Another one added to the list. I have eaten the same lip smacking, finger licking, tender, well-seasoned meal of Turkey Wings; smothered in gravy, sitting on top of a mound of dressing with two heaping sides of choice. Greens & Black eyed peas (this time) I had not stepped foot inside this hidden gem until yesterday. But when I did...my nose was violently assaulted the the aroma of someone's "Big Momma's or Grandfather's" kitchen. The cozy, warm, aromatic atmosphere engulfed us like a warm quilt, as we walked in from the rain. The gentleman we passed outside by the door walked in behind us and welcomed us as if we were expected for Sunday dinner at Big Momma's House! No, that is NOT the name of this magical kitchen, but maybe it... No, it is even appropriately named. I dont know what the "R" stands for, maybe its a play on the Southern dialect, for "Our?" or does it stand for someone's name? I'm sure the meaning of the "R" has everything to do with why the meal I have become so overwhelmingly familiar with is so consistently "Smack a Momma" good. Now, I'm not a professional food critic. But, I know my way around a few pots and skillets. I'm just an average Kentucky-raised, over-60, consistently looking for a good meal when I get hungry, don't feel like cooking or understands when my wife doesn't feel like cooking either, type of guy. Being country bred, from country folk, from a 1 traffic light, 1 cop car, outhouses still on the side or back of the houses; everyone knows everyone kinda town. I don't look for a Michelin Star restaurants, I just want a good cooked meal. Food that has been kissed by the ancestors of whoever goes outta their way to put their creations out to the public with no shame in their game or plates. My wife actually turned me on to "R-Kitchen"- in Lakewood. Her and her friends were out a while ago and called me at home asking if I wanted to try this kitchen's cooking. After 5 wife deliveres plates (all the smothered turkey wings) throughout several months, I finally experienced the personal down-home touch and smells of Lakewood's R-Kitchen. I've promised myself to explore the entire menu by ordering something different on each visit going forward. So, stay tuned, as I work off my last meal to make room for the next. In the meantime, drop by this gem of a kitchen and don't leave without grabbing a slice of that Lemon Cake!!!! ssshhhh!... someone told me they have a Gumbo Day!!!! read more

A great spot for soul food. excellent ribs, tasty green beans, mac & cheese was a little smoky, which I liked, I'm used to sausage in my red beans and rice, but this was still very good. Cornbread was very good. First time for sweet potato pie, not a big fan of sweet potato fries, but but as a pie good stuff. First time going that felt very welcomed we totally recommend. Seat inside was limited, but I took my food to go, but it was clean. read more

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Tried this spot for lunch one day. Cool soul food spot. Tried the greens and cabbage as well although not pictured. Good food and Customer service. I recommend. read more

R Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

GET Ready for some soul shakin, unmistaken, homemade makin' satisfyin' soul food!! Well here it is- put it on your BUCKET LIST- R's kitchen!! On your mark get set GO!!! Rev your engines head on down to a hot spot in Lakewood that sells homemade soul food!! This food is made with love and pleasing to your soul!!!Run if you're close by, rent a car, order an UBER get ready for some down home cooking!! Today's order Short Rib lunch plate with two sides!! Cheesy Mac N Cheese and Goodness gracious Blessed Greens!! Okay the ribs are cooked just right cradled like a baby in a bed of gravy over rice, cheesy mac n cheese, with some leafy seasoned greens. Tastes really good, no artificial aftertaste, no unidentified seaonings!!! Thank you to R's Kitchen for delicious soul food!!! read more

R Kitchen - Short Rib Lunch Plate - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

I like this place and will return. I ordered teh chicken dinner and mac n cheese, another dinner with cabbage, greens, and another with red beans and rice. I hve to say by the time i got home my food was cold (thats my fault) but it was still good my husband said he liked his as well. I will return. The owners are very friendly and the place seemed clean. I'm happy I found this place. read more

