Jaden's Diner — Restaurant in St. Louis

My friend and I were craving some soul food today . So we called around and finally settled on JADEN'S DINER on MLK .

A diamond in the rough !

My very first time coming here. It was a nice little line that moved quickly due to the extremely efficient ladies at the counter .

I ordered the super tender smothered pork steak , Mac n cheese , dressing & gravy, greens, candied yams ( I ate most of them before I realized I forgot to take a pic of them) and a cup of cold sweet red Kool aid to drink . EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS !! Pics below !!

We walked in , it was kinda dark but the delicious smells of the supposedly authentic homemade soul food made us forget about the darkened room. The ladies behind the cafeteria style counter were nice and cheerful . Smiles on their faces and very helpful if you were undecided on what to get . It was our turn at the counter and OMG ! My friend and I were so delighted by the spread in front of us we high fived each other , 🤣🤣 !!

The Soul food selection was PHENOMENAL ! Fried fish, grilled fish , fried chicken, baked chicken, whole baked Cornish hens, whole ham hocks, baked turkey wings , greens w/o meat (unfortunately, they tasted generic and like they came from a can ) ,brown beans , black eyed peas , Mac n cheese ( I strongly believe this was boxed with extra shredded cheese added & NOT homemade) , beef short ribs in gravy, green beans, white rice , corn, mashed potatoes, dressing , smothered pork steak , candied yams, smothered pork chops ( I think) , and the usual suspects for dessert : peach cobbler , apple pie ,sweet potato pie, lemon pound cake and etc . To drink : sweet Kool aid or water.

You get asked what you want and basically the ladies behind the counter put the HOT & FRESH food in your sectioned styrofoam container. And they ask if you want a slice of super moist jiffy cornbread before they close your container and you slide over to pay for your food .

I spied a package of Hawaiian sweet rolls and a loaf of bread sitting on a table behind the counter after I had ordered my meal . But was only given the choice of corn bread . But I now know for the next time I come get food here.

ALSO it's a constant rotation of fresh pipping hot food being brought out from the kitchen to replenish the nearly empty pans ( that don't stay empty for long ) due to customer demands . I witnessed this .

Big HEALTHY SCOOPS of food is what you get . Jaden's Diner makes sure you get your money's worth . Ain't none of that scooping and then shaking some of the food off the spoon back into the pan BS !

I'm impressed !

The shirts the staff wore said the business is family owned . Decent prices ! I totally support a small family run business . I'm just finding out about this hidden gem , yet I've always passed by it in the car on MLK and didn't think anything of it . I now see where I can go to get my soul food fix on Sunday when I don't feel like cooking . Other than the slight hiccup in regards to the greens & Mac n cheese . They still get 5 stars .

This fine establishment does take cash or credit and does not offer indoor dining at the moment. Try Jaden's...

SOUL FOOD IS SUPPOSE TO HAVE SEASONING!!! I have eaten here before but didn't leave a review because I was up in the air about their food. After my husband accidentally bought it again, I'll have to say this is the most bland, tasteless mess EVER. The Mac & cheese tastes as if someone just scooped the noodles out of a pan of watery cheese sauce. The cabbage would've been good if they would have used some salt, pepper, seasoning salt or something. It's only edible because of the natural flavors of the cabbage. The fried pork chop was all fat. Not only do they only give u 1 medium chop but after pulling all the fat off u down to a portion for a 2year old. Cause that's exactly who ate it, my 2 yr old son and wouldn't touch the Mac at all. Smh Just because u sell this type of food doesn't make it soul food. The seasoning is what...

I'm from Illinois, and very particular about my soul food. I've been living in St. Louis for almost four years, and had yet to find a good black owned soul food restaurant until a friend took me to Jaden's. Everyone behind the counter kept saying how I would be back because it was my first time. Boy was they telling the truth. Food is fresh, and those beautiful black queens do not be coming to play in that kitchen!!! Thank you ladies. I love how none of the food is over seasoned and you can dress it up anyway that suits YOUR taste buds. I've yet to be disappointed I've visited at least five times now❤️ During the aftermath of the tornado they fed the neighborhood with full course meals for free for weeks! Thank you personally from...