If you're anywhere near the east side of San Antonio, do yourself a favor and stop by J's Eatery. From the moment we walked in, it felt less like a restaurant and more like we were being welcomed into someone's home. The vibe was warm, relaxed, and genuinely friendly. We started with the orange pepper chicken wings -- flavorful, crispy, and absolutely delicious. The sauce was not thick or overpowering, and the wings were cooked just right with that satisfying crunch. My wife and I both ordered the shrimp & grits -- I went spicy, she kept hers mild. Both were cooked to perfection. The shrimp were tender and well-seasoned, the grits creamy and rich, and the spice level on mine had just the right kick without overpowering the dish. Truly top notch. We also added cornbread and greens, and honestly, I could have eaten nothing but those greens and been completely happy. They were that good -- perfectly seasoned, comforting, and full of flavor. The whole experience felt like we were sitting at a friend's house while their dad and uncle -- the best cooks in the neighborhood -- were in the kitchen preparing a special meal just for us. That's the kind of place this is. We'll absolutely be back. read more

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Very delicious food! I had the fall off the bone oxtails! I meannnn. Delicious. I would call ahead to make sure they have them the day you're going to get them. I also had the greens and the yams. Everything was literally the BEST! Don't forget to try the pineapple lemonade. And shout out to Mr. J and his wife. They were so kind and welcoming. The spot had a home vibe with great music and lights. It was chill and not too loud. I'm adding this to my faves. read more

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Our visit was absolutely incredible! My husband couldn't stop talking about how delicious the shrimp and grits were the flavors were rich, perfectly balanced, and truly unforgettable. My brother ordered the catfish, and he kept saying how perfectly it was prepared: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned just right. I ordered the salmon patties, and when they asked which sauce I wanted, I wasn't sure. I asked for their recommendation, and they immediately said, "J's homemade sauce is the best." They were absolutely right, the sauce elevated the entire dish and brought out every delicious flavor. And let me not forget the cornbread... warm, soft, and perfectly sweet. It tied the whole meal together! One of the highlights of our visit was that the owner and chef came out to speak with us personally. She shared that she will be offering a new seasonal menu soon to match the weather, which made us even more excited to return. Totally recommend this place, wonderful food, warm hospitality, and a chef who truly cares about her craft. We will definitely be back! read more

First thing to note is parking...not convenient. My first visit took place during lunch with a colleague. The ambiance was nice. Service was friendly and fast. Now let's get to the food...I had the red beans, rice, two wingettes, cornbread and a pineapple lemonade. Beans were delicious, wings were seasoned very good and the cornbread was perfection. I really did not enjoy the lemonade, it was overly sweet and had a canned-pineapple juice undertone. I was coaxed into trying a dessert by my colleague. Peach cobbler is a personal favorite for this Louisiana lady. I ended up having a plastic container (initially purchased to-go) of peach juice with small chunks of dough (I would NOT recommend the cobbler). It lacked the basic foundation of the cobbler...crust. There was no structured crust in this dish, only dough remnants, a few peaches and lots of liquid. I didn't take it to go for fear of all that liquid spilling in the car. I ensured I mentioned this to the gentleman waiting our table. His response suggested I try them again when it's fresh out the oven. All-in-all the experience was nice, my food was delicious and I was happy to see the chef visit tables, so I could personally thank her. I really wanted to try the red beans and did, but I honestly believe $7 side-dish portions is a bit excessive (personal opinion). The beans were what I wanted, but purchasing a different lunch entree and side of beans would have been over the top pricewise for a lunch. At the same time I get the element of inflation...go when you can afford to treat yourself. Lunch for two was around $42. I recognize the owners' intent (high end soul food) and wish this family much success at perfecting their culinary vision. read more

