It truly pains me to write this, as I've always appreciated the kindness of the owner, who remains just as sweet and welcoming as ever. Unfortunately, the food is no longer what it used to be. I became very ill after a recent order that included chicken, cabbage, and tea--an experience I can't overlook. I wanted to give a positive review out of respect, but I also feel a responsibility to be honest. The menu has changed significantly, and so has the quality of the food. While I appreciate that the meat is prepared separately from the main dishes, the overall quality just isn't there anymore. Regrettably, I won't be returning or recommending this place going forward." read more

This definitely is the exemplar of a hole in the wall. Our Air BnB was around the corner and the reviews here were great. I got the fried fish plate which came with two pieces of white bread, and sides of corn, Mac and cheese and potato salad. The fish was pretty good, but the Mac and cheese was just okay. It needed some seasoning to me. The potato salad was good, but not spectacular. The corn was good! The lemonade tasted like diabetes in a cup but was good. It's a takeout counter to order but they have a decent sized dining room through the side door. For a place that folks drive out of their way to, I wasn't blown away. read more

Old Gentilly Spicy Kitchen - Ohhhhhh yes! - Soul Food Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

This is the definition of home in the wall- but only from the outside. I've passed this place plenty of times, but my Pawpaw told me about this place a while ago. He's passed recently and I just wanted some comfort food. The moment I stepped inside, it felt like a blast from the past. The old school music playing, the art at the order window, the southern hospitality, etc just set up for an amazing experience. I ordered the mustard greens plate with a smoked Turkey wing, yams, and cornbread with a sweet tea. The mustard greens were served on a bed of rice and the smoke turkey wing was a nice size (think turkey leg from a carnival size) and very tender. I was able to separate the meat from the bone with my plastic fork and add it to my greens. The yams were great as well, very balanced with the sweet and savory. They separated the cornbread from the plate with some parchment paper with was a nice touch because the juices were just overflowing. 10/10 place to go if you want southern comfort food. read more

Old Gentilly Spicy Kitchen - Yams - Soul Food Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

The food is amazing!!! My favorite is the smothered turkey necks. You get more than enough food.

I will never have a photo to post because the food is that good. Service is pleasant (but you can def tell when someone is having a bad day) and the food reminds me of my great grandmother. Not too salty just perfectly home cooked food. Eat the food, be happy, this is a cheat meal for those of us who have to pay attention to what we eat. It's worth it. For me, 1 plate is at least 2 meals read more

This place is popular. With signed celebrity pictures and a considerable line (at times), you know you are in a hyped place. But the hype is not unwarranted. They have true soul foods that will have your taste buds singing and arteries crying. Ox tail, Turkey neck, red beans and rice, and ribs are a few of the classic entrees that put this place on the map. Try this place at least once, even if you have to go a bit out of your way to do it, and judge for yourself. read more

This is my go to spot for home cooked food. It's food my mom would make. They're the reason I don't cook. I don't have to. It's home cooked and priced right. I've never eaten in, only takeout. Food is ready fast! They're always consistent and very friendly people. One of these days I'm gonna dine in for some ribs. I hear their ribs are divine. Probably be back next week. read more

When I was leading for other teachers, my ice-breaker question was "where is your favorite place to eat in the city?" - - Most places mentioned got some ooohhhs and "love that spot", but when someone said Gentilly Spicy Kitchen, people agreed and "amened " like it was Sunday Church. - - After that PD, I went that night, and I haven't had a bad meal yet. I love this place for some many reasons, but especially because of how local it is. You'll know you're in a super New Orleans place by the way your order is taken, and this place will start you with "what you need, my babayyy?" with a big ol' gold plated smile read more

