J Rucker's House of Soul

After a stop in Pass Manchac looking for outside dining but finding a jammed inside-only restaurant with no masks, we headed up US 51 into Ponchatoula to look for an alternative. J Rucker's was listed as open, but when we arrived no one was there and it was marked closed. When we called, we were told "yes, we are open" but no one appeared in front. Finally just as we were about to drive off, someone came running across the parking lot. "We are open, and you can sit outside."After that little bit our time confusion (to the restaurant's credit, we were looking for a place around 4:30 in the afternoon and some listings showed a 5 pm opening, while others implied open from lunch to dinner. No big deal), we got seated and offered menus."Fried ribs" jumped out immediately as (1) unhealthy in many ways (2) unique and (3) of course, something we have to try once. We put in an order for that, along with fried shrimp and stewed chicken. Unfortunately a few minutes later the kitchen informed our server that fried ribs would not be offered that evening. I changed to stewed chicken. For starters, the fried broccoli and boudain balls were hot, fresh, not greasy, and served with a house dipping sauce that had a bit of kick. The stewed chicken arrived in the dense gravy on rice, tasty but beware also on the salty side (this bothered some other diners in my party more than me). The fried shrimp actually might have been the best thing on the table: hot, crispy, with almost like a tempura texture served on a bed of thin-sliced french fries. We were stuffed and facing a ride back to the south shore, so no dessert..."but tell us what you have, anyway." One of the options was "Bananas Foster ice cream." Uh oh, looks like we ARE having dessert. Highly recommended, with a strong banana flavor and actually frozen bits of ripe banana in there. (Some may not like that texture, but didn't bother me one bit).Chicken and waffles are one of the options for entree, as is an ice cream and waffle dessert that looked good as it went out to another table.

We were driving by on our to to another restaurant. This is a wonderful little hole in the wall with excellent staff! We were instantly seated and the staff had the most tasteful recommendations. The food was insanely delicious! They were so festive. We are definitely coming back time and again!

I've been craving some good fried chicken. This hit the spot. The Mac & Cheese was cheesy and good a little cold but the crispy fresh hot fried chicken made up for it. The waiter was attentive and on point. Thursday nights is steak night but my party decided on some other things. The candied yams melt in your mouth delicious. I will definitely be back to my home town just to eat here again!

Tiger burger. Beef patty w/ a hot sausage patty and the seafood fries. At first when I walked in no one greeted us and they had been open for a little over an hour so I was a bit dissatisfied with that. I had to walk up to the take out counter to ask if they were only going take out or is dining in a thing. We decided to sit at the bar, we were there for a minute before someone came to see about us. The bartender was really nice when she finally came and the and the Peach rum drink we had was really good. I originally ordered the philly cheese steak fries but they weren't doing those that day so I settled for the seafood fries and the tiger burger, but was impressed. I would go back and give them a second try, but the only thing I would say is even if they are use to slow days customers like to be greeted when they enter an establishment.

Here's the best picture I've got .... After 2 hrs and $120 dollars that's my food and the check.... My wife's food wouldn't who up for another 30 minutes in a Togo box... full price of course

This will be short and sweet.. the food here is awesome. Whatever you choose to eat off the menu, you will love. The fried chicken is the best in town, juicy and delicious. They had some amazing hot wings, and steak nite Give them a try

Redeemed by the chef!!! Thought it was going to be a bad experience. Food was off the chain!!!Best soul food red beans and rice anywhere. Steak was cooked to perfection. Chicken was finger lick'N yumminess!!! SIX STAR WORTHY cooking. Four stars due to service. Seated quickly but after 10min of no server I had to go ask the hostess if we were assigned a waitress. She apologized and sent one straight to us. They may need to try some BOTTLED soft drinks. Coke was obviously not mixing right from the carbonation machine. Tea was sour both sweet and unsweet. We all changed to water. Good'ol Ponchatoula pool water. BOTTLE water would fix this also.DO NOT let this scare you off. Maybe it was just a bad night. They happen sometimes. PROPS to the CHEF again. I'm glad my Mom wasn't with us because I would be dead! Slap Ya Mama seasoning wasn't allowed in our house.

Overall bad experience. Food bland and flavorless. Have a pic of my "fried chicken breast" attached. Brought it up to waitress and was told it was just a " small one in the batch." A/C must not work as it was hot in there the entire time. Needless to say I did not eat and will not return. Please bring your money elsewhere.

I just left there and it was my wife,mother in law , and Myself first time eating there for dinner because I wanted a steak and I'm like let's go give them a try. So we went in there and the lady that seated us at our table was are waitress too and she was super nice and respectful. The food on the other hand could have been better. My wife ordered the seafood potatoes and it had too much crab boil that's all u taste. So we sent it back and had to get a regular baked potatoes . My mother in law and myself had the special tonight and it was the steak. The steak was not good at all. Also the music was so loud there I had to ask for them to turn it down. So after this experience I will not go back there.

I have been wanting to try J Ruckers for awhile and finally was able to go. I didn't know that Wednesdays are only Wings... which were the best Wings I have ever had in my life... we met the Chef, she was so sweet and nice. I can't wait to go back on a night when there is a full menu. our server Dororthy was so nice... she worked very (extremely) hard to make sure our meals was perfect. she was pleasant, friendly, and genuine. by the time we left, I felt like I made a new friend... I enjoyed my visit and will be going back soonAlisa L