I have been wanting to eat here for a while, but I am just never in the area. My mom and I were downtown checking out some thrift stores and when it came time for lunch, she said lets give Chef Paul's a try. All I can say is I'm glad we finally did. When you walk in you are greeted with a cozy area with a few tables and an open kitchen to the left side, all of the tables were occupied when we got there but luckily one opened up right after we got there. One thing I will mention upfront, and this is NOT a complaint; if you are in an impatient person who wants to be served immediately, don't come here. There isn't a lot of staff and ordering and food takes a bit of time, I think thats just fine, plus the food is worth the wait! I got the shrimp po boy with yams and mac and cheese, my mom got the fried chicken with pilaf and potato salad. The po boy was delicious, the mac and cheese was good, and the yams were absolutely fantastic. The fried chicken was even better, and I'm sad I didn't get it if I'm being honest! It was some of the best fried chicken I have ever had, second only to my Grandma's fried chicken. I can see why this place was rated as one of the 30 best black owned restaurants in the country. IN THE COUNTRY. I also got a slice of their peach cobbler to take home and share with my wife, and once again, it was one of the best pieces of peach cobbler I've ever had, and once again, second only to my Grandma's. The top crust was especially delicious, I am not sure what they did but it was fantastic! I am sad that I hadn't made it before today, but I am definitely gonna be back and will be bringing as many people as I can to Chef Paul's. read more

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Hours are hard to work with but do able It's a hole in the wall that may make you reevaluate if finding parking is worth your life to a get plate.. it is, eat the biscuits and fried chicken, bombskies Try as many times but at least once in your central Valley life time read more

I've been to Chef Paul's a handful of times now, and it's HANDS DOWN, the best soul food restaurant you'll find in Fresno! Their fried chicken is bomb!! Crispy and well seasoned on the outside but juicy inside! Fried okra and fried green tomatoes also are amazing to share with the table. Servers and staff are super friendly and you can tell they enjoy working there. Chef Paul is usually hanging out and stops by tables to say hello. The restaurant itself is small but has larger tables. Which are needed when you order so much food! The hot link is delicious as well, definitely get the after kick of spiciness, but doesn't overwhelm! And the chili beans have deep flavor to them! Would recommend Chef Paul's to anyone looking for some good old-fashioned soul food! read more

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This was my first time trying the food at Chef Paul's. Location was in downtown. I came with a group of coworkers. The staff was excellent and helpful with any questions. I ordered the tri tip sandwich with mashers and chili. I would say the tri tip sandwich was okay. I did try others meals and I definitely would order a different meal next time. I will be back to try something else. read more

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This is the best place to get fried chicken. The BBQ combo was on point and the greens blew me away!!! I never get tired of this place. Thank you Chef Paul read more

Old School Amazing fried chicken. I'm a big fan. The sides where great the collard greens where perfect. read more

I felt really at home right when I walked in :) we went here for me and my coworker's birthday lunch. I've always wanted to eat there and I'm glad I got to experience it. All the staff were friendly and accommodating :) I loved the ambiance and wished that every restaurant was like this in Fresno. I ordered the fried chicken, potato salad and mac and cheese. It also came with cornbread. This could've been easily shared between 2 people. There were 4 pieces of chicken and the skin was good and crispy on all on them. The thigh and leg definitely had more flavor than the other 2. Now the potato salad and mac and cheese is something I would get again as sides. I will definitely be back to try their fish and oxtails:) read more

Chef Paul's is located in a historic building in Fresno's Chinatown. We stopped by for lunch on the way to Yosemite. Fried catfish was coated in a crunchy cornmeal batter. Catfish was tender, flaky and moist. Very good tasting fish. I'd prefer the batter was a little thinner so more of the delicious catfish flavor came through. Fries had a crispy outer layer and delicious fried potato flavor. Fried chicken had crispy batter and skin with a tasty fried chicken flavor. Lightly seasoned with salt you can really taste the chicken. This visit I got to meet Chef Paul, a very nice gentleman who took the time to warmly greet his guests. Great tasting food and hospitality at Chef Paul's. read more

The food was pretty good! First time here and the catfish was fried crunch(which I loved) and was not oily or greasy, but the rice pilaf and Mac and cheese weren't hot. They were lukewarm but the Mac and cheese was bomb, the chef was kind, and they play good music! 10/10 I would go back but maybe try something else since the menu is a big variety. read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Rice pilaf Fried catfish Cornbread Tartar sauce Mac and cheese Lemon slice - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

