Upscale soul food but a bit overpriced and the portions of food for what patrons are charged does warrant a return visit; also the seating is not as great as these reviews would leave you to believe. The upstairs is not bad but there is no elevator for physically challenged patrons nor is there an upstairs bathroom (you have to walk downstairs to use the bathroom and there are quite a bit of stairs)
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Betty S.
My niece visited us from North Carolina this weekend and asked me to suggest a restaurant. I have to admit SOCU is one of my favorites in Mobile. She was impressed by our waiter, the food and ambiance. What a great time we had. This little girl, now a valued professional insisted on picking up the check and treating us, her aunt and uncle. Then outside to enjoy LODA. Great evening out starting with dinner at SOCU. Betty Mack Shinn
Kim Parra
This place has a beautiful and elegant vibe when you walk in with some posh seating and warm tones. They let you pick where you want to sit and you download the menu on your phone. We were greeted with warm smiles and our waitress was Angel and she lived up to her name and was very knowledgeable about the menu and local things to do! We ordered the southern breakfast with conecuh sausage and red potatoes with scrambled egg… followed with the fluffiest biscuit we ever ate! We did the fried chicken and waffle so we could share everything we could sample. The chicken we could really taste the perfect scald and seasoned to perfection. Going to have to go back for a plate next week! The waffle was fluffy and melted in your mouth. This is a Southern Gem Secret y’all so may have to make a reservation in the future once everyone finds out about it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mama
Nooner56
Was excited to see the menu for SOCU, the website made the place look fun and elegant. We arrived at 5:00 reservations were for 5:30. They were gracious enough to take us in at 5:00. My lower rating is do the lack of items that were on the limited menu. I got the Fried Chicken and it was outstanding! So much food that I was not expecting. A couple of the appetizers were also not available either, as well the wine we requested was not available. Although this was a disappointing visit, I will give them another chance. I want to support wonderful businesses like this but there is an expectation level that was not met during this visit. I want to mention our waitress Marie was so nice, after the apparently bad day she had. The restrooms need to be cleaned much better than what I experienced.
Molino R.
Reserved a table only to show up to the place being closed. But it was posted as open on all platforms. The food is good here though.
Morgan Lynn
My wife and I came in on art walk night, the first thing we noticed was the A/C was pathetic, so pretty uncomfortable to sit inside. Next when we sit down the bartender didn’t even greet us, he just gave us two cards that we had to scan to get the menu. He took our order without saying much outside of answering our questions. Then when we ordered oysters for an app, he neglected to tell us the restaurant did not have oysters so we had to wait almost an hour for them. Then when our food came out after we finally got the oysters, the entree was very dry shrimp and salmon. Almost as if they cooked it before the oysters were ready and had to leave the plate to sit under the heat lamp. Then when the bill came the price on the bill did not match the online menu we had to look at on our phones. The bartender did take about 10% off to say sorry for the price change, and poured us a shot to say sorry for the waiting for oysters. But all in all $100 for 2 people should get a little better experience. 2 stars only because the bartender was pretty understanding at the end for us.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Lashundra Gunn
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. When we arrived on Sunday no one was at the host stand. Several employees were present and seemed to be busy at work. They looked our way but did not acknowledge us. After standing at the stand for 13 minutes a nice women who had made eye contact with us several times came over and said I will sit you in just a moment, she did just that. The main floor had about 15 people in the dinning room, with plenty of room to sit more people at a table or the bar. We sat at the bar. We waiting another 20 minutes for the bartender to take our drink order and place an oyster order. Only 3 other patrons were sitting at the bar in addition to my party of 2. We did receive our oysters in a timely manner. At that point the kitchen seemed to be working well. Before we received the oysters we placed out brunch order. Shrimp & grits and 1 order of chicken and waffles. After another 40 minutes the chicken and waffles came out. At that time the bartender made me aware that they were out of shrimp. I then ordered chicken wings with a side of grits. I waited another 35 minutes. When my order came it was two chicken thighs not wings. I asked where was the wings she stated they were out. The waiters had been going back and fourth with the chef due to lack of communication and not making them aware they were out of certain items. The server at that time took the charge off for my meal because everything went wrong. I then cut into the chicken thighs and they were raw. Blood was running everywhere and the center was pink. I made the server aware. She apologized and then took my drink off as a courtesy. I end up paying for the oysters and the chicken and waffles. ( FYI the chicken and waffles were very good)Throughout the visit it was so unpleasant and unprofessional. The severs were asking the chef about their concerns with the food and he is basically screaming at them telling them everything was their fault because they did not put the tickets directly in front of him. He had to reach for the tickets ( however from my sight all tickets were right by him). They were literally arguing one waiter who was also the hostess had to step out and take a breather due to the hostile environment. As we where leaving I informed the chef that the chicken was raw. He proceeded to say "You what to know why the chicken was raw... it's because of your server. She keep asking me why I'm having to wait so long on my chicken and I told her it's because you didn't put the ticket in the right place. So since she keep asking me I gave her the chicken because I was tired of her asking me for something I told her was not done".As a chef how do you send out raw food knowing that it was not done. This experience was nothing but pleasant. I would have thought giving the experience they would have remove the cost of everything. However they did not. On the way out the chef told us he would remember our face and take care of us when we come back. We do not live in Mobile and if we did we would never come back. This is not how a business should be ran. I also feel bad for the severs. It has to be a uncomfortable environment for them as well. They severs today were two small females, one older and one young. The chef is a very heavy set male. Giving the hostility as a women I would have felt somewhat afraid and extremely uncomfortable.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Lashundra G.
