Southern Kitchen

Doesn't Recommend

Squeeze O.

Joined 1 year ago

Good food, but could be great. I had a craving for fried catfish and some southern home cooking before I deploy, and it did satisfy it, but it could have been better. The corncake (i.e. pancake) and sweet tea were awesome. Greens were good, a bit tangy, but had absolutely no kick to them. I had to add pepper and jalapeno sauce which is incredible because I never do. Catfish was good but not sure where they get it. You could tell it had been frozen (it was a bit watery), large but thin cut, but no bones or fat, and he cooked just right. Breading was good, even, crunchy but I had to add pepper and hot sauce to spice it up. Last time I used hot sauce was 5 years ago, if that gives you some idea of how rarely I use it. Mashed potatoes and gravy were good. I couldn’t tell if they were real or instant, so could have been better. A bit pricy, which is why it was rated two $$, $21+ for the double filet, tea, and tax. Like I said and rated-good, but with a few changes, it could be great! Oh, and a lighted sign would have helped me find the place easier.

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footballfan1982

Joined 3 years ago

southern food. food was great but people who work there was rude

Doesn't Recommend

ellabella713

Joined 5 years ago

Pretty Good Soul Food. It's pretty good, but not the best. For an authentic "sould food" kitchen the food was alcking a surprising amount of spice and bite which sould food is known for. The black eyed peas lacked any kind of flavor. The collards were good but could have used more bacon and more peppers. The fried chicken while probably the moistest chicken I have had since I moved here, again it lacked spice. This place could be really awesome if they didn't "yankee-fi" everything. Let Northerners taste what it should taste like. No need to ease up on any ingredients. And for the life of me, no sweet tea should be so sweet that you can't drink it! I was born on the Appalachia trail and no one puts that much sugar in sweet tea ever!

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WSeattleFoodie

Joined 5 years ago

Southern comfort at Southern Kitchen. I was in the mood for some southern style cooking returning to Seattle via Tacoma and decided to try Southern Kitchen. Parking was available along the bright brick red painted building. Walking in, it reminded me of some cozy old diners around the country that have seen their days. Seating yourself, a friendly staff member came by and asked for my beverage of choice. The strawberry lemonade stood out from his choices, so I gave that a whirl. He came back with the menu then shortly followed with a very large mason jar with a delicious red concoction with sliced strawberrys floating about. Was delicious,fresh, not overly sweet, nor tart.

Within a very reasonable time, I was presented with a corncake, butter and honey. Texture was great with a nice cornmeal taste and was just right for thickness. A minute later, my catfish fillet and hush puppies appeared along with my three choices of sides, which was fried okra, mac & cheese and cornbread stuffing adorned with the recommended gravy. The catfish was cooked perfectly in a thin, yet crunchy cornmeal like crust. It was great not having batter as thick as the fish and it complemented the fish. Fried okra was well done, missing the slime factor many don't like. Hush puppies and the stuffing were spot on. The mac & cheese was the weakest dish of everything. I prefer a more creamier cheese sauce and it could have used more than just chedar to balance it out. Considering it was a side and not a main dish, no major harm done, although next trip I'll try a different side.

The staff was really friendly and service was great. I was past the lunch rush, but can see them being really a busy place.

My two major complaints.... They were out of sweet potatoe pie, which the baker had just arrived to make new batches and more importantly......... they're not in Seattle where I live. This place could quickly become a favorite weekly place if it wasn't for the 40 minute drive. For locals... I envy you.

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lovelymeg87

Joined 5 years ago

Yummy. I've heard about and passed this restaurant so many times.Each time I passed by it I was like dang I really need to go there.Finally I went with my mom and friend for lunch.Oh my god,this place is amazing.Friendly people,great service and delicious food.I love how it was comfortable and not huge. You get so much for your money.I had the catfish fillet sandwich with collard greens.Delicious.Everything I sampled was great.Definetly worth the calories and I am definetly going back next weekend.My new favorite restaurant.If you are ever in the Tacoma area go and check it out,it will be worth it,trust me.

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Kwinningham

Joined 5 years ago

SOUTHERN KITCHEN! RAY OF SUNSHINE IN COLD DARK TACOMA!. How dare anyone right a bad review about Southern Kitchen! I'd hop on a grenade to save that place. $3.95 Breakfast Special that is always awesome. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS CHEAP BREAKFAST ANYWHERE ELSE IN TACOMA. The people who serve you there are always friendly. The platters are all delicious. Talking about continue search, man the search is over. Southern Kitchen leaves you feeling like you just ate gold. I get high off Southern Kitchen. Seriously. My mama was born in Louisiana raised in Texas and this is the only food that can somewhat compare to what i grew up eating for dinner. Southern Kitchen gives me hope. EAT THE FRIED OKRA, THE CATFISH, THE CHICKEN FRIED STEAK, AND THE FRIED CHICKEN! peace.

PS. YOU HATE ON SOUTHERN KITCHEN, YOU'RE GOING TO BURN IN HELL.

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bmilner

Joined 10 years ago

Friendly casual soul food w/ some great catfish. Always on the search for good soul food, I was led to this small place. I hoped to try the tasty gumbo they serve from their booths at events like Bumbershoot, but it's not on the dine-in menu. I sampled the fried catfish (excellent, in a non-complex way) with Fried Okra (average), Mashed potatoes (from a mix), and Collard Greens (kinda bitter/bland). My date had a combo plate made up of more side dishes: Red Beans (good, salty though), Black Eyed peas (really good w/ the hot sauce), CornBread dressing (good), and candied Yams (probably from a can). Dessert was the Peach Cobbler (too sweet, from a can) and Bread Pudding (really really good). Overall, due to the friendly service, and excellent catfish and Bread pudding, I can recommend this place, though it wasn't too special for a guy like me raised in Lousiana. I'm still on the hunt for a Southern or Cajun place that really nails it.

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adouglasmartin

Joined 7 years ago

GOOD EATIN!!!. This little hole in the wall is the best eatin joint around! Sweet tea, homemade strawberry lemonade, red beans n rice...ummhmm!!! My husband and I each had the catfish, I had the cajun strips and he had the catfish filet. Don't forget the collards, mashed tators/gravy, and fried okra for a meal that's sure to put some meat on your bones! Each plate comes with 3 sides and a cornbread cake. Pour on the honey, butter, and Louisiana hot sauce and your in for it! Most of the cooks are from Louisiana, so rest assured the food is authentic. Is best to go during the daytime, like for lunch because they do close pretty early in the evening, like 8 or 9.

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gracieathome

Joined 7 years ago

Just like home. As a transplant from Tennessee I very much missed having real southern food. A friend recommended The Southern Kitchen to me a couple of years ago, and I have been driving up from Olympia as often as I can ever since. Everything on the menu is terrific. My favorite is the catfish, with red beans, rice, and collards, oh and the sweet tea. Much to my delight they have now opened a location in Olympia! The service also has always been fast, and friendly. I recomend this place to anyone who loves real down home cookin at a great value delivered with a smile.

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leghrn

Joined 7 years ago

Close to my Southern memory. Being from the South, For a few years I was so disappointed in the cusine in the Northwest, it all tasted like Hospital food. I was told about this little cafe in Tacoma, and couldn't wait to get there! I've had the Southern Chicken fry, and Meat loaf, I found them to be close to my memory and MOST IMPORTANT, TASTE! I can't get there as often as i would like, but the welcome is Southern, and friendly, and a very important find! I recommend Southern Kitchen only if you want your taste buds tickled!