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    Kemper's Cafe

    3.8 (154 reviews)
    ModerateCaribbean, Soul Food
    Open 10:30 am - 7:00 pm

    Kemper's Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    KEMPER'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Kemper's Cafe

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    Curry Chicken, rice and peas, Mac and Cheese
    Ryan S.

    Recently visited Kempers for the first upon the recommendation of some coworkers and was quickly reminded why I don't take people's food recommendations at face value. The food was just as nasty, if not worse, than the staff's attitude. The prices are ridiculous for the portions they serve you. Remind you this is my first time, so I ordered a lunch plate (see attached image) not knowing what the portions would be like. I frequent several Jamaican restaurants and the lunch plates are normally the same serving size as a small plate, not here. Not knowing this, I placed my order and proceeded to pay. Once receiving my food, I looked and saw three (3) small pieces of chicken and knew that wasn't enough for me so I asked what's the price difference between the lunch and the small plate. The lady told me the price but stated that since I had already paid, I couldn't pay the difference to upgrade to a small plate. She proceeds to tell me that she already gave me extra because it supposed to only come with two (2) pieces. I honestly don't even know if it was chicken or not b/c you can't even tell what part of the chicken it is, it's like they had cut it into smaller pieces. I also paid extra to upgrade one of my sides to Mac N cheese b/c it looked so good --it tasted like water. No flavor whatsoever! Really the only saving Grace, was the curry. I will NEVER go back here, even if someone else is paying, and I would not recommend this restaurant. Oh, but if you do decide to visit for yourself take cash b/c they also charge extra for you to use a debit/credit card. If you want some good Jamaican cuisine in the metro area visit: Tastee Spoon or Jamrock.

    Sweet potato casserole
    Gretchen S.

    This was a nice find on a cold, rainy day when I was sick recently. I ordered through Door Dash and had a great experience and meal. The lunch specials are super reasonably priced. I ordered the curry chicken which comes with rice and peas plus cabbage. I also wanted to try their macaroni and cheese, coco bread, and sweet potato casserole, so I ordered those on the side. Overall, it was a great meal. The curry chicken had just the right amount of spice for me. The rice and peas with cabbage were seasoned well and cooked just right. The mac n cheese was nice and cheesy - just the right amount of everything and baked perfectly. The coco bread was good; just like a regular sweet bread. I think I'm more interested in trying the patties next time though. Finally, the sweet potato casserole was good, but different than I'm used to. It had a lot of ginger in it, which was refreshing, but I'm used to more of a sweeter American style. Everything was great though. Definitely worth another try. Reasonable prices, good portions, and lots of flavor.

    Jerk Chicken, rice oxtail gravy and cabbage

    1st time stopping through. I had jerk chicken cabbage rice with oxtail gravy it was good jerk was sweet and hot pretty good will be back

    Sweet potato souffle

    I came right in before they were closing but everything was just as fresh as it ever could be. Like the bused out the new Mac n cheese and didn't give me the last scoop of the previous pan. Really above and beyond good service and quality. Now let me tell you about the ox tails, best I've ever had in my life. Perfect mix of veggies and the sweet potato had so much ginger flavor really 100/10 honeslty of of the best meals of ever had in my life I can't wait to stop back there.

    Oxtails  Rice and Peas Steamed Cabbage
    Amber M.

    Ordered through Door Dash. The oxtails was disgusting . It tasted like sour vinegar water yucky . They were tender i can give them that but a tad hit rubbery . The rice and peas was over done . The cabbage wasn't what I'm use to. They were slightly crunchy tho, which is a plus . I'll try something else next time . As of right now they get an F+ on the oxtails . Yucky

    The plantains  the girl forgot.
    Janeshia A.