We googled around the area to find a soul place as we were taking my niece prom shopping. R-Kitchen came up and we decided to give it a try! Its a cozy and small on the inside. We sat at one of the smaller table with 3 of us, and it was perfect just for us! We ordered 2 oxtail lunch and 1 friend chicken lunch. Our sides were mac and cheese, mash potato's, & potato salad, nothing but carbs for our family LOL. The oxtail and gravy were a hit over the rice, super delicious. The mac and cheese was seasoned to our liking and it was not dry. The chicken was extra crispy and not dry at all. The mash potato was a bit bland for me & the potato salad was very pickley... But overall everything was amazing! To the AMAZING CAHSIER who took our order yesterday, thank you for being super friendly and recommending cakes and Kool-Aid. I must say, THE KOOL-AID WAS A SUPER HIT... We ended up getting 1 and left with 2 because it was that good. Reminded me of when we were little and that's what our parents to make in the fridge. Our cashier made the experience so much better by just being polite and very welcoming. I am so sorry we didn't get your name, but he was tall, skinny, had a hat on and worked the counter 4/13/2025 around 2pm ish! Thank you again!! We will be back!! read more

R Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

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All I can say is WOW. WOW to it all. The staff were very nice and helpful with recommendations. The wait was reasonable for the food amount that we ordered. It is a MUST that you order a sweet. Because they warm it up for you. We tried the banana pudding-- very fresh--& the peach cobbler. We also ordered the gumbo and fried chicken with greens. The Mac and cheese --- you have to order. It's unlike anything read more

R Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

The staff was very friendly and welcoming, but the food was just average. The pork chop was crispy, but it was not otherwise memorable. The collard greens and the beans were nice, but nothing special. The corn bread tasted damp. I love soul food, but I was hoping for more. There were only three small tables inside, and the dining area seemed to be stuck in the pandemic era. I wish the owners the best. read more

R Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

Good food, fast service and good prices. My son simply loves the Turkey spaghetti. Parking available and easy to find.

This place was NOT good, greens and macaroni was over seasoned and the oxtails had no seasoning at all and had way too much fat on them read more

R Kitchen - This place is NOT good, greens and macaroni over seasoned, oxtails had no seasoning and had way too much fat - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

Tucked away in a quiet little plaza in Lakewood (which probably has a few more hidden gems waiting to be discovered), my kids and I stumbled across this amazing soul food spot--and omg, we're so glad we did! We've been on the hunt for some really good soul food for a while now, and this place did not disappoint at all. I think it's more of a takeout kind of spot, but there are tables inside if you want to eat there like we did. We didn't want to wait to get home, and honestly, the smell coming from the kitchen made that decision easy! From the moment we walked in, the customer service was warm and friendly--it honestly felt like we were being welcomed into someone's kitchen. And then the food... chef's kiss. It was so deliciously incredible. We ordered the fried chicken dinner with mac and cheese, collard greens, and red beans and rice. My daughter and I shared the fried chicken--it was crispy, juicy, and seasoned just right. The collard greens were delicious and the Mac and cheese was good - a little on the salty side for me, but my kids loved it. My son ordered the pork chops and said it was one of the best soul food meals he's ever had. And he's serious about his food! He literally cleaned his plate and saved the red beans and rice to enjoy later (which he did- excitedly). We're already talking about what we want to try next time. Because yes, there will definitely be a next time. This place is the real deal. The ox tail and liver and onions is next for me! read more

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Great customer service ! Delicious food!! I ordered the turkey wings with dressing , greens, and mac . I also ordered beef short ribs with yams, cabbage, and it comes with rice . Black eyed peas was also one of my sides and delicious!The gentleman placed gravy on the side which was also delicious!! Thank you Kitchen ! I will be back ! read more

Turkey chop so good and yummy. I literally drive from central LA for this, especially right before thanksgiving read more

R Kitchen - I like their smothered turkey chops, so yummy. - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

