Ella Mae's SoulFood

My middle son recommended we try this restaurant, he said it's just like eating at home. You know that says something when it's soul food. The atmosphere was pleasant and welcoming walking in, it was clean and although there was no eating inside, there's a nice patio area upfront. I'm funny about soul food spots because everyone can't cook, but you can never say this about Ella Mae's. I don't know the restaurant's back story, but I saw a dated looking photo on the wall and presumed the lady in the photo is the matriarch, Ella Mae. She's done a fine job preserving her legacy. You won't be disappointed.

2 Year Update After not eating this for 2 years due to not living in the area anymore. I finally found myself going to be in the area. I actually found out they switched location due to a birthday party at heck's dinner ( shameless plug: heck's has great burgers) which they a near. I placed my order on door dash (pickup: there is no dine in area here) after 3 attempts of calling their phone and one picked up. The online order process was quick and fairly easy. When I finally pulled up to the establishment, I knew my food was not going to be ready! People hanging outside the establishment, people waiting in their cars with the doors open and people standing inside waiting. With all of this, I went to the counter in good faith, hoping my food, that I order 20 minutes ago (door dash said order would be ready in 7 minutes) would be ready. Sadly it was not. The customer service was terrible which is just due to them being understaffed I believe. Their was an older lady at the front desk and that just seemed to be a lot for her with so many people waiting and complaining. Honestly, I don't blame the staff however this is just a result of bad management. From when I called to when I got my food, it was about an hour. (Which is fine if they communicate this, however if door dash says 7 minutes and when people order, you tell them "give it 20 minutes", bad customer service = bad management) I got my food, took it to my destination, opened it up and got to it. I got the chicken dinner with yams and Mac n cheese. First, THE YAMS ARE FROM A CAN, that was very disappointing. Usually you think somebody auntie in the back would try to doc them up so they won't taste canned like my aunt does on thanksgiving but it was no shame here, they tasted straight out the can. The mac n cheese was Mac n cheese and not that soul food macaroni and cheese (if you know you know).The fried chicken was fried to perfection thus the 2 stars. Was it worth is, kindaIn the future I'll probably just get fried chicken and be prepared to wait an hour. Also I forgot, the banana pudding is A1. Definitely top in the city!

This place popped up on yelp when I sorted by distance and I am so glad I stopped by.I ordered fried chicken but I got baked chicken and I am so glad they messed up because the gravy on the baked chicken was beautiful. My taste buds are still singing.The yams were sweet and sticky and falling apart just the right amount. They paired well with the savory greens with sizable chunks of ham.I didn't know I would get corn bread which was a treat and helped soak up the gravy and the juice in the greens. Because it was takeout only I sat in my car and I am pleasantly full.It's not a huge menu, but what they do they do well!

10/10. Just bomb food. The only thing is charging for hot sauce. No one eat fried chicken with 2 hot sauce packets. I love this place though. I was only visiting, but I introduced my cousin to this restaurant and now she can't get enough.

Located in a strip mall behind the Porsche dealership. Found them on Facebook, went on a mission after work last week. Took about 15 minutes to find. Greeted warmly, decided to order the fried white chicken dinner with an extra wing, Mac, yams and cornbread. 5 pieces of chicken, 2 sides, and two cornbread was $20. Cornbread is sweet and moist. Everything was perfect and wasn't able to eat until an hour later. I was so hungry I forgot to get a pic. I went back again this week for a wing dinner, got dressing, yams, and extra cornbread. You can't go wrong with anything here, I live West and happily drive an hour. Fresh and homemade. Orders do take 20 mins, feel free to call in.

I try to patronize local and small businesses often. This time I chose to support a minority owned business. We called to place an order and was told they were out of dark chicken, red snapper, desserts and one of the sides we wanted. We pressed thru and place three dinners. A fried turkey chops, catfish, and pork chops dinner was what we chose. Sides were Mac and Cheese, greens, cabbage and dressing. The meat was all great...those sides tho...Mac- great, creamy with some of those crispy pieces on top. Yummy. My favorite by far! Greens- good but too much salt. Cabbage- had a very interesting taste. Can't put my finger on it, but would give it a B-/CDressing-pretty good would get again. All in all, we will return. Service was great. We would like to try other entrees and sides. Also will post pics next time.

Delicious...!!!Ella Mae's Soulfood is a welcome addition to University Heights. A clean, modern, eatery with warm, friendly staff, and tasty homestyle cuisine.I highly recommend the turkey chops which are breaded, juicy, and spectacular. The rice and gravy is warm, soft, and hearty. And the greens are just perfect.I am excited to return and try the beef dishes!

I saw someone post Ella Mae's food on Instagram and it looks amazing! When came back to visit home, I made sure to stop by!I got the fried catfish, Mac and cheese aka SMACKaroni, dressing, and greens. My girl got the baked chicken, SMACKaroni, yams, and greens. That baked chicken fell off the bone with ease and probably was the best baked chicken I've ever had!! The food was seasoned and, unlike other soul food spots, they too risk beyond salt and pepper and it paid off. You can tell the food was made with love and the women who run the restaurant are some of the nicest people you'll meet.You won't regret it!

Food is always good for the most part when I've ordered but overpriced for the portion size. I have been patronizing since they were on cedar in university Hts and I'm happy yall have a nicer location. I just don't know if I'll continue to patronize with those high prices. With prices like this i want the full dine in experience with customer service!

Update: I give. $18 for a 3 wing dinner is pricey to me. Taste great, but come on. We need some better alternatives.