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Mrs. Jones

4.5 star rating
based on 21 reviews

Category: Soul Food  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Dorchester
2255 Dorchester Ave
(between Adams St & Adirondack Pl)
Dorchester, MA 02124
(617) 696-0180
  • Nearest Transit:

    Fields Corner (Red)

  • Price Range: $
  • Accepts Credit Cards: No
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: Yes
  • Takes Reservations: No
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: No
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Good for: Lunch, Dinner
  • Alcohol: None

21 Reviews for Mrs. Jones

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Photo of Mike C.

 

0

13

Mike C.

Dorchester, MA

4 star rating
08/14/2008

Tasty, crispy fried chicken. Soft, sweet ribs. Thick pieces of corn bread. Dinner for two for $18, with so much left over.

I just wish they had sweet tea.

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Photo of Kerri O.

Elite '08

73

283

Kerri O.

Maynard, MA

5 star rating
07/14/2008

Stick a fork in me, I'm ALL DONE.

I'd define it as Southern Cooking, rather than BBQ, strictly speaking.

Great sides and divine Fried Chicken.

I brought my aged friend, John, in here; and it made him weep and think of his Mama.

Need I say more?

Okay, the Collard Greens Rule.  Cornbread stuffing?  Yes, please, ma'am.

Best Cornbread in Boston.  There, I said it.

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Photo of John A.

 

1

15

John A.

Dorchester, MA

1 star rating
08/01/2008

Absolutely incredible .... how do business like this stay open????

Several weeks ago (months after we had heard of Mrs. Jone's opening) we finally ordered and really liked it, but for one exception, (there is no menu online so) I called and asked for "fried chicken". That was fine and I ordered a few sides (collards and black eyes peas) and we had some ribs.  Everything was what one would expect (really very good but I've had better) but the fried chicken was "Chicken wings".  I didn't know and nobody told me .... and chicken wings are my wife's least favorite part of the chicken.  Why do I share that with you?

It's about 5:05 PM on 8-1-2008 and I called, explained the fried chicken wing "thing", and was told that "we only fry chicken wings".  OK, and I asked "do you do other things with chicken? " and she asked "What do you mean?" I asked again "Well, you fry chicken wings, what else do you do with chicken?"  Again she responded, "What are you talking about and why are you yelling!" (I don't think I was yelling, but I was getting frustrated.)

I asked again, you have chicken on the menu besides the chicken wings ? "Yes" she replied. So how do you prepare it? (Said very deliberately so she couldn't misunderstand me)  She said "we barbecue it in our hickory smoker.", said just as deliberately.

Great , I said. Is it in parts, a whole or a half?  She replied "a half".  I said "Great", I'll take a half, what sides do you have?"

She then replied that there was a line of customers in front of her and she had taken too much of their time.  As she hung up I tried to tell her I'd take my business someplace else.

Now I understand the restaurant business, it's not easy, worked in it for years.  But to not take an order from a paying customer????  To not answer a question from somebody trying to get some information???

We've all had bad service in restaurant, but to be told to go away while I was trying to get information you can't get without calling and asking?

Earth calling Mrs. Jone's, if you don't want us to call and ask questions, post a menu!!! It cost about $10.00 a month on Yahoo.

Sorry Mrs Jone's,  but your friend chicken (lots of parts other than just wings) is only about as good as my father's was ,and my wife's ribs are better.  But to be treated as I was by the woman on (WHO'S JOB IT IS TO ANSWER) the phone?  The restaurant Isn't even worth the convenience of being just around the corner.

Is it because it's Dorchester that you feel you can treat customers like that?

Good luck, and good bye.

PS: It's a hike and more expensive, but the "East Coast Grill" in Cambridge is just hands down better.  And they answere questions when you ask.

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Photo of Kim P.

 

1

8

Kim P.

Dorchester, MA

4 star rating
07/17/2008

Precious, just precious. I'm a real Southerner, so I am always leery of folks up here who call anything Southern, authentic, true, original, or whatever. We are hard to please. So, when I stopped in during the week (after being shocked to find this place because it's new and I'm used to Pat's Pizza, but, anyhoo), I started slowly: that means sides, specifically collard greens and potato salad. I know, I know, you're only supposed to eat your mama's or grandma's potato salad, but a sista was starving, and it was raining, so it was me and Mrs. Jones and some collards.

