O' Taste & See Update: Heavy Plates Still Delivering I previously called this the "Home of the Heavy Plates," and after another visit, that title still fits. This time we came back because O' Taste & See now has a dining area and we wanted to eat inside. One surprise was that they were open today because they are usually closed on Saturdays. This happened to be the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend. Walking in, it was immediately obvious they were busy. There was a steady flow of carryout and DoorDash orders moving through, and several people were waiting. One suggestion that would help future customers is clearer communication on where the ordering line begins. Customers waiting for food and customers ordering blended together a little. A simple standing sign would probably help. Despite the crowd, from placing our order until checkout took about 17 minutes, which was efficient considering the traffic they were handling. I ordered the ribs with potato salad and baked beans. The ribs were smoked well with good tenderness and a sauce that had the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the meat. The potato salad needed a little salt and pepper for my taste, but after that it landed much better. The homemade baked beans had good flavor. My wife ordered the oxtails with collard greens and mac and cheese. The oxtails were tender and had a unique seasoning profile that she described as having an almost Indian-like flavor profile. The mac and cheese was creamy and good, and the greens paired well with the cornbread. My wife even mixed the greens and cornbread together. The Country Punch was good and refreshing with the meal. My wife originally wanted the red velvet cake without nuts, but they were sold out. I stepped in and handled dessert responsibilities myself . One observation my wife made was interesting. The dining area gives off more of a fine dining vibe than expected for a soul food spot. The space feels more elevated and polished. However, we were still served in to-go containers and our punch came out in a half-gallon style container. The atmosphere and presentation felt a little disconnected. Not necessarily bad, just somewhat inconsistent. The food says one thing and the dining presentation says another. One thing worth mentioning is value. Two meat-and-three plates, two drinks, and one dessert came to $73.79. That definitely puts O' Taste & See toward the higher end of soul food pricing. However, the portions are heavy, the meats are quality, and the homemade sides help justify much of that price. Not necessarily an everyday stop for many families, but the food quality delivered. Food was on point. read more

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OMG!!! This food was cooked with love. I went to pick up my dad a meal for Father's Day. I waited about an hour but it was nice and cool inside. The place had a sitting area the hostess and the staff was nice. The food was so good and you have an enough for at least two days. Well worth the trip to Crestwood. read more

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If your looking for a home cooked meal this is defiantly the place! My daughter had the beef tips and rice, mac n cheese, and fried okra. They ask you how you want your okra fried (hard) so that is a plus! My daughter couldn't wait until she got home so she started eating in the car. I tasted the beef tips and rice and fried okra and they were so good! I don't eat mac n cheese but she enjoyed it. The plate is enough for 2 people to eat off of. You defiantly get your moneys worth. read more

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If you are looking for soul food this is the place to be! We grabbed pick up orders on Easter and it was SO good. We had the smothered pork chops with double Mac and cheese and oxtails with greens and candied yams. Talking about lick your fingers good! Expect to have a wait but it's so worth it. Not the best location... very small and tight. None of that matter once you taste it! read more

Oh my goodness!! It's as good as the " hype " about this restaurant. Taste and see if it doesn't taste like our mamas cooked it. Great soul food menu. Friendly staff. The food is great!! You have to go there before the crowd eats everything. They were sold out of the ribs today but the other meats didn't disappoint. read more

O’Taste & See - Fried catfish, candied yams, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and banana pudding - Soul Food Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Home of the heavy plates! I've been eating here for years and for the most part...service and food is always great. Every now and again...something may be a little off, but for the most part they are consistent. This restaurant is a great (and needed) addition to this side of town. Get there early because the line can get rather long, especially on Sundays. It moves quick though. The owner and Chef Tim, comes out to greets the customers and explains the rules. He's very friendly and I love how it's a family owned business. His wife runs the cash register and on occasion their toddler daughter makes an appearance in the restaurant. There is a few seats inside to sit and enjoy your meal. Try the Country Punch...it's great! Pro Tip: meats that come with gravy such as hamburger steak or smothered pork chops automatically come with rice plus you still get two veggies with it. If you want to get even more bang for your buck, that's definitely the route to go and you will have food for another meal or two! One more thing: you're gonna pay upwards of $20 or more for your food but the amount you get makes it worth it. Definitely try them out! read more

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Not a great experience. Extremely unorganized. I've never been to a cafeteria style restaurant that takes this long to serve. In addition, nothing other than water for those who cannot drink sugar drinks. Not even unsweet tea. It is also very expensive for a meat and 2 veggies. ($19) I do not recommend. read more

The Food is phenomenal Season and we'll portion size. Very friendly server. Walk in and smell good. You want be disappointed about the Food give you more than enough. Everything cooks with turkey meat like greens and beans. Mac Cheese is very tasty. Overall it's good read more

