern tea is :) I will be back!!
(5)E M.
I really can''t believe Yelpers rate this place so highly? Total waste of 3 hours of my life . Drove all the way there to be slapped in the face with disappoint.:( I am from the Mississippi delta so i know my southern food when I eat it and for this place to be called a southern kitchen is just a disgrace. The place was packed so you would assume it was great, right? Wrong. Whatever was displayed on DDD was just wrong. The sweet tea was decent but bitter. The fried green tomatoes were the best thing they had with about a 3 star rating. Period!
(2)Markiss C.
Staff is always top notch and the goods to match. Only reason it didn't give a 5 is because my catfish was a bit over cooked. The atmosphere is always live too give you great taste of the Tac.
(4)Holly W.
Awesome food! I had fried chicken and fried okra. It's nice to be able to get some southern home cooking up here. Endless glasses of sweet tea! Parking is a pain. We parked about a block away. The restaurant is small so it's definitely not for large groups. If you aren't comfortable in a crowded space I would suggest going at an odd ball time. Very popular and gets busy. Will definitely be back for the awesome food !
(4)Alicia O.
For me, the food was slightly overpriced. The biscuits and gravy is the best dish on the menu. The sweet tea is also delicious! The staff are very friendly and helpful. The inside of the restaurant is very colorful and fun. Cool neighborhood place!
(4)Lindsay S.
I have been here a few times before, and I've always had great service. The food is always great too, but I always get the same thing: biscuits and gravy with two eggs (I rotate between getting homefries, hash browns and grits). Today I was waiting for my car at Bucky's so I went to get breakfast. The guy working (he told me to call him Schizo) remembered me and my order even though I'd only been there a few times, and the last time was over two years ago. Everyone was super friendly about me hanging out and drinking coffee for two hours.
(5)Ryan A.
Like many of you, we stopped here because of some write up or show or website mention about this place (they seem to have had them all). I usually find these places meet expectations about half of the time. This was one of those times that my expectations were met. I can't say that I have that much direct experience with southern food; in fact there's only one place that I can directly compare to it. So, that's what I'll do. The chicken here wasn't quite as good, but all of the sides were far superior. The chicken was still pretty good, but it was a little dry in places. The macaroni and cheese was excellent and the corn bread was even better. The one thing that stood out was that there was plenty of food, yet it wasn't as over the top as expected, which was a good thing. The service was good, efficient and fairly friendly. Overall, I was happy we stopped here on our way home and I would do it again.
(4)Taulagi F.
Was visiting a friend at St. Joseph's and was craving soul food, so yes hopped on here and this was the closest and the ratings were top so of course my husband and I were excited to check it out! There was a line leading outside as it is rather small inside but the wait was seven min considering a house packed and about eleven ppl ahead of us. As we were shown our table the waitress got our drink orders right away, 5min later main course order which took about 15ish min but it was worth the wait. The meat was so tender u didn't need a knife and the sides are all awesome! Can't go wrong with any of them, after that it was hush puppies for desert and they are officially my fave here! Loved everything bout this place;) Atmosphere was very relaxing and can't wait to go for another visit!
(5)Susan R.
Best Southern food had since been to the South!!! The catfish and the fried chicken and ALL the sides!!!! But save room for dessert because the bread pudding is to die for. And the service is excellent!!
(5)Richard R.
My first time here and my expectations were pretty high. After all, this place was featured in the Diners, Drives & Dive from the Food Network. The food was not bad and the service was very good. I had the cat fish plate with candied yam, mac & cheese and collard green. The cat fish and the yam were very good. Collard Green started out fairly well but got too salty very quickly. Mac & Cheese was a big disappointment. There was a big brown chunk from the bottom of the pan and the taste was pretty bland. I would recommend others to try this place and form their opinion. However, I doubt that I will go out of my way to go here.
(3)Jill S.
My husband and I took a road trip today and stumbled upon this little gem. Great food, amazing service and cozy atmosphere. I love seeing small, diverse businesses flourish. Thank you for an awesome lunch. Definitely will be back!!
(5)Tessa G.
Best southern food in Tacoma... Heck maybe even in Washington!! Bring your appetite!!!!
(4)Suzette K.
Best breakfast I have ever had. The Grits were amazing and I have never had grits this good anywhere.
(5)Pattie S.
Very good. Had the fried chicken. Greens, mac & cheese and real sweet tea! The service was great and the food lived up to the hype.
(5)Abby S.
My boyfriend and I went here for breakfast. I had the 3 piece chicken wings and french toast.. The chicken was juicy, tender, and crispy! The chicken is also locally grown, free range and natural (no antibiotics or GMOs). The french toast was just as good! It was filling, had lots of flavor but not too decadent. Finally the coffee was excellent! Wait staff was polite and always checked up on us. The only reason I didn't give this a 5 is because parking is very limited and the restaurant itself has limited seating as well.
(4)Catherine H.
The best peach cobbler and 4 of us shared one serving. I also had the fried green tomatoes while my husband devoured the fried chicken. Must go if in the area. Service good too with very friendly staff
(5)Kris P.
I need to start this off by saying that I absolutely LOVE coming to Southern Kitchen. We've never had a bad experience, in any way. And we always bring people, or recommend it to all our friends. That being said, tonight was a really bad experience, and it's left a pretty bad taste in our mouths. We sat at the bar and gave our order. Almost 30 minutes later, we had to ask where our fried green tomato appetizer was. Our waiter got it to us about 10 minutes later. One hour after placing our order (appetizer and two chicken dinners), we still hadn't been served. People who came in, and were seated, after us, received their meals. Now, I know that the place was packed, but it usually is. And being in serious need of some protein, I was losing my patience, quickly, by this point. We got our plates about 1 hour and 10 minutes after ordering (and we each only got one piece of chicken..... our waiter said they still needed to cook the other pieces). My chicken breast had been fried, too long, for the outside. The inside though was perfect. However, my wife cut into her chicken thigh, and it was bleeding. That could have been a health hazard. The waiter took her piece away, and we got her chicken soon after. When we went to pay our bill, we were given half off of our appetizer. That was a nice thought.... but, like I said, we left with a very bad taste in our mouths. Will we go back? Sure. But, it will be awhile before we do this. Maybe they were understaffed, or just got a lot more business than they had prepared for. They ran out of a lot of food, and even bags to put your to-go containers in. And we do understand that. Still, it's hard to go to one of your favorite restaurants, and have such a bad experience.
(2)Justin H.
This place is awesome! I came here with my wife after a morning frolicking in downtown Tacoma and I was really glad we tried it out. The place was packed but we were seated quickly. The service was friendly and very attentive, even with the large crowd inside. The food was EXCELLENT! It was some of the best fried chicken I have ever had and each piece was super crunchy and juicy. My wife ended up getting the fried catfish strips and that too was super good. The collard greens and fried okra we had were both cooked perfectly. If you are in Tacoma I would strongly recommend checking this place out!
(5)Lehua S.
I ordered the fish sandwich and the fish was dry and didnt really taste like anything. My sister had the fried chicken and mac n cheese. The mac n cheese didnt taste that good (as it did before). The sweet tea was good tho! and huge!
(2)Jon F.
Great southern food. I am from the south and know this food is cooked fresh. The grits are great try there southern lemonades. The staff treat you as family and the prices are pretty good too!!! The food comes quick as well.
(5)Benni S.
This place blew me away. I was waiting for Aretha Franklin to do a dance with the fry cook! Outstanding waiter and service, no wait, sunny day, sweet tea, introducing my buddy to fried green tomatoes, southern fried chicken was the bizzomb!!! Mac and cheese killed it!! They offered us a glass of sweet tea TO GO and like a dummy I turned them down!!! Who does that?!?? Me apparently! I won't do that the next time. I feel like pilgrimages from Seattle are essential! I loved every darn thing I ate! Please get the jalapeño hush pushies, honey: please! It was the very best! Thank you Southern Kitchen - you are the BEST!!!!
(5)Kimberly C.
I've lived in Washington for a majority of my life, left for two years and finally came back to try this place out. I saw this place from diners, drive ins and dives on the food channel and I'm so happy we decided to come here. This place is great! I ordered the chicken wing dinner with sides of collard greens and mac n cheese and a strawberry lemonade with whip cream. Omg, the chicken was so bomb! It came out so fresh and hot from the fryer and the breading for the chicken was amazing. Not greasy at all. The mac and collard greens were so good too. Everything wasn't too salty either. The portions sizes are more than proportionate for the price. It's actually almost on the cheap side for how much food you get. For the entrees they also give you a hot cake (cornbread pancake) that was so hella good too. My bf ordered the Cajun catfish strips with fried okra and mac n cheese. I'm not usually a fan of okra at all but that fried okra was on point! I can't wait to come back here. I want to try their tea next. Also, they do have daily specials that are 5.95 for a huge plate. How can you say no to that?
(5)Hana H.
This restaurant is in a nondescript location -- but don't let that fool you. On the corner of an intersection in the middle of Tacoma, it is worth the drive and in most cases, the wait. Fortunately, we went before the dinner rush on a Saturday night and got seated right away. We've been wanting to try this place for years after seeing it on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, but just didn't have the chance to until last month. The employees and (who I believe to be) the owner, are all incredibly sweet and treat you like family -- even when it's your first time! We ordered the strawberry lemonade, which is TO DIE FOR, as well as the fried chicken plates (dark meat). We slurped the lemonade down as we waited for our food. Do be patient; it takes awhile for the food to come out even when it's slow... But it's totally worth it. The chicken was ridiculously crispy and came out piping hot (be careful!). It is a bit on the more-seasoned side, but I think that's what you'll get with southern food in general. We ordered mac and cheese as well as the mashed potatoes with gravy for our sides. All really good, though the mac and cheese wasn't AS epic as I thought it was going to be (still worth ordering). We were stuffed afterwards -- they're not shy with the portions! Oh, and how could I forget the corncakes? It's definitely a yummy way to start your meal (and to make the wait for your main dish to feel shorter). I recommend you try it at least once. And you'll most likely leave with a full stomach and a warm heart from the southern hospitality.
(4)Cecy O.
Mmmmm!!!! Here from out of town and was told to try this place out. Favorites were fried chicken, strawberry lemonade and the pancakes and fried green tomatoes. So good!
(5)Joseph I.
One of the two best places to get southern cooking outside of Georgia! Unbelievable fried chicken and the biscuits... Oh the biscuits. Great place that lives up to Guy's hype!
(5)Shawn H.
This place was absolutely perfect. Everything we ordered was amazing, from the iced teas and fried green tomatoes, to the fried chicken, catfish, collared greens, hush puppies and cornbread. All of the servers were very friendly and entire place feels very welcoming. You can tell it is a family run restaurant where they take pride in what they do.
(5)Derrick B.
Good frieda chicken reminds me of home also love the strawberry lemonades are the best, love the corn bread and the candy yams please also order their peach cobbler
(4)LaTanya T.
While visiting Tacoma for a medical appointment I stop Southern Kitchen for Half Baked Chicken with dressing, mac n cheese, greens, and peach cobbler for to go order. After spending $28 lets say I was highly disappointed and Southern Kitchen will never get my money again. The cornbeard was best part of the meal.
(1)Frankie G.
I had the cajun fish and chips; it was good, but the red beans and cornbread dressing were a disappointment. I believe they used pinto beans instead of red beans, so the texture and flavor were not as good as they could be. Additionally, the stuffing was stiff and the hush puppies very dry and hard. I was hoping to find a restaurant similar to Gussie's in SF, but alas, this was not the place. Also, catfish (which I like) seems to dominate the menu; how about some shrimp and grits? or smothered pork chops or chicken? They could expand their offerings.
(2)Bo R.
One of my favorite places to stop by when in Tacoma. 6th Street is packed with great places. Fried catfish, giant strawberry lemonade with whipped cream, breakfast served all day. Those are a few of my favorite things! Ha.
(5)Mike S.
It was pretty good, fried chicken was on the mark. My Cajun catfish was bland and over cooked. Greens good, peas good, corn bland, and okra was just so so. I think there has to be better in the neighbor hood, otherwise take a drive.
(3)Ric C.
I loved this place. I met some friends here for dinner and was excited to have some authentic southern food. I ordered an appetizer of fried okra that was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I had the liver and onions (I know its not every ones favorite) with collard greens and black eyed peas as the sides. The liver was lightly battered and deep fried which was different than I had ever had and was a little over cooked. The gravy they used was obviously not from scratch. The collard greens and black eyed peas were good although I added hot sauce to the collard greens because they were not spicy as I am used to having them. The service was excellent and everybody including the patrons was very friendly. I'll definitely go back.
(4)Mike H.
The only bad thing about this place is the limited seating. I have been here so many times and have never been disappointed with the service or my food. The owner is amazing, the staff is amazing and my food is always amazing. LOVE THIS PLACE. It wasn't on the food network for no reason. HANDS DOWN one of my favorite soul food places *drops mic and walks off stage*
(5)Brian S.
This place is less than a mile from my apartment, but I only eat here a couple of times a year. That doesn't sound like an endorsement, but it speaks mostly to the richness of the food. I have multiple out-of-town friends who say, "Hey, let's go to that Southern place" when they visit, and I indulge them and try to forget the thousands of calories I'm ingesting via the decadent sweet tea and fried dishes. If you can ignore that reality, you're going to love this place. I can't speak to the fried chicken, which is one of the place's signature dishes, but have it on good authority from friends that it's fantastic. I can, however, speak to the quality of the numerous side dishes, some of which rival anything I had when I lived in the South. A vegetable-dish combo includes four sides, enough for two meals and yet not a complete taste of what the place has to offer. The mashed potatoes, French fries and buttered corn are good, but I suggest getting something here you can't get at most restaurants in Tacoma. Several appetizers fit the bill -- black-eyed peas (I don't care how the band spells it; "black-eyed" should be hyphenated), red beans and rice, collard greens, cornbread dressing (I don't think this is vegetarian, but it sure is fantastic) and great macaroni and cheese. My go-to meal is the spicy catfish, which has a kick. It's worth noting that although I'm pescetarian, I've enjoyed the liver and onions here multiple times. That's the one type of red meat I really enjoy, and they do it very well here. If you go alone, go around dinnertime and sit at the bar. I did so during my first visit, nearly three years ago, and had a great talk with one of the kitchen employees about the basketball game we were watching. The place has a friendly vibe, with employees clearly invested in the place. If you have a group of four people or more, avoid this place during the busy meal times on weekends. There's limited space, and it can get crowded.
(4)Brandon R.
This place is amazing! Good food and service! Creamed beef on biscuits... A+
(5)Justin Z.
Walking in the door takes you back 50 years. The staff always remember you and service is consistent. Everything from the coffee to the grits are amazing. The menu is simple and will keep me coming back.
(5)Darin A.
We thought about going on an adventure and this place quickly came to the top of out list of places to visit. We drove an hour with The Southern Kitchen as our only planned destination. We ordered a 1/2 Fried Chicken with Mac and Cheese and Corn Bread Dressing and the Creamed Beef. I looked down at my phone and before I could look up our food was out. It was scary fast and the food was DELICIOUS! If you are up for comfort food and don't mind feeling a little heavy afterwards then this is just the place to go. Don't forget to grab a strawberry lemonade and save your fork to dig out the strawberries... Highly Recommend.
(5)Valerie K.
I'm somewhat undecided on my review. I usually don't review places if I've only eaten there only once. Also, I am definitely not a "southern cooking" connoisseur. Went here for an indulgent dinner. Of course, there was a very long wait, which was to be expected and didn't really bother me. We probably waited for about 30-45 minutes in an awkward spot in the middle of the restaurant. You just stand there, watching others eat, feeling a little silly. I ordered fried chicken, potatoes, and mac-and-cheese. Boyfriend ordered catfish and fried okra. I think maybe my expectations were too high. We'd waited months to try this place, and then waited a long time for our table. I expected explosions of deep fried, cheesy, crispy, greasy bliss. I was underwhelmed. It was all tasty, but not amazing. They also bring each guest a complimentary corn cake. It was okay. Overall: we probably won't be back. If the food had been more amazing, I wouldn't have minded the wait. But, I'll probably spend my calories somewhere else.
(3)Marcus M.
I have been coming here with my family for years. It's my dad's favorite place, so we had to stop in for Father's Day. The sweet tea was quite good. The food has always been good too, and the portions are good. The place has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and has received numerous awards. Unfortuantely, it's hard to deal with how packed it is sometimes, but it's good that the place is packed. And I believe they do take reservations. Either way, the down-home experience is well worth your time. Go 'head to the Kitchen-- it'll bless your life. Doooo iiiitttt.
(4)Laurie H.
Truly a southern kitchen! The grits were great and the whole breakfast was just perfect! Find a seat at the counter and step back in time!
(5)Alden C.
I don't often eat soul food but when I do the places are usually great! Southern Kitchen is no exception to the rule here! I had the sausage sandwich here for lunch and it was unique and delicious! I also ordered collard greens which had little pieces of bacon in it, how can you not like that! I have to thank fellow Yelper Jens for the suggestion on the Mango Lemonade! It was really good! Once again, unique and refreshing! The lemonade was served in a masons jar with chunks of mango in it. Wow! Did that taste good! The service was friendly and precise. A little slow if you are in a rush but good things come to those who wait!
(5)Loreto M.
This is a review based solely on the food. Ive heard a lot of people talk this place up and read that they were featured on DDD. Being from the south, I'm always searching for a place that can bring my taste buds back home when I'm craving a taste of the south. The first thing I noticed was that this place was busy.. walking in at 6pm, I thought it wouldn't be so busy with them closing at 7pm on a Sunday. I looked over the menu and wanted to keep it simple: catfish strips ($13.95) and the Southern fried chicken ($12.95) Each entree comes with two sides and I went with the collared greens, Mac & cheese, mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas. The catfish strips are hand-battered and served with hush puppies. The southern fried chicken comes with two pieces (your choice of white or dark) battered in a special blend of house seasonings. Overall, the food was just okay. Not terrible but also not great - I wouldn't go as far as saying that this is representation of what southern cooking is or should taste like. The catfish strips were better then the fried chicken. The strips had a good crunch but it didn't taste like anything more then corn meal, salt and pepper. The chicken also had a nice crunch but the house seasoning didn't have much flavor. My drumstick and thigh were slightly overcooked but i was able to save it by dousing both pieces with hot sauce. The sides were okay; mashed potatoes were on the level of a fast food restaurant, the black eyed peas had a mild salty flavor, the collard greens had a slight bitterness and didn't pick up the (hock) meat flavor that they were (hopefully) cooked with, the Mac and cheese tasted processed. I really wanted this place to be atleast 3 or 4 stars.. and I wanted it to be a place that would remind me of being down south again. It just didn't do that. All the reviews of 4 and 5 stars makes me think that people have an idea of what they think southern cooking should taste like or they are caught up in the hype of the place being on DDD/hype from other reviews. The food isn't enough to make you drive out of your way for - if your in the area, sure stop in, BUT don't get it mixed up with this being a solid representation of authentic southern cooking.
(2)Jennifer C.
Absolutely love this place there corn bread is awesome, there chicken fried steak is awesome and oh goodness there strawberry lemonade is the best! They have the best southern food ever!!!!!
(5)Steven F.
Food is tasty. Wings are the best. Mac & cheese is to die for; red beans & rice is the way to go. Make time for this place. It is worth the wait -- even if you have to wait outside.
(5)JJ M.
Wow! Great food, great drinks, great service, great environment. It's all there. I'll go back and back and back.
(5)Corinne P.
Talk about greasy... soooo good though. The other half and I had the two piece chicken meal. It took awhile to get our food. The crowd started to leave when we walked in. So it was a little slow at first, but once you got the food.. Everything becomes quiet and delicious. Will I go back, yes... but, this place isn't an every week dining in spot...
(4)Charlene I.
Finally I can write a review for this place. :) There has been a huge hype bout this restaurant and this has been on my list for about 2 years now so you can only imagine how excited I was to finally step foot in this establishment! First off, I love the feel of local/small business/"mom n' pop" restaurants! It's just something really inviting about them! We came here on a Sunday around 1145am and it was pretty packed (as I expected!), but the wait to get seated was only about 5 minutes. The service here is pretty slow, but when the food is this good, fuck it! My friend and I ordered the fried catfish and southern fried chicken w/ sides of fried okra, stuffing, beans, & mac & cheese. Everything was HELLA BOMB. The free cornbread pancake they give you as well is HEAT(would be perfect w/ some butter & honey!). Unfortunately, they were out of fried green tomatoes when we were there, but I imagine those slap as well! Will be back next time just to specifically order that item. ;D My strawberry lemonade w/ whipped cream was everything. There's something bout a pink sugary ass drink in a mason jar that makes me hella happy. lmao ANYWAYS -- to sum my trip up: Hella bomb!
(5)Hai Yen N.
Eating here I felt warm, I felt loved, I felt at home. This is coming from a Vietnamese-American raised primarily in the Pacific Northwest so you can imagine how incredibly transportive Southern Kitchen is. There's not much to say that hasn't already been said; this place is the real deal. The food is delicious and authentic southern homestyle cooking, served up with warmth and personality. I came down on a day trip to explore Tacoma and made a stop here for lunch based on numerous recommendations found on the interwebs. It's a small restaurant, casually decorated with vibrant oilcloth topped tables and a diner-style bar. I love no-frills spots like these because you know the food speaks for itself. We started off with the fried green tomatoes. You must order these! They were delightfully crisp on the outside with a cornmeal breading that gave each slice a satisfyingly crunchy texture. The green tomato tang was just right. I am not exaggerating or trying to be expressively cute in saying that these were absolutely addictive! We had a few slices each to whet our appetite for the entree and then pushed the basket off to the side. Within seconds, another tomato slice had found its way to my lips. We could not stop eating them! We shared the catfish strips entree which came with corn bread and your choice of two sides (we went for collard greens and black-eyed peas). The corn bread was actually served before the entree and looked like a little raised pancake; it was soft and moist. The catfish was tender, sweet, and juicy! Each piece of catfish was coated with just the right amount of batter. Even without the tartar sauce for dipping, the catfish was wonderfully flavorful. The collard greens was stewed with bits of pork and wasn't too salty and the black-eyed peas were standard. One entree easily fed both of us because we're the six-small-meals-a-day types but if you're hungry or just plain greedy, you will definitely want to polish off your own. Service was terrific! Our server was genuine, friendly, and easygoing. Everything came out at a good pace, not too slow between courses that you're starving or impatient but not too fast so that you have ample time to enjoy your meal and your company and also creates a little anticipation for what's to come.
(4)Ken L.
I would say Southern Kitchen is about a 3.5 star. Got a great deal on restaurant.com for their gift certificate so took advantage of the offer. Here is the scoop: Order: 1. Chicken Fried Steak, comes my choice of three sides. Added beans&rice (counts as two orders) and fried okra. Chicken Fried Steak (CFS for short) was interesting as the thin crispy skin on the outside was a bit salty but with the soft, tender onion and smooth gravy smothered over it diluted it. The inside of the CFS resembled a salisbury steak texture and was hearty and meaty. The overall size of the CFS was not that big; it was a squarish piece about the size of a small value meal burger from Wendy's. Rice and beans were nothing special and okra is what you would expect anywhere. 2. Fried Catfish plate, includes hushpuppies, got collard greens and also the buttered corn. Catfish batter and fish is above average and very enjoyable compared to the CFS. It is crispy and great with tartar sauce! Collards with bits of meat worked well here, corn not bad and soggy and dry hushpuppies. 3. Mango Lemonade - whipped cream on top, mango pieces settled on the bottom, not too sweet and refreshing describes this. I recommend. 4. Peach Cobbler - I liked the cobbler since the peach slices melt in your mouth and the portions are huge! I think they should make smaller portions at cheaper prices as this huge dish was about $5-6 dollars and even a couple of people cannot finish this after their meal. If I were to come back, I would try their fried chicken and get their catfish again. Overall, good but not the best of soul food.
(3)Linna S.
I generally don't write bad reviews but I was quite disappointed in this place. It is extremely overrated and from several food connoisseurs they too agreed that this place is overrated. We literaly waited for our food for an entire hour while others who arrived after us got their meals before us JUST BECAUSE the fried okra wasn't done. They noticed our frustration and said that they wanted to bring everything out ALL at once and the fried okra was acccckkkkk anyway. Almost everything was extremely bland except the garlic mash and gravy. I would probably never make the travel to this place again. Looks are extremely deceiving.
(2)Jenny B.
I was pretty excited by the menu when we came for breakfast. I ordered eggs that came with fried catfish and corncakes. The wait staff was great but the food was underwhelming. My corn cakes which were served pancake style were really dry and I couldn't eat it without a heavy dousing of syrup. My fried catfish was pretty bland. No seasoning. Maybe lunch/dinner will be better? Will have to try their fried chicken.
(2)Mike B.
Blame it on the long wait to be seated. Blame it on the disorganized staff who seemed to sail around aimlessly. Blame it on receiving our food fifty minutes after ordering. Blame it on the fact that this highly touted Tacoma landmark actually served us cold food. I don't care what you blame it on, but our experience here was lousy. The physical space that this restaurant sits in is pathetic. There is no comfortable place for people waiting patiently (extremely patient, in our case). The seating arrangements are in clusters that makes it impossible for servers to navigate efficiently. The diner bar stools feel like they were more in the way and didn't actually provide any relief to the cramped seating arrangements. I will preface my review of the food by saying that none of us tried the fried chicken or the catfish, which are two of their signature dishes. What we did order was fried green tomatoes to start. These were just okay - cut inconsistently so that the thinner parts were over cooked and the thicker parts were not quite cooked through. My wife ordered a grilled cheese sandwich with mac and cheese. The grilled cheese was cold and the mac and cheese was bland. I ordered the hot link omelet with grits. The omelet was barely set, so that the inside was runny, but at least the hot links were good. Also, the grits were only lukewarm and congealed. I was really looking forward to a great soul food experience, but what really happened was that we were underwhelmed and frustrated. i will not try this place again.
(1)Chloe N.
Catfish and greens
(4)Tina M.
I really wanted to like this place .... I want to start with saying how awesome the service is and our waitress was GREAT. I wish I got her name so I could give her a 5 star review. So if you are looking for home cooked everything this is NOT the spot for you. The chicken was dry and over cooked the mash potatoes were from a box I'm pretty sure and the gravey was the packet kind my Mom used in the 80"s with lots of added garlic powder .Yikes !! The Mac and Cheese was ok. We did have fried green tomatoes and the were very good. The Strawberry drink was good until they put the canned whipcream on it then NASTY ! It's soooooo easy to made good whipcream I don't understand why more people don't do it it really adds the perfect yummy touch. Anyway our family wont be back but again the service here is over the top awesome !
(2)Mary G.
First time going there on a saturday afternoon. Was thinking that maybe it will be nice and quiet. I was so wrong. This place was hopping! The service was actually quick for such a busy place. We had mango lemonade and strawberry lemonade. Very good and not too sweet. We tried the chicken fried steak and the cajun catfish strips. Both were tasty. They also gave us corn cakes which was yummy, even my 10 months old was gobbling it up. Would definitely give this place another try (and I grew up in Louisiana).
(4)Mark T.
Went back and tried the fried chicken. OMG I thought I was back down south! After living in New Orleans for 6 yrs I can tell you this is authentic southern soul food. Chicken was amazing, light crisp breading with the right amount of salt and pepper, damn near perfect. Their hot sauce is just right for that yard bird. The collard greens are quality, mac and cheese looked very good. My son loved it. Only knock I have is the red beans and rice are treated as two sides. Its a very large portion and they are more southern red beans than New Orleans style. They have great taste but don't have the creamy consistency that I grew to love in NOLA. Overall this place is a gem! Get out there and try these folks out. If you like comfort food they are one of the best.
(5)Aaron W.
OK, so it's about 2 p.m. on a Sunday, and the place is packed. I mean, I feel like a sardine in an unopened can here. Can't find any place to stand without getting in one's way. Oops. Corncakes flew out of the kitchen, to the point where I swear the server had wings. I saw people sipping on sweet tea, strawberry lemonade, and mango lemonade. The beverages are served in jars, which can evoke some true Southern imagery. The lemonades are house-made and may come with whipped cream on top. Blew my mind for a sec. I had trouble picking out just one great dish. I decided on catfish because I hadn't had that in a very long time. It is a whole catfish, fried with a cornmeal-like breading on the exterior. It came with a corncake, a hush puppy, and two sides. Collard greens were a must-have for me. But huh? Cornbread dressing? What is that? Sure, I'll get it! The catfish was prepared wonderfully. The crispy cornmeal breading worked against the moist fish. Sure, I probably ate a few little catfish bones along the way, but whatever. No harm, no foul here! The catfish "skeleton" otherwise came off rather easily. Man, that was cool! I kinda wish I videotaped or photographed that. The collard greens had bacon in there. Bacon! Oh yeah, you know you want that meat crack. The greens retained their color and had broken down perfectly. The hush puppy was pretty good. However, this savory sphere of cornbread could have been a bit crispier on the outside. The corncake had a lovely touch of sweetness and would definitely go well with syrup, butter, and/or some jelly/jam. So now, what about this cornbread dressing? I personally loved it. Reminded me of mashed potatoes and gravy. It didn't feel extremely heavy in the stomach, which surprised me a bit. I'm very pleased with that choice, and I'd get it again next time. Aside from the cramped environment, I know at least a couple of tables who arrived after me, were seated, and got their food before my takeout order got in my hands. Not sure it takes that much longer to fry a catfish and get those sides on the plate. People from all backgrounds flocked here. In particular, I focused on several African-American women enjoying their food. Seemed like fried chicken, collard greens, and candied yams were some of their picks that day. They shared many laughs and even hollered to another woman at the next table about the fried chicken. Smiles all around. Yup, I'll have to get the fried chicken next time. Seeing these interactions warmed my heart. That's what great soul food does.
(4)Alison M.
The best breakfast spot in Tacoma! You cannot go wrong. The sweet tea is perfect and the staff is very friendly! One of my favorite restaurants!
(5)Julia W.
I returned to Southern Kitchen for my free birthday meal. If you sign up via their website, you get a free voucher for an entree in the month of your birthday. I came on a Saturday afternoon (by myself) hoping to grab a quick bite and be on my way. It was quite busy with a breakfast/lunch crowd. The service was a bit slow as I don't think they had enough people to go around. One table sat dirty while I waited for someone to come take my order. They might have changed the menu but the entrees now come with 2 sides and not 3 (like on their website). I got the 4pc fried chicken wings and the mango lemonade. I tried the strawberry lemonade last time and I'd have to say that strawberry probably wins the race. Not a bad place; service is always friendly but a bit slower as everything is made to order. Be warned of crowds on weekends as most people had to wait for a table to be bussed.
(3)Yes S.
6th Ave Tacoma! Delicious fried chicken country fried steak and gravy. Must try corn cakes w/ butter and honey. Order 2. All sides are delicious and homemade. Variety of teas. Delicious refreshing and huge! Soul food at its best. Must go there for breakfast and have some grits and eggs nextime #best
(5)LaDonna L.
I had heard good things about this place and even saw the episode on Triple D. Okay, so I celebrated my birthday Friday and me and my friend decided we needed breakfast. What started off as us getting up and going, led to us not leaving the house until 11:00. No need to fret, they serve breakfast all day. After his terrible GPS directions and his yahoo map, I found the place with my brain and by that time we were starving. Southern Kitchen is right off the corner. Depending on your driving location, you might just miss it, with it being attached to a muffler, oil change shop. The place is small and busy. We got there around 1:00 and you seat yourself. There was a table available fortunately and we grabbed it. So like I said before me and my Chinese counterpart always get stares because of our differences but hey whatever. He of course, never notices anything. Sigh! The menu is pretty basic. Fried chicken and fish, baked chicken and fish, country fried steak, liver and onions and sandwiches of the same. The appetizers are also basic, mashed potatoes, greens, dressing, macaroni & cheese, etc. I chose the half fried chicken with macaroni and cheese and greens for 15.95. My friend ordered the catfish fillet breakfast with an egg and hash browns. I also ordered an appetizer of the fried green tomatoes since they seem to be really popular at the restaurant. He hadn't had them before so it was a good idea. Our appetizer came quicker than the waiter and overall they were pretty tasty. Thinly sliced and battered pretty well. My only complaint would be the thickness. I grew up eating them and make them at home and I like a thicker cut but that's just me. My chicken was pretty good, nothing for me to go super crazy about but really good. The macaroni and cheese was cheesy and the greens not bad. He seemed to like his catfish fillet that he slathered tarter sauce all over. People were enjoying their food and praising God and others seem to be regulars who got the same thing all the time. If you want a table you might have to wait or take a seat at the counter, unless you get the luck of the draw like we did. I will be back if I am in the area or really feel like some chicken and don't want to cook it myself.
(3)Malia R.
Southern Kitchen is a Tacoma staple that serves some of the best Southern comfort food in the area. I love their baked chicken with mashed potatoes with mac and cheese, fried okra, with a delicious corncake! Nom Nom Nom! And the Sweet tea! Oh yes honey, it is sweet but worth the sugar rush. I have been a frequenter of SK for the past 7 or so years now and find the food delicious, but there are a few cons about the restaurant. First, the service can definitely be slow at times and the food can sometimes be prepared differently depending on the cook. Secondly, the building is in badly need of a renovation. I get that it's somewhat of a dive but the place needs a serious overhaul and modernized. Lastly,prices have gone up, which makes me less of a frequenter these days.
(3)Thomas F.
