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Amelia's - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Southern Restaurants Barbeque Southern, Barbeque [Edit]
19520-4 Nordhoff StNorthridge, CA 91324
Neighborhood: Chatsworth
(818) 717-8782
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
36 reviews for Amelia's
Review Highlights
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"The tri tip sandwich was awesome." In 7 reviews -
"Fried chicken wings ROCK." In 6 reviews -
"The shrimp po boy was amazing." In 4 reviews
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36 reviews in English
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Review from V B.
Tarzana, CA
8/7/2011
Why are you sitting here reading this review? Go to Ameila's right now! Trust me you will be glad you did. It reminds me of my grandmas home cooking.
A great take-out spot. It is small and family owed. The young man that works the counter knows the menu and so sweet.
DONT BE FOOLED BY THE OTHER SOUL FOOD PLACE IN THE SAME PARKING LOT! Amelia's is further down on the left. Not the first one you see on the right.
Prices - The food is fairly inexpensive. We got the fried chicken, shrimp po boy, spare ribs, 5 sides & 2 pieces of corn bread for $30. We had so much food. The avg price per plate is about $8-10
On to the food......We picked the fried chicken wings which were probably the best wings I ever had!
The shrimp po boy was amazing! The shrimp were huge and cooked perfectly. The roll was so soft and warm
As for the side, I think the top runners were the greens, mac & chz, and the red beans & rice.
If you have never been to this place before, you must give it a try. -
Review from Maian T.
11/13/2011
Wow. As I was 2 paragraphs into this review I loaded up their website to remind myself what I ordered and I see this note: With sadness we announce that we have closed Amelia's Place. We thank our customers for your support and we will miss you all. Take care. The Halloran Family.
Damn, that's a shame. On with the review anyway - hopefully they can continue to cater or open up a new spot. Re-reading the first paragraph of my review makes me sad, I hate to see great places like this and Bolivar go.
_________
Really happy to see this positive response to a new Chatsworth restaurant. I don't want this place to go the way of Bolivar (recently closed :( ) so I urge the folks of the SFV to support mom and pop owned restos like Amelia's!
The food here is really awesome but they do have some issues with consistency. But they're still newish so I'm sure the kinks will work themselves out. First let's talk about these giant fried chicken wings though, they are LEGIT and HUMUNGOUS. Sidenote: How do these soul food places find chicken wings this big? Some serious hormones usage up in these coupes. Anyway, they are super-moist, probably brined for a while, and also perfectly fried. The batter itself is a smidge under seasoned but a little dab of ketchup and hot sauce seems to perk it right back up - I more appreciate the fact that the meat is so juicy.
The BBQ spareribs were really wonderful, which surprised me because it doesn't seem like they're trying to be bbq specialists. Super tender with a balanced bbq sauce and a kiss of smoke.
The shrimp po' boy would have been good had they not burned the bread, but alas that bitter taste really ruined it for me. I couldn't just remove the bread because they burned the inside of the roll so the bitter taste had permeated through all the sandwich components. The shrimps were great though - really big and perfectly seasoned and fried.
The sides have all been great except for one occasion where they really over peppered my okra - corn - and tomatoes. Minor grievances against a restaurant I'm always happy to order from. I much prefer this place over Les Sister's - the ingredients and cookery are on a higher level. -
Review from Harry H.
Thousand Oaks, CA
10/4/2011
With all the good reviews that this place had going for them....I had to try it. I went there twice. First, on Sept 16....they had a note on the door that they will be closed that day, so I waited a couple of weeks when I was around town.......Sept 30........still closed.
This time it had a legal notice. Looks like the landlord placed a hold on Amelias and they are officially.....CLOSED!!! -
Review from S L.
Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2011
This place is TINY, but so worth the visit. I tried A TON of stuff here and loved it all. I went here with a http://restaurant.com certificate and loved the experience.
-SPARE RIBS: FANTASTIC. These were SO tender and delicious..fall off the bone is right. I will be going back ASAP to have some more!!
-MASHED POTATOES: These were so creamy and delicious, I absolutely loved them.
-MAC & CHEESE: WOW. The mac & cheese was one of my favorite parts of the entire meal. It's SO creamy and gooey and cheesy! It wasn't overly salty. I would go back here just for this! Don't miss it!
-BANANA BREAD PUDDING: MY LIFE FELT COMPLETE after trying this dessert. Wow. I couldn't stop eating this after getting in that first bite. Please, don't miss this dessert. It was SO fantastic without being overly sweet.
I really love that it's a tiny little family-run restaurant, with what seemed like the owner's kids, running the counter (they did a great job). The place has only 3 tables/chairs and is mostly a take-out type of place, but the food is amazing and the owners are extremely welcoming and appreciative of the business. My only regret is not having a bigger appetite so I could stuff my face with more of this restaurant's delicious food. Definitely try it out! -
Review from Team B.
Sherman Oaks, CA
7/8/2011
I stopped by for lunch yesterday and had the bbq tri tip sandwich w/potato salad and bbq beans. All I can say is...WOW! The tri tip sandwich was awesome! I can honestly say it was 1 of the best tri tip sandwiches I've ever had. The tri tip was hot, sliced thin and smothered in bbq sauce! Mmmm....I'm actually salivating as I write this review. The bbq beans were also delicious but the potato salad was average.
The only reason why I didn't give the review 5 stars was because this place is not setup for dining. There are a few chairs w/tiny tables but hardly enough room to bring the family. This place is pretty much setup for take out orders only.
If you're on a time crunch I suggest calling your order in as the wait can be long...but the food is worth it. -
Review from Carol P.
4/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Somebody stop me before I slap yo mama!!!!!
OOOOOOOOweeeeeeee this was yummy! Down home, homemade, comfort style food at it's best! All I can say is, if you live in the area, you are lucky to be so close Amelia's! It's a takeout and catering business. Prices are extremely reasonable for what you get. My chicken hot link (CHICKEN!) and 2 sides was $7.50. What? Woot woot! The hot link was sliced up, piled on, and doused in a mild BBQ sauce in a bun. I may never want a beef or pork link again. Yum. I chose the cabbage and black eyed peas as my sides. I was trying to savor every bite of both. The cabbage just melted in my mouth. So much flavor going on.
Word has it that their fried chicken wings ($7.50) are bomb and now they do BBQ chicken wings. Man, I can't wait to go back and try everything on the menu -rib tips, mac n cheese, wings, tri tip, okra. Ok. Stop. My mouth is watering. I'm too far away to order takeout tonite. It's also a good sign when they run out of stuff near the end of the day (tip: order the tri-tip early).
What's really great about this place (besides the awesome food) is the people that run it. Husband is at the grill, wife is at the stove and oven, and their well mannered and trained children are at the counter. Genuinely nice people who know how to take care of their customers and listen to them. She had just tweaked her chocolate cake recipe and gave us a sample, and when I say sample, I don't mean, a "sample". Thank you! The chocolate cake was dense and moist and the cream cheese icing complimented it perfectly. Anytime you need a taste-tester, I'd be a happy volunteer!
So once again, you lucky Northridge people, if you want some homestyle cooking without having to cook it yourself, call in your order tonite! -
Review from CARLO M.
West Hills, CA
5/4/2011
Only the best southern kitchen in the San Fernando Valley!
I've tried the chicken, the shrimp po' boy, the catfish, the hot link sandwich, the tri-tip sandwich; all amazing. I only wish I had a longer lunch and a larger stomach.
Best thing about this place are the owners. 2 words; southern hospitality.
I've never left Amelia's Place with less than a full stomach and a big smile. -
Review from Gail R.
Northridge, CA
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a tiny little neighborhood spot with a couple of small tables inside. But is is worth ten times it's weight in gold. This family owned and run business is doing it the old fashioned way and it is worth it. Trust me, this is not FAST food, they cook your food when you order it, so you could wait 20 minutes or so for your food... But you will not regret the wait.
Personally I call in my order and add another 10 minutes to the time they tell me. The food is always ready, hot and delicious. My personal favorites are the fried chicken wings, the red beans and rice, mac and cheese and their greens. I also love the tilapia and the shrimp po' boy. But don't listen to me, try it for yourself.
Hands down the best Southern food in the Valley. -
Review from Melissa J.
Lawndale, CA
7/20/2011
This place is so tiny. I would never have noticed it if not for Yelp! I felt at home right when I walked in. The atmosphere was cozy, and everyone working there was sweet as pie. Southern hospitality right here in the Valley!
The menu was small, but every choice sounded so good I had a hard time choosing. I went with the tri-tip sandwich (yum!), fried okra, and baked beans. The food took a good twenty minutes to arrive, but it was SO worth the wait. The BBQ sauce was sweet but had a nice kick to it, and the beef was cooked perfectly! The okra was delicious, sauteed with corn and tomatoes. The beans were so good I took them with me, but they didn't even make it the whole trip. I love Amelia's! -
Review from VJ S.
Tarzana, CA
5/4/2011 13 Check-ins Here
Jambalaya! Jambalaya! Jambalaya!
I've eaten here numerous times and have always left extremely satisfied.
The Poorboy shrimp sandwich is a perfect balance of savory flavor, seasoned crunch with incredible freshness. The food is cooked to order with the skill of a master chef.
Try the bread pudding; it's the best I've ever had. -
Review from Sebastien D.
Van Nuys, CA
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have lived in Northridge for 4 years, and I go out fairly often, especially for lunch. I luckily heard about Amelia's Place through the check-in deals of Yelp and decided to give it a shot with my friend.
I got my heart slightly broken when I realized that I have been missing out on this place for so long.
The place is small, and doesn't look much like a restaurant from the outside but don't be afraid to step inside. The service is amazing, everyone is really helpful and caring, and the feeling of a family business is definitely present.
We had the fried chicken wings, which are gigantic and deliciously addictive, as well as the Po'Boy sandwich, a french roll filled with country-fried shrimp, diced tomatoes, and a touch of a very tasty home-made sauce. You can trust all sides to be home-made and delicious.
I am planning on going there again and again and try everything on the menu, because I don't doubt for a second that each and everyone of them are worth it. ......Spicy Jambalaya, I'm coming for you. -
Review from sara w.
Castaic, CA
Updated - 9/1/2011
With great sadness write they have closed. Received an email yesterday. A great loss to those who have had the great opportunity of eating there. We found it by accident. Wonder if
Lack of advertising Thus not enough business was part of this..very sad. Will miss all the wonderful food and her great kids1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/26/2011
Oh my...absolutely wonderful food. We shared the tri tip sandwich. Generous amount of tender tasty… Read more »
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Review from Diana S.
Los Angeles, CA
Amelia's is a nice southern style mom and pops in our neighborhood. We stopped in here after yelping southern cooking on our way back home from vegas. Upon arriving we realized he reviews were right and you should really just do takeout since theres hardly anywhere to sit. Since the place was empty we sat and waited for our to go order. We ordered the Fried chicken with mac n cheese and potato salad, Tri tip sandwich with okra and fries, and BBQ chicken with greens and mash. The food was overall good. The Mac N Cheese was a bit too greasy for me. The chicken was spiced all the way through, not just on the skin. The trip tip sandwich was yummy although the bread could be changed. I'd love to go back and try the chicken wings. Oh and the okra was sooo yummy.
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Review from Chris P.
Lexington, KY
8/30/2011
Very nice!!! I ate here OFTEN when I worked across the way from here. The fried chicken is perfect. The greens are nice and hot as well. The cornbread is nice but sort of dry and not sweet enough. Ribs = very good. The bbq beans are a must. GO HERE. Sign the book too...
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Review from Myron H.
Northridge, CA
9/26/2010
I had a great first experience. The rib tip and sauce are pure perfection. The catfish was great too. The portions are good and the prices are reasonable.
Hey Shepherd of the Hills family, go support a family member. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Andy P.
North Hills, CA
4/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
Excellent Southern, homestyle comfort food is hard to come by in the Valley. Tucked away in a random strip mall, Amelia's is a somewhat hidden secret. I hope they do well despite being not exactly easy to see from the street, because I keep wanting to come back.
Their BBQ ribs, tri-tip, and chicken are definite winners. And you can't pass up their delicious Southern standby sides such as mac-and-cheese, fried okra, and baked beans. (The beans aren't the sweet, sugar-loaded kind you'd get out of a can; I love 'em, but my wife said she isn't crazy about them.) I haven't worked my way through the whole menu yet--next on my list is the fried catfish and the chili--but I've been wholly satisfied with everything I've tried so far. Prices are definitely fair considering the quality and quantity.
Amelia's also offers a weekly meal service, which I have been tempted to try but haven't yet.
My one complaint is that Amelia's offers take-out only. I would visit much more often if they offered seating, since I'm nearby often while running errands.
Tip: Call your order in ahead and avoid a wait at the restaurant.Comment from Andrea H. of Amelia's 4/7/2011
Hi Andy, We now have a few seats available. It still helps… More » -
Review from Joe B.
Northridge, CA
Updated - 8/3/2011
Went there a few more times since my last review just to make sure their food is consistent. Had the fried chicken. O-M-G...I have to concur with another reviewer. These are some Dolly Parton-size chicken breasts! And they were juicy, flavorful (both spicy and tangy), and not too greasy.
I also had the black eyed peas as a side most recently (along with my go-to dish, the catfish). I've never been a huge fan of BEP before (both the food and the music group), but man, this was some good ass sh*t!! I swear they put some crack in there or something! Chef Andrea never ceases to amaze me.
BTW...I know there is some competition in the immediate area, namely the food trucks, Slap Yo Mama and Mossie Lee's, the new restaurant in the same strip mall as Amelia's, Soul Station (what was the landlord thinking?!?), and of course, Les Sisters. I HAVE TRIED THEM ALL AND NONE OF THEM COMPARE TO AMELIA'S! Save some time and money and head on over to this family-owned joint. You won't be disappointed.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/2/2010
I tried this randomly after reading a couple blog posts about its opening. Hands down Amelia's has… Read more »
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Review from Myles A.
8/16/2010
All I am commenting on is the takeout:
Ordered the tri tip sandwich, ribs, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. The tri tip sandwich was okay, but the meat was cut too thin and which took away from the usual juicy nature of this type of sandwich. The ribs were okay. Nothing special. The mashed potatoes were pretty much just potatoes, salt & pepper. And the mac and cheese was pretty good; not the best ever, but I give it my thumbs up.
Overall, I think its a pretty average BBQ place for the LA area, which isn't saying much, because LA has only one place that can compare with real Southern BBQ, which is the standard I compare all BBQ with.Listed in: Hype Machine
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Review from Henry L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fried chicken wings ROCK!! Hot and fresh, crunchy, crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Mac and cheese is cheesy and gooey perfection. Greens were just bitter enough and a hint of heat. Jambalaya was a bit mushy but perfect flavor and just enough heat, not too much. Will be back to try everything else on the menu. The kids working the front were so sweet and so professional, better than most restaurants! Kudos to Amelia and her beautiful family!! Try this place!
Listed in: DA VALLEY
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Review from Susan W.
Chatsworth, CA
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fried chicken was relish and the breast could have fed a family of 5
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Review from Arpie A.
Burbank, CA
8/10/2011
Amelia's Place has some really tasty food! I wouldn't go as far as saying it's the "best" I've had - but it definitely is somewhere I'd go again when in the mood for barbeque and Southern favorites. The rib tips are tender and flavorful, and their barbeque sauce totally packs a punch. Their mac n cheese (made with real cheese obviously) is tasty - lacks a tad touch, but better to be under than over! Their collard greens are very good as well - tender, a little spice, perfectly seasoned! Their house iced tea is really yummy too - slightly sweetened. Definitely worth visiting if you're craving bbq and are in the Valley. Only drawback is this is more of a "take out" place - only 3 small dine in tables.
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Review from Ira T.
Canoga Park, CA
7/31/2011
MUTANT CHICKEN BREAST
My wife and I tried this place last night. We both had the friend chicken breast dinner with two sides. These where the biggest chicken breasts we have ever seen. They were delicious and we loved all our sides....baked beans, mac & cheese (lots of real cheese), potato salad and a green salad. The cornbread muffin was a little dry but, we were quite pleased.
Unless they interviewed and hired an 12 year old cashier, we deduced that they are are a family owned and operated business, which is always a pleasure to see.
We will be back! -
Review from Damon F.
Northridge, CA
Updated - 7/21/2011
I have to boast about the quality of the customer service here at Amelia's. This small business really cares about their customers, and I can not express how impressed I am.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/15/2011
Can't complain, as long as you aren't worried about the time. Nice portions, and the price is… Read more »
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Review from marci p.
Santa Clarita, CA
3/19/2011
I have been here four times and I love this place. The rib tips are amazing and the' fall off the bone' ribs are the best I have EVER had. I get the ribs with the sauce on the side because they are just so good flavorful and smoky on their own. The ribs are meaty and cooked just right. My hands smell like smoke after eating them! It makes my dogs crazy :) The mac and cheese is outrageously great. It is simplicity at its finest- just cheese and macaroni- and I love it! I have had the cabbage, good but a little too salty, the spinach-excellent with garlic cloves, and the greens. Friends of mine have had the chicken, the tri tip sandwich, the bbq beans, and the red beans and rice- all of which they raved about. I only wish the cornbread was sweeter. I almost forgot to comment on the peach cobbler- amazingly buttery and delectable and decadent. My friend got the banana pudding and claimed it was the best she ever had.
As far as I'm concerned, Amelia's place has replaced Les Sisters as my favorite comfort food/bbq/ soul food restaurant in the valley.The only thing missing is tables to eat there as it is only a take out and catering place. I spoke with the owner, who btw is so sweet, accomodating and always smiling, and she said they might put some tables in. This place is fantastic and I recommend it wholeheartedly!! -
Review from Kali M.
