I was really looking forward to eating here today. Drove all the way from Sacramento to experience this deliciousness 1 last time. When I tell you I don't know what happened since the last time I visited in 2019.Lena's, I know it's y'alls last day but you didn't have to do us like this. Hard rice, cold mac n cheese, unseasoned greens. What happened? The only im giving 1 stars is because the server was kind #RegretAndDisappointment
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Coaco Sweets
When I go here I usually always am satisfied with the baked fish or Oxtails. Today I got the Oxtails and was very disappointed. Where is the normal cooks that's usually there??The food used to be
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
D Moorer
Had my last meal at Lena's. So good?. So ? closing. ?
Came in around 630pm almost all sides were empty, and there was no cornbread muffins or napkins. Also, the dinner meal used to come with 3 sides however I was charged for my 3rd side as an al la carte item. There is several different fees besides taxes a dinning for justice 1%, and a 8% surcharge. Not to mention cashier had poor customer service was on her cell phone throughout transaction. Definitely won't be returning. Maybe new owners should implement some type of training. This literally used to be my favorite soul food place that I would Reccomend to everyone. I'm very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Marc Kudrna
The food is Delicious some of the Best food around, But Surry to see you're Establishment go after serving the Community for over 10 nice long years ,We will all miss you and most of all good luck in you're future endeavors. Ty So Much ?
Some of their food can be good at times. Love their Neckbones and rice! Their mac and cheese is absolutely lovely when it is fresh. Otherwise it is hard and not worth it. Overall 6/10.The customer service is not the best. I wouldn't go there for that honestly. There exists friendlier reps at other restaurants.The thing is this, I wish they would be more transparent about the fees they will charge you. For example, there was a sign that was posted that they support (Oakland Community Kitchens I think it was called). I think it is an extremely noble thing to do, don't get me wrong.However, I didn't know until after I submitted payment and saw my itemized receipt, that I was charged addition 1% surcharge. It doesn't seem like much, but 1% for that + the restaurant surcharge fees + increase in food is a lot. I'd just like to know about it in advance and not after I've submitted payment.Now, this 1% charge was not posted on their flyer when I read it on their door. The only place I truely read about it, is when I googled it online. Originally, I was under the impression that they participated this activity on the side, and they use our money (from the cost of the food), towards it.If I didn't see my itemized bill, I wouldn't have seen it at all. And that part feels suspect. And even on my bill, it was called, "tax 1" and "tax 2" or something like that. I can't remember because it was a while ago, but no one knew what it was and I was brushed off until I asked for a manager.The manager said he refunds the charge "if people make a fuss out of it". But I feel like that sneaky. I believe you shouldn't charge it at all without people's permission or knowledge to consent in the first place.In all, they should post it clear as day "we charge an optional 1% or 2% on your bill in order to support Community Kitchens" and explicitly ask us at the time of our ordering.All I'm saying is check your bill at any restaurant. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the price even if people brush you off. Just be kind <3The food is usually 6/10, because it is often cold as other reviewers mentioned. But when its done right, it can be 7/10. I may or may not come back because for the price, there are better restaurants in the bay like (rob bens - the best customer service and the food is always on point! Or even everette jones. I even heard the vegan soul food restaurant is good but i havent tried it).Today, I feel like I have a hard time with trusting Lena's after that lack of transparency on the bill. They probably don't care about this review lol but yeah... thats all.Update (response to owner's reply):My comment/review detailing my experience has little to do with my feelings.I provided factual information about what happened which can be actually traced back to the flyer on your window, and my receipt.It will make me feel much better, to hear from you exactly what actions you'll take to ensure transparency in the costs, in the future. (That wasn't addressed in your reply, so I'm still not understanding what will actually change since posting this review).As mentioned in my earlier post, upfront transparency will be the deciding factor in retaining me as a customer.If you automatically charge an *optional* fee, to the customer's final bill, its unethical to not tell them about it. It should be very very clear so that we can know and decide if we want to participate.My point is that it wasn't for me (and perhaps other people too), because it was labeled on the itemized receipt as "tax1"and "tax 2".Can you address this?Why wasn't it explicitly stated on any of your flyers or in the restaurant that we would be automatically charged an "optional" fee that we could opt out of?I look forward to seeing positive changes.Thank you.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Shan Higgs
Their stuffing was great. Will definitely come back again, and again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nakenia Peters
This place used to be really really good. I don’t know what happened, but my food was cold Water down gravy that tasted like packet gravy. I don’t know who’s in the kitchen now, but they need to step your game up.
