EJ's Soul Food & Vegan Bar & Grill

This was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. We were trying to support a Black-owned business, but unfortunately, this is what we got.
It was my birthday, and my kids surprised me by coming all the way from Connecticut. I hadn't seen them in almost four years, so this was supposed to be a very special occasion.
We tried to order mixed drinks, but we were told that because the owner wasn't there, we could only have shots. That made no sense to us.
I ordered my fried chicken extra, extra, extra crispy (I'm kind of extra when it comes to my food), but it came out with no crisp at all. To make matters worse, they started bringing us to-go containers before everyone at the table had even received their food. When the rest of the meals finally came out, my son and daughter-in-law ordered the hamburger steak and mashed potatoes but my sons was pink when he received his and they told my daughter in law they run out of hamburger steak, leaving her with nothing to eat.
After spending nearly $500, my son and daughter-in-law had to go to Jack in the Box just to get something to eat. For the amount of money we spent and for such an important family gathering, this experience was extremely disappointing. This is definitely not how I wanted to celebrate my birthday.
When it came time to pay the bill, my cousin asked the young lady if she could separate the bill for him and his sisters. She looked at him like he was crazy for even asking. My son then had to ask her to print the entire bill so he could separate everything himself.
What a way to bring in my 50th birthday. What should have been a joyful celebration with my family after years apart turned into a frustrating and disappointing experience. I would not recommend this restaurant based on the service, communication, and overall lack of attention to customers.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 1

EDIT TO ADD: CHANGED TO ONE STAR. Bad service is bad service and don’t tell people to come at a time you can’t accommodate.

We had a 2:00 reservation and it took 2 hours and 45 minutes for our large party to be ready to leave. We didn’t get drinks (not even water!) until after 3:00. We only got water after asking multiple times, and the waitress was short with me when I told her it had been 20 mins since I ordered the water. We didn’t get our food until 4:15-4:30 and we weren’t all served at the same time. We were told that because we didn’t have a reservation there were other tables ahead of us, even though we called this morning for one and they told us to come at 2:00. Also, they were out of collard green dip and green beans, gave us the wrong appetizer, missed bringing out several sides, and we had to have several drinks replaced due to dirty glasses. (I never got my replacement water.) This is the worst service I’ve ever had at a restaurant. I’m giving 2 starts because the food was good enough, but the service guaranteed that I’ll NEVER be back.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 1

I don’t believe the bad reviews, I’ve tried several things on the menu and have not needed a to go box yet. This morning I got 2 big pieces of fried flounder, tender collards that actually had flavor, yams falling off the fork that tasted like candy, and Mac and cheese you can tell isn’t out of a can. If you want to save $2 a plate there are plenty of chain restaurants heating up the same processed food out of a bag. If you want to enjoy a nice meal and appreciate real food cooked by people who care this is your place. I don’t even like carrot cake like that but this actually has spice a the cream cheese icing was delicious. A small business isn’t buying bulk processed crap like the big chains. I’d rather spend my money here, enjoy the meal, and be able to taste the time, attention, and care put into it. The table beside me had the biggest wings I’ve ever seen in my life, I think I’ll try them next.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was really good and the team was extremely nice and attentive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a pleasant surprise! As a vegetarian you don’t expect to find good vegan food in small towns but EJ’s went above and beyond my expectation! Not only was the service excellent the food was REALLY good!! I live 30 minutes away and would easily come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Order from the food truck at The Omegas of Charlotte Block party event. CS was good, food was fresh, hot, and delicious. I order the the BBQ oxtail sandwich & fries. My sis got wings & fries. Total 3 wings & fries , 2 oxtail sandwiches ( group of 5 ppl). Can't wait to visit the physical location for a brunch outing.

Thank you ladies

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was delicious that day and the day after! The service was amazing as well. The owner was also top tier on making sure we were comfortable in placement and needs. My new place when I don't want to cook!! Salmon bites, rotel dip /chips, pork chops , fried chicken , collard greens , candied yams, potatoe salad , oxtails, etc. delicious ‼️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is 10 out of 10 highly recommend! We had a large party of 12 people and we got in last minute with no problem and no weight. The food came out quick. It was fresh and hot and tasted delicious. They even custom-made a dessert that I wanted that wasn’t on the menu now. Please come out and support this great black owned business.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love E&J great vibes!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Staff is awesome! Taylor was I our sever and she was simply awesome.

Overall, 2 of us were vegetarian out of the 5. Those of us who weren't vegetarian said the fish options were AMAZING!!!!

But the other vegetarian and myself (vegetarian) had a poor experience. They have not figured out the vegan options. I bought several dishes in case I didn't like one. And neither of us liked anything vegan that was brought out apart from the red beans and rice. The crab cakes taste bad. The BBQ jack fruit sandwich was horrible 🤮🤮. See the pics. It looks and taste like charred bbq sauce scrapped off of a grill. The greens were bad according to us all. I got vegan tenders just to have something to eat and... see pics... they were dry.

To make it worse.... they would not take these things off the ticket. So I paid $172 for....what exactly?

Also, the place doesn't seem finished. Extra product and chairs is scattered throughout the location. The men's restroom stall has chairs inside. Just not together. But great potential.

My review is solely based off my experience. If they would have made it right, I would have made adjustments.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

Food was delicious! The pork chops were soooo tender and the salmon croquettes were so flavorful. The grits…. the best. The Mac & cheese- like grandma made them!.
Our waitress was wonderful- answered all our questions and was prompt and attentive..
1st time here- we will return.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had their food vid food truck , super professional food came out fresh and hot . Lions Maine burger was great but the red beans and rice stole the show! Super delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I ordered the oxtails with collards and red beans my wife had the salmon patties with slaw and potato salad. Oxtails and red beans were the only dishes that were good. Collards and potato salad and slaw were ok. Salmon patties weren't good.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

This inside is amazing. Their food is great and so is their service. The biggest draw for me and my wife is that they have vegan options. The thing I love most about the food is that it actually has soul in the food. Some places are scared to season food the way we normally would, so it looks good but tastes bland. I just don't get it but I will be back like the song Michael Jackson sang.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is amazing! I am vegan but my husband is not. They have plenty of options for the both of us. The staff was friendly and attentive. We will definitely visit again soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5