Definitely in a run down part of town/building and it's in a VERY SKETCHY neighborhood. BUT the food was MOUTH WATERING. Didn't know what to expect since I was recommended by a friend to come here but great reviews and an AMAZING experience all around. Came in for lunch on Saturday and got seated right away. The service was just incredible. Server explained the menu. And some off menu items they had for the day, friend ordered the lamb chop and for me classic fried chicken with the two sides. This was some real good comfort soul food. The seasoning and the crisp on the chicken was immaculate!! The sides were very tasty and I LOVED the green beans and Mac and cheese. Service was the best I've ever had, drinks constantly refilled, staff came around multiple times to check if we were doing okay, even the owner came out to say hi! What a great experience, hospitality, and some great food. I definitely recommend checking it out if you're thinking about it. I'm definitely coming back next time I'm in town. read more

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This is our go to lately!! We love it. Best fried chicken in Fresno. The pork ribs are fire. We always get the bbq combo and add on chicken. So we can share and have some of everything. The owner has an amazing business here. I love the music they play in the background and it's not too loud so you can still enjoy the company you bring. Staff is also very kind. Closest I can get to my grandmas food in a business. read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

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My first visit was around this time last year. We were passing through the area and stopped by for lunch. Impressed by their food we vowed to return on our next trip. This visit I ordered the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy and sweet potatoes. Wow, just phenomenal. The rich, layered flavor of the gravy was so good I just wanted more. The meatloaf and mashed potatoes were delicious all by themselves, but elevated by the gravy. The sweet potatoes rounded out the meal and paired well with the meatloaf. Needless to say I finished my whole plate! We were fortunate enough to meet Chef Paul this visit. He's really a genuine nice guy. So next time your hungry and in the area I definitely recommend stopping in! This area is undergoing a revitalization. I noticed sidewalks undergoing re-pavement and many buildings with new paint jobs, including murals. It's nice to see. read more

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The environment is very relax. Everyone is nice and friendly. We ordered the chef gumbo seafood special and 3 wings and waffles. Everything came out yummy! The owner is hospitable and the food is like a warm home cooked meal. I highly recommend trying them out. read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Fried Chicken and Waffle - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

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This place is a lovely hole in the wall restaurant - in all the best ways. I can't believe it took me this long to try it. We were a party of 7 and were able to be seated right away. Service was good, ambiance was funky - from funk playing low on whatever sound system they have, to being greeted as we walked in by a friend I haven't seen in a number of years, at the door - it seems he's a regular. I had the fried snapper sandwich with sides of Mac & cheese and grits, and an add-on of a fried chicken thigh. The sandwich was fabulous and the sauce on it had just the right amount of bite to it. The table has a huge selection of hot sauces on it. Others had the veggie cheesesteak sandwich, and a Po' Boy. The most homespun meal was my friend's Meatloaf with sides of green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy. Next time it is the Ox Tails (sold out yesterday) and the ribs. I understand their lamb shank is delicious, too. read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Mac & Cheese, the other half of my Fried Snapper Sandwich, Fried Chicken Thigh, Grits, and more sauce for the sandwich. - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

OK, I don't normally write reviews, but I had to. this place is five stars at every point from the quality food to the service. Everything was great and chef Paul makes this place even better. Not only is he an awesome chef but he cares about people and I could taste the love in every single bite. I've had the red snapper and it was delicious. The four piece chicken gives you plenty if you're really hungry and the chicken is absolutely delicious. I never had hot honey before but there's a bottle at every table and I would highly suggest it .I'm not a fan of cabbage, but I've never had a better cabbage in my life. I don't know how he does it. However, one of my favorite items is the mac & cheese either anyone to find someone who makes better mac & cheese, and sells it at a restaurant go ahead. I'll wait.... read more

I really wanted to like this place..... Fried chicken was cold very cold. Dry and no flavor. Had to add hot sauce. Mac n cheeses was delicious. Mashed potato was ok. Hot link sandwich was not hot at all . Fries were good. All in all 5/10 read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Fried chicken - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

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Chef Paul's is like no other! Incredible food prepared with love and an atmosphere of true joy and community. Come on down!! read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - BBQ plate with greens and braised cabbage and hot sauces galore!! - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

Sitting and watching them cook food with no gloves, and touch all the food in the pans. Literally grabbing tri-tip, shrimp, and meatballs. Everything was just sitting in the open, none of the food was covered. Very unappetizing to see. Ambiance of the place was cool and everyone seemed polite. May need a touch up. The guy who made my food used gloves the entire time thankfully. Giving a 3 star because I'd never disrespect a mom and pop shop. read more

This food was great! The people running it were so considerate and nice to us. The food was really good. And the ambiance really felt like this restaurant had been there for a WHILE. I felt like I was transported back into the past. I really liked the vibes. I'll definitely be coming back here. They're so nice read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Smothered Chicken - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

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I've been trying to get down here for years. Glad I finally did. The fried chicken is 10 of 10. Only 1 block away from the Fresno Grizzlies baseball stadium too. read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - The fried chicken is 10 of 10 - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

