Stein's - Memphis

When I go to a soul food restaurant this is what I expect. Great Food! Even better people.

Stein's is a small, local soul food restaurant in South Memphis at the corner of Lauderdale and Mallory. The outside of the restaurant does not appear to be inviting at all as there are burglar bars across the door and windows. I didn't see a dedicated parking lot, but you can park curbside. However, it's a busy street. There are a lot of semi trailers that travel through the area.As I walked inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. There was plenty of seating. Imagine being at a large church banquet where all the elders and pastors are eating a great meal and had engaging dialogue.The food variety was a little disappointing. Perhaps it was just me as all I wanted was veggies. Their meat choices included baked chicken, fried chips, neck bones, and something else. The yams were delicious. Overall, the food was just okay, but it was overpriced. Visualize one of those 3-section white styrofoam to-go boxes. A side of yams in one of those containers is $3.50! The drink prices are ridiculously high, $3+ for what appears to be a 20oz tea.While the food was fairly decent, don't expect highly seasoned food. The corn muffins taste great, but they were extremely small.It was busy at the restaurant, but all of the staff was very friendly, engaging, and patient.I would probably eat here again. I believe they're closed on Mondays. If you want to try some local soul food, check out Stein's.

The food was exceptional. My fish was cooked to order (didn't take long) and to perfection I had to bring it home because I was full from the sides. This was my first time here and I'm coming back! Oh, the sweet tea was awesome as well.

I was told this was a awesome soul food restaurant, but that is not what I received. The wings were cooked to hard, butter beans were watery and the mash potatoes were lukewarm. The chicken and butter beans were lukewarm also. Food cost $51.00 dollars for my wife and I. Too much! Two plates with two sides on 1 and three on the other. Line was so slow and the lady at the register was trying to do to much.She also was not polite and was like just pay attitude. It did seem like if she knew you, she treated you better.I was so, so DISAPPOINTED IN STEIN'S SERVICE AND FOOD. I will continue to stick with my go too and best soul food in Memphis, Kountry Kitchen on Winchester and Elvis Presley near the Walgreens. I don't work for them at all, the food and the service is that GOOD.I WILL NOT BE BACK TO STEIN'S......

I really wish that I could give the food a raving score but I can't. Just can't! The meatloaf was loose and was covered in what was supposed to be red Gravy but it was really a red juice and neither the meat nor the juice had any flavor. Although the vegetables were fresh and looked tasty, to my disappointment, they were only fresh. Not tasty and were only lukewarm. In fact, ALL of my food was only lukewarm. Even the pink Lemonade was lukewarm even in the pre-made Iced cup. This is definitely a homestyle restaurant that gave me Big Mama's kitchen vibes and of the food were hot and tasted better, I'd go back.Parking: Street parking is available, but the restaurant shares the building strip with a barber shop so if that business is open, the parking will be limited.