One of the best breakfast spots in the entire Northwest!!! Their daily special is always legit and at 5.95 I'm not sure there is a better deal in Tacoma. I strongly recommend the corn cakes! It don't stop at breakfast either you can get your soul food fix here too!!!!
(5)Travis V.
I have been to the Southern Kitchen over one dozen times. I love the atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. The wait staff has a sense of humor and demeanor that puts you at ease, even if it's a full house and there is going to be a wait for food. I have tried the fried okra, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, catfish, chicken dinner, mac and cheese, black-eyed peas, collard greens, fried chicken, fried chicken sandwich and mashed potatoes. I always come back to the fried chicken sandwich. It is the most bang for the buck and it is delicious. However, the 4.95 biscuits and gravy are great at breakfast. I can always tell a quality restaurant by number of regulars in a place. This place has it! Be sure to try to mango lemonade or sweet tea! They're the size of a human head!
(4)Katie B.
I used to work in the vicinity of Southern Kitchen and would stop in for a delectable meal of crispy but juicy chicken with some tasty sides. The potatoes were homemade and hearty and the portion sizes were enough to take home extras for another meal. The sides did not disappoint and I liked the variety. The yams, the greens, the cornbread with a quart of strawberry lemonade made my week.
(4)Veruca S.
Well butter my biscuit!...I am NO LONGER A GRIT VIRGIN! Yes, it's true! I picked up one of my favorite people (who is from the south) and we went on down to the Southern Kitchen to get our breakfast on. The restaurant was packed (always a great sign of a fantastic find restaurant). We didn't have to wait long as there was a small 2 top squirreled away in a corner that was perfect. Our server was so flipping cute! She looks exactly like Alicia Keys...incredibly friendly and effervescent. I didn't realize it, but this is also a spot featured in Guy Fieri in Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. His mug is all over the walls...and I'm not kidding. After perusing the menu, I quickly settled on some catfish and grits! My breakfast plate also came with 2 eggs any style and a home made biscuit. The catfish was cooked to perfection.... crunchy and flavorful yet not overly salty...no strange herbal taste..just straight up cornmeal seasoned catfish and they served me up some grits that any self respecting southerner would love. The biscuit...although flavorful was a bit dense...ok, it was a small, tasty brick. Not the best, but not the worst I've ever had, and I willing to bet that if you held it at just the right angle you could skip it at least 3 times across the lake....or knock out a purse snatcher at 20 feet...lol! Kidding, it wasn't that bad, but I have had better. The menu is concise and has all the favorites of the south such as greens, okra, grits, etc...so if you like southern fare I'm sure you will find something you like quite easily. Every restaurant has a good day and a bad day....everyone has different tasting abilities, so never mind the bad reviews. Give this place a whirl. I give it two thumbs up and a snap!
(3)Delilah R.
Before I decided to go on my "i'm going to lose another 25lbs" plan and eat healthy but after my trip to Austin, TX, I decided to make this my place-o-binge before my big diet bang. Thank gawd! It really hit the proverbial spot and was even comparable to STUBBS BBQ in Austin. So here's the deal: I'd definitely rec' the catfish, collard greens and any of the drinks. I'm not a huge desert fan but it is pretty delish. Not having much of a sweet tooth and being a bit of a tight wad, I'm not a fan of spending almost $6/$7 on desert when I'm too full anyway to really enjoy it and/or finish it. The rice and beans are something I could have cooked up at home without a recipe. Very unimaginative. My theory here is that people come out of their way because they were featured on that show with the obnoxious spikey-haired, blond guy. Meh. For what it is, good Southern food is not in abundance in Washington so if that is what you're craving you should check this out. (My personal bar has been set higher since my experience in Texas so I am unable to give this more than three starts).
(3)S. H.
Worst dining experience we've had since moving to Seattle from Louisiana! I ordered a dried chicken sandwich... It consisted of two over-buttered slices of Texas toast a slice of tomato and some lettuce... The chicken for the sandwich was a scrawny thigh and drum stick both deep fried to oblivion... Never had a sandwich before where you have to remove the meat from the bones yourself... Nothing else comes with the sandwich! Also they must use the same fryer for everything because the chicken also tasted like catfish! My wife's sandwich was the same, she had stuffing for a side dish which had pieces of shredded plastic in it! The server said that happens sometimes... GEEZ!!! Will NEVER return!
(1)Joe B.
I haven't had much southern food, unless of course you consider KFC to be real southern food. Haha. We came here during a day trip to Tacoma. When we entered we were greeted immediately by a very friendly waitress. No tables were open at the time, so she sat us at the counter temporarily and offered us menus and water. Once a table opened up, we were moved to it. This place had really great fried chicken. Crispy on the outside and very juicy on the inside. Every single bite had flavor. The dish was accompanied by corn and mac n cheese, which was good as well. I also really like the concake! Basically cornbread made into a pancake. So delicious. The service is also top notch, with a very friendly waitstaff. Made us feel like regulars. If I'm ever in Tacoma again, this will definitely be one of my stops.
(5)Rod C.
Ordered the country fried steak, my daughters ordered fried chicken and the other one ordered the catfish - ALL were excellent! Nothing too salty or dry, food was juicy and tasty. You might want to split the shake because it comes in a 64 ounce jar! If this is southern cooking, it's good! You wouldn't want to eat there everyday, though - as with everything delicious, there's a price to pay when it comes to long term health (watch your cholesterol). But if you're looking for good, home style delicious cooking - this is a great place.
(4)Joyella J.
This place has the best Breakfast Special in town*Something different for everyday of the week $5.95
(5)Bobby l.
I was driving through, did a Yelp search and found this gem. After reading the reviews, 1) this place is really good 2) Guy Fieri was here, so I definitely had to drop by. Service: A++ Food: A+ Drinks: A Speed to get food: D Decor/Atmosphere: B Mango lemonade: a giant mason jar with giant chunks of mango sitting in great lemonade topped with whipped cream Strawberry lemonade: like above with strawberries. A MUST TRY!, mix in the whipped cream. Fried Chicken: Sooooo good! The skin was just delicious with the right amount of seasoning. The chicken itself was juicy and a really good size. Creamed Beef Biscuits + Gravy: Not the best I've had, but still REALLY good. I wish there was more creamed beef in it. Corn cake: We didn't even know these were corn cakes until after we ate our food. This is a good idea, the plates are huge portions. The cakes were like pancakes but stiffer and sweeter. Collard greens: eh, I'd pass. There's a framed Guy "art" for the tourist to take pics of! :)
(5)C M.
again this was a triple d recommendation. made sure to stop here on my trip to Seattle. Food was outstanding, service was great...rather crowded place at 9pm at night...but it was worth it. Strawberry lemonade was a kid pleaser. Still can't believe how reasonable the prices were. This is a must do...if you love fried chicken.
(4)Chantelle E.
We have been coming here for quite a few years, and this is still one of our favorite places in tacoma. Our most recent visit was last week. I had the chicken fried steak and my husb had the catfish. We were please with our meals as always... although I will say the portion sizes have dramatically decreased over the last year, but the food is still good. Its really all about the strawberry lemonade or the mango lemonade!!! It comes in a huge mason jar, with towering whip cream (the real homeade stuff) and fresh fruit, oh man, YUM!!!! The only reason for the missing star... the portion size. For a southern place I just expect a little more, sorry guys!
(4)Ssixty F.
awesome service with super nice people!! I ordered the chicken fried steak with gravy an onions, grits, two eggs an a biscuit. it was all home cooking and so good..cfs was homemade and delicious. I highly recommend it!
(5)Cindy H.
A cute little place and when you walk inside the decor reminds you of the old rustic vintage days. Hands down the have the best strawberry lemonade I have ever tasted (it comes in a large mason jar with whip cream on top and a lot of big chunks of strawberry) and their fried chicken was crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside. But everything else was mediocre. The hot cakes were really dry, the Mac n cheese was bland, I had to add a lot of salt just to get some flavor. So I ordered the southern fried chicken plate ( 2 PC chicken with 2 sides - mash potatoes n Mac cheese) for ~&13 n drink ~$4 so total was ~$17. Honestly I don't think I should've paid $13 for my meal it wasn't worth the price and the wait took way too long. I was almost done with my drink about half way and I started to get full that's how long it took. I will probably come back for their lemonades and side dishes but won't order their meals cause it's just not worth it. I'm not saying it's too expensive cause I have spent $200 before for fundue so money is not the issue, but it just wasn't worth the price for something mediocre.
(3)Koresa B.
Writing this review for my mom. She doesn't use the internet lol "Saw this place on ddd and wanted to try it. I ordered the fried chicken and it was good. So were the red beans. The mashed potatoes and gravy tasted like KFC's. So not good at all. Took a side of mac and cheese home for a family member and they said it was not good either. Hardly tasted like cheese, definitely not creamy. For desert I ordered the peach cobbler, it wasn't tasty. I think the whipped cream made it edible. The bottom crust was HARD and the peaches were from a can. Its summer, peaches are in abundance and if you claim its homemade I think it should be made with fresh peaches. Most, if not all, items on the menu should be made from scratch because your paying for homemade prices."
(3)Kay N.
It seems like this place is always busy even on the weekday that we were there. Luckily we came in before the huge rush and got seated immediately. We ordered the chicken wings meal and the two piece fried chicken meal. It comes with two sides so we were able to get the fried okra, sweet yams, and two mash potatoes with gravy. The fried chicken was DELICIOUS. The best I have ever tasted that it didn't even need ketchup. The sides were okay, not too great. I wish my okra was more fried. We also ordered the strawberry lemonade and it was sooo good. You must order a drink there. The owner lady was very nice as well. Next time we shall get dessert!
(4)J H.
when I first started coming here about 4 years ago it was definitely good. like a lot of restaurants I've been to lately it seems like the quality of the food has gone down. smaller portions, different taste.
(3)Judy M.
THis used to be one of my favorite places, and I'll still come here from time to time. It started out as Lessie's and then finally Southern Kitchen. The tea, is real, and by real, I mean diabetes inducing sweet tea. Just the way I like it. I also like their strawberry lemonade. Over the years, I feel like the cooking is less consistent. Used to love the fried green tomatoes, and before you ask why someone would eat a GREEN tomato that 's fried, what you really need to be asking yourself is why haven't you, you should try it sometime--with honey and hotsauce. Sorry for the run on. Sides are good, chicken fried steak, butterfish and grits....mmm hmmm. When it's good, it's good. When it's off...well, my bad. Outside of the food, this place has a lot of character. One time our waitress, ran outside and threw her hands up, shouting, "hoolie whoooo!" The car skidded around to say what's up. Another time we saw a passionate argument outside. In no way was it scary, just good entertainment. Southern food and free entertainment? Sometimes, you just can't beat the combination.
(3)Alaina W.
BEST. FRIED. CHICKEN. IN. WASHINGTON. (well, at least of those that have made it into my stomach...) I live in renton. SK is in Tacoma. if I wasn't doing p90x and watching my nutritional intake... I'd be making a weekly drive down south. the only "meh" about SK is the seating... it's nice and cozy, so go when it's slow, get it to go, or be prepared to wait. and don't forget the sweet tea.
(4)Cee A.
So if I had to choose what in this world I love the most, my wife would probably be irritated when I admit that I love me some fried chicken. Like, seriously love fried chicken. And great googly moogly, Southern Kitchen has some ridiculously good fried chicken. The kind that you end up dreaming about, being all, "when am I going to get this good ish back in my belly again." You know how no one in their right mind wants hormones and crap pumped into food? So I'm right there with that, but I swear whatever chickens SK is using are hopped up on some steroids. I mean the real juice, like A-Rod and Manny-level. I've seen big pieces of chicken but dude these are BIG pieces of chicken. So it was a little nuts to see a four-wing plate with such huge honkin' pieces of chicken. Ever been to KFC? Take one of their wings, double it up in size, and now you have a SK wing. And oh, how wonderfully crispy and moist these wings were. And as tasty as my sides of corn, mashed potatoes & gravy, and corncake were, they were such an afterthought compared to this heavenly fried chicken. So glad we ended up here. We were actually heading down to Portland from Seattle, and were planning on eating in the 503. Didn't happen, so we redirected and hit up Yelp to see what was going on in Tacoma. Sure, it's got the hype of Guy Fieri and a Triple-D feature. But dude, I assure you -- you won't be disappointed. Just be ready to wait a little -- it's busy, and these folks are very friendly, but not superhuman.
(5)Annette Z.
I love this place! Super awesome southern soul food. Fried catfish, fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, collard greens, mac n cheese, mashed taters and gravy! My husband almost always gets the fried chicken. I vary it, I've had the catfish sammy, which is two white pieces of bread with catfish (huge fillet), lettuce and fries. I've had the whole fried catfish, and I've tried a few of their other items. We are both foodies and loved the episode of Triple D that went here. The only complaint is that parking is a bit iffy when they are busy. They are well worth the wait if you have to wait for a table!
(5)Keri B.
This place was okay, the atmosphere was great, but food could have been better. The chicken seemed to have one spot that had great seasoning and the rest of it was pretty bland. My friend had the exact same thing as I did and she mentioned all of hers was bland. I would still give them another shot and go back to see if maybe they just had an off day (it was quite busy).
(3)Lorraine P.
I had breakfast here about 4 weeks ago. I ordered a hot link and it tasted like a hot dog. The rest of my meal: scrambled eggs and grits were fine, but not great. We were then overcharged for our meal - likely the result of mixing up orders or bills. Not a lot of reasons to make the trip for breakfast - perhaps dinner one day.
(2)Fly_Gu Y.
Try this place if you fall in one of these three categories: 1. You do not know how to prepare southern style meals. 2. You never had southern cooking. 3. Your black friends stopped inviting you over for dinner. Otherwise, this place is meeeeh. Everything i tried was tasty but everything they make, I can make better. What won me over about this place is Great Customer Service. The food, not so much!
(4)Donna S.
ambiance//**** cute diner...with a bar facing the kitchen.... it's how i *imagine* eating in the south would be service//*** know what you want to order, but even if you don't, they're very nice and helpful food//**** forget the fried catfish and omlettes...it's ALL ABOUT the CHICKEN =9 *hands down* southern people know how to deep fry their chicken....breast!!! HOT DAMN! i don't even like white meat because it's usually too dry, but these people fry it to PERFECTION: the crust was crispy golden brown w/o a hint of refried greasyness...the chicken breast was tender and the juice was visible on the bite! ~ fried okra balls was yummy...not in the typical oozy nature of okra...plus you fool yourself into thinking you got your 'veggies' ~ stuffing was good but a bit salty alright tied for my favorite with the chicken was their strawberry lemonade: served with fresh strawberries on the bottom third, this lemonade is filled to the brim of a FREAKING mason jar AND topped with whipped cream!!!~ yes i'm a sucker for whippped happiness!~ if you don't know what a mason jar is...let me put it in perspective, i still had half a jar when we were leaving...and that completely filled a 16oz. to go cup ~*~ ironic to find such southern goodness in such a northern state? yay for diversity!~
(4)K K.
Must order their catfish, fried chicken, fried green tomato, & iced tea. They are always awesome!
(5)Sonia S.
Food wasnt bad...but from what i hear its inconsistent. Very over priced. $2 for a can of coke. Two adults n two kids was about $80...ridiculous for a few piece of fried chicken and fish. Super small spot and tight parking. For the money they charge they should be able to afford something much bigger.
(3)Henry L.
Yes, this just happened. My first 5 stars went to Southern Kitchen. I can honestly say the food is so good, it makes you want to slap yo mama (Not responsible for the result of your mom kicking your ass). Let's start with the place. It is a spacious restaurant where you can get somewhat of a privacy but it is capable of hosting a big crowd. The atmosphere is wonderful, my gf and I were immediately seated (wasn't busy at 11). The waiter/cashier/possibly cook was awesome. You can just tell when someone is either outgoing or not, and this guy was outgoing. He had made the experience that much better. We heard so much about the lemonade here that we had to get it. The strawberry lemonade arrived in a huge jar with a mountain of whip cream. This had to be the best strawberry lemonade I ever had, simply put. Once the food arrived, her side of the table was filled with fried chicken with corn cake, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, corn stuffing. My side was filled with fried catfish, hash browns, scramble eggs and a biscuit. I don't usually like fried stuff but this place is da bomb. It wasn't too greasy or dry, which means it's perfect. I know people said the side dishes are hit or miss and I agree. The mac n cheese didn't have much favor but everything else was on point. My reasons for the 5 stars are because the waiter gave us an wonderful experience, the food was cooked to perfection, the portions were unbelievable and the lemonade itself deserves a star. I don't have much experience with southern food, but I wouldn't imagine to be any better than this. Maybe I'm wrong, but than again this is my review.
(5)L J.
Love the chicken, but am in love with the Gravy! The service is excellent too.
(5)Michael K.
When it comes to comfort food, this is the place to eat. Please do not waste your time coming here when you are on a diet, because you will miss out on the actual experience, or leave feeling like you just betrayed yourself. The restaurant itself isn't super nice, but it is by no means dirty or unattractive. It has the feel of a southern diner, as the name suggests, and the staff is always super friendly. A few things that I consider must-trys: Fried Okra - Can't think of a single place you can get this besides here or made from scratch in your kitchen. Such a delicious alternative to the normal side dish, and they have perfected the crispy outside, tender inside, as is apparent with anything you get fried (which is basically everything). Sometimes I will order this to go all by itself, because it is that good. Catfish - I know this scares the crap out of a lot of people, because catfish are really dirty and ugly, but please believe me when I say that catfish is delicious. If you grew up in the midwest, chances are you're already aware of this, but if you have yet to try it, go balls deep! Spicy food lovers go for the cajun catifish, it is delicious and if you ask for it, they will make you sweat. Macaroni and Cheese - I know it's sort of an absurd thing to mention at a place like this, but their mac n cheese is so good it makes me feel like I'm committing a crime just by eating it. Even when I order their breakfast food, I will often times get a side of the mac n cheese just to be a glutton. Biscuits n Gravy - Their country gravy is perfection. I know it changes slightly everywhere you go, but man oh man, I could eat this stuff every day if it weren't so artery-cloggin'. If you're ever in Tacoma during breakfast and you feel you're overdue for something absurdly rich, get their B n G with eggs and potatos, and watch your troubles melt away! Along with the benefits of your last five jogs :-) So much more is good, go once a month, try it all.
(5)Shy A.
Jeeeebus. The food just doesn't get any better. Thank my lucky stars that Tacoma is not a close drive...otherwise, I may as well kiss my waistband good bye and begin investing in a lot of elastics and possibly change my entire wardrobe to just sweatpants. We ordered the country fried steak (yes, I've been on some country fried steak kick the last few days), Cajun Catfish Strips and the Fried Chicken. Everything single item was DEEEELEEESH.... I couldn't bear to eat the rest of my corn cake even with the killer sweet tea to wash it down with....We also tried the Mango Lemonade this time and it was great. I think the Strawberry Lemonade still trumps it but changing it up never hurt anyone. I would've bumped it up to five star stat but somehow the southern hospitality in the Southern Kitchen was a bit on the cool side today...
(4)Myheartsinparis D.
First time? GRAVY. then you'll be addicted and eventually you'll try everything. I love this place & so does everyone I've introduced. This is absolutely the GEM of Tac-town!
(5)Brent H.
The food seems to be getting less and less amazing as time goes on. I keep going but I keep getting disappointed. Although, the service is great, always has been, probably always will be.
(3)Heather P.
I'm not from the south, but this place makes me wish I was!! Let's start with the sweet tea...... OMG! Tastes like your momma left it in the sun all day just to bring that full flavor out, and just the right amount of sweetness to make you not want to put it down. Just as you're settling in on that smooth, cool liquid coma, from the pure pleasure of the sweet tea, a piping hot fresh corncake is placed in front of you. A corncake that does not require any condiment added to it, such as butter or syrup, you know is a work of pure foody art! As you are savoring the wonderful feeling of bliss coming over you, your food arrives! Ahhhhhhhh, fresh, hot, just like your momma used to make, fried chicken! The colonel can't touch this!! This is the BEST fried chicken I have EVER had!! The sides, so many to choose from, but I went with the mac n' cheese, butter corn, and the cornbread dressing......OH MY!!! Talk about comfort food that sticks to your ribs! SOOOOOO GOOOODD!!! If you think you know fried chicken, you don't anything until you have ventured to Tacoma and stopped in here for some REAL fried chicken!!! An absolute MUST try!!!!
(5)DD A.
The folks here are always attentive! I appreciate their service! The food is delicious! I'm a huge fan of the teas and lemonades! When I have a craving for Old-Fashioned Southern cooking I go here!
(4)Robert S.
I love me some good food and Great Service :) Now I used to live just down the street from here for a number of years, so when my Partner said can we go to Southern Kitchen before seeing Reba at the Tacoma Dome, and that he had never been I was like Hell Yeahs !! and you know we got way too much food for our moneys LOL, as Greg had never been there he ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, and when they came I was like hell that's a meal in its self then came the johnny cakes ( corn bread pancakes) nice and warn just out of the oven, I just put butter on mine but I watched a guy at the table next to me cover his in honey :) I ordered the Cajun Catfish, you also get 3 sides so I got the Mac n Cheese, Greens and Red Beans and Rice, I tried to eat it all but it just was not happening today, maybe if I had skipped the fried Tomatoes and Johnny Cake, Yeah right like I was skipping any thing the Catfish was yummy as hell just the right amount of seasoning to not be over powering, and just a little hot sauce was great on it the Greens were oh so good also hell all of it was good as hell just wish I had room for Dessert
(5)Irene S.
nice food there. Organice fried chicken. Strawberry lemonade with whipped cream is must have too.
(5)Jonathan H.
I had the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy with some macaroni and cheese. The chicken had a delicious crispy skin with tender succulent meat atop the smallest puddle of grease (which is a good thing)! I could eat a whole bucket of their mashed potatoes and gravy. The mac and cheese was amazing as well as it could've easily been eaten in one bite with the cheddar cheese fusing it all together. The price was a little steep at $13 for a 2 piece meal with 2 sides. But I was satisfied as the food definitely hit the spot and the staff was very friendly. It's not a question of if I will be back, but when!
(5)Riss J.
Holiday road trip for food and cheer brought me here. I had heard of this place, only through Yelp, not that spiky haired demons tv show, and I read a few reviews just to get a feel for what the collective had to say on it. I determined pretty quickly I would probably love anything I ordered, because i totally understand that *any* true home-style cooking is going to be messy, uneven, not pretty presented and generally not really look super edible, but taste great. So, here's what I ordered: Fried Chicken with the mac n cheese and collard greens as sides Fried Green Tomato appetizer. I was super happy with my choices. Everything was just so good in that "just like grandma" used to make way. And it's Southern, so, depending on the heritage of your palette, be prepared for a LOT of grease, fat, salt and not a lot of fancy herbs or spices. The only thing I may have changed, if they'd allowed me to, is I would have preferred all dark meat chicken. The breast i had was good, and when piping hot was just fine, but it dried out as it cooled and wasn't as good once "left over". Only because I enjoyed it so much, I wish my mac-n-cheese was a bigger portion, but honestly, not really. I had over half my plate left over. The Fried green tomatoes were fantastic. Just how I'd expect them. Super sweet toms in flaky, crumbly coating fried just enough to crisp a little bit. They were hot as all hell and the portion, for an "appetizer", was HUGE. I have spent far, far too long in Seattle and it's small plate bullshit. In any restaurant in Seattle for the same price, I would have probably gotten 4-5 slices of toms. Here, I had an entire basket full that was easily 2-3 whole, good sized tomatoes. The collard greens I've had in the past have only ever been served to me two ways. More "whole" and sauteed, like you might do spinach, or chopped small, kept loose and with some of the 'brine/broth' of the ham hock they were cooked with. Here, it was the latter and I loved them. And here is where, if you don't know what you're doing, you may think "holy bloody salt overload". I wish they were closer, honestly, because I couldn't finish what I ordered, but just thinking about it now, I want to TRY ALL THE THINGS!!! I passed on the drinks (though, the sweet tea is probably a perfect accompaniment to all that salty in the meal) The ambiance of the entire small little place is so warm, so friendly, so family that it really makes the meal feel "real". If I lived closer, I'd be the regular "mama" came out of the kitchen to hug and say hello to in no time flat.
(4)Pepe R.
Authentic southern cooking! The fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, fried okra, collard greens and corn bread reminded me home in South Carolina. Biggest turn downs were the lack of parking, we saw a total of 6 parking places in the lot and the place is very small and they are very busy and the parking spaces are shared with the business next to them. We are relocating back to the area and will be returning however we do wish that they would move to a bigger/better location. The price is a little steep, we paid $80 dollars for the fried green tomatoes and 3 dinners but it was well worth it.
(3)Basil R.
We didn't even know that Guy Fieri had featured this restaurant on Triple D when we decided to try Southern Kitchen. What can I say? The place is fun, the servers are great. The food was amazing. Loved the jalapeno hush puppies. Catfish fillets incredible. The collard greens were the best I've ever had, including ones I've made myself. The fried chicken was crispy and well-seasoned. The Mac n Cheese was real Southern-style, baked, with a delicious blend of cheeses. Fried okra - I love them - were light, not greasy. And then there was the sweet potato pie. It's enough to make you weep. My only disappointment? They didn't have fried pickles. Add the fried pickles and I'll add the 5th star!
(4)Joseph M.
We decided to check this place out because we had heard a ton of great things from friends and yelp. To start things off the cornbread here is served as a pancake and is amazingly good, pair that with their flavored sweet tea and you are off to an awesome start!! Next I had the Catfish fillets, red beans and rice, and mac and cheese. The catfish was awesome, it was crispy on the outside with a great breading and still moist on the inside.. The red beans and rice were also pretty good.. The mac and cheese however, wasn't all that great in both of our opinions. My GF got the fried chicken and she expected it to be really good because of all of the great reviews but was somewhat disappointing and preferred the catfish over the fried chicken. Overall a great experience and great food. Would highly recommend this place!!
(4)Monet J.
Let me start out by saying that I just moved up to Tacoma, WA from GA. That being said I know an authentic southern meal when I see/taste one. My bf and I were missing the taste of a good Sunday dinner and sweet tea, this place was the answer. The sweet tea was just right and the fried catfish and greens were phenomenal! But...the sausage gravy and biscuits left much to be desired (the gravy was bland and the biscuits chewy). I will say this though, they peach cobbler did make me feel better. lol. So, I'm just going to have to make another trip (and I will as everything else was stellar) in hopes of upgrading Southern Kitchen to 5 stars.
(3)Duena P.
The food was not good! Enjoyed the ice tea! Went on two separate occasions and was not happy with the food at all.
(1)Barbara C.
Wonderful friendly service and fast. The biscuit and gravy and corn cakes were awesome. Momma was so friendly and sweet. The staff outdid themselves. Place was packed the whole time we were there. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Elwyn D.
Place busy. Food smelling good. My food arrived, I must say the grilled Catfish was off the chain, and their sweet tea is a thirst quencher.
(4)Michael G.
Finally got a chance to try them and it left something to be desired. Especially for the price. Maybe it's unfair to use "Sweet Georgia Brown's" as the litmus test for all southern comfort food restaurants, but that ship has sailed. The people there are pretty friendly, let me just start with that. And its got a comforting, southern atmosphere. But the food is just ok. The brisket was decent. And that's where I'll stop. Doubt I'll ever go back.
(2)Marissa T.
This place is really good for their fried chicken. Since I've never really had soul food before I was a little hesitant to try some of it like the collard greens and corn, but the macaroni & cheese and the mashed potatoes I had were really good. I like that they serve you the corncake like a pancake. That was probably my favorite part along with the strawberry lemonade. I think it's also really nice that the owner of Southern Kitchen actually comes to your table and asks how everything is, you can tell she really cares about you and the quality of the food. I would recommend this place to anyone! It's really delicious!
(4)Michael F.
This place was recommended to me by a bikini barista in Bonney Lake where I live. So I decided to give it a try. This place is just like my grandma's cooking. The fried catfish is fantastic. I especially like the fried chicken. Then there is my favorite vegetable, fried okra. I highly recommend this place to anyone who likes southern cooking. The service is also great. The staff are all very friendly.
(4)Rachel M.
After visiting the Museum of Glass, my husband and I decided to try to find this place since he'd been here when he was in college. I had never been before, but remembered that it was on Triple D and thought it'd be worth a try. I'm glad we went! The decor reminded me of someone's kitchen or a family picnic. It was very small inside, and loud with happy families. We were seated right away next to a gigantic mirror that let us people watch without being obvious. The waitstaff were extremely friendly and prompt, and checked on us without being overly attentive. Our corncakes were brought out first, and while it wasn't what I was expecting it was definitely tasty. I ordered the beef brisket with mashed potatoes and cornbread stuffing, while my husband got Cajun catfish with collard greens and mac n' cheese. My brisket was a little dry but the sauce was good. I LOVED the cornbread stuffing but wished I had gotten the mac instead of my from-a-box mashed potatoes and gravy. I sampled the mac and collard greens off of his plate, and they were both pretty tasty. He said the catfish was good as well, but the Cajun part was just seasoning dumped on after the catfish was cooked, which seemed odd. He's from Mississippi and said it all tasted great and authentic, especially his sweet tea in a mason jar. Overall, the prices were decent and the food was too, so we'd go back anytime we're in the Tacoma area.
(4)Neil T.
There are two things I don't like about this place... That it is 250 miles away from my apt, and that I can't eat everything on the menu every time I am there. I try to stop here to eat whenever I go to Seattle for work. Everything I've had here has been good. Only issue here is the locals know it's good too, so if you go during the right (or wrong) time of day there can be a pretty good wait for a table, as the place is not particularly large. But I would completely recommend this place to anyone who enjoys soul/southern/comfort food.
(4)Tom B.
Tons of personality and great food. Those two things together in my world mean a place is pretty fantastic, and Southern Kitchen definitely has both. It's on one of Tacoma's most-paved intersections, right across from Jason Lee. 6th, Division, and Sprague all come together right there, and the parking lot shares spots with Jiffy Lube and I think one or two other businesses. So if it's busy, you might end up circling the block--or, rather, pentagonning or triangling the block--a couple times, looking for parking. SK itself is kind of a funky old blocky building. You walk in through a screen door, the dining room is kinda chopped up and the floor is uneven. You're not paying architect's fees or general contractor's fees here, which I personally like. The men's bathroom is so small you have go back out in the hall if you want to change your mind. It's not exactly no frills architecturally, but it's close enough to it that a frill can feel special. The food is definitely the star here. If you've seen the place on tv, you can pretty much already make up your mind, and I can't tell you much that will augment what you learned there. I mean, you see that fried chicken, that ought to make up your mind for you right there. If you've seen that fried chicken and are still here reading, looking for independent corroboration, cut it out. Just go. Tacoma's nice again now, after all these years. You'll be glad you did. The people here are really cool and funny, from the owners to the staff. I really felt at home, welcome and relaxed. A place that gets that mix just right--perfectly professional while still feeling informal, homey, and welcoming, is my idea of the exact right tone for a restaurant. SK does it for sure. We went for breakfast, which was kick-ass. The hash browns were the only weak link in the chain. They clearly started their lives at SK in a plastic bag, and more's the pity. The server very subtly said something like "ummmm, mumblemumble our home fries?" OK, hint taken. Never ordering the hashies again. I like home fries just as much. The omelet, toast, and all that were great. Orange juice came in a jelly jar. My mom was trying to remember the name of the southern author who used to throw parties at her house where she'd serve martinis in jelly jars. Not Flannery O'Connor, evidently, which was my best guess. I still feel kinda drunk just at the thought. Can't wait to go back. Even if (or maybe because) they don't offer jelly jar martinis.
(5)Alexis X.
Friendly and fast service, and good southern soul food. I had the catfish, mac/cheese and greens. My friend had biscuits and gravy. We also got a complimentary cornmeal pancake. All were delicious! Only problem is that this place is in Tacoma. Don't get down there often.
(3)Alan N.
If any of you are Food Network fans and Watch "Triple D" (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) with Guy Fieri he visited this place in 2009. Seven of us went on a Sunday morning for breakfast and everyone absolutely LOVED their meals. If you love Southern cooking or just love great food definitely check this place out. We'll be going back soon for lunch or dinner and will be sure to comment on that too but breakfast is a sure win here at Southern kitchen.
(5)Marcus C.
Insanely delicious food. Nice staff. Always recommend this restaurant!
(5)Edward P.
Delicious comfort food at cheap prices with large portions. Staff is extremely amicable and charming. Don't miss the mason jar sweet tea or lemonade!
(5)Shelly L.
Strawberry lemonade...Awesome! I got the 1/2 order of fried chicken for $14.95. Why 2 stars only? Well, the thigh and breast were lukewarm and dry while the wing and leg were super hot and juicy. I don't understand why they let the other 2 pieces of chicken just sit and get cold. You get 2 sides...I chose fried okra (more like soggy okra) and mac n' cheese (super greasy like a teen's face). You get a free corncake...that's delicious but it took forever for this to arrive at our table. I used one of their high chairs for my baby, but it was disgusting...sticky, sticky, sticky and dirty. Bathroom was clean so that's a plus. You can park in the Jiffy Lube parking lot for free or around the corner, there's a paid lot from 0-10 hours (just $2).
(2)Christopher C.
One of the better restaurants in Tacoma. I love this place. The food is to die for, and even on the busiest of days they are efficient with all of their orders. If you want some legendary southern food, look no further!
(5)Steve R.