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. When we arrived no one was at the host stand. Several employees were present and seemed to be busy at work. They looked our way but did not acknowledge us. After standing at the stand for 13 minutes a nice women who had made eye contact with us several times came over and said I will sit you in just a moment, she did just that. The main floor had about 15 people in the dinning room, with plenty of room to sit more people at a table or the bar. We sat at the bar. We waiting another 20 minutes for the bartender to take our drink order and place an oyster order. Only 3 other patrons were sitting at the bar in addition to my party of 2. We did receive our oysters in a timely manner. At that point the kitchen seemed to be working well. Before we received the oysters we placed out brunch order. Shrimp & grits and 1 order of chicken and waffles. After another 40 minutes the chicken and waffles came out. At that time the bartender made me aware that they were out of shrimp. I then ordered chicken wings with a side of grits. I waited another 35 minutes. When my order came it was two chicken thighs not wings. I asked where was the wings she stated they were out. The waiters had been going back and fourth with the chef due to lack of communication and not making them aware they were out of certain items. The server at that time took the charge off for my meal because everything went wrong. I then cut into the chicken thighs and they were raw. Blood was running everywhere and the center was pink. I made the server aware. She apologized and then took my drink off as a courtesy. I end up paying for the oysters and the chicken and waffles. ( FYI the chicken and waffles were very good)Throughout the visit it was so unpleasant and unprofessional. The severs were asking the chef about their concerns with the food and he is basically screaming at them telling them everything was their fault because they did not put the tickets directly in front of him. He had to reach for the tickets ( however from my sight all tickets were right by him). They were literally arguing one waiter who was also the hostess had to step out and take a breather due to the hostile environment. As we where leaving I informed the chef that the chicken was raw. He proceeded to say "You what to know why the chicken was raw... it's because of your server. She keep asking me why I'm having to wait so long on my chicken and I told her it's because you didn't put the ticket in the right place. So since she keep asking me I gave her the chicken because I was tired of her asking me for something I told her was not done". As a chef how do you send out raw food knowing that it was not done. This experience was nothing but pleasant. I would have thought giving the experience they would have remove the cost of everything. However they did not. On the way out the chef told us he would remember our face and take care of us when we come back. We do not live in Mobile and if we did we would never come back. This is not how a business should be ran. I also feel bad for the severs. It has to be a uncomfortable environment for them as well. They severs today were two small females, one older and one young. The chef is a very heavy set male. Giving the hostility as a women I would have felt somewhat afraid and extremely uncomfortable.
Grace Barrentine
I work in the food industry, so I would never want to leave a bad review (ever)! But I made a reservation over the phone for 8pm on a Monday night with my mom who was visiting from out of town. We showed up and were rudely told they weren’t seating anymore guests. I explained that we made a reservation and they explained they could only serve chicken at this point and couldn’t have any more guests. There were only 3 tables of 2. This is totally fine! But please SOCU let us know these types of things before allowing a reservation and then losing said reservation. This was my first time attempting to eat at SOCU and it left me highly confused? And disappointed. Please just let your customers know what is going on before you take a reservation. Sincerely, a server.
