Where is the James Beard Foundation? From the minute you set foot inside, it feels like you're coming home. From start to finish *everyone* fusses over you. Most of their business is take away, but you can and really should eat in at least once. Nothing about this place is stuffy. This is soul food at it's absolute best. The depth of flavour is extraordinary. If you are looking for horrible greasy stuff that masquerades as soul food, you will be sorely disappointed. There is love in every serving. I've been lucky enough to try the whole snapper. It was only $40 for a fish that was easily big enough to feed 3 people, and I am not small! This fish had zero chance of fitting in the to go container. Its head and tail were flopping all over the place. Much more importantly it was incredible. The stew was fantastically deep. The root vegetables were soft but not over cooked. It is served head on, bones in, like it should be. The fried version is not greasy and the batter stays in place. Have I mentioned the collards? The pot liquor. OM NOM NOM. These folks will have you asking for seconds on vegetables. The first time I had their mac and cheese, it was good. Tonight's was off the chain. If you want a bigger portion of this, you are clearly a monster. They seem to have gone cake rather than cobbler, and it does not disappoint. We were in on Juneteenth, too. It was obvious then that we would come back, and it was hands down the right decision. If they are out of something, it is not unusual. That is because it is THAT FREAKING GOOD. This is food you could happily stand in line for in the heat for several hours. It takes as long as it takes, but on neither visit did it take too long at all. The car park is ample, which is a relief. They have both steps and a ramp. There is a tiny bit of a rough transition to get inside, but it shouldn't be a nightmare for folks with a mobility impairment. There is more than sufficient distance between tables so that everyone can be seated comfortably. It is immaculate in terms of cleanliness. Nicer than that is none of the staff attempt to clean while customers are enjoying their meals. Most single people will find the side orders more than sufficient. Overall, this is easily five stars. I felt guilty reviewing Rainey's since I don't want a stampede of out of towners heading for their door. But in truth, it's a destination restaurant. Support these folks they deserve it! read more

Sophia and I headed to Hampton last weekend for lunch at this little spot located outside of Langley AFB. I first caught wind of Rainey's when they were on Channel 13 for their Friday Flavor segment. There aren't many soul food places in the area so trying them out was a no brainer. Let's see how things went. Both of us were greeted by the staff when we walked in. During our time there, we were the only customers who dined in while others did takeout. Inside, the decor is nice and there's artwork and photos from Rainey and her family. Definitely a place that makes you feel welcome. For lunch, I ordered jumbo shrimp with fries. The shrimp itself was fried really good and had enough seasoning for my taste buds. The fries were crinkle which was fine, but needed seasoned salt. They gave me some tartar sauce to go with the shrimp, but if they can do so, homemade tartar sauce would add an extra kick. Just an opinion. I was able to save half of my meal for dinner that night. Not a bad first time at Rainey's. We will give it another go-around soon. Till next time :) read more

See all

The service was nice, not a lot of space to sit and eat, so be prepared to get your food to go. The pineapple coconut cake was so so so yummy! The brown stew chicken was nice. However, it isn't the brown stew chicken you'd expect. It almost has a Smokey BBQ undertone to it that I feel doesn't give you stewed chicken. Other than that, I enjoyed it. read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Brown Stew Chicken, Macaroni, greens. - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Great location (just outside of Langley AFB) with ample parking. I got the oxtail dinner plate with cabbage and green beans. Oxtail was tasty and not too chewy, The green beans we're not too overdone and not very salty. The cabbage was cut nicely and the flavor was amazing. The weight for my order was less than 10 minutes and the food was prepared very nicely. I would return. Service was prompt. I was greeted upon entering the store and the ambience was inviting and quiet. I was there during lunchtime and I got my order to go, but there are plenty tables to sit and enjoy your meal and there's even a small patio with a few tables to sit at. read more

My experience at Rainey's was great....from the staff to the food. It's located on N King St. They have ample parking spots. There is a nice amount of seating on the inside. We ordered our food to go. We got brown stew chicken, oxtail, rice and peas, cabbage, and mac and cheese. Everything was amazing and the portions were good. The fried chicken was sooo soo good. It was fried to perfection and so flavorful. Such a great place to grab some good and flavorful soul food. read more