First, let me say when we were through eating, there were empty plates all around. I like this place a lot. The interior has a real bright and fun feel to it. The folks who work here are extremely polite and friendly and make you feel right at home. And the food is very Southern and very comforting. To start we had the fried okra, always a family favorite and it did not dissappoint. It was fried just right with a crusty coating and not greasy. Other dishes sampled were the Chicken fried steak, the Southern fried chicken and one of their breakfast dishes - the pancakes and eggs. We also sampled the red beans - very good, the collard greens - also very good and the corn cakes, yes also good. The fried chicken was moist and tender but a little greasy. The report from the other side of the table regarding the fried steak was positive. Also, a glass of mango lemonade was ordered and I think would have been enough for the entire table to consume. It's served in a mason jar, loaded with mango pieces and topped with whipped cream. Coming from Portland, I have to say I like the vibe here. This is a genuine down home place, something you don't always find in Portland.
(4)April M.
I have been to this place a few times and it is decent. Their collard greens were not good, but maybe because of the vinegar taste, and besides I cook mines a lot better. I am from Georgia so this is about as close to good soul food that I will get. What makes me really go back is the sweet tea. It is beyond amazing and makes me miss home.
(3)Dae Y.
I've been trying to get down there for months and we finally had a chance to check this place out. what can i say...it's good! i had the 2 piece dark w/ black eyed peas over rice and mac+cheese. I am not used to black eyed peas over rice like that, so it was a very nice mixture to try. the sweet tea is just like back home in NC. and they give you a ton of it in something like a 20oz huge jar with ice. it goes great with the meal. the fried chicken was good, but i think my expectations for it was a little too lofty. there wasn't a single thing wrong with it, but i think i had been building it up in my mind for such a long time i had set an impossible expectation. i will definitely go back. oh, and the service was great from james. the last thing was the cornbread pancake. throw the butter and honey on there and it's almost like dessert you can eat along with the meal.
(4)Alanna M.
Once again, fellow yelp reviews did not fail me. Wow! Wow! Wow! This place screams "Southern Hospitality". We were greeted with warmth and friendliness. This is definitely the mom and pops southern dining I've been yearning for in the Pacific Northwest. Kingfish Cafe who? What? The BBQ beef brisket was tender, moist and full of flavor. The fried chicken was juicy inside and perfectly crispy outside. The country fried steak was covered in traditional brown gravy and was delicious! 3 sides with your meal? That's unheard of at a traditional restaurant! I love having a variety to sample and here I didn't have to feel torn between my choices. The collared greens were exceptional, candied yams (YUMMY is an understatement), mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and cornbread stuffing... everything was absolutely delightful. The flat cornbread was different than traditional cornbread. I loved it! The strawberry lemonade came in a big giant jug that could pretty much feed three adults. It was topped with whipped cream. I've never had whipped cream on my lemonade before -- I'm not complaining. We also ordered a side of jalapeno corn fritters. There was definitely no skimping on the peppers here. She didn't even charge us for this because it was "too much trouble" for her to add it to the ticket. If that's not enough to eat try some dessert! We didn't have room during dinner, but couldn't resist bringing some peach cobbler home with us. It's so hard to find really good peach cobbler or bread pudding around anywhere. I'm looking forward to trying out breakfast! There was a sign in the window for 4.95! Why bother going to a Denny's for that price? I was tempted to be selfish and not review this place because I wanted to keep a good thing to myself, but since other yelpers shared with me and well... my conscience got the best of me. With this being said we gave her a 33% tip. That alone should say what we truly thought of the whole dining experience.
(5)Teresa T.
I've been going here for 3 years and the food is still great. Atmosphere is good, it's in a tiny little building with very limited seating so be prepared to wait and/or rub elbows with everyone around you. Fried green tomatoes are delicious, grits are divine, and of course the lemonades are thirst quenching.
(5)Jeff K.
This place was featured on Diners, Dives, and Drive-ins so we had to give it a try. I really wanted to get the Fried Chicken, but I figured everyone else in the group is getting chicken so I should get something else. I ended up getting the BBQ Brisket which came with 3 side, well actually 4 if you include the Corncake. The corncake is cornbread cooked like a pancake, so good. As for my other 3 sides I chose mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, & fried ocra. Of the 3, the mac n cheese as my favorite, although all 3 well good. The brisket was so juicy and tender. If I get it again, I will ask for the BBQ sauce on the side though. I like to taste the flavor of the actual brisket and dip it into BBQ. Just my personal preference. As for everyone else, they really enjoyed their fried chicken. I have to admit, I was a little jealous watching them eat their chicken. I was able to steal a piece from my wife and daughter. Next time I go back, I will definitely order the chicken. Don't expect your food to come out quickly, but it was well worth the wait. I was not able to finish my meal because the portions are so huge. Next time I'm in Tacoma, I am definitely coming back!
(5)L H.
I wasn't just craving fried chicken, I NEEDED fried chicken. So to Southern Kitchen we went. The place is small and it was packed for dinner, so was the parking lot which caused a bit of added stress for our dining companions. The decor is definitely casual but clean and cosy. Service on the other hand was very curt, not comfortable. Here's the deal with the food: Strawberry lemonade - cool that they use tons of real strawberries but so sweet it made my teeth hurt. Corn cake - crisp yet chewy, lovely. Fried chicken - good, not too greasy. Cajun catfish - cooked well but bland as all get out. Chicken fried steak - by far the tastiest thing we tried. Grilled onions were so rich and perfectly brown. Sides - buttery, greasy, runny, bland. All edible but we had to add hot sauce and pepper to everything. Overall the food was OK. Good enough to satisfy the craving but bland and buttery.
(3)Peggy Sue R.
Picked this place thanks to Guy F. we were hungry for fried chicken. Very neat atmosphere, older style looking but the people are great and friendly. I would love to eat in here. This time we took our food to go, ordered and sat and watched the football game. It was a fun little experience with the kids just picking it up. I will go again when I'm hungry for southern food.
(4)katrina m.
Thank you Guy Fieri for featuring Southern Kitchen in your show. If it wasnt because of you I would never find out this gem of a restaurant in the middle of Tacoma. People, hear ye, hear ye! If you are craving for some southern comfort food homemade style this is the place to go. I love everything here from the jalapeno hush puppies, the sweet tea, mango lemonade, southern fried steak, mac and cheese,pumpkin pie and of course their fried chicken! Place gets crowded though so be sure to prepare for a wait. (Normally takes 15 to 20 minutes max). We had to wait the first time we came here, but it was sure worth the wait.
(4)Willamenia B.
Holy yummy. If you want a healthy meal this isn't the place to go but it is sure darn good. I think there's a tv show about fried paradise and if they haven't gone to SK then they should. We had the fried chicken and catfish and both were fantastic. For sides we had the candied yams, collard greens, black eyed peas and okra. All sides were flavorful but I liked the collard greens the best. You can tell that the food is someone's mama's recipe past down from generation to generation. I do agree that the service is slow, so don't go there starving cause you'll be waiting to order, waiting for your food, waiting to pay but maybe they like it that way cause it southern and they just ain't in no hurry.
(4)Adam T.
Food - Tasty true southern food. Service - Very poor Atmosphere - Very packed and uncomfortable This is a sit down restaurant that is very tight quarters. As a pretty big guy I felt quite uncomfortable. The food was good but service was bad. Never got my drink refilled ect. Also you have to stand in line to pay at the end like at Dennys which is right in the middle so I constantly had people standing right next to me when I was trying to eat. I may eat here again some day but not planning on it any time soon.
(3)Travis A.
This is the place to be crispy chicken and a plate licking good macaroni. Not your kraft this it the real stuff with real cheese.
(4)Jason S.
After having an awesome experience at another restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, I decided to make a list of some of the places near my home which have also appeared on the show. Southern Kitchen was on my list and our recent trip to Tacoma gave us an excuse to try it out. At first glance, the place may seem sketchy, but don't let outward appearances fool you. The restaurant is much smaller than I was expecting, but the size and the extremely cordial staff make the place feel cozy and comfortable. The menu is loaded with southern classics and I was immediately drawn to the Mango Lemonade. What a treat! With big slices of mango nestled at the bottom of a giant mason jar glass and whipped cream on the top. It was excellent. After ordering our meals, the friendly waiter brought us some Corn Bread Cake to get us started. It was delicious. I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Black-Eyed Peas. I feel I should I stop here and explain that I am the product of a very southern mother who has raised me on deep-south, homemade cooking. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the food at Southern Kitchen was just like my Mom makes. I was immediately taken back to my childhood in South Carolina. My wife had the Fried Catfish Strips which I could hear her cooing over as she ate. My brother-in-law ordered the Fried Chicken and exclaimed that it was hands-down the best fried chicken he's ever had. The next time you're in Tacoma, do yourself a favor and give Southern Kitchen a try.
(4)Kristina L.
I love Southern Kitchen. I get a big Sweet Tea which is so good and the brisket. I like their greens, not so enthusiastic about their mac and cheese. The mashed potatoes are pretty good. The black eye peas were okay, better than the mac&cheese but not as good as the green. I've also had their fried chicken which is delicious and the fried okra. The fried chicken is great, the okra was pretty good too. I drizzle the hot sauce on them to add a little kick. I already mentioned the Sweet Tea. They also have strawberry lemonade and mango lemonade. Both are delicious, there are big chunks of mangos which makes it tasty. In case I didn't say it already, the sweet tea is sooo good.... They get pretty busy and service can be a LITTLE bit on the slow side at times so don't go in expecting to be in and out in 20 minutes or less. I did notice a lot of people order food to go there, I haven't tried that, I like dining in because their serving staff is super friendly and funny. Southern Kitchen is a place you must check out.
(4)Mark P.
Loved the chicken and okra! Grew up in Kentucky have tried lots of chicken. This is the best! Strawberry lemonade.... Lived up to the hype
(5)Steven B.
Good stuff, good folks, great price for breakfast. No wonder it was on Diner's drive in's and Dives.
(4)Tom Y.
So hankering for a really late breakfast I stumble onto this thanks to my handy Yelp App. Do you want a new Transmission with your meal? Yes it shares the same building as a Auto Repair shop specializing in transmissions, and the front door has a screen on it for decor. The seat yourself attitude goes with the plastic menus and plastic table cover, the customer service was mediocre given the fact that the place was only 40% filled the entire time I was there. The country fried chicken, was good, the bread crust was crunchy but not too fat, and everything was yummy. Cleaned my plate, don't expect fancy stuff just bam, here is the food eat up, pay the cashier and leave a tip and check on your clutch job next door.
(4)April F.
I saw this place on triple d and just had to try it. The place is pretty small but cozy. The service is great the ppl are very friendly and always smiling. The food was delish. I love the fried catfish and collard greens. I love that everything is made there homemade from scratch. The strawberry lemonade is so good served in mason jars and filled with big chuncks of strawberries and topped with whip cream. This is my favorite resturant and im sad because i have moved and will no longer be able to eat there.
(5)Dominica R.
Do you want some honest to goodness good Southern grub? You have come to the right spot. This place is cozy and the food is stupendous you have got to try the greens!
(4)Riley P.
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(2)Julie F.
Meh. My friend and I both had the fried chicken. It was pretty bland. I don't have fried chicken often, but I need a little more spiciness. The corn cake was absolutely delicious. I'd recommend going there just for that and leaving before you eat the actual meal. I've had better collard greens at a friend's house, and the Mac n cheese was nothing special. Our waters were never refilled, and the place wasn't so busy that it would've been a hardship. I'll never go back.
(2)Kristina S.
Catfish strips, corn cream cakes, peach cobbler and corn bread stuffing are amazing! A little more expensive than what I expected but the service was great!
(4)Travis G.
Heart attack and diabetes combo on a plate! But honestly, that's what I expect from a southern style, soul food eatery (I lived in Alabama and the Florida panhandle). Seriously though, delicious food and friendly staff! Gotta love the fried okra, fried catfist, and sweet, SWEET tea!!!
(5)Tigris W.
GREAT southern food and service. Don't forget the strawberry lemonade!
(5)jason c.
first off let me say I love souther food. the weirder the better. I'll eat hamhocks to chitlans. when you walk in it's a small family type Resturant. you get a free corn cake that looks like a pancake. I did not know this the first time I went and when the cake showed up I look at the guy and told him I didn't order this. he looked at me and laughed. the guy next to me said hed eat it. then they explained it came with the meal. this cake is sweet and tasty. they do have real southern tea (sweet). try there greens and there Jalepano hush puppies. they are amazing. there main courses are pretty good. fried chicken excellent, ribs decent but not smoked. if you like butter and fat like me you should enjoy this place. friendly and fast as well as good food. there are better southern style restaurants around but this place is really homie.
(3)Pauline A.
Amazing Mac N Cheese, fried chicken, brisket, yams and collard greens. Very friendly service and one of the best soul food places I have eaten outside of my old neighborhoods in South Los Angeles.
(5)Bao N.
I am a CFS addict. (CFS = Chicken Fried Steak...but I know it so intimately that we are on an initials basis.) I've eaten it in no less than a dozen different establishments. And I gotta say that The Southern Kitchen still makes the BEST! If you're looking for the traditional breaded variety with the white sauce, this ain't it. I believe it's battered and fried (right?)...and the gravy on top is a golden brown meat gravy. I heart this place. My heart, on the other hand, may not appreciate all the lard.
(5)Amanda Z.
STRAWBERRY LEMONADE!!!! SOOOO GOOOOOD! Also, the $4.95 breakfast special (biscuts and gravy, 2 eggs and either grits, hash browns or potatoes) = off the hook! We also got the catfish (soo awesome, perfectly fried, not too oily, good texture of batter and fish).
(3)Sharayah F.
Saw this in DDD and they have fried green tomatoes which is one of my favorite foods, so I decided to check them out one day for lunch. The people who work there are so friendly and very fast! It was packed and I was just getting a Togo order but they still offered me a seat and a drink! The tomatoes were a little soggy but I think this was my fault since I took them to go. I will be going back for sure! But eating there instead of to go
(3)Mario T.
Oh, man...this place is killer! Spot on, authentic and super tasty southern soul food. The fried chicken was absolutely some of the best I've had in a while. Mac & cheese had real stringy, gooey cheese all up in it. Corn cake & cornbread dressing were delicious. And definitely follow many of the recommendations here and order a strawberry lemonade. SO GOOD! You won't go wrong going here.
(5)Kody P.
It's in my bucket list to try out restaurants that are featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. I live nearby so I said why not? First of all, the service is amazing; workers are super friendly. The restaurant was kinda packed when we got there but the waiters didn't fail to promptly attend to us. I ordered fried chicken with a side of candied yams and collard greens. I loved the candied yams, but I've tried better fried chicken, and the collard greens were alright. I also ordered sweet tea and it was definitely sweet, verrrry sweet actually. I added water to dilute it a little so the sweetness wasn't unbearable. My sisters ordered mango lemonades and they say that it's amazing.
(3)Scot R.
Ever since I saw this restaurant on Diners, Drive ins, and Dives on the Food network i had wanted to try it out for myself and so I did about 3 years ago. Since then I've been there far and in-between not because I'm not a fan, I haven't been here in over a year and half because I haven't been close enough to make it here because of work. Well, to day I made it back. And what I find is what I found every time I've been to Southern Kitchen and that's CONSISTENCY. There's a lot of things I enjoy about Southern Kitchen. The staff are as friendly as they can be and you'll find. They're just consistently the friendliest restaurant staff I've found anywhere. They've always made me feel comfortable being there as if it were meant to for me to be there. The second thing I enjoy is the food. today I was hungry for their Souther Fried Chicken and as always they served up a great plate of Southern fried Chicken, which comes with a corn cake, and for my sides I ordered Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese, and an additional side of dressing and gravy. All of it way more than I can eat in one sitting. However, when I'm hungry for good Southern Food I'm gonna pay for what I want. The Chicken is consistently AMAZING! Like my Auntie Ida used to make. I love the catfish here too. In my opinion they make consistently the BEST SOUTHERN FOOD in the TERRITORY. Where else can you say you gonna get the Best and most consistently tasty/delicious plate of Southern food every single time? I've been to almost every single southern food restaurant in the Tacoma/Seattle area and Southern Kitchen has proven they're a GUARANTEED TO HIT THE SPOT. If you have a bad meal at Southern Kitchen? Let them know what you don't like. They want you to come back. So, let them know right away what isn't meeting your expectations. I met Gloria the owner tonight and she is a wonderful lady with a sweet disposition. It would be a hard stretch to try and make me think she would want to do anything to ruin your dining experience? So, let them know right away. Remember, this is a family owned business that is its own brand and wants to succeed. All I can say is try it out.
(5)Justin W.
I have been meaning to leave these guys a review for about a month. I'm not to big into reviewing places, but it's rare that a place is so pleasant. The service was exactly what you would expect, friendly, warm, and helpful. Big serving, fantastic southern taste, and made me absolutely homesick. I will be back for sure!
(4)William Y.
*Edit: This experience was written over years ago, but only posted today b/c I never validated my email until today (4/11/2015). I have been coming to Southern Kitchen for over a year. Usually a great place to eat with great service but it seems as if it has been slacking off lately. The waiter took our order, then the owner (older lady) moved us out of our table (there were two of us), gave us two extra stawberry lemonades, which we didn't even want, so she can seat a larger family in our original table. Food took over 40 minutes. Every other time I have been coming here, I always got military discount, but the owner said only if we were in uniform. I find that a little absurd. There was an arrogance about her like; being complacent, so their service, qualitity, and overall experience has been sub-par lately. I usually tell all my friends about Souther Kitchen and how great it is, but now I won't be doing that. A little dissapointed.
(2)Sara M.
Great place for breakfast! Go early, the dining room fills up fast! We enjoyed the Monday breakfast special that included corn cakes, sausage and eggs, and I also had the grits and coffee. The only downer is that 5 of us were served, and the other 2 received their breakfast 10 minutes later.
(4)Sheila G.
I been there a few time, everytime the food has been ok. The mac and cheese has no seasoning. The yams were good, the chicken was very greasy and to hot to even eat. While eating another aoul food restaurant a customer was telling me and husband about the southern kitchen. He said that the owner that was on guys tv show sold the business to someone else. That's why the food taste different, he said the food was better when the original owner was there. I think they need to take down the pic of the original owner and Gut because she no longer owns the restaurant. We found a new restaurant which is way better.
(2)Jason C.
Great place! Had an omelet which was awesome! The bacon that was in it must of been smoked, which was a pleasant surprise. It was so good, It rivaled the Amish bacon I've had in Indiana. The atmosphere inside was awesome, with a very friendly staff as well. Would defiantly would go back sometime. I have to try that fried chicken anyways, looked amazing!
(4)Angel D.
There not many good Southern food choices in WA. Southern Kitchen is definitely one of them. Service is friendly but very laid back. Sometimes you might have to grab your own hot sauce from the counter. Solid fried chicken is the main attraction but the real standouts are their fried okra which is the best in the state (perfectly cooked, always crispy, never slimy), the candied yams (enough juice to soak up with the jalapenos hushpuppies if you want which I recommend), and the strawberry lemonade (monstrous and good but not too sweet). Can't recommend most of the other sides but breakfast is worth a stop. Come hungry what ever time you stop in.
(4)Bella C.
Food isn't as good as it use to be!! I'm giving two stars because customer service was excellent and the strawberry/mango lemonade was delicious. I can't say the same for the food. Not sure if it was because it was towards the end of the evening, I got dried up mac&cheese definitely not how I remembered from past times, my chicken was over powered by salt and tasted burnt... Really the only thing that was good were the corn cakes.
(2)Lauren A.
I really wish i could give no stars. I'm baffled by all of the good reviews. The ENTIRE experience was bad and it went like this... We walked in and were not greeted by staff for a few minutes. When finally greeted there was no warm welcome, just a "you can have a seat there." No smile. Waited 15 minutes before being asked for a drink, a few moments later our order was taken. Waited 45 minutes for food to arrive. Witnessed another table receive food, eat, order dessert, and eat that as well before getting our food. Clearly better kitchen management is needed. The food: mashed potatoes cold and salty, mac and cheese used low quality cheese leaving it greasy and was overcooked. Mac and cheese wasn't hot either. Baked chicken was dry and salty, but at least it was hot. Husband asked for tartar sauce and never received it. Finally decided to just leave and realized our two meals cost us near $50!!! No soul food should ever cost this much!! Especially food of this quality. My husband is from South Carolina and was pissed off. I know food and was pissed off. I will never return. Just another place being overrated by locals who clearly have no basis for comparison.
(1)Maggie S.
Strawberry lemonade was good, BUT, i found cardboard in my greens blew the ENTIRE meal
(2)Robert R.
At first sight, this would not be the ideal spot for me eating. But my friends and I were around it and read the reviews, and I'm glad we swung by here. The food is amazing. Best greens I had in a while. The portions are huge, and the service was on point. They checked in on us several times through our visit. Always with a smile. I had the 2 piece meal and it was not disappointing. Juicy chicken. Flavorful greens and mac n cheese. And amazing sweet tea. I would recommend this place to everyone who loves home cooked style meals with friendly service.
(5)Reba H.
Was an almost biblical experience, "And the lawd said it was good!" Nice and friendly wait staff and counter folk. The catfish was excellent! The collards - Big momma would've been proud!!
(4)donna s.
I came here with high expectations being that this place has a solid 4 star ratings and lots of good reviews. Service was great, atmosphere was comfortable and I especially love the diversity of people that come to dine here. However, we ordered fry chicken and when we received our food it was still raw in the middle, so raw blood was oozing out. The gravy on the mash was salty, mash potato tasted liked something out of a box and the Mac and cheese was lacking flavor. I don't know that we'll come back, or if we do we will do a thorough inspection on our food.
(2)Cj G.
The best southern food I've had in Washington. Great service and hospitality. Always friendly and welcoming. I'm having the fried chicken and by far the best I have had in a very long time. Must have the sweet tea to wash all that goodness down. Definitely will continue coming back.
(5)Chris B.
So I don't normally write reviews on yelp or anywhere, but Southern Kitchen left a taste in my mouth that needed a review written for. My wife and I started off with the fried green tomatoes. Both of us never had them before, and when we took our first bite we were very intrigued. The issue was, our fried green tomatoes were soggy and lump. We both figured fried green tomatoes are great, the fry cook on the other had was not. My wife went on to eat her course, which was just the platter of sides with a corncake. She started with the red beans and rice, and instantly asked me to try it because she found it to be flavorless. Lack of spice, heat, or almost anything besides the bean flavor and slight hamhock. She than tried the mashed potatoes, which had the consistency of instant mash and the taste of cafeteria mashed potatoes. After not liking them she offered the rest to our pup (rather them go somewhere then to waste) and he wouldn't even eat them. We were very baffled by this, seeing as he eats anything (especially anything potato). After two disappointments she went on to try to Mac and cheese, and like the others was not impressed. She quickly told me that "I make better baked Mac and cheese, and no offense but a southern kitchen should do it better or at least as good." When I went to my meal, which was the fried chicken sandwich, there was nothing to rave about. Luckily the fry cook did a good enough job to fry my chicken, but the batter left me wanting more and the fries were an after thought (soggy and undercooked). Again, like the red beans, no spice seemed to be added (well maybe some pepper) and no effort put in to make the meal. After waiting almost an hour for food I hoped for something a better. The only reason for the two star rating is because they have excellent service, which seems to be its only saving grace.
(2)Nate T.
Always love coming here for a great breakfast. They have amazing service and the food is out of this world. It's decently priced for all that you get. It is true to its name and if your from the south you won't leave dissapointed. The parking lot area could be a little better but the food and service are on point. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Alex C.
Southern Kitchen... I was in the area and I've always wanted to try this joint due to it being on T.V. but the location is pretty far from where I live. I got lucky and was blessed with this opportunity and was in the area. The environment as you walk in, feels very southern, family oriented, and in relations of being at home. Waitress was very nice, we ordered southern chicken wings that came with two pieces of chicken of your choice with two sides. My girlfriend ordered a chicken combo which was delicious. Had corn cakes for the first time and it was pretty good! Their strawberry lemonade is just right and fulfills my sweet tooth. Def. coming back whenever I'm in the area. Thank you, Southern Kitchen & staff!
(5)Jennifer Y.
Am I really writing a 5 star review for...FRIED CHICKEN?! I ordered the 2 piece chicken with candied yams and mac & cheese for my sides. It came with corn bread which kind of looked more like a pancake. Delicious nonetheless. The Fried Chicken was so good. SO sooo good. I opted for the leg and the thigh. They were cooked perfectly and didn't feel too overly greasy. I have a sweet tooth, so the candied yams were perfect for me. The mac & cheese on the other hand felt clumpy but it might have just been me. It was also my first time having strawberry lemonade with whipped cream on top! The strawberry was a bit too sweet for me, but my friend got the mango lemonade and that tasted better. What blew me away was the service. They were so accommodating and did not hesitate to make room for our big table of 8. Our server was so friendly and always made sure we got what we needed. I think his name was Skitzo. To the manager of Southern Kitchen, you should definitely give this guy a raise. To everyone else reading this review, go to Southern Kitchen and order some fried chicken. You can thank me later.
(5)Janet N.
Call me a hater but this place is definitely over hyped :( I really wish the food did me justice but it did not. However I am a fan of their strawberry lemonade which was super yummy and the service. The servers couldn't be anymore welcoming and nice. I really felt like I had walked into someone else's home due to the decor and atmosphere of the joint. I loved it! They started off my meal with a corn pancake and it was ok. It was really dry and hard to swallow so I drowned it in butter. I ordered the chicken wing dinner with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. I was so so soooo disappointed with my meal. The chicken was sooo oily greasy and fatty. The flavor just wasn't there, there was nothing special about the chicken. The mashed potatoes were ok. Just the usual. The mac and cheese was very over cooked and lacked cheese? I felt like I was eating macaroni and butter. There was no flavor to the mac and cheese at all. It was really hard writing up this review lol because I know a lot people who love this place. But I just think that it's like any other restaurant. The service is great but the food? Not so much. It was a really big let down.
(2)Lloyd C.
It is by far the most authentic Southern Comfort food. True to its roots, their decor is very colorful and full with pictures including Guy F. from DDD. I got their strawberry lemonade and Texas brisket with greens and sweet corn. It was melt in your mouth and alll over my hands. I would come back in a heart beat, eith the atttention to try their liver and grits! On the flip side, the greens were a bit salty but still tasty.
(4)Shane W.
HAHAHA really not understanding the hype. So bland and boring. Chicken was OK at best. Drowning in grease. The macaroni is so bad. NO flavor at all. None of the other 6 people that were there with me liked it either. Only reason I'm giving a 2 star is there sweet tea is GREAT
(2)Tiffany W.
Had lunch here the other day with my hubby who is from Georgia. With his first sip of their sweet tea he proclaimed "this is a good place" which is A LOT coming from him. He has the brisket which they topped with a delish gravy instead of the normal BBQ sauce per his request. The meat was ridiculously tender I was envious of his meal. Fried chicken is good, but didnt really floor me. But i still loved it and ate leftovers the next day. The sides here are AWESOME, macaroni and cheese is creamy but still has enough texture so that you know it's homemade. Candied yams were awesome, mashed potatoes and gravy were creamy and the gravy there is to die for. Not a huge fan of the corn cakes however. Meal was a little pricey but well worth it. we will be back!
(4)Chris L.
I've been here a few times now and I've enjoyed all the food. I've had the beef brisket, the fried chicken, country fried steak and many of the side dishes. If your looking for good southern homestyle cooking I highly recommend you go here. It's worth the trip from Canada.
(5)Mariah Y.
Great people. Even better food. It's unreal. The best soul food I've ever had.
(5)Walt W.
The food was good but the service was lacking. 3.5 Stars, so I'll round up. I must have come on an off day. So I'll give it another shot. They also forgot our cornbread and it took awhile before the waitress come back.. erg.. I really don't need to go on about the food since it's been covered. :)
(4)Tim D.
The catfish was perfect. The hush-puppies were good. The fried Okra was awesome. I wasn't too impressed with the Mac and Cheese. The grits were right on. The sweet potatoes were okay, but nothing special. All in all, this place has a great atmosphere, the staff are very friendly, the service is excellent, and the food was exactly what I was looking for. I wlll definitely be coming in to sample the other food.
(5)Alison S.
Fried chicken has been sampled and enjoyed :) The portion is HUGE, come hungry!!
(4)Eva J.
The place looks a little run down on the outside so my boyfriend and I were a little skeptical but we heard it was rated as superb in the community. We went for dinner on a Friday night. I ordered the beef brisket with yams, mac n cheese and the beans. My boyfriend ordered the catfish. The food was absolutely delicious.Huge portion of brisket and catfish. The yams were soooooo good. The cornbread was so delicious. The sweet tea was very very good. Everything was great. The only thing we think could have been improved on was that the food could have been hotter. Before we left we purchased a sweet potato pie and it one of my new favorite things. Very much looking forward to coming back.
(4)Kristen M.
I love this little dive. I saw it on Food Network and had to try it. I grew up in the south, so a taste of home was tempting. The fried chicken is juicy and delicious. The liver and onions is tender and moist. The sweet tea is perfectly sweet just like it should be. There's a great choice of sides, with my favorites being the fried okra and collard greens (and I hated collard greens as a kid). It's a tiny little place, so expect to be crowded or have a wait. The food can take a while, but be patient. It's worth it. End the meal with a huge piece of bread pudding. My biggest complaints about this place is that I have to drive 30 minutes to get there, and that they don't serve a gumbo or jambalaya. Other than that, I'm hooked!
(4)Kristin C.
I always love to get to try a new Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives place. My boyfriend and I have been wanting to try this one forever. But really, who goes to Tacoma? Well, unless you live there, naturally. Anyways, we decided to go down to tacoma to the point defiance zoo and FINALLY try Southern Kitchen after wards. But of course, it was right after we decided to go on a diet. So we just got a plate to share, which was actually more than enough food. I was kinda disappointed though. I love fried chicken and southern food in general. This place was ok, don't get me wrong. But I think there was too much hype, and not enough deliciousness. We got the 4 piece fried chicken with 3 sides, which were mashed potatoes, candied yams and mac n cheese. The meal started with a corn bread, that was a pancake. Which was actually very good. I could have eaten more of those. The bad thing was they didn't actually have honey, they just had some sort of fake honey thing. Which is weird to me. Honey is cheap and easily accessible, so why have artificial honey? The Candied Yams though were Delicious! My boyfriend thinks they are the best he has ever had, I think his mom's are better, but these were still very good, probably my favorite part of the meal. The Mac n Cheese was good, but mine is better. It was just a basic mac n cheese that is baked, which I like, so the cheese gets kinda crunchy. They seemed to have put some extra cheese on top, which was gooey and delicious. I might have to try it next time I make my mac n cheese. Now onto the mashed potatoes and gravy. The gravy was good, but the mashed potatoes tasted too fake, too much like KFC, and sadly the gravy couldn't save them. I was very disappointed with the mashed potatoes. They aren't hard to make, so why fake it? Lastly, the fried Chicken. Sure, I don't eat that much fried chicken, mostly cuz its horrible for you. I have it maybe 3-4 times a year. This one though was just too greasy. All I could taste was grease. No spices, no chicken, just greasiness. I am pretty sure after wards I had a hardened layer of grease in my stomach. I felt like crap! My sweet tea was delicious though! And the meal was about half good, but I just felt like crap after wards, which ruined it. Plus, too much hype. I feel bad giving a 3, it wasn't bad, but I can't justify a 4 star. Sorry.
(3)Richard E.
The restaurant was just perfect. I wanted to take my son for a good old fashioned big southern breakfast. He had the biscuits and gravy which he loved and I had eggs and bacon with the hash browns and biscuit which was delicious. It was a pleasure being waited on by the staff so friendly and welcoming. The next time I am in town I will be back to try the fried chicken.
(5)Leah B.
This was, simply, the most overall surprisingly, excitingly satisfying restaurant experiences I've had in forever. I didn't know fried chicken could taste like that. I'm positive I found the best fried okra on the planet. Their hot sauce? I normally don't dig vinegar hot sauce and I coudn't get enough. The service?!!! You could be one of the fam. More than welcome. (odd extra praise: the sink in the bathroom is really cool)
(5)Mary Kate C.
Fried chicken is excellent! Well seasoned and not salty. The strawberry lemonade is delicious and comes with whipped cream on top! Super friendly atmosphere. The owner was there and was even taking orders at tables because they were totally packed! My husband got fried catfish and sweet tea and he said they were delicious! It's a little pricey, (The sweet tea was 2.95 and the strawberry lemonade 3.95). They apparently have a breakfast special 'til noon that's only 4.95 and comes with biscuits and gravy and all the sides. I'd like to try that the next time we're in Tacoma. I got Mac and Cheese as my side which was just okay. My husband got fried Okra and hushpuppies and he said that he also thought they were just okay. The catfish and Fried chicken were exceptional!
(4)Jennifer S.
fried chicken so good....make you wanna slap yo mama!
(4)Narnia P.
This is a small diner that I have always wanted to try. We had a coupon from the Entertainment book, so decided to give it a try. The interior is cozy and colorful. We were welcomed warmly by the staff. I ordered the hot link & cheese omelet - very good. The grits, which being from the northwest this was my first time eating grits - were very good. The biscuit was heavenly. My partner ordered the southern fried chicken - super good! The three sides that came with his chicken made for an enormous and yummy meal! The greens were okay, but I think they might be an acquired taste. The mashed potatoes came with an awesome gravy, so good it made me wish I could make a better gravy like that. The mac and cheese was also quite yummy. My taste buds look forward to returning.
(5)Tony G.