Deeeeee-licious!! Came here Saturday had the fried chicken dinner with mac n cheese, collard greens, and mash potato's. Chicken was seasoned and cooked to a crispy perfection! Mash potatoes were yummy, greens were delicious, mac and cheese were good but not great. it came with corn bread, and it was tasty!!! The chicken was the star and I am so happy i love me some well fried chicken and this was just perfection, i wanted to go back yesterday but we cooked and today they're closed so I guess Ill have to run back this wekend. just delicious I appreciate it so much when my food is exaclty perfect!!!! Thank you R Kitchen! Oh the cool aid was so sweet and delicous!!! read more

R Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

GOOD SOUL FOOD!! I was in the area and looked on Yelp for a lunch recommendation and R Kitchen came up and after reading reviews and looking at pictures, I went. I was not disappointed!! I got the pork chop lunch special with collard greens and cabbage and a piece of sweet potato pie - under $20. Sweet potato pie was . Flaky crust and lots of flavor. Tore it up while I was waiting for my food. The greens and cabbage tasted like my mom's. Delicious. Cooked perfectly. Cabbage had a little crunch to it and both well seasoned. The pork chop.. yum yum yum. Fried. Crispy flavorful fat and cooked moist and crunchy it was so good I ate it all in my car. It's hard to find good soul food. I'll be back for sure!! read more

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Decided to give R Kitchen a try on my way home from work because it has good reviews. I got the bbq ribs for myself and my boyfriend got the oxtails. We both had Mac n cheese and cabbage for our sides. We also ordered collard greens and beans n rice. To be honest, I don't see why this place has more than 4 stars. The oxtails and ribs were tender and good. But other than that, I'd say the meal was not smackin'. The cabbage was bland and collard greens were real bitter. The Mac n cheese was just okay I didn't want more than 2 bites--Kinda tasted like they put ranch in the Mac n cheese, it didn't have that baked cheesy goodness to it. The oxtails were cooked real good, but it tasted like they just poured gravy from a jar over it. Kind of lacking when it comes to seasonings and herbs. I would give this spot a higher rating but for $30 a plate, I expected much better. read more

R Kitchen - BBQ Pork Spare Ribs - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

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R Kitchen is the real deal! I usually go for the turkey chops (always ), but today I got the baked chicken--moist, seasoned to absolute perfection. My sides? Cabbage with greens (delicious), extra cheesy mac and cheese, candied yams (next-level good), and red beans and rice that hit just right. And don't even sleep on the rice and gravy--it's bomb! Got my daddy the BBQ spareribs with corn and potato salad, and everything was a hit. Flavor on point, portions generous, and the love in this food is undeniable. If you haven't tried R Kitchen yet, you're missing out. Period. read more

Excellent spot for soul food in the Long Beach/Lakewood area! Their turkey chops were tender, well seasoned and perfectly crumbed. Mac and cheese was splendid as well, as was the sweet yams. Cornbread was soft and not too sweet, which made it great both as a "desert" option and a side for the overall meal. While waiting I was offered kool-aid to try, and I have never had kool-aid that good before: perfect blend between refreshing and sweet, and not too sugary! Overall excellent spot, will definitely be returning! read more

R Kitchen - Kool-aid - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

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This used to be my go to spot but today turned me off. They don't greet customers, apparently they only speak to you if they know you, and the Owner is rude as hell. Not to mention this fried chicken has enough salt to kill snails! Whomever fixes my plate saw this dry ass chicken and still decided to put it in a plate and charge for it. They don't say thank you EVER for spending your hard earned money... just ENTITLED! I support Black businesses... but not this one! Everybody except the YOUNG guy look like they ate lemons and persimmons for breakfast! 103.00 later I'm over here like NEVA AGAIN! read more

I've eaten here before, I'd say about a year or 2 ago & it was amazing ! But yesterday things didn't taste so good . I got the dinner which was smothered chicken chops that were dry, it came with 3 over rice, greens which had no flavor, yams were pretty good & the mac & cheese was so salty I couldn't even eat it . The dinner portions were great! I ordered over the phone the lady was nice & polite. I didn't pick it up so I can't tell you what the ambiance was like . Don't know if I'd try it again read more

