Mama Pearls BBQ

This review is long overdue, but I wanted to make sure I wrote it. I had Mama Pearls food at a wedding that was at a lovely house rental near Miller Beach. They catered everything and it was so fantastic!

The BBQ, the greens, mac and cheese, potatoes, and the most amazing black eyed  peas! I want to know how hey get them to taste that good.

I heard nothing but good things from my friends who chose them as their wedding caterer, as well.

Highly recommend!

I've been looking for a good soul food restaurant in the area.   I first saw Mama Pearls when going to a local Railcats baseball game.    They're right across the street from the stadium.   I thought they might fit the bill of what I'm looking for.

So far I've gone twice using the Yelp app to place my orders.   Both times I've gone have been weekdays so there weren't a lot of customers.    Despite that it seems the orders take longer to get ready.   Both times I came just around 30 minutes and the food wasn't quite ready.    However the owner and his staff are very personable filling the time between my order with conversation.   They also have some side hustles as well selling beautiful jewelry and other venues can leave their adverts there to advertise future events.    The few customers that were in the restaurant were treated like family.    There were no inside diners but I'm thinking they may get more diners on the weekends.  

First time I ordered their rib tip dinner with mac&cheese and coleslaw (which the Yelp app defaulted to and I forgot to change).  Everything was fresh and delicious.   I'm not a coleslaw fan but enjoyed their version of it.   The second time I ordered catfish.   I wanted greens and cornbread dressing but found out both weren't available so subbed it with black eyed peas and mac&cheese.  I told him that I liked the coleslaw despite not being a fan and he gave me a complimentary sample.    That was yummy too.

The food and friendly staff make the longer wait worth it.   I will be back.

We stopped her with a group after a trip through Gary. This place is family owned and run. Named after a 102 beautiful soul and I had the pleasure to meet. The family is super friendly  the place is clean and the food is OUTSTANDING the only con was that on the day we visited not all items on the menu were available. So we will be back!!

Permanently closed as of 12/9/17. Didn't pay rent according to the local newspaper. chicagotribune.com/subur…

This place is so amazing! The service is Superior and the food makes you want to cry with joy. We love stopping on the way between Michigan from Chicago. They even make lactose free homemade ice cream, it tastes just like the real thing! I love it, my family loves it, you will love it too.

Place looks like it is about to close! Lights turned out, terrible rib tips, greasey!

Excellent soul food and wonderful people!  The chicken tips were out of this world!  Catfish nuggets were also very tasty with a hint of curry in the breaking. All sides were fresh and delicious.  Love the art on the outside of the building. The windows are tinted rather dark but they are open!  I recommend stopping by and checking it out. Seems most people do take out but there is seating if you want to eat in.

If you are ever in Gary right across the street from the Railcats stadium, or if you want to just make a trip, go to mama pearls bbq and soul food.  Amazing fall off the bone tender like no one's business  ribs slathered with sweet with heat bbq sauce, ooey gooey creamy cheesy mac and cheese, and sweet and tangy colsaw. FANTASTIC! You could basically order anything and be happy here, but you need to try the ribs.  I would come back anytime.

Awesome food!  Must stop by when in the area. Ribs fall off the bone.  Try the chicken tips!  Cole slaw is like no other.

Family recipes for fall off the bone ribs with delicious sides! Right across from the Railcats stadium, a great place to stop for dinner before the game!