We made the short drive from downtown Seattle to Tacoma for the specific purpose of eating at Southern Kitchen because yes, I saw it on the food network show that will remain nameless for this review. We got there at about 930 in the morning, but that didn't deter me from ordering the half fried chicken plate, the side dishes that I ordered were: mac and cheese, yams, and cornbread dressing. They also brought me a cornbread pancake type thing to go with my meal. Now, a lot of people will say that a place like this is busy and popular because of the hype that it gained from that tv show, that is not the case with this place. The food is simply great, and the service is as good as it gets. I cannot possibly recommend the side dishes more..they were great! The chicken had great flavor and was perfectly fried. The one negative thing that I can say about the place is that the lemonade was too sweet for my taste. Our server was attentive until he got super swamped with customers but I don't fault him or the business for that. The owner was behind the counter and was as nice as can be. If you visit the Seattle area...go here.
(5)Fritz F.
We loved it! Fresh and delicious. We went because of the DDD episode and the food was exactly as depicted. Great atmosphere, nice people, and delicious southern food. Kids raved about it too.
(5)Carrie S.
Bottom line: You can not go wrong here. It is all good. and the staff is so friendly! We make trips regularly from Seattle to go here. Parking can be tricky, but if you're creative, you will have no problems. :)
(5)C C.
I had never ever had Fried chicken before my boyfriend took me here the other day. We shared the half chicken with sides of Mac and cheese, red beans and black eyed peas. WOW... its a lot of food! Plus we got the Jalapeño hush puppies to start. I think their strawberry lemonade was just pure sugar, way too sweet. Personally I didn't care for the sides or the hush puppies (too much bread). However the Mac and Cheese = VERY good. As for my first experience with fried chicken??? AWESOME.... I think I gained 5 pounds from all the grease, but it was worth it!! I wish I had room for the peach cobbler!! I was way too full..... next time I will start with dessert :)
(4)Erin W.
Excellent food. Excellent service. What else do you need to know? For the record, I remain confused as to why they top off their lemonade with whipped cream; but on the other hand, who am I to question an extraneous use of dessert topping?
(4)Behr S.
My sweetie decided to take me out to a new place for breakfast one morn, and here we were jaunting down to Tacoma (which when it comes to food, I have NO IDEA where is good down there in that I hardly know Tacoma at all). When we pulled up outside Southern Kitchen (and we got rock-star parking at that), I was like, "WOW, soul food in the Pac NW, sweet!" We went inside and I noted how busy it was even at 11:30 am. I watched as some of the biggest country fried steak I had ever seen passed me on warm plates destined to tables around me. My sweetie insisted I try the strawberry lemonade with whipped cream on top.....OMG, can we say HEAVEN?!?! And it was served in Mason jars to top it off. Awesome as far as preserving the southern heritage and asthetic goes. I had the biscuts and gravy and some grits. The grits were as creamy as I have ever had them, and smooth too, no lumps or anything...plenty of cheese on top, butter and when I got done adding a hint of hot sauce.....perfect! And the biscuits and gravy....was so good, but sadly, the portion was so freaking big (for so little cash) that I couldn't finsh, try as I may (and I can eat alot mind you). And the owner, oh she was busy coming around and checking to see how everyone's food was....this is definately a woman who cares not just about her business, but the happiness and satisfaction of her customers. That is good business there. I love this place and would gladly go back.....cause I know they'll have just as good of food and service in the future as they had then.
(5)Ness S.
Of course I ate at Southern Kitchen? Where else am I going to get a jar of sweet tea in Tacoma, WA? They serve a pretty serious breakfast here. I didn't go too crazy I stuck with the things I know bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and a biscuit...oh the biscuit, so good! My meal looked pretty ho hom, compared to the people next to me going to town on fried green tomatoes doused in ranch dressing at 9am. Then round 2 of what seemed like bottomless biscuits and gravy that they put down. Either way the typical breakfast was delicious. I would highly recommend trying to eat here its an experience in itself aside from the delicious Southern Cooking. The line was out the door the whole time we were there, so be prepared to wait. I am hoping to try the fried chicken next time. I've seen in other reviews that it is a big hit. I wish they served chicken and waffles I am sure that would simply be to die for from here.
(5)Laura A.
So good. The fried green tomatoes alone are worth the trip. Not every day food unless you're in to hard manual labor, but we're always delighted to have an excuse to go.
(4)Tarah M.
How can I go against the grain of everyone loving this place??? The service was great, folks friendly, food piping hot...so why the average rating? Yes, the food was good, but I felt like a lil' soul was missing... I enjoyed the black eyed peas, mac & cheese, and corn-pancake. I REALLY enjoyed their fried catfish which was on point and delicious, as was their fried okra. The other stuff, I could do without...such as the cornbread dressing and fake gravy..yuck. Red beans had little flavor, and their hushpuppies were blahhh. I'm not gonna lie, their sweet tea sure is sweeeeeet! A little too sweet for my taste, but whatev. My group had the fried chicken and they did say it was crunchy, seasoned, and tasty. I would be willing to come here again and try their famous breakfast. So when I'm willing to bust a gut eating food I usually eat as frequently as the occurence of blue moons, I'll trek over to Tacoma for some southern cookin'. Maybe the second trip will open my eyes on why this place had Guy's mouth a-waterin'.
(3)David S.
I was amazed at the quality of the food. Though a native New Yorker, I have eaten in deep south establishments in Georgia, north Florida, South Carolina, and Arkansas and I have to say that I never had anything this good. I arrived right in the middle of a "slam" of customers just after noon on a rainy Saturday. Got the only seat at the counter next to register. The staff were clearly frazzled and stressed by the crowd and the kitchen was a frantic swirl of activity. Nevertheless, though the smiles were a bit tense on some of the staff, they were smiling never the less and the "thank you for your patience" sounded sincere. I really didn't think the wait for my food was that long at all, but clearly it was not up to their own standards based on profuse apologies. Everything I ordered was excellent, with vibrant complex flavors not common in this cuisine and fresh moist texture on the meat (except for the parts obviously intended to be crispy.) Even something as plain as the side of grits sparkled. About as good as it gets... I saw lots of other things on the menu I want to try. I will be back soon.
(5)Mei-I F.
O.M.G. Best catfish ever. Insanely delicious crispy cornmeal coated giant piece of catfish!! Had fried okra and corn on the side. Found out I had to go to Port Orchard for work and got all excited because we have to pass through Tacoma which means Southern Kitchen!! You ROCK SK!!!!
(5)Tammy S.
Holy smoking.. This is like a mini NewOrlean. I love this place. I had to stop eating otherwise I will puke. The food was so good and the portion was meant for two in one. I really enjoyed the strawberry lemonade and candied yam. The food just made me so happy and joyful. Sweet tea was alittle too sweet. But I am an Asian.. So. Anyways, the catfish and fried chicken was yummy!!!!!! The waiter was so nice. Oh I will come back again!!
(5)Vicki J.
Wish there was a 3 1/2 option, but I am closer to 4 than 3 thanks to the great service. Was looking for a spot for a late breakfast in Tacoma this morning. I pulled over to Yelp and this came up. I have heard a bunch about this place. Was a little bit surprised to see only 4 stars on Yelp. For the most part, I was not wowed with the exception of the exceptionally friendly service. My dining partner ordered the special, biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs and hash browns. I had the sausage and cheese omelette with hash browns and wheat toast. It took awhile for the food to arrive but the place was pretty busy. I saw my dining partners biscuits and gravy and was underwhelmed. I tried a bite. The biscuit was good and the gravy was spicy, but I wasn't wowed. My hash browns were just ok, as was the toast. But the omelette was great. It wasn't huge, but a good reasonable size. My partner made a comment that the breakfast prices were ridiculously high. I found them moderately high, but expected that from recent hype. The biscuit and gravy was the special at $4.95 so that was good, the omelette was $10.95. I do want to go back for dinner and try some southern dinner dishes. I understand this is where they excel.
(4)Chris F.
It's not a 5 star rating on appearance, but customer service which lacks these days. I"m tired of people not caring about the service rendered. Me and my friend went there and ordered breakfast. My omelet was a bit runny. Just couldn't get into it. I asked to be charged for the hash browns I ate as I was not looking for a free meal, but just didn't want to pay for the omelet. The guy took care of the WHOLE MEAL! Totally not necessary. I wasn't upset, just wanted what was fair. I gave him a 20 anyhow. I went back a week later with my friend and the omelet was much better. Still friendly service. I'd definitely recommend this place.
(5)Irene T.
We we taveling and stumbled on to this great reasturant. The cornmeal pancakes were to die for. Very cute and colorfull deco.
(5)J C.
Went here for lunch and both of us had the fried chicken entree with following sides...okra, cornbread dressing, red beans, Mac and cheese. Quite honestly was somewhat disappointed with the chicken as it was fairly greasy and no crunch at all. Flavor mediocre at best. Sides were ok. Would have given 2 stars if not for the good and friendly service as well as the lemonade. Damn good lemonade. Won't return but if you are in the area, try the lemonade
(3)Marie J.
1st time coming...last time going. FLAT OUT! Macaroni and Cheese. Hmmm...a good soul-food restaurant should NEVER run out of Macaroni and Cheese. They ran out. That's a "soul food, chalk-line havin'..crime scene" when that happens. That and not having Yams. Oh...they had Yams and they were decent but somebody in the kitchen must've ate some of mine b4 they bagged it because um...damn-- they where just about absent from my order. There must be a difference between 'Dressin' and 'Cornbread Dressin' (the way I spell it) because Dressin which I eat...you can taste sage, SEE AND taste bellpepper, onions and...celery Now--it wasn't nasty but a little on the mushy side for me. Collards had an artificial smokey taste (like maybe 'liquid smoke' was added) which while I ate em'...was unattractive to taste. Catfish. I ordered the 2 fillet dinner. That was the best part. I ordered extra fillets because I thought they mite be small but they surprised me with these two huge slabs. They were really thick fillets and although I like my fillets thinner and a little crisper--they were pretty good. My po' husband however, ordered the 'Fried Butterflied Rainbow Trout Dinner' but personally --I think it was a 'Fried Guppy or Goldfish Dinner' because that's how SMALL the fish was. The Award-Winning Peach Cobbler??? Whoever, awarded that "award-winning" need to be dropped-kicked in tha' neck. HARD. It wasn't even close to Award-Winning and it wasn't EVEN close to a Peach Cobbler. It should be called "Flat tastin', Spiceless, Canned Peach....Soup....Stuff". Now let me say this. I ain't (yep I said ain't) got nothing against restaurants using canned peaches but if you go do that...work dat out and work it out right. That's what they sell cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and butter for. THAT--definitely wasn't a cobbler. I was wonderin' why the lady had wrapped the containers so thick in plastic wrap. But when I went to eat it later, I saw why...cuz it was peach soup! No, the best thing they had to me....was the big 'Ball Jar' full of Strawberry Lemonade (made with thawed-sweetened real strawberry's, topped w/ whipped cream). But hey...I can make that at home. I know how to cook soul-food but when I don't feel like cooking it or get a craving for a good catfish dinner all of a sudden with all the hook-ups next to it, I would love to find a good joint. This isn't it. The staff was friendly but Guy Fieri (Food Network)...you lie. It ain't all that. Soul-food is not just about frying chicken and throwin some greens on tha' plate w/ some cornbread. It's much, much more than that. It's about soul, its about love and it's about seasoning. And I don't want to hear bout no "bad or off night"...I work hard for mine and so does my husband so be on point...and everynight. Unfortunately, this place capitalizes on those who either don't have many choices of soul-food proprietors or/nor-- don't know the difference. It's not terrible but it isn't good either. And pssst...Tony G?...it's okay. You can say the name of the show. Since there's a picture of her and Guy on the wall...you know...for accolades sake.
(2)Henry-Ro D.
The best thing on the menu is the over price cat fish. I'm not a hater of this overrated restaurant. I've had southern food before, and trust me this ain't all that. The sweet tea is nice, but the chicken was over cooked. I had to send back my chicken breast.. Cuz they served me chicken Jerky (over fried). Mac and cheese was dried. BTW, thanks for giving us one hush puppy. Collard greens was good. Over all. But, i cant blame people here in Seattle, because there is not enough southern food restaurant around this neck of the woods. This place was over rated. The best southern food I've had is the Homestead Restaurant in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Google it.
(2)Emerson F.
Wow! The owner is sooooo nice. I mean to be honest, I felt like I was eating back in Houston or at home. The portions are HUGE, and the service is fantastic. There is absolutely nothing fancy about this place. They use sugar, butter, grease, and just about every non healthy thing you can imagine to create truly delicious southern food. I love the catfish. It is fried golden brown and served with 3 sides and a corn pancake. They make sweet potatoes (yams) that are incredibly delicious. I seriously think that you should go find this place and try it. It's real food and huge portions. The ONLY reason I decided to deduct 1 star is because of the dessert we had, which was peach cobbler. It was off the night we had it. The peaches were bland, as if from a can of generic peaches (c'mon, use del monte if you use a can at all, lol) and the crust was a bit off. Other than that, this is one of my favorite restaurants in the Tacoma area.
(4)Ken R.
Place seen on DDD, so I gotta try it. Ordered fried chicken, greens, beans, and cornbread stuffing. All orders came with a great corn meal pancake. Fantastic lemonades, many different flavors, drink comes in a huge glass jar that has fruit in it. The fruit in the drink is the flavor of the lemonade ordered. Enjoyed the meal although I thought the fried chicken batter could have had more zip & zap to it. I also sampled their mac & cheese, I liked it. The mac & cheese had a nice cheddar taste from the thick layer of cheese on top.
(4)Christian N.
Very welcoming staff. Very southern decor and great memorabilia on the walls. I was really expecting a lot more from this place. The food was "OK" but it did not "WOW" me. I will try it again and see if my experience is any better. Maybe their dinner menu will be better.
(2)D O.
its no Cracker Barrel Restaurant. The food is ok. from what i've heard, the food used to be before. pricey, watered down mashed potatoes, chicken fried steak was dried up. and who puts brown gravy on chicken fried steak? Been here 3 different times, hoping the experience would be better, but each time has been disappointing.
(3)Marcus T.
In general this place is delicious. I've had both good and bad things and sometimes what was good the time before isn't as good the next time so it's a little inconsistent. Nice people though, and definitely give the home made strawberry lemonade a try.
(3)Sara R.
Was a little disappointed after all the great reviews. After arriving on a busy Sunday we had to wait 15 min for the server to even come up to our table for drinks...we both ordered strawberry lemonade which is admittedly out of this world amazing. Food came within 20 min but no hot cakes. :( Update: made a second trip to the Southern Kitchen today. Service was much much better but..still no hot cakes??? Food was about the same-my boyfriend tried the steak and said it was below average but my catfish fillet was great. All in all.. It was fun to try but expensive for such hit and miss service and quality. We'll just make our own Southern comfort food from now on.
(2)Kenya C.
BEST COMFORT FOOD!!! This cozy place had a great vibe right when we walked in the door. The greetings were warm and genuine. The dining area is rustic and clean. Other diners were happily digging into their wonderful looking food and the tv was on in the background. It kind of felt like Sunday dinner at someone's house. After checking out the menu briefly, we went for the fried chicken dinner. The entrees are served with 3 sides and come with a corn cake!!! So you either need to bring an appetite here, or practice restraint and leave with a take home box. The meal began with one of their corn griddle cakes. Basically like cornbread fried up like a pancake. The lovely waitress brought us a bunch of butter to put on that. And some honey. Mmmmmmm fresh off the griddle. My roomie ordered one of those famous strawberry lemonades. It was huge and served in a large mason jar, with real strawberries floating in it and topped with whipped cream. It was a good balance of sweet and a little tart. I took a swig off of it, it was delicious. Dinner arrived piping hot and smelling great. For my sides I got the candied yams which were insanely good. I wanted to beg for the recipe. There were hints of warm spice mixed with the natural sweetness of the yam and....molasses? I don't know but they are AMAZING! I also got the mashed potatoes with gravy and rice. My roomie skipped the yams and got the macaroni and cheese which was gooey and delicious with a good cheddar flavor. The fried chicken was tender inside, crispy outside. They also have a damn fine hot sauce on the table. After demolishing our meal (we had a lazy Sunday and had skipped breakfast and lunch) the waitress tempted us with dessert. Normally I'd pass, but I had to try the peach cobbler. It was a big, hot, delicious mess. Fresh peaches, some good pastry and topped in redi-whip. After our meal, we immediately went for an 8 block walk. The Southern Kitchen serves up the best damn southern comfort food I've had in this area. The servings are massive and the price is ridiculously affordable. I look forward to becoming a frequent customer. I'll definitely have to not pig out like that next time though! Might try some healthier options on my next visit. ;)
(5)Glenn D.
The best breakfast in town is probably the most unhealthy but no matter - Southern Kitchen is where it is at! Don't worry about calories when you can worry about deciding between mango, strawberry, or regular lemonade. I started writing this review almost a year ago and never finished it. I've been here at least a dozen times but still needed to go back one more time before I wrote the review. IT REALLY IS THIS GOOD. I have a habit of finding myself inside places that Guy Fieri visits. Usually the ones that I find first are good, the ones he finds first are worthless (Voula's). Thankfully I found Southern Kitchen back like 2001 and it is still as good as always. Get the corncakes...or the sausage. Both are great. The service is great, the people are great, the location is great. Who could hate this place?
(5)Neal M.
Went here a month ago. We were in the area and remembered the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives episode. The good: the food is pretty tasty - liked the brisket and the fried chicken the best. I really like the idea of getting to choose 3 sides because when I go out to eat I like to taste as many different things as possible. The bad: obviously you don't come here on a diet but those drinks are insane. I drank half of my mango lemonade (with a ton of whipped cream on top?) and felt I shouldn't have. Sugar coma was narrowly avoided. Also, the sides were lukewarm when they came out. They would have been much better hot. The ugly: and the main reason why I probably won't be back? My party arrived at Southern Kitchen around 6:00pm. We were seated at about 6:30. We ordered at 7:00. We got our cornbread pancake at 7:33 (I started looking at my watch a lot). We received one of our meals at 8:10, one at 8:15, and the last one at 8:18. I have no idea why it took so long but that was really the longest wait I have ever encountered in a restaurant. So, it was an unfortunately bad trip to Southern Kitchen. The food is not worth that long, long, long wait.
(2)Anna N.
I heard alot of great things about this place so I had ti check it out. But sadly I was a bit disappointed. I ordered the southern kitchen with Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes and gravy but the chicken wasn't fried with anything special and the Mac and cheese was a bit dry. BUT my sister ordered the catfish and that was absolutely amazing! So I suggest ordering that for those who wanna check the place out. The mango lemonade is a must and it tasted like heaven!
(3)Jeff T.
We stopped there for breakfast on our way to Seattle. I'd see it on Triple D a few weeks ago. I'm a sucker for biscuits and gravy, and theirs is great. It's sneaky good, with lots of pepper and leaves you wanting more after you leave. I ate it so quick that I had a serving of the peach cobbler, which I have to say that it's the best ever! Sorry Mom, but it is, it's that good. The staff is very helpful and funny and worth going just for the banter. The line of the trip was: Waiter: "What will you have to drink today?" Me: "Orange juice and water" Waiter: "Want me to mix them together for you, or do you want to do that yourself?" Man, I set myself up for that one. :)
(4)Diego S.
I LOVE this place, it reminds me of my granma's food, I grew up on the southside of Chicago, and going to Granma's and spending the nite was the best because of the breakfast! Just remember that you might come away feeling a bit greasy... I don't know what it is..... hmmmm the fried chicken that is being cooked, I couldn't finish it but it was well worth it, Leftovers! They occasionally do the Farmer's market in Tacoma.... Thursday's so I wouldn't have to head over to the 6th ave location.. I know Lazy but hey when I worked downtown Tacoma.. I could get my fix!
(5)Julie A.
My first time in to this wonderful eatery....although my boyfriend has been there lots of times and raved on the food... We ordered chicken, collards and mashed potatoes...and all was absolutely delicious... there were approx. 4 waiters and they were kicking butt, between, serving,cleaning up, setting up, etc...we were impressed. I will add, that where you sit to eat is fine, but the doors to the cooking area, and the floors (looking down into the cooking area from the stool seating area)...is pretty dirty...so if you need a super clean place to eat...you might want to avoid this place...if good food is all you care about...then you will be delighted to try anything on their menu...it all looks, and smells delicious and by the look of the crowd and the line waiting to eat..we are not the other ones who think so!
(4)Cj S.
Wow! Everything was wonderful, especially the fried chicken. The place was eclectic and gave you the feeling that you were going to dinner at a friends house. Awesome food and very friendly service.
(5)Martha H.
I have had to amend my prior review. When I go to the Southern Kitchen it reminds me of my mom's cooking. While my mother was a fantastic cook when she was younger - fatigue has set in and she's just not that into cooking as she once was - the food is still good but it's not as good as it used to be. I feel the same way about the Southern Kitchen. It's got a pleasant vibe about it and it's the only place where I'll eat liver and onions - which is odd because I don't make a practice of eating organ meats - it's that good.
(3)Carla J.
Late breakfast on Thursday morning! I am craving grits & catfish! WHEW!! I hit the JACKPOT! Whole Catfish ~ cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and moist, sweet juicy flaky on the inside! I sucked the bones it was SO flavorful. Grits ~ not lumpy and not completely dry either. Price: $11.95 You feel like your at your Aunty's house, service was warm, genuine and welcoming...
(4)Aimee M.
We stopped in again a couple weeks ago, and again, another fabulous meal was had. This time I went with the butterfish. It was the best fried fish I have tasted in quite a while! My husband went with the chicken fried steak with country gravy and he was very impressed. Whether you are looking for a traditional breakfast or a good ol' southern style meal....this place is solid. Service is always friendly and prompt and prices are fair for the portions.
(5)Liz W.
Today I had Southern Kitchen. And it was good. Granted, I've grown up in Washington so me saying this is the "best southern food I've ever tasted" might not be saying much, but, uh, this is the best southern food I've ever tasted. The Southern Fried Chicken is tender, delicious, crispy ... the candied yams. Oh my, the candied yams. It's actually CANDIED. And the corn cake ... not to mention the mac n' cheese. So creamy. Top all that off with some collard greens and you've got the perfect last meal. Oh, I'll be back, Southern Kitchen. I'll be back. And when I am, you better be ready ... with a plate of that sweet potato pie.
(5)Marti M.
This place is an incredibly popular and yummy little diner that serves good ol' Southern food the way it SHOULD be done!! Fast, fresh, piping hot and SUPER friendly service! And yes, as everyone noted, they were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives not long ago. My only regret is that on weekend mornings especially, hard to get a table 'cause they're always busy, (I guess this is really a GOOD thing though, right?) though it's WELL worth the wait, out in the wind, on the sidewalk in front of the store! My kids adore the French Toast, macaroni and cheese, grits, omlettes and fried chicken. And all around us, people were "ooohing" and "aaahhing" over their AMAZING looking, heavily laden plates! I should note, for fellow vegans like myself out there, this meat-centric place actually has several nice surprisingly VEGAN options - all side dishes, but check out the sweet-potato fries, hash-browns (fried with vegetable oil), grits, rice, red beans, black-eyed peas (Yep, made with vegetable broth and plant-based "liquid smoke" flavoring, who would have thought!). Top off your meal with some Strawberry Lemonade - or sweet tea-of-the-gods. No one in your party will leave hungry, guaranteed!
(5)Angela T.
Came here over the w/e with my parents, mainly b/c of the rave reviews and b/c my dad loves DDD restaurants. Very small inside, maybe 10-12 tables total, but the waitress was really great, fast and friendly. My dad and I both got the fried chicken (I got white meat and he got dark). I personally liked the breading that was on the chicken. I thought it was light and the flavors were good. My chicken breast was still pretty moist. My dad did say that his meat had a weird flavor, and he didn't care for it. I got macaroni & cheese & the corn as sides. The macaroni was ok, not much flavor really, I've had better. The corn was either from a can or frozen and butter added so no 'wow' factor really. My mom got the texas brisket and everyone loved it and the sauce. Great flavor and the brisket was exceptionally tender. Both parents got side dishes with the gravy. It appeared extremely thick, like it was thickened with cornstarch....too much. My mom said it tasted cornstarchy and my dad said it tasted burnt. The corn cakes were delicious I thought. Also, I got the strawberry lemonade, without cream, and it was very flavorful and had A LOT of strawberries in it. Really delicious. Prices are abt $11-$16. I wouldn't come back here again, but glad we tried it.
(2)James W.
One of the better breakfast in the Tacoma area - I always leave there stuffed and very happy with the overall experience. The price is a little on the steep side but the food and the quantity of it is is definitely worth it. The interior needs help as it's (kind of) run down and small - parking is nonexistent. Give em a try with over 50 reviews and still averaging above 4 stars they are doing something right.
(4)Marie T.
after walking in i did not even eat there .it was packed .sweaty,smelled like sweat,and looked a mess.
(1)frank m.
We had driven to Tacoma to checkout Pt. Defiance Zoolights, needed a tasty meal afterwards. A quick Yelp search lead us here [narrowed options were this place and Quickie Too, vegan place]. After sitting down at a table we were immediately greeted with warm hospitality and yummy southern menu options. But the truth was in the meal; we chose the catfish fillet plate with collard greens, okra and mashed potaoes. The collard greens were the best I've ever had, catfish delicate and simply breaded with subtle spices. My wife and I split this plate, portions were above average. Speaking of portions, drinks were huge; saw a couple order a pair of strawberry mango lemonade with whipped cream topping. We had the straight lemonade. Our daughter ordered the mac-n-cheese, straightforward and known as "macaroni". We left with a to-go box. This place reminded us of a restaurant we found in Charleston, South Carolina this past summer. Service at Southern Kitchen was excellent, good value for the price.
(4)David S.
We had heard about this place and had been dying to have some good Southern food, and yes, I know good Southern food having lived in Savannah for a while. As soon as we walked in and saw that Guy Fieri and Triple D recommended this place, we should have just left. The service was good - the girl was very nice. Sweet Tea was good as well, but that was about it. We both got the chicken fried steak, I got mine with hash browns and my boyfriend got it with home fries and we got 2 corncakes on the side to try them out. After we ordered, they dropped off some HFCS syrup on our table...REALLY? Great southern food and then you slop that stuff on our table? At least make the effort to have fresh butter and syrup, another bad sign. You just knew the meal was not going to be good. The chicken fried steak was a perfect square and one can only guess it was frozen product. Eggs were cooked fine, my hash browns were good but the home fries first off looked terrible and were ice cold! They looked as if they had been sitting there for a while. And the biscuit? What a letdown...I highly doubt they were scratch biscuits, as they claim. Very, very dry. I didn't even finish it. The corncakes were fine, but again, nothing exciting. I have had much better chicken fried steak elsewhere. I was dissapointed as I was really looking forward to it being good. Won't be back, doesn't even come close to the hype and surprised by all of the good reviews. I'm sure it use to be. And we paid $46 all together for two people? I'll be cooking my biscuits at home from now on for that price.
(2)Kathy P.
We went for breakfast. Food was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. Probably won't go again, we will keep looking for that perfect breakfast place. Wait staff was nice, but short-handed, took a long time to get coffee and place an order. Everyone seemed a little distracted by the health inspector that was there.
(3)Alon L.
Excellent food - particularly for soul food, which is sorely lacking in the northwest (not surprisingly, I guess). The price is right, especially considering the big portion sizes. I got the half-chicken...excessive, I know, but I just had to go all out if I was making the trip all the way down from Seattle. The side dishes are yummy - mashed potatoes, macaroni, and the black-eyed peas. I especially liked the collard greens. Awesome. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the decor totally appropriate. Pretty much what you'd expect for being on "diners, drive-ins and dives". If you live in Seattle, like me, it's not good enough to drive all the way down to Tacoma just to eat here (hence, the 4-star rather than 5), but it is definitely worthwhile to stop in if you're even remotely in the area.
(4)Holly J.
Love love LOVE the Southern Kitchen! It's my new favorite restaurant (sorry Lunchbox Lab). I went with my boyfriend and a friend for the first time Friday morning, then the bf and I went AGAIN Saturday morning. It is THAT good! On Friday, I had the 2 piece fried chicken with a corncake, mac and cheese, yams, and okra as well as sweet tea. My boyfriend had BBQ brisket with corncakes and a mango lemonade. My friend had fried green tomatoes, the $4.95 breakfast special that day (biscuits and gravy, 2 eggs, and your choice of grits, hash browns, or home fries), and a sweet tea. Everything was AMAZING, especially my fried chicken. It was absolutely perfect. I consider myself to be from the south (Virginia)... no, not the deep south, but I grew up eating fried chicken, okra, and drinking sweet tea. I thought I'd never be able to find a decent Southern food place here in the northwest. As Guy Fieri would say, this place is money! It just so happens that Guy visited this place for his show "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." Wish I could've been there when he came in! Oh and yeah, when we went back today, I had the chicken again but my boyfriend tried the catfish fillet and it was DELICIOUS. No surprise there though. He also had the strawberry lemonade, which I found much tastier than the mango. Go try it! It's the best. I cannot wait to visit again.
(5)Sean V.
love this place great friendly service .jst takes you back to the south collard greens and yummy mac n cheese plus fresh cornbread.cant say enough goodthings about tsk they also have 4.95 breakfast if you get there before noon .it just the hospitality and smiles and greatfood .
(5)Jens J.
Yes sir, this is the place to go for fried chicken. A good place to eat at after visiting the Tacoma Art Museum or the Chihuly Glass Museum. Don't remember exactly what they call it, but they have something like lemonade, except it is made with mangoes and has whipped cream on top. Decadent and delicious!! Very casual and comfortable atmosphere. But beware, if you are in a hurry you will be frustrated. Relax and enjoy.
(4)Lisa C.
i can never get enough of southern kitchen! one of the best fried chicken dishes in this area.... and i love how they let you choose 3 side dishes with your meal. Everytime i go i order the southern fried chicken dish and their mashed potatoes n gravy is probably the best side dish. I also love how they serve you pancake cornbread as an appetizer. If you order a drink get the strawberry and mango lemonade with whip cream, you will LOVE it! This place is always busy and small and they give excellent customer service!
(5)Stephanie M.
Well, I saw this place on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. When I recently visited Tacoma I decided to hit it and try out the grub. Very cute building, very homey and inviting inside. Ordered a strawberry lemonade and it came in a very LARGE ice cold Kern jam jar. It was good and perfect to have on the recording setting heat wave day. I ordered the fried chicken and two sides, my buddy ordered the bbq tri-tip. We were served corn-pancakes as a starter, we loved them. Our meal came. Starting with the best which was the cornbread stuffing and gravy-good. The collard greens were okay. The mashed potatoes and gravy were delicious. The chicken was a bummer, because when I bit into my chicken breast I got a mouth full of oil, so I peeled off the skin (which is usually the tastiest part of fried chicken) and just ate the white meat. My friends tri-tip was drowning in too much bbq sauce. The tri-tip was PERFECTLY cooked and melted in your mouth, however we had to take the excess bbq sauce off to get to it. If you order the tri-tip, ask for the sauce on the side so that you can monitor. The place had many customers, and the owner made her friendly rounds around the tables and greeted everyone. Maybe I was there on a bad day in regard to the fried chicken. I would go there again, and I would recommend it, but I advise based on my experience. Lemonade and cornbread stuffing was my fav.
(3)Ayanna E.
I went here after seeing it on Yelp, and I am glad I stopped in. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was a bit crowded, but we were seated right away. The staff greeted us as we came in, including the owner. One girl was very nice and took our drink orders right away, but it took a while for the actual server to come to our table. I saw that he was by himself for a majority of our visit, so I give him a break for that. I ordered the sweet tea (very good), and it took a long time for him to bring it to me. It almost came with the meal, which we waited a very long time for. the corn cake comes out before the meal. Now, knowing that the food takes a long time, that is probably a good thing. But I wish it came with the meal. Having that just makes me think about the food that is taking forever to come out. The food is great. The fried chicken and mac n cheese are fantastic. The collard greens are not the greatest, but good. At the end of the meal we went to pay and the owner was chatting with a patron that seemed to be a frequent visitor. it felt like I was interrupting since she was trying to ring us up at the same time. I brought my leftover tea to the counter since I had plenty left and asked for a to go cup. She gave me one, but it almost seemed as if i was in the wrong for asking. they give a lot of tea (which is good for the $3 price) and I wanted to take it with me -- sorry! anyway, she was very nice when we were leaving. i would go back because the food is good, but i wouldnt come here if you are in a hurry to get anywhere or if you are super hungry and want to eat within 20 minutes of walking in the door
(3)Kevin L.
Loved the food here! The mango lemonade had actual chunks of mango in it, and the chicken fried steak was crispy and fresh. My girlfriend ordered the cod strips which were AMAZINGLY good. Their batter was nice and dry - I think they were baked. The peach cobbler was a little watery but it was still quite tasty.
(5)Aaron F.