J's Eatery on New Braunfels is a true taste of authentic soul food on the east side! It's honestly the best I've had in San Antonio in a very long time. Their signature smoked meatloaf is out of this world -- flavorful, tender, and perfectly smoked. Everything I tried was absolutely delicious -- from the cornbread and collard greens to the yams and fried fish. Every bite tastes homemade and cooked with love. Judith and Brian are absolutely amazing -- so welcoming, kind, and genuinely hospitable. The parking can be a little tricky and tight, but once you taste the food, you'll agree it's totally worth it! We need to keep supporting small local businesses like this -- places that take pride in their food, create a warm atmosphere, and uplift the community. J's Eatery is a must-visit -- you'll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit! read more

J's Eatery - Can't go wrong with cornbread battered and seasoned CATFISH! - Comfort Food Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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J's Eatery just set the bar high for my first visit! I ordered shrimp and grits, garlic mashed potatoes, cornbread, and meatloaf, and let me tell you--EVERY BITE WAS PURE COMFORT & FLAVOR!!! The shrimp and grits were absolutely perfect--creamy, well-seasoned, and so satisfying that after just five bites, I was ready for a nap. The garlic mashed potatoes were smooth, buttery, and packed with just the right amount of garlic to make them irresistible. Then came the cornbread--moist, slightly sweet, and baked to golden perfection. It tasted like something straight out of a home-cooked Sunday dinner. And the meatloaf? Tender, flavorful, and covered in a sauce that tied everything together beautifully. For my first time ordering from J's Eatery, they made a lasting impression. The food was delicious, the portions were generous, and the flavors spoke for themselves. This definitely won't be my last visit! . read more

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2nd time visiting and it was so good. Food is fresh, made to order. So with that said, please be patient if your order takes some time to come out. It's worth the wait. read more

J's Eatery - Jumbo wings with greens, Mac n cheese, mashed potatoes (gravy on the side - per request), and cornbread (sweet) - Comfort Food Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Well, this restaurant was one I stumbled upon. And I did not regret it. I normally go to another restaurant in the area for soul food but this time I wanted to try something new. I went on a Sunday early afternoon and there wasn't many people when I got there but it started to pick up about mid way through my meal. They were pretty short staffed and it did take quite a bit for me to get my food but luckily I wasn't in a rush. The food was sooooo dang good. I got a little bit of all my favorites. The yams! Man those yams... read more

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Great service, owners very friendly and helpful. Hat off to the cook everything was great. Oxtails melts in your mouth and smoke meat loaf fantastic. Pineapple lemonade off the chain. Ambience relaxing with mid 80's r n b playing. read more

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The food was excellent but it was an unusually long wait and then the food was served one item at a time. it decor of the restaurant was absolutely pitiful. read more

My husband and I saw a recent review, since I wanted shrimp and grits. And my goodness, they were not wrong! The food was completely flavorful, hot and delicious. Everything was incredible, feels like a warm hug. Our waitress/host was the best! Very sweet woman. We are definitely coming back and bringing friends! read more

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Great service, check. Delicious food, check. Clean space, check. We walked in and was immediately treated like family! Got recommendations on the menu and chose the Asian Spice wings with fries. My friend got the Orange Pepper wings with fries. Both flavors hit omg!! I enjoyed my wings but couldnt finish all six of them so I had leftovers. We got to sample some fried shrimp with a zesty and crispy coating, perfect for dipping! We will definitely return to try more of the menu items!! SUPPORT LOCAL! read more

I was there with my sisterhood organization. We were a large group. The service could have been better . It was very slow and unorganized.

I ordered the wings and the Smothered pork chop plate.. everything reminded me of a home cooked meal. From the yams to the greens to the mac & cheese and the lemon pie. I live 2 miles away and hate that I just found out about it. Definitely coming back often thank you Brian for the recommendations on the order. read more

J's Eatery - Smothered pork chop and wings. 10/10 recommend. - Comfort Food Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The service was amazing. We came in based on a recommendation and were instantly greeted and seated. It's very cute and intimate inside. The monogrammed table cloths are a nice touch. My friend and I split the chicken and waffles and catfish and shrimp. I subbed red beans and rice for the fries. All of it was as a 10/10. Others with us had the salmon patties and potatoes and shrimp and fries. Everyone loved their food. We came for the food but stayed for the conversations with the owners. They were both amazing. read more

