Loved our time here. Generous proportions. the sweet tea and green tomatoes are not to be missed. Mac n cheese and rice n beans were ok. But DAMN THE SERVICE. Southern hospitality at its absolute finest. Our server-I believe his name was Ben. Just a sweetheart! Truly went above and beyond. The sweet tea is refillable, when he brought us our to-go boxes he automatically brought us a full sweet tea to go. We opted to not pack our rice n beans, he offered us another box which we politely declined. He leaves and come back with another box and said "since you didn't love the rice n beans I'm gonna throw this in your bag". When I checked the bag in the car it was a HUGE slice of sweet potato pie. Made my day. We're from seattle so it's a bit of a drive but 100% will be coming back! read more

A classic southern restaurant we like to go to when we go down to Tacoma. Is it the best southern food I've had? No. But still love coming here! Whenever I go to a southern restaurant, I always get catfish, fried chicken and collard greens. They have the 6th ave platter that has both plus you get to have two sides with it!my husband got the catfish dinner and that comes with two sides as well. Our daughter just had a side of scrambled eggs and toast. Service here is great! read more

Southern Kitchen - 6th ave platter, side of collard greens - Southern Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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My wife was told this was authentic home cooking and good; since we're both from the South, we had to try it. We arrived and were seated immediately. The lady was super friendly, but I don't think she was or is a waitress. The place is a little crowded as far as furniture but manageable. It took a little while for someone to take our order but not terrible. We looked over the menu and saw several things we wanted to try. We ordered fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. I ordered the two-piece fried fish, mashed potatoes/gravy, and collard greens. My wife ordered fried chicken, red beans and rice, and collards. Both dishes came with corncake, which neither of us had ever had. Blackberry lemonade -- my wife loved this. Corncake -- looks like a pancake but made like sweet cornbread. I liked it, but my wife wasn't a fan. Fried green tomatoes -- they were deep-fried, not skillet fried, so they were ok. Fried fish -- standard fried, at least at restaurants in the South; it was fine, and plenty of it. Collards -- I have to say -- pleasantly surprised. This was a top 3 restaurant version of collard greens. I enjoyed them. Mashed potatoes and gravy -- standard Southern restaurant version. It was fine. Fried chicken -- also deep fried. It was ok Red beans and rice -- they were also ok but not what you would get in the South. Overall, we liked it. We left full and satisfied. We were hoping for a Southern meal, but this wasn't terrible. read more

If only I had stopped long enough to snap a photo or two of my biscuits and gravy, you might understand the absolute state of joy I am in right now. Seriously, this is some good stuff! Here's what we had: biscuits and gravy, two eggs, grits (squeeeee! I loooooove grits!), a corn cake and then, I accidentally ordered every single dessert item in the menu to go. I mean, I thought aloud about which dessert I wanted, peach cobbler, bread pudding, or sweet potato but SOMEHOW I ended up with three containers in a to go bag in the front seat of my car. Huh. Weird right? Nope, I think it is definitely the universe telling me that I should eat more of Southern Kitchen's wonderful food. Bonus, the staff is FAB-U-LOUS. I want to be friends with every single one of them. I think we'd have a great time and there would ALWAYS be room for dessert! P.S. I'm pretty sure I ordered all three without remembering. Subliminal dessert-ing. read more

First time trying this place out. The staffs are very friendly and they greet you as you enter. I got the strawberry lemonade & 6th ave platter. I heard many great things about their lemonade but my strawberry lemonade was kinda on the sweet side wish it was a bit more tarty but it was still good. All their main entree comes with a corncake. For my main entree I got the 6th ave platter that comes with 2 piece southern chicken, catfish strips, 1 hush puppy, & 2 sides. For the sides i got mashed potato and gravy & mac and cheese. Tbh the sides & corncake were good but i was kinda disappointed with the rest. The catfish strips & hush puppy was so dry. The chicken would of been good but lacked on some seaonings/salt but it was really juicy but other than that i enjoyed for my first time. read more