A long time ago, in a lifetime far away, I lived in Tacoma. I was a college grad and was about ready to leave Tacoma after four years of schoolin' to head back to San Francisco. I remember having a meal here and being incredibly satisfied, but I was not a foodie - certainly not like I am today. Because of places like the Kingfish Café in Seattle and the Southern Kitchen, I not only developed an appreciation for southern cooking, but also for fine foods that simply impress your taste bud - not just dent your wallet. I came here the other day with two former college classmates and another friend, and as soon as my eyes found the menu, memories came flooding back. I quickly ordered a strawberry lemonade, which was huge, overflowing with sticky sugary goodness, and loaded with fresh strawberries (Country Time be damned!). I knew I wanted catfish and I ordered the Catfish Lover's delight with mac and cheese, collard greens, and candied yams. We also got a side of the fried green tomatoes accompanied with a ranch dipping sauce, which were excellent. The mac and cheese was utterly fantastic - and CANNOT be ignored when you come here. The only mistakes I made were that I ordered too much catfish and and I failed to order it blackened (I think they can do that). The only annoying thing was the waitress kept serving us as if there were three people - there were four. So I didn't have a water cup or utensils for awhile, and when I asked for them, it took awhile or got messed up (i.e. she left out the knife). What gives? We could barely walk afterwards and we waddled our fat asses out of there so happy and full. For me, it was a trip down memory lane which only made it better. Yes the Southern Kitchen was on "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives" recently but thankfully this place hasn't become all pretentious - although they love putting that accomplishment on their menu...haha.
(4)Lucinda M.
I went to Southern Kitchen a little while back and I kept forgetting to post my review of the place, so here it is: I, like others who reviewed, saw it featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and the food looked pretty damned yummy. I was house hunting in the area and decided to drop into Southern Kitchen for fried chicken (my personal kryptonite) at...9 o' clock in the morning. Doesn't everyone eat fried chicken for breakfast? Anyway, I ordered a fried chicken plate with greens, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. I originally wanted some cornbread dressing but alas, the fates denied me. Bummer. I ended up waiting for about 30 or so minutes just to get my chicken which sucked royally. And just an FYI, I wasn't the only one who ordered the chicken that morning, a whole family of 6 ordered the same! Made me feel less guilty... My guy had an actual breakfast item of biscuits and gravy, which were so good. The sides that came along with my meal were alright, the collards being the only thing that really stood out at me. We shared the strawberry lemonade which we were unable to finish because the drink is HUGE. Overall, the food was pretty good. Next time I'm in the area, I'll stop in to try the catfish but I won't be going out of my way to hit up the place again.
(3)Eli L.
It's good, but only because its the only restaurant of its kind. I went to school in the south, so, I'm biased. Here's the run down: Chicken--ok. Sometimes dry. Greens--not bad but I'm not a fan of them chopped. Fried green tomatoes--outstanding, just like mom made. Peach cobbler--worthy of my grandma. I like the style and ambiance of the place, it reminds me of old southern diners, like Pilgreens in Atlanta.
(3)Michelle B.
OK, so my husband and I stumbled upon this place heading to a Blues show at Jazzbones. Oh so worth the trip from Seattle! I always use Sweet Tea, Macaroni & Cheese and Chicken Fried Steak as my gauge when rating Soul Food restaurants ... Southern Kitchen has it going on! The Sweet Tea was perfectly sweet, just like my sister-in-law makes (and she's from Mississippi). The Mac & Cheese was excellent hot and just as good cold (ate it on the drive home 6 hours later). The Chicken Fried Steak was prepared exactly how it's supposed to be; crunchy goodness on the outside and tender beef on the inside. Mmmmmm ... My husband had the Fried Chicken and was in heaven. Same as the Chicken Fried Steak, only the chicken was moist and juicy without being heavy. He ate the rest of it on the drive home! Shared it with our son who said "Damn! The little bit I tasted was killer!". We will be back ... and we're bringing folks with us next time!
(5)David E.
This place is worth a trip to Tacoma all by itself. You start off with the strawberry/mango lemonade with whipped cream on top, then every meal comes with a corn cake, a little butter and honey on that and you could leave right then and be happy, but then you have your meal and I am a sucker for a good chicken fried steak. The sides could use a little help but all in all everything is very good. You will not leave healthier but definately happier.
(4)jerritt c.
Breakfast here on a slow morning: good eats and fun. Our party agreed that it was a case study in service presenting just the right amount of personal character. My biscuits and gravy (good and sausagey) were great... why is it that the Northwest is full of ham gravy? Looking forward to trying lunch or dinner.
(5)Patty M.
Wanted to try the Southern Kitchen for a long time since I saw it on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. I couldn't believe how terrible the service was. There wasn't any the night we were there. I had the catfish which was good but the cornbread would have been better hot. It was barely warm. We probably won't be back. Service gets 1 star and the food gets 3 stars so it gets 2 stars overall.
(2)parris s.
You just have to experience for yourself. The best down home cooking around! I love the cajun catfish, blackeyed peas, collard greens, and hush puppies! I always leave in a food coma!
(4)Christopher P.
If you want some soul food in Tacoma this is the place. The strawberry lemonade was to die for. The fact that it comes in a huge mason jar just makes it that much better. I would say that the lemonade would even make a great dessert by itself. I had a great omelet with grits on the side. The omelet was huge and filling by itself. The grits were good, and add butter you have perfect grits. I also order some sweet potato fries as a starter. They were oh so good. Made fresh and deep fried with a little bit of powder sugar on top Mmmmm. Have a need for some good down home cooking go to the Southern Kitchen. Just don't ask how many calories are in your dish.
(5)Ryver M.
This place is totally worth the trip. It looks like a small hole in the wall but do not let looks deceive you. As you walk in you are hit with a wonderful smell of fried chicken and some of the friendliest people around. It's almost like going to a Southern Grandma's house for dinner. You are seated at tables that are comfortable and have character. There is a counter with seats for those that like that sort of diner feeling. I recommend starting off with the strawberry lemonade. It comes in a huge Mason glass jar with loads of strawberries and a nice tangy lemonade. The dinners come with your choice of 3 sides and a nice hot corn cake served with butter and honey. I always get the four piece chicken wing dinner with collard greens, baked mac and cheese and black eyed peas. (I have had the catfish as well and it is just as yummy). My husband normally gets the half southern fried chicken with candied yams, mac and cheese and cornbread stuffing. The chicken has a nice crispy breading and is moist inside. The Mac and cheese is full of a nice cheddar flavor and the greens..omg they are that good. Prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get. I always end up taking leftovers home. On average we spend about $30 whenever we eat here and it is worth it. So for good authentic Southern cooking this is the place to go.
(5)Kat M.
Ordered a catfish sandwich with rice and beans. The service was very unkind, the waitress actually told me to stop talking when I asked a question about the food. My meal was around $20 for a sandwich (I think she charged me incorrectly but she was so rude I just wanted to leave). Not worth it.
(1)George P.
Sorry to be a contrarian, but we weren't impressed. We both got the friend chicken and sweet tea. Bill after tip was almost $40! That was for two relatively small pieces of chicken, two sides and the cornbread pancake thing. The chicken was crisp and well-cooked, but seasoning was nothing special. The sides were good, but, again, nothing special. Red beans, mac & cheese, kale. All good, but not spectacular. Sweet tea was as good as anything you'll find in the south. Staff is very nice and welcoming. All-in-all, acceptable food, but WAY too expensive.
(1)Stella D.
Very friendly staff!!! Food is good and Southern! Took a friend out for a birthday breakfast and this were he wanted to go. I don't go to Soul Food resturants cause this is something I can cook myself at home.
(3)Rynn T.
Delicious! You gotta go here for good southern food. I've tried the collard greens, mashed potatoes, and candied yams (mmm!!), theyre all good. The Mac and cheese is just okay... I always get the fried chicken, they let you choose dark or white meat, and it was amazing. One of the best I've ever had. The mango lemonade comes in a huge jar, can share between 2, and is definitely the best I've had. I did go one Sunday, must have been a different cook, and the food was just alright, not special... But every other time, wonderful!!!
(5)Ayanna H.
Everything was so good. Good customer service, good food. I ordered the butter fish, which I had never had before. It was well seasoned and cooked just right. I ordered the greens and yams with it. All really good. My husband had the chicken wings dinner, which was also tasty and not greasy. I ordered a strawberry lemonade and was shocked when it came. It was huge. For dessert, we were served a generous portion of peach cobbler. While the cobbler filling was really good, I didn't really care for the crust. This is the only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5. My actual rating would be closer to 41/2 stars. Go here if you're ever in Tacoma.
(4)Michael I.
Finally tried it, after seeing reruns of DDD so many times, went for breakfast. It was packed on Presidents Day for late breakfast. Super friendly staff!!! They tried very hard to get every seated and served. Food was hot and tasty. I have had food from the south, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Louisiana, each has it's own flare and the Southern Kitchen passes with flying colors. There are things in other areas of the south that just can't compare, like pork from NC and fried okra in MS. I plan to go back and try some of the other menu items. Biscuits and the mac & cheese are pretty tasty.
(3)David W.
Mmmm. The fried chicken is very tasty. Wide menu. I highly recommend the strawberry lemonade. It is so flavorful and made with real strawberries.
(4)Ginny S.
I saw Southern Kitchen posted on several of my friends Facebook and since I was driving home through Tacoma on April 17th, I decided to stop and treat myself to a restaurant that was shown on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The restaurant was indeed small and they were very friendly when I walked in. I ordered the Mango Lemonade along with my meal. It's a good thing I had the large drink come first because it took a while to get my food. I posted my drink to FB which peaked the interest of my family. Sunday, April 19, the grandkids wanted to go, so once again I found myself driving from Mason County, over the toll bridge and into Tacoma we went. Once we got there, we had to wait outside for 20 minutes before we could get a table. We waited almost an hour for our food. While we were sitting there the kids were becoming very hungry and a little antsy. I was sitting next to my 10 year old grandson and had my arm around the back of his chair and patted him on his arm. My 1 1/2 year old granddaughter saw this and she patted his arm as well. Then my grandson patted me on my head. Almost immediately, this server (who looked Japanese and NOT our tables server) came around the counter walked over to our table and in front of the whole restaurant told my grandson that in his culture it was very disrespectful for a young boy as himself to touch an older person than him. He then walked away and back around the counter. My grandson was so embarrassed and I cringed at the embarrassment for him. My grandson's mother was horrified as he was almost in tears. I want them to know that this was the most inappropriate behavior coming from a restaurant server. First of all we are not of his culture or in his country and it was not a sign of disrespect for me but a sign of endearment. I don't know how much longer I will be on this earth but I will take any and all kinds of affection from this young beautiful soul. In a country where everything is so politically correct and I have to respect everyone and their beliefs and lifestyle, it would be nice to have the same respect in return. This ruined our dinner treat and family time. It doesn't matter how wonderful the drinks were or how good or mediocre the food was, when someone is treated rudely or embarrassed it's not worth taking the time, gas, toll bridge or anything to go to. This server was completely out of line and should have kept his thoughts to himself. It bothered this young boy so much that I was moved to call the restaurant the next day to speak to the manager. I found myself having to listen to this man rant to another gentleman about personal things that I should not have had to hear and then when he came on the line to talk to me I explained the situation and that he might like some constructive feedback from a customer and their experience so he could have returning customers and talk to this worker about his actions. No, instead he told me I could run my mouth all I wanted and that he wasn't there at the time and didn't know what had happened. Run my mouth? He wasn't there? Well I was telling him what happened and he didn't want to hear it. Well, hear this, we will NOT be back, I won't be recommending this place and I am sorry you won't listen to your customers and try to right a wrong.
(2)Loren C.
This place is great, real sweet tea, flavorful anf crunchy fried chicken. Then there are the side dishes! If you dont like this place well then yiu are definitely a yankee!!!
(5)Kim B.
I've visited this place twice on a weekend, and waited in line to be seated and served each time. I really wanted to love this place. I really did, y'all. I'm from Georgia, my dad's family is from Alabama and mom's side is from Tennessee. I made a pact that I wanted to find the "southern" folks up here in the PNW. So far, it's failing me. I've had the friend catfish, mac and cheese, greens, fried chicken, corn cakes and sweet tea on the 2 trips I "treked" down from the Seattle area. The fried okra breading is way too thick, and tastes like it's not hand breaded. The fried chicken breading is too thick, and both times tasted like it was cooked in burned (or old) oil. The chicken itself was moist, so I ate the inside. The mac and cheese is just a ton of cheese on top of the pasta it seemed, no "sauce" or anything gooey. As they say, not like my grandmama made. The catfish was good, I had the de-boned fillets. The batter was just ok, but still too thick. The greens, I didn't eat them. I have decided I'm way too picky about the greens that I make at home to ever eat them out in a restaurant. Even in the south. We ordered biscuits without the gravy, and they were inedible. Honestly I'm not sure how they're made, except in a large cake pan and cut into squares maybe? It tasted like quick bread instead of biscuits. I was really disappointed :( I'm not a corn cake fan. I'm not sure those are officially from the south anyway. My mom has family in Virginia and Maryland that make them, but it's not something I would normally eat in the south. The bottom line, everyone here is so nice and complementary that you really want to like it here. I hate that I feel awful when I leave, like I've had bad oil/too much salt or something. Their sweet tea is good the first few sips, but is really sweet. For those that aren't used to really sweet tea, order it 1/2 sweet and 1/2 unsweet. My daughter had a strawberry lemonade, and after we sat near the area where they make them I wished I had just ordered her something else. They have a huge vat of uncovered lemonade mix in the cooler. Then, they shake frozen strawberries into the mason jar and some other stuff. If people have never had true southern food, they may think this stuff is for real. But, sadly it's not.
(2)Keke M.
Went for dinner and another time for breakfast, this place was crowded both times! They have some of the best fried chicken in the area. People say Ezell's is good, but this place is by far way better. There breakfast menu has some really good options on it, and is offered all day. They don't have chicken & waffles, oh well the chicken is still great! They seem to give corn cakes with everything, and they are very addicting. The staff is very friendly and the place has a down south homey feel to it. Oh, and the peach cobbler really is award winning!! I'm definitely putting this place in my bookmarks!
(5)Eric F.
The review can be summed up this way - over rated. I absolutely love southern food. The macaroni was marginal at best, the black eyed peas were under cooked and the rice and beans were just okay. The service was a little slow, but they were busy so I'd give 'em a pass. What I did like was the fried chicken. I actually liked that a lot. All in all, if i was in the area and hungry, I'd probably stop again, but I certainly would drive out of my way or any sort of distance to come here again. By no means should this have been a DDD location. Another triple D dud.
(2)Calvin Y.
Whenever we're in Tacoma for a concert at the Tacoma Dome or a play in the theatre district, I always lobby for dinner at Southern Kitchen. Even if it means if I have to sit at the bar and stare at that giant picture of Guy Fieri after his DDD visit (that man's blond hair is quite blinding). Here is a rundown of somethings worth trying at Southern Kitchen: Drinks -- - Lemonade ($4) -- There is no other place where you can order a giant mason jar of mango or strawberry lemonade with whipped cream toppled two inches tall. - Sweet Tea ($3) -- it's extremely sweet. Be prepared. Appetizers -- - Fried Green Tomatoes ($8) -- these are hit or miss. Sometimes they're great, sometimes they're bland, and sometimes they're burnt. We've experiences each of these situations. - Fried Okra ($7) -- only get this if you are coming with more than 2 people and if you get this for an appetizer, don't get it as your side dish because you'd be okra'ed out by the end of it. - Jalapeno Hush Puppies ($7) -- GET THESE. These have never failed me. Entrees I've tried: - Southern Fried Half Chicken ($15), yes, half a chicken! Four giant pieces of chicken, deep fried! - Chicken Fried Steak ($15), always delightful and who doesn't like breakfast for dinner? - BBQ Beef Brisket ($15), it's a bit dry, there's a lot of oil that eventually will puddle on top of the BBQ sauce. Get the Fried Chicken or Chicken Fried Steak instead. Each entree comes with 2 side dishes (used to be three... 2-3 years ago) and a plate sized corn cake! For a side dish, the candied yams, collard greens, buttered corn, and cornbread dressing are definite highlights. When coming here, be sure to grab a restaurant.com gift certificate. Expect a wait as the restaurant is small and its better to find street parking than trying to wait for one in their lot.
(4)Julia P.
Went with friends for a bite Saturday night and were able to get a table right away though most were taken and it was busy all night. The service could not have been better. Our waitress clearly delighted in seeing diners enjoy their food and was attentive and friendly. The portions were enormous and I had dinner the next day of mine, though one of my friends astonished me by cleaning his plate (he said he hurt himself!) and my other friend could not resist finishing her food that night. The catfish strips melted in my mouth and I could not stop eating them even though I was stuffed. I had a taste of my collard greens and yams and would pay good money for their recipes. DELISH! I took them home for dinner the next night and can't wait to have them again. The corn fritter was greasy and not the best I have had but it was OK and might have been better fresh rather than rewarmed the next day. Others have raved about the strawberry lemonade and they are right! I'll be back!
(5)K K.
Just recently located to Tacoma from Louisiana and was in search of some home cooking... I placed a take-out order. Catfish Delight-2 Whole Catfish fried with Sides & Fried Chickens with Sides. And Don't forget I ordered the fried green tomatoes too! Sounded Delicious right? Well, All of our Fried stuff tasted like old fish grease! You just don't fry Fish and chicken in the same grease! And My black eyed peas were sour and not suitable to serve. There will be no next time.
(1)J. M.
I have lived in the south almost my entire life and this is true, authentic southern cooking! Absolutely delicious! The staff is always extremely welcoming and friendly, aka southern hospitality. Come hungry because the portion sizes are HUGE and extremely filling. My favorites are the fried chicken, of course, and the biscuits and gravy. The corn cakes are fabulous as well and don't forget real, sweet tea! They also have flavored lemonades with real fruit and topped with whipped cream. I love that beverages come in mason jars. It really is a southern "thang." Side note: Guy Fieri (you know, the cooking channel guy with bleached white, spiked hair) has visited and the Southern Kitchen and was featured on his show. That's enough of a reason to visit. But seriously, I hard core diet all week so that I can come and completely pig out. It's worth every salad leading up to that day. :)
(5)Anthony L.
Real southern sweat tea, amazing fried chicken, need I really say any more?! I've been wanting to try this place for the past couple months as I drive by it on 6th regularly. Once inside, it even has a southern feel. Picnic table cloths, bar with stools facing the kitchen. The service was a little slow but I really didn't care. Food came out of the kitchen fast. The fried chicken was probably some of the best I've ever had, and I grew up in the south. Pepper is a key ingredient in good fried chicken, they have this along with lots of other good spices. Chicken was perfectly cooked with a crispy outer skin and juicy meat underneath. I prefer dark meat, but they ask when ordering if you want dark or white. I selected mash potatoes and mac and cheese as sides. The potatoes came with gravy and where nice and creamy. The mac and cheese had extra melted cheese on top and was also very good. Will I be back, you betcha! My southern roots can't wait to get another mason jar of sweat tea!
(5)Brad S.
Forget about its location in the Pacific Northwest, Southern Kitchen is straight-up Southern comfort food no matter where you are. For me, I knew I was going to enjoy my meal beginning with the strawberry lemonade. Somehow I missed the pictures and the obvious references to it in my preparation for my visit, but despite me hardly ever ordering anything other than water or alcohol at a restaurant, I decided to go for the strawberry lemonade. The large mason jar of lemonade, strawberries, and whipped cream was almost so sweet as to be a dessert, but the idea was certainly novel. Of course, here it's all about the fried chicken, and what juicy and crispy chicken it is. It's nothing extraordinary, just your standard flour dredge, but it was executed true to form. And with the free corn cake they give you, you get a free chicken and waffles thing going on, which isn't bad either. For the sides, the greens were bacon-laden and subsequently quite good, and the stuffing wasn't bad either. It all amounts to a restaurant that not only cooks well, but goes above and beyond to please its customers. That's something that transcends the regional variation of cooking to which it's assigned, and becomes more of a place that just serves good food well. No wonder the attention.
(4)Suzannette D.
The food and service were excellent! The only time I had real good southern cooking is when I traveled to Alabama for business. This experience was real good that I will be coming back again! Had the chicken wing dinner with collard greens, fried okra, corn cake and sweet tea...yum!!
(5)Dana M.
We saw this place on diners, drive inns and dives and have been wanting to check it out for a while...we finally got to try it today and sadly was very disappointed. Corn cake - blah, ours was cold and dry. Hush puppies - very dry and not very much flavor. Southern plate - two pieces of chicken with two sides. My husband and I decided to share.. We were given one huge breast and a chicken wing... Both were crispy but had little to no taste. Our sides... Mac n cheese... No seasoning just greasy. The collard greens were probably the best thing we had but not worth the effort to come back. The owner seemed very nice and checked on the customers frequently. I wished we had liked this place because it seems like they work hard to keep their customers happy... The food just doesn't live up to what you see on tv.
(2)Jay B.
1st heard about this place on DDD & well its definitely a Dive. However, I think that was an accurate portrayal because this is definitely a dive, but that is the charm of this place. Beware of what time that you go; because we went around 6:00 pm and it was hot in there. They bring you out a cornbread pancake not soon after you sit down. I tore mine's up in about 3 minutes and started eyeballing the wife's. They serve a big mason jar of Mango Lemonade with fruit in it...I thought it was good and had the wife taste it and she made me realize that it was actually Orange Kool-Aid. But I still enjoyed it...until I got down to the bottom and kept sucking fruit up into my straw. My wife had the fried chicken dinner and loved it. Me that was some of the best catfish that I have had in about 20 years. I will definitely be back for more. The cornbread dressing was good too. The name is true to how they cook
(4)Ha T.
I can only rate our experience as average. The fried chicken didn't taste out-of-the-fryer fresh. The "award-winning" peach cobbler was soggy and smelled a lot like bleach. That said, I love their flavored lemonades with the mountain of whipped cream. The ambience was cozy and warm. The staff was friendly and warm. Not to us, but to the people sitting around us. Wish I knew why... I'm neither grumpy or a bad tipper.
(3)Eric M.
Good for Friends! PROS: Great soul food! its hearty and savory, what not to love. Also good people and friendly I always get Country fried steak in places like these and thats how I like to judge the restaurants. Was good and just enough. The brisket was really good too. These are the items i recommend. Cons: Service was a little slow. There was only one waitress working there though. I also had to run out to my car in a rush because some homeless guy was trying to open my car. Not a very good neighborhood. Suggest not going at night if possible. However food was great. I recommend going with the boys.
(3)Todd T.
I popped in here last week, and really all I can say is not really impressed, food was ok, prices were high 17 bucks for fried chicken plate for lunch with mac and cheese, corn bread pancakes. Not remotely worth it, won't be back.
(2)Lala K.
We first saw this place featured on Triple D, and we had to make sure the next time we were in Tacoma we had to check this place out. Hands down best fried chicken I've ever tasted! I ordered the half southern chicken and they were very generous with their portions! It was so crispy and very well seasoned! Even my 3 year old daughter enjoyed my food! For sides (you get to choose three) I chose cornbread dressing, collard greens, and black eyed peas. My order also came with "corn cakes" (shaped like a pancake) instea of cornbread. I truly enjoyed my meal! And the wait was well worth it. I was so full I had to take more than half of my order to go, and I have to say my food was just a good the next day! Next time I'm in Tacoma, I am definitely coming back!
(5)Greg T.
Great collards! Heaping portions! I get the feeling that this place is busy all day, every day so don't be discouraged by a little wait... It is well worth it!
(5)Layla M.
No wonder this place gets rave reviews! Hands down 5 stars. Came here over the weekend for the first time and did not disappoint. We both had the fried chicken, yum! The staff is super friendly and the restaurant is just so cute! I will be returning for sure.
(5)Corinne M.
I've tried to fall in love with this place seriously I have. I see other people around us with food that looks amazing, yet somehow I never seem to get my food to taste good. One time that we came we ordered some fried chicken things, and they were not cooking in the middle, and we did not feel well for a few days. This last time we went they served me BLACK hashbrowns, WHO BURNS FOOD, AND STILL SERVES IT TO THE CUSTOMER??? I ordered the homesyle hashbrowns, but my kids ordered the regualr hashbrowns, and they said that theres were great. Mine, not so much. I've seen people eating good food around me here, if anyone can tell me if there is a trick to getting good food here, please let me know, because I've seen good food, just haven't been lucky enough to have any yet, so I've not totally given up on this place... Three stars because the staff does bust butt, and they are always moving and working really hard, they are trying...
(3)Daniel Z.
Why didn't I leave a review for this place! One of the best chicken I ever had! One day, the wife and I just wanted some soul food. So did a search and found this place in Tacoma! From Seattle to Tacoma we go. When I got there, pretty much what I expected. Nice lookin dive, a little cramped and unlimited smells of SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN! I was drooling looking at the menu. When the fried chicken arrived at my table, smelled it, examined it and finally took a big bite! YUM!!! It was what I was looking for. It was crunchy and tasty. I ate it all up. The only thing that made me give it 4 out of 5 stars, I wanted more chicken then what I paid for and I had to drive to Tacoma for some good chicken. Highly recommended!
(4)Sandra H.
Yummy yummy food! Chicken fried steak melted in my mouth. Was pleasantly surprised when the grilled onions were chopped rather than sliced - so much easier to eat. Cornbread stuffing & fried okra all good. Quart sized mason jar of sweet tea? Yum-
(4)Joyce D.
The service was great and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. The food was great! The menu had a variety of options to choose from And I would definitely come back the next time I visit Seattle!
(5)Alisa C.
Well all I can say is it`s mediocre all the way around. I have been there a couple times now and although it does satisfy my southern food cravings I tend to get being from Texas and all, I prefer BLACK Bear Diner for my chicken fried steak fix. The steak is ok, the greens were too Smokey and salty, the ocra was too soft and the service was slow.
(3)Rona L.
So, this is my first Yelp review...and can I just say YUMM?? So, I'm not an expert on southern comfort food, but this place is delicious! I've been here twice now, and loved my plates of food. The first time, I ordered the fried chicken dinner, and it was one of the best bites of fried chicken EVER! Crispy, fatty goodness on the outside, and moist tender meat on the inside. I guess the only thing that would have made the chicken any better (in my opinion), would be the use of some cayenne, because I like my chicken with a kick; but to each his own. The second time I went, I ordered the chicken fried steak, while my mom ordered the whole catfish - both perfectly cooked! The service was awesome! The waitress was really friendly and answered any of the questions my naive self had. She even brought us sides of macaroni during the middle of our meal, because they had run our earlier that day. Totally agree with the other reviewers: strawberry lemonade is a must, and be ready to take food home. The deduction of the one star is due to the fact that the sides seemed a little inconsistent in quality/taste. But with three side choices, you're bound to find something that you like!
(4)Frank L.
Mmmm... Fried Green Tomatoes OK, so first time I had these, and they were good. I also had the Butter fish sandwich and Mac and Cheese, both huge and delicious. I was also pleasantly surprised seeing a picture of Guy Fieri hanging there...pretty cool! a little pricey for lunch, but it was good.
(4)Reece R.
I enjoyed this spot when I traveled to Washington. The Catfish was delicious and no complaints about the Red Beans and Rice either. The owner was friendly and spoke to every one as they came in while she sat at a table with her computer.
(4)Rebecca C.
who knew southern food in the northwest? we stopped by here for lunch on our day trip in tacoma. place has limited parking but there are lots of stalls next door or there's always street parking. upon entering we were greeted by an awesome waitress. a waitress that is the epitomy of a waitress. she was friendly and gave the impression she loved her job. strawberry lemonade = refreshing, delicious, and huge brisket w/ mash and collard greens = delicious, tender, salivating fried chicken = moist flavorful and crunchy corncakes = basically cornbread pancakes. i want some now... read joe b's review sums up our exprience.
(5)Brian D.
Yum! Best chicken fried steak I've had. I really like the fried green tomatoes too. Just show up early to get a seat or you'll have to wait a bit.
(4)Claudette G.
If you work in the restaurant industry, you know the smell of oil that's dirty and burnt. When at the intersection of 6th and Division, I can smell Southern Kitchen's fryers venting burnt oil smoke. I'm sure if you've been by this restaurant and waited at the stop light that you have become aware of this smell venting from their fans. Maybe you don't know what it means or maybe you think that's normal. Its not. This odor means that Southern Kitchen's fryer oil is a viscus sludge - which means its loaded with carbon. Carbon is what feeds cancer cells. I won't judge this place as positive or negative. I ate there several times and left with the smell stained into my clothing and the food was mediocre. But I do think that you should all be aware of what this odor means the next time you feel like leaving a 3 or 4 star rating of a public restaurant.
(1)Hien V.
The husband and I only ordered for take a way because this restaurant is pretty small and gets quiet crowded and stuffy. Besides, if you are eating food this greasy and heavy, you will have to be on your comfy couch and wear some stretchy pants. Big portions and down right southern cooking. I had the fried cat fish with a side of mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. It also came with a pancake size corn cake which was really good. I tried my husbands fried chicken as well. I think they are a bit over priced for such simple food. It satiated a craving and I wasn't expecting anything fancy but this price point is the same as a meal at the Cheesecake Factory, which offers more bang for your buck.
(3)Joy L.
We went to Southern Kitchen for dinner based upon positive Yelp reviews and the fact that it was featured in DD&D. After eating here, I've decided that Guy Fieri can no longer be trusted to recommend restaurants. Maybe it's b/c this is one of the only, if not the only, southern food places in Tacoma, and ya'll are too far from the south to know what southern food really is, or maybe it's just a good idea that was poorly executed. Who knows. All i know is that I could make better southern food at home. Yes, I am a proud, Korean-American Texan at heart, and I have some pretty high standards for staples such as fried chicken, greens and mac & cheese. The fried chicken here was bland, flavorless and greasy. The okra was decent, but it's hard to screw up fried okra.The greens were OK, but nothing to write home about. The mac & cheese was seriously pathetic-noodles swimming in grease, but without the cheesy, creamy goodness that makes the grease worth it. It was also bland and flavorless. The mashed potatoes were also pretty terrible. the only thing good about this place is the friendly staff. Try again, Tacoma. Maybe southern food isn't your thing.
(1)Isaac P.
A friend and I decided to take a trek down here from UW during our spring break. We had heard lots about it and, while it may not have blown me away, it certainly was good soul food. I started off my meal with a strawberry lemonade that was topped with whipped cream and packed with real strawberries. It was both refreshing and extremely sweet at the same time. I was very impressed by it. I ordered the half fried chicken with sides of mashed potatoes and candied yams. The fried chicken had great seasoning, but the breading-to-meat ratio was rather disappointing. The mashed potatoes were perfect comfort food and the yams were very good, though a little too sweet. The service was slow but very friendly. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who wants some deep-fried decadence.
(4)Brian S.
No complaints. Hands down some of the best southern food I've ever had. If you're anywhere in the area this place is a must.
(5)Stephanie W.
I only give this 3 stars because it's been a while, and I remember way back when I was in college and someone really put "their foot in it" with da cookings. After revisiting...someone "took their foot out da cooking" just didn't taste like da same home cooking I was used to back in college. But the strawberry lemonade was still DELICIOUS
(3)Jason M.
Nice comfort food here. I have gotten almost everything here. Was upset when they switched to two sides instead of the three they had before
(5)J C.
I enjoyed everything about this soul food restaurant. The service, waitress Kalimah was awesome and my food didn't take too long to arrive! The food was tasty! I ordered the fried catfish fillet with sides of mac n cheese, and collard greens. The greens were also turkey based (for all you vegetarians or non pork eaters like me) and it tasted sooooo good!! You get corn cakes before your meal comes too. Don't forget to grab a lemonade! I drove all the way from West Seattle just to try this place based on it's reviews and it was definetly worth the drive.
(5)Jenny K.
Went back for biscuits and gravy, which I remembered being insanely good. This time it really was not good. I had three bites then pushed my plate away. Good thing my friend let me eat off of her plate. She had the fried chicken wing dinner. Good chicken, Mac and cheese and collared greens. I definitely didn't feel comfortable asking for something else instead of the biscuits, but also felt like the server should've asked why there was almost a full dish of biscuits and gravy on the table when everyone else was almost done eating. I did ask the cashier if the recipe had changed, to which she replied that it's the same as always. Based on yesterday's dining experience I won't suggest coming here to anyone. Definitely not the delicious brunch spot I had fond memories of when I lived in Tacoma a few years ago.
(2)Punoyen N.
Crave this place like every week! Pretty much have had everything on the menu. Love me southern food! Fried chicken delicious and juicy. Fried catfish good, collard greens good, fried green tomatoes good and the corn pancake before your meal good. Always get either a strawberry and mango lemonade!! It comes in a xlarge mason jar topped with whipped cream and has real fruit, plus refills!!!! Yummy yum yum! Taken lots of family here and everyone loves it. It was also featured on diners, drive ins, and dives a few years back! It gets busy, parking is very limited and service is great!
(5)Warren F.
This place reminds me of a dinner but with better food . Lol . The corn pancakes which comes with the meal are so good. I had to order extra. (Which is free ) . The chicken is they're signature dish . Which makes me want to eat here everyday . 5 stars for this place :D
(5)David M.
Cornbread pancake, tasty sides, and some amazing fried cat fish. If you are a resident or driving past this town, make a lay over.
(4)Janet C.
Went to lunch with my sister.... Awesome. Chelsie our server was so kind and fun. The fried chicken and Mac and cheese... Fabulous. Must go back for breakfast next.. Just remind yourself to diet the following week. Staff was top notch..
(5)Richard R.
No reason to come back here a second time. I came because of the Triple D recommendation, but left disappointed. I ordered the Fried Chicken, and Mac & Cheese. There was another side, but I can't rememember a few days later what it even was. The chicken was OK, the Mac & Cheese was less than average. The service was fine, but not so good as to bring me back. Maybe I should have ordered something different, but the place just didn't impress me.
(2)Veronica S.
