My grandson and I are visiting from Virginia and thought we would put it to the test.. they passed with flying colors The restaurant itself has a nice, functional layout with a chill vibe. Nice music playing in the background. Service at the kiosk was super easy. You can dine in or take out. Staff were friendly and welcoming. We had the fried chicken wings, collards with smoked turkey, mac and cheese, and red beans and rice with smoked turkey. The chicken was juicy with a nice crunch.. our only criticism was lack of seasoning in the dredge.Fried chicken should be well seasoned.. now we added the hot sauce and it was money! Juicy and a great crunch!! The sides... AMAZINGLY FLAVORFUL! Seriously! Everything was delicious, moist, and seasoned really well! We will definitely be back! Treat yourself to some great food! read more

Kitchen 216 - Chicken wings, mac and cheese, red beans and rice with smoked turkey. - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

"I don't usually leave reviews, but this was hard to ignore. The cornbread smelled old as soon as I opened it--definitely not fresh. The turkey leg had a slimy texture that made it inedible for me. Soul food should be comforting and fresh--this was neither." read more

Kitchen 216 - Stale smelly dry cornbread. Hard pass. - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

I found out about this place this past month and have already been back with friends for more. The food is always delicious. The chicken is juicy and fried to perfection, mac and cheese is solid, and the candied yams are top tier. I wouldn't recommend the cornbread, thought it was dry the last time I got it. Other than that, the service and the food are all top notch. They play lively music inside and the seating is cozy. Def recommend trying the pineapple tea read more

Kitchen 216 - Collard greens, Cabbage, Fried chicken, Mac And Cheese, cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

Not good I don't like "blackened" over fried dried out looking chicken wings that are supposed to be "soulfully" golden brown and fresh looking I returned my entire meal cabbage and Mac and cheese as well I didn't trust it after looking at those wings. Not a happy camper WONT RETURN read more

Kitchen 216 - Disgusting chicken wings - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

I'm walked in and made a to go order at 6:45pm and had to cancel and ask for a refund at 8:15pm. Literally sat in lobby for 90 minutes while staff prepared and served everyone else's meals noticing me waiting. Not only did my family not eat our expected meals I'm still waiting to be refunded $68.00. All she could say to me is "I'm sorry about that". As a loyal customer that kind of service is UNACCEPTABLE! I would love to talk to management. read more

Kitchen 216 - Receipt - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

I stopped in here for dinner on MLK day. You order at a kiosk which was pretty easy to use. They brought the food out pretty quickly. I ordered the flame grilled chicken breast with 2 sides - mashed potatoes and collard greens with smoked turkey. The food was delicious. The chicken had no fat and was tasty. The sides were equally good. An added plus was the music, which was R&B from the 80's & 90's. I highly recommend this place! read more

OMG this food is so good. I got the lemon pepper lamb chops and my aunt got the grilled chicken. I had to stop eating to write this review. She stopped eating to get some cornbread but I didn't want to stop because I didn't want my food to get cold. I'm writing this with my one clean hand. It's expensive but worth it. They don't take cash. The only thing I didn't like is the cornbread is like cake. I want real cornbread. read more

Kitchen 216 - Lamb chops with mashed potatoes and grilled chicken with Mac n cheese. Both with greens - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

Every time I'm here to charge the electric car, I'm looking at this spot and I choose grocery shopping instead. Eventually today was the day, I decided to walk to this spot and give them a try with the weather outside being perfect. Before I walked in, I thought this was a full service restaurant as I looked at the menu and the prices, however my opinion changed to a fastfood restaurant to a self service restaurant. We had fried catfish with seafood salad, grilled chicken breast with light jerk sauce and Mac and cheese. The catfish was perfectly fried golden brown, light and crunchy. The chicken was flavorful and tender. The sides were great, the owner did let us try some yams. The staff was friendly and loved the plants in the store. I personally would have liked the chickens jerk sauce a lil more spicy. We spoke to the people at the adjacent table and they loved their food too. The most popular dishes are lamb chops and turkey. I don't either, but will come back again with someone who eats it....aka my brother who loves lamb and turkey. YELP CHECK-IN GETS YOU A FREE DRINK. HOMEMADE GINGER SOMETHING...TASTED LIKE SUGARCANE JUICE AND WAS AMAZING. Collard greens and cabbage also comes highly recommended. I'll definitely be here again, make sure you give it a try, and you won't be disappointed. read more

See all

At first it seemed like a fast food chain. It took a few minutes to get our food not too long though. But everything was really fresh. Mac and cheese was quite creamy. Grilled chicken was quite flavourful. Fried catfish was really tender, and light with a good crunch. The owner/chef came in and had a good chat enquiring about our feedback. She recommended trying turkey wings and lamb chops. When I asked her about the candied yam, she actually gave us a sample to try which was really good as well. The pineapple ginger tea was amazing. Must try drink. Quite unique. read more