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My husband and I ordered take out in the past and the food was pretty good. On Sunday, we switched it up and ordered the catfish and butterfish! I don't know who was working that day, but they were pissed off at someone when they seasoned that fish!!!!! It was way over-seasoned that after eating half of one, we had to throw the rest of it in the trash! So that was money wasted! It will be awhile before we go there again! Thank the Lawd for heartburn pills!!! read more

If I could give this place a 0, I would. This is the worst restaurant I have EVER been in, in my entire life. I don't think I have enough time or room on this review to tell you all the things that were so bad. The service was ok. They smiled and greeted customers. 1st off- change the name Southern Kitchen. There was nothing southern bout this place. I from the south. 2nd- I was disappointed that we waited 40 min to get our food. There was no crowd either. 3rd-restaurant is dirty. The menu was filthy, the doors were dirty, the floor was worse. The food was HORRIBLE, GOD AWFUL. I order the Cajuns catfish strips. Bland no seasoning, overcooked, hard, looked like they use old grease and the worst of it all I only got 7 pieces of fish. The greens taste like it could from the can. Who puts greens and French fries in the same container. Even though they put a piece of parchment paper between it. My fries were soggy. Then they slap 1 pancake on top of the greens and fries. The pancake taste like wood. It was grainy, dry, and flat not fluffy. I didn't get a chance to taste my friend Mac and cheese. I gave up after that. The okra tasted ok when it was hot. After that nothing was good after it cooled down. After spending $80 for 3 people on this nasty S....t!! I had to go spend more money at McDonald's 3 hrs later. The food was barely tolerable to eat. How have they been in business since 1981. I enjoy supporting my people. Black owned businesses but, this was true embarrassment to my race and all southern people. DO NOT waste your money or time with this 1. U will regret it. read more

Terrible service. Sat down and took 15 mins to even get someone to take our order. Waitress was absolutely rude as well. Then waited about 45 mins and still no food. Just left starving. Not going back to this place. Awful service! read more

I've only ordered from here twice. Both times, my delivery has been incorrect. The first time order was missing the cornbread stuffing, ok fine a side is missing. I just received my second order of a four piece mixed. Silly me thinking it would be a Mixture of white and dark meat as the website suggests. Instead, I received two legs a scrawny wing and a thigh. Definitely not with the $25+ being charged. Strike two! I won't be going for a strike three. read more

To quote my friend, the food here was amazingly amazing. The service was kind and attentive. Cassandra (our host) helped us decide which entrees we wanted to try. Everything was really good. The collard greens were seasoned with meat. The mac and cheese was homemade greatness. The piece de resistance of the meal was the award winning peach cobbler. Words cannot describe this wonderful creation--you have to taste it for yourself. This place is a winner! read more

Southern Kitchen - Award winning peach cobbler. - Southern Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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All I was craving today after our day at the Cider Swig were some hushpuppies. I found this place online ordered some hushpuppies to go. They were rich hard in the middle. No idea how this even happens. They weren't cold. Just HARD. Won't go back. read more

Southern Kitchen - Hush Puppies - Southern Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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One of my family members loves southern food, so as a family we decided we would try this place out. We saw it on Diners Drive-Ins and dives. Guy Fieri thought it was good. Good enough for him. Good enough for us, Right? Wrong !! First of all when we walked in you could have heard a pin drop. We were apparently the only people there that were not of color. We sat we ate our food well kind of mostly it was slop so it stayed on the plate and went out with the trash that it looked like we will never be back to this place or trust Guy fieri again, this place is awful and how it got on TV I'll never know. read more

Small place with a friendly staff and great food. Definitely worth checking out. Sweet tea, chicken and greens; what's not to like?

