Who knew I'd find authentic southern cooking in Anchorage, Alaska. Ate every crumb and only wanted more. Will definitely be back.

Decided to go here on a Sunday since they are now open for Sunday brunch and dinner. This is our first trip. I had called prior to inquire about gluten-free options. I was told that most likely I could have the catfish. But anything smothered most likely not. If you're concerned about cross contamination, this is not the place to be. I opted of course for the catfish and my two sides were sweet potatoes and collard greens. I had to forgo the cornbread or roll that comes with. My husband ordered the same since they did not have ribs on today's menu and his sides were mac & cheese and sweet potatoes with cornbread. He wanted sweet tea, but they were out so we both got the Kool-Aid and the flavor was tropical punch I would assume. Everyone was friendly and accommodating with all my questions. You know from my previous reviews if you can't give me the time to answer my allergy questions then you probably can't take the time to take my money either so I'm not going to eat there. But not the case here. I found that they have beef ribs as well as pork, ribs, and short rib ribs. They have turkey, bacon and chicken, bacon and regular. Shrimp. So those would be the proteins that I can have being gluten-free. Oxtails and any other meat that comes with a sauce or gravy would contain flour. So I could have the shrimp and grits for example. But it's nice to know that I can also get some ribs since I don't eat pork. They also have turkey sausage. The catfish was seasoned great & fried perfectly. My husband felt robbed in that there should've been more fish. As we have experienced more from for example, from a soulful restaurant in Hawaii for about the same price with same two sides as recently as January 2026. We hit that restaurant multiple times while we were in Hawaii because of the portions and the flavor. I felt that the sides were plentiful as they did fill the to go three part container up above the top threshold, which was awesome. So not stingy with the sides. They are also mindful that the juices from the sides could run over into the catfish area and make it soggy so they put parchment paper around the catfish so that when juices go over into that section it does not come in contact with the fish. That is very thoughtful. The collard greens were good. Might need a little more salt or garlic but that's me and how I cook. The sweet potato rounds remind me of the picsweet sweet potato rounds that you can buy versus buying the canned sweet potatoes or using fresh sweet potatoes and then adding your own butter and seasoning to them. I say that because the sweet potato had some kind of aftertaste that I can't put my finger on what that flavor was, but for me it was offputting so I probably won't order those again. My husband, however, felt that he could deal with it. He also tasted the aftertaste of some ingredients that was not cinnamon or nutmeg or butter or sugar, but he would order them again. He really did like the mac & cheese a lot so it's good that they put plenty in the container for him. I of course couldn't have any so I'm going off of his review of that. The Kool-Aid was definitely sweet not white on the "liquid crack" level, but definitely not watered down. If it was any more sweeter, it would definitely be my mom's. So good job done there. They were out of the sweet tea so we will have to try that next time. The restaurant is pretty large in that the tables were spaced out across the area so there would be plenty of space between you and tables. They do have some booths in there. Three flatscreen TVs but only two were on at the time that we came through there. The table that we sat at to wait for our to go order was sticky clean but sticky I didn't go around to test the other tables which I could have because we were the only ones in the restaurant besides a DoorDasher. So I'm hoping that they just didn't clean that one as well versus sticky tables all around. But for cleanliness at first look, it is clean. We came just as the transition from brunch to dinner at 3:00 PM so they did have food in the display area, but catfish was not there so we got ours fresh. They did get the sweet potatoes and the mac & cheese from the displayed containers under the heat lamps they take all forms of payment, including tap and pay. So all in all the experience was good for the most part and we will go back to try other foods so we can review those as far as I can go being gluten-free. read more

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I'm from Louisiana and I just moved here and have been here twice. It feels like home. I want to sing and quit my job and cook with these guys!!! read more

I love trying new places and this spot right here I wish I found sooner! This my first time in and the lovely lady up front recommended I got a lunch plate ($15) She recommended jerk chicken and curry & the stuffing also got a cornbread with it. Everything was cooked perfectly & that stuffing was amazing with the curry on top. 10/10 will be back again read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Menu - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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I went there twice last week and I was not disappointed. We ordered brisket and fries, oxtail and rice, pork ribs, macaroni and cheese, collards and green beans and all of it was delicious. The staff is amazing and I even got a hug from Mama Carol. Oh, I can't forget the catfish that was my favorite dish. Seasoned to perfection! Her portions are plentiful you will not be disappointed. I would recommend going there to eat when you have time to sit and enjoy your meal it will be worth it! read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Mama Carols Catfish pork ribs - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

