Spiced Black — Restaurant in Largo

We tried this today. Think of it as a Fresh Greens/Sweet Green/Cava/Mezeh-type of restaurant with an island twist. You can build your own bowl or you can order one of their signature bowls. My wife built her own bowl and I order three different signature bowls (Yellow Rice and Bean Sofrito, Cajun Jambalaya Etouffee, and the BBQ Southern Bowl). I was worried at first because Spiced Black broke my #1 rule for trying a new restaurant--"Lines are good for business." There were only two customers there when we arrived. I'm glad I gave it a try because the food is excellent. Each of the signature bowls were tasty even though I had to substitute some ingredients because they weren't ready. The Adobo shrimp filled in well for the grilled shrimp in the Cajun Jambalaya, and the Yellow Rice and Bean Sofrito Bowl was delicious without the sofrito sauce drizzle.

After trying a spoonful of each signature bowl, I decided to eat the entire BBQ Southern Soul. It was delicious, even without the greens that were still being cooked when I was ready to leave. Perfectly seasoned BBQ chicken is served over rice with roasted sweet potatoes, (charred collard greens), cheddar cheese sauce, and homemade cornbread croutons. I was skeptical about the cheese sauce and I usually forgo croutons, but the result is a bowl that brings together all of the familiar and comforting soul food staples-BBQ chicken, greens, mac & cheese, and cornbread. Kudos to whomever came up with this concept. It's a super genius level meal.

The staff is friendly and patient. They took the time to explain the ordering process to new customers and they apologized for the wait time when ingredients were running low or weren't ready to serve. I'd definitely come back to try more of their signature bowls. Their prices are comparable to other made-to-order salad/protein bowl restaurants. All meals start at $12 for vegetable choices and top out at $18 if you add protein. I love the fact that they are a Black-owned business that provides plenty of healthy choices, including vegan options. When you're in the Bowie/Mitchellville/Kettering/Largo area, give them a try. They're in Kettering Plaza in the section...

I’m too excited to share this review! Me and my family had just left six flags and were looking for somewhere to find dinner around 8:30pm before our drive back to Baltimore. I typed in food near me & the name “Spiced Black” immediately caught my attention, the next thing I saw was the 4.5 review ratings. I clicked on the page and the pictures looked sooo good. The restaurant was due to close at 9pm so I rushed there.

I had already decided what I wanted when I walked in. When I walked in I was energetically greeted by a man who worked there. He asked me had I ever been here before and I told him no and that I just discovered this place a few mins ago. He told “that’s great & the worker behind the counter “Malachi would be happy to help me” as he was walking out. Malachi greeted me with equally warming energy. I told him which bowls I wanted, I told him that I was vegetarian & he let me know all the bowls were vegetarian based with the options to get protein added. I got two bowls one for myself ( spicy tomato jollof bowl with chickpeas on top) & one for my partner who does eat meat ( The Cajun jambalaya bowl with shrimp and sausage)

As Malachi was making my food I had asked him if they had any other locations and he said no we just opened 6months ago. I was shocked at the 4.5 star rating in such a short time, I asked who the owner was and he told me it was the gentleman that initially greeted me on his way out. I also purchased two drinks because they looked so fresh and amazing. I paid for my order and we sat in the parking lot to eat. Both me and my partner at the same time started exclaiming how GOOOOD the food was. We were in the car moaning while chewing 😅 and kept praising the food with every bite. The drinks were the cherry on top with how refreshing they tasted.

I was immediately sad that they just opened and there already wasn’t hundreds of locations all over the states and especially one a lot closer to me. With that being said they will be worth the long drive back just to eat their food again !!!!!! The atmosphere, customer service and food was all a 10/10. I highly recommend to anyone to stop by and give...

TikTok strikes again! That’s how I discovered this gem of a spot that had me hyped enough to take a 34-minute drive just to try their food. Let me tell you...it was worth every mile.

Now, let me set the scene. I ordered the BBQ Southern Soul Bowl, minus the BBQ chicken because I’m plant-based, and decided to take my food to go. Big mistake! I ended up sitting in my car, eating, and wishing I’d stayed to soak in the vibes of the restaurant.

This place has a nice selection of bowls...grain bowls, salad bowls, you name it. But that BBQ Southern Soul Bowl? It hit differently. The flavors were on point, y’all. When I saw Carolina Red Rice on the menu, my Gullah Geechee heart lit up. You don’t just find that everywhere! I felt a connection immediately...like they had a little piece of home waiting for me.

The service was warm and welcoming. Even though they were busy helping customers when I walked in, they acknowledged me right away and let me know they’d be with me shortly. When it was my turn, I ordered the bowl, skipped the protein (since I’m plant-based), and was asked if I wanted cornbread. Of course, I said yes! What I got was cornbread croutons, which was so clever.

Here’s the thing: the only reason I can’t give them a full 5 stars is because I wish they had a plant-based protein options like tofu or mushrooms. Something to add a little more heartiness to the bowl (I was offered BBQ chickpeas but I declined). Also, the food was lukewarm, which was a slight letdown. I like my soul food to come in hot...not just in flavor but in temperature too.

But don’t get it twisted...I’m absolutely going back. Why? Because the food is undeniably good. My favorite item was the okra (my all-time favorite veggie), and their fresh-pressed juices are a major win. That Kale Lemonade? Best I’ve ever had. I’d make the drive just for that juice alone.

So, here’s the bottom line: this spot has soul, flavor, and something special going on. Don’t just take my word for it—get in your car, take that drive, and check it out for yourself. You won’t...