See all

Definitely not a sit down location! Order for pick up or to go! The food is deliciously amazing! They do not accept cash! So best bet is to go to the kiosks to pay or order online. I'm not from around here but this food smacks!!! I will definitely recommend and whenever I'm around I will pick up a plate and put people on. Definitely the food is made with love!!! read more

Kitchen 216 - Lamb chops meal - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

great food and staff wonderful flavors!!! do not pass this place it's incredible!!! plenty of variety and lot's of food!!! read more

I've been here twice so far and tried something different each time. I've been pleased with the entrees I've tried like the fried chicken and fried haddock. As far as sides go, the candied yams and tuna mac salad are decent. The Mac & cheese is a little different than most places. I liked it but I feel like I have to be in the mood for it. However, the mashed potatoes were a huge let down. They tasted like an enhanced version of instant potatoes. They would have been slightly better if they came with gravy but I expected the real deal here, especially for the prices they charge. When I think of soul food I think of cheap from-scratch homemade comfort food. I'm sure the location and ordering system play a role in their costs but they charge sit-down prices for take-out food. They do not accept cash. If you don't order online and go into the restaurant, you are forced to use a kiosk to order food and charged $0.50. There is very little interaction with staff aside from them bringing out your order. But of course there is still a tip option when you go to pay. As a whole, it's enjoyable but I think the experience would be improved if it had more of a personal touch and family feel. read more

This spot is amazing! The concept is brilliant... excellent soul food in the fast food lane... genius! The food was soooo delish!! We will stop in every year we travel with our basketball team!! Please franchise and come to Stamford CT. read more

Kitchen 216 - Turkey wings, Mac and cheese and candied yams - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

Delicious food. The smoked turkey leg, candied yam and collards are to die for. Slow cooked and done right. Service takes a while so plan to hang a bit. My only complaints is unpredictable hours of operation. Some times they open early other times not til 2 for lunch. After the 4th of July we waited in the hot sun a good 15- 20 minutes past posted opening time while they set up inside. I guess they figure they're worth it so it doesn't matter and they just might be right! read more

I used to like coming here but lately they've been slacking look at how my cabbage looks it looks all slimy and disgusting come on now read more

Kitchen 216 - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

Everything in this place is good. Only problem, sometimes they cater and when you get there they are closed. Give a call first.

Couldn't believe they were opened on Easter Sunday and couldn't be more grateful. Love this place for comfort supper. Had BBQ chicken, Mac, potatoes, and cornbread. Staff are always quick and accommodating with online ordering and pickup available. read more

Kitchen 216 - BBQ Baked Chicken, Mac And Cheese, Mashed potatoes, and cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

I first went to the restaurant Wednesday this week with a friend. Slight wait, but was understood being that there weren't a lot of patrons in the restaurant. Soon as we placed our order and was seated people started coming in. Pick-ups and done in. Wait wasn't bad considering cooked to order and conversing with friend. Food was delicious. I decided to return today to treat myself for Father's Day'. Drove to restaurant. Placed my order online @ 3:07pm. Corresponding text said order would be ready at 3:35pm. I was on the phone in my car, decided to go inside at 3:30pm. I walk in state my name and was there for a pick-up. I have a seat and a paisley start waiting 3:35 PM comes. No one says anything to me 340 nothing 346. I'm looking at the young women and one asked me what am I therefore and I said again I'm here for a pick up. They ask my name. I tell him again so I'm waiting now is three 5352. Multiple people have come in after me gotten their food and left whether they order in the restaurant or called the head at 3:52. One of the workers comes out and ask me again. What am I waiting for? What's my name and they say all the chicken it'll be done in six minutes so I think that would make it 3:58 PM and then another nine minutes I would have been waiting an hour since submitting my order 4 o'clock comes nothing four or five comes nothing. I stand up at 4:06 and I say I have been waiting for hours since I submitted my order. No one has nothing to say at 4:11 say come out with my food. They asked me for my receipt as I don't have a receipt I place it online. I can show you the information on my phone which means that it was a pick up. I showed a woman that the food is hot in the bag. I see you put in two boxes my size slice of cake a woman from the back says thank you for my patience. I don't respond because I literally waited an hour and five minutes from the time I submitted my order till I received it, which is inexcusable so I leave Dr. home and I thought maybe they may have put something extra in there just because when I get home and check, I am literally sure two chicken wings when I pay for four there's no way for me to call the restaurant to speak to the manager. I am not getting back in my car driving back. I am considering going back in person, but what would that really achieve it so here? I am on yelp leave it a detailed accurate Review and I have the receipt of the time that it was submitted the time the food was supposed to be ready. This was totally inexcusable . I will not be giving them my business again. read more

The lambchops were perfect. 85 characters to post ok. So filling in space. Once again I really enjoyed the Lamb chops read more

Kitchen 216 - Counter - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

Just love all the food. So tasty and good. My favorite is the turkey wings had not had them that way in years. Thumbs up to kitchen 216

Food is delicious and fresh! Turkey wings are my fav. Mac n cheese on point. Good sized portions.

