After a slight address navigation issue I ended up at the correct location. I have not been to the old spot but just from the building differences alone, I could see the new location was much bigger. I'm an out of state visitor so forgive me in advance.... but that fried chicken... gawd dang! Super flavorful, crispy, juicy. I'm not particularly a fan of the surprise menu aspect because I'm greedy and I wanted oxtail and catfish... and fried chicken. The staff were friendly and the service was quick. Plenty of seating. The surprise for me was the cornbread that was more corn-bready and less cakey. Remember my disclosure above about being from another state..but when sopped up with that yam juice... flavor bomb! Honestly can't wait to go back and try their other offerings. read more

Friendly staff, good prices , great portions,all with good taste!!!! I will be sure to visit the next time I am in town.

Didn't get a picture of food. However, everything was excellent. My family ordered oxtail, fried chicken, baked chicken and smothered pork chops. Every last plate was delicious. The sides were also scrumptious and seasoned very well . When in the area we will return and try again. There was a long line when entering the restaurant however, the awesome service from the servers was excellent. read more

Great food at a great price. Their new location is roomy and better suited for dining in.

While on vacation, there were four in my party that visited Simply Southern Café. We tried a variety of dishes: oxtails, pork chops, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, corn, cabbage, and cornbread. The oxtails were fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor, definitely the standout dish. The mac & cheese held its own with rich, cheesy goodness. Two in our group had the pork chops, which they found to be just okay. Their green beans tasted store-bought, though still fairly decent. Overall, we all noticed that many items leaned heavily on the salty side: the mashed potatoes and cabbage, in particular, were overly seasoned, and the corn pudding was simply average. The cornbread wasn't sweet, which may be a regional preference. The experience was saved in many ways by the warm, down-home hospitality. The manager came over to personally check in with us, making sure we had everything we needed, something you don't see everywhere. We later learned that one of the owners, the gentleman, is also a pastor, which added a personal and inspiring touch to the place's atmosphere. One charming and surprisingly helpful feature was their voicemail system. It announces the date, the daily menu, and the café's operating hours. If you're in Montgomery for more than a day, you'll quickly come to appreciate how rare that level of clarity is. Many local spots don't update their menus or stick to posted hours, so this was a real plus. Simply Southern Café is an older restaurant, but it's clean and welcoming. There's a group seating area, and the cafeteria-style service lets you view each dish before you make your selection, ideal for those who like to see what they're getting. Everyone, from the servers to the cashier was friendly and helpful. Despite a few misses, I'd return in a heartbeat for those oxtails. read more

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Simply Southern Cafe is a good place to get your Soulfood fix. Their menu changes by the day of the week. So you will see the Saturday menu offerings I pictured, but things change by the day. Check in often to see what varies in the daily menu displayed just inside the entrance. You will order at the buffet line where two people dish everything out into Styrofoam boxes or trays. I ordered the seafood sampler, which is is a piece of catfish, some shrimp and oysters, all fried crisply. I rank the catfish first, followed by the shrimp and then the oysters. The catfish was well seasoned and fried to a nice crisp. Personally, I like my shrimp boiled or grilled if large enough and I like my oysters raw in the half shell with the brine retained. So fried, they will always take a backseat to the catfish. When your seafood sampler order is placed, you will have to pay for it first before they actually begin cooking it. This is the only item in the menu where you pay before the order is started. It's a generous preparation and reasonably priced at $16.25. I ordered the seafood sampler with two sides, string beans and cabbage, which comes with a choice of cornbread or biscuit or roll. The cabbage and green beans were on the salty side, but not overcooked. The sodium level is a reminder this is not the way one should eat regularly, but the veggies were very good. They make their cornbread the non sweet variety, which may not match certain palates, unless you grew up with and are accustomed to the non-sweet variety. There are a few signs stating refunds will not be paid and one must take up complaints with the management. That is not confidence inspiring, but perhaps is the result of too much customer created drama. The food is good enough this should not present and issue. You must ask for everything, such as hot sauce and plastic utensils, which they gladly provide, but still you have to ask for them. I ordered another two catfish platters for my aunt and cousin and they liked the catfish. In contrast to the seafood sampler, I did not have to pay before they started the catfish order. They have catfish already fried up, whereas the shrimp and oysters are fried fresh by the order. Simply Southern offers high value in a non pretentious setting. There are six tables in the main area and another two or three booth seats along another set of windows. Most people are ordering to pick up, but there is room to eat there. The saltiness of the veggies is noteworthy for me, but some may not notice if it matches their own cooking or preferences. The overall impression is quite positive and I would recommend it to others. 3.7 stars! read more