I waited until my second visit to write a review in order to be more fair. All and all a great restaurant with a decent atmosphere. Pros: -Great food, although occasionally the portions can be a bit small for the large price of a meal (roughly 25-35 for a plate and drink) -Welcoming service, the older lady who tends to be behind the counter is very polite and asked throughout the meal if it was too our liking, which was appreciated. Cons: -Location, this can be a big deal for those with young children or single individuals. There were countless homeless people and it is situated right next to a gas station on a main road. Although I blame the City of Anchorage for this problem. Do not let this turn you away from a visit, just be smart! -Service time, this definitely shouldn't be treated like a fast food outing, it took about 15-20 minutes from order to get served and we had to go to the counter in order to get the dessert we had ordered. Not the worst thing in the world and they do humorously have a sign on the front saying that it will be a bit of a wait for food because it's all made in house. Wasn't a big problem for me but for those looking for a quick meal might not be ideal! read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Brisket with Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese and cornbread. - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

One of my all-time favorite spots in Anchorage! If you're a fan of soul food, this is absolutely the place to try. Delicious dishes and outstanding service make it a top pick in the city! read more

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I enjoyed it here so much I came twice in the 3 days I was in town. Carol the owner puts her heart into the food. I was pleasantly surprised to find quality soul food in Anchorage of all places. I was welcomed and taken care of, just like being at someone house. read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Oxtails - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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I've been wanting to check out Mama Carol's Soulfood, and finally had the opportunity to do so. This spot is a casual eatery with counter service, but there are plenty of tables if you want to dine in. It is not a full service sit down restaurant though & the atmosphere is very relaxed. It's located on the Eastside right off the Boniface exit. This was formerly Roscoe's, but the current owner took over from her brother & rebranded the restaurant in December of 2023. I ordered the fried chicken (thigh, wing, drumstick) which comes with two sides (I went with Mac & cheese, yams) as well as a choice of cornbread or dinner roll. They were running a Juneteenth special that also included a dessert & drink so I added on a sweet tea and sweet potato pie. This special was a great deal price wise as well. The chicken was excellent--well seasoned, crispy skin with juicy and flavorful meat. The yams were melt in your mouth, and the Mac & cheese was nice & creamy. This food was so comforting and delicious. Portion sizes are also generous. Service was quick and friendly. It was busy when I went in, but my food was ready in a very reasonable time. If you are looking for a spot for soul food then you need to check out Mama Carol's! Next time I'm getting the oxtails. read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Sweet potato pie - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Server was very pleasant, food was bleh! I was encouraged by the reviews here but I must say I was misled. I ordered oxtail and rice and beans and regretted every dollar spent. Not even salt was detected, this isn't a Soul Food please cz there's no "Soul" here. I shouldve opted to get City Boys Burger. read more

I found this place on a whim and I am so glad I did. Honestly, I was skeptical--soul food and Alaska don't usually go in the same sentence. But let me tell you, this place absolutely proves they do! The catfish was some of the best I've ever had. I also ordered coleslaw, greens, and cornbread--everything was delicious, but the greens were hella good and honestly reminded me of my sister's (and hers are to die for). The Kool-Aid hit the spot too. On top of the amazing food, it was great seeing a completely Black-owned business thriving here. The customer service was warm and attentive, even while they were juggling the chaos of prepping for the fair. If I lived in Alaska, I would definitely be a regular. read more

Always, always great food and great service! The chicken is cooked to perfection and the mac n' cheese is so cheesy and delicious. Will be back :) read more

The food we ordered fresh cooked from the kitchen was very good. I had catfish & my husband had fried chicken. Both were well seasoned and not at all greasy. We went about 4:30 in the afternoon and the food and sides in the glassed warmer looked very tired and not at all appealing so we made sure to order items that would come out of the kitchen freshly cooked. I wouldn't have eaten here if they didn't have fresh cooked options. read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Dining and serving area. - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Great food great service. Quick but fresh! Nard burger was amazing! Banana pudding is to die for!