I've decided to try this restaurant en route to Gig Harbor from Seattle, since it had high reviews. Well after seeing the place, I was excited as it was a cute and quaint place. The server was nice and greeted us immediately and served us drinks. After seeing the menu, I was truly shocked by the price point;Most meals were about $15-$30, but we ordered anyway. I ordered the breakfast with corn cakes, turkey sausage and grits. The order took quite a while to get, but it wasn't that busy. The grits were not salted; but had the right consistency, just lacked flavor. The corn cakes were very dry and the eggs and sausage were just ok. Overall the restaurant was decent, service was good, but the food was a solid no. I expected to be satisfied based on the price point and it was mediocre at best. read more

My wife and I eat at Southern Kitchen for dinner tonight and it was amazing! She had the liver and onions and I had the catfish strips. We both loved our meals and the sides were amazing too. Everyone was friendly and authentic. We'll be going back for sure. Highly recommend. read more

Tried this place based on prior yelp reviews and it did not disappoint. Our server, Benjamin, was super nice and engaging. Our food was amazing and the portions were far larger than we expected. After we ordered dinner we were so disappointed. We thought breakfast was served all day when we saw the table next to us getting 'pancakes'. Turned out those pancakes were the cornbread & we got some too. It was SO GOOD!! My Brother and I ordered completely different entree's and completely different sides just so we could try a good variety of food. I ordered the brisket, Mac & cheese and buttered corn. He ordered the fried chicken, red beans & rice and candied yams. Everything was SO GOOD and portions were so large we both have lunch tomorrow. And the place while small and cozy was very bright and welcoming. It was also very colorful, clean and had lots of history to look at. Oh, and did I mention their sweet tea and fruit lemonades?? If you've haven't tried this yet what's keeping you?? read more

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I wish I could give this restaurant 10 more stars. If you are looking for authentic, full flavor soul food that's made with love then you have to come here. I will make the 2.5 hour drive just to eat here again, it's THAT good. They have a small parking lot so you'll have to find street parking or pay to park in the small lot down the road. The restaurant itself is kind of small but it gives off a family barbecue feeling. You have to wait to be seated but the service moves pretty quick. The food....ohhh the food. I ordered catfish strips, greens, mac and cheese, and a Marionberry lemonade. The food came out pretty quick and it tasted amazing. The fish was perfectly fried, it wasn't overcooked and chewy. The greens were cooked with bacon and were tender and perfectly seasoned. The mac and cheese was my favorite. It was so gooey and cheesey. The prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get. I loved every second of this meal and will make the road trip just to eat there again. read more

Southern Kitchen - Catfish strips, greens, mac and cheese - Southern Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Nice place but the food could have been better. Most of the food lacked seasoning. If you are looking for soul food this IS not the place. Yes they have soul food items but it's definitely missing the soul. I will say the portions were on the large side just wish they were more flavorful. Plus our food was cold when it hit the table. Service was lacking as well. Not sure I would give it another try. The best part were the drinks read more

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17 people converged on this fabulous establishment for our youngest son's 25th birthday celebration. They were quite accommodating for such a small restaurant. I had been here years ago and wanted something really good and special for the family. We each chose what we wanted. I was so happy to see fried green tomatoes on the menu. They make these so good, I had to order a second time around! I can't remember what everyone ordered, but for the most part, we ordered fried chicken and catfish. Several of us ordered peach cobbler to go because we hadn't room in our stomachs to eat it there in the restaurant. I also wanted to make sure they didn't run out before we were finished. Had Zi known it was that good, I would have made sure I had vanilla ice cream at home to have with it. I really don't each chicken anymore, but let me tell you that the Cajun catfish is very wonderful! I was totally in heaven! There was one guy taking orders and serving. He was very pleasant. I appreciated his patience and left his a big tip. Although it took us over 90 minutes to get home, we will definitely come back. Maybe a smaller group! read more

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This review is only regarding the service. While the servers were pleasant, I've been waiting 45 min for grits and bacon and just received my 2nd cup of coffee so if your in a rush you may want to go somewhere else. There are empty tables so I'm not sure where the disconnect is. However, the restaurant is clean and the corner view is nice read more