Yeah, this is southern food. Collards were smoky, not too cooked all down to mush (you know how Aunt Nicey do), and the potato salad? Mrs. Jones coulda/shoulda/prada BEEN my granny! I can't even describe the actual food, because it was the experience: all of a sudden, I was transported back to a fourth of ju-ly picnic, replete with ants, a game of horseshoes, the smell of BBQ...

Sorry, I digress. Yeah, Mrs. Jones is the real deal. I'm moving to Lower Mills, so when I do, I'll let you know about the entrees. I'm dying to try the deep fried turkey leg. They even have chitterlings, but I ain't goin there. The cakes on the counter looked amazing, probably packed with enough calories to make one contemplate running to the Blue Hills (not me), but I will try a slice next time I'm back.

I'll go back. The only thing is that you can't really have a group in there, I think. There's a counter (which wasn't full when I was there) full of a bunch of different types of hot sauces (including Sylvia's extra hot), but I didn't see any tables. The sides are cheap; if I remember correctly, I left there spending about $5 or $6 and was full.

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Photo of Sharisse S.

 

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1

Sharisse S.

Dorchester, MA

5 star rating
08/02/2008

Mrs. Jones is a true gem.  I was very skeptical when my husband first mentioned it because southern food in boston don't necessarily go hand in hand.  The food is great.  Even my two daughters love it.  The ribs are juicy and tender.  The fried chicken is good.  I love the sides-yams, macaroni and cheese, greens.  She is always nice and sweet.  She always gives my girls something to snack on like a piece of cornbread while we wait.  Fridays are my favorite.  Her catfish is delicious.  Downside is make sure you stop by the atm machine because she does not take credit/debit cards.  But the prices are very reasonable.

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Photo of Adrienne T.

Elite '08

10

131

Adrienne T.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
07/11/2008

Mrs. Jones (Cheryl) is a sweetheart.

I've tried the food here twice. It is okay. Being from the South, if you consider Texas the South, it's not quite the cookin' I'm used to, but for up here in these parts, it's ok.

The string beans are to die for.  Mac & Cheese is okay, but not great, AND it isn't school bus yellow or orange, which is how it should be. It's creamy and almost white.

My real issue is the meat selections. There's not enough variety on the daily menu. I don't eat pork chops or ribs, so those are out. With the chicken (bbq or fried), you can't order 2 pieces, you get a whole half a chicken, which just looks gross on my plate. I can't eat my chicken like that.  I tried the meatloaf, but I don't like brown gravy, and with no gravy, this stuff was as dry as crackers.

I'm planning to try out the fried fish that they have on Fridays. Maybe this will be the big HIT, and I'll go to Mrs. Jones every Friday. Here's hoping.

Oh, by the way, this isn't a sit down restaurant. It's take out, CASH ONLY, and there are about 5 barstools and a bar where you can eat, if you like.

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Photo of Thomas F.

 

1

39

Thomas F.

Somerville, MA

5 star rating
06/17/2008

I was thoroughly stunned at how delicious all the food at Mrs. Jones is. Some say it's not as good as true southern bbq, but it's sure as heck the best I've ever had. And collard greens without even a hint of bitterness. Homemade mac & cheese. *Deep* *fried* *turkey* (on sundays).

And Mrs. Jones is a treasure, she's so sweet you could use her for sugar.

RUN to this restaurant and stuff your face.

Notes: there is very little seating, just a sort of counter that seats about two. This place is best for takeout. My friends and I have settled that we like to get plenty of takeout and go to a park with it. Also, they close at 8pm promptly.

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Photo of Katie G.

 

5

66

Katie G.

Roslindale, MA

4 star rating
05/09/2008

This place gets my southern hubby's seal of approval and mine too.  The ribs, chicken (fried and BBQ), black eyed peas, collard greens, mac n cheese and banana pudding are our favorites.  Just don't ask for separate sides 'cause they won't sell 'em to you.  You have to buy a meal (meat) to get the sides.  So I can't really get my mac n cheese fix on here, but I still love the place.

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Photo of Al N.

 

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34

Al N.

