Social Profile: 
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
… View more
The story of Mama J’s begins during the childhood of Velma Johnson (affectionately known as Mama J), who was born one of fourteen children to Willard and Alease Roland. In their cozy home on the West End of Richmond, Velma and her siblings took part in all of the household chores, including helping their mother and grandmother in the kitchen as they prepared large family meals. This is where she learned the magic of the recipes that are now served at Mama J’s.
Southern & soul food with a full bar are offered in a casual, modern cafe setting with a chill vibe.
Hours
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 415 N 1st St, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 225-7449
Website: http://mamajskitchen.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Menu | Mama J’s
mailing address. Mama J’s, LLC PO Box 5522. Richmond, VA 23220. phone. Restaurant (804) 225-7449. Catering (804) 337-7678. Facebook · Twitter. © 2021 Mama J’s, …
Mama J’s – Richmond
Mama J’s is Richmond’s premiere soul food dining experience. This family-owned and operated restaurant located in Historic Jackson Ward
Our Story – Mama J’s
Velma Johnson — a local celebrity in her own right — has been recognized as an award-winning chef and often makes appearances on WTVR’s (Channel 6) cooking …
Reviews
Michelle
I should have known better when the person I was with earlier in the day declined to eat there with me….she is from the area and doesn’t care for their food.
I was excited to try it so went anyway.
Food was mediocre at best….1 out of 10.
Some of my food was WAY TOO SALTY!!
Fried chicken was undercooked, and only crispy in some places. Hairs on the chicken (not human hair…chicken hairs). Also, the bone inside the chicken wing was cracked open with the marrow exposed. Yuck!
Cornbread tasted good but was crumbly.
Collards had a good texture but weird flavor. I honestly can’t put my finger on it. They almost tasted like they were frozen and reheated or were cooked in a pan that something had burned in.
Service: poor. Staff seemed to have the potential to be friendly not did not meet the mark. I did not experience good customer service. Staff rude. I did not sense that they appreciated my business at all.
I brought my food, home with no intention of eating it. I just took some photos and threw it in the trash.
I willl NOT be back. I can GUARANTEE that.
Don’t waste your time or money.
I have been to Southern Kitchen 5 times since September. So far it has been AMAZING! Go there instead.
… moreI was excited to try it so went anyway.
Food was mediocre at best….1 out of 10.
Some of my food was WAY TOO SALTY!!
Fried chicken was undercooked, and only crispy in some places. Hairs on the chicken (not human hair…chicken hairs). Also, the bone inside the chicken wing was cracked open with the marrow exposed. Yuck!
Cornbread tasted good but was crumbly.
Collards had a good texture but weird flavor. I honestly can’t put my finger on it. They almost tasted like they were frozen and reheated or were cooked in a pan that something had burned in.
Service: poor. Staff seemed to have the potential to be friendly not did not meet the mark. I did not experience good customer service. Staff rude. I did not sense that they appreciated my business at all.
I brought my food, home with no intention of eating it. I just took some photos and threw it in the trash.
I willl NOT be back. I can GUARANTEE that.
Don’t waste your time or money.
I have been to Southern Kitchen 5 times since September. So far it has been AMAZING! Go there instead.
Royce Bussey
Went here on 10/6/25 to pick up to go order. I was really wanting some soul food. I ordered the fried pork chop sandwich with no bread, collard greens, and macaroni & cheese. My Wife had the catfish nuggets, collard greens, and yams. My pork chop was so thick, juicy, and tender. It was well seasoned. At first look at the macaroni, I was a little skeptical, but after tasting it, it was delicious also. Collard greens was good, was not sure of the seasoning used, but was a little sweet to my Wife. I liked them, they were good, but I’ve had better. Corn muffin that was substituted for the bread on my sandwich was good also.
The GPS took me to the new location, and I had to walk about a half a block to where they were. I’m glad to see them expanding, as the original location is very small. I would highly recommend them, and wish them continued success. I will definitely be back when I’m in the area photographing bald eagles.
