Just go and feel the joy and level of caring Shawnae has put into every detail of her food, the vibe, the service, the atmosphere. What a fulfilling experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cornbread, Jerk Chicken with Collard Greens and Mac and Cheese, Whiting and Mac and Cheese, Wings
Laura Mendez
Utterly disappointed! Understand it bothers me to write this, as we wrestled with posting a review. Love supporting black businesses, but when we fall short of expectations it is thought to be cruel or unsupportive to speak the truth.My Husband and I had research this spot based on a TicTok food blog. We were very excited about having a good soul food experience outside of our normal travels. As we came from Brooklyn to rugged lands of Shaolin to represent and show love!We were seated by a nice young man, his service throughout the experience was fine, no complaints with him as he didn't prepare the food. Starting with the drinks, kept it simple, ice tea and lemonade. Neither were sweet nor cold, when my husband asked for ice, he was told, "at present there was no ice at the time". Mind you we were amongst the first patrons to enter and be seated. I may say, the cornbread was excellent! Still nursing warm lemonade and ice tea.After further review of the menu, I was confounded that there was not any combination of GRITS and anything to be found. As grits are a southern staple. Moving on, the menu seemed to more of a Caribbean and Southern fusion style menu. Our food arrived, I got the oxtails with white rice and Mac n Cheese, my husband got some version of Chicken wings and originally asked for Jerk chicken rice, which was unavailable, so he settled for the Mac N cheese, mind you they just opened!The Oxtails were extremely salty and seemed to be more Caribbean than southern style. The Mac n cheese had 3 types of cheeses in it and was also somewhat bland. My husband had no real complaints about the chicken other than it tasted like it was rolled in waffle batter with brown sugar. As he's not a chef, how he made that acute distinction was astounding to me.As we all have been raised on these dishes and culinary styles of cooking most if not all our lives. I was truly looking for a great dining experience. I'm sure Shawnae wasn't in the kitchen so this isn't a slight on her personal cooking, just this dining experience. Maybe we ordered the wrong dishes, as others seemed to be enjoying their food. We just didn't have that same experience.Also we noticed all of the accolades and certs in the window. My husband made the suggestion to should be shown in a shadow boxes, it would've made for a nicer presentation. While I won't discourage others not to support and experience Shawnae's house. I'm sharing our experience. Maybe in the future we may try again. Just don't know when.Parking: No parking, come early.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
Samira Lawal
OMG! I don't even know where to start. I've this restaurant on my list for a few weeks now. I left work from New Jersey and found lots of parking spots. When I walked in I felt like I went to visit my Aunty. Shawnea opened the door and welcomed in. It's a small cozy restaurant, the place doesn't smell like food it smells like eucalyptus candles and the food OMG! This is the best soul food I've ever had. I got Mac and cheese, collard greens, candy yams, oxtail, sauteed shrimps, and the strawberry corn bread. I'm in heaven!!!! I'll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Mac & Cheese, Cornbread, Oxtails W
annie thermidor
We thought we could roll in here on a Thursday night without reservation. Boy we were wrong! The place was packed to the brim to our dismay. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, basically you are in Shawnae's living room. Shawnae herself was there in the flesh, working the room, very friendly and personable. We had about 45mn wait which we spent at the bar next door called the Coupe (their cocktails were amazing, I actually want to go back). We were called back promptly. The walls are filled with personal decorations. Our table was near a large family picture featuring Shawnae as a baby.We ordered a pitcher of the white sangria which came in a tall pitcher. Not heavy on the alcohol and very refreshing. A few items were such as the ribs and red velvet cake were already sold out the night we went. We feasted on the fried shrimp, catfish tenders, oxtail with fries and baked Mac and cheese. My all time favorite were the special sugar daddy wings. The sauce is made especially to stay in house, you can't order it to go. Really loved the welcoming atmosphere as a first time diner. We had a chance to really talk and get to know Shawnae and the story behind her restaurant. Will certainly return and next time with a reservation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arlene Long
The food is exactly what you are looking for!!! A home cooked meal exactly as what WE remember what home cooked tastes like. Cozy/quaint ambiance, like sitting in a friend's/family member's living/dining room. They offer take out but I recommend dining there. It also helps that you get to meet the owner who by the way is a sweetheart!! ? ?
