Tried Craig's Kitchen tonight and it was absolutely outstanding. Walking through the door, I was greeted by two really friendly employees, my food was ready quickly and when I brought it home..: OMG. We ordered the fried chicken 12 piece family meal, with sides of coleslaw, collards, and Mac n cheese. For the pescatarian in our family, we ordered fried catfish. Every single item slapped. The fried chicken is the best I've had, hands-down, EVER. The coleslaw tasted fresh, and it wasn't too mayonais-y. The Mac n cheese was creamy and delicious and did I mention the chicken? *chef's kiss* I tasted a small bite of my daughters catfish and it was also really great - not oily at all. She loved it too. This is a must-try, gem of a small business that Vernon is blessed to have in our community. I also have to mention that the owner is regularly engaged in philanthropic ventures in our town. Haven't tried the desserts we ordered yet because I'm absolutely stuffed from dinner but from the smell, I know it's going to be amazing. (Peach cobbler, blueberry cobbler and banana pudding) read more

New dining area, still good food I'll keep this update brief. the food is still good, the new dining space has plenty of space for people to order and navigate through. it's more a to-go place, but it's good soul food at a good price. read more

Craig's Kitchen - Seating and new decor - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

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Great food , service and a Mortal Kombat arcade. What more can you ask for? Thank you Craig for the great tasting food. read more

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Sadly due to staff shortage our Chicken & Waffles were not edible. Waffle undercooked; chicken was BIG and tough and also seemed undercooked. We ended up trashing both orders. It was not Craig, but a staff member who stated his support staff was running behind and he was solo. read more

Craig's is the best! Not only is it some gooood soul food in Rockville, but he does so much generous community outreach and giving back. It's truly a business I love to support. The fried chicken is phenomenal. Mac and cheese, excellent. The wings had great flavor, but I personally don't like wings breaded so I'll stick with fried chicken next time. Try out craigs! read more

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Craig is an amazing person. He gives so much back to the community. After living a tough life, he's chosen to give back. Give him a Google if you want to know more about his past. As for his present, there is no more generous chef anywhere. From free Thanksgiving meals to anyone who wants one to giving out Easter baskets to any child. He takes donations, but he would do it without help. But enough about Craig; back to a review of his establishment. I've never been inside, it's always takeout, but it is *the* takeout of choice. Fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The sides are all good, though I lean towards mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. What can I say? I like the carbs. My husband gets 2 types of meat, usually pork and chicken and collard greens. He loves them, me, not so much. Emeril Lagasse could cook them, and I'd still pass so that's not a criticism of his greens. So good. Both the man and the food. Give Craig's Kitchen a try; pretty sure you'll be back. read more

My colleague recommended this establishment. I tried calling but the phones didn't work. I drove 30 minutes to get to the restaurant. Upon arriving the person in the front told me they were closing.(I arrived at 7:15pm). I asked about the 8pm closing time I saw online and he said they were running out of food. I had fried chicken, Mac and cheese and candied yams. The fried chicken was very good. Mac and cheese very cheese kind of bland and candied yams were the sweetest / sugar yams I ever had. I took away two points for customer service, ambience and cornbread. The cornbread was stale and OLD. The most disgusting cornbread I've had in my life. I asked for hot sauce and the guy said they didn't have any. Instead he recommended honey. What !?!? I went to sit down while they were cooking the food and the chair was wobbling while I was sitting. I moved to another and the same thing happened. The restaurant has a lot of potential with the food but that's about it. read more

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The jerk chicken was amazing! More of a takeout spot vs eat in. The food was so unique and incomparable to anywhere else in the area

Me and my mom went to Craigs for dinner on Thursday. It was Amazing! We were SO happy with the food! Mom had fried chicken, fried shrimp, collard greens, fried ochre, and cornbread. Mom said " REALLY GOOD". I had baked chicken, fried shrimp, yams, Macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. I said " Tastes Awesome! Eating this delicious food reminds me of when I fly to Ozark, Alabama and eat dinner with my husband's family". Truly authentic, southern food served in a clean, casual atmosphere. We plan on going there again for dinner tonight! Also, the staff at Craigs were really nice and helpful. Truly a perfect time. From momma B and momma D. read more

Visited this place for the first time after reading the reviews and lets just say we were not disappointed. Upon arrival you can tell that this establishment is a new and upcoming business as the inside appears to be undergoing some renovations. We had the mac and cheese with fried whiting and the smoothered porkchops with red beans and rice. Can you say finger licking good?? The fish was fresh and the porkchops justes melted in your mouth. I mean seriously, the food was amazing. Not to mentioned that the cornbread was delivered to our table nice and hot! It was well worth the 35 min drive. I would recommend this place to anyone who want some good old southern home cooking, delivered to your table quickly and with a smile! read more

Craig's Kitchen - Smothered Porkchops with rice and Red Beans and Rice - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

