THE BACK PORCH (A CHEF RON'S PLACE)

Why are they closed? I drove to the bldg to see what is going on with them and there is paper all over the window like they are closed for good. I hope they reopen in a cleaner more modern bldg in Bessemer. Posted 4.27.2025

Original review from months ago
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Food is very reasonably priced for the amount of food you receive
Candy yams- pretty and delicious when fully cooked (sometimes they are undercooked)
Dumplings- the sauce and chicken are good, the dumplings taste doey sometimes
Rice- good
Lemon cake- delicious...have this flavor more often please
Cornbread-; good
Greens- good

I recommend when you have a taste for being at home come to this place.

P. S. On Sunday, they sometimes have a LIVE person singing.

Traveling thru-Random search for home cooked lunch-stopped based on reviews. Massive portion sizes for the $. Several meat and veggie options. Tried the baked chicken and catfish. Excellent! Will stop again! Forgot to take pics.

The food is great. Two thumbs up!

Our first visit to The Back Porch Resturant for lunch.
I have to tell you all it was excellent. I had a baked chicken quarter with gravy, dressing, and sweet potatoes.
The flavors of each item were excellent!
My friend ordered plates to go before we left.
If you love the meals of meat and vegetables, you will love this restaurant.
My thanks to Chef Ron for the wonderful meals.

This was my first time and I’m from Mississippi. I really enjoyed it! Food was hot and seasoned to perfection. Staff was very friendly. If you’re looking for some good soul food cooking, this is most definitely the place.

That’s red velvet cake hit every time!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: French Fries, Pinto Beans, Baked Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese

If hearing we ain't got, when they just opened, with an extremely limited selection and sides straight out the can with little to no seasoning is your thang! Then this is the place for you. Makes you really miss Boatengs and Mary's 🤦🏿‍♂️

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 4

It is always good. The food is more hit than a miss.

Vegetarian options: Vegetables are available.

Dietary restrictions: If you're interested in restrictions. This is soulfood, for to fill you up. That's why I visited this restaurant for, taste and stick with me.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Okra, Smothered Pork Chops Okra and Candied Yams, Dumplings, Spaghetti and Blackeye Peas, Pinto Beans, Beef Tips and Rice, Neck Bone and the Other Is Chicken and Dumplings, Baked Chicken, Hamburger Steak, Smothered Pork Chops Cabbage and Corn, Candied Yams, Macaroni and Cheese, Neckbones, Fried Chicken, Smothered Pork Chops, Meatloaf

Depending on when I visit some food items can be hit or miss. Mostly hit! Most of the vegetables are fresh and not from a can, the prices are reasonable and the friendly servers are heavy handed.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Pinto Beans, Beef Tips and Rice, Candied Yams, Macaroni and Cheese

I’m a truck driver and another driver let me drive his personal vehicle to go to this place. I got oxtails and they did not let me down. I’ll be back again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Peach Cobbler, Pinto Beans, Candied Yams

Absolutely wonderful environment!! Delicious food!! ❤️❤️❤️Large serving!! Well worth it!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smothered Pork Chops Okra and Candied Yams, Macaroni and Cheese, Smothered Pork Chops

The Back Porch is in downtown Bessemer, Al, and it's if you're looking for some good home cooking, great tea, and always a friendly face with Chef Ron's sister Mrs. Kim, who runs the register and front line this is the place to come to. Tell them Ms. Lisa sent you.

Vegetarian options: There's always about 6-8 different veggies a day that are great, and a vegetarian would have a field day enjoying any of them.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Okra, Peach Cobbler, Smothered Pork Chops Okra and Candied Yams, Dumplings, Spaghetti and Blackeye Peas, Pinto Beans, Beef Tips and Rice, Neck Bone and the Other Is Chicken and Dumplings, Hamburger Steak, Smothered Pork Chops Cabbage and Corn, Candied Yams, Neckbones, Fried Chicken, Smothered Pork Chops, Meatloaf

Very Nice

Parking: Good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smothered Pork Chops

I had seen the chef on fox 6 and I wanted to try it and when my brother said he was there.and he told me what was.on the menu I had to have the oxtails which was more than I wanted to spend but I got it anyways 27.50 +tax and my father got a vegetable plate 7.75 in all I spent 38.77. On a fix income now I had oxtails,cabbage and yams. My dad had yams,cabbage and blackeyes. My brother brought his plate and told me to taste the blackeyes they taste like they was out the can and warmth up no season and a little undercooked that was his and mine don't get me wrong the yams and cabbage was good and the oxtails was seasoned and tender my problem was it was 1 big one and when I say big it covered most of the area where the meat be and 2 small one this is what teed me off the big one had so much fat on it now I used to cook for a living you don't leave fat on meat like that when you serving in a restaurant it had hardly no meat on it. I was disappointed I don't mind spending money if it good but that was not right. Made me feel like someone trying to get over on people. I don't no if anyone else had that problem but I took a picture of all that fat. Thank you.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

The employees showed great customer service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Neckbones