I saw this place earlier in the day while visiting another business in downtown Mobile. I'm so glad that I chose this place for dinner on my last evening in Mobile. SOCU is a classy Southern restaurant in the heart of Mobile, Alabama. It sits on the corner of Dauphine Street and N Hamilton Street. I tried having lunch earlier in the day but they weren't open so I decided to return for dinner.My waitress was wonderful. She is a nice, warm and classy human being. She really made me feel welcomed and made sure that I had everything I needed to enjoy my dining experience. I also loved how she expressed, in a very heartfelt way, gratitude to me for dining with SOCU that evening. SOCU has a nice classy and historic feel to it.I ordered Deviled Eggs for an appetizer and they were really good! I recommend getting them. I also ordered Ora's Double Cut Pork Chop. This dish is Two Flash Fried Pork Chops with Crawfish Gravy. Delicious! My mouth waters as I write this. It also comes with two sides and a piece of cornbread. I chose the Bourbon Fired Candied Yams and SOCU Cabbage (Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Shaved Carrots, Bacon, Onions and Creole Pepper Mix. Food was fantastic! I would definitely return here again on another visit to Mobile. Ambiance and Service were fantastic as well! I highly recommend SOCU is you're ever in Mobile. I hope your visit will be as memorable as mine was.
Kim Woods
My mother and I went there for brunch today. Both of us had Shrimp 'n Grits. They were the best I had ever eaten. I highly recommend the peach cobbler cheesecake.We will definitely be back for dinner. The service was also wonderful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cody Howdeshell
Menu has changed up quite a bit since I was here in January but it’s still fantastic! The service we excellent. We had the Shrimp and Crab Dip, Shrimp and Grits, Blackened Salmon, and some Peach Cobbler Cheescake. Damned good food, damned good service, damned good atmosphere.Don’t let the new menu keep you from going! It’s still great! Maybe even better….
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits
AReves
The catfish was salty, the cabbage was also salty. Food overall was not good as it had been in the past. The menu was limited and some items were not available. There were a pair of shoes near the male restroom. The food and service doesn't match the amount they are charging.
Jaimie Conway
My Gawd this food was amazing. We ordered the hot honey chicken wings, shrimp and grits, fried pork chop, Mac and cheese, YAMS, peach cobbler cheesecake. EVERYTHING was a home run. Service felt like I was with family. Atmosphere was a vibe too! Absolutely give it a try.
Closed down!!!
Upscale soul food but a bit overpriced and the portions of food for what patrons are charged does warrant a return visit; also the seating is not as great as these reviews would leave you to believe. The upstairs is not bad but there is no elevator for physically challenged patrons nor is there an upstairs bathroom (you have to walk downstairs to use the bathroom and there are quite a bit of stairs)
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
My niece visited us from North Carolina this weekend and asked me to suggest a restaurant. I have to admit SOCU is one of my favorites in Mobile. She was impressed by our waiter, the food and ambiance. What a great time we had. This little girl, now a valued professional insisted on picking up the check and treating us, her aunt and uncle. Then outside to enjoy LODA. Great evening out starting with dinner at SOCU. Betty Mack Shinn
This place has a beautiful and elegant vibe when you walk in with some posh seating and warm tones. They let you pick where you want to sit and you download the menu on your phone. We were greeted with warm smiles and our waitress was Angel and she lived up to her name and was very knowledgeable about the menu and local things to do! We ordered the southern breakfast with conecuh sausage and red potatoes with scrambled egg… followed with the fluffiest biscuit we ever ate! We did the fried chicken and waffle so we could share everything we could sample. The chicken we could really taste the perfect scald and seasoned to perfection. Going to have to go back for a plate next week! The waffle was fluffy and melted in your mouth. This is a Southern Gem Secret y’all so may have to make a reservation in the future once everyone finds out about it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mama
Was excited to see the menu for SOCU, the website made the place look fun and elegant. We arrived at 5:00 reservations were for 5:30. They were gracious enough to take us in at 5:00. My lower rating is do the lack of items that were on the limited menu. I got the Fried Chicken and it was outstanding! So much food that I was not expecting. A couple of the appetizers were also not available either, as well the wine we requested was not available. Although this was a disappointing visit, I will give them another chance. I want to support wonderful businesses like this but there is an expectation level that was not met during this visit. I want to mention our waitress Marie was so nice, after the apparently bad day she had. The restrooms need to be cleaned much better than what I experienced.
Reserved a table only to show up to the place being closed. But it was posted as open on all platforms. The food is good here though.