Tried for the first time with the kids and wife got grilled salmon and fried chicken meal , it was delicious!!! Definitely hit the spot I highly recommend this place!!! read more

Kitchen 216 - grilled chicken meal - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

DO NOT EAT HERE . i've now tried kitchen 216 3 times and they were nasty 2/3 and have successfully fucked the order up both times ,then don't even have no number or email to let them know of their mistakes . Terrible business I would not recommend spending your money here . read more

Well this was unexpected. I came in to Kitchen 216 with a couple of friends. Having never been there before, we asked someone who just left with his takeout order about the best things on the menu. "Seafood macaroni and cheese." Okay. That sounded strange. But the fellow swore by it. We even got the story about this restaurant and how it had a huge following in its previous location further south. The takeout side of the business is strong. There's more throughput at this new soul food place than I had ever seen at the previous tenants of this address. And for good reason. We went in the door, and the owner was doing a little Facebook Live about the menu of the day. It seemed like the perfect time to ask questions. And ask questions I did. The strongest recommendation came for the lamb chops, which were not inexpensive. At over twenty bucks for a plate with two sides, it felt expensive. Especially for a counter service spot where food was slung out in styrofoam trays and plastic containers. My crew was a trio of food lovers. And we wanted to eat everything hot on the spot. So we grabbed a couple of stools and gabbed with each other until the food was ready. With good friends, time passes quickly. I couldn't tell you how long we waited. When the food came out, we were delighted. Those lamb chops were fantastic. Well done, but tender, and so incredibly flavorful, I don't even know where to start. I couldn't get enough. The seafood macaroni and cheese was also a winner. The long time fan of the place knew what was up. The verdict was split on the collard greens. I loved them, my companions didn't. And we all thought the yams were too sweet for our tastes. Braised chicken was quite good. Fried chicken was definitely solid. The steak with shrimp was fine. Am I really going to return to order a $20+ plate of well done lamb chops in a styrofoam container? I really really hope so. I've just got to find the right opportunity to get back down there. It's not a place to bring a crowd. There are probably fewer than ten stools in the joint. And there's a street sign that says there is no stopping outside the restaurant to run in for your order, but that doesn't seem to stop the regulars. I'm so glad people are starting to discover Kitchen 216. It's a Lark Street gem. read more

See all

At this place clean and smells good. Excited to taste the food. So much variety and options from fried to grilled.

Love the food love the people behind the line they're down to earth and very friendly excellent place

It is unfortunate to write a review like this. I can wholeheartedly say I wish I did not spend my money here. Their prices are equivalent to a sit-down restaurant, but their experience wasn't. I ordered my food ahead of time on their site for pickup. After arriving a few minutes before the pickup time, I waited approximately 40 minutes before receiving my food. Upon returning home about 10 minutes later, the food had already become cold and was honestly not worth the money I spent on it. I chose to cook something else myself instead. Assuming that this was off that night for them, I emailed the restaurant as they do not have a phone posted anywhere, telling them about my poor experience and describing the low quality of the food I received, asking for a refund for this. I received a response from the owner when I disputed the charge for inadequate service, to which they quickly responded accusing me of being nasty and not going through the proper channels to explain my issues. I have gotten soul food in New York City, New Orleans, and Japan. But this had to be the worst, made even worse by the owner's attitude. read more

See all

absolutely terrible customer service and the food was over 40 minutes late, missing food and cold. Had to make my own food on top of receiving terrible customer services. I have never experienced such awful customer service nor food quality. I have soul food all around the world and was excited to try this place just to be let down. read more

Food and service were amazing. I enjoyed both my food and my dining with friends was nice & comfortable.

