So, really wanted some "Ancestor food" (Chitterings). Now, if you know, you know; they can't be…read morepurchased just "anywhere." After walking in (take-out only), and seeing that there were six people waiting for their food, I was convinced, this place CAN be trusted. So, staff, really nice. Informative, hospitable, and accommodating. As indicated, exclusively "Take-out," so not much attention given to aesthetics. All those waiting raved about the food. People there have been patronizing the restaurant for decades. Again, very good sign. Ordered chitterlings, potato salad, and collard greens. Initially thought $30.00 was a bit much, given I'd NEVER eaten chitterlings "out," BUT, thought about what it actually requires, and quickly changed my mind. The price point is fine. Everything was delicious. Everything. Including the Cornbread. Given I know how to cook, there were obviously some things I would have done differently. That doesn't even matter, this place is my "Soul Food" "go-to." If they can do chitterlings well, they can do anything. I can't wait to try everything else on the menu. I highly recommend.

Tried this place while in DC for a conference and I'm glad I did…read more It's more of a takeout spot but there is a counter where you can eat if there is room. Everything I ate was good and full of flavor, I even enjoyed the tea which was good old fashioned sweet tea. I would say this was worth my Uber ride to and from,.

Ordered the catfish combo with yams, rice, and collards. It was AMAZING! Being a Carolina girl in…read morethe DMV, it's been so hard to find good soul food. My Cup Runneth Over is one of my new favorites. Also, shoutout to Beth! The doll that took my order. She was kind, friendly, and gave quality suggestions. I'll be back in a couple of weeks with my bf to try the ribs and mac n cheese.

Wow! The bbq here is spectacular! Today I ordered the half slab of ribs with a side of Mac and…read morecheese and I didn't want to put it down. The ribs are tender and each bite is packed with the flavor. They're slathered with sauce which may be off putting to some. For me, it was that perfectly fine balance between enough and flooded. Oh and the portion size? Amazing! Definitely enough to get full for dinner. Pass out for a minute then finish the rest the next day. The Mac and cheese was great. No, these aren't hand made noodles but the amount of cheese, the seasoning, evening l everything else was done expertly. If you want to save yourself an hour or two of cooking mac and cheese at home, get it here. The atmosphere here is very home cooking. It doesn't feel like it's some massive cookie cutter operation. It's nostalgic. This is what comfort food is supposed to taste like. Eating it made me think about fun times with the family back in Florida. While I made the order online, I was greeted as soon as I walked up to the counter. My order was done exactly when it said it would be done and was made with my additional request. I couldn't it be happier and look forward to many more orders and glad to have this place in the neighborhood.

I stopped at this spot on a humble. I was surprised of the food and service. The place was clean…read moreand staff were nice. I ordered bbq turkey wings, cabbage and macaroni and cheese. To my surprise the food was actually good. I never tried bbq turkey wings and they were amazing. The place reminds me of Mid Atlantic on queens chapel rd minus the bar, I would definitely return again.

Cafeteria style ordering with lots of options…read more Collard greens were good. Barbecued chicken: It seems like they used last week chicken for this. It was tough and dry. It's a shame because the sauce was tasty. Mac n cheese tasted bland, like it came out of a box. Bathroom "out of order," but place and tables were clean enough. Wish I'd gone to an actual soul food place down the street!

EllaRay's was so good! I appreciate the fact that its one of those 'if you know, you know' places…read more From the parking lot, I don't think many would know that this is where this great spot is located. I was invited here for dinner with a high school friend who had been here before, and I text him appreciating the NEXT DAY, to say how good this place was. When you come in, you pass the bar and I'm sure someone has already greeted you by then. The customer service here was great! Throughout our entire hour.5 stay at EllaRay's, my table of 2 was probably asked at least 5 times if we needed anything - in the best way too, not the inconvenience type. The food is served hot-bar style, with someone there to present to you whatever you want. I ordered the smothered turkey, mac&chz, and cabbage, along with some red velvet cake and a mixed lemonade-tea mix that was sweeeeeet! The food itself was DELICIOUS. The smothered turkey was exactly that - see the picture of the portions too. The mac&chz was also that, cheesy, and the cabbage had a great spice to it, that I enjoyed! My friend ordered the yams, string beans and catfish - and from what he let me try (I was only interested in trying the catfish), I loved it! I think it would be something that I'd order as my side next time. For desert, I had the cake the following day and loved the fact that the icing was homemade - not heavy or thick. Now the only thing that I haven't noted was the service. Was the staff attentive and great with their recommendations, yes - but their line was just so long. Maybe I came during a rush but to get all of the delicious food offered, it did take a little longer than expected. Other that that, I loved this place! Pack your patience, and appetite!

