R&J Southern Homecooking - Downey, California

Samantha L.

I approached writing this review with some hesitation. To begin, the exterior of this establishment may appear somewhat uninviting; however, it has the potential to offer excellent cuisine. Upon entering, you are welcomed into an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional barbecue shack, complete with family-friendly decor and the comfort of your grandmother's kitchen.

As this is a soul food restaurant, I anticipated an authentic experience, with familiar names such as Aunt Betty or Mabel in the kitchen. To my surprise, the establishment is operated by an Asian team, who also prepares the meals, which was a bit unexpected. It seems that this restaurant may have been sold along with its recipes.

Now, regarding the food, my opinions are quite mixed. Most dishes were well-seasoned, but I found the smothered pork chops disappointing. Although they had a crispy exterior, they were topped with gravy rather than being smothered and baked, which did not meet my expectations. Instead, they resembled fried pork chops with turkey gravy and fresh diced onions. Not traditional at all. Additionally, the pork chops were quite fatty, and a true smothered pork chop should melt in your mouth.

I also ordered Black Eyed Peas, which were flavorful and served over sticky rice, altering the overall taste. The collard greens were tasty despite lacking meat, and the accompanying cornbread was satisfactory.

We also tried the baby back ribs, which were just average; they seemed boiled and then baked with sauce. Unfortunately, the macaroni and cheese was disappointing—lacking flavor and resembling the texture of powdered Kraft mac and cheese, dry and completely devoid of the expected cheese pull.

The mashed potatoes appeared to be instant, lacking the fresh taste that homemade mashed potatoes provide. Given the affordability of potatoes, I believe this is an area that could easily be improved.

We ordered lemon pepper wings and hot wings. The lemon pepper wings were crispy and had a decent flavor, but nothing remarkable. Unfortunately, the hot wings did not meet expectations, tasting more like a hot sauce mixed with excessive vinegar, which I wouldn't recommend.

On a positive note, the fried shrimp was well-prepared, featuring a fish fry batter that had potential; it simply needs a bit more seasoning to elevate it further.

Our server, whose name escapes me, was very attentive and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

Overall, while my experience at this restaurant wasn't thoroughly enjoyable, I encourage others to try it for themselves; taste preferences vary widely, and there are certainly many areas where the food could improve.

Rachelle C.

The environment is nice. Our waiter was awesome. The presentation of the food was very inviting but the taste was unexpected. I had the the oxtails, and my hubby had the turkey wings. They were both a little dry and my oxtails weren't falling off the bones like I'm use too. The beans weren't cooked enough for me. I hate to complain but I have to be honest. My son's burger and waffles fries were good.

alyssa M.

I love dining in I always get fresh food, great customer service they ask plenty of questions to meet your wants to have a great meal! I got the red snapper fish and waffles fries this time was delicious! With the tarter sauce ! Shay is a amazing server! And will be back to dine again!

Bucky K.

It's always a pleasure to dine here. They have been serving the community for 35 years or so. There is a lack of Southern/Soul food palces anywhere east of here and this is one of the most convenient ones to visit from North OC and Norwalk/Cerritos area.

They have live music on Saturday nights and excellent friendly service with a beautiful smile from Shay. I'd recommend trying many things but I particularly like the flavor wings like the garlic parmesan. The burgers are not to be missed either.

Very good baked beans as well.

They also have some harder to find items like boudain and frog legs. And alligator pork sausage!

Mauricia B.

My first go to when it comes to great soul food. Florida born and raised so you know it better be good. The food is always hot and fresh, I’ve yet to have a problem with MY order. Shay was very pleasant and of course I’m coming back. 🤤🤤🤤🤤Come Get Ya Sum.

Akdb H.

It was delicious food if you come for flavor! Everything was seasoned just right and made to perfection! It is a small business with big hearts would definitely come back again and bring peeps! I got dinner special seafood with 2 sides and slice of bread

Don'Yai G.

Great spot for comfort food. The fried shrimp is perfectly crispy, the mac and cheese is creamy! FIRE!! Everything tastes homemade and fresh.

The portions are big, and the prices are fair. The staff Shay is friendly and makes you feel welcome. If you’re in the area and want some good Southern cooking, this is the place to go.

Jesse V.

At first glance the outside seems sketchy but that’s how you know the food is good. To start, we got the Smothered Short Ribs with a side of Collard Greens and Mac & Cheese and Corn Bread. Everything was nicely seasoned Corn Bread nice and crispy on outside and inside nice and fluffy, the only downside was I am not a fan of Collard Greens, but that’s just my opinion. We also got an order of waffle fry’s which came out super crispy.

Overall 9/10 Would Recommend, would come back when in the area again.