Visiting upstate NY and I spoke to my family and friends and they recommend this spot for me to eat at , I tried to call in advance to get these lamb chops I heard about but my attempt went unanswered but I tried again the day my flight was leaving back to Atlanta for Sunday brunch . If you know Albany NY you know central ave is very eccentric and to have a Black Owned Establishment during these difficult times is remarkable and I push for that . When you walk into this Restaurant it was bare because of COVID restrictions from not allowing people to dine in I believe that's the policy in some parts of NY so it was barely any tables just a line to place orders. I waited patiently to place my order and I found out that she offered a small menu but the wait will be lengthy but I did understand why, it was fresh to order , I was told that the time it would take for chicken and waffles was about 30 minutes and I was almost upset but I seen the line and the demand for her food . I also tried to inbox her business on social media no response But being I was in the place and finally getting my order I was happy . I got my food after about the time stated , I must say it was hot and fresh no complaints there , Chicken slightly under seasoned but I would say the waffle was great and warm syrup made it that more better . I needed hot sauce to make it a win for me , I would of gave it 4 stars but the wait for a small brunch menu is lengthy and I expect more detail on the restaurant for the quality of food she sells her . I look forward to trying it again because I see what the people are talking about . The lady at the counter was polite even the chef came out and talked to the people so 3 1/2 stars is more like my rating for now because I know it will 5 stars in no time if she continues to improve on the little things to make it a raving success . read more

See all

Three firefighters loved the Grilled Sweet Jerk Chicken with collards, yams or Mac. Every component had great flavor. Thank you

Great food, good prices and the perfect location with outdoor seating and great customer service

This is a new spot and I am considerate of the challenges that a new place may experience. There are a few things that could be much better: 1) Their menu changes pretty often - I'm not talking about the daily specials. 2) Food preparation takes substantially longer than predicted. 3) General phone etiquette. 4) Hours fluctuate. I've wanted to eat here for about 3 weeks. After reading the reviews here and on Grubhub I decided to call to place an order, unfortunately, no one answered every time I called. I found their FB page and learned that the hours posted on Yelp and Grubhub are different than FB. So it made sense that no one was answering. I eventually was able to place an order by phone the following week. I checked their most recent menu on FB before calling. I called and was told a couple of items weren't available and that I needed to check the menu online. ?. Here's the thing. Everyone doesn't have social media and customers shouldn't need to check a restaurant's social media page to place an order particularly when they have a good idea of what's offered at the restaurant. The food was not worth it for the hassle. read more

We were looking for somewhere to eat after a long drive and decided to try Kitchen 216. My husband ordered the steak, green beans and mashed potatoes with an add on of shrimp. I ordered the grilled shrimp with sweet jerky, collard greens and mashed potatoes. Everything was excellent! read more

Restaurant owner (with a terrible attitude) calls me to argue about some fraud with their square cash (which I have no clue what their talking about )while I'm paying with Apple Pay on my real card. After waiting 45 minutes and children is hungry starving, I was forced to order elsewhere since I lost my state ID and they wanted a state ID FOR A FOOD ORDER Really wouldn't recommend for any deliveries!!! read more

Over priced back woods food. Great concept, poor location for what I assume they are trying to do. Got there at opening time and waited 45 minutes for some turkey wings which were greasy and totally overcooked. Collard greens undercooked and over salted, could not even eat. Sad part, didn't order them because they got the order wrong! Not impressed! Hope they make it but probably not. read more

Got that shrimp Alfredo mac special from these great cooks at Kitchen 216. You can see the effort and care they put into every meal and it shows in the presentation and taste. Proud to see this establishment doing their thing on Lark St. Check them out if you have the chance. read more

Kitchen 216 - Shrimp Alfredo mac special - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

I wanted something quick because I was on my lunch break and decided to try to eat something better than the McDonald's next door. I wish I ate a dollar burger because I've been in the bathroom nonstop for the past couple of hours. It was decent tasting (a little salty for me) but it destroyed my stomach. I loved Zatoon kitchen that was there before this place. read more

I tried 3 times to eat at this restaurant & they are always closed and i alway check their hours!! Today is sunday its suppose to be open 4-11. I will never try again. I love to support upcoming restaurant but i will never eat here. read more

Kitchen 216 - Soul Food Near Me - Albany, New York

Listen. LISTEN. I've been here a few times and haven't reviewed before, because, for the sake of full disclosure: it was after midnight both times, I was about four drinks deep, and I wasn't sure whether or not the food was really as good as my drunk self thought it was. Spoiler alert: it is. Tonight (after only a single drink!) we got the stuffed snapper special with Mac and cheese and collard greens and I'm pretty sure I came close to ascending straight to heaven. The fish was stuffed with squid and shrimp and braised in an amazing curry sauce. Collards had lots of flavor and a good bite to them. Mac and cheese was good too, though not as perfectly oozy as the first time I ate here and my drunk self fell in love. No pics: too busy shoving delicious fish into my gaping maw. Bonus for those not yet convinced: they're open late on the weekends for drunken fools like me. Double bonus: that one amazing meal fed two people for 20 bucks. Also, the young lady working the cash register is super nice. Fellow yelpers: please patronize this joint so I can continue eating collards with my little paws in the middle of the night like the world's happiest raccoon. Thank you, and God bless Lark Street. read more