Southern Mama's Kitchen & Catering — Local services in Elgin

This was my first time at what appears to be a popular small neighborhood eatery in Elgin. I was pleasantly surprised with the quick and friendly service and good food.

There are two food options: buffet or meat and sides (with the option to add on the salad bar/buffet for $5. If you do this, the pricing is the same for an adult buffet meal).

You tell them what you'd like, then they'll prepare the food for you. After you seat yourself, you're greeted by a server or two to get your drink order.

If you would like more of something from the hot buffet line, or chose to try something different, just let your server know, and they'll get it and bring it to you.

The process is the same when choosing a dessert, which is also on the buffet line.

The dessert options included an Oreo mousse tray, banana pudding, a butterscotch dessert, spice cake, and peach cobbler.

Although I didnt have even space in my belly to try the spice cake and butterscotch dessert, I will say hands down, that my favorite was the peach cobbler!

Some of the options on the buffet line included tasty fried okra, perfectly seasoned cabbage, hash, pulled BBQ, mac and cheese, baked broccoli and cheese (loved this), fried chicken (8 out of 10), ranch bacon chicken (looks like Alfredo over broiled chicken tenders), corn nibbles, and yams.

They also have a small play area for patrons with little kids or those who are kids at heart!

The only thing I'd mention is that there is a small surcharge if you use a credit/debit card, versus paying cash.

Despite this, I would recommend this place as it is reasonably priced, the staff is friendly and attentive, and the food is good. Once you get through the line (they open at 11), your food is ready to eat (no waiting). They're constantly bringing out food to keep it hot and fresh. 4.5 stars for taste and food options.

5...

I've been living in the Elgin area for quite some time and really wanted to love this restaurant. After hearing the many good reviews, my family and I took a visit. The line was out the door and we anticipated our Sunday meal. When ordering to-go, we were told to go to the front register, since there were multiple plates. It took my grandma's and I order over 15 minutes to be made when we ordered 3 sides and the wings each. The workers double checked our orders behind the counter and a woman handed us our orders. Granted, we should've taken a look on our own, however, it took a while to even get in the door. We found the order was incorrect when we arrived home. Calling the restaurant, I spoke to a worker and she insisted the order she made was correct. I asked 'do you think I would lie about that ', especially when I arrived home an hour later from the drive. Although I knew I wouldn't get a refund, I expected them to rectify the situation, however, I was abruptly hung up on. Someone minutes later called again and offered to provide me with another plate. I thanked them and we ended the conversation. I am unbelievably upset with this event and will not be spending my dollar at this establishment. I hope others have a...

If I could give a zero I would!!!!! Well .......I said I wasn't gonna try them again when I heard they were opening up again. New and improved. NOT impressed! We (my 85 year old father and I) ordered meat and three plates. We could barely see the food on the bar to pick what we wanted. No lighted area on the food. Our plates were made and we ordered a to go order when we walked in. The waitress said she was going to make it when we sat down at the dirty table that was needing to be bussed. We ate our lukewarm food and waited after finishing for 25 min, being walked by several times and had to tell them once again we are waiting to leave and get our check and to go order, waiting again while watching the same thing happen over and over again as customers came in again Tables not being bussed while people coming in to sit down. Being told to just pick a table, which were all still filled with plates and cups. There were plenty of people to keep up with the amount of customers. The food I did eat was the only part that was hot, my Dad usually finishes everything on hia plate if its good. He tapped out. So If your excited about this place being back. I can not...