Old Gentilly Spicy Kitchen - fried chicken and rice - Soul Food Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I finally got to try this place! I passed it up one time and was curious of how the food was. There is a small parking lot for customers, The waiting room was large with huge poster menu on the wall. One of the ladies popped her head out of the ordering window and I ordered the Red Beans and Rice with Fried Chicken, a Smothered Pork Chop, Bread Pudding, and their freshly squeezed lemonade. I just waited a few minutes and my food was already ready at the pick up window! Damn, that was fast! There were no tables around, but I saw a door to who knows leads where. I asked the lady who took my order if it was a dining room and she told me there were tables there and it doesn't close until 5PM. Went through the door and lo and behold, there were plenty of tables for me to eat at! At first glance, I knew I was going to have leftovers for later. I definitely over ordered, but I wanted to try everything! The red beans and rice was very filling and I loved the fried chicken. The fried chicken was simple, but nicely seasoned and fried. The cornbread was moist and tasty, it just melted in your mouth. The smothered pork chop was only an extra dollar to add to my entree and it was definitely worth it! I ate about half of my food before my stomach waved a white flag to surrender. On to the bread pudding! It looked delicious, but what were those pieces in the bread? Raisins! That's the first time I seen raisin bread used for bread pudding. The bread pudding was good, just not great. I almost forgot about the lemonade. It was delicious and very fresh! Overall, a good place to get you some soul food! Prices are nice and food comes out real fast. The staff are very friendly and happy to serve you. read more

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Food was amazing. Found this little hole in wall place. Most would pass it by. Fish was great but the Mac was amazing and the Cajun corn was great. Definitely a new favorite place. read more

Old Gentilly Spicy Kitchen - Fried fish plate - Soul Food Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

After much consternation I finally made it into spicy kitchen and what a dive this is, in fact this is the dive of all dives. You go in and order from the window, the menu is much smaller than the average dive. Today I ordered the stuffed bell peppers and they were good, very flavorful and not as greasy as you would think from a greasy spoon. My friends hand the white and red bean standards that looked good with smothered chicken and pork chops. Overall the food is just ok for me and not worth the trip into Gentilly if you are not around there already. read more

Old Gentilly Spicy Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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The service is always friendly and the food never takes long. Parking is a bit of a mess but the speed of service almost guarantees you won't be there long. The food is always consistent, I just keep missing their meatloaf... read more

This place lost a star. Recently. I never knew this place existed until I was traveling down Old Gentilly road and spotted it. It was a recommendation from my best friend to try the red beans and rice with fried chicken. I was disappointed however to find that they don't fry white meat chicken. I only eat white meat so it was a major let down. When I arrived, I ordered this time, I noticed that grilled chicken was among the options. The first time I had it, it was absolutely DELICIOUS! I mean, it was nothing short of scrumptious! It's the perfect place to indulge in your soul food cravings. The next couple of times were seasoned as if it were my first time ordering. The very last time however was...difficult. The chicken was rubbery! For goodness sakes, every good cook knows EXACTLY what that means! For those of you who don't, it means that the chicken was taken out to thaw but wasn't used. Multiple times. The same thing. Take out, thaw, re-freeze! I was upset! I was appalled! So much so, I haven't been back since. Yet and still, the red beans and rice is still calling my name.... read more

Old Gentilly Spicy Kitchen - Monday - Friday 11am-7pm - Soul Food Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Ordered Red Beans & Rice and a Smothered Chop: Looks like someone left my plate in the microwave too long. Please check your food before leaving this place. read more

Wish I would have discovered this place sooner! We got the red beans, fried chicken, turkey wing, greens, yam and pork chop and everything was amazing! Even my two year old daughter was asking for seconds! read more

I feel like I'm on cheers Cus they know my name lol!Good service & good food what more could you ask for?

The cornbread was so buttery and it melted in your mouth and the chicken was so crunchy and tasty and the white beans were amazing def 5 stars worthy read more

Old Gentilly Spicy Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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I saved the best for last! This was seriously two of the best meals I had my whole trip, and y'all know, in New Orleans, that's really saying something. We got lunch there one day, pork chops, mustard greens, and I subbed mac & cheese for sweet potato casserole because I can't do sweet potatoes with added sweet stuff. It was more like cheese and macaroni, and right up there with my mama's! The mustard greens were even better than collards, but OMG, those pork chops! They just fall apart under your fork! It was all so good we went back for dinner the next night, and because the pork chops are basically $1 apiece, we both ordered two! I got the smothered cabbage that time with rice and gravy, and that was just as good as the greens and cheese & mac. If you go, have a plan for a place to eat it, because it's just a walkup window. But for God's sake, GO! read more