    When trying to support your people #Jamaican goes TERRIBLY wrong. I ordered my food and told the young girl I wanted #plantains . The damn girl forgot (probably on purpose cuz yall know my Jamaican restaurant workers got major 'tudes!). I go and tell the cashier lady... roll please...this is the SHIT she gives me. NEVER AGAIN. And yall know when I'm in #ATL shooting I always go here. NO MORE. WE GOTTA DO BETTER. That's why #BlackRestaurants don't survive. They fuckn lack customer service. Why are you handing me any kind of food (outside of banana pudding ‍) in a damn plastic cup??! #KempersCafe #Kempers #JamaicanFood #Atlanta

    Airiel J.

    I am pretty impressed by this place. I hate spicy food too, but I make an exception here. The jerk salmon pasta is spicy as all get out and I still gobble it up.

    Jerk Chicken, Steamed Cabbage, Mac and Cheese, Fried Plantains
    Arie Joelle A.

    This Jamaican food is THE TRUTH!!! I had a small jerk chicken, cabbage, and Mac & cheese. The jerk chicken was flavorful, tender, not spicy, it was the right type of everything. The cabbage was shredded slaw style and was a little on the crunchy side but still good. The Mac & cheese tho!!!!! Goodnight moon! I wasn't ready!!! That max & cheese was hands down the best I've ever had in a restaurant easily! The plantain were sweet and rocking as well. Pro tip, if you're going to order in person bring cash. I think they charge 5% more to use a debit or credit card probably because of Point of Sales fee on their kiosk. If you have a card, order through Uber eats to save yourself some $.

    4 BBQ Jerk Wings

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    2 years ago

    The cashier was so sweet and patient with me. The food was amazing. Definitely will visit again.

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    2 years ago

    Foods good, service is great.. it's a cool little vibe if you want to just sit and chill real layed back atmosphere.

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    4 years ago

    I love the oxtails but recently the jerk chicken wings have been my fave. I typically always get rice and beans and cabbage.

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    3 years ago

    One of my favorite Jamaican spots in Atlanta. Be sure to try the kale and the butter beans. You won't be disappointed!

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Kemper's Cafe

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    A1 Soul Food

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    I went to this establishment many years ago when it was called 285 Soulfood. The food was great…read morethen and it is great now. After seeing recent reviews online for the newer place, A1 Soul Food I decided to give it a try when I was in the area during lunch time. The area is a bit sketchy. It shares a lot with an vacant Dollar Tree & a few other businesses. Lock your car & be aware of your surroundings because you never know what you may see. That is honestly the way to be anywhere on MLK drive. When you get inside, the place is set up cafeteria line style with booths for dining in if you choose too. The prices are listed on the wall and they serve breakfast and lunch/dinner food with the prices listed clearly on the wall and daily specials also. You order by standing in line & they place your food into a styrofoam box & you can eat it there or take it home. I opted to take mine to go. I waited in line for about ten minutes which I hear is good for this place. I honestly did not know what I was going to order until I saw the fresh fried pork chops come out (please see my picture). Not only did they look fresh, but they were big, crispy & well seasoned. The meat only option included two and the price was more than right. I will be back for those again the next time I am in the mood for some soul food.

    A1 Soul Food is one of those places that has truly stood the test of time for me…read more This is real, down-home cooking--like a Sunday dinner any day of the week. The portions are amazing, the food is always fresh, and you can genuinely taste the consistency and care in every bite. It's the kind of place you go to when you want something filling and comforting. My personal favorites are the fried catfish and the smothered turkey legs--omg, they are so flavorful and always cooked just right. I've grown up eating here, and one thing I can say is the quality has never changed, which is rare and definitely appreciated. The vibe is simple and laid-back, but the food speaks for itself. It's all about good, hearty meals that keep you coming back. Also, if you're in the area, you definitely have to check out Wing Cafe right next door--another solid spot you don't want to miss

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    Big Daddy's Kitchen

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    I had a great experience at The Original Big Daddy's Dish, and I want to give a special shout-out…read moreto Sydney. When I walked in, the restaurant was busy, and it was obvious they had a lot of orders to handle. Even with all that was going on, Sydney greeted me with a warm smile, made eye contact, asked how my day was going, and made me feel like a valued customer. She was friendly, engaging, and never seemed overwhelmed despite leading the team and keeping everything running smoothly. That's the kind of customer service that leaves a lasting impression. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was welcoming, and I can definitely see why this place stays busy. Great food is one thing, but outstanding employees like Sydney are what keep people coming back. Keep up the great work!

