Address: 3117 Lagrange St, Toledo, OH 43608

Phone: +1 419 380 8800

Price Range: $$$$

Elsie's Kitchen

If you find yourself in Toledo and craving authentic soul food that tastes like a home-cooked meal, Elsie's Kitchen is definitely worth checking out. Nestled on Lagrange Street, this cozy eatery radiates a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a hearty and fulfilling dining experience. Open from Tuesday to Saturday with slightly shorter hours on Saturdays, Elsie's Kitchen is famous for its Soul Food Sundays that draw in crowds eager for scrumptious southern comfort food.

One thing you'll notice about Elsie's Kitchen is the friendly service and the undeniable taste of love in every dish. The menu boasts a variety of soul food staples that are sure to warm your heart. Keep in mind, the restaurant has a limited menu throughout the week, but you'll find a lot more options available on Sundays. The soulful selection ranges from ribs and pig feet to meatloaf and greens, making it challenging to narrow down your choices.

Let's talk about the star dishes you absolutely can't miss. The Smothered Pork Chops are a standout, loaded with flavor and cooked to perfection. They come alongside a selection of sides, and the portions are generous enough to share, though you might not want to. For fish lovers, the fried catfish, a favorite among the regulars, boasts a light, crispy coating and juicy tender meat inside.

Meatloaf is another must-try. One bite of this tender, perfectly seasoned dish will have you reminiscing about family dinners. Pair it with greens and some cornbread, and you'll find yourself in a food coma in the best way possible. On Sundays, the extensive menu includes other southern delicacies like ribs that fall off the bone and are packed with smoky goodness.

For those who love a good indulgent side dish, the loaded steak potato comes highly recommended. It's loaded with savory toppings and can easily stand as a main dish if you're not too hungry or want to try a bit of everything else. And let's not forget the deliciousness that is the Southern-style green beans and spaghetti – yes, spaghetti. This unique take on the classic pasta will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Pricing at Elsie's Kitchen is pretty reasonable, with a meat and two sides option costing about $10, which is a steal considering the portion sizes. However, it's essential to note that on busy days some items might not be available, so versatility with your choices will serve you well. Also, the restaurant can get quite crowded, especially on Sundays, so arriving early or being prepared to wait a bit might save some hassle.

While most people rave about the food, there have been a few comments about occasional inaccuracies with takeout orders. So if you're grabbing a meal to go, double-checking your order is a good move. Additionally, the dining area is a bit tight and can get crowded, but the friendly service and delicious food more than make up for it.