Southside African Restaurant — Restaurant in Hyde Park Township

My Honest Experience at This Nigerian Restaurant

I understand that everyone’s experience can be different, and as a top reviewer, it’s never my goal to tear down a business. I always try to give credit where it’s due—but when I have an unforgettable experience, good or bad, I share it truthfully. This was one of those moments.

I’ve always been open to trying different cuisines and learning about new cultures. Nigerian food has been on my list for a while, so when someone recommended this spot and I happened to be nearby, I decided to give it a try.

The moment I walked in, I noticed something that caught me off guard. Everyone eating inside stopped their conversations and looked directly at me. I didn’t want to read too much into it, so I shook it off and focused on checking the menu. Since I don’t eat beef or pork, and I’m allergic to shellfish, I pulled out my phone to do a quick Google search to understand the ingredients of what I was considering: jollof rice, vegetable soup, and pounded yam.

There was a man ahead of me who had just received his order and was leaving, and no one was in line behind me. I stepped up to the counter, smiled, and greeted the woman at the register—but she immediately responded with a frown and a look of disgust. Her tone was rude from the start as she asked, “What do you want to order?”

Still trying to be polite, I asked questions about the vegetable soup—whether it contained pork, beef, or shellfish. I explained I was asking for clarity because of my allergy. While she was answering, another gentleman walked in, and instead of finishing our conversation, she completely cut me off and started serving him. They laughed and joked while I stood there, completely overlooked.

I finally said, “Hey brother, no disrespect, but I was here first.” He apologized sincerely, and I assured him it wasn’t his fault—but I was visibly frustrated. The woman at the window then turned to me and, again in a rude tone, asked, “What’s the problem now?”

I told her I was on my lunch break and pressed for time. I reminded her that we were in the middle of discussing my order when she just skipped over me. At that point, I told her directly: “Your attitude and customer service are not good. I came here to support your business, but the energy from the moment I walked in has been off.”

I didn’t raise my voice or use profanity—but I made it clear I was disappointed. I also shared something that weighed heavy on my heart: “This right here is why it’s sometimes hard for Black people to support other Black businesses.”

From the moment I entered, to the moment I left, I felt judged. I don't know if it was because I didn’t look like the regular clientele, or maybe because I'm a light-skinned Black man walking into a predominantly Nigerian space. I can’t say for sure—but something felt off. You’d honestly have to be there to understand the feeling.

I left feeling disrespected and disgusted. To sum it up: this was the worst customer service I’ve experienced in a long time.

But as I said in the beginning—this is my experience. Yours might be different. I always encourage people to try things for themselves. Just know, I walked in with good intentions and left with a...

I absolutely love love love this food no complaints but what I don’t like is being charged a different amount each time I pay a visit to this establishment even though I purchase the same exact thing every time. I was aware of the surcharge if using debit or credit which is why I bring cash to avoid any surcharges. This is why I was taken aback when I was charged a surcharge for using cash. I want to continue to patronize this establishment but I’m skeptical due to its sketchy practices.

Update….. Please don’t insult my intelligence!! I’ve lived in America my entire life and I know the difference between taxes and surcharges which are not the same.I have no problem paying taxes which I pay on everything I purchase but an extra surcharge is not considered taxes. It’s an extra charged added along with state taxes. If that’s the case why wasn’t the surcharge added to my order every time I used cash? It was only added when I used debit or credit. As the owner you made a conscious decision to charge people extra for using cash to maximize your profit. Even the young lady who works for you behind the counter couldn’t understand why there was a surcharge for using cash. She also agreed with me that it was wrong and essentially it was just giving you extra money for nothing..So please don’t come off as if I don’t want to pay because every time I’ve entered your establishment I’ve spent over $50 each...

If I could leave this place zero stars I would. I called and ordered Jollof rice and told them the rice was for an event on 12/15/24 and they said to come pick it up on Saturday 12/14/24. They asked me to pay up front and I asked if I can pay when I pick the food up, but they demanded I make a Zelle payment over the phone. I went to pick it up and they advised they don’t have the rice and proceeded to yell, be rude and berate ME as the customer. I told them I need the rice for an event. They advised they are closed Sunday but will make the rice and I can pick it up. I called all Sunday morning and afternoon and no one picked up. I have been calling for two weeks to get a refund and the extremely rude staff keeps hanging up on me. At this point it’s not about the rice or money but the lack of concern or care about customers time and money. I will do whatever it takes to make sure they understand they chose the right one...