Southern Kitchen - View from a window table - Southern Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I've eaten at Southern Kitchen before, and it was great in the past. Today I am sorely disappointed. I got a butterfish sandwich. The fish was dry as leather, almost like jerky. There were two pieces of tomato on it, both were the ends of a tomato, with stem. The lettuce was wilted. Food is too expensive these days to pay for something you can't eat at all. Very disappointed. read more

Still great tasty chicken! Been coming here since the early 90s and glad to see not much has changed. Crackling and flavorful crust surrounds meaty pieces of tender chicken, accompanied by sweet corn pancakes, and tasty sides, topped off by sweet tea. The service is pleasant and the vibe is super authentic. Please don't change a thing. read more

Highly recommended by a customer eating at Southern Kitchen for more then 40 years. I was not let down. I ordered two pieces of catfish, fried potatoes, two scrambled eggs, and made from scratch biscuit. To drink, one quart jar of strawberry lemonade. I highly recommend this establishment that had been in business since 1981. read more

Southern Kitchen - Two catfish, two scrambled eggs, a sliced potato with onions, and a biscuit. - Southern Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Stopped in while in the area today , nice Freindly staff , clean and sanitizing tables between customers. Today we were a party of 5 including a toddler and happy they could seat us so quickly . after placing our order we waited over 90 minutes to get food , we brought our patience and waited patiently until food arrived although wasn't advised why the long wait but was thanked for our patience. The food finally arrived although one party plate was not complete and had to await an additional 10 min for the fish . I would suggest after a long wait of 90 minutes and automatic 18% gratuity that customers be provided a complimentary desert or lemonade etc something to share in customer appreciation. The food is good and I will continue to support and hopefully the wait time will improve. read more

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It's not as good as I remember back in the days. I haven't been here in like 10 years and I was underwhelmed to be honest! The staff was very friendly!!! We had 4 DISHES : fried chicken wings Cajun Catfish strips Regular Catfish Strips Whole catfish w/bones: Every one thought these were pretty good but no wow factor SIDES: Cornbread Stuffing W/gravy: SO GOOD Rice & Gravy: It was cool, lacking flavor Mac & cheese: Also lacking flavor but still cool yams: alright Hush puppies: Really good Complimentary Pancake cornbread is good Mango lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade and Blackberry Lemonade: HUGE portion and good Overall it was just ok but nothing to write home and brag about to your momma lol read more

Southern Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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This is a triple D Jewel. I ordered a sweet tea. It comes in a quart size mason jar! Delicious. They give you a corn cake with your meal. It is a pancake style piece of cornbread that is really good. I ordered the half of the chicken dinner. For my sides I chose greens and mashed potatoes with gravy. I wanted to try their dressing,However they were out! I also ordered one piece of the catfish to check it out. I love the crispy coating on both the catfish, and the chicken. The sides were delicious and plentiful. Parking is difficult there is only a small parking lot. They do have curbside pick up. I parked around the corner in a neighborhood. I will definitely come back here for some more of their delicious eats when I'm in the area. read more

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Greasy. The catfish was very dirty tasting. Not very good quality fish to start with. Hush puppies and corn cakes were alright. A little dry. read more

Pictures don't do it justice, this food was fire I would def order ahead because it can be busy and food can take a while. I have no other complaints, food was fantastic and service was stellar. We will be back read more

Southern Kitchen - BBQ Beef Brisket - Southern Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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A little more on the pricey side but I see why this is a favorite here in Tacoma. I was excited to try authentic southern food and I was not disappointed! The staff were very charismatic and funny, and I loved the diner style of the interior read more

Southern Kitchen - Biscuits & Gravy Big Breakfast, Turkey Sausage & Cheese Omelet - Southern Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

We drive 30 miles each way for Southern Chicken - the only truly good fried chicken we've had since moving to Washington. We've been here many times but had an extra special visit this week because of the outstanding service provided by Cassandra. She was extra warm and friendly and Efficient with a Capital 'E'! We will be back again and again read more

