Mama Joyce's — Restaurant in Cleveland Heights

First off let me say this place is overhyped...whoever is reviewing this is lying on here. Me and my boyfriend went on a Sunday it was extremely busy we waited about 45 minutes for our food we both got the wing dinner meal. We didn't eat at the establishment we took it home. When I opened up the box I said while this looks good boy was I wrong first off the cornbread tasted like cake mix it wasn't giving cornbread at all. The wings were bland and hard, the greens were 2 spicy and the Mac was just okay. My boyfriend seemed 2 enjoy it but I didn't as much I didn't really say anything 2 him because we came from the Westside (deep west) so he asked me a couple days later do I want 2 order from here again I said yeah but let me try their catfish and yams this time. It was another disappointment the yams were wayyyy 2 sweet and the fish was unseasoned and here goes that cornbread again I didn't even bothered 2 eat it. The best fish I have ever tasted was Harper's Seafood in Detroit y'all don't have nothing on them. I don't think I will be coming back here maybe my boyfriend will but I'll pass. The dirty rice was good we got that both times it was good the first time but the second time it was wayyyy 2 spicy and sort of mushy like it was cooked days prior. Sorry for my bad review but the truth is the truth. Some folks just don't know the taste of real...

I wish I could give 5 stars — and if this were based only on my first visit, I absolutely would have! That first experience was great. My friend had mentioned that the food can take a while, so we decided to order ahead by phone. Even then, there was still a wait when I arrived, which was a little frustrating.

Also, the price I was quoted over the phone didn’t match the receipt — they added a percentage for using a credit card. It’s a small annoyance, but I do wish they had mentioned it beforehand.

When I got there, a soft-spoken lady with locs was training someone. She was very knowledgeable and helpful. I ordered the bowl — I don’t usually like white meat, but they assured me it would be good, and they didn’t disappoint. The portion felt a little small for the price, but the flavor made up for it. It was so good that I told everyone about it and even brought two friends with me on a return visit.

The next time, though, the food didn’t taste as fresh, and the portions seemed off. Also worth noting — there are only three small tables inside and some seating outside, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to dine in.

I’ll definitely go back, but I don’t have quite the same excitement I had after my...

Writing my review to say I love this place!!! So far I've gone here twice at different times of the week a few weeks apart. The customer service is great and staff is very polite. The inside of the restaurant is clean and runs very smoothly. They are true to wait times and you aren't stuck waiting for long periods. The first time I came here, I got the catfish dinner and the second time I got the wing dinner. They really fry the meat and fish here very well. It's nice and crispy on the outside while still maintaining moisture on the inside and it's well seasoned.

I think I was most surprised by the mac and cheese and yams because they tasted exactly my grandmothers. Especially the yams. It's just the perfect amount of sweetness, softness and spices used and I feel that's very hard to do. Very few people here in cleveland get that right. Same thing for the greens. Well cooked and seasoned when typically it's not seasoned well or not cooked long enough. I really appreciate that the quality didn't change from one visit to the next. You can tell how much they really care and put their best effort forth. My favorite soul food place now when grandma doesn't cook! Please...