See all

Food was good, served hot and the portions are great! Everyone there was friendly and welcoming. I'll be going back. read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Oxtails, collards and rice and peas - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

See all

Rainey's soul food was an amazing experience! We got there about an hour before they're about to close, but the staff was very friendly and welcoming. The establishment itself was very clean and very homely. We ordered the oxtails with cabbage and red beans & rice and we also ordered the brown stew chicken with macaroni cheese and yams. When I tell you, this food was amazing, it was! Everything was made to order and everything was delicious! I will visit Rainey's often. Please go and check them out. Black owned business as well! read more

See all

10/10 definitely recommend everything from this place was delicious! The service was great the food was great. The music they had playing was definitely a vibe nice atmosphere! I ordered the 2 turkey wings with rice, cabbage, yams and Mac and cheese with an island punch drink so delicious! read more

Rainey's Soul Food - 2 Turkey wings, white rice, cabbage, yams and Mac and cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Stop by for the first time today. Tried to call ahead but they indicated the line inside was too long which I understood so I drove in. Sign posted said they were already out of a few things (4ish on a Saturday), one of them being what I came in for, turkey wings. Still was able to place an order but like others have said, a good amount of time after ordering my food, they were notifying us that they ran out of collards so we had to pick another side from the already limited offerings. My final order included two orders of wings, one with fries and another with two sides, as well as jumbo shrimp with two sides. Based off the time from me texting the recipiet to my phone, it took about 50mins for my food to come out. Was offer a sweet tea for the wait (I assume) but they were out of that too. A plus was that they opened the food and showed it to you and it looked delicious. It even smelled good when I pulled up and it was raining cats and dogs. Smell and presentation didn't amount to taste however. It was just "okay" today. Maybe it was the food choices. Wish I could have tried the turkey or the curry. May give them a second go cause based off other reviews, today may have been just an off day. Staff were super sweet, restaurant was bright and clean, food just left a little more to desire, especially considering the wait. read more

See all

LISTEN... Rainey's DONT MISS!!! This was my first time here and the food is insanely delicious! I got the brown stewed chicken, baked Mac n cheese and the yams. The food smelled so good I pulled over to eat ! The inside of the restaurant is very clean and organized. The staff were absolutely wonderful and the service was super quick! I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. The menu has the best soul food options and a pretty wide range of entrees and sides. This is going to be a routine stop on my way home! Located right out side the Langley AFB King Street Gate! Go send them some love y'all! You won't regret it ! read more

See all

The Oxtails were pretty good, I'd say an original taste for sure, not too salty or over seasoned either. I rate the oxtails a 7-8/10. The mac and cheese was good as well, I would eat it again, had the right amount of cheese and flavor, but not the best I've had. The yams were good as well, that taste you're typically looking for, but not your mouth watering imagination. Overall, everything was good so no regrets, but definitely a bit pricey. Most importantly, the customer service here was amazing for my first time, which is what earned them my 5th star. read more

Rainey's Soul Food - The "Oxtail meal" - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

The food and services was amazing. And I want to say it in all caps!!! And yes the oxtails are as delicious as they look. Get them! I found the cuisine to be more carribean more than soul food but all good nonetheless. Can't wait to go back read more

I arrived a couple of minutes after 2 so I missed the lunch special pricing. However I still ordered. I got the brown stew chicken with rice and peas and cabbage. The portion was big and the food was tasty! I also ordered the island lunch. The service was good and they have a decent seating area. I will definitely be back to try other dishes. read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Brown stew chicken, cabbage, rice and peas. The drink is Island Punch - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Service was amazing!!! The young lady with the glasses was welcoming. The food gets a 10/10 for me!! I had the oxtails plate w/ Mac n cheese and sweet potatoes. The portions were enough for me!! I will come once a week. read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Never had turkey wings but I'm definitely hooked on Raineys's. Mac n cheese and collards were delightful. read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Turkey wings, Mac n cheese, collards - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