Good soul food with great service. If you're used to your plain salt and pepper pork chop, then get ready to get your mind blown. R Kitchen's pork chop is seasoned with love and fried to perfection, it's truly a festival in your mouth. At $14, the portion is rather small, but it's cooked perfectly that you can work it out with plastic spoon. The potato also amazing. Truly a soul food experience. They come only with a cup of hot sauce, making you kinda want some gravy or sauce, but it packs enough flavor that it kinda can getaway without gravy. read more

R Kitchen - Pork Chops - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

Friendly staff, great customer service, cozy cafe style atmosphere and most of all the best Soul Food! Outstanding Fried Chicken, seasoned to perfection, tender and meaty short ribs, Turkey wings and dressing and so many other super delicious meal selections. This place has not only the best meat dishes but the sides are cooked with so much flavor, candied yams, smothered cabbage and the very best cheesy Mac n Cheese just to name a few. R Kitchen is one of the few restaurants that always have available the food items that are on their menu. I recommend R Kitchen to any and everyone! read more

R Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

The best of everything soul food I've ever had and trust me I had plenty.Amazing perfectly seasoned and the best customer service. Just like a home cooked meal from your loved ones. read more

R Kitchen - Oxtails Collard Greens Mac cheese yams eggs - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

Oh my God this food is absolutely amazing. I never been here before I live in Orange County and we don't really have good southern food places and I normally go to like M&M's but I was in Lakewood and I found this place on yelp and it's my new soul food spot. I lived in Atlanta for five years. I know how soul food is supposed to taste and this food is amazing. Season to perfection. The greens (i'm picky when it comes to my greens) have the right amount of vinegar versus seasoning. The dressing is good. The chicken is seasoning just right. The yams are good. Just understand me. You won't be disappointed. It is so good! I'm glad I have a new soulful spot that doesn't require me to drive to LA! read more

R Kitchen - Lemon fried wings, dressing, collard greens, and yams with a side of cornbread! - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

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Please listen to the song I am parodying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQPhLCkUugw While you are reading my review. I get so hungry For chicken, sides and sauce I get so hungry To try your other stuff I get so hungry I'll make the drive today Out to R Kitchen, for heaven on a plate Oh I love your chicken And I will return to get, more, to eat A southern taste that I'll while pick up while it's hot The lovely chicken, I loved right from the start It's so delicious, I might forget the sauce How much do I want? A lot, a lot, a lot Oh I love your chicken And I will return to get, more, to eat Your potatoes are fresh and so delicious And your cornbread, is heaven I adore I want Kool aid, and all the other dishes To delight in some more and more and more I get so hungry For chicken, sides and sauce I get so hungry To try your other stuff I get so hungry I'll make the drive today Out to R Kitchen, for heaven on a plate Oh I love your chicken And I will return to get, more, to eat A southern taste that I'll while pick up while it's hot The lovely chicken, I love right from the start It's so delicious, I might forget the sauce How much do I want? A lot a lot a lot Oh I love your chicken And I will return to get, more, to eat Your potatoes are fresh and so delicious And your cornbread, is heaven I adore I want Kool aid, and all the other dishes To delight in some more and more and more Your flavors in My corazon Your flavors in My corazon read more

If you're looking for authentic soul food served with love, R Kitchen is the place to be. From the moment we walked in, the service was amazing--the ladies were so sweet and attentive, making us feel right at home. The kool-aid took me straight back to my childhood--sweet, nostalgic, and just right. My boyfriend ordered the oxtail lunch with mac & cheese, yams, and red beans & rice. He devoured every last bite, which speaks for itself! I had the BBQ beef ribs lunch with mac & cheese and green beans, and it was nothing short of delicious. The flavors were rich, comforting, and authentic--exactly what you'd hope for in a soul food spot. If you're craving a meal that feels like it was made with heart and soul, R Kitchen is a must-try. We'll definitely be back! read more

Food was great. Turkey chops, greens,black eyed peas. Owner was great and provided excellent service. I'll be back!!

