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    Tavia's Eatery

    4.0 (1 review)

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    5 years ago

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    Vonda's Kitchen - Spicy Chicken Hash

    Vonda's Kitchen

    3.8(578 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    •$$

    Ambiance : decor is very modern art deco features local artists paintings but could use more…read morecleaning Service: the greeting was very welcoming but however being served was not organized i was seated before someone but they order was taken before me. Food: chicken was very good and flavorful, grilled cheese was good and toasted golden brown. Waffles were bland thick and hard to swallow even with syrup still bland . The worst thing about my whole meal was my drink there was something floating in the bottom of my drink that no one could identify.

    Let me start out by saying, we've been coming here for years and used to love their food. But after…read moreour last visit, we won't be back. As we entered the restaurant, the floors were "crunchy", sticky and tacky. I assume they mopped the dining room with the same mop they use to clean the greasy floors in the kitchen. They don't have high chairs, So we spent most of the time with our toddler in our lap. The sweet tea tasted off, sour almost. Had to give it back to the server because I couldn't stomach it. Had my husband taste it, and he immediately agreed that something was wrong with it. The plastic utensils were such a turn off. We're dining in, is it too much of a hassle to give your customers actual silverware?? Got fish and grits. Potatoes, toast and eggs. Honestly, the only flavorful item on my plate was the potatoes and eggs. Was upcharged to add cheese to my grits, but the cheese never melted. Pre shredded bagged cheese is what they have on hand it seems. My husband ordered shrimp and grits and asked for a side of eggs, but that arrived 15 minutes after we all received our food. Not sure why it took so long so cook up 2 eggs for him. He was also disappointed in his brunch. It was obvious they used frozen bagged shrimp. Probably the 26-30/lb because the shrimp were really small and had the nerve to be overcooked. Workers just seemed disheveled. Not sure what happened to Vondas but it fell off for sure. We're not from Newark and would travel here for years. Not anymore. This is the end of an era, definitely won't be back. Absolutely don't recommend.

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    Vonda's Kitchen - Inside dining room

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    The Juke Joint Soul House - Grilled shrimp w. Grits

    The Juke Joint Soul House

    2.8(271 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    •$$

    Very nice local spot. I had the whiting and shrimp with potato salad and fried broccoli. Plate was…read morepresented VERY WELL. Potato salad and fried broccoli was delicious. The whiting was seasoned and delicate. The shrimp was tasty but tough, just a bit too overcooked. My friend has the oxtails, black eyed peas and cabbage. He couldn't stop raving about sides but took issue with the oxtails, like the shrimp they were tasty, BUT TOUGH. Not tender at all. He ended up taking them home to simmer for about two hours for a better result. We would likely come back only if in the area but not make a trip specifically.

    Was craving fish today so I dec I decided to order from this establishment today to support a local…read morebusiness, but the experience was deeply disappointing. I ordered three fish dinners; not only were the portions incredibly small--one piece wasn't even half a fillet--but the fish was old and inedible. The texture was so hard it was clear the food had either been sitting out for a long time or was refried. Beyond the food, the service was unacceptable. My drink was missing, and when I called to resolve it, I was put on hold five separate times, waiting over 10 minutes each time. When I finally spoke to a host, she hung up on me mid-explanation. Subsequent calls went straight to an 'unavailable' recording. As a culinary student, I make it a point to support Black-owned businesses, but great food must be matched by great hospitality. There was zero customer service or problem-solving here. This experience has only motivated me more to ensure that when I open my own doors, my guests receive amazing food paired with the high level of service they deserve. I will be seeking a full refund for the money lost on this inedible meal.

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    Crabbae - Awful 1st Experience on New Year's Eve

    Crabbae

    2.9(74 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    I really wanted to love this place because my first experience was amazing. My first order was the…read morefried catfish dinner with mac and cheese and yams. The catfish was fried to perfection, the mac and cheese was delicious, and the yams had just the right amount of sweetness. The second time, I ordered the same meal and added a side of fried shrimp. The shrimp was delicious, but it was obvious there was a different cook in the kitchen. The mac and cheese and yams were just mid, and the rice that came with the catfish had way to much garlic. Tonight (6/22), I decided to give them one more try. Unfortunately, it was my worst experience yet. I ordered the same meal, and the mac and cheese had chunks of chicken or some other meat mixed in it....totally unexpected YUCK. The yams were not good, the rice was mediocre, and the catfish was just okay. The biggest issue is consistency. The catfish seems to follow the same recipe every time, but the sides are all over the place from visit to visit. Management really needs standardized recipes so the food tastes the same no matter who's cooking. Consistency is what keeps customers coming back. Based on my last two experiences, I won't be eating here again. The first visit showed me how good the food can be, but unfortunately the quality hasn't been consistent enough to earn my business

    Second time ordering from this spot & I am not disappointed…read more Today, I had the Mac & Cheese, yams, catfish & it came with yellow rice. Very filling & I could not eat it all in one setting, nice sized portions. I follow the chef on Instagram & he is hardworking. May God continue to guide his footsteps.

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    Tavia's Eatery - soulfood - Updated October 2026

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