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Listen, I don't leave many reviews but this was obligatory. Where to start, where to start. The service was friendly and enthusiastic. We placed an order for takeout and it took about 20 mins. Everything was hot and fresh. As far as soul food goes, I hold it near and dear to my heart and these people aren't playing around. The fried whiting was seasoned and fried beautifully, an absolutely fantastic bite. Likewise my fried chicken was succulent and so tasty. I got collard greens, yams and Mac and cheese. The only knock on this place is that the collards were a touch too salty for my taste but I licked my plate clean all the same. If you like REAL soul food, gon' head and pop in. This will undoubtedly be my new go to spot. read more

Craig's Kitchen - Sides - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

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I had the Jerk Chicken. It was spicy and had a lot of flavors. If there is one thing you should have from here, that is the Jerk Chicken. Candied yams were different from what you get in other restaurants. In other places yams are mashed, where as here the yam is just cut to large pieces. Amount of sweetness was also very less here. When yam is cut to pieces instead of mashed it feels harder. Overall I felt these candied yam tasted more like real food. Because I got used to the sugar loaded candied yams, I didn't finish these. Fried Okra was also a bit different. In other places okra is uniformly coated with batter and fried. But here it looks more like somebody manualy tried to coat the okra. There is an irregular coating. The green okra is visible in many places. I felt the flavor was better here. Uniform coated okra would have been a better comfortable food though. Cornbread was also less sweeter than in other places. And less buttery. But the feeling of real food was there. Overall I liked the Jerk chicken here. It had more flavor than in other places. Other food tasted real. But it lacked the sweetness and artificiality in other places. You can take it as a positive or negative. I went on a Sunday late afternoon. I was the only guy eating here. They were out of most of the bottled drinks. read more

Craig's Kitchen - Jerk chicken small with corn bread candied yams and fried okra - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

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All was so good, when he 1st opened, I will be trying this place again today. The service was awesome.

Hands down best food in the area. I got the large combo that came with two meats and 3 sides. Jerk chicken fell right off the bone and the seasoning was wild. Bbq ribs had so much meat on it and wasn't over sauced either you could taste the pork. Idk where he got that potato salad recipe from but that was fireeeeeee! Red rice and beans had more flavor than imagined I could had a meal of just that. Corn bread was clearly homemade so sweet and delicious. Mac and cheese was so gooey and you could see the real cheese and not that box crap. One hell of a dude and cook like a mf!!! Easily making the trip back up from Long Island to get this again! read more

Craig's Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

So as much as I want to give 5 stars.. It breaks my heart not to. I truly do love Craig and staff. But things have change. Sometimes hit or miss with the food. Which is not good thing. I love ordering the Ox tail and 99% of the time. There is none to order, I once did a arrive early and it wasn't ready so I order Jerk chicken. Which is normally a hit but this time it was barely luke warm, and the skin was rubber. I had mashes potatoes with gravy and it tasted like veggie watery sauce not the gravy im used too. I was happy to see real plates and not take out containers. I will say this. I miss the old vibe when the grill was going and you saw Craig the chef out sparkling as he cooked.I have ordered fried chicken in the past along with waffles. They came out good. Also fries one night were fresh and tastful. read more

Craig's Kitchen - Jerk chicken. - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

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I loved this place! I got take out for dinner tonight and got the fried chicken and mac and cheese. Everything was delicious and the woman who worked there was insanely nice, such a great experience! read more

Craig's Kitchen - Fried chicken with Mac n cheese and fries - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

The food was just not good. It was not well seasoned the potato salad had a hard undercooked potatoes, and never mind the small portions.

Don't judge this place from its location or what it looks like from the outside. Go inside and order yourself a "small", which will allow you to choose a protein and two side dishes to enjoy with the piece of corn bread that comes with it. My personal favorite is the fried chicken, which is the best I've ever had, and I've eaten in places all over the South. I'm also partial to the collard greens and fried okra, but I will tell you the french fries are uniquely delicious because they are seasoned, and Craig is famous for his mac & cheese. I guarantee you this will not be your only trip there. I'm already making plans to have some thing "smothered" come Fall, as well as trying the catfish, which a friend of mine swears by. Craig himself is a wonderful contributor to Rockville. He does all kind of charity work for the families and children in the area. So not only am I ecstatic because the food is delicious, but I feel good supporting someone who gives back. Do yourself a favor and try out Craig's. read more

The food is amazing! My favorite is jerk chicken but everything is delicious. Craig is a great guy and he does amazing things for his community. I highly recommend this place. It's a cozy place you can sit in or pick up or have it delivered. read more

Food is always tasty, hot and fresh. Good deals too. Not much to look at, but please give it a try. You will be pleasantly surprised! read more

Delicious food made by a man who is a treasure to our community. He brought himself up from a difficult past, and had been paying it forward ever since. Fried Chicken is spectacular, paired with Mac and cheese and Collard greens and you have a true home cooked dinner. You need to try this food!!! read more

Soul food worth the ride...fried okra nice..together with red beans and rice.smothered pork chop.....hmmm good

Amazing fried chicken! Black eyed peas and collard greens are a must try! Loved their Mac and cheese too!