Y'all are open but where's Ms. Ella? My platter is horrible. I knew I should have gone to Carolina…read moreKitchen but keep hoping time after time it'll get better. The new location is nice but the food has changed. Never again. Turkey wings falling off the bone with no taste, no seasoning on the cabbage and the yams are the worst I've ever had. The best thing I had was the lemonade that Kill Moe made. SMH! Y'all be blessed!

Amazing food! Enjoy the fried fish and the smothered pork chops…read more. Great Service! All welcomed with a smile! Food is prepared in a timely manner. Ambiance is fantastic..,

The food was okay…read more Shrimp & Grits - decent Yams- good Turkey wings - they were cold, and not cooked to my liking I wanted to like this place as there are not many soul food establishments in Woodbridge and it's black owned. However, my experience there left a bad taste in my mouth and it wasn't just from the food. The waitress was phenomenal, friendly and efficient. I visited with my mother and one year old son, there were no high chairs but now worries because I held him and fed him. The waitress was super friendly and engaged with my son, and mentioned to the owner something along the lines of getting a few high chairs in the establishment and the owner commented that it wasn't a baby/child friendly establishment. Now, I get it, everywhere is not- but this place? Interesting as I didn't see lounge listed in the description. I was shocked and offended that it was said within ear range of someone who just spent money in the establishment. I guess "down home" for these folks don't include children. Which is fine, Della Js and Milk and Honey are closer, family friendly and the food is always on point.

As always such a delicious meal. It's been a minute since I've visited, and so glad I did. I'll…read morestart with the yellow cake w/ chocolate icing - delicious! I usually get the banana pudding but they were out. So for my first time trying, its very good. I ordered the catfish dinner with trinity greens and scalloped potatoes and potato salad. The batter is very seasoned and tasty. I love it. Listen my whole meal was delicious and tasty! My favorite is the honey butter biscuit, I got an extra. That biscuit is so soft, buttery, and delicious. Let me give kudos to the students upfront. They were polite, friendly, and professional. I highly recommend. If you haven't tried I definitely recommend, if you are looking for great Soul Food.

Oooohhh Mmyyyyyyy F'ing God!!!!!!!!!! If I could give this place 10 stars I would! The food was so…read moregood I had to stop in my tracks and wrote this review! Idk where I been and why I haven't been here sooner! They got Carolina kitchen beat and that was my go to for good, quick southern cuisine. I loved their easy order system online if you didn't want to wait inside the establishment for your order you can choose that option. They even have a separate "pick up" section that you go to simply pick up your online order. The customer service was 1 of 1! Mac and cheese, Amazing!!!! Fried cabbage delicious!!! Smothered pork chop nice and tender and the chicken wings are flavorful and falling off the bone!!! I can't wait to come back to this establishment!!

I was in town and decided to check out First Impression. Right away, I could tell it was a…read morefamily-oriented spot. They had some good soulful music playing in the background, and it gave off a real welcoming, at-home type of vibe. I believe the owner took my order, and broke everything down for me, which I appreciated. I ordered the fish and shrimp. The fish was very good and well-seasoned. The shrimp were jumbo, fried golden, and had a lot of flavor. Portions were solid -- I didn't even finish everything in one sitting and had some left for the next day. They also had a frozen fruit punched lol. That was a nice touch and fit the whole vibe of the place. Not a sitting area but this is a place you call your order in before you get there and take it back to the house. Overall, I was very pleased with my experience. If I'm back in the area, I would definitely come back and grab another plate. If you're looking for some good seafood (and more), this is a spot worth checking out.