I ordered two plates. One had the hamburger steak with rice, mac and cheese, and yams. The other had fried chicken wings, yams, and peas. The hamburger steak was really good--tender and flavorful. The gravy with the rice and onions was absolutely perfect, and the yams tasted like candy--sweet, soft, and just right. The fried chicken wings were cooked to order, seasoned well, and the perfect size--crispy outside and juicy inside. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the mac and cheese. It just wasn't good to me--maybe lacking flavor or creaminess, tasted like spoiled milk to me. Overall, everything else hit the mark, and I'd definitely order again (just with a different side next time). read more

O’Taste & See - Hamburger steak - Soul Food Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Good food and clean management made sure we ate even when they where crowded and closing

Fantastic food and people! I will be back time and time again! So much food and more than worth the visit! read more

O’Taste & See - Baked chicken, Mac and cheese and green beans! - Soul Food Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

O taste & See is a new brick and mortar soul food store in the festival center, her on the east side of town, we have eaten food from there several times. I had the fried chicken wings with sweet potatoes and collard greens.everything was zero tasty. The bar b q wings were tender and tasty. The collard greens, yams and fried corn were are really good. The lines were long but service goes fast. On Sunday the line goes outside and down the street but it's worth the wait. I recommend this place read more

O’Taste & See - Bar b q wings with collard greens and corn - Soul Food Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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So, I overheard two conversations discussing how great the food is at this restaurant. Well on a beautiful day like today, I decided to take the drive and try it out. I didn't look at the menu or any specifics other than address and business hours. First things first, there is ample parking available for customers. The restaurant is located in a shopping plaza. Upon entry, you're met with a warm greeting. Kindness definitely meets you at the door. The menu is explained by one of the associates. There's a hot bar to choose from, as well, as other menu items that can be made to order. I chose the Mac and cheese along with the sweet potato soufflé. Both were on the hot bar. I placed my order to eat in/there. While enjoying my meal, I noticed that there were quite a few of door dash orders and take out orders. Although seating was available, this is definitely a take out restaurant. The food was good, the service was great and the portions were HUGE! The prices were very reasonable considering the portions. There is definitely a family vibe here. The associates were very kind, respectful and friendly. This place is out of the way for me but I will definitely come back. I'm giving this place 5 stars for food and service but 4 stars for dining in service. read more

O’Taste & See - Soul Food Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

On March 29, while traveling back to Ohio, I stopped at a restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, and purchased two meals -- one for myself and one for my son, who is a college student in Huntsville. I dropped his food off to him around 3:00 p.m. that afternoon, and he later became ill after eating it. The following day, after eating my meal, I also became seriously sick within a short period of time and ultimately required emergency medical care. Based on the timing and symptoms, hospital staff indicated that food poisoning was a possible cause. I contacted the restaurant because I had been a loyal customer for years and hoped the matter would be handled with concern and professionalism. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the lack of communication and follow-up regarding my experience. I understand that restaurants may not always be able to confirm the exact source of an illness, but I believe customers deserve compassion, responsiveness, and accountability when serious health concerns are reported. I am sharing my personal experience so others can make informed decisions. read more

Home of the heavy plate is exactly right! These plates were loaded down. The food was mediocre in my opinion. The oxtails could have been cooked just a tad longer. However, they don't claim to be a Caribbean or Jamaican restaurant. The yams were extremely sweet in my opinion. I was put off by the noodles used in the Mac and cheese but it was actually very well seasoned. I do wish they offered a roll instead of only cornbread. I would give them another try, just definitely a different dish. read more

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Pros: Food is pretty good here, they definitely give you large portions. The back of their shirts say "home of the heavy plate". They have a steam table but I believe some items are cooked to order because you still have to wait a while after ordering. The chicken wings are really really good and the greens are also. The mac n cheese is much much better than I thought it would be. The banana pudding is "off the chain" (do they still say that). We've had a couple of hit and misses with the turkey wings and rice but overall this is a good soul food restaurant because there are no soul food restaurants on that specific side of town. Cons: no call-in orders. So you can't call in on your way home from work expecting to pickup and go. You have to go in and wait a little while. Menu may change daily so what's on the wall menu may not be available that day. prepare to wait in long line on Sundays. Restaurant is very very small if you are planning to dine in. read more

First time visiting: Overall the food was good. They have baked chicken, turkey wings, smothered chops, fried chicken, oxtails, & too many sides to name-all soul food sides. All greens are cooked in turkey. The country punch is good-sweet. The wait was an hour, but I'm sure it was due to it being a Sunday & a new business. The servers, chef, & cashier were very nice & polite. The sitting area is small. 1 Meat, 2 Sides, & Punch $22 read more

