Mama Ruth’s Soulfood
Luciana Diaz · 83 Google reviewsMama Ruth’s Soulfood — dependable soul food in Oak Park. Good value. "The turkey was tender, cabbage flavorful and I couldn't stop eating the dressing" — Margaret Willis
What 62 diners keep saying
What 62 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“God bless Mama Ruth! It doesn’t matter where you come from if you’re missing your mom’s or your grandmother’s cooking, this is the place where you’ll feel at home. I was starving and looking for something quick, and I found a treasure in the heart of Austin. Where do I even start? The history on these walls speaks for itself. It’s a true family restaurant. I literally met Mama Ruth a strong woman running the kitchen, giving orders with love, and even bringing the cashier (who looked like her daughter) a spoonful to taste. The fried chicken melted in my mouth, the mac and cheese was THE BEST, the mashed potatoes were incredible, and my personal favorite: the sweet potatoes? Life-changing. I grabbed a lemon cake for later, and all of this was just $20. Amazing. And listen as a Latina, Afro-Latina, a Brown woman, Mama Ruth represents me. Soul food has always been a symbol of resistance, community, and survival. Places like this are reminders that in dark times, small family-owned restaurants are keeping our neighborhoods alive. Supporting them is not just good food it’s love, unity, and hope.”
“Mama Ruth’s Was Smacking Y’all, Taste Like That Real Sunday Dinner We All Love, Food Was Tasty And Hot.. Check Em Out!!”
“This place is a treasure and very affordable! I split the meatloaf with my GF and we were comfortably full for $18 with tax. Everything was seasoned just right and had that homemade feel. It looks like they keep the menu changing, I still look forward to trying to try everything. They also look like mainly take out, no real seating. Def not standard fare and the value is great! Thank you Mama Ruth!!”
“Excellent customer service and delicious nutritious meals that caters to the soul. Once you try their offerings, you’ll definitely come back for more. ———Chef Patty Ringo”
“OMG!!!!! FINALLY SOME REAL GOOD SOUL FOOD , I got the beef tips dressing, mashed potatoes n yams ...I used to work in clarksdale Mississippi and the food there was great now after 20 years OMG I couldn't believe what I was eating it literally almost brought me too tears thank you Mama Ruth .., YALL WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.....WITH LOTS OF LOVE LIMO ROB !¡!!I WILL BE BACK FOR THE GREENS 😂”
“I’m from Mississippi and fell in love ❤️ in love with this B.O.B MISSissippi home soul food cookin, staff, service, everything is chef’s kiss 😚 I absolutely will be back”
“Fantastic service and even better food, we’ll be coming back!”
“Pinto beans rich and creamy, yams and corn on point, hush puppies delicious and different (They're both juicy and crunchy! than any I have ever had, almost like something you'd get in a Central American nation - red like they're made with achiote or something. Friendliest people you'll ever meet, tremendously accommodating - you can sit down and they make sure you're more than comfortable doing so! (Only three small tables, though.)”
“The food was great again and again 💯 Kendall bedenfield holy City”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More Soul Food in Chicago
See the ranking →
In the same lane · Soul Food
If it's packed, walk to…
More good rooms in Oak Park, minutes away.