It's Black History Month and although I like to support black-owned businesses all year long, I especially make a point to support these businesses during this month. This brings me to Dootsie's Kitchen. My aunt frequents this spot and actually told my mom and I about it last year, but we just never got the chance to check it out. I happened to be in South Brunswick for work and would have to pass by this restaurant getting home if I took the back roads, so I used this as my opportunity to check them out. When I arrived into the restaurant, I was a little confused on how to order at first. However, a guy that I'm assuming is the owner and/or manager came out from the back and asked if I was picking up or placing an order. I told him I would like to place an order but needed a menu. He pointed me to the other side of the counter where the menu is posted. They also have a kiosk ordering system that allows you to place and pay for your order. I ended up ordering two fried whiting platters, one for myself and one for my mom. They make the food fresh after you order, so there was a bit of a wait. I was even asked if I would like my fish fried hard. I said yes, but not too hard. I got my food to go and ate at home. I enjoyed my food. The fish filets were small, but there were at least five pieces in my platter. I requested mac n cheese and cabbage for one platter and collard greens and yams for the other platter. Only problem I had is that I didn't receive cabbage and got collard greens instead. I still enjoyed the greens. My mom thought the greens were too spicy. Personally, I really enjoyed them. The mac n cheese was that real southern mac n cheese. It tasted pretty similar to my mom's mac n cheese. I asked my mom if she liked her food. She said it was "okay" but didn't leave anything behind, so I take that as a good sign. The owner/manager was nice. He kept me updated on the status of my order. When he was bagging up my food, he asked me if it was my first time there and I told him that it was. He asked how I heard about them and I told him. He really seems to care about his business and is very appreciative of those who come to support. The restaurant is not large, but they do have some seating areas if you'd like to dine in. While I was waiting for my food, there was a large group having lunch, approximately 10-12 people. They all seemed to enjoy their food and kept giving compliments as they were heading out. I'm glad I got the chance to check out Dootsie's Kitchen and support a local, black-owned business. read more

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A Soul Food Gem Worth Every Bite! My wife and I recently visited Dootsie's Kitchen and left thoroughly impressed. The dining area was bright, clean, and welcoming -- exactly the kind of atmosphere you hope for when sitting down for a good soul food meal. We came in hoping for Whiting, but they were serving Basa instead. The staff assured us that many customers actually prefer it, and after our first bite, we understood why -- it was absolutely delicious! My wife enjoyed the fish dinner while I went with the fish and grits, and both dishes were outstanding. The portions were generous, to say the least. The food was so good that I couldn't leave without ordering extra fish to take home. That says it all! If you're looking for great soul food with a warm atmosphere and hearty portions, Dootsie's Kitchen delivers. We'll definitely be back! read more

Good food. Found a great bbq place so close to home after a long time. The side dishes were fantastic all made fresh right there in the restaurant. The potato salad, coleslaw, brown sugar yams and collard greens n cabbage superb. Also loved the bbq wings and fish. Service was wonderful. The owner was very pleasant and welcoming. Ambiance was nice and clean. Definitely recommend this place read more

I really wanted this food to be good, I was from out of town and researched a Soul Food place, I am sorry this is NOT the place. I had Fried Whiting - too hard - Collard Greens - too spicy and Mac and cheese - okay. The person who waited on me - had no tartar sauce and I had to ask for cutlery. The cornbread - I do not know - what that was? read more

The owner was very, very kind and nice. Very respectful. Food was really really tasty and just overall great quality a lot of flavor my daughters love the mac & cheese and I overall love the catfish the yams everything was delicious. The ambience is amazing and I just love everything about the restaurant it's quiet, but I definitely would come again they would get 10 stars from me read more

Delicious food! We were passing through the area after being at a cold and windy soccer game. The food warmed us right through our souls. A hidden gem, not to be missed! read more

I really wanted to like this place, but it fell short in some ways but had some positives, too. The total for what I ordered was about $47 after tax. The good: - Oxtails with rice were super tender and yummy. The flavor was great! - Enjoyed the vegetables (collared greens and cabbage) The not so good: - Everything, except the vegetables, was over salted. I didn't mind too much for the rice and oxtails, but the Mac and cheese was straight up one of the saltiest things I've eaten my entire life. Maybe I caught a bad day. Both my mom and I could only take a few bites. It was unfortunate because we agreed if it were salted properly, it would've been amazing! - Service was subpar. The food took awhile to come out. I ordered on UberEats ahead of time for my mom to get it for pickup, but when my mom arrived there was still a wait time of 38 min. The guy working there told my mom it was because I changed the order but left out the part that something I had originally ordered was not available, so I was asked to swap it. read more

Dootsie's Kitchen - Oxtails - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe Township, New Jersey

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Food is really good and fresh! Would definitely recommend giving them a try if you want good soul food.

