Since the Catfish Po' Boy was out of this world, I think it's safe to say the rest of Rodney's food is...Hats off to the simple selection, quality ingredients, and soulful touch to each meal. I will certainly return when in Waterloo and plan to spread to word to friends, family, and colleagues. read more

American While a bunch of us were in Waterloo for work, we wanted to grab lunch but did not want the usual suspect chain places. A quick Yelp search gave us Rodney's as an option so we popped over. Rodney is the owner, cook, front of the house and probably washing the dishes as well- at least during lunch when we were there. The restaurant is small-ish in size - booths in the middle and along the side. There is a counter where you order- menu is on the wall behind the main counter. Place your food and drink order, pay Rodney and grab a seat- he cooks it to order so sit tight and you will be rewarded. I went with a Shrimp po-boy and I have to say, it was one of the better ones I have had outside of Louisiana. Coworker went with a burger that was, in his words, outstanding and it was quite large. Forgot what the other two had but all the dishes came with seasoned fries. Overall it was a great find and surely better than the usual chain places. Prices were very good and everyone left full and happy. Definitely worth a visit if in the area. Beware the metered parking on the street so you don't make a donation to the Waterloo po-po... read more

I haven't written a review in a long time, but Rodney's was so friggin good, I felt inspired to share so that no one sleeps on this place. We gave Rodney's a try while in Waterloo for a gymnastics meet, and I'm so glad we did. This place doesn't look like anything super special when you first walk in, but I felt good seeing decks of playing cards on the tables, hearing the music (a vibey mix of hip hop, r&b, soul), and noticing that the wall decor was a mix of family photos. My husband got the brisket burger. The man at the counter (I'd like to assume it was Rodney himself) confirmed that was a solid choice. When it was my turn I asked the man if he preferred the steak Philly or the shrimp po'boy. He said shrimp po'boy so fast I knew that's what I had to go with. The food came out in good time, and my first thought was that the burger looked and smelled amazing, and the shrimp on my po'boy looked like this chef knew something a lot of restaurant don't--that shrimp should never ever ever under any circumstances be overcooked. I swear on my life these were the most perfectly executed shrimp I've had in years. They were huge, hot, juicy, ever so slightly battered in a savory mix of something. They had that *pop* that seems to elude a lot of restaurants. The roll it was served on was fresh and chewy, the lettuce and tomato were fresh, and they did the thinnest layer of mayo that was just enough to make it even more flavorful. The brisket burger was massive, piled with tons of juicy meat that was seasoned perfectly. This place knows how to do it. The fries that came with both baskets were also on point. All the stuff that dripped and fell out of that burger got swiped up with the fries, and we left absolutely nothing behind. Service was excellent, and we couldn't stop talking about this place all day. I wish we had a Rodney's in Des Moines. I probably won't have any reason to go back to Waterloo for a while, but at this point I'd make the drive just for another po'boy. read more

Rodney's Kitchen - Playing cards at Rodney's. - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

This is why we Yelp. To get off of the interstate and into the downtowns of America's small cities to support independent sole proprietors. I found Rodney's Kitchen while traveling and being just so tired of everything that is found along the road and by the interchanges. I called the number to get an idea of the parking situation and to confirm carry out would be available. Turns out Rodney is the phone answerer, owner, operator, and chef. Everything is made to order--hot and fresh, quality ingredients. I was here about noon on Thursday November 7, 2024 and Rodney helped me decide on the right thing for me among the few choices I pondered and had me back on the road in minutes. There is a creation here called the brisket burger. I am by all accounts a small person with a "bird like appetite" I have heard. I did NOT get the brisket burger for my breakfast/lunch as by Rodney's advice it would have probably been a little much for me! The catfish, fries, and breaded okra he hooked me up with were perfection. I also rarely eat fried food and was coaching myself in the hopes I could finish this. I ran out of room before I could finish but I kept the box for the whole ride home in hopes. Bookmark this spot now in your Yelp app so if/when you are anywhere near Waterloo you can get your fast casual soul food from Rodney. Tell your friends and tell him I raved about him here! He is on Instagram too so follow him! Also, this is downtown. Metered parking on the street. You will need a quarter for the meter if taking food to go because word is they ticket heavy on this block. read more

The ambiance is not great nothing grand to speak of but the was amazing hot fresh chicken. This place must be busy during the week because we were the only ones there on a Saturday afternoon. This place needs support read more

Rodney's Kitchen - The entrance - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

I went to a graduation in Cedar Falls, IA and stopped here on the way back home. This food was delicious and the owner was polite with fast service. It's a nice little hole in the wall but a gem. Clean and welcoming. I'll definitely visit when I go back to IA. Check it out! No problem parking, fast, and delicious. read more

Rodney's Kitchen - Catfish Poboy - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

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Fast response on my pick up order, amazing food. Even better customer service. If you're visiting the Waterloo area, its a must!