My wife and I came in on art walk night, the first thing we noticed was the A/C was pathetic, so pretty uncomfortable to sit inside. Next when we sit down the bartender didn’t even greet us, he just gave us two cards that we had to scan to get the menu. He took our order without saying much outside of answering our questions. Then when we ordered oysters for an app, he neglected to tell us the restaurant did not have oysters so we had to wait almost an hour for them. Then when our food came out after we finally got the oysters, the entree was very dry shrimp and salmon. Almost as if they cooked it before the oysters were ready and had to leave the plate to sit under the heat lamp. Then when the bill came the price on the bill did not match the online menu we had to look at on our phones. The bartender did take about 10% off to say sorry for the price change, and poured us a shot to say sorry for the waiting for oysters. But all in all $100 for 2 people should get a little better experience. 2 stars only because the bartender was pretty understanding at the end for us.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. When we arrived on Sunday no one was at the host stand. Several employees were present and seemed to be busy at work. They looked our way but did not acknowledge us. After standing at the stand for 13 minutes a nice women who had made eye contact with us several times came over and said I will sit you in just a moment, she did just that. The main floor had about 15 people in the dinning room, with plenty of room to sit more people at a table or the bar. We sat at the bar. We waiting another 20 minutes for the bartender to take our drink order and place an oyster order. Only 3 other patrons were sitting at the bar in addition to my party of 2. We did receive our oysters in a timely manner. At that point the kitchen seemed to be working well. Before we received the oysters we placed out brunch order. Shrimp & grits and 1 order of chicken and waffles. After another 40 minutes the chicken and waffles came out. At that time the bartender made me aware that they were out of shrimp. I then ordered chicken wings with a side of grits. I waited another 35 minutes. When my order came it was two chicken thighs not wings. I asked where was the wings she stated they were out. The waiters had been going back and fourth with the chef due to lack of communication and not making them aware they were out of certain items. The server at that time took the charge off for my meal because everything went wrong. I then cut into the chicken thighs and they were raw. Blood was running everywhere and the center was pink. I made the server aware. She apologized and then took my drink off as a courtesy. I end up paying for the oysters and the chicken and waffles. ( FYI the chicken and waffles were very good)Throughout the visit it was so unpleasant and unprofessional. The severs were asking the chef about their concerns with the food and he is basically screaming at them telling them everything was their fault because they did not put the tickets directly in front of him. He had to reach for the tickets ( however from my sight all tickets were right by him). They were literally arguing one waiter who was also the hostess had to step out and take a breather due to the hostile environment. As we where leaving I informed the chef that the chicken was raw. He proceeded to say "You what to know why the chicken was raw... it's because of your server. She keep asking me why I'm having to wait so long on my chicken and I told her it's because you didn't put the ticket in the right place. So since she keep asking me I gave her the chicken because I was tired of her asking me for something I told her was not done".As a chef how do you send out raw food knowing that it was not done. This experience was nothing but pleasant. I would have thought giving the experience they would have remove the cost of everything. However they did not. On the way out the chef told us he would remember our face and take care of us when we come back. We do not live in Mobile and if we did we would never come back. This is not how a business should be ran. I also feel bad for the severs. It has to be a uncomfortable environment for them as well. They severs today were two small females, one older and one young. The chef is a very heavy set male. Giving the hostility as a women I would have felt somewhat afraid and extremely uncomfortable.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. When we arrived no one was at the host stand. Several employees were present and seemed to be busy at work. They looked our way but did not acknowledge us. After standing at the stand for 13 minutes a nice women who had made eye contact with us several times came over and said I will sit you in just a moment, she did just that. The main floor had about 15 people in the dinning room, with plenty of room to sit more people at a table or the bar. We sat at the bar. We waiting another 20 minutes for the bartender to take our drink order and place an oyster order. Only 3 other patrons were sitting at the bar in addition to my party of 2. We did receive our oysters in a timely manner. At that point the kitchen seemed to be working well. Before we received the oysters we placed out brunch order. Shrimp & grits and 1 order of chicken and waffles. After another 40 minutes the chicken and waffles came out. At that time the bartender made me aware that they were out of shrimp. I then ordered chicken wings with a side of grits. I waited another 35 minutes. When my order came it was two chicken thighs not wings. I asked where was the wings she stated they were out. The