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Our trio of wings hit the spot. I especially loved their pineapple lemonade and mashed potatoes. The service was excellent, three different people came to check on us and it truly shows how much they care. read more

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Everything came out so fresh and hot!! The taste of the chicken fried steak was amazing, all the sides delish!! Especially the creamed corn and the corn bread yummm! Pineapple lemonade not to tart, just the right amount of sweetness. This is a really cozy date night spot. Excellent customer service to top off this place - a must try on the east side!! read more

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It's not often food leaves me lost for words but wow. This was a breathtaking eating experience I have never had so many beautifully blended flavors and bites. My girlfriend and I shared the waffle sampler with the shrimp, catfish and drummets with Asian zing sauce. Every bite was a symphony of flavors and went together so well with their waffle that was like biting into a cloud of bliss. For our main course we had the meatloaf and shrimp and grits with a side of Mac and cheese and garlic mashed potatoes. Every bite was magic. The shrimp was beautifuly seasoned and the sauce on the grits was life changing. The meatloaf is smoked and was the best meatloaf and possibly meat I have ever had. The Mac and cheese was cheesy delicious and flavorful the garlic mashed potatoes was buttery seasoned to perfection goodness. It all comes with cornbread that melts in your mouth like cotton candy. I have paid for extravagant meals and consider myself a foodie with a good pallet and a cook myself. This is absolutely some of the best food I will experience in my life. Absolutely stunning, the owners are so kind and friendly and very hard working. You can feel their passion for cooking in every bite. I cannot wait to return to try more dishes and experience this amazing eatery. read more

J's Eatery - Smoked meatloaf, shrimp and grits, garlic mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese - Comfort Food Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Y'all--- I hate we live on the other side of the state and can't come here more often. Parking was a bit odd but GOOD LORD the food! Amazing. Def recommend the cream corn and mashed potatoes. Perfect! read more

The food here is made by a scratch cook so nothing artificial, nothing processed just simply good home cooking. I've been a scratch cook for over 40 years and I'm extremely impressed. You will not regret coming here. May I also mentioned that the staff and the owner are extremely friendly and professional. OMG, I almost forgot about the cornbread which would be a sin if you don't try it. read more

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Presentation was nice Customer Service nice but the chicken was not crispy but soggy little to no taste the Mac and cheese had too much oil the greens had little to no taste the bread and okra were good...I ended up getting sick after i ate part of this meal read more

J's Eatery - Corn bread fried okra greens mac and cheese chicken wings and fries - Comfort Food Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Food was excellent! By far the best cornbread I've ever had! Red beans and rice were excellent and the chicken fried chicken delicious. Service was also excellent. This place needs a spot in a popular area, guaranteed it would be packed all day everyday! read more

The service is impeccable. Met with a smile, and they were very accommodating. They were playing great music too. It's very clean and I can't wait to eat. I'm ready for their wings! I know I won't be disappointed, and I will be back. I ordered the three wings, the chicken street tacos, and peach cobbler! Mmm, mmm, mmm. I'll be updating this review after I eat. I give them a five star alone for the friendliness and cleanliness read more

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Great customer service...good food....only did take out so didn't get to experience full service. Would recommend to at least try out this Vet owned Soul Food joint. read more

J's Eatery - Meatloaf, Mac n cheese and cabbage. - Comfort Food Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

My quest for eating oxtails and my cousin visiting from California brought me to this restaurant, and I was pleasantly surprised by the building's repurposing. Upon entering, we were greeted by the hostess, who offered us a place to sit and took our drink order. Since the ox-tails were ready to serve, I opted for the shrimp (4) and grits, and my cousin ordered Elgin sausage and fried shrimp. First, the Elgin sausage tasted like Elgin Sausage, and the fried shrimp was fried well and seasoned appropriately. The shrimp and grits were hard to critique since I had the same dish in The French Quarter the night before, but I will say that this rendition was pretty good but lacking because of the amount of shrimp offered, the lack of incorporation of the cheese, and the lack of andouille sausage. I prefer somewhat stiff grits, but these were soupy. After waiting an hour, I was expecting a little more, but I will revisit this establishment again when my cousin returns from California. Finally, visiting this restaurant may be a treat if you are close to downtown with time to spare. read more