I would definitely come back for take out.I got the ribs, fries, cornbread, mac n cheese, and catfish bites. The ribs are fine, it was 3 ribs and fries for $22 which I believe could include more ribs. Some parts of the ribs are too tough, but the sweet savory bbq sauce, which I think is Rays honey bbq, reminds me of home. The cornbread is easily the best I've ever had. I ate it as soon as i got it and took pictures later of the aftermath. It's moist and very flavorful. The strawberry and sweet potato are so delicious. However, one of the cornbreads, which had what I believe to be raisins, that flavor was not to my taste at all and I couldn't eat that one. The cornbread cost $10 for takeout for me, I think this could be skipped in favor of other sides. The mac n cheese is excellent, I don't usually like that style, it tends to be a bit dry and bland, but this was the complete opposite. Lastly, the catfish bites are very nicely seasoned, well cooked, and nicely tender and juicy.The food overall is solid and very reasonably priced. There were some issues with the service unfortunately. Everyone is super kind, however the reservation app linked directly to the restaurant on Google maps is not an accurate way to schedule a reservation. I came in on time and no tables were available. I got no call or alert that this would be the case with the restaurant being live first come, first serve sitting. The staff was very kind and offered a 10% discount and I ordered to go. The food took about 45 minutes which is understandable considering how packed it was. I asked for tartar sauce when I ordered and unfortunately didn't receive it (although the catfish doesn't typically come with it, I specifically asked), and also no utensils were put in the to go bag.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cat Fish Tenders
Michelle Alisca
Maybe the best ribs I've ever had. The oxtail was falling off the bone. The baked mac & cheese tasted like someone's great granny made it for Thanksgiving dinner. The catfish was delectable. So glad this is so close to home, a real community atmosphere. Shaw-nae greets everyone at their tables. This is a business you will love to support. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cornbread, Oxtails W, Cat Fish Tenders, BBQ Ribs
Mal
I mean the name sums it up! This feels like you’re entering someone’s home the food is made and delivered with such warmth and kindness and the food was a 10/10 the popularity is not overrated what so ever this is a true gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Malandra Hastick
Perfection! Run don’t walk. The staff is kind, food is great and the owner is so sweet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Whiting Mac and Cheese & Sweet Potato, Cornbread, Jerk Chicken with Collard Greens and Mac and Cheese, Chicken Wings, Whiting and Mac and Cheese, Smothered Turkey Wings
Leon Collington
This is the first time I'm writing a low review. Me and my wife made a reservation for 5pm via Google and open table app for March 16th. Got there at 5pm and was told that the system was down so our reservation wasn't taken note of. Was told we had to wait for 20 minutes outside on the bench initially. We agreed to wait for a bit but ended up waiting for 50 minutes outside instead with them only coming out twice. We then both left for another restaurant. Was told that we would be seated inside in the couches around the 40 minute wait, which didn't happen before we left.Overall we were left disappointed due to not even getting the chance to try the food. If you want to try soul food from here, take out maybe your best option.
Honestly it is really hard to find a good soul food place in Staten Island. Until I ate here, like the food is good! like real life good. if you place this restaurant in any other borough it will still slap. Meaning it’s not just a good Staten Island restaurant it is a good restaurant all in all. The service is very friend, they make you feel at home, the food is A1, the different flavor cornbread that comes with your dine in experience set the tone for bomb a$$ food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Krystal Lynch
Shaw-nae's House is a beautiful secret that I can no longer keep. I am so happy to have found out about this place. The owner Shaw-nae is so amazing. When you hear her story, it just makes you want to hug her tight. She welcomes you inside the location and call you cousin. Food was amazing and you will see that she is the one cooking all the food on site. You must have the wings and the sweet potato cornbread. She will come and check in with you and will do her best to make it right. Call before to you can get you a table. I can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cornbread, Wings, Shrimp Mac & Cheese
Pam Taitt
Food is absolutely amazing. Wonderful ambiance and service is impeccable.
Laura H. DeBello
Deeelicious!!Visiting from Texas and Shaw-nae’s truly embodies my favorite teedy’s house!The food is amazing, service is good, intimate atmosphere, and there may be a small wait - it’s your favorite aunt’s house after all, so it’s worth it!! ☺️Btw, definitely appreciated getting swooped in!! ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Simmons
A true soul food restaurant with excellent and flavorful cuisine. A genuine and infectious positive energy throughout the establishment. Love this place!