It's been a long time comin! Finally giving them my review. Hate that this particular experience I'm deducting a star. Because this place is deserving of all five stars. I used to come here a lot when I lived closer, and they were really really good. Not sure why this day, the food didn't taste like how I remembered it. I mean they have some really really good soul food!! I used to remember seeing a whole family working there with a teen behind the register too or picking up the phone to take the orders. The place seems different than before. Although it still looks the same.. the food on this particular day was not hittin. I wanted oxtails and my dumb self didn't notice that it was just oxtails and gravy. No rice with it.. so that was already something I didn't like. But that's my fault. The lady told me they ran out of oxtails, but Chef Paul said they only had smaller ones in the back.. and it was up to me if I wanted it still or not. Dammit I should've said no lmao. But I really wanted oxtails so I said yes to make them anyway. So again, my fault if it wasn't to my liking. For my sides I got greens and potato salad. My bf got a tri tip plate with greens and Mac and cheese. And we both got corn bread. We also got peach cobbler and shrimp & grits.. we got home and tried the food. The oxtails were small just like he told me, the gravy was just OK. The texture of the meat on the oxtails however wasn't as tender as I wanted it. And it didn't taste as good. The bigger pieces obviously are a lot better tasting but he didn't have anymore and I was told that.. for the price of the oxtail plate I probably wouldn't get it again since another place does it that's about same price but serves it with rice.. the greens I wasn't a huge fan of. It didn't really have any flavor. Just tasted like it was boiled greens and salt. Wasn't a fan of the potato salad either. It tasted like Cole slaw. Corn bread was also crumbly. My bfs plate however he said the tri tip was good. And the Mac n cheese was good but didn't care for the greens neither. Tri tip was on the smaller portion tho. U can tell it's three long tri tip strips but they just cut them in half to make it six pieces. The best thing out of our order was the peach cobbler and shrimp and grits. Both of those was delicious! I've tried their chicken and waffles & fried fish plates before and those are also good. They also have specials of the day if you ask them. read more

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I've probably reviewed Chef Paul before, but he deserves another one. The food is fire--consistently high quality with bold, unforgettable flavors. This place is truly one of Fresno's hidden gems. I could honestly drink the gravy on the okra and grits... it's that good. That dish is my go-to every single time, and it never misses. I can't wait for the hot sauce to be back in the tables. I'll be first in line to buy a case when those batches come back. read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Okra and grits - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

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We ordered to go. The staff were nice enough but it was very busy when we went (Sunday morning). The food was very tasty! But we were a little shocked at the portion sizing compared to the price. We would've appreciated a bit more meat & smaller sides (we got the mac & cheese + mashed potatoes with gravy). We're definitely going to try dining in next time. read more

Ok so check this out... I had surgery today and I ate at chef Paul's (again) literally yesterday... I was put to sleep and usually u don't have an issue but I felt like I was still awake during surgery! I must have been dreaming of the procedure or something? I asked the doctor was I awake I felt like I was still awake! He said no u went under pretty quick! He said does chef Paul's ring a bell? How about their greens!!!! this place is so good I was talking about it in my sleep! Definitely becoming a regular! Also happy birthday chef Paul my fiancé and i enjoyed ourselves again! I do have one honest complaint but I'm still giving u a five star! My cabbage was a bit too salty but I was able to send it back and get extra greens! Which are my fav! Thank you! read more

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We saw this place on yelp looking for good food to eat in Fresno passing through. We were warmly welcomed. I loved the retro vibes of the place. We ordered the friend green tomato appetizer- bomb! So good. I had the shrimp and grits which was freiken amazing and my husband got ribs with green beans and Mac n cheese which I also tried. He loved his food. The green beans were different to us with a marinara flavoring but they were good! We met Paul- super nice guy. Driving by we would not have stopped here but the reviews were great so we gave it a chance and we loved our experience there:) read more

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Looking for some good soul food this is your spot. Chef Paul the owner is hands on and is very friendly. We had the smothered chicken, meatloaf, Mac n cheese, yams, and chili beans all very good. read more

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Authentic as hell! Staff is super friendly and makes you feel like you're eating with family! Ox tails and fried fish were amazing! Gonna go back and try their shrimp and grits! Don't forget to ask for their daily specials! I didn't realize they had gumbo til I was done eating MOST DEFINITELY BE BACK read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Fried Fish (Red Snapper.) Fries Mac & Cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

While traveling through the area we stopped for a bite to eat. The food and service was excellent. I recommend that you stop in and grab a bite to eat. We also had a great conversation with chef Paul. I would give 10 stars if I had a chance. read more