I heard a lot of positive buzz about this place, so I decided to give them a try. Customer Service: 8/10 The staff was really nice. The only reason I didnt give a 10/10 was because when I placed my order, I picked mac and cheese as one of my sides, 20ish minutes into my wait, they informed me, they was out and it was an hour wait for more. I understand being out, but i felt they should have known that when I was placing my order. Also, the wait time was long, i waited almost 30 minutes for my order, I'm not sure why the wait time could be that long. They were also out of a lot of menu items, I came for the turkey wings and stewed chicken and ended up with oxtails and curry chicken. The restaurant: 7/10 The inside is nice, with ample seating and clean. My only knock is it was hot inside the restaurant, I think the a/c was out. They had the fans going, doing the best they could to keep patrons cool, but it was still hot. The food: Curry chicken was 7/10, the oxtails 9/10. The curry chicken was ok, tasted good, but I have had better at some of the local Carribean places. Cabbage was pretty standard, i liked it, not much else to say. Same for the rice and peas, they were good, just pretty run of the mill compared to rice and peas served by other places. The ox tails were a banger, one of the best offerings I have tasted, I highly reccomend them. Lastly, this didnt make it to a picture but the lavender iced tea was a banger, especially after my long wait and how hot it was in there. My only complaint would be it needs to come in a bigger size, the cup was small and it was gone in 3 to 4 sips. read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Ox tails, rice and peas and cabbage. - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

See all

I have been meaning to try this place for a bit as I like the chef's story. I walked in as soon as the place was open, they were very quick to take my order. The place is very and clean inside but my food did take a bit to get out as they had an issue with the Mac and cheese. No worries, things happen. The jerk chicken had strong flavoring and a very noticeable kick. Not for the faint of heart but very good. That is fair warning on the jerk chicken, don't get it if you don't like a kick. The Oxtail was very good, more food than I could ever eat by myself. It is pricey but you get what you pay for, I can put some food away and this was a large portion. The Mac and Cheese was freshly made and one of the better Mac's I have had, that says a lot for me. I have been to some staples in the deeper south and this hits just right. I would advise if you go or need to take it to go, order in advance as it might take a minute to get your food but it was worth the wait. Overall great food, little long on the wait but still worth a return. read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Side order of Jerk Chicken. - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

See all

Ok. The Good: The food was most excellent. I ordered Oxtails and Turkey wings. They got my sides wrong but was fixed rather quickly. Parking was easy and accessible. The dining area was neat and clean. The portions were healthy. They didn't skimp. Prices were reasonable. The bad: There were some young folks operating the front. Cursing. Playing around. Not very professional for a restaurant. We have to do better! This is the face of your establishment. Overall: I would return there simply because the food was delicious. Probably the best I've had since I've been in the 757. read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Turkey wings Cabbage Mac n Cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Ok so the location is good, inside and out. The place looks well maintained and clean. The people in the front and the cooks in the back are amazing. But my one and only complaint is the food was so goddamn salty. After my first bite was me saying out loud, "Goddamn this salty", no exaggeration. But I will give them the benefit of the doubt and try them again but that Jerk chicken just wasnt it. Last thing, my wife loved her Oxtail plate, so that's a plus but Jesus that Jerk chicken was salty as hell. read more

Food was good, service was pretty decent. I liked that they showed me my food in the trays before they bagged it up. The inside is nice also. Highly recommend. read more

Very nice and clean establishment! Great parking and out of the way of all the traffic so the perfect location too. Food is excelled. I orders the yams, mac n cheese and oxtails and good lord I wish yall could smell it. So good!! read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Oxtail plate with candied yams and mac n cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

My first visit was an outstanding experience, not only because of the food but because of the level of care and professionalism shown by the owner and staff. In a time when genuine customer service can be hard to find, this business went above and beyond in a way that truly impressed me. The owner was kind, and personally invested in making sure customers have a great experience. As a Black woman-owned business, she exemplifies excellence, integrity, and hospitality. It is clear that customer satisfaction is part of the culture of this establishment. I will definitely return and gladly recommend this restaurant to family, friends, and anyone looking to support a business that truly values its customers. read more

Such a hidden gem! We ordered the oxtail, curry goat, and Mac & cheese. Everything was cooked perfectly, with the meat juicy and tender, basically falling off the bone for the oxtail. The flavor was also on point, with that home cooked taste that isn't excessively oily and also not too salty. The ladies behind the counter were also very sweet. :) Also don't sleep on the pineapple and ginger drink! Don't have any pictures to attach since we scarfed everything down so fast. read more

Stopped in today . Was so happy that we did. The food was amazing and the service. Top tier!!! Chef even came on to recommend some items. Service was amazing . The food, the food. Will recommend all day and will be back later this week. Theresa read more

The food was exceptional. I got the oxtails and had enough for 2 meals. I only wish the dinners included cornbread or a roll.