I found this place by accident The fish dinner was delicious greens spot on mac and cheese delicious please check them out

I think the reviews for this place are pretty harsh not going to lie. I can't tell you how much this place really does care about there food. Small menu and the owner is extremely passionate about food. I got the fried chicken and two sides and it was made fresh. Mac and cheese was delicious and side vegetables were incredible. I can't stay enough about the fried chicken. This place is the best place to get soul food in middlesex county by far. I would highly recommend stopping and grabbing a bite to eat. Service is incredible! read more

Dootsie's Kitchen - Fried Chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe Township, New Jersey

customer service was great Food excellent Great atmosphere Music was Great Owner has a great personality read more

I love having different cuisine in the area, and Dootsie's Soul Food is a welcome addition. There were six of us, plus other diners at tables ... it's a one-man operation, so service was pretty slow. My fried fish was a bit salty, but good. Everything was super fresh - collards and mac & cheese were standouts. read more

BBQ Pulled Chicken sandwich Fried Catfish sandwich Seasoned fries Great service! Recognized order from the previous weekend that I didn't pickup. Family business. Made to order so give them ample time to whip up your delicious food (something I didn't do first go around). Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Catfish was Uber crispy on the outside but nice and juicy inside! Great technique! Some friendly critiques: 1) Set up website or FB page (or takeover this Yelp page!) - which the owner told me they're working on. Get that phone number or online ordering set up so it's more seamless. 2) Quicker service - at front and cashier. I know y'all getting your legs under you so I'm rooting for y'all! 3) Develop to go menus - nothing fancy but something we can take home and refer to. Keep I'll the delicious work!! read more

Food/Service... I ordered the Mac & Cheese, the shrimp & whiting, the collards & cabbage. Quite satisfied

I went on a Friday at 5 and it's a 35 minute drive from me,to walk in and get told they had no more sides and were about to close up (40 minutes before closing time) I was referred to this place and desperate to try it considering the pictures and what I was told so I went again Saturday at 12 and they didn't have the meat I wanted so I had to stick with something else. Which was the two piece with yams and macaroni in which I thought would've been two actual separate pieces but I guess chicken wise this is two pieces. The macaroni and Yams were flavorless and I'd think i'd get a discount considering I came the day before for them to have nothing and the day after to not have what is supposed to be on the menu. read more

Dootsie's Kitchen - Two Piece fried chicken with Yams and Macaroni - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe Township, New Jersey

So good! Definitely worth it! Everything was very tasty and flavorful! Great portions and great price! I ordered through Uber Eats read more

Dootsie's Kitchen - Mac and cheese, yams, chicken! I have no regrets! Absolutely delicious - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe Township, New Jersey

Tried Dootsies today for the first time. We wanted breakfast but we were too late. So that's what led us to the fried flounder sandwich. Jeffrey (the owner) recommended the flounder. They also offer whiting. The flounder was served on a nice roll with tartar and hot sauce(upon request). The fish was very crispy and flavorful! This was probably one of the best flounder sandwiches that I've ever had.I would have like the roll to be warmed but it didn't really matter since the fish was the star of the show! The macaroni and cheese was very good as well. I would order the Mac again. The restaurant is located on the south Brunswick/East Brunswick border and there's plenty of parking. It wasn't crowded when we dined in but I'd imagine it could get busy since it was a one man operation when we were there. It would be nice if they offered breakfast any time but we would actually like to try some other lunch items. The owner is friendly and we enjoyed our meal and we were happy to support a family owned business. With the Lenten season fast approaching, we will be back for some Friday fish sandwiches for sure. Dootsies is definitely worth a try. We enjoyed talking to the owner as well. read more

Dootsie's Kitchen - Fried Flounder Sandwich with Mac & Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe Township, New Jersey

This is our 2nd time to the establishment we try and support local small black owned businesses- 1st time they didn't have anything left so we got what was available - because the owner was closing early to go to Florida - Now this the 2nd time and over $50 even from a small business you have certain standards. My chicken & waffles chicken not bad waffles tasted like they were left from last Sunday . Fish (basa) was just nothing special - collards & rice - greens- rice was terrible . When you call - you get one personality and when you enter the establishment you get another total vibe - if your that unhappy or so worried about spending time with the family then maybe the food business is NOT FOR YOU - don't let your customers know your miserable because it shows . It's a shame because they close by but we are gonna have to take it back up north to Newark or back to Philly for Real SOUL FOOD - read more

Best chicken & waffles I've ever had. The creamy Mac & cheese was amazing. The man who served us was very tentative and kind. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll be back for sure. read more

My family traveled to NJ for a family vacation and came across this spot. The prices are overpriced and the food portions are too small for the price. I have been to many different soul food restaurants and this was a "never again" for me. I tried to support small black businesses, but this spot would never get my business again. read more

Dottie's kitchen is one of the best restaurants I've been to in this area and I've been to a lot catfish was hitting mac & cheese was super cheesy and on point garlic Parmesan the best garlic Parmesan wings I ever tasted read more

i give dootsies kitchen 5 stars for an exceptional menu. the succulent taste of the chicken and waffles, candied yams and collard greens, are flavored to perfection. 5 stars for a great dining experience. the ambiance decor and seating is very comfortable. impeccable service. i recommend this great comfort food cuisine as a fine destination for new jersey and tourist, who are traveling to middlesex county nj. the chef, has created a world class menu. i approve this review bill brown entertainment read more