Been eating there for a few years I love the food I love the service I'm trying to make an order now I don't know if he's still open

What can I say? This is the best hidden gem in Fresno. They make amazing fried chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, homemade desserts. It's all amazing. I got the chefs special today - lamb shanks! I am in love . Fall apart tender, no gaminess, the sauce was superb! Better than any high end restaurant. The staff is so friendly. Make it a point to come to here. read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - 4 way fried chicken. I cleaned the crispy bits off everything. - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

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Still the best of the best! I'm uploading pictures of the menu, since we went again today. I had the rib tips and they were fantastic, and less messy to eat than the regular ribs. I re-read my previous review and remember that off-chicken fried steak. It was during the Covid-stupidity. I remember having to eat in our truck. I'm sure it had to do with an ingredient shortage. I've had it again since and it's fully returned to its former glory. In fact, I mentioned to Chef Paul one visit (not today's) that I was wanting the chicken fried steak, but it wasn't on the special so I was excited about the ribs. Chef Paul said, "I got you" and made me the chicken friend steak even though it wasn't on the menu for the day! Also, if you ever get a chance, buy some of the Chef Paul sauce for your home kitchen. They were out so we couldn't get one today, but once chili peppers grow again it will be back. He makes it from scratch from peppers he grows himself! We have one bottle in the fridge and one in the pantry that will get us through this seasonal "shortage". read more

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I can't believe it took me so long to try Chef Paul's, it was EVERYTHING I expected, if not better! The nostalgic feeling inside makes you want to hang around for awhile but the staff makes being there even better, they are all so kind and welcoming. The food was so satisfying, came out in a timely manner and was plentiful. I have no complaints and look forward to coming back here again soon! read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Oxtail with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf and sweet tea - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

No other soul food in Fresno has ever come close to being worth mentioning in the same breath as the food and service Here at Chef Paul's, I recommend the short ribs, and the shrimp and Grits!! Chef Paul is welcoming and straightforward about his food and service!!, From Churches to Auto dealers When it comes to catering and food I highly encourage everyone to eat at Chef Paul's!!! read more

A Fresno Classic. Went with a friend to try something good. This is a destination for us and it was worth it! My buddy had the lamb shank. Came with cornbread. Two sides. One was Mac and Cheese and the other was a cabbage cup. Both were delicious. He killed everything. I had the tri tip sandwich. It was very good. Loved the cabbage side. Yummy! I would highly recommend this place ... read more

Looking from the outside it didn't look like much. We walk in and everyone was so chill and friendly. Our server was very good, the way she described their specialty of the day was so detailed and decadent that I couldn't say no. I had the delicious burnt ends, rib tips. I don't lick my fingers for just any food but let me tell you!! Hmm, hmm, hmm. I felt like I was at a chill family type barbecue. My company was excellent, the food, even the music was a vibe. My one reason to return to Fresno I'm going to figure out your green bean recipe! Oh and I almost forgot to mention if German Chocolate Cake is your thing, you must order!, there was so much love in the flavors of this cake, from the frosting to the moistness of the actual chocolate cake! read more

My team raves about Chef Paul's Mac and cheese and their mash potatoes and brown gravy is amazingly delicious! We will continue to order from them for our team lunches. Thank you!! read more

Such an iconic restaurant in downtown Fresno. This gem is everything it's cracked up to be. Wonderful southern cooking that is authentic. I tasted my sister's grits and they were better than any I had in New Orleans! I had the fried green tomato and aioli sandwich. It was really good. Nice crispy tomatoes and very flavorful sauce. It was on a tender roll with onions, lettuce, and fresh tomatoes. Really delicious. I got to choose two sides and I opted for the cabbage and yams. Both were really good. I preferred the cabbage as it was so beautifully flavored. I tried my sister's Mac and cheese, and it was very creamy and yummy. Chef Paul came to our table and we had a nice chat. Such a great experience. I highly recommend visiting this epic restaurant. read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Fried Green Tomato Aioli Sandwich with cabbage and yams. Yummy! - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

Great Service, great food. I got the chicken and Waffles. I wish they were open more often. I would like to try more of their dishes in the future. read more

Great customer service! Nicely portioned sized food! And a home-like retro styled restaurant! My brother and I ordered the gumbo and braised oxtail. Both very yummy!!! They were even nice enough to give another oxtail to my brother as they noticed there wasn't enough given at serving. Chef Paul even came out to ask how the food was! Such a nice touch. Will be back again. read more

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Chef Paul is the best kept secret in Fresno and possible the most value asset our city has. Protect Paul at all cost. I have eaten my way through the menu and there is no such thing as a mediocre meal. Everything he touches turns to delicious. read more

Chef Paul's Cafe - Gumbo - Soul Food Near Me - Fresno, California

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