Smacksssss. Def gaining good weight off this plate. Love the greens and the cornbread was moist read more

R Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

I personally did not eat any of this I am leaving the review for my husband (he is older) and already in the middle of eating called the restaurant to tell them it was the best meal he had eaten - I just laughed and told him to leave a review he said I did I called them. He had the pork chop dinner with corn, Mac and cheese & cabbage. read more

I tried dining on Easter Sunday around 1pm and was literally shewed away (flapping hand gestures) by staff at the counter . " we are closed" the front door was open , the sign said open, there were customers inside and outside. I didn't see the hours of operation changed , I attempted to call before hand and assumed they were busy . Anyways I heard the food was delicious. I might try again, if I do I'll update my experience because I'm not a hater. Lol Shar Said It but didn't eat it ... customer service matters .. read more

Great food, good service, and always fresh. Been going here for years and I haven't had anything bad yet.

It's wild that I haven't been back here in a while because the food hits. And they have red drink!!!! There isn't much in the way of ambiance or anything, but you go more for the food than the surroundings. You order at the counter and they call you when it's boxed, bagged, and ready to go. I don't know the name of the guy that took my order, but he reminded me of an uncle or a cousin. Like, it was just a very familial feeling and that's when I knew the food would be good. I ordered fried chicken, greens, yams, and macaroni and cheese and everything was so delicious. The portions are hearty so you will definitely get stuffed and you might even have enough leftover. I didn't try any baked goods because there's a delicious bakery in the same center. But, yeah, this spot is legit. read more

I've been here before, but didn't post a review. If you want some excellent soul food from some nice friendly people this is the place. It's a cute little place that is busy, but of course it should be, as everything is so good. I got the pork ribs, and it came with 3 sides... my choices were collard greens, yams and green beans, and a nice piece of cornbread. Everything was so tasty and full of flavor. Don't miss out on the goodness read more

Friendly service and tasty fresh cooked food. We got 3 meals and all the food was BUSSIN! Fried chicken Oxtails BBQ ribs Greens Mac n cheese Black eyed peas Red beans and rice Slice of sweet potato pie (the strawberry cake was calling my name too This place is dangerously close to where I just moved so I might end up becoming a regular lol read more

R Kitchen - Oxtails Collard Greens Candied Yams - Soul Food Near Me - Lakewood, California

We wanted to support a Black owned business in our area and we found R Kitchen on Yelp. Not only was the food seasoned and delicious. Folks specifically raved about the chicken! And the service was prompt, while the cost was accommodating. The potions were generous as well! And the chef/owner took time out of his schedule to deliver to us. We were very pleased and look forward to working with Floyd again in the future! read more

I highly recommend eating here! It was SO good that I went back three days later lol. The service was amazing and I didn't wait too long for my meal which was perfect considering I had two meals toddlers with me. read more

I've had this restaurant on my "must visit" list all year. I read a bunch of the reviews and was really anticipating trying their food. Pretty much wanted to sip the kool aid. Tried calling in an order today at 6:33 PM to pick up on my way back home from a meeting. Three tries, no answer. They close at 7:00 PM (posted business hours). No problem--I drove to the restaurant to place my order. I walked in nearly 10 minutes before closing and was greeted with "do you have a phone order?" When I said that I've been trying to call in my order for almost 30 minutes, that's when I was told "we stop taking orders at 6:30 PM." Since that information isn't available anywhere else , hope this helps someone and saves their time. read more

This place does not disappoint! I have been here before but recently had a reminder of how I needed to go back. They have an amazing selection of food and unlike many other restaurants that offer you two sides, they offer 3! It's a great deal of food but worth every penny. I bought 3 plates at approximately 25.00 each. I could easily feed two people on one plate. Cornbread also comes with every plate. read more

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Barely answer the phone when I call to order before closing unable to leave a voicemail

Great food. Sending, friendly staff with good recommendations. I had the smothered pork chops and they were delicious. The diffs were good. They even had a vegetarian option. Great place read more