House of Flavas — Restaurant in Madison

First of all I know they want to add some flavor/flava to the spelling, but it made it a lot harder for my GPS and phone, which kept autocorrecting to House Of Flavors and then not finding the restaurant.

Second of all, it wasnt cheap, but I dont deduct any points for that. It's expensive to get fresh ingredients and pay a staff a living wage. It was $65 for two catfish dinners, a sandwich, and a dessert.

Unexpectedly the highlight was the fries. I'm not even a fry person. In most cases, if an entree or sandwich can be ordered without them I will pass. I was glad I got them here. Most Chicago style places, and by Chicago style I mean places that understand the concept of fries with mild sauce, have really bland fries to accompany the sauce. These tasted fresh cut, whether they were or not, stood on their own with plenty of flavor (flava), and plenty of grease without being too greasy. They paired well with the mild sauce. McGee's claims to have the best mild sauce, and this didnt dethrone them, but it didnt make me miss them, either.

Second highlight was also a surprise. "Ooey gooey toffee bar" caught my eye because I love toffee and I love "boneless" desserts. However the staff said that was the least of the 3 desserts. The best, according to them, was the brownie, but they were out, and the second best, caramel cake, I wasnt in the mood for. So I was prepared to be disappointed but it was GREAT. I cant wait to try the others.

The fish was solidly good but unmemorable. I had asked for mine with lemon pepper and my wife's without, but they both tasted the same, so either the lemon pepper is really faint or they forgot it. I normally eat catfish with hot sauce but it didnt pair well with what I had at home (Old Bay and Louisiana). I tried it with both mild and tartar sauce from HOF but neither made magic.

The Philly cheesesteak was, unfortunately, my least favorite. Something about the meat, or the way it was chopped, gave it a really odd texture.

Overall experience was good enough that I will try them again, but probably get something different. Items the staff recommended that I did not try were: Gyros (wasnt in the mood) Steak burger (they were out) Chicken Philly (I got the regular Philly instead as that is my normal preference Brownie and Caramel cake

Staff appeared to all be family (mother and daughters) and all were kind and friendly. Cash or CashApp only, no...

I will ALWAYS support black owned businesses. Little work to do here. I pulled up looked like the business was closed. But it was open, the lady at the counter was very pleasant and kind. I wanted to try a little of everything. A lot of the things I was asking for they were out of! Hood classics! Italian beef, mild sauce, gyro that kind of stuff! She gave me some specials they were running and I went with those. I knew it was gonna be a wait as I did not call ahead. There is a gas station in the same building. I got a lemonade that tastes like Kool-Aid! Now don't get me wrong if you say kool-aid. I'll drink it but don't have my mouth ready for lemonade, and it's not! Disappointing! The food eventually was ready, and I was sure that I asked for some sauce even what they didn't have, and I got none! The food was fresh, hot, and prepared to order. I don't mind trying again! I just know what to be prepared for next time around.

Replying to the comment from the location: I clearly patronized your business when it was open. If think I'm trying to kill your business your comment alone will kill your...

5/5. 10,000% recommend! I’m from Mississippi and one thing they got right is fish with some bread & hot sauce on the side! IFYKYK! Everything was very FLAVORFUL!!!!!

I love the fact that I was greeted as soon as I entered… before I even walked to the register, the ladies at the register were very welcoming! The owner had came from the back when my food was ready and you can tell she’s takes pride in her cooking because she was smiling from ear to ear!

I recently became aware of this restaurant because of a Facebook post and I definitely will be spreading the word and will be a frequent customer any time I’m on the East Side of Madison as they have a variety of menu options; from subs, burgers, wings, wraps and more! And I can’t wait...