O’Taste & See - Collard greens (cooked in turkey meat), Mac n cheese, baked chicken & gravy (all baked meat comes with rice). - Soul Food Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The food was good. It was a little pricey, but they gave you a lot of food I got the liver and rice and two sides anything with gravy you get rice and two size regular entree meat and-two size very large portions. I ate off the plate for three days the food was good read more

I stopped by on Sunday for lunch and had to stand in line for 30 minutes. I ordered the hamburger steak, corn, and cabbage. The food was delicious. The service was cafeteria style and moving through the line was slow. The facility could use some TLC, but the staff was friendly. My companion ordered beef tips over rice and said that her meal was just ok. I recommend the hamburger steak because it is seasoned to perfection. read more

Cool new spot in Crestwood! Good service! Buffet line & cooked to order items! I recommend you call in on a Sunday! read more

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If you don't mind waiting 40+ minutes for a carry out order, then know the food is fairly good. I've tried this place appx. 5 times and the service is terrible. I hoped it would get better but no. So I can't support them anymore. read more

This dish was very tasteful mindful and demure lol. But seriously you need to try this one! read more

O’Taste & See - Beef Tips over rice, cabbage, and Italian cut green beans with cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Amazingly good soul food! One of the best I've ever had- Huge portions, easily 2-3 meals per plate. read more

O’Taste & See - Amazingly great soul food! This is one of the very best for soul food! Huge portions-easily 2or3 meals on one plate. Hidden gem for sure! - Soul Food Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

The food is wonderful! Doesn't need any salt, seasoning, etc. Perfect just as it comes. Portions are huge & one "plate" can easily serve 2-3 people!! Gospel music blasting when you walk & a warm welcome from everyone working. Very respectful, considerate & welcoming! 10/10 service & foo! Would recommend this place to anyone looking for some good down-home country cookin! read more

O’Taste & See - We got the beef tips over rice with Mac & cheese, greens & limas. - Soul Food Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Everything about this place is great, the quantity and quality of the food is amazing and so is the customer service. I love it.

Love it so good The attitude be a little bad at the register But I highly recommend I love the way the food taste. Can't wait to go get me some beef, tips and rice Wednesday. read more

I'm so sorry but I won't be back. I have tried to support them, but the food is just not good. I have been there 3 times, and haven't enjoyed a meal yet. The last time I was there most of the side dishes (vegetables) was not available. The cabbage that I had ordered tasted like the only season used was black pepper. The cashier warned us that the cabbage was spicey and that would have been alright but it didn't have any other taste but pepper. read more

Food is great. They give you a lot for the money. They need to be open on Saturday. We will be having lunch from the restaurant today

Phenomenal ownership and staff. I really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and hospitality. The food is amazing as well, with everything made from scratch. My favorites are the oxtails and neck bones! Also can't forget about the "Country Punch" once you've tasted it, you can't have enough of it! read more

Best soul food in Birmingham!! I make sure to go here whenever I am back in town visiting

I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed in my first visit to your establishment on Sunday 10/29/23. When I got home I said there is no way I can eat all of this. I want you to know that I finally finished the last of it 10/31/23. I purchased beef tips and rice, collard greens and Mac & cheese. Again Surperb! One question is there anyway you can put together a menu for those are diabetic? Thanks! May The Lord enlarge your territory In Jesus Name!! ReRe Perry read more

A delicious, tasty Southern, Comfort Smorgasbord every day their doors are open!! Hats off to ‍Chef & Mrs. Powell and the Staff!!

The best soul food restaurant in the South. I enjoyed the yams, turkey wings, Mac & cheese and the banana pudding home made. This will be my spot fsoul food. Everything great. read more

Best soul food I have ever had. I have lived in many states and this by far has beat so many other family soul food restaurants. Big portions, flavorful food, that you can tell was not rushed! It's a must have ! At least once a week now! read more

The food was delicious delicious delicious and I enjoyed the friendly staff and we had a great visit up there

They making waves all the way out here in Cali!! This is our Go-to whenever we are in town.

They slow but it's worth it. They need like 2 more employees. Some buzzers and a Togo line.

I am vegetarian, and I wish there were more options; many of the veggies are cooked with meat. Soul food is not my preference, then, but the broccoli cheese casserole makes a full meal and is delicious. The staff is friendly and helpful. read more

Excellent Home cooking. Finally, a place that is friendly, excellent customer service, people who are exceedingly happy to see customers. These folks 100% deserves your business. read more

Highly recommend. Super friendly staff. You are greeted as soon as you arrive. Home of the heavy plates is a true statement. You must try for yourself. read more