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    Soul on Shawmut

    4.1 (26 reviews)
    Open 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    SOUL ON SHAWMUT ATMOSPHERE

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    3pc fried chicken, chopped cheese, and yams
    Alyanna T.

    My partner and I shared a smash burger, chopped cheese, 3pc fried chicken, yams, and African chai - TASTE: 4/5 - everything hit the spot, as expected for soul food, from the burger's sauce and chopped cheese's ground beef, to the seasoned wings and caramelized yams. Never had African chai before and enjoyed its strong cinnamon and ginger taste TEXTURE: 5/5 - both the soft brioche bun and toasted sub roll were satisfying, especially w their combo of lettuce, tomato, and onion fillings. Fried chicken was crispy and the yams were tender PRICE: 4/5 - was surprised that the chopped cheese was $20? Subtotal came to $45 SERVING SIZE: 4/5 - good portions for lunch, though wish the sandwiches and burgers automatically came w fries lol SERVICE: 4/5 - tried coming here about a month earlier but the doors were closed and no one was inside, and we later learned, via social media, that they were closed except for catering. This time, the doors were closed again when we walked up at 12:15pm on a Sunday, but they opened them for us lol. The whole staff was friendly. Food started coming out 10-20min after ordering, and the space quickly filled up w dine-in and takeout orders ATMOSPHERE: 4/5 - about 10-15 seats inside w a large map paying homage to the family's Roxbury roots. Appreciate the halal menu and the strong community vibe PARKING: 4/5 - free street spots on Shawmut Ave, though we later realized the nearby parking lot is available for customers too

    Menu
    Jessica P.

    Here's a refined version of your review with a more annoyed but still fair three-star tone: I arrived at the restaurant at 5:45 PM and waited in line for about 10 minutes--not a big deal. The place was clean, and it was nice to see them getting support. However, I immediately noticed a woman seated who had clearly been waiting a long time for her food, which wasn't a great sign. I tried to order the party wings but was told they were out. Fine. I then asked for the 5-piece chicken since I saw them taking out a fresh batch. We also ordered mac and cheese, collards and cabbage, and rice and beans. The owner mentioned they were backed up with a previous order, so the chicken would take 30 minutes. Since it's a new business, I wanted to give them some grace. We agreed and waited in the car. Then, things got frustrating. I looked back and saw that someone who was two people behind me in line was already eating their chicken. Maybe they called ahead? Doubtful, but okay. We waited 40 minutes, went back inside, and were told it would be another 15 minutes. At this point, we were already committed, so we waited. About 10 minutes later, the owner came out and explained that one of the fryers was down, they had a catering event, and--surprise--there was no chicken. By now, I had been stuck in the car with screaming kids, which only made the situation worse. They gave us some sides and refunded the chicken, but there was no mac and cheese, which is a big problem when you have kids. I really want this place to be great, but the food we actually got was just okay. The yams were still a bit crunchy, the rice and beans were fine, and the cabbage and greens could have used more seasoning. Honestly, they would've been better off closing for the night instead of making customers wait around for food that wasn't coming. I'll give them another shot in about eight months, but they have a lot to figure out.

    Sweet potato cheesecake
    Jacob C.

    Couldn't have been happier with this new neighborhood restaurant. They deliver on their concept of classic soul food staples - fried chicken, yams, greens, and even banana pudding. I got a bunch of things to go for lunch to try them out and had to stop myself from finishing enough food for 2-3 people... The smash burger was perfectly cooked with a nice house-made sauce and the fried chicken was moist, lightly fried and well-seasoned. The banana pudding was perfect down to the butter cookies and the sweet potato cheesecake was a tasty twist on the usual soul food-staple of sweet potato pie (and not at all heavy like some cheesecakes). Service was quick and the staff were super welcoming and helpful. I hope this place does well and will definitely be coming back - highly recommend!

    Food: Smashburger

    Excellent soul food inspired dishes in Roxbury! The cheesesteak was top tier with high quality meat and excellent flavors. The fried chicken and buffalo chicken egg rolls were also really good. Definitely going to stop by again. Quick and friendly service that makes you feel right at home. Seating is limited. Overall, definitely try them out. Highly recommend!

    Chopped Cheese
    Cassondra H.

    Visited for the first time, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It's a smaller operation without a whole lot of seating, but has relatively ample parking in a side lot. While we had a bit of a wait for our food, the staff was super friendly and attentive from the moment we entered. By far, our favorites were the Chopped Cheese Sandwich and Garlic Parm Party Wings. The Chopped Cheese had just the right amount of fresh crisp veggies, and the sauce complimented the combination of flavors well. The wings had phenomenal flavor on their own, and the mild, creamy garlic parm sauce was one of the best we've had. Sides are not made to order, and so we were not big fans of the Mac and Cheese. The Not-So-Classic Fried Chicken, also had great seasoning and a unique dipping sauce. In all, we'll definitely be going back for more!

    Grilled Cheeseburger
    Haz A.

    First time going to this place and my first impression was how clean the inside was. You can see the kitchen and it was very clean as well. There's ample seating inside but I ended up doing takeout. Now to the main event....the food was GREAT! The burger was perfectly cooked and very filling. The secret sauce and the bacon jam is ah-mazing. The fries were actually fresh hand cut fries and I watched them go into the fryer. There's some seasoning on the fries which was perfect. The banana pudding was creamy and delicious as well, but not overly sweet. I'll definitely be going back to try other things on the menu but can't go wrong with a burger, fries and a pudding!

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    1 year ago

    The food was incredible. The service was amazing. I would definitely recommend the fried chicken and the greens.

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    2 years ago

    The best soul food in Boston. Must stop by if you're in Roxbury. Fried chicken is excellent.

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    2 years ago

    honestly some of the best friend chicken I've had in Boston area. looking forward to more!!

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    Ask the Community - Soul on Shawmut

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    I'm "Thinking" this place used a K-cup twice to brew our coffee. Watered down. It's hard to imagine…read morecoffee being literally flavorless - but they somehow managed to accomplish this. As a bonus, I had the (mis)fortune of trying one of the hot chocolates we ordered for the kids - and their review "dad, this kind of taste like foam without sugar" was spot on. You can literally see three other coffee shops from the front door of this place - choose one of them. Now, all of that being said, they have somehow managed to generate a loyal following. I went in around 1PM and the place was literally PACKED! Not sure what the 100+ people there were having - but they were camped out, laptops in hand, having extended social hours with cups in front of them. Maybe it's the ambiance, maybe the wifi is ridiculously fast, maybe the food is better....not sure - but there is absolutely no way these people were there for the coffee (or hot chocolate).

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    Caffé Vittoria - Enjoying an Sfogliatella and Cappuccino at the oldest Italian cafe in Boston!! Bellissimo!

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    Beacon Hill Books & Cafe - Popovers and tea

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    Soul on Shawmut - cafes - Updated May 2026

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