I made a decision to visit this place because I hadn't been in YEARS. The last time I visited this place before my recent visit was probably in 2005. At that time I was pretty disappointed because the bathroom wasn't clean, the service was slow and the food was mediocre. Something told me that I should give them another chance recently and I'm glad that I did. I ordered the fried chicken dinner with mac & cheese, greens and an extra side of dressing. I was pleased with everything, The chicken was seasoned very well and the mac & cheese was super cheesy but not dry. The greens looked like they were probably frozen greens but they were still good. I ordered it take out so I can't say how the service was in the restaurant but my food was ready when I got there and the place was packed with seemingly satisfied customers. The only thing I don't understand is the extra charge for take out orders. That doesn't make much sense to me since take out actually is less work for the staff but whatever. I'm glad I gave them another chance. I've since visited them 2 other times for take out orders and they have passed the consistency test. Each time the food was good which was a pleasant surprise. Service has been great each time I've been there.
(4)Bruce B.
Were they on Triple D? Yes. Were they worthy of being on Triple D? Yes. Is it one of my favorite southern food restaurants? Yes. Should you eat there? Yes. Is this a dumb review? Probably. But the food is fantastic and its worth a try.
(5)Zachary Sam Z.
Southern Kitchen is one of those places where you should refrain from eating for a long while before you go there. If you've banked some space in your stomach, then you miiiiight just be able to leave without feeling so full that you need to have a nap right away. Be sure to start with a strawberry or mango lemonade. It's served in a giant mason jar with real pieces of fruit, topped with way too much whipped cream (in a good way). You can try to resist the lemonade, but after you see three or four go by, you'll come around. You might also try to resist the appetizers, but honestly they're pretty tasty too. We tried the fried okra as an appetizer during one visit. Another time, in a large group, we tried both varieties of hush puppies. Not only were they tasty, the portions were HUGE. Seriously, you might get full after the appetizer. If you think you've held out until the main course, think again! You have to make it through the complimentary corncake that comes first. Finally you've made it to the entree - most of which come with 3 sides, so you'll have your work cut out for you. As others have pointed out, their chicken fried steak does not disappoint. Their fried chicken has been hit or miss for me, but if you're craving fried chicken, you should definitely give it a try. The sides are all great as well, but of course my personal favorite is MAC & CHEESE. The last time, in fact, I just flat out asked for a double order. It's ooey gooey cheesey goodness, and a double order means that your leftovers will contain a healthy dose of it for the next day. :)
(4)Joe T.
While visiting my best friend up in Fort lewis, his wife suggested we all go to Southern Kitchen for Sunday brunch. We've both lived down south and this place was like a magical gateway back to those days. I had the fried chicken. Pretty great! I had opted for the mash potatoes and gravy and buttered corn as side. Both were pretty good. I should have gone for the okra as my friend did. It was just like I remembered it. Along with great tasting corncakes and sweet tea it wasn't long before we all started reminiscing about our favorite southern phrases like 'Bless your heart' or 'I don't know them from Adam's housecat'. Our service was fast (which is NOT very southern like, but awesome) and very congenial (very southern like). Our waitress and bus-girl were like two good friends you hadn't seen in a long time that just happened to be working at the restaurant you just walked into.
(4)Leslee C.
Yes, try this place as it is one of a kind in Tacoma. Love their vinegar hot sauce and their sides are amazing. Have been for breakfast, lunch and dinner and never disappointed. But, beware, this food is RICH, best to share and then go walk. We make this just a yearly visit now due to the calorie content. We have never had to wait for a table, maybe just lucky?
(4)Jackie G.
Okay..I've been meaning to hit up this establishment ince I saw Diners Drive-Ins and Dives on TV. I didn't get the fried chicken meal because it was too early for me, but they had a bfast special that was pretty good for the price just over $5 with tax. Of course if you're watching your health and diet, this special is NOT for you. Super high carbs, high starch = major bloat factor. I ordered anyway because I just had too. A picture is posted of my meal. Everything they make is from scratch. No predone boxed or bagged products. They don't season anything on the bfast plate, so if you expect alot of flavor think again. The gravy for the biscuits was pretty yummy though. They leave it up to you to add hot sauce, ketchup, salt and pepper on whatever you order, but that's not the case with the coating they use for their fried items. That right there is a family secret recipe. They will serve the lunch menu starting at 8am, so if you like fried chicken, corn bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, grits and things first in the morning, then hop on down to this family owned joint and get you some southern friend goodness. My next visit will include the 2pc dinner. Keep this in mind that non breakfast meals are not cheap. You can expect to pay at least $11 for a fried catfish or chicken meal.
(3)Anna M.
Oh my lanta, this place was delicious. From the complimentary corn bread and lemonade in Mason jars to the perfectly fried chicken and creamy mashed potatoes to the gooey mac n cheese, I was smiling the whole time. I don't know why it's taken me so long to get over to this Tacoma staple but I'm glad I finally did.
(4)Mikal W.
I have been coming here off and on for over 13 years. More recently because I work just down the road. I have to say, I am a little shocked at the reception of this place. I'm not sure if it is because it was on the Food Network or if people have not had real soul food. Don't get me wrong, this place is not bad, I just think it is a little overrated. For a long time I was unable to get the fried chicken, it used to be very dry, however, they are spot on again. I have had fried chicken more than I probably should have and I have to give them a 3 star in that department. The catfish is about a 3 star, but here in Tacoma we have 10 star catfish which is why Southern Kitchen does not win me over. The mac & cheese to me is a 1 star. It taste like its been poached in vegetable oil. I love a good mac, I also love a good greasy unhealthy mac, however, there is a lack of cheese flavor and a abundance of oily-ness. The biscuits are really only good if you cover them in gravy, I have yet to have a good fresh tasting biscuit. I love black eyed peas, but here they come cold, I'm not sure if that is how they serve it or what, but I like mine hot. I still order it because I love them, maybe next time I will ask them to throw it in the microwave. The dressing is overly corn gritty, some people like this style, I however do not. The greens are spot on, as well as their fried green tomatoes. The chicken fried steak is great! I give it a 4 star, very unhealthy but very worth it! Overall this place is not bad, I just wouldn't say it is the quintessential spot for southern cooking. When they chicken is made right it is amazing. You also have to get their lemonades, I love the strawberry, it comes in a huge mason jar filled with fresh fruit and whip cream. I grew up on a lot of southern/soul food so I am pretty critical about these places. This place is definitely worth going and worth trying.
(3)Lee K.
Soggy okra, soggy chicken, DRY hush puppies. Hard to tell if the flavor underneath the sogginess was good or not. Great iced tea and strawberry lemonade. The wait staff was friendly and quick. I would not go here again. The price for lunch was $40 which I think is a little much for two chicken plates.
(2)Izzy F.
With their long lines, food accolades, and national T.V. exposer on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, one would be inclined to believe that this place has it all going on. On my first, and probably last visit to Southern Kitchen, I would have to say that I was greatly disappointed. I ordered the Southern Fried Chicken ($11.95) with two sides of mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese. Our meal commenced with corncake, and I will say that this was the highlight of the whole meal. The color, texture, and taste made the corncake perfect. With the corncake our meal looked promising, but when it finally arrived I became disappointed by the mere presentation of the dish. Lets be real, when I go out to eat I expect to only see the rim of the plate, and not the bottom. The food was too bland for my taste, and the mashed potatoes tasted like they came from a box. As for the chicken, it definitely need more FLAVOR! I was expecting a lot more from a place with house seasonings. On the upside, the restaurant has a lot of charm and character. The wait staff was friendly and attentive, but I cannot whole-heartedly recommended this place to friends.
(2)Janice S.
After eating here, I don't understand all the hype? Oh yea, just because it was featured on the triple D? I ordered the strawberry lemonade, fried catfish, mac n cheese and mashed potatoes. Strawberry lemonade was good and not too sweet. The catfish was thickly coated with breading. Seems like they fried this on high because it was so crunchy and the catfish meat was dry. No flavor at all. I had to dip it in the (not so) hot sauce they had on the table. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were made from the box and the gravy was so salty. The mac n cheese had no flavor at all. It looked cheesy, but didn't taste cheesy. The rest of the group I went with ordered the fried chicken. Really?? This is not what good fried chicken should taste like. I would rather eat KFC fried chicken than this! The hotcakes were actually pretty good though. This place is so busy and crowded so expect to wait for a table. It's a very small place and there isn't much of a waiting area. Save your time and appettite and go somewhere else. Thank goodness we had a coupon for a free meal.
(2)Chalu H.
I just wasted $56.00 at the Southern Kitchen. The waiter spent the brunt of his time watching the basketball game and took quite awhile to take our orders. Once he did manage to make it to the table, he took ten minutes to bring our drinks because once again he was watching the game. Once our food came, the Fried Chicken was bland and ALL of the sides were cold. My friend asked for some ranch and tartar sauce which he brought to the table while taking a to go order on the cordless phone. I had to interrupt him to ask him to heat my food, which took longer than usual because he was back into the game. What I have learned from this experience is that if the boss is not looking anything goes. I've gone to the Southern Kitchen for a long time and have had great and terrible experiences, but they bad experiences have started to outweigh the good. I've learned to ask if JoJo is cooking, because if he is not in the kitchen (like) tonight, I'm deep frying my money. I'll stay away thank you.
(1)Mog V.
I ordered the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and collard greens. The food was tastey and filling. My only complaint was it took 35 min from arrival to serving. Friendly colorful atmosphere. I thought the food was a bit overpriced and parking is very limited. Now that I finally have been there as good as it was I can't say I'm going to rush back anytime soon but would recommend others try it out to satisfy your southern itch.
(3)Matt E.
UPDATE FOR 2012: My previous review stands. Consistency is everything to me in a restaurant-they still have good chow, still have better waitstaff than the olden days. Only sad the chicken fried steak had white instead of brown gravy today, but oh well.
(4)Phyrun D.
I love their fried chicken. Southern style food with a warm welcome. I first heard of this place from Food Networks, "Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives." Where for the first time had fried green tomatoes. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the fried green tomatoes, but the fried chicken had me hooked. The fried chicken was not too salty and not too greasy. I recommend this place if you are looking for that southern comfort food.
(4)Marcella T.
Never. Again. To be absolutely honest, I didn't want to go to Southern Kitchen in the first place, mainly because I can make all the food they sell there myself, the lackluster reviews from my peers were equally discouraging, and the only reason why I went was because I'm a pushover when it comes to satisfying other people's wishes. They call that a lose-win situation. I lose. They win. Here's how the situation went down: "Let's go to Happy Teriyaki! I have a coupon and the food is really good!" I say. "...But I want fried chicken..." says So-and-So. "But Popeye's has fried chicken..." I say. "Yeah, but let's go to a sit-down restaurant." says So-and-So (as if you can't sit down at Popeye's). "Well, Sister-of-Mine, since I'm paying for you, I want to make sure the food is really good. How's is the food at Southern Kitchen?" I ask. "Well, it's okay. It's not amazing... but So-and-So really wants to go." says Sister-of-Mine. Pause. Silence. Big sigh. Grumbling, I say, "Sure, fine, we can go, but just to let you know, if it's not good, YOU WILL ALL KNOW." And it was not. I made sure to let them know. And now Southern Kitchen will too. The GOOD: The hotcakes were delicious! But why did I only get one? Was I supposed to ask for more? Were they going to charge me extra? I was too afraid to ask because the server looked like s/he (intentional) was going to throw the food at you if you asked for anything out of the ordinary. I ordered the liver and onions, not your typically ordered (nor reviewed) dish. I do like them though, and when they have it on the menu, I have to order it (e.g. Claim Jumper, Pig-and-Pancakes, etc.). The main portion of the entree was a-MAZE-ing. They did such an excellent job on the liver that if I am really apocalyptically desperate for food, I may return just for that dish. The BAD: I usually do not order any other drink besides water (read: I am frugal), but I decided to live a little and get the mango lemonade, as I am allergic to strawberries and hope to see the day when I can eat them again :(... Sadness aside, the beverage tasted as if the lemonade was watery, but the mango was diabetic sweet. Not sure how they achieved that feat. Food science at it's greatest (or worst) I guess. The remainder of my entree=Bad^3. Somehow my red beans tasted very closely to cole slaw (?), my macaroni and cheese tasted as though the noodles were mixed with butter and cheese and then were microwaved (:P), and where were the onions for the liver and onions?!?!?! Yikes... Lastly, anything with peaches is what I like, and the peach cobbler got such the enthusiastic moniker of "Award-Winning". So I had to try it. Seems like they are passing out the title of "Award-Winning" like hotcakes (unless you get them from Southern Kitchen). The peach cobbler was a hot (or luke-warm) mess, and anyone knows that the only way to cover up a culinary conundrum is to serve your food piping hot. The peaches were swimming in an overly sweet, goopy with slightly undercooked dough/crust sauce that nobody else wanted to even try. It wasn't even garnished with whipped cream like some of the other customer's were, and the flavor of the peach was lost to another, better-tasting peach cobbler somewhere far, far away. In the end, probably the least enjoyable eating experience I have ever had, and even though the other people I was dining with seemed to enjoy their food, they could have been lying as a way to hide their shame in coercing me into that gut-wrenching battlefield of disgust! Unfortunately, Sister-of-Mine doesn't know her teriyaki places, otherwise, she would have known better than to say that Happy Teriyaki is just like everyone else. BOO. I'll just save my Groupon for a rainy day.
(1)Betsy T.
Southern Kitchen is another one of those random jewels in Tacoma. Real Southern food in a random ramshackle building at the weird corner where Sprague, 6th and Division meet? Very random! Being a Kentuckian, I'm glad I can get my sweet tea fix here. It's the way sweet tea should be ... sugar water with a hint of tea flavor. And it comes in a giant mason jar, which is a nice touch. After multiple visits, I've learned which dishes are awesome and which are eh. The fried catfish is amazing. I would recommend getting the sandwich over the platter for lunch; the pricing works out better. I like the fried okra and fried green tomatoes. I also like the collard greens and the beans and rice. The corn bread is only so-so. It comes in a very flat pancake form and is a bit dry, so you have to be generous with the butter. The hush puppies are disappointingly tasteless, and I usually love hush puppies! Lunch can get kind of pricey here, especially if your eyes are bigger than your stomach, like mine, so I don't come regularly. But when I do, I'm always satisfied.
(4)Angie K.
Get the lemonade 50/50 (strawberry/mango), it's super yumm! . The fried chicken is pretty bomb. Collard greens & mac were eh. Both kinda tasted like they've been sitting there all day. The sweet potato fries had cinnamon & powder sugar, which made them taste like dessert more than an appetizer-- i wished they had told me before so I would have told them to just make it plain. personally, i think they should just omit the appetizer menu and make them all side dish options. I'll have to go back a try a CFS amongst other entrees, it's just hard to stray from their OG fried chicken - never disappoints. i wish they had more of the closet southern food like grits, gizzards & junk, pigsfeet, etc.
(4)Mr. J.
I started going here recently. Well, the fried items like catfish and chicken are enjoyable. But the side items don't really stand out. The black-eyed peas are kind of pasty, the greens taste like they came from a can and have liquid smoke instead of smoked ham hocks, the macaroni is kind of rubbery, and the fried okra tastes like a frozen breaded product. I will eventually try the ribs and other entrees here, but this place isn't a high dining priority for me. I prefer Uncle Thurm's Soul Food on 37th and G st. I remember years ago, I would always get gumbo at Southern Kitchen's booth at farmer's markets and the Wright Park ethnic fest. I was a bit disappointed to find that they don't actually have gumbo on their menu. :-(
(2)Jessica H.
The food is amazing I had the chicken fried steak and it was so mouth watering and juicy. Normally I don't really like onions but since the chicken fried steak came with it I didn't want to change the way the owner made it. Speaking of the owner she the sweetest owner I've ever met. She is very devoted to her restaurant, she cooks, she cleans, and she even takes orders. I love how she came out and asked everyone how their doing. They get 4 stars because we had to wait a long time for the food and it was so cramped in the restaurant. Although when the food came out it was piping hot.
(4)Camille V.
Really BIG portions! You can easily split a meal between two people. The grits are delicious, as is their fried catfish and mac & cheese. And the strawberry lemonade? A MUST. Even better, they serve it in a mason jar.
(4)Lita A.
Being Asian, no one would be able to tell that I adore southern food. Fried Chicken, greens, Sweet Tea, you name it. So I'm here to advertise for Southern Kitchen in Tacoma. This place is aboslutely amazing. Right off the bat, once you walk in, friendly staff radiate southern hospitality. Whether your ordering to go or eating there, you're offered a cold glass of sweet tea or ice water, and to no surprise, a frosty beverage is drunk out of mason jars! I love it! It took me forever to decide what to order, thankfully I wasn't rushed to create turnover like so many other restaurants do. No more than 15 minutes was my order up and bagged (fried Chicken, beans, greens, corn bread and most importantly my favorite: fried green tomatoes-which was seasoned, crunchy and piping hot to perfection). Granted, the drive from Seattle was approximately 45 minutes to Southern Kitchen (on a good day), but sooo worth every bite. If this is how the South was won, book me a flight to the ATL.
(5)Joceyln Y.
I RATE THIS PLACE 3.5 STARS DUE TO WAIT TIME. My bf and I were looking for some genuine soul food....so we found this place on urban spoon and decided to head to Tacoma to check the place out. The parking lot is small and I guess shares a parking lot with Jiffy lube. We were able to find a spot. When you walk in the place is small but cozy. We sat at the "bar" area (no alcohol served) because all the tables were taken. It took awhile to get someones attention to place our order. When we did get to someone, she was very attentive with our order. We ordered the fried chicken and the catfish filet. WE both decided to have the mac and cheese and collard greens. The meals also came with a corncake...a pancake made out of corn bread. They have big jar/mugs which they use for cups. My bf had the sweet tea and I just had water. The sweet tea...was def southern sweet tea...very nice! THE BAD PART: We WAITED and WAITED and WAITED for our food. Finally a we were served our corncakes which I put a little bit of butter and honey on it. IT was good....but after that we WAITED and WAITED and WAITED for our entrees. I believe we waited an hour to receive our entrees. We thought they forgot about us. during the whole waiting time...noone offered us refills or to just check up on us. I'm not sure why I waited so long...NORMALLY I would have walked out but my bf really wanted to eat there so I waited. When the entrees did come out...they were VERY good. My bf didnt like the fact that he saw one of the chefs tshirt sleeve touch his food when the chef reached over it for something...but we didnt say sh*t cause we were starving. We saw strawberry lemonades being made with whip cream on top...looked awesome! And then of course when it was time to pay the bill...there was a line so we waited and waited. We were in there for 1 hour and 45 minutes. if it wasnt for the wait...4-5 stars....
(3)Art P.
Best soul food in the PacNW. To say more would devoid this place of being the BEST SOUL FOOD IN THE PACNW.
(5)Michael F.
This review on liver and onions only. Best I've ever has! It is moist and chicken fried. Covered in gravy and grilled onions. If livers your thing. There's none better that I have had!
(5)MD W.
Once again Triple D hooked me into a location only to be disappointed and left wondering why do I keep trusting that show. I decided to finally try this place out after a day at Pt Defiance and ordered the southern chicken and my friend the chicken fried steak. We got a pancake style cornbread within 5 - 10 minutes and waited about 45 minutes for our food. Not sure why you give out cornbread so early only to have it get cold waiting for it to eat with your meal so I guess that's your appetizer and order extra to go with your meal. The famous chicken disappointed me worse than the the finale of "Lost". EXTREMELY greasy with no flavor whatsoever in the coating or the meat and ended up leaving chicken on the plate and you're talking to someone who will eat the h*** out of some fried chicken. As a midwest guy whose moms family was from the south I love some good chicken and could not believe a "soul food" place would put out bland chicken! What... do you think this is South Dakota where they run from seasoning like the WB runs to make bad TV shows?! Fried steak... same thing. Sides... mash and gravy taste like something out of a box and can, mac & cheese after a couple bites was like eating gooey plastic. The only thing decent was the strawberry lemonade. Overall, as a guy who has been introduced to REAL southern fried chicken I could not let you get away with a knock off since not only was I not satisfied I also had stomach issues after eating there with the excessive grease. I encourage Yelpers to travel to sample more varieties of a food since this place might be good to some who stay local but if you travel like I do you will be disappointed. Either the cook who makes this incredible chicken was out that day or I feel bad for people who really believe that this is the best since if they only knew that fried chicken euphoria does REALLY exist and yet they have no idea.
(1)Jim M.
Had dinner here tonight on Yelp recommendation. Glad we did. I had brisket which was great. Yams and cornbread stuffing which were also good. Mac and cheese was average tonight. My wife had the fried chicken which was also very good. Collard greens and corn were typical, and she tried black-eyed peas for the first time and wasn't thrilled with them. Wasn't too busy at 7 pm, though most tables were full. Yvonne was great and service was outstanding. We enjoyed our meal and discussed friends/relatives we would bring here in the future.
(5)Mandy C.
I enjoy coming here when it's sunny, to take advantage of their MANGO LEMONADE's with heaping servings of whipped cream. Anything with ice and sugar mixed in it tends to taste 100% times better when the sun's shining you know? The FRIED CATFISH is always a decent choice when it comes to ordering. I'm not sure what kind of batter they use to fry them, but I'm definitely a fan of the tiny crispies that flake off as you're eating it. And personally, a squeeze of lemon with tartar sauce on top, or used to dip, just MAKES MY DAY shine :) I have to admit, the side dishes are a little on the average rating. But I definitely wouldn't turn them away! Not to mention, the people working here are GREAT. Awesome conversations and very homely-like feel. When the sun's a shinin' Southern Kitchen, I'll be back for my food and drinks :D
(4)Bobo J.
Veggie sides...four choices for $10. I love soul food! Veg options include mashed potatoes, rice, fried okra, candied yams, cornbread dressing, black eyed peas, and red beans. Plus it comes with a hush puppy. But I take most of my food home because I fill up on the greasy and delicious fried green tomatoes. Stuff of dreams.
(5)Nada C.
Great breakfast specials for only $5.95 you can get a good full plate of food. Even though the specials looked tasty, we wanted fried chicken. My baby daddy and I both had the fried chicken breakfast with hash browns and pancakes meal was only $30 which is a great deal for the juicy delicious chicken and fluffy pancakes. The hash browns were crispy and cooked perfectly. Fresh squeezed OJ and delicious sweet teas and lemonades. This place is legit with friendly staff and open spaces we always have a great time.
(5)Izzy A.
I just love this place! It's the chicken that makes me come back. And the sweet tea. And the cornbread. Lol. The parking situation is not ideal, but it is what it is.
(5)Alexis M.
I ordered the catfish filets. The meal was big and very filling. The corn cake wasn't as tasted as it once was before. Very dry. But the catfish was amazing and the okra was really good!
(4)Hanna K.
A solid four stars--they have a great menu, from deep fried okra to country fried steak and gravy. The ambiance is fun and colorful, the service is great; all in all a great place for brunch and dinner. If you're in the area, I would highly recommend you stop by. :)
(4)Chenoa C.
I have a new favourite breakfast cafe! The service was outstanding and the food was stellar. And very reasonably priced!
(5)Melinda R.
The chicken was amazing!!!! The people were so nice as well but didn't care too much for the sides Got the greens which were good for the first few bites but then didn't taste so great anymore and the yams were drenched with so much sauce Will return but try different sides
(4)Caroline L.
This place is overhyped. The fried chicken was alright, wasn't amazing like I thought it would be.. I would suggest getting the strawberry or the mango lemonade. Overall, it's a little expensive for how little food you get. But I think it's a good place to go if you have never been.
(3)Lily T.
Do you love tender Fried Chicken and fish? Do you love delicious brisket? Do you love creamy yummy candied yams? Do you love the collard greens? Well, this would be the right place for you to go!!!
(5)Jessica B.
So soooo good!!! My fiance and I stumbled upon this place after hanging out on 6th ave one Saturday afternoon. It was not even 6 pm yet and the place was packed. We sat at the counter so we would not have to wait for a table. The service is as good as everyone says it is. Very friendly busser and server. It was like people from the South came to wait on us. So friendly and had down home personalities. I had the sweet tea, which was a little too sweet for me... but I had them mix it with some regular tea on my refill. All drinks come in huge mason jars and the lemonades come packed with strawberries and mango topped with a generous portion of whipped cream. Before your food comes out, you are served corn cakes. These are like sweet/salty pancakes. This was a nice surprise to me because my dad used to make these corn cakes for me and my sisters when we were little. Sorry, SK, my dad made them better. They could have used a bit more corn meal in the batter to taste a little more flavorful. My fiance and I split the half chicken (all dark meat) with mashed potatoes, collard greens and macaroni and cheese. The mac and cheese.... by far my favorite. I noticed a lot of people on YELP did not really like it, maybe they were expecting a much more creamy macncheese but I actually prefer mine a little dry... it reminds me of my mom's homemade baked macaroni and cheese. It was soooo sooo good! It was the perfect amount of dry and creamy for me. The collard greens were seasoned really well and the mashed potatoes were pretty good too. I was a little dissapointed with the fried chicken, too greasy for my taste and could have used a bit more flavor. That being said, I am from Kentucky so I am extremely particular about fried chicken. All in all, we enjoyed everything... mostly the service and the to die for sides. I cant wait to come back and try their grits for breakfast!
(4)Kaylee O.
The service is amazing the food is so good when I walk in I feel like in someone's welcoming home. There are families in there as well as business people. I've had many different dishes and they all hit the spot.this establishment will have a place in my tummy forever. I recommend everyone eats here.
(5)Leon M.
Took my daughter for Breakfast. I had the Big catfish $16.95(bone in is the best) I got to order some whole pan sized catfish online. The grits were better this time, no lumps. My Daughter ordered the hot link omelette $10.95 it looked a little over cooked to me. However. she liked it. I really like this place just think it is a bit to pricey. With 2 sodas our meal came up to nearly $35.00 not including tip,. I did make it in a while ago and had the Liver and onions. They were good just over cooked. The gravy and onions were prefect.
(4)Billy E.
This little restaurant rocks, plain and simple. The servers are always friendly and upbeat. We came in one time and sat down, a larger party came in so the server asked us if we wouldn't mind moving to the table behind us. Not a inconvenience at all but we were offered free desserts by the server. Outstanding customer service, even if it wasn't required the thought meant a lot to me and my friends. I've had the fried chicken, liver, catfish, fried green tomatoes, collard greens and Mac. Not one was bad or so so, I go every other week now and just writing this review I want some southern kitchen! Do yourself a huge favor and check it out.
(5)Dean R.
My wife and I are from central Illinois. Not exactly a sweet tea mecca but we're accustomed to being able to get decent tea pretty much anywhere. Last week we were on vacation in Portland, OR and the Seattle, WA area where, it seems, no one but McDonalds has sweet tea. It was a week of crappy tea with sweetener. On one of our last days of vacation we ate at Southern Kitchen. OMG!!! The sweet tea was heaven!! Don't get me wrong - the food was great too but damn, that tea was the best!!
(4)Jackie F.
My new go-to spot in Tacoma. I love the big mason jars of strawberry lemonade with whipped cream on top and my husband loves the sweet tea, which tastes legitimately like something you'd get in the south. Service is friendly and courteous (we had the same server both visits) and the setting is really low key and casual (they say, "Go ahead and sit where you like" when you walk in.) The fried chicken is tasty, but I liked the BBQ brisket better (ordered without onions) and I really like the candied yams. The mac n cheese was a little too greasy for me, however, and I didn't like the peach cobbler as much as I hoped I would. But everyone has their personal preferences. I can still see myself coming here again and again.
(4)Gene B.
Had breakfast special: bologna and cheese omelette... Just kidding, but it was offered. Grits and eggs. Grits were perfect and eggs were nailed to perfection as well. Definitely will revisit.
(5)Helen T.
The pricing is okay I guess, kinda pricey but only because I'm cheap. The food was alright, not so amazing but decent and good. The mac and cheese, mashed potatoes were A1. The lemonade in a jar was worth it! I loved it! It's location is out of the cut, it looks like the "spot" met a clippers player there. Service was slow only because it was super packed!
(3)Laroy B.
I go here often the food is decent and fairly priced. I would highly recommend either the catfish filet or half of chicken dinner.
(4)Matthew F.
All I can say is, "Bravo!" Tea and lemonade spot on. Fried chicken & chicken fried steak out of this world & crispy. Macaroni & cheese made my wife wax poetic about her childhood. And the candied yams were enough to make the mere thought of eating dessert laughable. Can it possibly get better? Yep--it all comes with a corn pancake & maple syrup served before dinner arrives so you start to question the wisdom of having ordered dinner in the first place! Without a doubt, 500+ reviews cannot be wrong...and this place delivered in spades. Best part of the whole meal was the friendly service and smiles. We felt like family from the moment we walked in, and it made the meal. Will we be back? You bet...and we can't wait!
(5)Myra C.
Wow. I've been coming here for years, like 15+ years and this place never disappoints. If you crave home- style Southern cooking, it's like eating at grandma's. The fried chicken is great with Mac n cheese. My annual trip to the NW is never complete without a stop to the Southern Kitchen. Ask for the hotlink omelette scrambled style with has hash browns. The links have just the right amount of kick to tame with the hash browns.
(5)Jeanea S.
My fiancé and I went here for breakfast and he ordered catfish and I ordered the meat lovers breakfast with pancakes. The service was great, the place was clean, and the waiter was very nice. He sat with us and laughed and talked with us at one point. I just really enjoy going to eat in a place where the people are friendly, the service, and the quality of food is good and that's what I got there. I'll be back there ;)
(5)Elizabeth C.
I always have a good meal here. My favorite breakfast is the French toast. I also love their country fried steak. The servers are very nice and down to earth. They can be busy, but it's worth the wait!!
(5)Jose M.
Dropped in for breakfast Saturday morning. The decor is updated, the wait staff is still some of the fencepost people on the planet and the for continues to rock. The peons appear to be normal sized instead of gigantic like a couple of years ago. The chicken fried steak was great, the hot links in my omelette were a tad overcooked, French toast was great, my son really liked his veggie omelette. As always, a great experience! BTW come here for real homemade southern food not fluffed up IHOP fare.
(5)Savy M.
Really good food and huge portions. Country family style atmosphere. Very comforting. I like the vibe here. Shy of 5 stars because service takes a while because it's so busy and compact. Food takes awhile to come out to so be prepared to stay awhile. Other than that everything is amazing. I drove from Seattle just to eat here and will do it again any day.
(4)Nick C.
The fried chicken is good, I'll give it that. The best I've had in Washington state. I also like that my meal came with a hoe cake. However, there's also too many issues I have with this place. First, the mac and cheese - the macaroni was overcooked; on the border of being soft and mushy. The béchamel sauce was a good consistency, but unfortunately, was not cheesy enough. The collard greens were a disappointment. Too salty, and not enough pork fat. Lastly, it's just too expensive. 2 pieces fried chicken meal and a sweet tea set me back $20. Your chicken is good, but that is just overpriced. Good chicken, just mediocre at everything else, unfortunately.
(3)Samantha L.
I wish I could give this place a better review, but almost every time I go here they mess up my order. That wouldn't bother me so much if they didn't argue with me about it every time I tell them it wrong. It's not just asking for no mayo or something like that, they give me the completely wrong item. Now overall the food is pretty good especially the fried chicken. I have also gotten the whole fried fish, but I think there is too much batter on the fish for me. There mac and cheese sounded really good but just ended up being ok. The mango lemonade and strawberry lemonade are amazing I would definitely try those if you decide to go here. My husband and I will not be coming back anytime soon, as we have had too much bad luck with the service.
(3)Arizona P.
This place is Yummie!!!! We (my husband and I) had the strawberry and mango lemonade, chicken wing dinner, liver and onions, greens, beans and corn cake. Very fine home kitchen table tasting. We took the peach cobbler to go and ate it at home later. It was great.
(5)Cool Nutz X.
Southern Kitchen has been a staple eatery in my NW travels for over 5 years. Great staff, great food, and good environment. I suggest the almost anything on the menu. Breakfast lunch and dinner are amazing. Great community and family run establishment. If you love soul food and good home cooking you won't be mad.
(5)Erin H.
Though the atmosphere and mason jars felt like a traditional southern experience, the food was lacking. Mac n cheese was cold, greens weren't too flavorful. The cornbread dressing and fried chicken are the only things deserving as much hype as the restaurant gets.
(2)Arnold P.
Great brisket dinner and strawberry lemonade. Fun food with great character/characters.
(4)Mad M.
Southern cooking . Featured on DDD several years ago. Always packed on weekends. Ventilation not too good and you wil l smell of greasy diner after you leave. Their strawberry lemonade is the bomb
(4)Nittaya S.
All I can say is this placed is overhyped. The cat fish had no flavor, and I was kind of mislead about the menu. But service was great, it gets really busy so come early. It's honestly too compact for me.
(2)Angel N.
My best friend and I were visiting and we wanted to try a breakfast place, and this was one of the closest and well rated place nearby. I wouldn't say I would ever "crave" this place nor would I mention that I've been there in conversation. If someone asked then I would talk about it. It's one of those places that was mediocre to me. The food wasn't all that great. The ONLY items I could recommend is the corn pancakes, (yummy yummy) and the strawberry lemonade. Everything else would have tasted better at ihop in my opinion. They're breakfast menu anyways. My boyfriend who joined us later seemed to enjoy the fried chicken. The service wasn't too bad but she wasn't friendly either. Maybe because it was ONE woman serving the whole restaurant (keep in mind the place is not very big) but still... Her body language told us she good to be bothered and she wanted to get our order and be done. The only reason why I didn't let it ruin my experience entirely is because I felt bad for her. She tried to be somewhat attentive and I know how it feels to be so busy waiting tables HOWEVER she could have been nicer. It's a small little restaurant... Any group larger than 10 should find a different place. 3 out of 5: it wasn't bad but it definitely wasn't good.
