Jackson and goodwin soul food

I came in on a tough day, just looking for some good food to lift my spirits and I left with so much more. I had been meaning to try this place, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The food didn’t just taste good it fed my soul. Every bite was full of flavor, love, and care.

The fried chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. The collard greens were seasoned with love tender and full of flavor. The sweet potatoes? Absolute perfection smooth, rich, and just the right touch of sweetness. I had a sample of the grits, and let me tell you they were top notch. Creamy, buttery, with just the right texture not too thick, not too runny just that perfect Southern-style comfort that sticks to your ribs in the best way possible.

And then came the desserts… whew. I had samples of the carrot, strawberry, banana, and candied apple cakes, and every single one was a hit. Soft, moist, and bursting with flavor. The crunch of the candied apple cake was an unexpected delight that I’m still thinking about. But the standout? Their banana pudding with homemade custard hands down the best I’ve ever had. Creamy, smooth, and made with care you can taste.

But what truly sets this place apart is the people. The owners welcomed me like family. Their kindness and genuine warmth created a space that felt more like a home than a restaurant. It's rare to find that kind of energy, where you feel seen, appreciated, and fed inside and out.

You don’t just eat here, you experience it. The atmosphere, the conversations, the sense of community it’s all part of the magic. The food is exquisite, yes, but the hearts behind it are what make this place unforgettable. I’ll definitely be back, not just for the meal, but for the love that comes with it.

OH. MY. GOODNESS! You guys, this place is an absolute TREASURE! The food? Seriously, it's on another level – every single bite is an explosion of flavor! And the desserts? Prepare to be amazed! From their incredible sweet potato cake to the dreamy banana pudding! 😍 There's MORE! The owners? They are the sweetest, most genuinely warm people you'll ever meet, radiating such a loving and caring vibe! I can't forget to mention their UPTOWN drink. Forget walking – SPRINT to this beautiful establishment and get ready to fill your soul AND your belly with pure joy!

Very few times I’ve ever been to a place where everything is absolutely amazing, 10/10, literally every single bite of anything you get from here you can feel and take the love in everything, very happy I came across this place and the owners are absolutely outstanding genuine people. If you’re wondering if you should give them a try don’t hesitate at all,

genuine home cooking - the gentleman was cutting potato’s to make our french fries! incredibly friendly people, delicious and fresh comfort food, large portions. my kids and i felt the love in there from the moment we walked in 🩷

This place is amazing! They treat there customers so good. The food is delicious and fresh! 10/10, would definitely recommend. I will stopping there again.

TLDR: Give an extra 5-10 minutes when ordering. This is an extremely small business so they need more time. I recommend the ox tails, turkey wings, Whiting fish, corn bread, collard greens, banana pudding, pound cake, and sweet potato pie. They always give great service and free samples.

I am always treated extremely well by the owners when I visit. I've gone twice now, both times I ordered large orders and both times the food was correct. Everyone is right about the hospitality. You feel welcomed and at home when you arrive, and you are treated to samples and sweet conversations. The service could not be better and each time I was helped to my car.
Soul food is something that varies so much from person and person and family to family, so of course there are some items you will like more than others. They completely knock it out of the park with their deserts (especially that banana pudding, corn bread, pound cake, and sweet potato pie), the Whiting fish, the turkey wings, dinosaur ribs, ox tails, and most of their sides. The mac and cheese is in a cheese sauce, and I know that isn't everyone's cup of tea. The collards and green beans are cooked in turkey, not over salted. The food settles extremely well and I had absolutely no tummy upset after eating it. And I always get multiple meals from each dinner.

If you are in a time crunch, give extra time to this restaurant. This is an extremely small business with only two people doing the cooking and baking, so keep that in mind when ordering. You may need to give some additional time outside of what you were quoted. I love this resturant, and I am rooting g for their success. Absolutely delicious. Will continue to be a customer!

This place is a gem! I was craving Mac and cheese and when I looked at the menu decided to check it out. Incredible food. I got the rib dinner with collards and mac and cheese. The dinner comes with four big St. Louis ribs that had a really nice bark and great sauce. They were tender but had a nice chew (because ribs shouldn't fall off the bone) Collards were well seasoned and not soupy. The mac and cheese was incredible. Creamy and perfectly seasoned. The portion was huge. The banana pudding was fantastic. It actually tastes like banana because it's not just vanilla pudding with cut up bananas. I got two meals out of this dinner.

The service was also fantastic. While I was waiting for my order to be prepared I was given some tastes of other items. The turkey and cobblers were great. The owners are incredibly friendly and we had a lovely conversation. Check this place out! I will definitely be going back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best soul food experience EVER. I felt like I was in my auntie’s kitchen. The owners run a very clean establishment with all the fixings. I will definitely be back for the home made butter biscuits and Sunday brunch with fish and grits. While I waited I was treated with samples of their various delicious dishes available, including the hot apple cobbler that just came out the oven! Everything was delicious. My son’s chicken tenders and fries were made from scratch! I was impressed and so glad I found a go to spot for southern food. The owner was even nice enough to help me out to my car with his umbrella after it began pouring raining. There just aren’t many places that understand the importance of good customer service anymore and how it relates to customer retention. They have earned a loyal customer❤️I’ve been back 3 weekends in a row?.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chocolate Walnut Cake, String Beans Mac & Cheese Coleslaw Tartar Sauce, Upside Down Pineapple Cake, Collard Greens w Turkey Sweet Potatoes Coleslaw Tartar Sauce, Pork Ribs, Fried Chicken Breast French Fries & Pineapple Cake Desert, Banana Pudding, Pound Cake

I ordered 3 meal for the family and the food was very good. The roasted turkey was tender and delicious. The mac and cheese was perfect and the sweet potatoes were just right. Not overly sweet but just right. While we waited, we were given samples of the deliciousness they also make like the cherry cobbler and banana pudding. The sweet potato cornbread was on point! Home made all the way! The place is small and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. i felt like i met family all over again. May God continue to bless Simone and Robert! We will see you again

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The best soul food spot in New Jersey without a doubt! Food is made fresh to order. Food tastes amazing and their peach cobbler and banana pudding is second to none! 10/10

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The owners are the sweetest and have such great hospitality. Gave samples while I waited for the food and everything was super delicious you can tell they care about their food and their customers. Definitely will become a regular here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

10/10 FROM THE DESSERT TO THE FOOD, I LOVED EVERYTHING! OUTSTANDING BLACK OWNED BUSINESS!! STOP BY YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED! GREAT

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shoutout to Robert and Simone for the A+ service, the moment we walked in they made us feel at home and were very accommodating. Even though it’s a take out spot they let us dine in at the countertops and even brought out a table and chair for my grandma. The food was delicious but what really impressed me was the genuine energy that they both gave off. Great food and even better service, will definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Greta atmosphere and beautiful place, and the customer service was amazing. When we entered they first gave us some uptown (tea and lemonade) and it was great. The sourness and sweetness perfectly mix. While waiting for food striking up a conversation was easy, and they had such a kind, friendly aura to them. Lastly, the food was the best part, it came out quickly in gigantic portions and every last bit was delicious and excellently seasoned. Overall, this place is a hidden gem, and a great place to go to if you’re ever around.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I'm just reviewing the menu and the prices. I have NEVER in my life seen such expensively priced soul food. I'll just travel to Newark to get my food or make it myself. You all are getting ripped off with these prices, I'm telling you that now.