Just go and feel the joy and level of caring Shawnae has put into every detail of her food, the vibe, the service, the atmosphere. What a fulfilling experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cornbread, Jerk Chicken with Collard Greens and Mac and Cheese, Whiting and Mac and Cheese, Wings
Utterly disappointed! Understand it bothers me to write this, as we wrestled with posting a review. Love supporting black businesses, but when we fall short of expectations it is thought to be cruel or unsupportive to speak the truth.My Husband and I had research this spot based on a TicTok food blog. We were very excited about having a good soul food experience outside of our normal travels. As we came from Brooklyn to rugged lands of Shaolin to represent and show love!We were seated by a nice young man, his service throughout the experience was fine, no complaints with him as he didn't prepare the food. Starting with the drinks, kept it simple, ice tea and lemonade. Neither were sweet nor cold, when my husband asked for ice, he was told, "at present there was no ice at the time". Mind you we were amongst the first patrons to enter and be seated. I may say, the cornbread was excellent! Still nursing warm lemonade and ice tea.After further review of the menu, I was confounded that there was not any combination of GRITS and anything to be found. As grits are a southern staple. Moving on, the menu seemed to more of a Caribbean and Southern fusion style menu. Our food arrived, I got the oxtails with white rice and Mac n Cheese, my husband got some version of Chicken wings and originally asked for Jerk chicken rice, which was unavailable, so he settled for the Mac N cheese, mind you they just opened!The Oxtails were extremely salty and seemed to be more Caribbean than southern style. The Mac n cheese had 3 types of cheeses in it and was also somewhat bland. My husband had no real complaints about the chicken other than it tasted like it was rolled in waffle batter with brown sugar. As he's not a chef, how he made that acute distinction was astounding to me.As we all have been raised on these dishes and culinary styles of cooking most if not all our lives. I was truly looking for a great dining experience. I'm sure Shawnae wasn't in the kitchen so this isn't a slight on her personal cooking, just this dining experience. Maybe we ordered the wrong dishes, as others seemed to be enjoying their food. We just didn't have that same experience.Also we noticed all of the accolades and certs in the window. My husband made the suggestion to should be shown in a shadow boxes, it would've made for a nicer presentation. While I won't discourage others not to support and experience Shawnae's house. I'm sharing our experience. Maybe in the future we may try again. Just don't know when.Parking: No parking, come early.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
OMG! I don't even know where to start. I've this restaurant on my list for a few weeks now. I left work from New Jersey and found lots of parking spots. When I walked in I felt like I went to visit my Aunty. Shawnea opened the door and welcomed in. It's a small cozy restaurant, the place doesn't smell like food it smells like eucalyptus candles and the food OMG! This is the best soul food I've ever had. I got Mac and cheese, collard greens, candy yams, oxtail, sauteed shrimps, and the strawberry corn bread. I'm in heaven!!!! I'll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Mac & Cheese, Cornbread, Oxtails W
We thought we could roll in here on a Thursday night without reservation. Boy we were wrong! The place was packed to the brim to our dismay. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, basically you are in Shawnae's living room. Shawnae herself was there in the flesh, working the room, very friendly and personable. We had about 45mn wait which we spent at the bar next door called the Coupe (their cocktails were amazing, I actually want to go back). We were called back promptly. The walls are filled with personal decorations. Our table was near a large family picture featuring Shawnae as a baby.We ordered a pitcher of the white sangria which came in a tall pitcher. Not heavy on the alcohol and very refreshing. A few items were such as the ribs and red velvet cake were already sold out the night we went. We feasted on the fried shrimp, catfish tenders, oxtail with fries and baked Mac and cheese. My all time favorite were the special sugar daddy wings. The sauce is made especially to stay in house, you can't order it to go. Really loved the welcoming atmosphere as a first time diner. We had a chance to really talk and get to know Shawnae and the story behind her restaurant. Will certainly return and next time with a reservation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is exactly what you are looking for!!! A home cooked meal exactly as what WE remember what home cooked tastes like. Cozy/quaint ambiance, like sitting in a friend's/family member's living/dining room. They offer take out but I recommend dining there. It also helps that you get to meet the owner who by the way is a sweetheart!! ? ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cornbread, Oxtails W, Smothered Turkey Wings, Jerk Chicken Rice