waiters had been going back and fourth with the chef due to lack of communication and not making them aware they were out of certain items. The server at that time took the charge off for my meal because everything went wrong. I then cut into the chicken thighs and they were raw. Blood was running everywhere and the center was pink. I made the server aware. She apologized and then took my drink off as a courtesy. I end up paying for the oysters and the chicken and waffles. ( FYI the chicken and waffles were very good)Throughout the visit it was so unpleasant and unprofessional. The severs were asking the chef about their concerns with the food and he is basically screaming at them telling them everything was their fault because they did not put the tickets directly in front of him. He had to reach for the tickets ( however from my sight all tickets were right by him). They were literally arguing one waiter who was also the hostess had to step out and take a breather due to the hostile environment. As we where leaving I informed the chef that the chicken was raw. He proceeded to say "You what to know why the chicken was raw... it's because of your server. She keep asking me why I'm having to wait so long on my chicken and I told her it's because you didn't put the ticket in the right place. So since she keep asking me I gave her the chicken because I was tired of her asking me for something I told her was not done". As a chef how do you send out raw food knowing that it was not done. This experience was nothing but pleasant. I would have thought giving the experience they would have remove the cost of everything. However they did not. On the way out the chef told us he would remember our face and take care of us when we come back. We do not live in Mobile and if we did we would never come back. This is not how a business should be ran. I also feel bad for the severs. It has to be a uncomfortable environment for them as well. They severs today were two small females, one older and one young. The chef is a very heavy set male. Giving the hostility as a women I would have felt somewhat afraid and extremely uncomfortable.
I work in the food industry, so I would never want to leave a bad review (ever)! But I made a reservation over the phone for 8pm on a Monday night with my mom who was visiting from out of town. We showed up and were rudely told they weren’t seating anymore guests. I explained that we made a reservation and they explained they could only serve chicken at this point and couldn’t have any more guests. There were only 3 tables of 2. This is totally fine! But please SOCU let us know these types of things before allowing a reservation and then losing said reservation. This was my first time attempting to eat at SOCU and it left me highly confused? And disappointed. Please just let your customers know what is going on before you take a reservation. Sincerely, a server.
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
I saw this place earlier in the day while visiting another business in downtown Mobile. I'm so glad that I chose this place for dinner on my last evening in Mobile. SOCU is a classy Southern restaurant in the heart of Mobile, Alabama. It sits on the corner of Dauphine Street and N Hamilton Street. I tried having lunch earlier in the day but they weren't open so I decided to return for dinner.My waitress was wonderful. She is a nice, warm and classy human being. She really made me feel welcomed and made sure that I had everything I needed to enjoy my dining experience. I also loved how she expressed, in a very heartfelt way, gratitude to me for dining with SOCU that evening. SOCU has a nice classy and historic feel to it.I ordered Deviled Eggs for an appetizer and they were really good! I recommend getting them. I also ordered Ora's Double Cut Pork Chop. This dish is Two Flash Fried Pork Chops with Crawfish Gravy. Delicious! My mouth waters as I write this. It also comes with two sides and a piece of cornbread. I chose the Bourbon Fired Candied Yams and SOCU Cabbage (Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Shaved Carrots, Bacon, Onions and Creole Pepper Mix. Food was fantastic! I would definitely return here again on another visit to Mobile. Ambiance and Service were fantastic as well! I highly recommend SOCU is you're ever in Mobile. I hope your visit will be as memorable as mine was.
My mother and I went there for brunch today. Both of us had Shrimp 'n Grits. They were the best I had ever eaten. I highly recommend the peach cobbler cheesecake.We will definitely be back for dinner. The service was also wonderful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Menu has changed up quite a bit since I was here in January but it’s still fantastic! The service we excellent. We had the Shrimp and Crab Dip, Shrimp and Grits, Blackened Salmon, and some Peach Cobbler Cheescake. Damned good food, damned good service, damned good atmosphere.Don’t let the new menu keep you from going! It’s still great! Maybe even better….
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits
The catfish was salty, the cabbage was also salty. Food overall was not good as it had been in the past. The menu was limited and some items were not available. There were a pair of shoes near the male restroom. The food and service doesn't match the amount they are charging.
My Gawd this food was amazing. We ordered the hot honey chicken wings, shrimp and grits, fried pork chop, Mac and cheese, YAMS, peach cobbler cheesecake. EVERYTHING was a home run. Service felt like I was with family. Atmosphere was a vibe too! Absolutely give it a try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits