It truly pains me to leave a negative review for a Black-owned business. I go out of my way to support Black and Brown entrepreneurs, and I really wanted to have a positive experience. But if there’s one thing I value just as much as good service, is honesty—and unfortunately, I didn’t get either from Kale’s Kitchen.
I placed a $500 order for a family gathering and drove an hour to pick it up. That alone shows the level of trust and faith I had in this business. While already en route, I received an email saying the order wouldn’t be ready and asking if 7 PM would be okay. I responded that it wouldn’t be, as we were already pushing it by aiming for a 5:30 PM pickup. Monica then asked if we could come at 6 PM, and I agreed. We arrived at 6:30 PM and didn’t receive the full order until 7:30 PM.
Most of the food was delicious, but the macaroni and cheese was nearly inedible—overcooked, dry, and burnt. It was disappointing and frankly, embarrassing.
I contacted Monica with photos, and she was initially very apologetic, offering either a refund or a future meal. I chose the refund. Despite several follow-ups over the past month, I have yet to receive either the refund or a response. No longer bartering for my money or response, I opted to leave a review so others don't make the same mistake.
I’m sharing this review not out of malice, but because customers deserve transparency—and businesses should be held accountable. I had hoped to give Kale’s Kitchen a second chance, but after this experience, I’ll be taking my support elsewhere.
Food: 2
Service: 1
Parth Patel
The food is absolutely phenomenal. Well seasoned, tasty, cooked to perfection. However I question if it’s worth waiting 30-45 minutes in line for and to pay $30-$40 a plate? That’s way too high even in this economy.
Don’t get me wrong, the portions are massive but I can barely finish half the plate myself. Maybe they need to try smaller plates for a lower cost.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Willie Hawkins
plenty of good food, nice portions
Mooka Moo
Haven't Actually ate there yet but I meet Monica the owner and she had the whole outside Smelling So Good. So everyone go eat you want be disappointed ???
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacquie Price
2 Days Meal ! Every time delicious !❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
William Alston
Parking: Small parking lot with heavy traffic
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Terrineka Proctor
I wish I would’ve taken a pic of my plate so I can prove how massive it was, but Kales Kitchen is worth the line we waited in and the price we paid for it. I came across their instagram page before I came to Durham to visit last October, but I didn’t get a chance to stop by. We’re back and just a few days after moving to Durham, my husband and I finally tried and we loved it! They do indeed stuff your plate so don’t worry about if it’s going to fill you up or not because it certainly will. We are certain to visit again in the future.
Starteisha Hood
Im from NY so im definitely a hard one to please but baby let me say this sop is definitely LIKE THAT. EVERYTHING ON THE MENU GOOD AS HELL. I HIGHLY
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
dwayne williams
The line appears to be long but the wait was not that bad and worth waiting for. The price is alot but no other place will give you this much food. Whiting and shrimp was perfect. Mac and cheese was perfection
Food: 5
Courtney Kuhl
This place is ok it's very expensive yea you get a good amount of food for your money I guess but the food was not great like it's good but the food had no flavor no seasoning at all it was very bland I wasn't happy about that especially since I spent almost 80 dollars just for two plates probably won't go back to this place
Recommended dishes: Salmon Mac N Cheese Yams Side of Shrimp
LaShaé Williams
The best soul food in North Carolina by FAR. And I’m so serious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings
David Watkins
I mean, there's really nothing I can say, except this is an absolute must try. There's no debate about it, if you're within an hour or 2 of this here, you have to stop by.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pot Roast over Rice
Beverly a
I've been won't try place been several times and always closed I go different times never can open after reading reviews I won't try them out do anybody know if place still open just went other day it closed ever single time I went it closed
It truly pains me to leave a negative review for a Black-owned business. I go out of my way to support Black and Brown entrepreneurs, and I really wanted to have a positive experience. But if there’s one thing I value just as much as good service, is honesty—and unfortunately, I didn’t get either from Kale’s Kitchen. I placed a $500 order for a family gathering and drove an hour to pick it up. That alone shows the level of trust and faith I had in this business. While already en route, I received an email saying the order wouldn’t be ready and asking if 7 PM would be okay. I responded that it wouldn’t be, as we were already pushing it by aiming for a 5:30 PM pickup. Monica then asked if we could come at 6 PM, and I agreed. We arrived at 6:30 PM and didn’t receive the full order until 7:30 PM. Most of the food was delicious, but the macaroni and cheese was nearly inedible—overcooked, dry, and burnt. It was disappointing and frankly, embarrassing. I contacted Monica with photos, and she was initially very apologetic, offering either a refund or a future meal. I chose the refund. Despite several follow-ups over the past month, I have yet to receive either the refund or a response. No longer bartering for my money or response, I opted to leave a review so others don't make the same mistake. I’m sharing this review not out of malice, but because customers deserve transparency—and businesses should be held accountable. I had hoped to give Kale’s Kitchen a second chance, but after this experience, I’ll be taking my support elsewhere.
Food: 2
Service: 1
The food is absolutely phenomenal. Well seasoned, tasty, cooked to perfection. However I question if it’s worth waiting 30-45 minutes in line for and to pay $30-$40 a plate? That’s way too high even in this economy.
Don’t get me wrong, the portions are massive but I can barely finish half the plate myself. Maybe they need to try smaller plates for a lower cost.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
plenty of good food, nice portions
Haven't Actually ate there yet but I meet Monica the owner and she had the whole outside Smelling So Good. So everyone go eat you want be disappointed ???
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
2 Days Meal ! Every time delicious !❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Parking: Small parking lot with heavy traffic
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I wish I would’ve taken a pic of my plate so I can prove how massive it was, but Kales Kitchen is worth the line we waited in and the price we paid for it. I came across their instagram page before I came to Durham to visit last October, but I didn’t get a chance to stop by. We’re back and just a few days after moving to Durham, my husband and I finally tried and we loved it! They do indeed stuff your plate so don’t worry about if it’s going to fill you up or not because it certainly will. We are certain to visit again in the future.
Im from NY so im definitely a hard one to please but baby let me say this sop is definitely LIKE THAT. EVERYTHING ON THE MENU GOOD AS HELL. I HIGHLY
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The line appears to be long but the wait was not that bad and worth waiting for. The price is alot but no other place will give you this much food. Whiting and shrimp was perfect. Mac and cheese was perfection
Food: 5
This place is ok it's very expensive yea you get a good amount of food for your money I guess but the food was not great like it's good but the food had no flavor no seasoning at all it was very bland I wasn't happy about that especially since I spent almost 80 dollars just for two plates probably won't go back to this place
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
One of the best meals I’ve ever had. 10/10
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
?️ HOME OF THE HEAVY PLATE‼️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Mac N Cheese Yams Side of Shrimp
The best soul food in North Carolina by FAR. And I’m so serious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wings
I mean, there's really nothing I can say, except this is an absolute must try. There's no debate about it, if you're within an hour or 2 of this here, you have to stop by.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pot Roast over Rice
I've been won't try place been several times and always closed I go different times never can open after reading reviews I won't try them out do anybody know if place still open just went other day it closed ever single time I went it closed
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