Now, if your not from the south then you need to stop here and learn what real southern cook'n be like... Hell even if your from the south stop and learn what good food tastes like... Everything was A-MAZ-ING... I had the shrimp poboy and fried chicken... My wife had the smothered chicken and rice.. Hope they can get back to getting their dining room back up since the storm... read more

I'd recommend mama Reta's for their fried chicken for sure!! Very flavorful and the crunch was exceptional.... Best fried chicken I've had out!! The sides were a little less flavorful and I was disappointed. I ordered green beans, cabbage, red beans and yams. Yams were good. I'd order chicken and Mae my own sides. It's a drive through so I can't speak to the ambiance. The service and staff were awesome and felt very much like family!! I love that! Will be back for the fried chicken for sure! read more

Mama Reta's is a cute, humble little place where you order at a drive-thru or walk-up window. There is no inside dining. Mamma Reta took our order with a friendly smile and efficient service. The food is freshly prepared and quantities are generous. We shared a fantastic shrimp po-boy, filled with plump, crunchy shrimp on a French roll. We also shared an order of savory, flavorful sausage and chicken gumbo and had enough left over for another snack. The gumbo had whole pieces of chicken and thick slices of smoky sausage. It's easy to jump off the interstate to pick up a hearty, delicious and affordable lunch! Don't drive by!! read more

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The establishment appears to be owned by a local ma and pa. So, you know the food will be prepared with their heart, soul and love. Well, I believe so because their fried chicken healed my soul haha. read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - Fried chicken with cornbread and dessert - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

The sweetest mom and pop! Loved the food. We took it to go but they were so kind and genuine. Food was AMAZING!

Stopped here for lunch after reading the many nice reviews. Supposedly opens at 10:30, but when we finally drove up at 11:15, there were cones blocking the driveway. Not happy. read more

Best chicken I've ever had. Had the Sunday special menu. Great chicken, good cake and mama Reta had a big smile on her face when she gave it to me! read more

Mama Reta cook dat fried chicken like Maw-Maw did... Know what I'm sayin'?! I didn't need no napkins... I was suckin' on my fangers for an hour afterwards(!). read more

Such a cute little place right off the interstate. Has a drive thru & a walk up window so a big plus on busy days. The lady at the window was the sweetest thing! Had plenty patience as we asked questions about today's menu. Food was spectacular, just like my aunts' house. Cornbread dressing was probably my favorite thing but the fried chicken still blew it out of the water read more

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Friendly service and great food! Mama Reta said she grew up in the house which has now been converted to a restaurant. There's no inside seating, just a drive thru. We got shrimp poboy and a catfish poboy with fries. We got two slices of chocolate cake free with the sandwiches. The sandwiches were generously filled with shrimp and fish. The size of the bread was really generous. Everything tasted amazing. Loved the thick cut fries. Wish I lived in Lake Charles so I could eat here more often. read more

Driving down I-10 and looked at yelp for recommendations. Mama Reta's did not disappoint us. Had the Thursday special (Fried Chicken, Rice and Gravy, Mac and Cheese, Cornbread and it also came with a slice of cake for dessert). It was more food than we could eat. Would highly recommend stopping here to eat. read more

The food is excellent. Great Louisiana home-style cooking. Take-out only. Right off I-10 freeway. Service at the takeout window was friendly and fast. read more

Family and I came to Lake Charles from Tx for a short getaway. We were looking for some homemade cooking and heard a lot about Mama Retas kitchen. We drove to her establishment and placed an order. Mama Reta was there taking orders and had the pleasure of meeting her. We got our food and drove back to our AirB&b to eat. The food was fantastic like I thought it would be. There was lots of everything. Probably the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. If you're ever in Lake Charles and want some home cooking, stop by Mama Retas Kitchen. You won't be disappointed. A++++++ read more

I stopped here on my way to NOLA and wow what a treat! I ordered a shrimp po'boy with fries and fried catfish with fries. The po'boy was awesome crunchy shrimp, fresh bread and veggies along with a delicious house made sauce. The fried catfish was hot, crispy and seasoned to perfection. Also came with the homemade sauce for dipping and fries were crinkle cut and crispy! I also go to try the cake which was perfectly sweet and soft. Service was amazing pretty quick and very kind. Will definitely make this a go to spot for road trips! read more

Fried chicken was perfect- well seasoned, crispy outside and moist inside. I sincerely hope Mama Reta is sharing her recipes and techniques with the next generation because they need to be preserved. Her passion and love of her customers shows in everything she does. read more

We love her food. The portion was good. It is a take out place and right by I 10. Mama Reta immediately knows that we are first time here and gave us two cake extra. My husband loves everything from there. He was the one who did not want to get out of i 10 to try this place but he thinks it is so worthy. Mama Reta is not just a name. She took the drive through order and gave us the food and introduce herself. Basically, this is someone house with a window that you can order her food directly from her kitchen. read more

Exactly as advertised. Friendly staff and wonderful southern cuisine. Would highly recommend the Sunday lunch if down in Lake Charles. The cornbread was heavenly and the chicken can cure any sadness. read more

This place is the best. Finally had the chicken... amazing. Everything on the menu is good. Service is always great too.

Very nice people. I don't understand why there was no Trinity in the cornbread dressing, it was just wet bread. The smothered okra was great. read more

Easy-on, easy-off. Deeply satisfying food for the weary traveller. From now on we will always stop at Mama Reta's when we're traveling Highway 10. We pulled our 50' rig into the abandoned gas station, walked next door, checked out the menu posted on the exterior wall, made our decisions, rang the bell and voila: A delicious memorable lunch for two was ready in under five minutes. We carried the meal next door, set the table and feasted in our own mobile dining room. It's hard to believe we scored this trove of perfectly crafted food for under $30! Mama Reta's chicken and sausage gumbo alone is worth the stop. We should have ordered some to go as well. We also had smothered pork (It was the Tuesday Special) and cabbage, sweet potatoes, black-eye peas and cornbread. Cake was included. That was a sweet surprise. We're foodies who travel full-time and only eat at independent cafes breweries and restaurants. Mama Reta's is now on our short-list of favorites. read more

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Traveling through and saw this place on the map. Stopped in and got the Wednesday special, which is the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, and I got the Black Eyed Peas for the side. Absolutely amazing! It's probably good. I don't live here or I'd be regular. read more

We were passing through on I-10 and decided to take a chance. MAN am I glad we did!! There were five of us and we all ordered something different. It was perfectly prepared, delicious, and quick! And so much food! Mama Reta herself came out to great us. She was so kind and we just loved her. There's not really a place to sit and eat at the restaurant so we went to Veterans Park nearby and had a picnic. Perfect little pit stop and we are already figuring how to to time our return trip to see Mama Reta again! read more

The lady who served us was so sweet and the food was delicious! Husband had fried chicken and he said it was some of the best he's ever had. I had meatloaf and it was great too. It's like having dinner at grandma's. read more

Yes, but no inside seating. Only take out. I wish I was able to sit inside. It's too hot and I don't eat in my car. Hopefully soon, they will be able to offer indoor seating, read more

Southern soul food! Our first stop in Loiusiana was Lake Charles to have lunch with the super charming Mama Reta. Catfish, chicken & sausage gumbo, cornbread & smothered okra followed by strawberry vanilla cake (complimentary) for dessert. We got sweet potato cookies to go! It was so unbelievably delicious! Mama Reta is highly visible and you can tell that the food is cooked with love and pride! read more

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If you are on 1-10, you have to stop! The best fried chicken we've ever had-- crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned-- and the potato salad was AMAZING. Such friendly service (we met Mama Reta who warmly greeted us and our infant) and easy ordering/pick up. The perfect stop on our road trip home to Houston! read more

Food is fantasic and taste is delicious and hot. Managers are so sweet and open to our suggestions. Very clean inside and out. If u want excellent food and friendliness as u wait visit our Family Eating place. Mama Rita and family. Loves fun and people. Margaret Mascoll lifetime friend and family. You will not be sorry to have visited her and family. Star highest. read more

Very friendly mom and pop shop in Lake Charles. Wanted to get away from the restaurants at the casino and eat at a local spot. Service is prompt and friendly. Mama Reta herself came around and introduced herself to everyone and asked if it was my first time here. I ordered the gumbo and my friend ordered their burger. Both items were delicious. Their potato salad and mashed potatoes is good as well. I love that whole pieces of chicken are used in the gumbo, not just cuts of chicken breast. read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - Gumbo, potato salad, mashed potatoes - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

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We stopped here on the way to NOLA and literally by far best fried catfish I've ever had. Growing up fishing and having catfish fry's on the regular, this place out did them all. This is a must to stop at! read more

DAYUM Mama this food is GOOD!!! She even came out and asked me how it was. Get the Po Boy, ate too fast to get a picture. read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - Outside pickup window. "Follow you heart" sign - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

We found this place while driving back home from Florida and it was some of the best gumbo I've ever had and the service was amazing!! The chicken in the gumbo was so tender and juicy. The cornbread was so good as well. They also gave us free cake in our order, which we're so grateful for!! I would definitely go again! read more

Awesome southern comfort. Sweet family. Great service and what a wonder home cooked meal. Everything was delicious, so fresh and on point!