Food was so good. A simple chicken basket transformed my hangry husband into a cool happy guy. I personally recommend the juicy flavorful Hawaiian burger. Service was courteous and patient. Simple, heartwarming place. read more

Food was great. Portions were hardy. Customer service was incredible! Some of the best food I've had. You need to go!

Rodney is the owner, operator, and chef. Everything is made to order--hot and fresh, quality ingredients. Shrimp po boy was outstanding. Order at the counter and food will be brought to you. read more

Rodney's Kitchen - Shrimp po boy - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

Was literally so good I downloaded Yelp to leave this review. As everyone else said, it's a one man show inside the restaurant but everything he made is DELICIOUS! we drove an hour to find good soul food here in Iowa and circled the building for an hour hoping it would open up after we first tried the locked door today. It did, and we couldn't be more grateful. Good catfish is hard to come by here, but it's the best I've had in the state! Nice and clean inside, you can tell everything is fresh. 250/10 read more

The BEST fried chicken I have ever eaten. The food was fast, hot, and delicious. Friendly atmosphere and very clean. A terrific find!

Great Food I Love this place! Owner is very friendly and feels like home when you walk in the door. read more

Rodney's Kitchen - Good home cooking - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

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Am I at home?? This is the most amazing food I have had in a long time. Hubby had the catfish, the breading is light with the seasoning on point! I had the fried chicken, juicy and tender. We also had fried okra, fresh never frozen. Rodney was super friendly on the phone when we called in the order to go. We didn't eat inside but the are looked like a place to explore with older buildings that are taken care of. read more

Very good hidden gem, clean, nice music. The food was very good. Service was also very good. Definitely would make this a stop if you're traveling through Waterloo, Iowa read more

The food is great, and the service is impeccable. The place is clean and personable. The food is prepared as you order and it is great love it When the cook is better then home read more

Rodney puts love into everything he makes! The chicken will melt in your mouth. His shrimp makes you feel as though you are in a coastal state. His pot roast taught me I know nothing about making a good roast. Support this business!! read more

Was not overly clean but comes with the "down home" diner feel. Food was AMAZING! Brisket burger was top notch. Kids got chicken tenders which were breaded in crispy goodiness. Ten year old son got a burger and he is picky about his burgers. He ate the whole thing so fast and commented how it was amazing! read more

Visiting from out of town. Walked in and ordered (didn't realize at the time) the person we ordered with was also the chef. We made great conversation that he has been in business for 8 years. Very professional and though other people had ordered just before us the food did not take long. Nice music is played in the background with ample seating. Our food came out (both ordered 2 piece chicken w/fries) wow it was delicious and hot. Nice spot to come back to when we visit. read more

Rodney's Kitchen - 2 piece chicken w/fries - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

Grabbed a quick shrimp po boy and fries carry out order here and it was super hot, fresh and tasty. I'll be back read more

Delicious food with great service. My family ordered 3 meals and it was done cooking within 15 minutes! We ordered the brisket burger, tenders, and a crawfish po boy, all very delicious! read more

Food was delicious! Brisket burger, Crawfish Poboy and chicken tenders -- everyone was happy! Great service. Everything was hot and fresh. Highly recommend! read more

Fried catfish, fried chicken, green beans, Mac & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy with roll. This food was absolutely amazing! The breading on the fish & chicken is light & crispy. Green beans are the best green beans I have ever eaten hands down. So much flavor. Everything was delicious!!! The service tho.... Outstanding!!! We came in maybe 2 minutes before close. He had run out of some things. However... he pulled these plates together for us!! Awesome experience!! Totally recommend this place. So much food and it's SO good. read more

Rodney's Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

Rodney's Kitchen is the real deal! We stopped in while passing nearby on a road trip. The owner is friendly and our food was outstanding. We both chose the catfish, and it was the best we've ever eaten. We enjoyed visiting with Rodney, and I wish we lived nearby -- we would be regular diners, for sure! read more

Rodney's Kitchen - Catfish plate - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

The food at Rodney's Kitchen was superb- fresh, flavorful and served hot. Rodney was the only one there that day but we were still served quickly! Everyone in our party had rave reviews about our visit! Thanks, Rodney! We will definitely be back!! read more

Rodney's Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

Have always been in love with the catfish and today I got to try the greens and they are best I've ever had! Rodney even let me come later to grab my meal due to my work schedule! Such a nice wholesome man and the most delicious food. Thank you so much Rodney! read more