Simply Southern Cafe - Saturday menu - Soul Food Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

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Tasty food, a little high on the prices though - $16.99 for a veggie plate is a bit much, and I got an attitude when o asked her to put some of the meat that was in the cabbage and green beans on my plate. Was quick getting in & out and plenty of parking, but will be 50/50 if I come back at those prices read more

I was visiting my hometown of Montgomery earlier this month and many of my relatives couldn't stop talking about simply southern so I stopped by. It looks like it caters mainly to take out although there are a few tables. It's cafeteria style service. I had the catfish and my kids had the catfish or shrimp. The fried shrimp is not on the line but is made to order. My kids and I loved the food and didn't have to add any seasoning. I ate the whole thing. If you are in Montgomery Alabama I strongly suggest giving this gem a visit for some good southern food. I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because they ran out of cat fish and I had to wait 20 minutes for more and I wish there were more seating for a more restaurant look but I guess that isn't there intent. read more

The food was what you would expect from ap soul food restaurant. However, the taste and flavor was lacking. The staff was friendly and welcoming. We went during peak lunch hours so the inside of the restaurant was festive and abuzz. I would go back here. I want to try some more menu items. read more

Absolutely delicious! This restaurant instantly took me back to my childhood and my grandmother's kitchen -- and she's 94 years old, straight from Mississippi. I had the mixed cabbage and greens, perfectly seasoned lima beans (I haven't had lima beans this good in 15 years!), baked chicken, and beef tips over rice. The star of the show for me was the sweet potato soufflé -- hands down the BEST I've ever had in my life. The cornbread was homemade (none of that boxed Jiffy stuff), and every bite tasted like pure Southern love. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and the prices were very reasonable. We're visiting from Los Angeles, but I grew up on true Southern cooking, and this meal brought me right back home. I will be back every time I come to visit my niece at Tuskegee University. If you're looking for authentic, from-scratch Southern food that will make your soul happy, this is the place. Highly recommend! read more

Please DO NOT eat here. The food is bad, service is even worse, and it's just plain DIRTY! Stay clear. They only offer three drinks: water, sweet tea, and sweet lemonade. Against our better judgement after we walked in, we ordered 2 meals and 2 drinks (Arnold Palmer's a tea/lemonade mix). After we ordered and paid in cash, we were informed the tea was out and wouldn't be replenished. We asked for a refund for one of the drinks because we didn't want plain lemonade. We were told no refund because I had placed lemonade in the cups. Had I known, there wasn't any tea and had they checked their supply and informed us when we ordered the drink, we wouldn't have wasted our time and money. We received no refund on the drink and got up and left our food on the table without eating it! This establishment should be closed and will be in about 2 months. It is not worth even visiting! Sorry that we wasted our time and money as we were visiting from DE and went to this place based on a recommendation from a local. read more

The food was awesome but the price, lawd have mercy. But I'd go again because those oxtails were ooh my so good.

Simply Southern Cafe is simply scrumptious! Very unpretentious, casual atmosphere. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon around 2:30pm, and the line moved quickly. Took about 10 mins to order and get our food. Most people seem to take out. They were out of ribs by the time we came through, but the food did not disappoint. Service was very friendly and helpful. Can't beat $10.50 for the mixed white & dark fried chicken meal with 2 sides. Got the fried okra, Mac and cheeeeeeese, and went with the cornbread. The fried chicken was perfectly crispy (the dark meat seemed to be more moist) and the Mac and cheese took me to heaven and back! read more

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Food was delicious!! The ladies serving were super nice and over all enjoyed it. Left feeling full and satisfied! Definitely recommend eating here. read more