Neckbones were really nice. Mac and cheese is okay. Rice Gravy corn bread all good. Small little hole in the wall gem with good customer service. After I eat here again I may amend to 5 stars..... read more

This place happens to be behind my house and I've never been decided to try they 3 dollar breakfast it came with eggs,grits,toast and a piece of fish gave my mom the la eggs fish and toast and she liked it the grits was rollin lol ouu wih cheese was free too read more

Old Gentilly Spicy Kitchen - Menu - Soul Food Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Just had the red beans today, Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Due to dietary restrictions, I intended to eat half of my meal for lunch and the other half for my supper. My plan was an epic fail! Those beans were so full of old school, down home flavor that I just couldn't restrain myself! I am not a new customer to this restaurant. I have been a patron since day one. But, this is my first time ordering red beans for myself. I enjoyed the hell out of them beans! I even took the last little corner of cornbread to sop up the extra pot liquor. I was worried when I first opened my plate because the beans didn't look like I had anticipated they should look. That was an inaccurate assumption. I thought I would never say this out loud. I ordered a red bean plate and loved it. I would attach a photo but what good does it do to show you an empty plate? Thanks ladies and Big Man! read more

I've come back here a few times since I last reviewed and am happy to report that Spicy Kitchen is still serving delicious, classic NOLA food at a great deal, in an area of town completely overrun by fast food restaurants. I can't do it all that often, but they have a $6 plate with red beans and rice, fried chicken, and cornbread. Red beans at some places are bland but I love theirs. Y'all, I want to talk about their fried chicken. Their fried chicken is the bomb.com. It's got a great spice, nice crispy skin, with steam coming off of it so you know it's fresh. I often forgo the Chick-Fil-A, Popeyes, and numerous gas stations near UNO in order to drive all the way down here to eat fried chicken. It's that good. The owners and employees are really friendly and welcoming. I also love that they make their own lemonade. Get an Arnold Palmer, it'll pair perfectly with their food. This is one of those restaurants that, in my opinion, best represents what NOLA's food scene is about: quality southern comfort food that's served by friendly people. read more

I finally caught this place open and was able to try the food that I have heard about! I went with Liver & Onions with mashed potatoes (I know you probably think it's gross but I like it). This selection was pretty tasty and they definitely give you a heavy portion. The complete menu consists of typical soul food finds so you can definitely find you some tasty treats at this location. I didn't see a dining area only a takeout section, so not sure if there is one. Things to consider: It's very easy to pass up on Old Gentilly Road, because it just looks like an old fast, but keep in mind on the opposite side of the street from it you can see a Church's. There is un-marked parking on front and side, so shouldn't have too much issues in that department. Orders come up in a pretty reasonable amount of time for a soul food place so it's a place. This is a good location if you want to do a quick pickup for breakfast or lunch in my opinion. read more

Love to grab eats here! They serve breakfast and lunch, but I'm not sure about dinner. This is pure soul food, and it's delicious with a nice selection on the menu. The two warnings are that parking is a bear and the appearance of the place may create concern. The area where you order your food makes you think it's a take-out only place, but there's a nice dining room with big screen TV's beyond the door. :-) Breakfast is great--a wide variety of the usual breakfast offerings with a soul food twist. Lunch is awesome. You get big portions for all of your meals at very reasonable prices. You may even consider eating some now, and saving the rest for later which helps stretch the dollar quite a bit. In fact, I'm thinking about the smothered pork chop plate I had with the meat cooked just right--tender and falling off the bone. As with most soul food places, Spicy Kitchen is run by nice everyday folks with customers who are just as friendly. It's a bit tricky to find, so just remember that it's in an old white house directly across from the Chevron station running parallel to Chef Menteur Hwy. (where the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is). read more

Another great "hole in the wall" business (seriously, the first time you come here you may accidentally pass it up) that does soul food/home cooked meals justice. The staff is very friendly and fairly quick with processing your to go orders. On rare occasions I may receive dry cornbread or overdone chicken but as I said, rare. Give these people a try. Reasonably priced plates if you ask me. I usually visit 3 times a week. read more