SO excited!!! So good! So clean! Fresh and delicious. We got the pineapple bbq and hot spicy wings - they came with fries 6 for $10. their cornbread is sweet potato cornbread - tastes like cake! hubby got fried whiting (cornmeal) with collard greens (cut with cabbage) candies yams - yum yum yum. i had baked bbq quarter chicken dark with collards too and black-eyed peas (nice & soft). the collards and BEP were delicious- i don't think smoked but very slow-cooked! and lastly the banana pudding with strawberries - gurrllll YUMMO! go support a small business! a black-owned small business!! I can't wait for breakfast fish & grits or shrimp & grits or chicken & waffles!!! go go go!!! read more

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Hurry up and go try DOOTSIE'S KITCHEN! They are serving up authentic soul food and southern comfort food. Everything is freshly made , so don't be in a rush when ordering. The owner Jeff is a really nice guy using his families recipes that have been being made for many years. Best potato salad ever ! Excellent Mac and cheese , chicken wings with homemade sauces , sweet potato cornbread sells out quickly. The fried chicken is amazing! The turkey meatloaf and fish is also a staple at DOOTSIE'S. I will be going back for breakfast soon. Don't miss out on this new restaurant! Great addition for the area ! Very close to east Brunswick, south Brunswick, Jamesburg , helmetta and spotswood. read more

I've never written a Yelp review until today and felt like it would be a disservice to everyone if I didn't rave about this place. My family and I had the BBQ and fried chicken, collard greens, baked mac n cheese, candied yams, potato salad and yellow rice (almost forgot the fluffy cornbread). Everything was AMAZING. For dessert we had the Oreo and red velvet banana pudding. They were both fluffy and delicious. I grew up eating the best soul food and craved it often but we never had the option in this area. I'm so glad Dootsie's decided to open up. I will definitely be a loyal customer. read more

This was terrible. I did wings 2 ways, and each was served over a pile of limp fries. The wings are small and breaded, and the wing sauces were just not good. No blue cheese with the buffalo wings. Just terrible. The sliders are a joke. Its a piece of beef the size of a meatball smushed down and cooked to all hell, then thrown in a full sized bun. Nothing good about that at all. Can't recommend eating here based on anything I tried. 1 and done for me. EDIT: If you leave a bad review for this place expect Jeff B. from North Brunswick Township, NJ to cry like a baby and contact you to let you know that his feelings got hurt by your mean words. read more

My name is Nate Crawford, I recently moved to the area. Anytime my wife and I had an urge for soul food we found ourselves traveling to Newark and Irvington to familiar areas. Over a week ago my wife's coworker told her about Dootsie's. Today I was inclined to try it. Trust me it didn't disappoint. I had the BBQ Ribs and shrimp with MaC& Cheese and Collard greens. My wife had the wings . The food was amazing the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The owner's name is Jeff, he came out of the kitchen and welcomed me. We talked like we've known each other for years. I will certainly be returning. If you and your family are in the area stop in and grab some of the amazing food. make sure that you say hello to Jeff. read more

I got the fish and grits with a side of fried shrimp and WOW!! Everything was perfect!! So clean inside the restaurant and the staff was so welcoming .. I love everything about this spot! read more

My first time ordering from the restaurant after I received the card; same day. I stepped out on faith and was not disappointed. I had a party at my home and ordered the regular wings/honey garlic wings, macaroni and cheese, and cabbage. The food was really good and my girlfriends were not disappointed. I purchased the small cups of banana pudding, really good. I would recommend Dootsies to all. I will be ordering from them again. Also, the customer service was amazing, I received a call when my food was ready for pick- up and a follow-up to make sure we were satisfied. I can't wait to try the sweet potato cornbread. read more

great place. my girlfriend and i ordered the fried fish and grits, and the chicken and waffles. grits were some of the best i've ever had and fish was fried perfectly. like, actually perfectly. waffle was great too. owners could not be nicer. and get the banana pudding. read more

Wow like walking into a family reunion barbecue, everything was great. Had Thai chili wings. Outstanding flavor with just the right bite, pineapple bbq wings also very good. Tried both chicken dinners and fish. The sides and the meals taste like Mama has been working her magic in the Kitchen. read more

Highly disappointed. Tasted like 2 day old leftovers. Do not recommend and will not be returning.

This is not directed to the young woman who appeared to be the only one working today when we stopped in for lunch. She admitted she was not the cook, but the hostess who was filling in. The service was incredibly slow - well over 40 minuets from placing the order for two omlettes till the first one came out and another 6 minutes till the second one arrived. And it did not match the description on the menu. Rather this is directed to the owners: If you cannot staff sufficiently to properly serve your customers, then do not open. I know it is difficult to get good staff but that is no excuse for such a poor showing. I understand you have been there only 5 months, if this continues you will not be there for another 5. read more

ordered lunch on line and paid for it - got there and place is closed - DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY