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J's Place
Categories: Restaurants Southern Restaurants Soul Food Southern, Soul Food [Edit]
5141 Ming AveBakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 831-8420
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
80 reviews for J's Place
Review Highlights
"This time I got corn and dirty rice for sides."
(in 19 reviews)
"Chicken & Waffles + Mac and Cheese + Chili - Nom nom nom."
(in 15 reviews)
"...Chicken with cornbread and mac n cheese and dirty rice and..."
(in 8 reviews)
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80 reviews in English
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Review from Mimi J.
1/30/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place is hands down the best barbeque in the Bakersfield area. A friend who does amazing barbeque catering himself told me about J's place, so I had high expectations coming into this place.
I'm not going to lie - It's a little hole in the wall restaurant nestled in a nondescript little strip mall. If you don't keep a close eye out it is easy to miss. They didn't waste any time or energy on the decor - there really isn't any. Seated at one of their tables, I felt like I was back in my grandmother's kitchen 30 years ago - and my grandmother's kitchen was NOT the product of an interior decorator. But the place is clean, the wait staff incredibly friendly, and the food out of this world so don't get your panties in a wad over the lack of ambience.
Over several visits, I've sampled the fried chicken, the fried catfish, and the seasoned and barbeque ribs. The fried chicken had very crispy skin and were, incredibly, not greasy. That's certainly a first in my experience in Bakersfield. I am usually NOT a fan of catfish, as it's one of the fishier tasting fish. I am officially a huge fan of the fried catfish at J's Place. The barbeque ribs were fall off the bone tender, juicy, and very tasty.
They have quite a variety of sides available. My favorites are the black eyed peas, the cabbage, and the yams. It's almost a crime classifying the yams as a side dish. They really seem more like a dessert to me. The texture is perfect and they are oh so sweet. I have been tempted to lick the serving bowl, but have so far managed to restrain myself. I've tried the mac n cheese and the dirty rice and they are good too. On your first visit, they give you a free piece of cobbler which was a wow item, also.
I heartily recommend J's Place to all the Bakersfield barbeque fans. You won't be sorry, but you may find yourself becoming a regular here! You've been warned! -
Review from Dede M.
Bakersfield, CA
1/21/2012
Great food! Chicken and waffles, Macaroni and cheese and the cornbread had me all at first bite! It's tiny in there and the serving staff maybe a bit different or rough around the edges. That food is something different for me and I enjoyed the combo of a sweet waffle with the salty flavor of the fried chicken.
It's a no frills place, but it's yummy, I haven't tried roscoes yet but after coming to this place, I'm excited to do so!
It gets pretty busy each time I've been so it you have time to wait and aren't too sensitive then hurry and go to J's place! -
Review from Duke F.
Alhambra, CA
I go to Bakersfield for business trip every week. I usually stay there for 3 to 4 days. My assistant suggested this place to me recently and oh man this place is a gem. I used to live in Florida where they have lot of soul food restaurants. J's place is awesome.
I have tried almost the entire menu in two weeks. My two favorite side dishes are the yam and greens. On a scale from 1 to 10 if I have to grade the menu
Barbecue ribs 10
Neck bone 10
chicken dumplings 9
oxtail 9
Fried chicken 9
They even have koolaid. The cherry version is my favorite. I am in love with J's place. -
Review from Melinda P.
San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ribs so good you'll slap your pappy.
Honestly, every single thing we tried was incredible. Not at all light, on fat, salt, or carbs, but so worth it! -
Review from Susie P.
La Mirada, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
If I lived in this area, I would come where often!
The fried chicken is so worth getting, the waitresses are super nice, and if its your first time you'll get the peach cobbler for free. The peach cobbler is sooooo good.
I'm not a huge fan of fried chicken, but the fried chicken is pretty good. The dirty rice is pretty spicy so I wouldn't suggest it, but I had some and it was very delicious. The mac and cheese and chili are good as well, but they are my second choices as sides under the dirty rice.
oh and the interior is kinda sad, but hey its a fried chicken place. How can you expect much? -
Review from Danna C.
I asked a co-worker for suggestions of place to eat in Bakersfield. However, I accidentally deleted her list. So I turned to Yelp. J's Place was fairly close to my hotel and had tons of great reviews so I decided to give it a try.
I decided to get the fried chicken combo. The waitress asked what pieces of chicken I preferred. I told her legs and wings. She gave me a choice of 2 legs and a wing or vice-versa. I went with the 2 legs and a wing. I was really pleased that I got to pick the pieces of chicken.
For sides I went with the mac and cheese 'cause I love mac and cheese. I got the dirty rice based on the Yelp reviews.
I got the food to go and ordered a Pepsi on the side. The waitress asked if I wanted the Pepsi now and that if so, I could get a free refill before I left. Of course I said yes. Another nice perk.
I had to wait a bit for the food, but it was well worth it. The food was still piping hot when I got to the hotel. And boy was it tasty. Had I not seen the Yelp reviews, I never would have picked the dirty rice as a side. But I'm glad I did. It was really good. The chicken was crisp and flavorful. The mac and cheese hit the spot.
Really good meal. The next day I told a few of my co-workers from Bakersfield about it. None of them had ever heard of it or tried it. I told them they definitely need to give J's Place a try. Makes me want to go back to Bakersfield. :-) -
Review from Libing W.
Berkeley, CA
12/27/2011
The food is pretty good for Bakersfield, but the atmosphere definitely needs some updating. The tables are sticky and all of the furniture looks like it's from the early 90s. However, the waitress was nice.
Overall, I'd give the place a 3:
3 for the food
1 for the decor
4 for the service. -
Review from Michelle H.
Bakersfield, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
We are HUGE Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles fans....and we remember when J's Place came into to town and were glad to have something local to help fill our fix. During our visit, I was glad to hear they have been going strong for the past 6 years. He had the chicken dinner (waffle and mac 'n' cheese) and I had the rib dinner (dirty rice and mac 'n' cheese), and of course we had the grape kool aid. The food was complemented perfectly by the real-down to earth-tell it like it is women behind the counter. My hubby were so entertained and impressed on how they all seemed directly out of a Tyler Perry kind of movie. I hope that doesn't insult anyone....I secretly wished I could be friends with these girls and learn and laugh with each of them. They were absolutely fabulous. We love this place...food, price, and ambiance absolutely perfect.
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Review from Randy S.
Bakersfield, CA
1/13/2012
I have been eating at J's place since it opened and have never had food that was not great. I LOVE their taco lunch special and could eat it everyday! Their dirty rice, well, let's just say I have been in bed and had to get dressed and race down before they close to pick some up. I know it sounds silly but so,etimes my wife and I will be laying there and have an incredible craving! Service has always been great also! Very friendly and I have never received slow service. Meals are a bit pricey relative to other similar restaurants, BUT you get what you pay for and this is worth it! Only complaint is that I agree with others that decor and furniture needs an update!
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Review from Aaron P.
Bakersfield, CA
Updated - 12/16/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Wow, they have seriously upped their game. I came in and tried to order the 4 piece chicken and waffle meal, and the waitress recommended I go a different way that comes with two waffles and 3 pieces of chicken. She was right, and possibly one of the best waitresses I've ever had. Super attentive, kept our drinks full, just awesome. I will be back, over and over again. Oh yeah, don't forget the gravy for your chicken, it's mmmmm mmmmm good!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/10/2011
Not quite Roscoe's, but not bad either.
I was a bit disappointed with the amount of waffle I got.… Read more »
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Review from Cora R.
Bakersfield, CA
10/3/2011
This place took me a while to get in here. I'm talking years. It wasn't until I about to move to LA that I decided to fulfill my Restaurant Bucket List. We were seated to a table immediately. The server was so friendly and asked if it was our first time. We said yes and she offered us a sample of the peach cobbler for dessert.
Cornbread: meh, I've had better.
Mac and Cheese: I am a cheese lover and boy this hit the spot. Definitely the perfect side.
Waffle: Cinnamony, crispy goodness! It's a thin waffle but the flavor is there
Seasoned ribs (bbq on side): These were SOO TENDER! The pork literally fell off the bone. So juicy and savory! By far the best ribs I have ever had.
Ever since then, I've been back several times and enjoyed it every single time! I must say I've been to Roscoe's, but J's place is so much better and fresher! -
Review from Alisha V.
Bakersfield, CA
12/18/2011
My family and I ate here for the first time today. I ordered chicken, mac & cheese, and a waffle. The waffle was cinnamony and delicious. The chicken breast was amazing but a little on the salty side. The mac & cheese was creamy and wonderful. My husband had the enchiladas and he said they tasted just like his mom's. He also tried the greens and really enjoyed them.
Our waitress was super friendly and accommodating and gave us a free sample of peach cobbler (which my husband loved! I was too full to try :))
I am so glad yelp helped us find this place. We will be returning. -
Review from Emily T.
9/25/2011 2 photos
Came in with a friend around 1pm and was immediately seated. Our waitress was bubbly and extremely helpful. We originally were going to pick the meatloaf. While the waitress assured us that it was a great, popular choice, she told us her personal favorite was the pork chop, smothered. She sold us on the pork chop with a choice of 2 sides. Seeing reviews on Yelp, we decided on the dirty rice and mac n' cheese. We also decided on a plate of chicken breast and waffle.
Our dishes came out promptly. Glistening and golden. Crispy and crunchy. I could not wait to dig into the two plates of yummy deep fried heaven. The chicken breast was a good size, sitting atop a sweet, cinnamon waffle. I loved the hint of sweetness in the waffle, with deep fried chicken to accompany it. The two pieces of pork chop were deep fried and smothered with gravy. Perhaps a bit salty, but the flavors were good. The mac n' cheese was spicy, giving the classically simple dish a nice kick. The winner of the day was the dirty rice. Mixed in with sausage and full of flavor, I was certainly in love.
For $20, we got a deliciously filling meal for two people. J's Place, I shall be back! -
Review from Big J.
Bakersfield, CA
Updated - 12/26/2011
Ok so I gave this place another shot and I must say the food was pretty good this time.I had the chicken breast and a waffle and was very pleased and surprised.Unfortunately it took me 23 minutes to get my food so I am only bumping up the rating to 3 stars.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2011
I am surprised at how high this is rated.Everything I had was over salted and the food gave me a… Read more »
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Review from Mad p.
Los Angeles, CA
12/30/2011
1. service - awesome!
2. peach cobbler - nom nom nom.
3. chicken and waffle - roscoe's who? 'nuff said.
4. not a 5 star cuz it's soooo far...but i'll be back in 2012. ;) -
Review from Diosa B.
Bakersfield, CA
8/14/2011
Seriously delicious. Seriously dangerous. No, really: if you eat here regularly, you will have a heart attack and die, but- on the upside- at least you'll die happy.
The fried chicken is unquestionably the best I've ever had (I don't even like fried chicken, but I love theirs). Get the breasts, as they are boneless and it's like having the world's biggest, most delicious chicken strips. The mac and cheese is fab, so is the dirty rice and corn bread. I've heard the meatloaf is great, too.
J's also has incredibly reasonable catering prices, so we're using them for an upcoming party.
The staff is friendly and the location is convenient. They also do great take out! -
Review from marcus l.
Pasadena, CA
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Summary: Everything is good here. EVERYTHING. i'm licking my lips just writing this. Roscoe's can't touch this.
Food tried: Breast, leg, waffle, catfish, chili, mac n cheese, kool-aid, cobbler
Service: The ladies here are so so nice. 5 star service
Parking: Easy, large parking lot -
Review from Lee h.
Los Angeles, CA
10/20/2011
Going to J's Place is the best decision I've made while staying in Bakersfield.
I first heard of J's a week ago. I've been in town for work for a few weeks and get pretty tired of eating out at all the same places. A little digging on Yelp and I found J's.
The place is tucked into a little strip mall near a Thai place and a Subway. I almost didn't see it on account of the sign being so small, but I found it and dined in.
The food is excellent. Definitely the "home-cooking" that others have boasted. Whether you're in the mood for porkchops, neckbones, or mac'n'cheese, this place hits the spot. The meals are heartily portioned and steaming hot when you get them.
I ordered the bbq pork ribs with greens and mac'n'cheese on the side. Cornbread is served with the meal. In almost no time, the waitress (very friendly and cheerful!) had my order out! Then, she asked if it was my first time dining, and because it was I got a FREE SAMPLE OF PEACH COBBLER.
Ribs- hot, tender, fall-off-the-bone, rich and zesty good!
Mac'n Cheese- melty, cheesy and savory!
Greens- Green? I hadn't had these before, so I enjoyed trying them. They were tender and a bit bitter.
Cornbread- bland, but everything else was so rich that it helped balance the meal. Use it to sop up bbq sauce!
Peach cobbler- This is a great dessert. The peaches are the perfect balance of tender, sweet and tart under a crispy, cinnamon-touched roof of flaky pastry. Get it! -
Review from Monica C.
Hawthorne, CA
8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fried Chicken is so freakin' good! The chicken was juicy and flavorful with the crispy skin just melting in my mouth. This place is good good good! The waffle... omg! the waffle! The waffle had a hit of cinnamon and sugar that was just wonderful!
Portions are a good healthy size and I kept wishing that my belly was bigger cause i seriously needed to shove more delicious chicken in there. The greens and dirty rice were a great compliment to the chicken. I'm absolutely coming back after I spend a few more days at the gym.
J's Place loses a star for its general disarray. I felt that the tables could have been kept a bit cleaner and the condiments should have been better organized. The service is great with a comfy local feel.
I like this place. -
Review from Angela R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/18/2011
Service is slow. When I came, it seemed the one waitress working also answered the phones and handled the register. So getting seated, ordering and receiving my food took a little long.
The grape kool-aid...BOMB
Overall, really good soul food, just don't come if you're in a hurry. -
Review from Diana C.
Anaheim, CA
7/10/2011
Very casual and a little dirty in a homey way. Overall, the fried chicken meat was moist and the seasoning was simple--salty with a good crunch.
+ One leg, waffle, one side (greens): $7-8 Tangy greens, the waffle was spiced with cinnamon so it reminded me of a sweet potato waffle.
+ Fried Chicken entree (2 legs, 1 thigh) and 2 sides (mac and cheese, dirty rice): $9-10 Mac and cheese was a bit greasy but the dirty rice had a good flavor and slight kick. -
Review from Aubrey T.
Bakersfield, CA
11/13/2011
Bomb food! they have really fast service, server Beatrice is awesome!
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Review from Mark S.
3/1/2011
All the good eats in Bakersfield are within a one mile radius: Seabreeze, Thai House, Indian Delhi Palace, and - now I will say - J's Place. This is a down-to-earth joint with some hardcore comfort food. Don't take this the wrong way, but it ain't restaurant quality food; it's like something your "mama" would cook on a Sunday night.
I ordered the 3-wings, 1 waffle, and 1 side meal ($10.01 including tax). I called in my order right at 11 AM, and it wasn't ready until 11:30 AM, so those Yelp comments about service being a bit slow holds true. I got my food eventually and dug in.
The waffles are kind of flimsy as opposed to the conventionally crunchy ones I've had numerous times, but that's fine with me. With some butter and syrup they are super delicious. The chicken has a thick-yet-inconsistent crust. It was delicious; it had the right amount of salt and pepper. And man, the mac and cheese (side) is pretty good. Personally I wrapped up a little chicken with some waffles and mac and cheese along with syrup and hot sauce...man super delicious.
Overall, it was pretty good. I wish service was a bit faster, but whatever, I'll live. -
Review from Greg H.
Sacramento, CA
9/6/2011
I was in town for business, and This place had great reviews on yelp, so I decided to try it. The mashed potatoes were perfect. The Dirty rice was awesome. The chicken could have been a little juicer but had great flavor. And since it was my first time they gave me some cobbler for free :). And the cobbler was decadent. I'd come back just for the cobbler. Next time I'll try the ribs :)
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Review from Sundai L.
Bakersfield, CA
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMG. If i could give no stars i would!! You ppl do not know wat soul food is!!!! The catfish is plain & nasty! The rice is ZATERANS DIRTY RICE THAT COMES IN A BOX!!!!!!! you can buy this at walmart wtf!!!! I CAN MAKE MY OWN HOT LINK! the corn bread is nuthin to go crazy about. ( i dont like chicken so i cant judge). Its smaller than my grandmas closet in there! The meatloaf -_- omg!!! Lolthis place isent good & everything at this resturant i can make at home better, which is ehy i dont like the place :( im sorry. Just nasty! Phinese on union is better but its hardly ever open
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Review from adam z.
Bakersfield, CA
Very yummy. I wish I had not waited so long to come in. First off, it was way busier than I had expected but i guess when the foods good people come.
Once my daughter and I got seated the service was quick and helpful. I ordered the meat loaf, which was really good. It was kind of different because they put tomato sauce on it but it had a lot of flavor. The greens were delicious and so was the dirty rice and corn bread, very true tasting southern food. The corn bread is just the right amount of sweet and salt, perfect.
My daughter got the fried chicken which she really liked. They let you pick what pieces you want too. I thought the chicken was good, not big flavor like the other food but perfect with hot sauce(or I would imagine syrup). Her yams and Mac and cheese were spot on too, although the yams might be too sweet for some people.
I ordered some chicken and dumplings(which they only serve on Thursdays) to go for my wife and they were possibly the best I've head.
Don't expect fine dining here, it's a homey little place with great southern food and feel.Listed in: Bakersfield Hall of Fame
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Review from Steve S.
Bakersfield, CA
YUMMM! The best food, the best service, the best food! I need to go back NOW!!
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Review from Russell A.
Honolulu, HI
9/13/2011
Everything is good. Really, not one complaint. Even the customer service is outstanding. Had the J's Style Fried Chicken with cornbread and mac n cheese and dirty rice and a waffle. My friend also had an ox tail dish which was good and some sweet potato dish which was excellent.
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Review from Jordan L.
11/1/2010
Chicken n' waffles..
This place takes it's cue from Roscoe's
but is less pricey and just as good.
They're fried chicken and 2 sides combo
was great. Homemade chili was delish.
Calgareeans, methinks I've spotted a
gap in the market for genuine southern
soul cooking. -
Review from Kathy L.
Clovis, CA
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Food was excellent and you get a lot of food so come hungry! The staff was friendly and helpful on suggesting items on the menu for first timers. For first timers you get a peach cobbler which was delicious! The place could be bigger they consistently had a line the entire time we were there. I ordered Js chicken with a side of waffle and mashed potatoes and corn bread. My friend ordered the same but with sweet potatoes, which was to die for. He also got some kool aid for his drink. That was cool! You won't be disappointed!
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Review from Sherry J.
Bakersfield, CA
9/6/2011
OMG... the "peach cobbler" WOW !!! everything is very good...Service can be a little slow but waiters are entertaining. I've ordered large cobblers for partys thanksgiving last year never have a drop left !!!
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Review from Robert K.
Bakersfield, CA
8/20/2011
It's no Roscoe's that's for sure but its damn good! Chicken was good, waffle was good and the bbq ribs. This place is SOLID for stick to your ribs good eats. My wife laughed at me but my favorite part was the grape kool-aid. Any joint that serves kool-aid on tap is legit in my book.
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Review from yon t.
Fountain Valley, CA
6/29/2010
Thanks to yelp we found this place on our drive back from yosemite and for sure going to stop everytime we pass through bakersfield.
We got here around 11:30, just beat the rush, because it started to get packed with people waiting outside in the 100 degree weather.
The food is sooo good, our group agreed that it is better than roscoe's. The fried chicken wasn't greasy at all and they don't charge extra if you just want white meat. The breast they take out the ribs and flatten it out and then fry it.
Even the waffle is better than roscoe's.
I had the fried cabbage and greens as my sides, which were awesome. Both were so flavorful.
Great soul food with great southern hospitality. The waitresses were so nice and helpful and always smiling. And they offered to split our checks without us even having to ask.
The food was so good my friend almost came to tears. He was just so happy. -
Review from Cara W.
Bakersfield, CA
9/20/2010
J's place is the best. I have never had fried chicken as good as I've had there. It is always juicy and delicious. Although J's is a small place most people would never find, I have to say that I am a big fan. The staff is always friendly and the atmosphere is very inviting.
Their peach cobbler is a must try and their mac and cheese is absolutely terrific. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for some good home-made cooking. -
Review from Ryan R.
Bakersfield, CA
5/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Solid soul food. My usual is 2 piece breast (which they server boneless) with mac-cheese, yams, and corn bread $10. This keeps me coming back. Don't get waffles to go, they are a soggy mess by the time you get home.
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Review from Chuck B.
Bakersfield, CA
1/7/2011
Love this place - I've ate in a couple of times - crew there is always super nice and polite, food is always fresh, and the koolaid is delicious ;)
I've also had a run with the take-out for a bible study I was going to - they had it ready to go right on time, stayed perfect till I got there, folks ate it up! Was great - need to get back over there and eat some more!
Chicken & Waffles + Mac and Cheese + Chili - Nom nom nom! -
Review from Jennifer B.
Studio City, CA
3/9/2011
Chicken and waffles trumps Roscoe's! This place does not make a wrong step in the delicious comfort food department.
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Review from Amy L.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2010
Seriously delish. And at prices that won't break the bank. I'm not a connoisseur of Southern food but daaaaaaaaang this is tasty. The bf had the chicken+waffles: a hearty fried slab of chicken atop a fluffy waffle. Really went well with the greens. I had to try the catfish + dirty rice + blackeyed peas. Wow. Amazing texture and flavors. Plus, they gave us some peach cobbler---if you're diabetic stay far far far away from this sugar bomb. If in Bakersfield you ought to definitely check this place out.
Times visited: 1 -
Review from Bob C.
CA
12/15/2008
I came here with my sis and her hubby for a late Sunday lunch. The place was still pretty busy with the post-church crowd.
I ordered the J's Fried Chicken plate (3 pieces of chicken, your choice with 2 sides) for $9.95. I ordered 2 thighs and 1 leg with my sides being a waffle and dirty rice.
The first thing I noticed was that the chicken thighs I received looked like large chunks of meat were missing. It was as if you scraped off all the meat and left only the skin and deep fried that. Disappointing to say the least. The leg was over-cooked with pieces of it being hard and jerky like. I also asked for gravy on the side several times before they brought it. Um, yeah. Watery and tasteless.
So why did I give it 3 stars and not lower? Well, the dirty rice all by itself saved this place from scoring lower. I kid you not, it was probably the best dirty rice I've ever had. Yummy and spicy. I also tasted my sis' candied yams which were pretty good.
For dessert, we had the strawberry pie, which wasn't bad. -
Review from Vince A.
Los Angeles, CA
4/27/2011
Seriously, forgetaboutit with the sides here. They are ridiculously good. The mac n' cheese, fried cabbage, candied yams, and chili beans are my favourite. The fried chicken is good, but the waffles have an undesirable cinnamony taste. The tacos are good. The catfish is good. The red snapper I wouldn't recommend. The corn bread is often dried out, but excellent when it's fresh. The chicken n' dumplings I'm not crazy about. One last thing, the "above average chocolate pie" is truly above average.