Just left Rodney's Kitchen .. In town for work & found this establishment online. It's delicious & I'm sorry I didn't take a pic. Ordered the brisket burger on the recommendation of the owner & it was amazing! Great seasoning on the fries. This is definitely on the list to eat here again when in this part of Iowa. read more

Great spot right in Waterloo. Was driving through town and wanted a local spot for a quick lunch. Found it! Creative menu with many different burgers and sandwiches. We went with the jerk burger and fry special (2 for $15) which they were trying it out. We gave two emphatic thumbs up and said this has to be a staple! Burgers were juicy, ridiculously flavorful and prepared fresh. Where the 5 stars really comes from is the service. Some of the nicest, friendliest service we had seen on our road trip and that is what makes places like this so special. Additionally, this place really cares about their community and gives back some of their profits to charity. Stop by Rodney's if you're in town -- these are truly the places that make our communities!! read more

Stopped for lunch. I had brisket burger and wife had the chicken. Both were very good. Would definitely eat here again!

Stopped by Rodney's Kitchen for lunch and had the smothered pork chops with collard greens and cornbread. Everything was delicious. The pork chops were and the cornbread was soft and buttery. The portions were generous, and my waitress was friendly. Though the wait was a little longer than expected. Overall, great comfort food at a solid price... I'll definitely be back to try the fried catfish! read more

OMG! We were traveling on Iowa 20 and looked on here for a restaurant for lunch. Saw the ratings for this place and decided it was worth the drive into town. So glad we did. The place was spotless, awesome 70's soul playing in the background, and one of the nicest people you could meet taking our order. Our food came out fast and was hot and delicious. Mentioned how good the homemade potato salad was and he brought me out a second. Has to be the best place to eat in Iowa. I would give ten stars if I could. read more

Awesome food! Love that the place gives a personal tone with the owner. You get a little vibe of things that are important to him accented on the walls. I was a little skeptical at first since there was a doorbell to bring someone from the back lol. But the food is delicious. And come to find out the owner is the multi tasking as the order taker and the cook so the bell is for him lol. I had the shrimp basket and it was amazing. The philly cheese steak... oh ... my... it was AWESOME! I don't think you'll be disappointed with anything on the menu. In addition to great food, the owner does a lot of philanthropic things in the community so supporting him made it even easier after discovering that fun fact. Definitely have to go back before I leave Iowa. read more

Rodney's Kitchen - Shrimp Basket - Soul Food Near Me - Waterloo, Iowa

Amazing food and service!!!! Would recommend the Brisket Burger. Fries are the best in Iowa!!

Wow! Traveling and came across the gem of a restaurant! We really missed some good home cooking, and Rodney's Kitchen hit the mark! Seriously, everything was so fresh, and so good. Rodney was great , and you can really tell the pride and love that he has for his restaurant. Five stars, and well deserved! read more

Man the brisket burger was FIRE!! Highly recommended!! I have to come back and try the ribs/rib tips. Definitely gained a new customer that will visit often. I did want to try the crawfish poboy, but it was discontinued. Oh well, glad I tried the burger. Thank you for the great service also. read more

The food is awesome and my favorite is the Philly. Rodney is a great cook, server, and store owner and the restaurant is kept clean.

Excellent food (catfish po' boy and fries), friendly service....this place is a definite must return. Recommended stop for anyone that enjoys good food and atmosphere read more

Houstonian so naturally Sunday's are made for SOUL FOOD... but a Sunday in Waterloo, Iowa? My options were limited. I met a guy on Friday night who told me about SOUL FOOD Sunday & I'm glad he did. I got the 2 for $35 with my best friend. The special allows you to choose from Catfish, Fried Chicken & Meatloaf. We chose fried chicken. The platter came with 3 sides dressing, collard greens & macaroni & cheese with a piece of cornbread. I really enjoyed the chicken it was extremely flavorful. The macaroni & cheese was another favorite, the macaroni was seasoned well & perfectly cheesy. If you're ever in Waterloo stop by ! You won't regret it read more

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Best chicken strips ever, and the sweet chili sauce is another reason to come back again. I wanted fried chicken, but I was too hungry to wait, and he assured me the seasoning was he same. So, I will be back to see, but, I'm still loving the strips. M had the beef polish with fresh grilled onions and peppers, and he gave it three grunts. I can't even get more than two for my gravy...so you know it was good. You really do get a free beer, a local draft, with your meal. One more reason to stop in and enjoy. Put a big tip in the jar for the kids. read more

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Just left this little gem in downtown Waterloo . My husband had the brisket burger and I had the shrimp poboy . Both were excellent ! Will be back :) read more