The Greasy Spoon — Restaurant in Texas

We were in the mood for soul food, so we decided to try a new restaurant that had good reviews. We called the restaurant to make sure reservations were not needed, and we confirmed that reservations weren't required at the cypress station location. The restaurant was a storefront, so if you're looking for ambiance, this isn't your spot. We weren't looking for that, so it wasn't a negative for us. We were planning to step in and get two plates to go. When we arrived, there were 2 customers in front of us, so we didn't think the wait would be long. While we were in line, multiple people came in to pick up call-in to-go orders. So it was a bit of chaos, and it took a while for us to be able to place our order. The server had an attitude and wasn't doing a good job of taking care of multiple people coming in at once. When it was our turn to order, we ordered two oxtail plates and watched as the server gave both plates one large oxtail each along with 3 baby pieces. The large oxtail had been cut in half horizontally, so the portion was extremely small. Next we tried to get macaroni and cheese as a side and we were told that they were out at the moment. At this same time, the server went to the back to fix call-in to-go orders and when she came back to show the plate to each customer before bagging it up, there was macaroni and cheese on each plate. The server fixed multiple call-in to-go orders while we waited for her to finish fixing our order. At this point, we were irritated because we're witnessing macaroni and cheese seemingly plentiful for call-in to-go orders but not for anyone else. So we ended up ordering cabbage and collard greens as the two sides. The total was $71 with tax. The food was just okay. The portions were extremely small, and to have paid over $32 a plate and not even get enough meat to make one full size oxtail is ridiculous. The cabbage was extremely sweet. I'm all about cutting bitterness but that was way too much sugar. The collard greens tasted like they were straight out of the can. I have eaten canned greens before but when you charge over $30 a plate and offer limited sides, all items on the menu should be great. No cornbread was given. All in all, it was a lackluster experience and we won't be going back. We may try the Pearland location in the future, but that's a big IF. If we're in the mood for soul food, we'll probably go to where we know the food and portions are at least worth the price tag,...

Okay, let's get into it!

I've been wanting to try this spot and have been following them on social media for awhile. Unfortunately I didn't try the famous oxtails this go round.

Location- I'm not going to hold you. I was a little taken back when I pulled up. This place is in the cut. The location is connected to a gas station and next to an apartment complex. The vibe was a bit off for me. There was an older gentleman that was the DJ posted up outside near the entrance with the music blasting. There were also some local D-boys posted up. Just an awkward vibe. There was no crowd but the Dj was actively hollering at every passersby. There were a few people eatting in the location and alot of pick ups.

Service- upon coming into the establishment. I was greeted promptly. There is a small dine in area. If you don't order ahead you can order from a line style set up. Similar to Chipotle you go down the line telling them what you want on your plate. The ladies were pleasant but about their buisness, which I can appreciate. They helped locate my pick up order. From what I could see the pickup orders are made in the back.

Packing / products- packing was either plastic or styrofoam containers.

Taste- Smothered Chopped Steak: NOT an actual steak, more meatloaf style, it was seasoned ground meat. It was served with rice and gravy. The meat itself was dry; it wasn't horrible, but I couldn't finish it.

1st Choice of Side The Ultimate Mac & Cheese: it's NOT baked mac and cheese, it's like made in a pot mac. I can appreciate it wasn't pure grease. It's like a lighter version of mac n cheese and you can see the seasoning. However, it was probably the least favorite item on my plate, but I finished it.

2nd Choice of Side Candied Yams: Baaaaby, I could smell them as soon as I opened the container!!! They taste just liked they smelled, great! They were cooked perfect, smelled good, and tasted great. My favorite item on my plate!!!

Appetizer Boudin 2 Eggrolls: I really enjoyed theses. They tasted great and were presented and packaged well. Just yum!!

Overall- The Candied Yams and the Boudin Eggrolls were my favorites and the only items I would try again. All in all, this location didn't live up to the hype for me. I think I will take a trip to the Pearland location and try the oxtails and/or the open turkey leg, with diffrent sides. Maybe the original location...

The pricing is comparable to other restaurants with this type of food in and around Houston. The quality of the food is variable based on what buy and today I had oxtails over a bed of rice and two side items which were macaroni and cheese and yams. The price was very good on this item because at Just oxtails and Mikki's Soulfood you pay about $21 with tax. I have to admit the oxtails were very good and tasty with the brown gravy.... and my two side items are something to write home about! The macaroni and cheese was so delicious and cheesy and the yams were magnificent and you have a really nice portion of everything. I also purchased a second plate on this visit to try which was the pork chop dinner you get a really large pork chop over bit of fries with gravy and two side items for $12.39. The greens that I had his one side items were okay the second item I had was there garlic mashed potatoes and they were okay I am just saying okay because I have had better and they are not anything to write home about. The pork chop was very large and looks like some of the fat was trimmed from it.... which some people can appreciate and others would not like. You are served one nicely sized large thick cut pork chop that was not cooked long enough based on the size! It was easier to bite into at the smaller portions and edges of the pork chop BUT this is a very large pork chop and needed to be cooked more slowly to be able to melt and moisten the thickness all the way through. The cornbread is homemade as you can tell and looks as if they use lots of cornmeal and it is sweetened I could actually do without it but once you start to eat it you want to finish a few bites to enjoy the food more. Also had a small small bowl of their pasta... with sausage and chicken inside and it was very good and tasty and very creamy but a little overpriced for me for such a small portion in a small round container. ... it was $5.95. I think that that portion was more like perhaps a $5 portion maybe $4.95.... hey but who am I to try and set prices, all I can do is let you know what I had and what I paid for it and you can decide if you think those prices are for your pocketbook based on what you are getting!! Friendly staff and nice small atmosphere..... there was a DJ outside playing music and pumping up the atmosphere. I have included plenty of photos please go and check...