I would definitely come back for take out.I got the ribs, fries, cornbread, mac n cheese, and catfish bites. The ribs are fine, it was 3 ribs and fries for $22 which I believe could include more ribs. Some parts of the ribs are too tough, but the sweet savory bbq sauce, which I think is Rays honey bbq, reminds me of home. The cornbread is easily the best I've ever had. I ate it as soon as i got it and took pictures later of the aftermath. It's moist and very flavorful. The strawberry and sweet potato are so delicious. However, one of the cornbreads, which had what I believe to be raisins, that flavor was not to my taste at all and I couldn't eat that one. The cornbread cost $10 for takeout for me, I think this could be skipped in favor of other sides. The mac n cheese is excellent, I don't usually like that style, it tends to be a bit dry and bland, but this was the complete opposite. Lastly, the catfish bites are very nicely seasoned, well cooked, and nicely tender and juicy.The food overall is solid and very reasonably priced. There were some issues with the service unfortunately. Everyone is super kind, however the reservation app linked directly to the restaurant on Google maps is not an accurate way to schedule a reservation. I came in on time and no tables were available. I got no call or alert that this would be the case with the restaurant being live first come, first serve sitting. The staff was very kind and offered a 10% discount and I ordered to go. The food took about 45 minutes which is understandable considering how packed it was. I asked for tartar sauce when I ordered and unfortunately didn't receive it (although the catfish doesn't typically come with it, I specifically asked), and also no utensils were put in the to go bag.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cat Fish Tenders
Maybe the best ribs I've ever had. The oxtail was falling off the bone. The baked mac & cheese tasted like someone's great granny made it for Thanksgiving dinner. The catfish was delectable. So glad this is so close to home, a real community atmosphere. Shaw-nae greets everyone at their tables. This is a business you will love to support. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cornbread, Oxtails W, Cat Fish Tenders, BBQ Ribs
I mean the name sums it up! This feels like you’re entering someone’s home the food is made and delivered with such warmth and kindness and the food was a 10/10 the popularity is not overrated what so ever this is a true gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perfection! Run don’t walk. The staff is kind, food is great and the owner is so sweet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Whiting Mac and Cheese & Sweet Potato, Cornbread, Jerk Chicken with Collard Greens and Mac and Cheese, Chicken Wings, Whiting and Mac and Cheese, Smothered Turkey Wings
This is the first time I'm writing a low review. Me and my wife made a reservation for 5pm via Google and open table app for March 16th. Got there at 5pm and was told that the system was down so our reservation wasn't taken note of. Was told we had to wait for 20 minutes outside on the bench initially. We agreed to wait for a bit but ended up waiting for 50 minutes outside instead with them only coming out twice. We then both left for another restaurant. Was told that we would be seated inside in the couches around the 40 minute wait, which didn't happen before we left.Overall we were left disappointed due to not even getting the chance to try the food. If you want to try soul food from here, take out maybe your best option.
Restaurantji Recommends
Honestly it is really hard to find a good soul food place in Staten Island. Until I ate here, like the food is good! like real life good. if you place this restaurant in any other borough it will still slap. Meaning it’s not just a good Staten Island restaurant it is a good restaurant all in all. The service is very friend, they make you feel at home, the food is A1, the different flavor cornbread that comes with your dine in experience set the tone for bomb a$$ food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shaw-nae's House is a beautiful secret that I can no longer keep. I am so happy to have found out about this place. The owner Shaw-nae is so amazing. When you hear her story, it just makes you want to hug her tight. She welcomes you inside the location and call you cousin. Food was amazing and you will see that she is the one cooking all the food on site. You must have the wings and the sweet potato cornbread. She will come and check in with you and will do her best to make it right. Call before to you can get you a table. I can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cornbread, Wings, Shrimp Mac & Cheese
Food is absolutely amazing. Wonderful ambiance and service is impeccable.
Deeelicious!!Visiting from Texas and Shaw-nae’s truly embodies my favorite teedy’s house!The food is amazing, service is good, intimate atmosphere, and there may be a small wait - it’s your favorite aunt’s house after all, so it’s worth it!! ☺️Btw, definitely appreciated getting swooped in!! ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A true soul food restaurant with excellent and flavorful cuisine. A genuine and infectious positive energy throughout the establishment. Love this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5