    Nasty. Food. I visited this location 2 times...on July 20th…read more2026..and July 27 2026...after co workers ask me to try out their food...my purchase was their meatloaf dinner, with the sides of rice...yams...macaroni and cheese....i purchased a slice of sweet potato pie...1st visit the place wasn't crowed and close to closing...the meatloaf was basic no seasoning very bland..the red sauce on the meatloaf tasted as if they simply added bbq sauce..their rice was very dry....the yams were ok. The sweet potato pie, was flavorless. It tasted like a bland custard. July 27th visit..tried the meatloaf again. It was horrible. The mashed potatoes tasted sour, they ran out of cornbread so I asked for some white bread, the server, gave me a crazed look and said..I will see what I can do...the sweet potatoes were bland, and very little...i purchased a piece of white layered cake , with orange colored icing...the cake was definitely stale, and cold from constant refrigeration, which is to simply hide the staleness....i will never ever eat at another big daddy,s restaurant again...the cashier, before she ran up my purchase,asked me if I don't mind reading and answering a question displayed on the cash register monitor screen...that question was how much would you like to Tip.....not did you find everything ok...is there anything thing else I can do for you.. No simply how much do you want to tip.. Avoid this old national location at all Cost. The food is simply repulsive....and yes I gave a tip of 4.00 dollars to the cashier. And $10.00 dollars to the older cute waitress, who was so rude. She didn't say even thankyou..Avoid at all Cost. I recall around 2017..bid daddy had a restaurant location downtown, near the courthouse...i and my co workers went to try his food. I ordered spaghetti and to my surprise they put bbq sauce in their spaghetti.....all these years and their food and service is still on the bottom I

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    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

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    Such a good location nearby downtown, and if you are staying at the Marriott... it's actually at…read morethe end of City Center Walk so technically you don't even have to get off property! 1st time trying Gus's was in Chicago so was happy to see it nearby lodging when here at ATL! My to-go order looks a bit on the small side, but it was definitely hardy and enough for me (average to probably a tadd bit more indulgence eater haha) I enjoyed their Mac and Cheese, along with their potato salad -- they're definitely my favorite sides when I'm visiting here The spice and seasoning here is a little bit less than before but I appreciate the staff who gave me several extra hot sauces haha

    I visited this location a month a go and I am extremely disappointed with my experience. After…read moredining at the restaurant,I accidentally left my phone behind. I called shortly afterward and was informed that an employee had found it and that it was being held at the restaurant. When I arrived about 10 minutes later to retrieve it, I was told that the phone was no longer there and had somehow gone missing. What made this situation even worse was the way the manager handled it. Instead of showing concern, taking responsibility, or making a genuine effort to help resolve the issue, he was dismissive, spoke to me in an unprofessional manner in front of other customers, and ultimately walked away while I was still trying to discuss what had happened. I understand that mistakes can happen, but losing an item that had already been found and acknowledged by staff is a serious issue. More importantly, the lack of accountability, empathy, and professionalism shown by management was unacceptable. No customer should be treated with disrespect, especially when trying to recover a valuable personal item. I hope the company reviews its lost-and-found procedures and provides better customer service training to its management team. My experience left me feeling frustrated, embarrassed, and completely unsupported.