Food: 1
Recommended dishes: Catfish
Darlis manning
I dined in and the food was good unfortunately by the time the crab came out I was to full one thing i liked Is seeing the young people one young lady stood out didnt get her name but she wore braces on her teeth she greeted us seated us and kept are drinks refreshed very good customer service from this young lady and yes I told her she was doing a great job I believe in lifted young people up and we tipped her good we will be back
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Melissa Richmond
I had an online order, they were busy& the girl infront told me to go around the corner through the first door I did so and some other girl came out and yelled at me and told me get out the room. First of all I was told to go through their secondly even if I made a mistake you should never speak to your customers like that I explained that I had been told that and she said I don't care get out the room ..what happened to customer service?? She could have very well just politely said ma'am you're in the wrong place could you please step out. And on top of it the food was cold
I need to apologize. First, this plate to go was the most edible, but I drove to Oakland to the Farmers market to l and saw a plate drop Lena's . And I live in San Jose, so by the time I got home , I started in on it and then took a picture, my bad, but it's season very well and tasty. Lena's, you got 5 stars from me, thank you. The service was great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Te G
I liked the macaroni and cheese. The chicken was dry, yams super sweet, greens too salty, the cornbread muffin was heavy, dry and dense, is it vegan? The mandatory 18% surcharge is ridiculous and borderline scandalous, especially for take out. It’s a no for me, dawg.
Beverly Johnson
Food is good and seasoned well BUT they have no problem serving you cold food. My fried chicken was COLD, the cornbread muffins were dry and COLD. I was in town visiting for work and decided to check Lena’s out food is decent but be sure to ask for hot food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
vija burton
Took our food to go, but regardless you can't go wrong with the amount of food that you receive. The customer service was on point. Keep up the awesome customer
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wing, Ribs
dale Simlin
Last place standing, ? we'll always love you guy's. Staff, fantastic! Food always exemplary.. Big government is pushing them out, They could've expanded. Ran out of time... I think ? there future is Flints BBQ...
I was really looking forward to eating here today. Drove all the way from Sacramento to experience this deliciousness 1 last time. When I tell you I don't know what happened since the last time I visited in 2019.Lena's, I know it's y'alls last day but you didn't have to do us like this. Hard rice, cold mac n cheese, unseasoned greens. What happened? The only im giving 1 stars is because the server was kind #RegretAndDisappointment
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
When I go here I usually always am satisfied with the baked fish or Oxtails. Today I got the Oxtails and was very disappointed. Where is the normal cooks that's usually there??The food used to be
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Had my last meal at Lena's. So good?. So ? closing. ?
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wing, Mashed Potatoes, Macaroni and Cheese, Fish, Turkey Wings
Came in around 630pm almost all sides were empty, and there was no cornbread muffins or napkins. Also, the dinner meal used to come with 3 sides however I was charged for my 3rd side as an al la carte item. There is several different fees besides taxes a dinning for justice 1%, and a 8% surcharge. Not to mention cashier had poor customer service was on her cell phone throughout transaction. Definitely won't be returning. Maybe new owners should implement some type of training. This literally used to be my favorite soul food place that I would Reccomend to everyone. I'm very disappointed.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
The food is Delicious some of the Best food around, But Surry to see you're Establishment go after serving the Community for over 10 nice long years ,We will all miss you and most of all good luck in you're future endeavors. Ty So Much ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wing, Mashed Potatoes, Jambalaya, Smothered Chicken, Baked Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Blackened Catfish, Banana Pudding, Black Eyed Peas, Red Beans, Fish, Gravy, Sweet Potato Pie, Turkey Wings, Wings, Catfish, Muffin, Ribs, Potato Salad, Peach Cobbler
Some of their food can be good at times. Love their Neckbones and rice! Their mac and cheese is absolutely lovely when it is fresh. Otherwise it is hard and not worth it. Overall 6/10.The customer service is not the best. I wouldn't go there for that honestly. There exists friendlier reps at other restaurants.The thing is this, I wish they would be more transparent about the fees they will charge you. For example, there was a sign that was posted that they support (Oakland Community Kitchens I think it was called). I think it is an extremely noble thing to do, don't get me wrong.However, I didn't know until after I submitted payment and saw my itemized receipt, that I was charged addition 1% surcharge. It doesn't seem like much, but 1% for that + the restaurant surcharge fees + increase in food is a lot. I'd just like to know about it in advance and not after I've submitted payment.Now, this 1% charge was not posted on their flyer when I read it on their door. The only place I truely read about it, is when I googled it online. Originally, I was under the impression that they participated this activity on the side, and they use our money (from the cost of the food), towards it.If I didn't see my itemized bill, I wouldn't have seen it at all. And that part feels suspect. And even on my bill, it was called, "tax 1" and "tax 2" or something like that. I can't remember because it was a while ago, but no one knew what it was and I was brushed off until I asked for a manager.The manager said he refunds the charge "if people make a fuss out of it". But I feel like that sneaky. I believe you shouldn't charge it at all without people's permission or knowledge to consent in the first place.In all, they should post it clear as day "we charge an optional 1% or 2% on your bill in order to support Community Kitchens" and explicitly ask us at the time of our ordering.All I'm saying is check your bill at any restaurant. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the price even if people brush you off. Just be kind <3The food is usually 6/10, because it is often cold as other reviewers mentioned. But when its done right, it can be 7/10. I may or may not come back because for the price, there are better restaurants in the bay like (rob bens - the best customer service and the food is always on point! Or even everette jones. I even heard the vegan soul food restaurant is good but i havent tried it).Today, I feel like I have a hard time with trusting Lena's after that lack of transparency on the bill. They probably don't care about this review lol but yeah... thats all.Update (response to owner's reply):My comment/review detailing my experience has little to do with my feelings.I provided factual information about what happened which can be actually traced back to the flyer on your window, and my receipt.It will make me feel much better, to hear from you exactly what actions you'll take to ensure transparency in the costs, in the future. (That wasn't addressed in your reply, so I'm still not understanding what will actually change since posting this review).As mentioned in my earlier post, upfront transparency will be the deciding factor in retaining me as a customer.If you automatically charge an *optional* fee, to the customer's final bill, its unethical to not tell them about it. It should be very very clear so that we can know and decide if we want to participate.My point is that it wasn't for me (and perhaps other people too), because it was labeled on the itemized receipt as "tax1"and "tax 2".Can you address this?Why wasn't it explicitly stated on any of your flyers or in the restaurant that we would be automatically charged an "optional" fee that we could opt out of?I look forward to seeing positive changes.Thank you.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Their stuffing was great. Will definitely come back again, and again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place used to be really really good. I don’t know what happened, but my food was cold Water down gravy that tasted like packet gravy. I don’t know who’s in the kitchen now, but they need to step your game up.
Food: 1
Recommended dishes: Catfish
I dined in and the food was good unfortunately by the time the crab came out I was to full one thing i liked Is seeing the young people one young lady stood out didnt get her name but she wore braces on her teeth she greeted us seated us and kept are drinks refreshed very good customer service from this young lady and yes I told her she was doing a great job I believe in lifted young people up and we tipped her good we will be back
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I had an online order, they were busy& the girl infront told me to go around the corner through the first door I did so and some other girl came out and yelled at me and told me get out the room. First of all I was told to go through their secondly even if I made a mistake you should never speak to your customers like that I explained that I had been told that and she said I don't care get out the room ..what happened to customer service?? She could have very well just politely said ma'am you're in the wrong place could you please step out. And on top of it the food was cold
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
I need to apologize. First, this plate to go was the most edible, but I drove to Oakland to the Farmers market to l and saw a plate drop Lena's . And I live in San Jose, so by the time I got home , I started in on it and then took a picture, my bad, but it's season very well and tasty. Lena's, you got 5 stars from me, thank you. The service was great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I liked the macaroni and cheese. The chicken was dry, yams super sweet, greens too salty, the cornbread muffin was heavy, dry and dense, is it vegan? The mandatory 18% surcharge is ridiculous and borderline scandalous, especially for take out. It’s a no for me, dawg.
Food is good and seasoned well BUT they have no problem serving you cold food. My fried chicken was COLD, the cornbread muffins were dry and COLD. I was in town visiting for work and decided to check Lena’s out food is decent but be sure to ask for hot food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Took our food to go, but regardless you can't go wrong with the amount of food that you receive. The customer service was on point. Keep up the awesome customer
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wing, Ribs
Last place standing, ? we'll always love you guy's. Staff, fantastic! Food always exemplary.. Big government is pushing them out, They could've expanded. Ran out of time... I think ? there future is Flints BBQ...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Wing, Mashed Potatoes, Jambalaya, Smothered Chicken, Baked Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Banana Pudding, Black Eyed Peas, Red Beans, Fish, Gravy, Turkey Wings, Wings, Catfish, Candied Yams, Ribs, Potato Salad, Peach Cobbler