Jamaica Plain, MA

5 star rating
01/22/2008

My wife is from Georgia, and we've eaten a lot of great BBQ all around the south. I've always been disappointed that I haven't been able to find a decent rib up here (Blue Ribbon comes closest and if you mention Redbones I will rain holy hell on you in the form of dry, tough pork). It's a truly sad state of affairs.

Mrs. Jones, while not as meltingly falling-off-the-bone as a GREAT Southern jernt, comes damn close, with a deep smokey flavor and just the right amount of a mild sauce that lets the meat do the talking. These people know how to do it right. The fried chicken is real Southern style--with thin, crispy skin and just enough spices to enhance but not overpower. This is the first BBQ place up here I've eaten at where I have gone in and gotten chicken instead of ribs on more than one occassion.  Chicken is wing quarters only--no messing around with dry, bland, useless breasts. Sides are excellent--especially the mac and cheese, green beans, collards, and anything else. There are some specials that haven't been available when I've been there, but I can't wait to try the ox tails or the chitlins.

The woman who runs the place is always smiling and friendly. I've spoken to her a few times about her and her husband's (the chef) background and about southern cooking and she's always been a pleasure to speak with.

Keep in mind that BBQ has many interpretations ('best" will never be decided), but the bottom line is that the meat must stand on its own. For knowing this and doing it right, Mrs. Jones has my pick for the best BBQ AND fried chicken in the greater Boston area.

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Photo of Kevin W.

Elite '08

10

92

Kevin W.

Worcester, MA

4 star rating
03/03/2008

Like southern cooking?! Give this place a go.

Went here this past weekend with the thought of being engulfed by delicious comfort food, we were right. I had the fried chicken, cornbread stuffing, and mashed potatoes for about 8-9 bucks.

The chicken was seasoned with just the right amount of spices and didn't have too much batter. All the sides were served hot and at the end of the meal we were treated with a nice slice of cornbread.

I'm a huge fan of value and for less than 10 bucks, I was more than satisfied with this place, though I can't say my arteries are. They didn't get the memo that 2008 was supposed to be healthier!

My only gripe is with the lack of seating in this place. Be prepared to do take-out unless youre lucky enough to grab one of the 4 seats in the joint.

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Photo of LeeAnn B.

 

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36

LeeAnn B.

Milton, MA

5 star rating
01/16/2008

I have had the smothered pork chops, ribs, and fried chicken.  YUM!  Being from the south, I think it is rare that restaurants up here get it right.  Well Mrs. Jones does!  The sides are really good too.  My favorites are the collards and black eyed peas.  The corn bread was too cakey for my tastes, but some people like it that way.  Take out only, but then no one will see you covered in BBQ sauce from head to toe from those finger lickin good ribs!

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Photo of Timothy B.

 

1

15

Timothy B.

Milton, MA

4 star rating
12/21/2007

Lower Mills is a neighborhood with lots of potential, but in desperate need of good food other than grungy Irish pubs and crappy pizza places.  Mrs. Jones just opened up this summer, and we just had a chance to try it for the first time.  This place is REAL soul food like I had when I was a kid aat church potlucks in the south.  I had smothered pork chops which were really savory, yummy, and tender while my wife had the fried chicken.  The only had legs and thighs the day we went, which may be the norm because they keep better.  

The real stars of my meal were the sides.  The collard greens were flavorful, smoky, and not overcooked.  The black eyed peas were also delicious, with the flavor of ham hock.  The macaroni and cheese was nice and creamy but a tad bland.  The candied yams are sticky and sweet and would be good for dessert.  

It's primarily takeout, so have the table set when you get home and dig in!

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Photo of J C.

 

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2

J C.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
06/02/2008

My all time favorite fried chicken.  Everything tastes wonderful.  The place is spotless and the people couldn't be nicer.  A definite keeper.

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Photo of Mark S.

 

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8

Mark S.

Framingham, MA

5 star rating
05/25/2008

There isn't much to say about Mrs. Jones that hasn't been said except this... GET THERE AS SOON AS YOU CAN because it is even better than the reviews suggest.  Mrs. Jones is a true gem and her hospitality as well as her incredible food will make you feel like you've just had dinner in her home (unless you get take-out, of course). Unbelievable!

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Photo of Chi N.

 

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18

Chi N.