J's Eatery - Shrimp and grits! - Comfort Food Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Me and two of my friends went there for the first time today. We agreed to be there at 12 when they opened but we had to wait for the owners to arrive and open the restaurant. We decided we were going to leave when the owners showed up. I am glad we waited. I had the meatloaf, fried ochre, greens and cornbread. Incredible! The greens were the best I have ever had. My two friends loved their food too. The three of us loved our experience today and highly recommend it if you are looking for a great soul food restaurant. Reasonable prices and lots and food with great flavors. read more

The primary cook came and gave us oxtails and my hubby loved it! Love this place will definitely will be recommending this place to all my friends and family!! soul food read more

J's Eatery - Omg omg omg! When I tell you this is the best chicken and waffles I ever tasted in my life! It just melts in your mouth !! out of 10 - Comfort Food Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! The only hang up might be the wait for the food. But its a non issue. Your food is being cooked to order. The music was at the right level for table talk. Great place! Will absolutely be going back with the family. read more

The food was so delicious. The oxtail fettuccine was off the hook and my wife enjoy the country fried steak I love the red beans and rice the parmesan chicken I'll truly recommend them to some of my new friends Brian the owner and his wife was very welcome made us feel right at home. read more

My family and I went here after church today. It was our first time the food was good but need a little bit improvementhat's expected for a new business. I don't have any harsh words to say and that's a lot coming from me who was a retired Certified. Executive chef. read more

Wonderful flavors and some really nice folks. The parking is a bit of a pain but very well worth it when it comes to great food! Will definitely be coming back to explore the menu! Oh, I had a very delicious smoked meatloaf and garlic mashed potatoes and an additional side of tasty greens. read more

I went here with a large group of ladies for lunch 10/4/2024. I ordered the fish tacos which were the best I've ever had. A girlfriend ordered the shrimp and grits which she also said were the best she's had in a long time. Various dishes ordered and everyone enjoyed their food. I am definitely coming back. Well done. read more

Best soul food and best service in town! Hands down. All our out-of-town guests and visitors get to experience this spot. All agree it's an outstanding experience of soul food done right. read more

The wait was very long! The food was just okay.. the butter cake was yummy!! The wings were not bad but I was expecting more! The smoked meatloaf needs to just be regular meatloaf! It was just too much! Oh parking was horrible but customer service was nice! read more

Soul food done well! We had the Shrimp and grits, chicken fried chicken, fried shrimp and Smoked Meatloaf. All was great! Great owners that take the time to meet their customers. You won't be saddened by the experience or the food. read more

Our family was in town for Air Force BMT graduation.Based on the choices offered on the menu, we called to make a reservation as our new Airman had to be back on base at a certain time. We received a call back from the owner stated that a few items would not be available yet we decided to continue forward and keep our reservation. I am so delighted we did. The service was top shelf, the hospitality was A1 and the food was amazing. Also, the items that we thought would not be available actually were available. My son said it was the best meal he had in 7.5 weeks. It made my soul happy. I went to the front counter to pay the check only to be told it was taken care of. The owner told my son- Congratulations and Have a great career. I was overwhelmed by this families generosity and kindness and for providing my son a memory of being blessed that he will never forget. Bless this establishment and if you are ever in San Antonio and want the entire soul food experience, J's Eatery is the place to go. read more

This place is a real treat! Friendly and down home. Food was excellent. Owner and his staff were very helpful. Atmosphere inviting. Genuine soul food. Flavored well. I will be back! read more

Stopped here with a friend today...a friend who practically takes everyone she knows lol! Food was good and hot. Service was top tier! Will be returning!!! read more

For sure, home cooking par excellence!!! I'm serious. The food, service and ambience were worth the drive. We will return soon.

The food was absolutely delicious! The smothered chicken, spinach, mashed potatoes, rice, peach cobbler ALL OF IT. And the customer service was AMAZING! Extremely friendly! read more