I always enjoy coming to this restaurant. The food is fresh and delicious authentic. The customer service is amazing and genuinely friendly. It is worth the wait to try this delicious cuisine. One of a kind restaurant in Alaska read more

Now, this is what Southern comfort food is all about. The fried catfish was large and crispy, and the oxtails came off the bone. We had yummy mac and cheese, delicious spicy seafood gumbo, and crispy yet tender pork chops. Fed my belly and warmed my soul. read more

First time going to Mama Carol's and I'm mad I haven't gone sooner. I'm from New Orleans so I take soul food kinda serious. I'd been craving some catfish for a while so I made an impromptu decision and stopped by. The catfish was fried to perfection and seasoned great, it reminded me of home. The greens was good too! Also, the customer service was top notch! The ladies that worked there were sooooo nice and welcoming! They offered me a sample of the oxtail soup and I almost melted it was so good. Mr Roscoe was there and he came out and greeted people, which was really nice. I'm definitely coming back! read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Fried catfish, Mac and Cheese, greens, and cornbread - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Best place in Anchorage. I just tried someone else's catfish. I'm sorry, ill never make thst mistake again. Mama Carol's catfish, collards heck everything are seasoned perfect. The young kids in there learning make the experience even better! read more

The sweet potato pie is a must! I always get my order in a Togo container as you seem to get more food. The oxtails are so good and the smothered pork chops, mac and cheese , greens and sweet potatoe sides are good too! read more

We always try to support black owned businesses and this business did not disappoint. We shared the oxtails, potatoes and greens. The food was truly delicious and the customers service was on point. If you're in Anchorage please stop by and get yourself some awesome home cooking. read more

Just moved to Alaska 3 weeks ago, and we're all about finding the best food. Being a true southern girl, I'm always on the hunt for soul food. After a quick Google search, I stumbled upon Mama Carol's and based on the reviews, I was in for a treat. My family stopped by on a Saturday evening. We were welcomed with smiles and great music (Teddy P's Love TKO was on). I ordered the catfish plate with okra, mac n cheese, cornbread, and peach cobbler. My partner also ordered the catfish plate but opted for collard greens, yams, a dinner roll, and Koolaid. WE ATE IT ALLLLLLLLLLL!! Everything was so good, we wanted to go back the next day. The only thing that stopped us was the fact that they're closed on Sundays, lol. Take it from this Georgia girl and Alabama boy, Mama Carol's is the place to be for soul food in Anchorage and probably the entire state. We will definitely return! read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Catfish Plate, Fried Okra, Mac and Cheese, and Cornbread. - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Wonderful food no matter what you get and service is excellent. There was a wide variety of dishes. You won't see elsewhere.

The flavors on each different dish were *so* SO good- I have never enjoyed stuffing, greens, *F R E S H* fried chicken, and candied yams that were so distinct but had SO much depth of flavor! No lie- every dish we tasted made our eyes close involuntarily and 'Mmmmmmmm' escaped from our souls. And we were fortunate to have a piece of hot peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream even though it was more than we could finish. Hats off to this incredible chef - she is magical! I'm sorry it took me so long to come and leave a review. read more

The food is really good prices are just a little too high for what you get but it's still better than going to some corporate chain restaurant. read more

Large portions and delicious food. Read some reviews and decided to try it and glad we did. When you first walk in it is basic with smattering of tables and then a large counter. They offer chicken and sausage jambalaya as well as seafood jambalaya. Great for people with seafood allergies. Ordered the small which is 16 oz and took home leftovers. The jambalaya had a wonderful flavor and spice. You know the rue was cooked to perfection of color and taste. Also had the turkey leg which is huge too. Didn't realize the turkey leg came with a tomato sauce on top which honestly I didn't care for and felt like it distracted from the smoke flavor, would suggest getting it on the side or not at all. Had the yams for a side and they tasted like cinnamon apples, sweet and yummy. read more

This is a small, family-owned, Black-owned restaurant in Anchorage. The food was AMAZING and the customer service was even better. Carol, the owner, visited all the tables and thanked customers for visiting! read more