(3)Daizy S.
Went here after catching the listing on yelp about a quarter mile from the exit off i5. Read some of the reviews before going in. Well, the chicken was outstanding. Nice, marinated, tender meat with a crisp, tasty coating. BOMB! The greens, grits, corn cake and fried green tomato, 5 star! The black Eyed Peas 4 star, the mac was the only thing I didn't care for but I loooove my own Mac so that's totally personal preference. My friend opted for mashed potato, I laughed at her...why bother with diner mashed when you can have real food! The strawberry lemonade was a heart attack in a huge mason jar and worth every calorie! The server was a total sweetheart. It's rare, that I go to a joint like this, and enjoy myself because I can cook my pants off. I highly recommend!!!
(5)Treysea T.
Brought out of town guest here for breakfast on a late Saturday morning. The wait most every other place along 6th was over an hour, so I suppose we should have taken the fact that Southern Kitchen had NO wait as a sign. We were seated immediately, and the staff was kind as usual; however, the breakfast food was meh at best...the bacon was hella greasy, really thin and looked old; the country fried steak was almost ALL deep fried batter and the gravy was missing any and all zeal. My side of collard greens were shredded nearly the point of mush; no jam on our table to go with the toast and mediocre coffee. The place seemed understaffed that morning - long wait for clean utensils, water refills and sugar and other condiments. It may have been an off day, it may have been a typical day, but I was bummed breakfast was sooo unspectacular.
(2)Cheryl L.
If you like southern food cooked at it's best with a wide variety to choose from then this is the place to go. From bbq to catfish or pork chops, etc., awesome cornbread and iced tea or lemonade served in old fashioned jars. Very comfortable and friendly staff.
(4)Bigg L.
They have the best Mango Lemonade (I loved the big chunks of mango floating around)lol.. BUT on the other hand, they over fry their chicken! I really wanted a good tasting seasoned moist chicken breast..nope, it was as dry as Arizona! Damn
(2)Hillary S.
Southern Kitchen was a place that my husband and I had to try. We were both born and raised in the Deep South and often miss southern cooking. We really thought this would be a new favorite. My husband ordered breakfast and he did enjoy his omelette and grits. He said the biscuits were dry but the gravy was great. I ordered the southern chicken. Whoa. The chicken had NO taste. Like...no seasonings. Didn't even taste basic salt and pepper. And it was really dry. I couldn't even finish my chicken breast. Just far too dried up. The mac and cheese was good, as well as the okra. They should ditch the corn cake and make some good cornbread. 23 years in the south and I've never seen a corn cake. Service was good, our waitress was nice and attentive. Food came out pretty quickly. Next time, I'll try the veggie platter. I would like to try some of the other sides. But I'll stick with Popeye's or KFC for my fried chicken cravings.
(3)Jill E.
With Guy Fieri poster on the wall from Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and lots of other awards, you know it's going to be good. After living in Tacoma for six years finally made it for breakfast lured by the idea of being able to have grits instead of potatoes. I wasn't disappointed. There's a choice of the normal things, pancakes, eggs, French toast and lots of meat sides and fillings for the meat lover. I opted for the southern garden omelette which was filled with tons of veggies and I appreciated it didn't have a ton of cheese on top. I fact there was no cheese in sight. You have a choice of sides so of course I took the grits. I could have eaten just a huge bowl of those which when I asked about later, the server said no problem. Very authentic with tons of butter. I'm sure my cholesterol went up 10 points but who cares. Could have had a biscuit instead of toast but you have to limit yourself some place. My friend had French toast and a side of bacon and I mean a huge side of bacon. They squeeze their juices themselves which is a plus. Looked at the menu, going back to try the fried chicken for lunch. It comes with collard greens. Yum.
(5)Tera S.
Great food! Everything I got was delicious (catfish fillets, yams, fried okra, chicken wings). Friendly environment and staff. Parking/seating is very limited. If you can help it, it's probably best to phone in your order and pick it up when ready. But overall good experience.
(4)Calvin S.
Southern Kitchen is an amazing soul food restaurant! The mac and cheese is great, the fried chicken is great and the strawberry lemonade is great! I'm from Florida and living in Washington you kind of lose that authentic southern taste! I can totally see what all the buzz is about for southern kitchen. I will recommend this place to everyone I know!
(5)Rachel M.
This place is pretty adorable, and the strawberry lemonade is a big ol' mason jar of delicious pre-diabetes, but I don't see what all of the fuss is about the food. Not much of the food tasted "home-made" as they claim. The fried chicken was exceptional, and truly Southern- so points for that. The collard greens were okay, but they were bitter and tasted too much like pork and not enough like greens. The mac and cheese was the traditional Southern recipe, but came out cold and hard. :( The fried green tomatoes were pretty good, but dry, and they came with no remoulade or dipping sauce, which was weird. The mashed potatoes were surely instant, as was the gravy, and the okra (also came out cold and hard) was the frozen kind that you throw in the deep fryer and serve. My fish was decent, and a very large portion. My boyfriend had the fried chicken and they served him only a wing, then brought the breast about 10 minutes later when he was 3/4 through his meal. Hot food should be hot, ya'll. This is not complicated.
(3)Allaina D.
Just left this place and the service is HORRIBLE! We waited for OVER an HOUR!!! They didn't comp anything and barely apologized! The owner told us after that a fryer was down yet everyone around us got their food. We were all white and I really hope that wasn't the reason why we were forgotten about! I would not recommend this place to anyone and I didn't even try the food because it came so late that we just got it to go. There was also a hair in the food and again NOTHING was comped or given for free! The poor server was the only nice employee there. Horrible place!
(1)Erickson E.
Whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner -- Southern Kitchen is the best 'genuine southern cooking' in the Pacific Northwest. My favorite plate is the southern fried chicken with mac'n'cheese, corn, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, corn cakes and a big mason jar of sweet tea. My friends often ordered the catfish, chicken fried steak and cheeseburger -- and never failed to mutter, around mouthfuls, "this is the best lunch in Tacoma." The one time I ate here for breakfast I was very impressed -- the eggs, bacon, hash browns and ham were all excellent and the coffee & orange juice tasted all the better for it. Bring your appetite -- I've only finished my whole meal once, and I'm known as a big eater.
(5)R T.
I am not joking. This is the BEST Soul food this side of the Mississippi River. Let me repeat myself, This is the BEST Soul food this side of the Mississippi River. Case closed.
(5)Chris A.
I saw this place on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (love that show) and wanted to try it if ever I got a chance. It was good, I don't know that I would seek it out again as I didn't think it was so great that I would need to return. I would say that it was worth trying. The food will not disappoint. I had the chicken fried steak and eggs and I really enjoyed it. The fried chicken was great, the catfish not so much. The sweet tea is definitely sweet, I guess you don't order sweet tea and expect it not to be sweet. The place was a little on the dirty side for my taste which is the reason for 3 stars instead of 4. Our waiter was great as were the others working there so overall it was a good experience . . . not tremendous . . . good . . .okay, very good!
(3)Sarah M.
I was visiting a friend down in Tacoma a few weeks ago and yelped for some good lunch suggestions. Southern kitchen looked great and had rave reviews so I decided to try it out. It was more than I expected! I ordered the cajun catfish, candied yams, and mac and cheese. Everything was phenomenal. I couldn't have asked the staff to be any more kind and helpful. I loved my experience. I had no idea that it was featured on diners drive in and drives. After you taste their food and meet their staff, you can find out for yourself why.
(5)paul t.
I love southern soul food! This place is in the cuts , lil ghetto area but the food is excellent! I love there bbq briskets, chicken, mmmMMm Mango ice tea with whip cream on top, candy yams, cauli greens and mac n cheese. Very small moms and pops place, so you know they get down in the kitchen! Have fun, enjoy great eats!
(5)Peter T.
I used to be a fan of Southern Kitchen, now I think the place has gone way down hill. Don't get me wrong they still have the best strawberry lemonade i've ever had but other than that the place is just average. Ever since the restaurant got national exposure it has been just okay. Unfortunately there is not many other options for southern style food in Tacoma or WA for that matter. Southern Kitchen you need to step up your game.
(2)Stacy E.
This place is so so good. I ended up getting a whole bunch of sides, which was excellent. The service was good, too. I did end up feeling about 5-10 times fatter after leaving. And the mashed potatoes were a powdered mix. But what can you do?
(4)Gunther W.
I went here for lunch and it wasn't very hard to find, but if you aren't careful, you will miss it. I had the 1/2 fried chicken plate with mashed potatoes, buttered corn, and mac & cheese. The chicken was GREAT. The spices were just the right combination and it was piping hot. Only minor comment I have on the chicken was that the wing and leg were very small. I was VERY disappointed with the mashed and corn. The mashed seemed like they were made with water, rather than milk and butter. The corn seemed like it was just heated frozen corn. They both could have used a little seasoning in the kitchen and it would have made a world of difference. The strawberry lemonade was WOW!!! Just AWESOME! I have never had anything like it with the fresh pieces of strawberry in a quart glass. But for $20, I was expecting a little more on the size of the chicken and the sides to taste more like homemade. I might return for the breakfast though. It looked outstanding!!
(3)Gina T.
The search for the best BBQ around has officially ended, you can stop looking I found it at the southern kitchen in Tacoma. The portions are huge, we split a dinner got an extra side and sweet potato pie slice and had food for two for the next day or so. The waitress was the nicest woman and made us feel like family the second we walked in the door. This is a must try if your a real BBQ fan ... But let's keep this between you and I because I don't wanna have to wait in line when the word gets out about how great this place is!
(5)megan k.
Southern Kitchen! I love this place. I went in the morning with a friend, I ordered Chicken Fried Steak. Tastes great, even better price and our waiter was just about the friendliest ever.
(5)Nick H.
I've only been here a few times, but each time has been fantastic. On the last visit, I had the beef brisket and was pleasantly surprised at the generous portion I received. My sister-in-law had the chicken fried steak and said it was "money." My brother had the butterfish. It was his first time having that type of fish and he thought it was cooked just right. The sides are always delish. With each entree, you get to choose three, and really, you can't go wrong. I love the cornbread dressing. Did I mention you also get a corncake, bringing the total sides to 4? Drinks are served in mason jars, and the sweet tea is very sweet. Try one of the flavored lemonades. The service is great. Everyone who works there is always friendly and welcoming. It is often crowded in the evenings, so be prepared to wait, but it is worth it.
(5)Singto K.
Downgraded to 3-Stars, 2nd visit, nothing special, just A-OK! Fried Chicken was OK, Beef Brisket was OK, Sides were OK, Corn Cakes were OK, Mango Lemonade was OK, Service was OK, just plain A-OK!
(3)Emily H.
Oh, the Southern Kitchen! There is nowhere I'd rather be in Tacoma. I cannot recommend the Southern Kitchen more for delicious food and fantastic atmosphere. The staff is incredibly friendly, they love to talk with us. And I guess before I started coming, they'd tell my guy friends dirty jokes when they'd pop in for breakfast. The Southern Kitchen feels like a regular's kind of place, and as much as I'd love to eat there everyday I only get out to Tacoma once every three months or so. Still, they always make us feel welcome. And, if I can say without sound cheesey, like family. It's seriously like eating at your awesome southern cousin's house. Ex. One time, the waitress found out that my boyfriend had never had grits before so she insisted on MAKING him try it and brought out all the different condiments for it so he could decide which way he liked best. And I always feel like I have to clean my plate, which is not a problem because it's so delicious. My favorite? Corncakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and a big ol' Strawberry Lemonade in a glass jar. Delicious! Get there early for the super cheap breakfast special!
(5)J A.
What a disappointment! I had been raving about this place to my sister and she finally agreed to go. She was served a spoiled, rotten, and probably decomposed meat. I had a taste of it myself and it did not taste and smell right. It stunk! I was very much surprised of the owner's response when informed of the foul chicken by my sister and her insistance that she smell and taste the chicken. She responded with: "I can't. I'm a Vegan." What Vegan would own and operate an establishment known for their fried chicken?! Please note that though this experience has been unpleasant, I must say that the owner has always been very friendly since I've discovered of the place in 2008. Nevertheless, I'll never be albe to eat there again or eat at a restaurant for that matter.
(1)Clementine R.
My first visit....It was a busy Saturday morning, at 11am, the service staff is full of smiles and hospitality, but that still didn't make my "corncakes" taste better. While they were not "bad", but I was hoping they'd have a crispness that comes with corn, but they were soft and cake like and dried my mouth out so that I needed to put three pats of butter on the stack of two, and they still seemed too dry. Some like that, obviously, but it just wasn't what I'd anticipated. My bacon had a great smokey flavor, but I like bacon on the chewy/crisp side. This was more undercooked, where the fatty parts were not the slightest bit crisp, but stretched jiggled and snapped, if you know what I mean. Some like that, too, I understand. The scrambled eggs were done well. I will go back, this time for chicken and sweet potato pie.
(3)Theresa F.
Not so much! I feel bad for rating this so low- I don't know if it was just an off day for them but the food was NOT good. The fried chicken did not have a lot of flavor. All the sides seemed generic/canned. Peach Cobbler was AWFUL. I was shocked by how bad it was. I rated this place 2 stars. The first star was for the strawberry lemonade- that was delicious. The second star was because I enjoyed chatting with the waitress.
(2)Jennifer K.
Small, awesome place that serves up some damn tasty fried chicken. Take your appetite and high cholesterol medication when you go. Caveat emptor: The strawberry lemonade is served in a quart jar (that's a lot of liquid) Your clothes will smell like fried until they're washed.
(5)Cody E.
I have wanted to go to this place for a year now. I just finally made it in, even though I live right around the corner. I am a big fan of southern food but have not found too many places I really like. I find that many places that serve this type of food over-do it with big portions, greasy food, and "southerness". Southern Kitchen was a big relief for me. The food was good, portions were normal, and tastes were balanced. I had chicken fried steak, eggs, and home fries. The home fries were a little greasy, but the eggs were a perfect over-medium and the chicken fried steak was crispy and light (of course the gravy was not). The chicken fried steak made a crunch noise as the pockets of air between the breading and the meat collapsed. This was quite the feat, considering it was smothered in gravy. It made me wonder what the fried chicken was like. This was the best chicken fried steak i have ever had, and I don't know if I can go back to eating anywhere else. I tried a bite of catfish of a friends plate, along with some fried okra. Everything was good, save the home fries, which were still not bad. Southern Kitchen will see me again soon, perhaps for dinner next time.
(4)Amy Y.
We went looking for a good breakfast on Sunday. Not being from the area, we did a quick Google and found references to Southern Kitchen. It wasn't far from where we were, so we headed on over. There's a bit of parking in a small lot, and street parking. Both were packed. We must've been meant to go there, however, as we circled once and three cars in a row were leaving. Edit: Some time later we went back, again, for breakfast. We had a friend in tow who grew up Southern, and she said her Grandma would have died and gone to heaven if she'd been able to try Southern Kitchen. She was thrilled with her fried okra and other southern flavors she said were missing from her life since her last big family reunion. The funny thing was despite the place being packed again, we ended up at the same table we did the first time. Our waitress was so damn friendly I wanted to just pull out our fourth chair and have her join us, but she was BUSY, flying here there and all around taking care of everyone with the same, "Baby, what can I get for you?" mothering manner. I love Southern Kitchen! Inside the place is close, and it was packed on this Sunday morning. There are tables and a counter with stools. Cozy. The staff were prompt and attentive, and we watched in awe as plate after plate of very good looking things passed by. The menu is not huge -- that's actually something I like. Do some things and do them well... don't worry about doing EVERYTHING. Breakfast options included catfish (whole or fillet), and I was tempted to try (I'm a northerner... fish for breakfast? What's crazy!) but the special couldn't be denied: eggs, hash browns, and biscuits and gravy for a very small price. You MUST have a strawberry lemonade. I declined the mountain of whipped cream that comes on it by default, but the huge quart jar of muddled strawberries and lemonade was divine. The place is funky -- looking along the wall by the cooler was an outlet that had exploded wires, and don't look TOO closely at anything above eye level, because I'm telling ya it's NOT clean. But the plates were clean, the table was clean, the staff were friendly and fast and the food was yummy and fit the bill.
(5)Kema N.
Never disappointed with the service or food! I always leave satisfied. The sweet tea is great everytime :-)
(5)Brenda A.
My husband came here several years ago. I had never been. I love fried chicken and so he recommended one night for us to go here for dinner. It's a greasy little diner - as you walk in the smells from the kitchen and the smells of the grease envelops you. The waitress was very friendly. I ordered the half fried chicken meal with mashed potatoes and mac n cheese. My husband ordered the catfish fillets with fried okra and greens. We both ordered the sweet tea, which are served not in glasses, but in big mason jars. The sweet tea was delicious. We had a choice of what kind of bread to have with our meals, and we both ordered the corn cakes. Which were really good with butter and drizzled with honey (they look like pancakes). The fried chicken was nom nom nom divine. Perfectly crispy on the outside, seasoned right, and mouth-watering juicy inside. But the mashed potatoes weren't all that good (I had a suspicion that they might be instant), and neither was the mac n cheese. I tried my husband's greens and fried okra, and they were good. He didn't like his catfish very much. The food I got was way too much for me to eat. We decided that next time if we come here, we will just order one half fried chicken meal to share between the both of us, with fried okra and greens. I wish I could give this place more stars because the chicken was so good (and the sweet tea too). But for now, I can only give it 3 because the sides were a bit lacking (except the corn cake and greens).
(3)Mw C.
Came here due to the food network show of this guy that came here. As we entered we saw the same lady from the segment. She was very nice but was the only one that took good care of us. There were many servers walking like crazy but they took time to ask if we wanted to drink anything and once he served it that was it. As I am eating the chicken fried steak and the collards it was like eating at Dixie Cafe but the fried okra was cold and the mac and cheese were dry. I loved the sweet iced tea. Again the only one that was nice and attentive was the lady but not the other ones. I may come again if we are in the area but I doubt it as we live far away. I was expecting more based in the video I saw :(.
(3)Kelly M.
I'm a fan with reservations. I've loved the Southern Kitchen for years, being a Tacoma native. I hadn't been in years, though, until this week, and was dancing as I walked along 6th Ave to enter into the joint. I got the fried chicken, and was looking forward to my three sides: black eyed peas, mashed potatoes and gravy, and macaroni and cheese. My chicken was smoking hot, delicious with a crispy crust and moist meat. My sides were cold. In the lukewarm category that eliminates any possible enjoyment. And our corn bread came to us after we had our food for about 10 minutes. They were slammed when we were there, but no help was on it's way (and frankly, I wanted to eat my chicken avec said sides) so I sought my waiter out behind the counter to see if I could get new sides. I did, but the timing was such that the meal couldn't be enjoyed as an entirety. It was piecemeal. And not worthy of the dancing I had done heading into the joint. My companion had the brisket, which literally melts in your mouth. And we had enough food for two more meals. So the chicken lived up to my memory, but the overall experience was sadly lacking. I will go again and re-assess.
(3)Sean B.
My experience of "southern" food is pretty limited. The only other place I've eaten has been at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles in L.A. That said, it was good flavorful food. Some of the sides are "meh" as other reviewers have said. Also it's a bit overpriced (as is much of the mediocre food in Tacoma). The plastic tablecloths and southern decor give it a unique feel for the area.
(3)Hunter O.
Came here with some friends sunday morning. the place is small and very charming and cute in a homie kind of way. the staff was super nice and helpful the placewas busy so some times the coffe was empty before they got back to our table. I had the special which was biscuts and gravy with eggs and hashbrowns. the cravy was a bit runny and the hash browns were a little under done. the gravy was pretty bland i had to use salt pepper and hot sauce to get any flavor. I realy wanted to like this place more than i did. my friends really seem to like this place. so i give 1 star for the food and 2 stars for the hard working and very friendly and nice staff.
(3)Che C.
Chicken fried steak was good. Portions were prefect. Every time I'm in T-town I try to make it a point to hit this spot. Thank you Southern Kitchen for doing it right.
(4)Marijcke m.
So i went for brunch one day with my friend from the south and he was so skeptical, apprehensive and critical... He got the cat fish with 4 sides collards, black eye peas, fried Okra and a big side of grits. He loved it!! He also got the sweet tea thinking he was going to get them on that one and NOPE the tea was so super sweet! I got the chicken fried steak mash, mac n chz and fried okra. I loved my food I was so full I was almost sick!! The next day I woke up wanting it again so I took two buses (about 30mins) there and walked in and orderd the same thing excpt I got black eyed peas insted of the fried okra. I found them super slimy and I didnt like them at all... It was super slow so I was one of 3 people in there! The cook, a 25+ black man was standing behind the counter and took my order as soon as I sat down.... My food was good but I do have to say that the cook was all up in my shit! He wouldn stop talking to me even when I put my Ipod on he would walk over and wave his hand and ask me personal questions, he even apologized and said "sorry I keep bothering you but its rare that we see pretty girls in here" I was so over it I packed up my food and left! He did how ever give me two pieces of fried chikcen and a peach cobbler to go for free.... The chicken was not that good and I didnt eat the peach cobbler because I was soo soo full! OOOOO and the mash was out of a box!! I know my mash and that was potato flakes!!!! I will be back because the chicken fried steak was the BEST I HAVE EVER HAD!!
(3)Judy O.
I've wanted to eat here for quite awhile and finally made it for lunch. It was SO good, although it was 2 days ago and I'm still not hungry. Catfish was delicious, cooked perfectly. The collards were smoky and bacony, just what they should be. We loved the cornbread dressing, would love the recipe for Thanksgiving. My husband had the fried chicken and loved it. The candied yams are to die for. For an appetizer, we got fried green tomatoes, they were perfect. And you have to have the mango lemonade, it was one of the best things I've ever had. My only regret was that we ordered too much food and there was no way we could eat dessert. My advice: order dessert first.
(5)Kim D.
Southern Kitchen has a comfortable atmosphere with down home service and food. I only had the vegetable plate because I rarely get the chance to have okra, black eyed peas, mashed potatoes and buttered corn. I would have ordered the fried chicken or the catfish (which looked like it had corn meal breading...the best!), but a girl can only eat so much. I did indulge with their Strawberry Lemonade with whipped cream on top. I cannot imagine another place with a better non alcoholic drink. Yum. The people who work here are just good people, not sickly sweet, but friendly and give you the impression you could be sitting down to dinner in their home. Definitely recommend. I would give it 5 stars, but I'm not sure if the mashed potatoes were fresh or instant.
(4)Nancy M.
I am from Louisiana, born and bred. I also lived in Georgia. I have been in the PacNW for 4 years. This is not Southern food in my opinion at all. It looks right but the tastes are all wrong. All incorrect seasonings, and we really don't have so much grease. I have to say the yams were fabulous. But nothing else was. You could get much better food at any truck stop in Louisiana. The wait staff was very nice and you get lots of food, it's a cute place. But I don't want fake.
(1)Merrill F.
One of our traveling companions heard about this restaurant from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and we had to try it since we were in Seattle. It's about 30 miles from downtown Seattle but it took about an hour and 15 minutes with traffic. It was worth it. All the food is excellent. However, they will server you a ton of food. There were four of us and we ordered three appetizers which, those alone, could have fed 10 people. For example, the excellent Fried Green Tomatoes were about three or four tomatoes. In the end, we took most of it home. There is both Strawberry and Mango lemonade which are a must try. I personally preferred the Mango but the Strawberry is very good too. They will come with fresh whipped cream on top which is good but will tend to make the drink too sweet as you get to the bottom. I am not an expert on southern style cooking but I liked very much what I got. Our server, Lisa was very helpful in determining what to order. Her advice which we followed, is that you should mix and match all the sides (each entree comes with three) so you can taste them all. The Mac and Cheese, Corn Dressing and Yams were the excellent.
(5)Joseph L.
Great food. Not really anything that healthy on the menu though but really enjoyed
(4)Herman W.
Arrived in Seattle area from Atlanta on 23 Dec. Daughter who lives in area saw the Southern Kitchen on Food TV's Diners, Drive-in and Dives and wanted to visit. There were 3 of us from "the south" who cook southern style so we know what southern is all about. With the FoodTV exposure we had high expectations that were not met. Ordered fried green tomatoes (good), hush puppies (very bland) and fried chicken with sides. Fried chicken and yams were tasty. All other sides were not impressive. The collards tasted like they were flavored with liquid smoke instead of cooked with pork. Will not return.
(2)Sally R.
Sooo Good! Went one day for breakfast returned next evening for dinner! Excellent Chicken, Mac&Cheese and Candied Yams! Customer Service Was great!
(5)Caleb H.
Love the place. Breakfast is great. The owner told me that they don't serve any pork products. She explained that all their bacon and sausage is beef. I can't say I don't believe her, she seemed very genuine, however, I didn't see any of the food packaging. Overall the food is good, and it is well worth the money.
(4)Lady C.
If you are Southern born and Southern bred, then you'd rather be Southern dead before you eat this crap that they call Soul Food. Also the place is dirty and run-down. Not a good experience.
(1)Mel G.
Great food, great staff, lots of character. Good spot!
(4)Lydia P.
Its been a while since we were there, but based on my experience I don't think I would go back. Fried Chicken was definitely better than KFC but not as good as chicken I can make at home. Sides were ok...I wouldn't say they were great. I was a bit disappointed with the stuffing...No flavor whatsover...Mac and Cheese was ok...Small place. Stay away during those really hot days...we were there during that heatwave a while back and it was very stuffy in there...Our waitress was very nice though...
(3)Linda D.
Place was packed, but when a table emptied we were seated quickly and table clear. Staff was friendly and it really had a down home feeling. Mostly fried foods on the menu, so not a place I would eat often, but we were all VERY pleased with how good everything was. I had biscuits and gravy and hushpuppies for lunch! And we all shared a HUGE piece of peach cobbler for dessert. Everything is homemade just like your southern grandma and you can tell! Definitely a must - if only for a treat once in while!
(5)Austin D.
Meh. Perhaps the fried chicken is more amazing, but the chicken fried steak was kind of small and average tasting. The sides are pretty good though, but the taste is about 3.75 and value is about 3.25. The mango "lemonade" tasted quite literally like orange jello. It did look impressive since there was real mango in it and had whipped cream on top. But I swear that if you boiled it and cooled it back down, it would solidify into jello.
(3)Chris B.
I had a great time sitting at the counter on a busy Saturday night. I ordered the Southern Fried Chicken, Leg and Thigh with mash potatoes and stuffing, mac n cheese and a appetizer of hush puppies. First thought, yes this is a lot. I did make two whole meals out of it. Fried Chicken is awesome, potatoes were really good stuffing was average and the gravy was very good. The mac n cheese was exceptional and very cheesy. The hush puppies were rather plain. Each order comes with a corn pancake which is full of flavor. I washed this all down with a lemonade. The staff is great and really friendly and Southern Kitchen is a great local gem.
(4)Sara Q.
wow! im so stuffed i can't move.. which is good because im super sleepy now. this place is garuantee delicious. i got the half fried chicken that came with a corn cake (its like corn bread but in a pancake form) with mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, and the corn stuffing. my favorite side was probably the corn stuffing and least favorite was the mac n cheese. i got a side of gravy which made everything taste better; from the chicken to the corn stuffing. the corn cake was soo good with butter and honey. fried chicken was nicely seasoned and perfectly crispy. i couldn't stop picking at it after i was full. the mac n cheese was a bit bland to me. i didn't put any salt and pepper on it, which would have helped but it just seemed a bit greasy to me for a mac n cheese but oh well. oh we also got the strawberry lemonade.. super delicious definitely get it with whipped cream on top. it makes the lemonade that much better. bf got the fried fish fillet with scrambled eggs, hasbrowns and a biscuit. good thing we had the side of gravy because it made the fish and biscuit taste mucho better. he said the fish was nicely cooked and super delicious. he said it was nicely seasoned too. the guy who took our order was super nice. he had perfect customer service skills and made us feel welcomed. although the place was a bit spendy i figured what the heck because i got the big portion entree purposely to have left overs, which was a good idea because now i have dinner! everything was amazingly delicious and i definitely will be coming back to southern kitchen REAL soon.. to have another heart attack.
(5)Eileen K.
I first ate at Southern Kitchen on the way home from a road trip to Portland with my girlfriends, and from the minute we sat down to our peach cobbler dessert, we were blown away! I ordered the fried chicken with mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, and a regular lemonade (topped with whip cream, of course!)... delicious! Definitely woke me up from the 2.5 hour car ride. The girls and I shared the humongous peach cobbler, which we couldn't finish because we were so full from our entrees! Such a shame! For about 3 months after my first time there, I was craving for more SK, so I took a day trip to Tacoma (Southern Kitchen + Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium) where my friend & I had lunch. The second time I went, I ordered the brisket for my main course, and fried okras as an appetizer. Both were crazy good. I usually don't like fried okra (tastes slimy in my mouth :P) but SK's had me drooling. Also, I got to try their strawberry lemonade, which was impeccable! Definitely the perfect sweet drink to cool down a hot, sunny day. Both times I went, the service was VERY attentive. Everyone there is always having fun and being really interactive with the customers. I'll have to try the sweet tea next time I go!
(5)Jordan B.
It's probably worth coming here just for the waitstaff. They'll catch you off guard at first because they're a little goofy, but it makes the place entertaining. The dishes are varied and the portions are pretty big. Each entree comes with three (three!) sides plus a corn cake so you get to try a lot. I'll repeat every other reviewer and say that the mac and cheese is a mind-blowing experience. Everything else is very good as well, though you might have a stomach ache afterwards.
(4)Stacy J.
A taste of the South Breakfast special for 5 bucks the best staff in town
(5)Jeff D.
The best breakfast I've had in a VERY long time. The Chiken Fried Steak and grits were great. No heavy batter on the CFS, great gravy, and the grits were perfectly cooked (creamy and not gummy). The biscuit was the best I've had since I stayed with my grandma in FL 30 years ago! My new favorite spot in the south end. I'll definitely go back for lunch or dinner as I have to try those sides. Despite some of the other reviews, we had good service, friendly casual staff. All I can say to those complaining about service, don't expect stuffy professional service from a place like this. The casual service is like being at home with your family!
(5)Jordan S.
For all the hype, I was expecting to have my socks knocked off with southern flavor. The food was definitely good, but not anything exceptional. My mango lemonade was large and tasty, and my fried chicken was moist. My sides were lacking in flavor (except for the salt), though, and as far as I'm concerned, the sides are just as important as the main attraction in southern food.
(3)Dawn Q.
I consider myself an incredibly lucky individual because I live within walking distance to this glorious edifice. Southern Kitchen is an amazing restaurant that's truly a gem in the Tacoma area. I haven't had a ton of experience with Southern food, but had always been intrigued. I assumed that due to the fact that I was vegetarian I wouldn't find anything to eat, but it wasn't so - the wonderful servers helped me navigate my way through their simple, yet traditional menu. My first time visiting I had red beans and rice, sweet potato fries, and a strawberry lemonade. The red beans and rice were full of flavor, and had clearly been soaked in a secret brew of spices for a good few days. The fries were crispy, sweet and covered in powdered sugar. The lemonade had fat, huge chunks of strawberry sitting in the bottom. As previously stated, you will leave this place with a food coma. That's one of the expected effects of the place. The staff is warm and full of Southern hospitality. The decor is modest, yet thankfully authentic. The red beans and rice are now a staple for me there, as well as the yams, and fried okra. I can only vouch for so much because of my diet, but I don't think anyone can go wrong with the fried green tomatoes and a mango or strawberry lemonade.
(5)Hal O.
I used to have a job that took me all over the South. Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Raleigh, Jacksonville, Fairfax... and the thing that always puzzled me was this: I lived in LA, and I had access to far better "Southern cooking" (Johnny Rebs) than anything I ever found in the actual South. Well, with Southern Kitchen, I think I've found a place that I'll reluctantly grant is better... But so much farther from the South. It almost makes you wonder -- Is the world's best Southern restaurant somewhere in Tibet? As may be... Southern Kitchen is great. I had the baked chicken, in a vain attempt to try to stay heart healthy. Red beans and rice; collard greens. Iced tea served as sweet tea. My wife had the fried chicken. We started with the fried green tomatoes as an appetizer -- and they were so plentiful they were almost a meal in themselves. Absolutely delicious. Cost was $45 for the two of us, with tax and tip, so $22.50 each, bottom line.
(5)Awesom-O Z.
Great southern food considering it's location and met the nicest waitress maybe even nicest stranger in my life here.
(5)Andy P.
I've been here so many times... in many ways my love affair with Tacoma started here. I never really hung out in Tacoma and ended up here one day, in the middle of all things Tacoma and just really enjoyed it. I'm a big Southern Food aficionado and this place does a nice job. The good: The atmosphere is right. Nice people, casual, make yourself at home vibe. The food is really nice. It's really home-style. If you are offended by getting really home-style food, you won't like this place. They serve ice-tea and lemonade in mason jars and everything is sort of warm and brown... even the greens. The mediocre: Sometimes the food can be a little bit... 'okay'. I find that the main dishes don't match the awesomeness of the sides. But whatever, it's fine. It's not a big crime. Overall, this place is a great place to go and helped me fall in love with Tacoma.
(4)Dan Y.
