Marylous Soul Dining Experience: Authentic Soul Food in Richmond, VA

Had a hard time parking, but once we did everything else was great. The atmosphere, the service was outstanding, and very patient with a party of 14. Get the lambchops, you won't be disappointed.

Avery was our waiter and very nice. We did come on Saturday night with reservations for 4/5 people. Avery did let us know it was a little wait but it was cool. Ordered drinks and appetizers. The sideways drink was good and the crab dip delicious! Most of us had the catfish which was delicious! I had the smothered turkey wings bustin’! It’s a beautiful restaurant when it comes to the decor! We loved it will be back!

I went into MaryLous and experienced for my first time finally after hearing such an uproar! The food was amazing. My favorite item would be the thirty-down dry rub fly raised wings. My server, Avery automatically brought all the necessities — hot sauce, ranch. It was lovely. The soul food definitely smacked the soul just right! I’m quite the germophobe and the environment was quite clean in my opinion.

Decided to finally try this spot out. Went with my fiance’ for a little date and we had a good time. Our waitress was nice, the food was good and the drinks were also good. It had rained later on while we were there, so going to the rooftop was out the question at first. We tried to go a second time when the rain stop and the Dj had finished setting up but the music was slow to start. We had already been there for a while so we expected a little something more upbeat. I kept yawning so we decided to head out. When we go back, we would probably just do the rooftop bar to get a better experience.

I came here after hearing about the Turkey wings and THEY DID NOT DISSAPPOINT! My turkey wings were so juicy and fell off the bone! The bartender was so helpful and nice! She made sure I had a good experience as someone who were dining in by themselves! I’ll be back soon!

Marylou’s absolutely exceeded my expectations. The lamb chops were perfectly cooked — juicy inside with that nice sear on the outside — and the mac and cheese was the ultimate comfort food: rich, cheesy, and baked just right. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the overall atmosphere made it easy to just relax and enjoy the meal. Richmond needed a spot like this.

Soul Food.. according to websters dictionary the definition is, a type of food southern black Americans typically eat. Keep that in mind. Saturday my best friend and I had a Galentines dinner date at Mary Lou’s located on Main Street. I found the Black Woman Owned restaurant from an Instagram post of their bartender Chaney making new cocktail called “Forever in Bloom”. I’m a sucker for a cocktail and beautiful stemware. His unforgettable personality from a 2 min post made me look up their menu which looked amazing. So we made reservations thru toast and Saturday were so excited. We were greeted by the most pleasant host. Not only keeping the restaurant organized, but gave suggestions, was keeping everything clean and pre bussing tables. Sims is absolutely amazing. They got us seated as soon as we arrived. The menu was great but we weren’t even prepared for the art work and jewel colored seats. The comfortable seating, immaculate restroom. Did I mention the stemware choices??? Cici was our server and is otherwise known as fluffy. Her personality is heavenly. It’s like sitting down with your homegirl to talk about good food. She gave us suggestions and helped us choose great drinks and food. I spotted the infamous Chaney from the IG post and told him he was the reason we made a reservation. I ordered an espresso martini with tequila, Brussels as my appetizer and Turkey Wings and Yams and Collards as my meal. TENDERRRRRRRR! My turkey wings were so flavorful and falling from the bones. The greens… the greens… let’s just say I drank the pot liquor. My yams were so delicious and melted in my mouth. Someone’s Granny is definitely in the kitchen throwing down! Chaney even dropped by our table to see how are drinks were. When we finished our meal we were so sad to leave this atmosphere with the great staff, food and the music was too tier. So we went and sat at the bar to have a drink made by the wonderful Chaney! His personality is truly infectious and whew can he make a drink! He made us strawberry Cosmos, Blackberry Burbon Smashes and lastly Green Teas. Mary Lou’s features recipes from her grandmother Ms Mary Lou. I know what Webster says, but soul food is not just a food black southerns eat. Soul food is comforting, it reminds you of home. It’s a safe place. It’s nourishing to the soul. Soul food is dinner at granny’s house after church on Sunday! Mary Lou’s is all of that and I can’t wait to return.

The ambiance at Mary Lou’s was chef’s kiss. The decor, artwork, and cutlery had me feeling like I walked into a soulful museum with good lighting — absolutely top tier. My party came ready for brunch, but unfortunately the brunch menu has been discontinued (RIP to the French toast we were dreaming about ). On the bright side, the staff were friendly, honest, and knew that menu like the back of their hand — which I really appreciated. Now the food… for me, it was giving mediocre and a little on the salty side. I had the catfish, macaroni and cheese, and yams and honestly — it was just “eh” . I do want to give Mary Lou’s another shot, especially once the weather is nice. I’ve heard the deck is beautiful, so maybe round two will be the charm.