We just had dinner here for the first time tonight. It was delicious. Reminded me of my two southern grandma:s cooking. We had the fried chicken meal that came with three sides so that we could try everything. Then we tried dessert too. Highly recommend. We can't wait to go back and try the fried catfish and jerk chicken. But first we have to eat all our leftovers!! read more

I live all the way in Southington, CT and was looking for restaurants that were operated by African Americans and this restaurant popped up. Let me tell you, It was worth the drive and It was by far the best soul food I've had to date! I ordered the fried chicken with fries and Mac & Cheese (limited menu due to COVID-19) for $9 and was worth the 40 minute drive! Everything was fresh and home made and the minute I bit into the food I was in heaven. I would definitely make the trip again to come here!!! read more

The food might be good, but if I order for Father's Day and I order a large plate with double the same meat and get 3 pieces of chicken and 1 small rib and spend 70$.... ummmmm no thanks. Not worth it. read more

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Looks wise this place leaves a lot to be desired. It's very simple, not much decor at all, even to the point where you're unsure if it's an actual food place. The food however, is absolutely spectacular. Crispy crunchy chicken, cheesy gooey Mac and cheese, and flavorful cornbread that immediately brings me to the heart of the south. Comforting food that warms your heart and soul. You get so much for so little and it's worth every penny! read more

Food is wonderful. The place is small and crowded together but this is one of the things that makes Craig's Kitchen a place to visit and eat some soul food or food for your soul! All help especially the owner are wonderful and hard working. Nice restaurant to visit when in downtown Rockville and you don't want fake Italian, pizza or grinders. read more

I order a Medium size fried chicken with Mac and cheese, collard greens, and corn bread. EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING. The chicken was so crispy hit the spot for soul food. The Mac and cheese could be a little more creamy but was still filling. I never had collard greens before and WOW they were soooo good and the corn bread topped everything off. I also got some mango island juice I saw and was pleased with it!! Highly recommend it if you're a mango freak. For me it was suck a convenient location and everything was ready in 20 mins woohoo read more

Craig's Kitchen - Med fried chicken Mac and cheese collard greens and corn bread with mango juice. SO AMAZING - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

Wow! The fried chicken is legit! I'll be coming back often Sms lol Ford to working my way through the sides.

Craigs food is fresh and delicious. He is always courteous and friendly. Prices are very good and portions are a good size. I appreciate the service he does for the community on holidays for free. read more

Yummy! My first visit and I have to say that I LOVED the slow-paced, down-home, southern, atmosphere. I didn't feel rushed at all - makes for feeling at ease while eating. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Absolutely tasty! Waffle tasted like it was made from scratch and the chicken (dark meat) was well-seasoned and deep fried. Service was great. There's also chess boards set-up so bring a friend and get in a quick match while waiting for your food. read more

Craig's Kitchen - Chicken and waffles w/ orange juice - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

Best Southern/Soulfood in CT!!! Please Please Please make an effort to make your way in. Fried Chicken, Jerk chicken, Ribs, sides everthing seasoned and cooked to perfection. Dive setting, however the food makes you feel like Sunday afternoon at Grandma's house. read more

Craig's Kitchen - jerk chicken & waffles with a side of fried okra - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

Literally the best fried chicken I've ever had! The daily special was 2 pieces and fries for $5, which was an unbelievable deal. I can't say enough about Craig, his food and all he does for those in his community. read more

I originally ordered fried chicken, but Craig gave me a sample of jerky chicken which was beyond this world. I intend to order it next time. The service was good given that the shop is mainly run by only one person. The over all atmosphere was authentic, and of positive vibes. read more

Craig's Kitchen - Nice fried chicken, but jerky is Craigs signiture for sure. Try it If you are into spicy food. - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

Very very delicious food. Have been wanting to try this place for a very long time. Just never got around till tonight. Saw them on Uber Eats and free delivery offered. So happy I ordered. The smothered pork chops with fried shrimp, collard greens and the Mac and cheese. So damn delicious. Will certainly be trying the food again!!!! read more

Craig's Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

thank you so much for your upmost respect costumer service and not be not least southern hospitality soul food. Craigs is highly recommended read more

Definitely not a dine-in place, but take-out was delicious. Best to call ahead as food is cooked to order. Drove right by, hard to see sign from street. read more

Craig's Kitchen - Fried catfish, fried okra, mac and cheese. - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

Wow I can not believe I did not know that this place existed until today! A gem! The service is so good & the food is bomb! Our food was hot to the point where we couldn't even eat it, so fresh! All the flavors are there. Also it's super affordable. I will be taking a drive back over here for sure. read more

Craig's Kitchen - Ribs, candied yams, mac and cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Vernon, Connecticut

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Frederick M. Abrams 14 hours ago This was my second time ordering food from Craigs. First time food was great. Second time cabbage was salty, macaroni cheese was dry, ribs were Tough, chicken was cold. I was very disappointed with the food Response from the owner Sorry for the inconvenience. New meal is on me. Next time call me directly. read more