Stella J’s Soul Food

Reviews

• Dan N.

  star star star star_border star_border 10 July 2026

  We went for a late lunch/early dinner after lunch on Easter.
  
  First of all, in many ways it's a typical soul food joint, meaning it's no frills compared to a chain restaurant or someplace upscale.  If that deters you, you wont like too many soul food joints.
  
  We ordered a lot of different food for our table to try.  The best thing by far was the smothered pork chops.  The flavor was great, and they were tender.  Second best thing was probably the fried catfish.  The dressing with gravy was also amazing.
  
  The fried chicken was well cooked but I did not taste any seasoning which was disappointing.  Same for the candied yams.  The mac and cheese was even blander, with nothing redeeming about it.  My friend's turkey wing was still cold in the middle and he sent it back to get microwaved.  The greens, black eyed peas, and pinto beans were all thoroughly seasoned, but oddly-- way too salty and or peppery with not enough other flavors.
  
  As he was cleaning the table, one of the employees accidentally poured a bowl of greens on my tan suit (remember it was Easter after church).  No one apologized or offered to comp our meal or pay for the cleaning, but I did hear our server mocking me as I ran to the bathroom to clean up.
  
  Not sure if we'll be back.

• Jeriel G.

  star star star star star_border 7 July 2026

  If your looking for local soul food/comfort food then Stella J's is definitely a recommend spot on my list to go to in Milwaukee.  At first we in wasn't the most impressed of the decor of the restaurant, it is large in size but the decor is definitely dated and could use remodeling. But compared to most southern style restaurants around the country it about normal. But I came for the food anyway and I was definitely satisfied. I order my meal to go which was the smothered chicken collard greens and dressing. All meals come with a homemade hot water cornbread pancake the I just love especially paired with collards. The dressing was delicious with chunks of Turkey meat mixed in also paired with cranberry sauce and gravy. The gravy for the smothered chicken was also well seasoned and paired very well with the meat. Only disappointing part of the chicken was the size of the breast, fir comfort food I found the chicken size a little on the small end but I would have to try again to make sure it wasn't just a fluke. But definitely will be back to try other dishes for lunch or dinner.

• MrsKimberly B.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 21 June 2026

  I ordered the Catfish dinner, fried chicken dinner, and smothered chicken dinner. Food was just mediocre. Mac and cheese lacked cheese and seasoning. Fried catfish was greasy, and the candied yams tasted like they were dressed up from a can. I was very disappointed!

• Barbara G.

  star star star star_border star_border 21 June 2026

  It was good, the staff were really nice. Ordered through grub hub and picked up my order a lot faster than they posted. Ribs/ spaghetti were the best.

• Tyeshia B.

  star star star star star 13 June 2026

  On Thursday a coworker offered that we get lunch from Stella J's (to go). She ordered the catfish dinner with greens & yams for the both of us. Everything was very delicious including the hot water cornbread!
  
  It was so good that I currently have my husband en route to pick up the same meal for the both of us. When I called, the lady that answered the phone was very pleasant. I'm in expectation of a good soul food meal as I try to feel better from a possible cold and sore body (from working out 2x/day).