I don't usually leave reviews but I just had to for this place. Small family owned restaurant. Loved seeing the kids helping out their parents at the restaurant. Took me back to my childhood. Most importantly it was an incredibly delicious meal! Found Mama Carols Soul food on yelp and got there about 40min before closing. I went for the Oxtail but unfortunately they were all out. Decided to go with the beef ribs +sides and lemon pepper wings. Let's start with the wings - they were lemon pepper wet - so good and flavorful. I like my lemon pepper flavor to be tangy and this one was it. My mouth is salivating right now writing this. Now the beef ribs were even better. Such good flavor, tenderness, smokiness/bark. Man I was impressed! They were also pretty big! The bbq sauce on top was very good as well. Lastly, the sides were on point! Mac n cheese and greens were so good. Corn bread was a bit dry but could be from being close to closing time. I would recommend this place to everyone. Everything was delicious and tasted homemade. I did not expect to eat such great soul food in Alaska. I will definitely be back the next time I'm out here for work. read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Beef Ribs, 10 Piece Wings, Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, Cornbread - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Best darn seafood gumbo this side of the equator. The service is absolutely superb and the ambiance is southern comfort. read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Me and Mama Carol's - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

We went there for late lunch today. Oxtails and greens baybeee!!!! They filled our belly and our hunger. Whenever I want to celebrate, I'm going to Mama Carol's. Best Oxtails in Alaska. Excellent value for money. read more

Went here with my friends craving soul food and it did not disappoint me. And the service was really friendly. read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Catfish Collard Greens Fried Okra White Rice - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Today will NOT be my last time going to this place. I had the curry, Mac and cheese, and mash potstos! I want to slap my mama for only having salt as a seasoning growing up. This place is 11/10. read more

To be in Alaska this is the best seafood I've had and soul food. They're so nice. They're so sweet Best Kool-Aid going. Wish I found it sooner. read more

I just wanted to leave a review because the owner contacted me immediately and apologized for the mistake. I live in Eagle River & she personally drove & came to my house to deliver me the correct order. My family & I order there often and that was the first time we had ran into a problem like that. I understand businesses aren't always perfect. Their service was nothing short of respectfulness, kindness, and understanding. If you are craving collard greens & fried okra this is the place to go! My go to order is usually their wing appetizer & Oml their ribs!! (I heard their oxtail & catfish was delicious as well from my family) As soon as I put my food on the counter my father was already eyeing my food and especially the cornbread. read more

Mama Carol's Soulfood - Turkey leg, sauce, candied yams, collard greens, & Mac & cheese - Southern Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Owner was incredibly nice and friendly, the staff were so helpful and down to earth. Food was great! I had the fried catfish and my mom got the fried chicken entree (both meats were made to order so they were very fresh, not overcooked or under seasoned). Reminded me of my childhood growing up in the south. They are family owned and also from the south so they know what they're doing. read more

I went on a whim and I'm so thankful I did. Being from Louisiana and missing that soul food I was amazed at how great the food is here. I love the pork chop dinner, the fried chicken and the brisket are my favorites. I also love the okra, the collard greens, the Mac and cheese. Well heck, everything I've had there is delicious. read more

Visited while in Anchorage for the mayor's marathon. Friendly owners and workers. The food was good; surprisingly good being in Alaska.

My family and I had a great meal at Mama Carols! If you like soul food, this is the place to go. My only desire is that there be more items on the menu. We will be back. The owners are wonderful and put their hear and soul into making people happy. Can't wait for more! Items like dark meat for fried chicken, grits, apple pie, more seafood choices with possibly southern fish types. Thank you! read more

Brisket was tough. Food was not good . Overpriced. I was nauseated after eating. The service was ok. read more

I've had this smothered chicken, the ribs greens the potatoes mac & cheese on and on is fantastic. You're missing out if you don't come here the staff is awesome. Mama Carol is awesome of course just come eat your heart out. read more

Today, Saturday, March 9, 2024, went to Mama Carol's Soulfood for the first time. I ordered three different dinners: Catfish, Oxtails, and Pigs Feet. Sides consisted of Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Mac & Cheese, Fried Cabbage, Green Beans, and Fried Okra. Cornbread Muffins. The food was not good, it was DELICIOUS. I highly recommend when you have the chance, GO and get yourself some DELICIOUS FOOD. read more