Northridge, CA
7/7/2011
If you're in the valley and hungry for BBQ or some good comfort food - this is the place.
Went to this place the other day after having read the yelp reviews.
Great friendly service and wonderful food, rest assured that i'll be back! -
Review from paul a.
Glendale, CA
7/29/2010
Some of the best southern fried chicken ever. Also really enjoyed the ribs, potato salad and greens. The entrees are definitely sized to share (big pieces of meat), but I think the sides are not. You split something like the one order of southern fried chicken, but you may want to double the sides.
Since it is a to-go only place, would be nice if they provided a family meal for four instead of ordering ala carte.
People are very friendly, agree with other review to call your order ahead. -
Review from Rob A.
West Hills, CA
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is fabulous you have to try it for the best southern food in the valley.
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Review from Chesten C.
Pacoima, CA
5/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I usually don't review a restaurant, but this place is sooo good that I had to give my opinion.
My sister and I tried their Southern Fried Chicken, Spicy Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Potato Salad, Fries and Southern Greens.
Their Chicken is really good and tasty and my sister says that their Jambalaya is also really good.
Just try this place out if you like southern food or if you like good food in general... and their prices are good for the amount of food you get. -
Review from Martin K.
North Hollywood, CA
9/16/2011
one star cause they closed and I didn't get the chance to try them. boo.
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Review from Brian O.
Sherman Oaks, CA
9/22/2011
Stopped by on Tuesday and they seem to be out of business?
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Review from Scott H.
Northridge, CA
10/3/2011
Their website says they closed down :-)
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Review from Ivy L.
Northridge, CA
8/13/2011
Loved the chicken wings! Jambalaya was okay. I give it 3 stars because it took forever for them to make the food. It took at least 30 mins.
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Review from Larry H.
San Fernando, CA
6/1/2011
After reading the reviews here, I decided to go try Amelia's last night. We drove up about 6:30pm and my wife and I looked at each other like should we really go in. Place was very clean looking from the outside, had 3 small tables inside, but it looked more like a business than a restaurant plus there was no one in there. We sat in the car for about 5 minutes debating on it, hoping to see someone walk in. Absolutely no one so we decided, what the heck, if we don't like it, we don't come back and we went in. We were greeted at the counter as soon as we walked in by a very friendly gentleman. He answered our questions and we ordered. My wife got the creamy cheese potato soup and the fried chicken breast, my daughter mac n cheese, and I got the jambalaya. The soup was very hot unlike you get at claim jumper that comes cold. Big deal with my wife since she likes her soup hot. On the flavor, no comparison to that other place either, amazing flavor the soup had. By the way, big enough to be a meal on its own. Now for the chicken, it should be renamed to the Dolly Parton DD fried chicken because I didn't know a chicken breast could get that big. My wife could not finish it. It also was amazing! Extremely juicy and great flavor and it wasn't greasy. My jambalaya had great flavor. The menu said it was spicy and it truly was spicy in a very good way! The mac n cheese was not a hit with my 4 year old daughter but what do you expect from a child who only eats Kraft. This was home made mac n cheese, I didn't try it so I won't comment on it. I would be surprised if it wasn't good. One thing to mention is even if you eat there, you are eating in to-go trays, not a regular sit down restaurant but don't let that stop you since the food is great and very reasonably priced especially for the large portions. The only real gripe I have is what southern restaurant doesn't have sweet tea but the owner told me she is working on that. The owner really seems like someone who really cares and wants to put out the best from our short conversation with her last night. We'll definitely be going back!
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Review from Sonja F.
Fillmore, CA
7/7/2011
Oh my gosh, I just had the BEST chicken in my life here! And I hate to admit it, because I used to think that my grandma made the best chicken in the world, but now it's Amelia's Place....sorry grandma! But seriously, the food was fantastic, we had the fried chicken breast, with the macaroni and cheese and the mashed potatoes and finished it off with the bread pudding, all so good!
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Review from Luke N.
Winnetka, CA
6/17/2011
This place is awesome! I went here with my friend on a Wednesday night. We didn't know the place was mainly for takeout only, but the owners were so sincere and friendly anyway. The jumbo wings are REALLY big, more like eagle wings than chicken wings, and they were the best I've ever had! The ribs were pretty good too, smelled wonderful! This place is hard to find, it's in the back of a plaza, but once you find it, you'll have a great experience!
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Review from Matthew G.
Chatsworth, CA
12/12/2010
Tried it the other day and was amazed at how delicious all the food was! the Chicken was amazing, way better than roscoe's! same with the collard greens, and candy yams