My friend had First Impression saved on her list, and we made plans to check it out a couple…read moreFridays go for lunch. It's carry-out only and located on the top of mini hill with some auto repair shops surrounding it. Parking was a bit stressful, but the promise of good food made it worth it. The menu was pretty straightforward, and we got our food after a short wait. DINNER: WHITING - 20 + two sides: mac & cheese, coleslaw The fried whiting fish was thin, but perfectly crispy (even after a 20 minute car ride) and well-seasoned. Each bite was flavorful. The mac & cheese actually tasted 3D, unlike the bland, powdered cheese that is used at most places. It was on the thicker and chunkier side, the more I ate, the more addictive it got. The coleslaw was very refreshing and not too creamy. The portions were large, and my friend and I were full after sharing the platter. BREAD PUDDING - 4 This was fine, but not out of the ordinary. Probably wouldn't get it again. Overall, this is a hidden gem that is worth going to. I was worried the fried foods and heavier sides would irritate my stomach's sensitivity, but none of that happened here! Will definitely be back for other entrees and sides!

Great soul food in DC. Great fried catfish. Love the greens and Mac n cheese. Always made fresh…read more It's is a little hole in the wall place and definitely worth trying!

YouTuber LaTryGuy went to this location and tried a few items and raved about it. So when I knew I…read morewas going to D.C. This was on the list of places to try. This location is on what I call a busy street and parking was sparing. But I was able to find a spot. When I walked in it gave me a diner style feel as they only had counter seating. I was greeted and I I Tried a few things the Fried Seafood Platter fried hard which included 6 Fried Shrimp, 2 Catfish, 3 Lump Crab & Shrimp Fritters with Four Cheese Mac & Cheese, and Whipped Yams. 8 wings Fried Hard all flats with a side of BBQ and Mambo Sauce. I got also got a side of Potato Salad and a Yellow Cake with Chocolate Icing. The Fried Seafood Platter wasn't fried hard and had a lot of grease at the bottom of the container. The Shrimp and Catfish were seasoned perfectly and had great flavor. The Fritter was good but wasn't my favorite. The 8 wings also weren't fried hard and I didn't receive all flats that I paid extra for. The Flavor on the wings was good. I couldn't tell the difference between the BBQ and Mambo Sauce but both were good. The Side stole the show as they were amazing.The Yellow Cake with Chocolate Icing remind me of something that my grandmother would make. Overall the experience was good and the food was good. I would come back and maybe try the grill items. Pricing was average for what I purchased. I will be back the next time I'm in D.C.

My Fiancé and I went there for the first time a couple of days ago. The service was great and so…read morewas the food. I had the barbequed Baby Back Ribs, Fries, Baked Beans and Cole Slaw with a Corn Muffin. Everything was delicious! I also Had the Seven Daughters Moscato wine which was also delicious. My Fiancé had the Jerked Chicken, Mac and Cheese and Mashed Potatoes. His food was delicious as well. We are going back tomorrow for dinner and taking some family members with us. What does that tell you?! The decor and ambience were nice too!

The atmosphere is pleasant. Most of the food was good, except for the collard greens were salty and…read morespicy. I informed the manager who was nonchalant and responded he would let the chef know. However, we all know they are Glory greens. I plan to return, however not in the near future to see if they have made any changes. The amount of food you receive is worth the price. Otherwise, everything else was good.

This place hits the spot each and every time. My favorites are the blackened salmon, macaroni and…read morecheese and greens. If you are in the area and want some good soul food, don't walk...run!

Spent this afternoon at one of the local wineries and was in the mood for some fried fish…read moreafterwards and stopped here on my way home. The fish was seasoned very well...my fried shrimp were tooooo salty...the mashed sweet potatoes were ok...greens bland, Mac & cheese-eehhh & the potato salad disgusting. Smh...this place has definitely fallen off since I remember...WHAT HAPPENED?! lol Isn't the saying: "things get better with time" ??? Not in this case... Oh & my hush puppies were ok...& that caramel banana pudding was tooooo freaking sweet for me... I was disappointed... was rooting for this spot! I remember when the owners were first beginning... not too many good local soul food spots that have good potato around here... & the customer service needs help! Happy Yelping!