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    R C's Southern Cooking

    R C's Southern Cooking

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    Its honestly insane that I've been coming here since the beginning and have never taken the time to…read morewrite a review. I remember the first time I walked in with my bestie. RC had approached her with a flier at a gas station, informing her that his restaurant had just opened up. Anyway, I'm ordering my meal, the same meal I always get each time I go. Fried fish (whiting), collards and the baked beans (unmatched). And he goes, "What would you like to drink?".... I'm like, "What do you have?" (Assuming the usual. Sweet tea. Lemonade... I was probably gonna go with sweet tea. ) He lists sweet tea of course, and then hes like, "Kool-Aid, coke, sprite" - IM LIKE WAIT. DID YOU SAID KOOL-AID?......... He's like, "Yeah??..." Im like, "what flavor???.... "Purple?...." I had never heard of that at a restaurant, and quiet frankly, that's all I needed to know. At this point, I literally go nowhere else for soul food. Also, RC is amazing. Really good guy, and his team offer the best service as well. A job well done, always.

    My my my. I had the pork chop with collard and candied yams. This meal was delicious. The pork chop…read morewas huge. I thought it was two. The meat was tender and the sides were spot on. The meal has the atmosphere of home cooking. I would order from here again. The cook service is to serve up tasty treats.

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    Ky provided outstanding service! The live music was great and although space to dance was limited…read morewe had a great time! I know a juke joint is known for intimate dance space. It took some time to receive our food. The mashed potatoes had too much pepper, salmon medium rare was cooked too much, pork chops with peach glaze outstanding sweet potatoes, Mac and cheese, and carrots were good as well. The string beans could have cooked a bit longer. Overall, when I'm back in the ATL I would come back.

    Pro tip: Sort the reviews by newest. There's a pattern... and it exists for a reason…read more I was really jonesing for some Southern food, and this was the only place close to my downtown hotel that was still open at 9pm. I sat down at the bar at 9:04pm, and placed my order for the seafood gumbo, highly recommended by the hostess (who had the personality of a bumper sticker). I looked around the place. The live band was decent. Not terrible, but definitely not good enough for me to watch. Then I waited. And waited. Thankfully, I was able to doom scroll TikTok, because my food didn't arrive till 9:52pm- the place closes at 10pm! There were 4 customers at the bar (which seats 10), and one of the other patrons sitting near me clearly was annoyed that his take-out order was taking just as long. Do yourself a favor. Do NOT come here. The food itself tasted like microwaved leftovers, and was less than luke warm..... like my son's diaper 12 minutes after he pee'd in it. The bartender was nice, but even she apologized for the long wait. Yeah.... don't do it. Stay in your hotel with Lunchables and root beer.

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    Who's Got Soul Southern Cafe

    Who's Got Soul Southern Cafe

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    Oh was this food fresh and delicious! I went to visit my long time friend of 26 years for her…read morebirthday. We decided to eat here as we had a great experience before. When I tell you from the customer service walking into the Restaraunt being greeted and letting us know what was in the menu was great! The young man told us they fry the fish cook to order. My friend came wanting seafood and seafood we both got. They had Catfish, whiting and shrimp. I ordered the 2 pc fried catfish, cabbage, collard greens and hush puppies and a peach drink. My friend ordered fried whiting 3 pc, dressing, Mac & cheese and cornbread and lemonade. Then she ordered an extra side of cabbage. We were so ready to go take a nap after this scrumptious lunch!! Be sure to come eat here. They have 3 locations and a brunch Restaraunt which I have eaten at as well called Just Brunch! Delicious too!!!

    It's been a minute since I been to this location. I came here first awhile back and then I been to…read morethe Duluth or Lawrenceville location that is in a strip of stores. The food was delicious at that location also. The cashier customer service here at this location is wonderful. Very thorough taking care of the customer order. I was asked did I want the gravy definitely on the dressing and the turkey wings.. The turkey wings come on a bed of rice with the choice of 2 sides dressing and Mac and cheese also the cashier asked did I want the cranberry sauce of course. I I also got the lemonade mixed with the peach punch.. Delicious food from a great place easy to get in and out the parking lot. I went here on 5/20/2025

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    Southern Fried Wing Mac & Cheese Green Beans  corn bread
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    Kemper's Cafe - caribbean - Updated August 2026

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