Mama J's Kitchen — Restaurant in Richmond

Overall, I think Mama Jay's is just OK. The service, however, was horrible. The bartender who took my takeout order never got it right to any degree. He initially charged me for two pieces of catfish dinner which I didn't order. I asked for peach cobbler and he didn't even add it to the order either. I ordered the blackened and trout, which was really good. There were two large pieces very well, seasoned and flavorful. The greens were just moderately OK but they were well seasoned with lots of meat. The quantity of sides, i.e., greens, potato salad were put in a separate container from the entrée, which was a great idea. The cornbread was OK. A very small piece tasty. I also ordered a side of green beans and did not get that either. The catfish nuggets were good, but they were missing a little bit of seasoning. The tartar sauce tasted like it was out of a jar not anything special to it. I also had a pork chop dinner, which I received two large fried pieces which was mildly season to say the least. Mama Jay's came as a highly recommended restaurant for soul food in the area and I was not all that impressed compared to other cities and states that I've had soul food in especially in the Virginia area. The parking is horrendous their street parking but it's also a neighborhood where the patrons park on the street wherever they can find somewhere to park. There were a lot of street closures in the area that also made a difficult to navigate both to and from the location. The prices for the food was better than most in the area in terms of soul food. Overall, I probably would not try this place again. I typically look for restaurants that I can get a good takeout meal, and occasionally will sit down to eat, but this was not one of those restaurants that I would order takeout from again to get a good meal on the go. Now possibly the sit down options are better because you actually see your food. Come to you as it's cooked, there were quite a few patrons in the restaurant that were seated and their food was cooked to order. There were a couple of complaints about the time to receive the food, both takeout and sit down but sometimes that can be expected as food is always cooked to order there with the exception...

The Place really is a Hole in the Wall type of Restaurant, But, what lacks in Elegance, the Food more than makes up for the Decor or lack there of...Where do I start? The wait time wasn't all that bad, kinda expected in a place like this, I only gave their Service 3 out of 5 because the young lady was conversing with the table behind us, Now, if their conversation was about the Menu or something related to the Restaurant it would have been okay, She's explaining Her job, But, they're conversation was definitely not about the Food. Then, when She did finally work her way over to Us, She was definitely trying to get through our orders quickly and was shifting from one leg to the other when We weren't quite sure, (First time at this establishment, We're from out of town). Finally, All 5 orders we're taken. 20 minutes goes by, Cook's ring the bell letting them know that the food was ready, mind you, she's once again behind us talking with the same people and I'll food is just sitting there, Another waitress sees that we are waiting for the orders and kindly comes from her serving area and places our food on the table. The Meal was Great, But, You live and you learn, Mama J's doesn't have a price list for their food because even though the food was delicious, A 2 pc Pork chops with a side of Macaroni and cheese, a side of cabbage, a muffin and Tea, should not have cost $32 and some change, While my brother's Chef Salad and Tea was $30 and some change, that's ALL He ordered. Little did we know that with a party of 5(4 adults and 1 child) there's a gratitudity charge also included, All together the tickets came to over $130 between the 5 of Us. Good Soul Food is Hard to come by, unless You cook it at home, But, that was a Robbery committed in broad daylight. Never again!!! AGAIN, The food was delicious, if You don't mind paying an astronomical amount of money for a plate of food, then, by all means, MAMA J'S Restaurant in Richmond Virginia is without a...

Nestled in the historic enclave of Jackson Ward, Mama J's is a neighborhood staple that offers brilliant insight on the culinary art and journey of soul food. We met up with one of our longtime friends here at his recommendation and was thoroughly satisfied with our experience.

Located off North 1st Street, the establishment rests and blends beautifully along the brick-and-mortar backdrop of the surrounding buildings and elaborate murals of the thoroughfare. While street parking may appear a bit tight, there is ample pay-by-meter spaces in the public lot right behind the building.

As you enter the restaurant, you will find yourself immersed in a southern dining experience that is rich in color and flavor. The elegant bookshelf-style bar is a great centerpiece that adds to the ambiance of the establishment. The wooden chairs and clothed table-tops presents a simple, but thoughtful theme to the dining experience (as you might imagine, these seats get filled quickly). The menu does not require much effort to decipher - it gets right to the point which is a great change to other restaurants that tries to do too much with their menu (as if they want to give you a play-by-play production).

All together, we ordered the crab cakes, pork chops, and wingettes, along with servings of mac-and-cheese and corn muffins. I am not exaggerating when I say that EVERYTHING was amazing. The crab cakes were fresh and flavorful - there is a perfect amount of Old Bay seasoning, along with a collaboration of other flavors that works great with the morsels of crab meat found in each patty. The wingettes were cooked to perfection and juicy. And the pork chops SLAP! Never in my life have I eaten a juicier fried pork chop. The meal was pure ascension.

Coupled with great service, our dining experience was spectacular. I would recommend, 10/10, for anyone that is coming through and/or staying in Richmond to give Mama J's some love and experience this...