Montgomery Alabama Great start of the day with a great Southern meal with Simply Southern Cafe. A simple cafe run by people who loved to feed people with their good Southern food. It is cafeteria style run with set meals & prices attached. It appears that they have different meals each day. As you enter, the menu board reflects the daily specials of the day. We had oxtail stew with 3 sides. The stew was served on rice, for sides we had the green beans ( yummy), corn pudding (it was packed with corn & delicious), yam (it was cooked in brown sugar, quite sweet but oh soo.. yummy) served with corn bread or roll. We opted for the corn bread. We had the pork chop & fried chicken meal. The pork chop was coated with a dry rub & a light coating, you can taste garlic & onion taste to the fried pork chops. Their fried chicken was outstanding, crispy in the outside & so moist on the inside even chicken breast which is challenging to deep fry while keeping the inside moist. We also had Mac & Cheese as one of the sides, one of the best we had.. real cheddar cheese on the Mac. A most enjoyable Southern meal! Plus the people are real friendly! read more

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Check their everyday menu. I have heard so many good things about this place, so I tried it and was not disappointed. The food is fresh, authentic soul food, and delicious. I fell in love with the pig feet and corn casserole read more

Simply Southern Cafe - Delicious - Soul Food Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

This is one of the places to get your grub on if you know what I mean when it comes to soul food. There's always something different on the menu everyday. Service is always great and the portions are worth it. read more

While attending the battle of the bands, we decided to try soul food in the area. Simply Southern had decent reviews so we decided that we would go there for dinner. If you have never been there, here is a tip, get there early! This is a real Mom and Pop restaurant that is cafeteria style with a couple tables to sit at. You get your food in a styrofoam box. We got there at 3:30 pm and the restaurant closes at 5:30 and they were already out of chicken and fried okra. They will not make more once they are out. Hubby got meatloaf, mashed potatoes, Mac & cheese, and sweet potatoes. I wanted chicken wings and fried okra. Since that wasn't happening, I had the fried fish (3 3 pieces) green beans and cabbage. Both meals came with cornbread. I enjoyed the vegetables and hubby enjoyed the mashed potatoes. The rest was ok. Would love to come back and try the fried chicken and okra. read more

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The pork chop gravy was too greasy! I just moved back to Montgomery, from Texas. My last experience was good. However, that was 6 years ago. I guess you have too, either go as soon as they open or certain days. read more

We had the ribs, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and corn muffins. Stopped for lunch on our way to Auburn. Food was fresh and served with kindness. DELICIOUS FOOD! Probably my favorite meal I have had in Montgomery. Great meal! Generous portions, had leftovers to take to my son in Auburn. I should've taken a picture! Quick service, clean dining room, and restroom. read more

Ordered OX tails. Got home with a plate of Neckbones in Gravy. I called back to let them know and the smart mouth young lady said "So what's the difference" ! Well the price for one! and ibwaa charged for OX tails. Usually they are pretty decent and the food is ok But now I think Thaht GHETTO is taking charge. I can go elsewhere. read more

I loooove this place!!! I love the Fried chicken, Peas, cabbage and most of all the dressing. The dressing keeps me coming back. I love the food, it's very flavorful. read more

Some of the best soul food I've ever had. Generous portions and very friendly staff. Can't go wrong with their fried chicken. read more

Earlier today April 3, 2025, I bought food from Simply Southern Restaurant and wasted $30 for 2 vegetable plates. The portions were small the choices were few and again the price has gone up from $11 to $15. Please do not cook broccoli casserole again! Soggy with very little flavor. The dressing was dry over burnt crust cornbread and they didn't bother to put any gravy on the dressing. I should have gone to Publix and got my entire meal and spent $10 less. Y'all got me this time but never again. I will not be going back! read more

The chopped peppers, onions and brown sugar give the beans a great flavor. The Mac & cheese is creamy, light and baked to perfection. The dinner rolls have a good buttery taste and easy to tear and chew. The catfish is well-battered, crunchy and well-seasoned. Definitely recommend. read more

Simply Southern Cafe - Fried Catfish, Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans and rolls - Soul Food Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