… moreThe GPS took me to the new location, and I had to walk about a half a block to where they were. I’m glad to see them expanding, as the original location is very small. I would highly recommend them, and wish them continued success. I will definitely be back when I’m in the area photographing bald eagles.
T Wilson
My partner and I went to Mama J’s on Wednesday evening and were offered a table immediately. I got the fried catfish and he got the grilled pork chops with gravy and peppers. Both dishes came with cornbread and we shared collard greens, candied yams, and mac & cheese.
Everything was delicious! The catfish could be a bit more seasoned but it was good. The pork chop was tender and juicy. The greens, yams, and mac taste like Sunday soul food dinner. We ended the meal with the pineapple coconut cake and that was scrumptious as well. It all made me do a little happy dance in my seat.
Speaking of a lil seat dancing, the music they played really sets the tone and it’s not too loud. It’s more of a Jill Scott and Isley Brothers vibe, IYKYK.
So you got the smells, tastes, sights, and sounds all working together. It Just feels good.
We can’t wait to go back and try some new dishes and even more of what we’ve had before.
… moreEverything was delicious! The catfish could be a bit more seasoned but it was good. The pork chop was tender and juicy. The greens, yams, and mac taste like Sunday soul food dinner. We ended the meal with the pineapple coconut cake and that was scrumptious as well. It all made me do a little happy dance in my seat.
Speaking of a lil seat dancing, the music they played really sets the tone and it’s not too loud. It’s more of a Jill Scott and Isley Brothers vibe, IYKYK.
So you got the smells, tastes, sights, and sounds all working together. It Just feels good.
We can’t wait to go back and try some new dishes and even more of what we’ve had before.
Beautifully Kept
Felt like mamas kitchen for sure. It was our first time dining there.
My favorite dishes so far are the Mac n cheese-chefs kiss! Yams, fried chicken, French fries, Catfish, peach cobbler (just need more peach juice please)
We will be back!
… moreMy favorite dishes so far are the Mac n cheese-chefs kiss! Yams, fried chicken, French fries, Catfish, peach cobbler (just need more peach juice please)
We will be back!
LaVonne Jackson
We drove two hours to try this place and this is not what we consider good food. I wish we would’ve went to Croaker Spot instead. The staff is welcoming and friendly but the food was horrible. Both myself and my friend were disappointed but because we were just trying it out (we even told the waitress that we will be leaving a review) we didn’t complain. Maybe if you are diabetic or have high blood pressure and cannot eat certain seasonings, you would possibly enjoy this place. For those who like their food seasoned…….this is not where you want to spend your bucks. My meal came out to $44 and some change and it was not worth the cost. I tried the brisket collards , cabbage and seafood salad Everything was warm, nothing hot. Their cornbread would be good if they serve it hot. My friend’s baked chicken is also pictured and it did not look appeasing and the taste was worse. She only liked the potato salad.
… moreAndy G
Went here in July on a road trip. Such a welcoming place in the heart of Jackson Ward! The fried chicken was so crispy and juicy, and paired so well with the (raisin-free) potato salad. 10/10 would recommend!
… moreNatasza Dudek
A great place! The service are amazing and took good care of us! And the food tastes really good. Would definitely come again if ever in the neighborhood!
… moreAriel Cruz
The food is phenomenal. The wife and I had fried catfish, collard greens and mac-n-cheese. Did I mention that the food was slamming! Looking forward to my next visit to Richmond, I’m definitely heading there for the great food and atmosphere.
… moreRodney Martin
The food was fantastic. Full of flavor. The waitress was very attentive and respectful. It was a very cold day and cold inside the restaurant. Definitely a place to frequent.
… moreScott Newby
Omg – it was as good as everyone says. Unfortunate that it took us this long to get there & will be back for certain. Had the catfish bites to start and then the pork chops. Others had the catfish sandwich – everyone was extremely happy with how good the food was. Tuesday night – so not busy. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Full bar service & the drinks looked amazing – next time will try those.
… more