I wanted to like this spot so bad but Y'ALL!!!!! Everything was so under seasoned. We had to add salt/pepper/cajun/ hot sauce to EVERYTHING we ordered. There was NO flavor! read more

If you haven't taken the time to stop by Southern Kitchen, do yourself a favor and stop in at this delicious restaurant! When you're needing somewhere consistent, reliable, and friendly, there's nowhere better to rely on. Southern Kitchen provided catering for our first office meeting of the semester, and they went above and beyond to make sure everyone was able to enjoy their delectable menu. When it was brought to attention that a few members of the team have issues with gluten just hours before the order was set to be picked up, Gloria was so flexible to our needs! Not only did she add an order of pressed chicken, which was flavored to perfection and didn't leave me missing breaded chicken, she also threw in two sweet potato pies which were to die for! The portions were so much more than we could have imagine, everyone took home left overs and we got to feed some of the secturity staff! read more

It's really good food, but restaurant can be unclean sometimes. I felt sticky tables on more than one occasion. Service is usually pretty solid. Bring your patience because everything is cooked to order. I've lived in the south and this is definitely good, though baby not great, Southern cooking. I personally haven't found a better Southern cooking restaurant in Tacoma, and many have tried. Give it a shot. read more

Amazing! I ordered catering for a work event with young adults. Everyone was excited about the event--even my presenters were calling it "the southern kitchen event." There was so much food! It is a great value. They were so easy to work with. And it was all delicious. We are using them for more events this year. read more

Great customer service the food was fantastic single portions can feed a family of two over all it's perfect ambiance is very cozy feel like I was at home. read more

This place might not be fancy, but it doesn't have to be because it's fantastic. The staff is super friendly and the food is full of flavor and delicious. I have yet to order anything I didn't like, but if I had to pick, my top favorites are the Cajun catfish, the cornbread stuffing with gravy, and the mac-n-cheese. read more

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This was the worst experience that I have ever had at a restaurant. The service was horrible, the food was late and the meal was incomplete. French toast was burned and dry and the fried chicken was terrible. I have eaten better fried chicken at Albertson. read more

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My personal favorite restaurant in Tacoma. Everything is amazing but I especially recommend the Cajun catfish strips. Also, the cornbread stuffing is one of the best things I've ever tasted. Can't fail to mention the sweet tea as well, fantastic. Besides the amazing food, you will not find better service anywhere you look. The staff makes you feel like you're at a family gathering and never lets your drink get empty or fail to check on you. The vibe in this place is immaculate all around. A true gem. read more

This review is for takeout. Would live to trv this again post-pandemic. Anyone who follows me knows i'm on a quest for. the grail of great catfish. I wasn't disappointed. Whole catfish, by design, is a thicker method of cooking. As opposed to filers and nuggets--thicker cuts have more opportunity to gets in moisture during the cooking process. The ratio of cornmeal costing isn't terribly thick and the seasoning is moderate. Which I enjoy, as a lot of local fried foods tend to get more than an adequate amount of salt. Much easier to add salt than it is to try to dilute it later. I enjoyed the hush puppies. They weren't dry and dense. Kind of a cake like consistency with a fried outside membrane. Corn cakes remind me of their pancake cousins. Kinda ate them in the same fashion. Brisket was moist and moderately seasoned. Greens were greens. I didn't detect any vinegar or any acidic component. As you can see, the sides given are generous. Potatoes are garlicky and gravy is moderately seasoned. Wish I got more gravy. Standard plastic sealed utensils. If im eating at home, going to use the function to opt out for not putting more plastic in the environment. Additionally, some of my fried food came in the nice compostable carriers--which I appreciate. read more

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Fantastic fried chicken and even better red beans and rice! Corn cake was great as well. Authentic food, made to order and worth the wait. Parking is tight, interior is a bit dated but the history makes the atmosphere. Super people and great service. Portions are ridiculously huge, go hungry and bring a pillow for the car ride home! read more