Crunchy, juicy, delicious chicken. But only two sides, not three?
(4)Jodi J.
Southern Kitchen needs to quit it with they yummyness. I went here with the Hubs and we really digged the place. I had the Cajun Catfish mac n cheese and collards and hub had the fried chicken, mac n cheese and collards. The Catfhish is where its at for me didnt care for the Fried Chicken but I am not the biggest fried chicken gal in the first place. The mac in cheese was dry and cheesy like I like it. I know some people care for the creamy mac n cheese. Nope not I like it cheesy and little dry with a layer of overbacked crunchy cheese on top and thats what Southern Kitchen cooks up. The collards were collards and the pricing I felt was appropriate for the portions. The Mango Lemonade was bomb and the peach cobbler while a little messy was worth picking up on the way out. Definitely a place you have to try once.
(4)Rhonda G.
We had breakfast. I ordered a ham and cheese omelet and hash browns with a homemade biscuit. It was very good. My husband had a corn cake, okra, collard greens and chicken. It was also very good and I usually do not like okra or collard greens. The waitress was very cute and friendly. Great service and great food. I wish I lived closer to go more often.
(5)Alan H.
Southern Kitchen is amazing. I would make a special trip from Seattle again just to come here. Everything is made from scratch, the service is amazing, and the food tasted even better. Very southern feel and look. The menu is fairly basic, but like other have said bring an appetite. The strawberry lemonade is a must to try (I had two). Great for kids, families, larger groups, or individuals.
(5)Jimi M.
Catfish......nuff said!
(4)Jen J.
I've been here 3 times...everytime it was to give them another shot. The strawberry lemonade is off the hook...but that's about it. The food always comes out cold and I always add salt and pepper. The corn cakes we "meh" and the chicken was dry. If you wanna try some good southern cooking in Tacoma, try Uncle Thurms or The Fish House Cafe.
(2)A S.
The hubby is from the South, so he always like a good southern meal. We really like this place, and it's always a good time just going in. Everyone is super friendly and seem like they're enjoying themselves in there. They have a lot of catfish on the menu, which I think is disgusting, but my husband loves it (eew), so he is happy as a clam at this place. We've mostly been for breakfast, which I think is the best, but it's always been good. whenever we've been. The strawberry lemonade looks amazing, though I have yet to try it. It's definitely on my list.
(4)Ivan M.
omfg! traffic to tacoma from bellevue is freakin' HORRIBLE! how do i know this? because it took me over an hour and a half to get down there last friday to pick up something. me, my pal, and the kiddo were freakin' starving by the time i was done so i suggested we grab some soul food. i haven't been here in a while and i don't really remember how to get here. dun dun DUN! navi to the rescue. i got the addy from yelp and punched it into my navi and away we went. i ordered to the 2 catfish filet dinner (the filet is boneless) with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and fried ocra. my pal ordered the fried chicken dinner and we swapped a piece of my catfish for 2 (of his 4) pieces of chicken. my seed ordered the single catfish filet dinner. me and the kiddo also got strawberry lemonade and mango lemonade respectively too. everything was out-freakin'-standing, and despite being famished, none of us could finish our entrees. we had to take the peach cobbler home. haha. even after not coming down here for several years, it's good to know they are as consistant as ever. if this place wasn't so far out, i'd probably be 800lbs right now. .
(4)Ashley L.
OMG. Only thing to say to describe the food. Very yum!! Although I felt like I had to be taken out via wheelbarrel afterward. Lol. Place is small, staff friendly, location OK, portions HUGE! Didn't have to wait long for our food, try it out if you're in the Seattle area. Worth the drive to Tacoma. *Tip* Wear old clothes, you will smell like you were fried in the deep fryer after you leave. ;)
(5)Marshawn B.
Yeah it's okay salty very salty and average kinda expensive soul food very causal place but for Tacoma it's a pretty good place Id say it's must go You really can't go wrong unless your not allowed to have salt the catfish taste very bottom feederyree (I know it's a bottom feeder but it dosnt have to taste that way)
(3)John H.
The Mango lemonade was outstanding. The Corn bread was so good good. Great people. Great food!
(5)Rick K.
This is one the few restaurants in Tacoma that I would love to transport down to San Diego. The Southern Kitchen was one of the family's favorite places to go after church for an awesome breakfast. I usually got the Hog Heaven (Bacon, Sausage, Ham, Eggs, and Home Fries) with a strawberry lemonade. I have yet to find another place that does strawberry lemonade like the Southern Kitchen. For dinner, I've had the cajun catfish and the fried chicken. Both are great, especially with the traditional southern sides like the collard greens or black-eyed peas. Inside, you'll find a small dining area with just enough tables and chairs to make it difficult to move around. The interior is old and worn, but it just adds to the charm of this Tacoma classic.
(4)Steve B.
I was cruising T-town in search of Engine Company No. 9 Brewpub and came across this place. Well, displaced Southerner like me, I can't NOT drop in and, of course, I can't EAGERLY drop in, either, 'cause every other allegedly-Southern restaurant I've ever tried in the Northwest has been lame to the point of pathetic OR good but NOT Southern. So, to say I went in with Lowered Expectations is a major understatement. "Lord," I prayed, as I always do, "Just don't let it suck TOO bad." Well - as Gomer Pyle would say, "Surprise, surprise!" Southern Kitchen actually serves Southern food! It's not great Southern food - in fact, laid out on any good Southern mother's dinner table, you might even get a few complaints - but it IS good, solid, properly-made Southern food that makes a freakin' joke out of trendy, "faux-down-home" places like Kingfish and Burke's. The important thing to remember about Southern cooking is that it's really NOT restaurant food. When Southerners talk about "Southern cooking", we're talking about what our Moms, aunts, and grandmothers made, NOT what we found down the road at The Dew Drop Inn. Southern food is not pretty. "presentation" doesn't enter into it. The dishes are frequently lop-sided, dull-colored, sloppily made, and even kinda revolting-looking. Southern Kitchen's chicken fried steak looks like a moldy sandwich somebody ran over with a tractor. But it tastes GOOD - REAL good. Their cream gravy looks like a Zymogenetics petri dish gone horribly wrong. But it tastes exactly like what good cream gravy should be. Their Mac and Cheese is not artfully sprinkled with smoked paprika and dressed with ferns - AND is not made with "a playful mix of comte, brie, and Emmentaler cheeses". You can call it whatever you like but it started out as cheddar (or maybe even the traditional Velveeta!) when it left the kitchen. In fact, it's just scooped out of a pot and slapped on your plate but it's as good a plate of MandC as you will find ANYWHERE in the Pacific Northwest. Their fried okra is, by God, fresh orka that's been fried! A revelation, when compared to the crappy little defrosted okra-like pellets I was recently served at a supposedly "Carolina"-style BBQ place in Redmond. The brisket was smoky and tender and served in a generous portion. My ONLY bone to pick with SK, in fact, was their fried chicken, which was some of the most ordinary poultry to find its way into my face since my last bad chicken wing from the Thai restaurant in Woodinville. How they missed that badly on a core item of the menu is a freakin' mystery to me but maybe it was just a bad day at the fryer. There were a few (blessedly few!) Northwest affectations evident at SK, most notably the mango iced tea, a liquid which, I can assure you, has NEVER appeared on any Southern mother's dinner table. (As Paul Prudhomme once told me, "In the rural South, mangoes don't exist.") Also, in the South, jalapeno corn fritters don't exist, either. Jalapenos are Southwestern; they're not really even Texan, much less Southern. And fried green tomatoes DO NOT come with ranch dipping sauce. They don't need it, number one, and catsup works just fine, number two. But the fritters - while not the hush-puppies I was hoping for - were nice and the fried tomatoes were VERY tasty. (I set the ranch discretely aside, where it couldn't find its way onto my ugly-but-scrumptious 'maters.) Southern Kitchen is now my alternative to making my own Southern meals. While it's nowhere close to as good as mine, in their defense, they probably haven't been cooking the stuff as long as I have. But it does offer that one enticing, irreplacable aspect that every chef worth their tocque knows by heart: "I didn't have to make it!"
(4)Terry S.
Great dinner !! Taste just like home food maybe even better . Ate breakfast there the second time around which was okay also .
(4)Amanda L.
I love the food, and it's an awesome place to eat. The last time I was in there, the kitchen almost burst into flames. I'm glad everyone was OK, because this is a fantastic little joint, and we're lucky to have it. but the waitress who works on Sunday mornings is typically frantic -- unnervingly so.
(4)T J.
Being from the south & after seeing that it was on Diners Drive-ins & Dives, we figured we had to try this place. Such a let down. The service was terrible. The tiny place was packed & there was 1 waiter. The food was very bland, which is absolutely not the Southern way. The entrees come with a side corn cake (which was pretty good) but ours was more of a "dessert" since we didn't get one until we were finally able to get the waiters attention & remind him we hadn't received ours. The strawberry lemonade was rather tasty at least.
(2)Karen L.
This review is only for the breakfast. We came her to have breakfast with some friends. It was mid-morning on a Sunday and the place was not very busy at all. This is not a good sign in my book. Their menu is fairly standard with some interesting "Southern" options. My one friend and I ordered the standard 2 eggs, hashbrown, ham (my friend ordered bacon) and biscuit. My egg was cooked properly but the hashbrowns needed to be a little more brown. My ham was way too salty. My friends bacon looked burnt and overcooked. The biscuits are pretty flat and was a little soggy on the bottom. Hubby had pancakes and eggs. The pancakes looked fluffy but they only had the syrup with HFCS....guess that shouldn't have been too surprising. Our other friend had the catfish and he seemed to enjoy it. I was also a little put off by the plastic plates and mug.
(2)Sam E.
I've only been here for breakfast and I'd have to say, I don't get the hype. Maybe I came for the wrong meal, but the biscuits are small and chewy and everything else leaves a puddle of grease behind on your plate. I wanted to like it but was very disappointed.
(2)Ani K. O.
Yummy yummy yum yum. Soooooooo happy i found this place. Fried chicken. Deelish. Fried Okra. Yum. Cornbread Dressing. OHMYGODSOGOOOOOOOOOD!!!!! Chicken Fried Steak. Oh lordie. Flat cornbread. yum. prices fantastic. service fast and friendly. They should call this place Southern Comfort. Can't wait to go back!! I ate the whole darn thing in 20 minutes. Seriously.
(5)Hope N.
Yummy greasy chicken. Good chicken fried steak, corn bread, mac and cheese, collard greens. Beans and stuffing not so good. Large portions. Good but very sweet strawberry lemonade. I am coming back her again!
(5)Michaela L.
Had heard really good things about the breakfast at Southern Kitchen. My boyfriend and I headed in around 9 on a Sunday morning. Service was great -- very friendly and quick. But the food definitely left A LOT to be desired. I had an omlet with toast and hashbrowns. My hashbrowns were soggy, my omlet was ordinary and the toast was barely toasted. How hard is that to get right? My boyfriend had the chicken fried steak. He said it was average at best and that he'd had better at Elmer's for breakfast. While the service was really great, the food was average or below. In our opinion, very very overrated. Will not go back.
(2)Footie C.
Authentic, southern-style bbq brisket with sides of mashed potatoes and red beans and rice, cornbread and a tall glass of strawberry lemonade on a sunny spring afternoon? Yes, please! Also fantastic for late brunches. It may not be healthy, but it sure is yummy.
(4)Craig B.
Ive been here many times now and im trying to work my way thru the entire menu and I have not found a single thing I have not loved.... The food here is AMAZING!! Best chicken friend steak ive ever had... strawberry lemonade... they perfected it.
(5)Carrie B.
We finally went to the southern kitchen, for Saturday morning breakfast, after all these years! I had the Chicken fried steak with onions and breakfast gravy, and hashers, The gravy was excellent so was the steak but I am a gravy detetive, always looking for good gravy. also had the sausage links those were good too. Will have to try lunch next time.
(5)D S.
We flew in Friday morning, 8/26 and our 2nd stop after the hotel was Southern Kitchen. It was so good, we went back a second time and yes, both times I went the food and service were excellent. Chelsy and Skitzo were the bomb in customer service on Friday for breakfast and then Ms. Gloria, owner and Chelsy were top notch again on Sunday for Dinner. Everything that I tasted and it was 4 of us, was seasoned and cooked well. My girlfriend and I were talking about how golden the friend chicken wings were, that we could tell the grease was fresh and that they were not frying the fish and chicken in the same grease. I would diffintely fly from Norther California to Seattle/Tacoma just to eat there again! Ms. Gloria, your personal touch with you customers has to be one of the reasons you are so successful along with the Favor and Blessings of the Lord. Thank you for treating us as if we were your very own children
(5)Tom S.
If you're searching for excellent southern food, look no further. Why my wife and I just discovered this place is beyond me, but we'll be regular customers from now on for sure. Everything, from the fried green tomatoes to the corn bread dressing and fried catfish was to die for. If you walk in hungry I guarantee you won't leave hungry. We ordered a regular lunch and ate so much we couldn't eat dinner that night. It was hard not to eat it all; it just tasted so good. My only regret was we were too full for dessert!! Next time. And now I just read they have country fried steak for breakfast? That with some bisquits and gravy and I'm in trouble.
(5)Panda P.
Cute restaurant! LOVED the sweet tea - it comes in a jar :) Chicken was a little dry. Sides were great.
(4)Stephanie R.
This place is great, but I have had better. My one complaint- My catfish meal specifically says I get a hush puppies with it, but they always give me a damn corn cake...even when I specifically point out that it says I get hush puppies and that I do not want the corn cake. Also, they used to serve collard greens that were pork free but last time I was there it looks like that is no longer true. :(
(3)Aaron G.
I visited my brother recently, he had heard from his neighbor that the food was good. We stopped in for breakfast, I had the sausage and cheese omelet. Awesome! I will be going back in February to try a dinner. When we finished, we recieved our bill and I went to pay for it. The gentleman had a puzzled look on his face because the omelet was on special for the day and he knocked $5.00 off the bill. This place keeps getting better. Love your food!
(4)Mike L.
My wife and I came here for breakfast on a Saturday morning. Walked in and we had a few choices to sit, we chose the front left corner and that was a mistake, it was 8:45 in the morning and there was flies flying all over the place, so that sucked. We asked the waitress what she recommend and she said the french toast and omelette's. So i decided on the french toast since i haven't had it in a while and i always get omelette's every where else. It was nothing special at all, probably just below average. My wife got the biscuits and gravy, it was ok. I tried it and it was very peppery which i didn't mind. I got the mango lemonade and it was a 5 but not enough to save the french toast and the flies. I was very disappointed, i really wanted to like this place. We almost came back for at lunch time to just get some more lemonade but decided not to. Guess we should have came for lunch and got some of this stuff fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, corn bread and jalepeno hush puppies. Maybe next time :-(
(2)Marcia C.
I wanted to rate it a 1 star so others would stay away from the BEST soul food joint in WA, but that would not nearly do them justice. You better be hungry when you go! The portions are incrediable, big enough to share. My boyfriend and I went on a Sunday afternoon and the Southern Kitchen was hopping! It took a couple minutes but a table opened up. If you are going for the service don't bother, they are very nice just too busy to babysit you. I had the best mango lemonade and my boyfriend had the sweet tea also very good. We ordered the fried chicken with yams, red beans and rice and the BBQ brisket with mac & cheese, greens, and dressing. Everything was excellent!, the chicken was so juicy and the brisket was tender. We ate only half and were stuffed. We packed up the rest for left overs.
(5)Chantell K.
i went here last month with my husband and my daughter. the only reason i went here is because it got alot of good reviews. and honestly ppl must be crazy because this place was not anything to rave about.i make better southern food then this! the food was bland and the greens were waaayyyy too bitter. if you cook them right they shouldnt be that bitter. NOT impressed at all! Way to much hype over this place!
(1)liz a.
INCREDIBLE!! My husband and I were born and raised in the South and we often miss good 'ol sweet tea, fried catfish and corn cakes. Southern Kitchen filled that void and delivered an excellent meal in the process. The service was great, the customers were friendly and the food was awesome. In short, it was southern hospitality at its best. Southern Kitchen is a real find and we are so thankful it's close to our new home in the Northwest.
(5)Kyle J.
Thank you Yelp Mobile. I was in Tacoma last night and had no idea what I wanted for dinner I just wanted to try something new. Yelp pointed me to Southern Kitchen and I couldn't have been more satisfied with my choice. First just like everybody else has been raving about their strawberry lemonades are exceptional. The fried chicken was awesome, it wasn't like KFC or Ezells this is more home cooked southern soul food fried chicken. Reminds me alot of grandmas cookin. All the entrees are loaded with three sides which were just as tasty as the entree. Southern Kitchen has other entrees like cat fish, steak everything just very hearty food. I never saw it on the food channel but I'm sure glad I found it through Yelp, this is a definite must try if you live in the Seattle area there aren't too many soul food places to stuff your face at.
(5)Jav V.
We stopped here for breakfast. We got pretty standard fare (eggs/bacon/corncakes/biscuits/etc), but I feel like it was only as good as any random diner. They have a lot of specialty breakfasts, so maybe that is where they excel. The dinner menu looked good. I kinda wish I had just eaten dinner for breakfast. I'd give it another chance to try a few other things.
(3)Michelle S.
Dont do it horrible service. The server brought a picture of h2o to are table & 4 glasses for me to pour. Their policy is parties of 6 have to pay 18% gratuity My 4 piece chicken was so over cooked that it was like chicken jerky. My daughters plate had a hair in it, they didnt offer to replace it or comp us in any way. It really bothers me that I had to tip 18% for such a bad experience & horrible nasty food.
(1)Annie B.
The place is crowded all the time. Went for lunch on a Sunday and they always had a number of people waiting outside. They could use a remodel as the place is small and dirty. I only had their Veggie Platter which is your choice of four sides and a corn cake. I got the Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Corn and Black-Eyed Peas and all were OK but I've had better elsewhere. However, their corn cake and their Peach Cobbler was really good. I may or may not come back to try one of their fried food items. Probably only if it's an occasion for a friend.
(2)Nanette V.
I haven't been here in a while, but I MISS it! I'm a fan of sweet ice tea, and their mango ice tea is like heaven! I always order catfish and it never fails! I literally inhale my plate cuz it's so good! Sunday, after church is the best time to go! =) The food is so good, you'll leave wanting to take a nap! And that's a good thing!
(5)Adine L.
good god the food here was delicious! i'd driven by this restaurant on many occasions but today for the first time, i went out of my way to stop by and have some lunch. i had the mango iced-tea (and am now officially addicted to the stuff!) and the vegetarian platter, although it wasn't really vegetarian since i had the collard greens (i wish i had gotten two sides of it). the corn cakes are a delight with butter and honey drizzled on it. the macaroni and cheese is the "real deal" and the cornbread dressing was damn tasty. we ordered the fried green tomatoes as well and although they were way too hot to eat before our food came, we took them home and i ate them after they had gotten cold and a bit soggy but they were really good still! maybe i'm just weird. i really really wish i would have gotten the rest of my unfinished mango iced tea to go... i was only going to give four out of five stars because i'm bummed that the food is so fattening and unhealthy so i can't eat it more often, but it's not their fault that i have a horribly slow metabolism, so five stars.
(5)L D.
The absolute best candied yams I have ever eaten! The service is friendly and attentive, but the place is a bit small. Otherwise the food is pretty good, the sweet potato french fries were a bit soggy.
(4)sizzle G.
This place is wotrth the money & the drive, the food is just what the claim. Down home southern cooking! Terrific service Terrific food & the portions are so huge you hurt when you leave! Our family went to Seattle for vaca & had heard about this place, it is small and hard to get parking but do NOT let that stop u! Whatever u do, go here & fill up on the best sweet tea & lemon aid, then induldge in comfort food! This place will make you smile!
(5)stephanie h.
I love the atmosphere, the service and most off all the food. We get great service every single time. I recommend all of the catfish dishes, CFS, grits, greens, and of course the mac and cheese. I only wish my corn cakes were as good as theirs. Don't forget the strawberry lemonade, it is amazing. Take the trip to t-town, its well worth it.
(5)Daniel F.
Okay for breakfast this is as good as it gets. My wife had the chicken fried steak and I had the Texas hot links bother with eggs over easy potatoes with onions, while she had the corn cake and i had the biscuit. Both dishes were large and delicious and at the end of it all there was nothing left but a few crumbs and big smiles. If you are looking for a great tasting fill me up breakfast you need look no further than the Southern Kitchen.
(5)Jerry M.
A Great place for breakfast and good old fashion down home southern cooking. The catfish with greens and okra is awesome.
(4)Ellen W.
I used to live in Alabama and finding this restaurant has brought back so many delicious memories. The servers are very welcoming and friendly. We were seated right away and our drink orders taken. My husband ordered the fried chicken with a side of cornbread dressing with gravy and candied yams. I ordered the catfish fillet with Mac and cheese and collared greens. The chicken was juicy and moist on the inside and crispy on the outside, very tasty. My catfish fillet was light and not greasy, no fishy smell at all. All the sides were delicious but we especially the cornbread dressing with gravy. My husband ordered the strawberry lemonade and did not finish the server offered to pack in to go for us which was a nice surprise. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, from the food to the service. We will definitely be back again.
(5)Bettina B.
I found out about this little amazing piece of heaven right here on earth from my fellow yelpers!! After talking about it for over a year I finally made my way out here. First off its a really small place but everyone is very friendly. Yvonne was our server and she was as sweet as they come!! I ordered the Strawberry Lemonaid...served in a huge mason jar...and was AMAZING!! I also ordred the fried green tomatos...I've never had em before but always wanted to try them...and they were really deelish!! I had the fried chicken...hands down BEST fried chicken I've ever had!! My sides were Greens and Black eyed peas....I've had better of both...so they were just okay for me!! My nephew ordered the chicken fried steak with mashed potatos and mac and cheese....he inhaled his entire meal!! Said it was really good!! The corn cakes you get....very very tasty..I think my nephew said he could eat those every day of the week...ha ha ha we loved em!! I love me some sweet tea as well...and asked if I may have one to go...and my sweet sweet server gave it to me for free!! It could have been cause it was super busy and it would have taken longer for her to add it to my tab...either way I LOVE that it was free...it was such a treat!! The sweet tea was AMAZING!!! I cant wait to come back to try something else!! Thank you Yvonne for being a great server!!
(5)Nathan D.
Wow! Fantastic experience! My southern cooking experiences is relatively non existent, but I am certain I just had a very legit experience. Sweet tea was served in a mason jar. Had the southern fried chicken, catfish fillet, with collard greens, corn bread dressing, and mash potatoes and gravy. Tried a bite of fried okra that was tasty as well. The family atmosphere was genuine and I really felt like I was not in Tacoma anymore. Cant wait to go back and try the strawberry lemonade I saw somebody else drinking.
(4)Ted P.
so. full. My wife and I went there for breakfast today and came away more full and satisfied than we have been in a long time. The stand-outs for us were the corn cakes and the strawberry lemonade, both will be craved until we cave in and go back...
(4)Chuck L.
This is the only soul food restaurant I frequent. Nice simple southern classics like fried chicken, whole fried catfish, mac and cheese. This place works because they keep it real. King Fish Cafe for instance in Seattle is NOT authentic soul food but rather fancy pants twists that don't work. For instance King Fish Cafe mac and cheese doesn't look or taste like mac and cheese.
(4)Wesh W.
I was raised on food like this back home in Virginia. Authentic ingredients, flavor, and presentation made our visit here a real treat. Good fried chicken. Vegetarians are out of luck entrees-wise, but my ex-wife really enjoyed putting together an ala carte dinner of ridiculously tasty side orders. Nice people. Road house atmosphere. Small, cramped, clean, so totally worth it.
(4)Briana H.
I got the chance to enjoy this home cookin' foot stompin food at the Folklife festival, and had to go back the next day for more.
(5)Angelina Z.
MMM, you know those places that you see on TV, those places where you go in and you get ' real soul food' . This place is IT ! the real deal , walk in hungry , leave content. I had the fried catfish that ' falls off the bone' with eggs , grits and a biscuit. The catfish really did fall off the bone , seasoned to perfection. The biscuits were obviously made from scratch , none of that pre*fabricated mold that comes out of a pillbury can, you saw the real lumps of esthetic imperfection , which made it taste so amazing and buttery. The grits were amazing , I ate mine with honey. My friend who is from the SF bay area, and has frequented places with the same theme, said she had never had anything that authentic. She said it was actually better than her own mothers soul food cooking ! She had the greens, mashed potatoes,catfish meal and we both devoured every morsel of goodness! Also the infamous mango tea with whip cream is everything they write about , they should write songs about this place, my friend actually wants to fly up to visit me again just for another meal at the Southern Kitchen !
(4)Kristen R.
My friends have been going to this place for several year's and always rave about it. I do not have a car and I seem to work a lot so I have never gone. Finally last week I went. I imagined something very different as far as the decor goes but this place was as delicious as they said. I got four sides along with a corncake; collard greens, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, and red beans. I seriously could not finish it all but wanted to. I stuffed myself and hope to make many more trips down to Tacoma just so I can eventually try everything on this menu!
(4)Amaya A.
An alright place. Their food would be way better if they focused on the quality and not the quantity of customer experiences they have. I ordered the catfish sandwich. Lettuce was brown and hidden under meat. Bread was meh. Catfish was good, but it was the only thing I ate off of the whole plate.
(2)Savy S.
I ordered the chicken fried steak with mash potatoes and mac & cheese.While my cousin ordered bbq beef brisket.I didn't not enjoy my meal. The only flavor you can taste is the oil. I much prefer Ihop's country fried steak and famous dave's brisket.The hush puppies was so plain. The only thing that was good was the strawberry lemonade. I don't know if it was the entrees we ordered but we were dissatisfied. 2stars because the server gave us a free refill. One other thing, one of the server/host or whatever was so mean to the busboy but when the manager or someone in a higher position came, her attitude change in a second...
(2)Kimberly P.
Expect a food coma after you leave this place. Their sweet tea and strawberry lemonade is unbeatable in WA state. Service could use some work but you forget about that as you're grubbin down on some homestyle food.
(4)Bobbie S.
OMG! I went for the first time last weekend after seeing an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Wow! I really wasn't expecting that much, but it was AMAZING! I have had chicken fried steak many times throughout my 39 years and long ago had come to the conclusion that it wasn't a dish for me. Friends and family would try and try again to get me to try it, so I would, and surpise, I still didn't like it. Then I came here! Yummy yummy yummy for my tummy! The steak wasn't that routine, rubbery, jaw numbing chewing experience I have ALWAYS had with others - it actually melted in my mouth! And the choices of sides - sweet! Loved it! Their fried chicken was so delious! The crusty part of the chicken doesn't taste like anything else I've ever had -and believe me sister - this girl LOVES her fried chicken! If you haven't gone yet, you have to go! Be forewarned, it is small. We were lucky enough to go around 11am and it wasn't packed at all, but the wait staff said it was very unusual for them so they welcomed it. My husband and I are going back again because we wanted to try EVERYTHING at once! Next time, creamed beef and catfish, unless I cave and get the chicken fried steak AGAIN! Come hungry, you get 3 sides!
(5)C S.
The food is good and all but it's very frustrating when trying to place an order to go and they put the phone down and you on hold for 10 min and never come back to the phone. Then you try and call back and it's off the hook so now we can't even order period! This has happened many times! Then we drive up there to order and find out that their meals only come with 2 sides rather than 3 now and still same price! We'll be going to Uncle Thurms from now on.
(3)Zach R.
I like their food but beware of the smoke. In the winter, it's too cold to open the window so the ventilation is not good that after I have a meal there, my clothes smell like smoke. According to medical study, the smoke from cooking is as bad as cigarette smoke!
(3)Niki K.
i just got to say that this fried chicken was crispy and very good. but i'm not likely to drive the 4-5 hr drive for it from Vancouver, BC. but if your in the area... definitely give it a try..
(4)Tammy K.
Yumtastic!!! I had not heard about the food network thing, but I read that this place had the best southern fare. Being from Texas, I put this on my list and sooo happy I made it out the other day. My friend and I came in for late breakfast (it was Sunday morning). I saw the big picture of Guy Fieri and smiled :) The waitstaff was lovely. I saw the biscuits and gravy and plopped down the menu and said "I know what I want". Then the waitress walked over and announced the daily special was two biscuits and gravy for $4.95 with 2 eggs and potatoes or grits (I got the hashbrowns). My friend and I gave eachother a look and said "2 please". LIterally took about 5 minutes to get our food. Really good coffee. Younger guy who rang us up was very nice also. Found out the episode they were featured on, on D, D and D's (you fill in the blanks) was for their fried chicken and cornbread dressing. Guess I'm just going to have to go back for dinner!!!!!!
(5)Ethan C.
I went to Southern Kitchen a bunch when I was in college, but stopped in for the first time in quite a few years this a.m. Still doesn't disappoint. Really reminds me of my grandma's southern cooking from Knoxville Tennessee. Lunch is awesome because of all the tasty sides you can choose from, but I really like breakfast. I had the catfish fillet, with eggs, hash browns and a biscuit. Probably my favorite southern dish. LOVE catfish. It was moist, and it went well with the bottle of hot sauce that was on my table. Service was friendly, and as quick as one person could be.
(4)Brant S.
Read a review on Yelp and decided to give it a try on our vacation to Tacoma. The food was excellent. I had a Mango iced tea with whip cream and the Chicken Fried Steak. They were both great. The service was good too.
(5)Chani B.
The only reason I give this 4 stars is because its not close to me and two, its a very small establishment. On the up side, the food here is soooo damn good it will make you wanna slap your mama! The chicken is good, the pork, mac and cheese. I know people are all about going to that "other soul food place" in Seattle. You know who you are ladies,but this place is worth the drive.
(4)Alex E.
I arrived a after 7 pm on Monday. There were about 10-12 diners who were enjoying their meal. It took about 15 minutes for my food to arrive, but I was awarded an extra corncake to compensate for the wait. The corncake is a pancake made of corn and served with butter and honey. I ate the liver and onions(about $12) with collard greens(the only non vegetarian side), yams, and mash potatoes and gravy. My friend had 4 fried wings with rice, mac and cheese, and red beans (about $12). The rice and beans are separate sides. The portions was decent for the size. I took half of mine home. The chicken was OK. I hate fried chicken that has bland meat and decently seasoned batter. The liver was moist for fried liver. I actually think liver should just be cooked in a pan..stew like, not fried. The strawberry lemonade was extremely sweet but really tasty. It's served in a big glass jar, with whipped cream and real strawberries. I put the later on my corncake. The server was sweet, but her mom and sponsor were there, and their private conversation was all I heard during my entire meal. It was annoying. The server made us all aware she had 15 minutes left on her shift, was leaving not a minute later, and had filled all the jars ( ketchup, etc) earlier to make sure she left on time. She wanted to see her god daughter or some female relative she hadn't seen in a while. Why did I need to know this? But overall, I'd visit again IF I were in the area, but I don't think I'd drive 30 minutes again to eat there.
(3)Kat O.
I have to say I wasn't a fan of the food. I was there about 2 months ago and I thought that KFC across the street can serve a better meal for cheaper. Corn bread was dry, chicken didn't have a good crust and was a little bit dry, and to top it off it was INSTANT MASHED POTATOES. Sorry I give no love to a restaurant that can't even make their own mashed potatoes.
(1)Kara G.
Hot mess. I live in the south, grew up in the south and I know soul food and this is most certainly not it. This is a greasy Cracker Barrel wanna-be in a beat location. I lived in Tacoma for almost three years and missed my soul food, I learned that I was better off making it myself than going here. Nothing was terrible, but nothing was great, it was all very out of a can if you will. Please note who all of the good reviews of this place are by...what I'm just saying, just because it's greasy, salty and covered in bbq sauce doesn't mean it's soul food. If you have ever lived in the south you know soul food can be so much better than this. I felt it was a bit pricey for what it was. This is a place I would just as soon forget now that I'm in Atlanta I'm enjoying the real stuff. So let me just say if you are from somewhere other than the south, the Southern Kitchen might be enough to make you happy. If you are from the south living or visiting Tacoma, prepare yourself for disappointment, this is not the real deal, it will do if it must, but even the local Picadilly in Atlanta can do better than this place.
(1)meagan b.
Being a Southerner, born and bred in Georgia, I was super excited to hear there was a soul food place in Tacoma. I went to Southern Kitchen with high expectations. But if this is what Tacomans think is good soul food, I feel sorry for all ya'll! The only highlight was the brisket (which was to die for), but the fried chicken was mediocre. The vegetables were sad...the potatoes were powdered, the okra and corn were frozen, the blackeyed peas were canned and the sweet tea was stale/sour. I will NOT be going back. No self-respecting Georgian would be caught dead here!
(2)Sarah F.
I heard and read so many good things about this restaurant and decided to go on a Saturday night. Very busy which I thought was a good sign. Service was ok except for the fact that we didn't receive our corncakes practically until our meal was over. Portions were a nice size but food was very bland. I had the jalopeno hush puppies, they lacked flavor and could hardly taste the spice. I also ordered the cajun catfish strips, with mac and cheese, yams, and greens. Mac and cheese needed either pepper, salt or both. Did not enjoy that. The yams were nice and not overly sweetened but the greens tasted like they came straight out of a can, very disappointed. I've never been a huge fan of catfish but I can say that this was the best I've had. Just the right amount of batter and pretty good flavor. For a beverage I had the strawberry lemonade with whip cream on top which was nothing to call home about. Sadly, not very impressed with experience, therefore still on a search for some good 'ol southern cooking in Seattle.
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