I don't know what to say. I waited in this long line for about 40 mins to try to get a baked chicken and a pork chop plate. I finally get to the front only to find out that they were out of what I wanted. I came out and started to write this review but decided to go back in to see what's what. Ok so pork chops are out now and I get back in line. I asked the line guy if I had to be in the line again and he took me to the front. Got my plates and went home because one was eating there, the restaurant environment was not inviting anyway. I put the bake chicken in the fridge ate the pork chops with cabbage, Blk eye peas and Mac and cheese. I was not impressed. The chops were overcooked (dry) and under seasoned. The cabbage were mushy and the Mac and cheese just ok. The bright spot were the peas and cornbread. I'll not go back. read more

Best soul food in the city without a doubt... Everything on the menu is great...Taste like Grandma old fashioned cooking

I would actually give this restaurant 3 1/2 stars if that was possible. We ordered over the phone and we were told to come right over because there weren't many people waiting. We called from curbside pick up. They came and took our money pretty quickly. Then we waited for a very, very long time to get our food. The catfish, oysters, and shrimp were all pretty good. The green beans weren't anything special, but the cabbage was great! My corn nuggets were cold, so I did not enjoy them. The yams were really syrupy sweet, and I liked that. The cornbread was just ok. read more

The the $5 banana pudding that didn't have bananas was CRAP! It tastes like the four pack of $1 jello pudding with two "2" vanilla wafers. The collard greens needed to be cut up. They like stewed mulberry leaves that needed seasoning. The only thing that was good the yams. read more

Simply Southern Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

I loved this place best soul food i ever had in my life be prepared to wait in line it's so worth it though when i went on a Sunday they had a live gospel band i loved the food so much i made sure to come back before i left Alabama read more

While visiting Montgomery Alabama I visited this place and first off I am going to say everything was a 10/10 highly recommended! The service was amazing and everyone was super nice. The line was very long and moved quick. I ordered the smothered pork chop plate with macaroni and cheese and cabbage with a slice a red velvet cake! I also ordered a banana pudding cup Togo with a large sweet tea. I spent a little $20 with a tip but it was so worth it. I will definitely be visiting again to try the oxtails that everyone seemed to be ordering. read more

Oxtails were a little tough. Yams were extremely sweet!! Cabbage and cornbread was on point.

Food is so good. Always prepared like homemade. Chicken fried to perfection. Dressing is delightful.

It was my first visit ... My relatives love this place. They have great comfort food and a simple menu. When we arrived the line was long but swiftly moving. The servers were friendly and polite. We had the oxtail and smothered chicken dinners with side dishes of cabbage, yams and cornbread. Although the oxtail dinner, came with a drink, the drink was lemonade or sweet tea only. Soft drinks are extra. The actual entrees were generous in portion, hot and freshly cooked. The oxtail was soooo tender and well seasoned. There are no complaints about the quality of the food. As we left, the line had grown to almost out the door. I'll definitely come back. read more

The food here is overrated! It's extremely salty and looks quickly thrown together never again

Yum! A great meal! If you call their number, the recording will tell you their hours that day and what is offered. Today it was: smothered pork chops, oxtail, fried chicken, baked chicken, sliced turkey, pot roast, candied yams, corn pudding, collards, peas, lima beans, corn bread, mac and cheese, several cakes, banana pudding, and more. Most people were taking their meals home. Simple tables and chairs are also available on site. Really glad we went! read more

Simply Southern Cafe - Ox tail, collards, peas, corn pudding, and corn bread - Soul Food Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

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The Mac tasted like stouffers the cabbage was bland the yams were gross the wings were super crispy with a bunch of fat under the skin just down right gross and the fact that the line was outside in the rain gave me hope but clearly folks will put anything in their mouths cuz ain't no way I'd EVER eat that food let alone wait in line for it read more

Really good food. The Mac and cheese is to die for, and the collards are so yummy but come early to beat the rush!

I really enjoyed food and the service and staff the music brings everything together.

Visited for the first time today, and the food and service were horrible! The cabbage was seasoned with seasoning salt...yuk! The yams were way too sugary, and the baked chicken had some type of cream soup poured over it. My Mom said that her food was just "okay". My nephew did not enjoy his fried fish. I threw my full plate away...the lady behind the register was odd and bossy. There were orange traffic cones and yellow tape around the food station. It was just a very unpleasant environment, gross food, and poor customer service. I will never eat here again! read more