This is my third time coming to this location,But today changed everything for me. I stop in to get the wings special and the young girl informed me that the 4pc is now the lunch special and they have the six pieces for the same price that I was going to pay for the 4pc, so I got me and my wife the six pieces Wing dinner. Before we left I asked another young girl who bag our food,this is the six pieces wings right she stated yes and I said they are smaller than they use to be. When we go home and open the box both boxes had only five pieces of wing's in the boxes. I call back to the store to advise them that it was only five pieces in each box and the lady stated that the owner told them,that when it was six pieces to put five in there when they are big. I told her the wings are small and that's false advertising. She said it nothing they can do. I told her I'm not going to argue over you'll mistake,we just want be coming back to you'll no more. I tried to give them a chance because I like the food the first time but this is poor customer service! read more

Rainey's Soul Food - Soul Food Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

the food is hot and great! the portions are wonderful. i was able to take some home. the owner made some slamming beans and let us taste them! i am definitely going back and tell my friends about my experience! the hospitality and service was top quality! thank you chef rainy and staff! my overall rating is a 10!!!! read more

The food here was truly amazing. I wanted to go several times before posting a review. The staff was warm and inviting. The decor in the restaurant was truly beautiful. It was like being at your auntie's house for Sunday dinner after church service. Each time, I arrived at different times, so some items were sold out. For me, if certain items sell out quickly that means I won't be disappointed. So, I figured out that if I want turkey wings, I just need to come earlier.... it's that simple! There was no need to complain - I will continue to support this black owned restaurant. Thank you, Chef Rainey, for the genuine love you show everyone who walks through the doors. I pray that God continues to bless your business. read more

The place is a gem and so is the owner, Chef Rainey! I had the pleasure to taste the Devine food she creates when I frequented the Buckroe location before the pandemic. The food is amazing. My favorite is the oxtails but I've tried other items like curry chicken, jerk chicken etc. Nothing has disappointed me- always a delicious discovery. She also crafts refreshing, beneficial, and amazing beverages. That island punch is a winner! The pleasant and inviting nature of Chef Rainey and those who support her lends to an environment that is welcoming and filled with soul. Check her out! You will not be disappointed! read more

Turkey wings and oxtails were delicious. Can't wait to go back long drive but well worth it.

Busy carry out but we decided to dine in ! Food was out of this world delicious! Chicken wings hot fried to perfection,string beans loaded with onions cooked perfectly, potato salad reminded me of Sunday family dinners! Fish perfectly cooked have not had a great Mac and cheese in a long time this brought back the memory of what it should taste like! Sampled the cabbage-delicious and oxtails my first time glad I waited 70+years to try worth the wait! Portions were generous and food fabulous if you just want a good meal you will find it here!!! Casual dining with thoughtful attentive staff! I hope they cater no need for me to cook holiday meals with this option! read more

Wife and I visit Rainey's for lunch. We ordered from the lunch menu. My wife ordered the veggie plate - collard green, maca and cheese, candid yam, and a side order of sautéed cabbage. I got the brown stew chicken, along with white rice, and candid yam. The white rice was well seasoned with veggies. The food was delicious and well seasoned. The AC was not working. They were using ceiling fans and fans on the floor to help keep the place cool. That did not bother me, because my focus was eating my hot delicious food. It took me back to my time living in the projects during the late 1960's. Can't wait to visit Rainey's again. There are a lot of other choices on the menu I got to choose. NOTE: There were other people who choose to eat there food during the same time we were there. My point I am making is, the food is so good it takes your mind off of how cool it was during that time. Visit Rainey's, you will be satisfied with the food and service. read more