Sum’na Eat Soul Food Truck — Restaurant in Joplin

If I could give this place 10 stars, I would! From the moment we entered the parking lot we were greeted with people who were raving about this place. As we entered the restaurant, we were the only customers and they proceeded to treat us like family. I went to find a seat and the owner comes over and asked if we'd ever been there before. And I said, no, so she pulled out all the stops. She explained the entire menu, how the ordering normally works, but since we were the only ones there, she catered to whatever we needed at our table. Apparently you were supposed to order at the counter which I was unaware of but that did not make a difference as the owner and the staff were the most accommodating we have ever encountered at any restaurant. They took our order and while we were waiting there was a multi game table where my son and I enjoyed a couple of pool games. The owner's sweet aunt was happily talking with my husband, who also enjoyed some time in the corner playing an arcade game. The food was out quickly and it was all amazing if I could recommend one thing. It would be the collard greens, but truly it was all perfectly cooked comfort food. They were also nice enough to let us sample the Gooey Butter Cake, which was AMAZING!!! I will definitely have to leave room for dessert next time we stop in, and there will definitely be a next time! I wish we had one of these places closer to home as we only stopped halfway to our destination for travel baseball. I can't wait to be able to come back and try something new on our next visit!!! As a side note, they also help feed the homeless in their community and stay open until the wee hours of the morning, on Fridays and Saturdays to help feed the people at one of the factories they used to work at before opening this business... This is the type of small business that needs to be supported so they can thrive and continue to help the communities they serve. Props for going the extra mile...

My wife and I took my very father who is quite difficult to please. We were all very impressed with this place.

The lady who took care of us was an absolute sweetheart. It was clear that she wanted us to feel welcome. She took time with us, looked us in the eye, was super respectful and unhurried. She gladly answered our questions and made polite conversation with us. She was “good people”.

The menu was super interesting. I had the fried catfish. The fish was flakey, not at all overcooked. The batter was a coarse-milled corn meal with excellent seasoning. Perfectly crispy. I asked for collard greens on the side. The greens come with big, beautiful pieces of slow-cooked pork and chunks of onion. I also had the lentils with chicken. This is soul-food so both the chicken and the pork included pieces of skin. To the typical American pallet, this is “gross” but it adds so much to the depth and richness overall.

My wife had the fried chicken which had the most thin and delicate batter that fried up fantastically crispy, skin and all. Legs and thighs only… because breasts have no flavor! Only that lovely dark meat. She had fried okra which was, of course, perfect. Along with baked beans and ground beef that has this savory sweet flavor that was such a nice play on the beans.

My father had the fried rice with sausage. The rice has awesome onion and bell pepper savoriness. Pops wasted no time in gobbling it up which is one of his greatest compliments. His baked beans and cheese-covered smashed potatoes didn’t last long either!

Folks, you gotta go. This place is first class! Absolutely clean, welcoming and home-y dining room. Clean windows, clean countertops and tables. These people have pride in what they are doing.

I love the ladies operating it. I feel pride for them. I want them to succeed.

This place is different. Show yourself some love and fill your belly with some...

What an amazing spot for a delicious meal! I thoroughly enjoyed my experience while dining at Sum'na Eat. The employees have friendly and welcoming attitudes and were so helpful explaining all of the options for my first visit. The atmosphere is inviting, cozy and clean. The restaurant is in a convenient location. All of the food I tried was delightful and full of flavor! There were several delicious options and the portions were more than enough to satisfy my late night munchy needs. I will definitely be returning to explore more menu options. I'm a night owl, so I really appreciate that the restaurant stays open until 3 a.m. There's nowhere else in the area can I get "Sum'na Eat" that late at night! This spot is truly one of a kind. The fact that they serve a free shaved ice margarita with your meal is such a fun novelty as well! Thank you for the delicious food and excellent service to end my night on an even...