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This place is popular. With signed celebrity pictures and a rotating line going to the door, you know you are in a hyped place. But the hype is not unwarented in this case. They have true soul foods that will have your taste buds singing and arteries crying. Ox tail, Turkey neck, red beans and rice, and ribs are a few of the classic entrees that put this place on the map. read more

During the month of January, I had the opportunity to visit this restaurant where I ordered Red Beans and Rice with a stewed Pork Chop which wasn't very good. Service-I requested very little rice with my Red Beans, however I got a Styrofoam to-go containers with a lot of rice and the service was very poor. I WILL NOT RETURN TO THIS RESTAURANT!!!!!!!! read more

Not bad... not good either. It was "adequate." I ordered the smothered pork chop. While it wasn't the best I'd ever had, it was still better than most. Smothered cabbage was good though. Unfortunately, the corn bread was pretty dry (it was obviously the Jiffy mix too). It was hard to find, just like the previous reviewer said and the place looks kinda run-down. But out of the way and run-down is how a good soul food restaurant is supposed to be. read more

Big portions. Specials vary day to day. First time had smothered chicken and smothered cabbage. Very tasty. Next time had fried catfish. Very good and light. Sides were good too. read more

It was my first time visiting New Orleans from the Pacific Northwest so I wanted to try something local and we just happened to be in the area and noticed this place so we decided to give it a whirl and it was the best decision ever. I was hoping for the Thursday special which was chitlins but we came on a different day so we went with red beans & rice with pork chops instead. Ordered a side of fried okra and took our meal with a daiquiri from Kappy's to city park for a picnic. Oh my god I was one happy girl for sure!! Best red beans & rice I've ever had and whenever I'm in town, I'll be sure to stop by for a meal. read more

The place looks a little rough, and they are slightly overpriced, but it's totally worth it. The are the epitome of neighborhood restaurant. The food is AMAZING, and the service is top notch. They look out for their regulars on a personal level, and treat newcomers like they want them to become regulars. Gotta love this place. And anyone who doesn't should totally be buried in my backyard! (just kidding! with the moisture here, they wouldn't stay down). :) read more

Delicious fried chicken with red beans and rice. Friendly staff. No place to sit so that can be an issue. I had to walk back to seminary to eat my food. read more

Just go there! You won't be disappointed! It's not salty so I hope it stays that way so I can keep coming back for those wings, cabbage, white beans, cornbread, smothered greens, and fried fish. so good!!! And the ladies here are so nice! read more

Neighborhood breakfast and lunch. Good food and pleasant service. Breakfast all day long and today's lunch is cabbage with baked chicken and mac and cheese. Yummy read more

Lunch there yesterday, meatloaf was very good, and gravy tasted great. I was sad that liver wasn't available, or that ribs weren't on Mondays. However just reasons to go back on different days. You order food in the front of the restaurant, wait to pick it up, and then you can either take it out or take it through to the dining room. Ate food in the dining room, friendly people there eating as well. bathrooms very clean. It is easy to pass up tho' but plenty of parking when I went read more

Got to spend the week in New Orleans and this is hands down the best place we ate all week! No need going to find something on bourbon street, this place has some of the best food I've ever tried! read more

This place was amazing food wise!! Big servings for a reasonable amount of money. Great customer service, friendly and accommodating. Red beans and rice, cabbage, fried fish...we had a great sampling of just about everything. Not fancy aesthetic wise, but the food makes up for it! read more

This place does not qualify as one of those white linen tablecloth locales, but the price is nice and the food is even better. The menu options are strictly Soul Food and nothing else, except large portions of Soul Food. The food is served in carryout Styrofoam containers with plastic utensils, but there are several tables available for those who simply cannot wait to indulge themselves. The location is a bit out of the way from my Central Business District environs but given the opportunity, I certainly would like to make a return visit to try more of their menu items. read more

A decent price for pretty good soul food. They used to be great then they must've changed their ingredients because they taste a lot different. read more

This is my favorite Soul Food restaurant in New Orleans. I absolutely love the food. Haven't had a bad experience at all. Get the Neck-bones. They are so delicious. read more