Mama Ruth’s Soulfood
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About
Mama 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
Experience Breakdown
Luciana Diaz
83 reviews
“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”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
Food was horrible 3 sides for 15 dollars IS HIGH WAY ROBBERY and it taste like shit especially the dressing the mash potatoes was box & the string beans looked like it came from the CAN!!!
I don't understand the 5 star reviews, must be the family writing them.
Ruth’s has a great customer service experience but the food isn’t so tasty.
Location
5965 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
What 46+ diners say about Mama Ruth’s Soulfood
“God bless Mama Ruth.”
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.
Luciana Diaz
Nov 2025
“Mama Ruth’s Was Smacking Y’all, Taste Like That Real Sunday Dinner We All Love, Food Was Tasty And Hot.”
Mama Ruth’s Was Smacking Y’all, Taste Like That Real Sunday Dinner We All Love, Food Was Tasty And Hot.. Check Em Out!!
Shenita Walker
May 2025
“This place is a treasure and very affordable.”
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!!
Bert Velilla
Jan 2025
“Food was absolutely great and they gave you your money's worth.”
Food was absolutely great and they gave you your money's worth. The service was just absolutely terrific. They just gained a regular.
Dee
Oct 2025
“This restaurant have some amazing food and great prices!”
lorraine thomas
Sep 2025
“Those $5 Hollas are off the chain..”
Those $5 Hollas are off the chain... I don't know any soul food restaurant. That sells one entree with 2 sides. And a piece of corn bread for $5 bucks only. Who are stating the food is terrible. Must not know so food. I'm on my way up there now. Meaning in real-time now at 12:10 PM. You can't please them all keep doing your thing, mama.Ruth, and by the way, I'm not a family member.I'm a real customer with real life reviews👍🏾💪🏾🤷🏾
Charles streeter
Sep 2025
“The food was amazing.”
The food was amazing. We 🍝 w/ meat sauce, yams, chicken wings, greens and the banana 🍌 pudding was the cream of the crop. Everything, Was amazing. Home cooking & I wasn't at home . Thank You Mama Ruth, we will be back!
BWStyle “Priest”
Sep 2025
“I visited from Texas the food was great the service was great.”
I visited from Texas the food was great the service was great. They went over and beyond to please us. I will be back!!!!!
Drew Smith
Aug 2025
“So down to earth and great food.”
Michael Hodges
Jun 2025
“Mama Ruth's Soulfood was delicious with friendly service.”
Mama Ruth's Soulfood was delicious with friendly service! I had the 6-piece chicken wing dinner with macaroni & cheese and cabbage & cornbread. One of the guys even gave me a sample of greens and that was awesome as well! I'm really happy with my experience and will definitely be back!
NinjabyNight
May 2025
“Super nice dude working there.”
Super nice dude working there. Fantastic food I recommend checking out. Just got a plate of soul food (perch, Mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, and a couple other things) down the street from enterprise.
Roberta Baumhart
May 2025
“This place is AMAZING!!”
This place is AMAZING!!! Anybody that lives or works near Oak Park/West Chicago should 100% check it out and have lunch or dinner!! I did dine in but it is clearly a good place for takeout as well. Food is amazing, atmosphere is amazing, prices are incredibly fair for the big servings provided. The menu is great. And it has a very cozy atmosphere. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, truly embraced the soul food vibe. Craig the head cook was a great guy and a great cook. Right before our food came, Craig and another gentleman confirmed what toppings we wanted, mild sauce, etc. and then they eagerly brought the food out and set it right at our seats. These people care about their customers and emphasize fostering a unique experience with great value provided. Will be back soon!
Daniel B
May 2025
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