Amazing gumbo!! Huge portion and lots of chicken & sausage. Also had the shrimp Po boy excellent! Great service, Mama Reta was super sweet and let my daughter use the restroom since we were from out of town. Would definitely recommend and come back again when in town. read more

Delicious gumbo and mustard greens, good sized portions, free slice of cake, friendly service. Wish I had more stars to give because Mama Reta deserves 'em all. read more

Was here before covid-19 on a Sunday and ordered the Sunday special with ribs and fried chicken. I really feel like Mama does soul food like no other. She does not disappoint. Side note: I'm Asian American so when I'm in the South, I would constantly feel like people are always racist towards me despite the whole "Southern hospitality" expectations and the fact that I was actually born and raised in the U.S. (whether it's dirty looks or if they actually have the nerve to say it out loud to me - I would shut. them. down. HARD. (and quick) either way). I went there to eat with my brother and his girlfriend (who is Latina) and while we were there, Mama Reta herself and her staff were actually kind to us and made sure we all felt welcome. And the best part? The food was good. Analysis of My Review: Food: 4/5 The ribs may not be fall-off-the-bone but they were packed with flavor which makes them even better. I ordered an extra plate to-go that day. The fried chicken wings were crispy and definitely gives you a homemade feel. Environment: 3/5 The restaurant is a great definition of the perfect kind of no-frills establishment. Nothing fancy and good food is enough to keep business rolling in. It was a full house filled with customers on the day I went and it was simply just a nice, lively ambience to be surrounded in. Service: 5/5 The ladies working at the restaurant were all friendly and inviting. It was pretty packed that afternoon from many of her regulars who had just come from church but we still managed to get a nice table by the window looking out onto the street. My favorite memory and also the event that made the biggest impression on me was the fact that Mama Reta came out from the kitchen to greet us, chat with us, and gave us each a nice, big hug. I think the big takeaway here is this famous quote: "People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." I will never forget Mama Reta and her food because of the way she made me felt. It takes a special person to make special food. Overall Rating: 12/15 = 4/5 stars Would I recommend: Absolutely!!!!!! My favorite: The ribs and cornbread. Also, don't forget their refreshing made-in-house drink to go with it. (I forgot what it was actually called but it was like a peach tea or peach lemonade). read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - a table full of food - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana

If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. This place made these Houston-livin' Louisiana girls SO HAPPY! One of us ordered the Catfish with Onion Rings and the other ordered Catfish with Fries and we shared a cup of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo! So yummy!DEFINITELY coming back next time we're in town! read more

As I was driving thru LC eastbound, it was lunchtime on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and approaching lunchtime. Not being a fan of most eateries in this area, I was tempted to continue another 1 hour plus to the Lafayette-Breaux Bridge area where I know of several excellent food houses. Yelp led me here and all I can say is Thank You. Thank you very much. Mama Reta's is located about 3 minutes from I-10 in the cute downtown area with street parking available. On Sunday's, they offer that days special of BBQ pork steak, with cornbread dressing and baked beans along with a cornbread muffin for $15.95. I added an iced tea to drink. Weekday menu offerings are much less in price. The restaurant was almost full and it's not really that large with an attractive interior decor. The food arrived less than 15 minutes later. The taste of this meal really impressed me. The pork steak was oh so tender and with a subtle smokey flavor. I think it was the best pork steak I've ever had. The dark looking cornbread dressing was different in its texture but equally delicious and those baked beans that looked small in that large bowl made me happy. Their savory flavor with turkey meat added hit the spot. Even the cornbread muffin stood out in its taste. This food was easily a 5 and well worth the price. They even give you a complimentary slice of chocolate cake which was also perfect! My only reason for giving a 4 which is still a very good score was that the iced tea was somewhat bland and my table service was lacking toward the end of the meal. It's also kind of strange that some of the food is delivered on white china and other foods on white styrofoam. The Yelp ratings here are justified. I would love to return during the week to try their other entrees. This is my favorite restaurant in Lake Charles and I look forward to coming back. read more

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We went to the door and they said they only did to go now. If I wanted to go I would go to a fast food restaurant so we went to Shorty's and had their amazing ox tail rice and gravy candied yams salad cornbread and cake lunch plate..... read more

Wow! Best gumbo of my life! This is a must if traveling thru the lake Charles region. Unfortunately is not a dine in facility, my girlfriend and I just found a spot to eat our takeout. Boy was it worth sitting on the ground for lunch. Charming and welcoming folks with the best smiles, we felt instantly welcomed. Everything was so delicious and fresh! I would have eaten my lunch in the rain! Thank you staff at Mamas! And thank you so much for my tea cakes! Absolutely a memorable experience. Stop in ! You will not regret! read more

We didn't stop at Mama Retas just because we missed good soul food and it's not that we wanted to try something new to us (pork steak). We stopped because we love to go to local spots, opposed to tourist spots. It can be risky but more times than not, it's a score. Mama's did not disappoint. They only do lunch and do not sell beer but oh man do they do it right. Very friendly as you walk in. We got lucky because they fill up and have a wait sometimes (especially Sundays). We sat right away and relaxed in the family vibe. We ordered fried catfish with fried okra. Also gumbo with chicken wings and cornbread. This was all delicious and plentiful. Mama is very personable and a pleasure to talk to. She spent time at our table and asked us to try her pork steak with gravy. She told us the story about how it became a favorite. Oh my. It was the first time we tried it and it was amazing. So, go. You won't regret it. read more

Mama Reta's Kitchen - Catfish, okra, gumbo, cornbread. - Soul Food Near Me - Lake Charles, Louisiana