Bryan B.
This place rocks! Nothing fancy, just good soul food! I had the bbq turkey wings with mac and cheese, yams and collards. My friend had the ribs with cabbage, squash, mac and cheese and Lima beans. We also tried the peach cobbler. 10 out of 10 with everything! Nice portions and sweet tea to wash it all down. I plan on taking a road trip with some friends to try other menu ideas. If you’re in Kinston, or passing through, do yourself a big favor and follow the consistent line to Jessie Bell’s. Great food!
… moreVicie Blackmore
When I tell you everything was good. I promise this food taste like somebody grandma back there cooking. Great great great on everything!!!!!! And the plates don’t break your pocket.
… moreDanielle Poole
My man is a soul food lover, so when I spotted this spot on TikTok, I knew we had to check it out. Since it was a holiday weekend, we called ahead and were told they’d be open until 5:30—or until they sold out. That definitely piqued my interest!
I ordered the beef tips and rice with cabbage and green beans, paired with an Arnold Palmer. He went for the pork ribs with mac and cheese and potato salad, plus a sweet tea. We tried to get the peach cobbler for dessert, but unfortunately, they were out.
But here’s the sweet part—after we got our food, one of the staff members came out and surprised us with a small portion of peach cobbler from the very end of the pan. She said it wasn’t enough to sell as a full serving, but she wanted us to at least have a taste. I was more than happy with that—he only got a small bite because it ended up being my favorite!
The rib sauce had a little kick to it, which might be perfect for some, but we both have pretty low spice tolerance. The green beans were a bit on the bland side, but everything else was flavorful and delicious. On top of that, the service was warm and thoughtful. We’ll definitely be back when we’re in the area again!
… moreC. Neal
This place is a MUST if you are at all serious about indulging on some of the best food in the city of Kinston. I called in an order of beef tips, yams, cabbage, and that Mac & Cheese that simply can’t be beat. The tips were tender, moist and hard to stop eating. Same with the sides and this is as close to a “home cooked meal” as you’re going to find where the portions are extremely generous, and the flavor isn’t manufactured from a container or by being warmed up from packaging. They put WORK and plenty of care, and effort into each item they offer on the menu. I had a brief wait and watched the team behind the counter fill multiple orders to a restaurant with plenty of customers and what was truly impressive besides the food was the care they distributed to the customers receiving their food. The young lady that took my call arranged for a hand delivered meal for a customer who’s order was taken befofe I arrived. This customer informed her she may need some help getting to her home across the street with her food, and it was handled as smooth as water coming out of a faucet after turning the knob. This employee is extremely helpful, very understanding, and is by far one of the main reasons that place stays filled with customers that continue to return time and time again. She did it all with a genuine smile, and with empathetic character. This girl is GOOD!! Don’t second guess yourself or hesitate when trying to decide on where to bring yourself and family for that food you can’t and won’t find anywhere else. You’ll miss out if you do.
… moreBradley Estes
Great soul food I wish I lived closer to this place. You can’t find good cooking like this many places now days
… moreNC RUBY
There is a wait but worth it. If it’s a holiday go early before they run out. Love the pigs feet❣️ We drive up from Jacksonville to get this great soul food. The staff and owner are so welcoming. The gospel music is great but a little bit to loud.
… moreFalice Boggs
If you don’t feel like cooking and want some amazing food,check this place out!! Family owned and really friendly staff. I only had smothered turkey wings,mac and cheese, greens and potatoes and onions, but everything was good!! I’ll definitely be going back!!
… moreCandida Brown-Gorham
This is a place where family and friends can meet up and enjoy their food. Really Good food was so good.. Friendly atmosphere
… moreRickie Bradshaw
Very good down home cooking.My bragged about how delicious their turkey wings was.Aw man, she was right.Awesome side dishes and good sweet tea.Fried chicken was very flavorful.Only thing is that you got to wait a bit after you place your order.But boy is it worth the wait. Makes you want to take a nap after all that good eating.I grew up a Kings Chicken and BBQ person all my life in Kinston.But now, I think Kings has lost the competitive edge to Jesse Bell’s.I feel Jesse Bells right now is head and shoulders over Kings.Keep up the good work Jesse Bells
… moreLin Dziuk-Whitley
The owners are so friendly. And you know the food is good when they run out. The food is very delicious & if you want a good home-cooked meal, I highly recommend this place. Sometimes there’s weight, or they run out of food. But it is so worth it.
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