Simply Shae Soul Cafe

During the pandemic, a friend sent me a list of restaurants to try. Simply Shae was on the list. Because I lived north of downtown Chicago, I rarely got to Hyde Park, let alone to the South Suburbs. Now that I live in the South Suburbs, I had no excuse. Simply Shae is a small walkup, so having a sit-down meal is not an option. Food is cooked to order, not reheated, which means there will be a wait. And if there is a long line before you get there, the wait is that longer. My experience with the cashier was one of quality service. She kept repeating my order -- I ordered three meals -- to make sure she had exactly what I ordered. The stuffed catfish with dressing and yams were outstanding. The shrimp alfredo for the stuffing was just right, not overboard. The yams were Grandma perfect. And the dressing had a hint of sage, not an abundance of it. The fried catfish with spaghetti and greens took me back to Mississippi. The spaghetti was more savory than sweet, which scores high points. The greens were flavored nicely without being too much. The stuffed salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and greens were what I had for lunch later in the week. Talk about some good eating. The portions are large. Some restaurants skimp on side dishes. Not at Simply Shae. Another thing I liked was that the side cornbread is more savory than sweet. They will get my dollars, for true. But they'll get my business before the crowd starts coming.

I love supporting our BLACK AND BROWN BUSINESSES.... However every new Black/Brown restaurant I have tried in the last 2 yrs have been lacking customer service and wait times...I waited over 15 minutes in a short line (only 2 people ahead of me) just to pay for an extra dessert. So I decided to leave. Just to look in my bag and see they forgot to put the dessert I did order with the phone order in my bag.. So frustrated MOST LIKELY WILL NOT SUPPORT AGAIN and You guys owe me A SMALL BANANA PUDDING

My food is cold and I work 5 minutes from this establishment and just picked it up. How is that possible? I stood in line, ordered my food, waited approximately 15 minutes for it to be prepared and packaged AND it's cold. Overall taste was good after I reheated a just purchased meal. Wait time and results don't add up.

The catfish bake bean and greens were very good. Seasoned good. I did a Grub-hub order.

I visited this place after seeing the IG page. The chicken wings and turkey legs with sides are good. Didn't have to wait for a long time and experienced good customer service.

I was in the area and had heard good things about this place and wanted to try it. I tried calling first to see if they were open & find out what was on the menu for the day. Upon answering the phone, Keianna picked up & immediately started talking, saying we are not taking phone orders as the line is out the door now. I said I just wanted to know what was on the menu for the day, she then said hold on please and never came back to the call. I started not to go but decided I'll try it anyway since I am out this way. Upon entering I was taking aback by the small waiting area....I see why the line was out the door, there is no room to wait on the inside. I thought it was because the food was so good.....not the case at all. I ordered two dinners as I was taking them home for my husband as well. I ordered fried catfish w/greens & Mac/cheese, chicken wings (not a dinner) comes w/fries but you can switch it with another side dish. I requested greens. Since the chicken wasn't a dinner I had to pay for an additional side dish & I ordered dressing. Here is my take on the meal: greens has too many stems, they appear to be clean but not picked. They are cut all the way the end of the greens leaf which includes the thick stem. I understand the restaurant business but you should also consider your customers. Don't put the stem ends in the greens to stretch and save. You lose good paying customers like that. Would you eat a cup full of stems? Well, that's what it felt like to me. The fried fish was nice & crunchy with a hint of spicy, Mac/cheese was good the dressing was alright the chicken...man you know how they say you eat with your eyes first. Well, my eyes told me not to eat the chicken. It looked burnt, like it was fried in old grease. And has been fried for a second time. That wait was long so I went down the street to buy my 'Obama Tea'. Upon returning to this location my order was ready. Upon opening the door there is no spring on the door hinge so it flew all the way open & I thought the glass was going to break. I am not going to give up just yet they have one more time. I hope it goes well the next time as I will return to Yelp!

Food is delicious! JUST FOUND OUT. OUT YHEM 3 mins ago !! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!! Only thing a us that store where I seem 4 nem standing out side ???

I really have enjoyed most of the food that I've eaten here. The fried catfish, jerk pasta and the lamb chops, except I would have wanted mine cooked more medium) not so well done. I'm not a huge fan of all of the sides. I think they would have a loyal customer and get more of my money if I could just order an entree AND if online on Uber eats or DoorDash listed all of their sides which include garlic mashed potatoes.

I just learned about this restaurant from Uber Eats! I was looking for something tasty and delightful for the hubby & I! When I tell you that every bite of the moist tender turkey, baked macaroni and cheese, ever so flavorful greens and dressing was on point in every sense of the WORD Jesus knows I'm not lying! You all better go get you some you will not be disappointed the food is simply amazing.

They advertise to call them but they never answer their phone. I called over ten times and they just started clicking the other line. I feel like my review is accurate because I tried them twice. Both times they were out of something I wanted. The first time being yams and the second time being the small banana pudding. I tried their dressing which they need to change it to stuffing. The celery was hard n big I couldn't enjoy my dressing without spitting a big chinch of celery out. The fried chicken had a weird taste to it. I feel like they over cooked it n covered it with sauce. None of the cooks had gloves on. The drinks were too thick.