Dorchester, MA

4 star rating
01/08/2008

This place is a good addition to the soul food circuit in Dorchester.  It beats Chef Lee's in the fried chicken depart.  The wings are made fresh and you can even see Mr. Jones put them in the deep fryer.  The gem of this place is the fried turkey which is only cooked on Sundays.  The skin gets turned crisp and the inside is moist and succulant.  Don't sleep on Mrs. Jones.  The restaurant has a great family feel to it.  Come in and pick up an order.  There's not too much room to sit though.

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Photo of jake l.

 

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9

jake l.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
05/07/2008

I wish I could give Mrs Jones 5 stars but its the fact that they are closed for lunch during an absurd time (usually anytime between 12-2pm)  This place is great found it about 3-4 months ago and have been going back at least once a week.  The portions are huge first and foremost.   my favorite foods is the fried chicken (unfortunately only wings though) and the bbq ribs (falls off the bone).  The sides mac.. collard greens.. potato salad.. candied yams... all good stuff.  And yes this place is immaculately clean as well and they are a good people very friendly as well.  Under 10 bucks for a huge lunch and maybe a small snack if you can't finish.

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Photo of Erin H.

 

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30

Erin H.

Dorchester, MA

5 star rating
08/02/2007

I finally got around to trying Mrs. Jones, the new soul food restaurant that has opened in Lower Mills, and the food is excellent! The fried chicken was so juicy and had a wonderfully seasoned flavor in the light batter, and the sides are tasty with a slight spiciness. My husband had the BBQ ribs with candied yams and mac & cheese.  Everything was so tasty with large portions.  For dessert, try the banana pudding, which is very good with a light banana flavor and vanilla wafers mixed in. Mrs. Jones is mainly take-out, but there is a handful of counter seating near the wall and windows.

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Photo of Ashley P.

 

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32

Ashley P.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
10/18/2007

This place is mainly for takeout, most of the area is for the open kitchen and then there is a counter and a couple of stools on the side to eat in. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are a really nice couple, they actually have a wedding photo on the wall. There was a line when I came in, and I guess they would run out of food when it's later in the day.

I ordered the fried chicken plate with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. The chicken was cooked to order and consisted of wings, usually fried chicken plates are thighs/breasts etc. However, I like and usually order wings anyway. The chicken is seasoned right and moist. While we were waiting for the chicken to fry, Mrs. Jones let us and all the other customers sample the bbq ribs. I thought that was really nice and generous.

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Photo of Will N.

 

5

53

Will N.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
03/04/2008

Probably the best Southern Cuisine I've had.  

Since this place only has 4 seats (yes Four) and only street parking, it was really tough to give this 5 stars, but it deserved it.  

For less than $10 you can eat like a Southern King!  

This restaurant is new with only 8 months under their belt, so keep them alive!!!!

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Photo of Sarah G.

 

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31

Sarah G.

Dorchester, MA

5 star rating
07/20/2007

I'm new to the Lower Mills neighborhood, and so is Mrs. Jones.  I would probably never have noticed the place if it weren't for the gentleman that lives in my apt building and tells everyone with ears about it...but he hasn't spoken an untrue word!  I got in the elevator with him once and almost passed out because his food from Mrs. Jones smelled so good.  SO GOOD.  He actually had a stack of menus to distribute around the building.  This man loves Mrs. Jones SO MUCH that he never leaves without at least 5 menus to give to new people.

Well, it worked.  We invited friends over to test out our new take-out options, and Mrs. Jones was on the list.  There were ribs (regular and baby back) and fried chicken ordered, with corn bread, corn on the cob, rice, and mashed potatoes on the side.  They ate every morsel.  My boyfriend granted me about two forkfuls of mashed potatoes and a few bites of his ribs, and HOLY! COW!  Now that I'm thinking about it...I think we'll be getting Mrs. Jones for dinner tonight.

ETA: This place has become our go to for take out on special occasions - our mini Christmas, Valentine's day, etc...

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Photo of Chris S.

 

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4

Chris S.

Lynn, MA

4 star rating
10/07/2007

Best fried chicken I have ever had! The sides and ribs were pretty darn good too, but I have yet to find any ribs that can top Moe's. Still I will be going back for more chicken!!

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