Marylous Soul Dining Experience

3.6 (34)

$30 and under

Soul food

1323 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220-4826

Make a booking

Marylous Soul Dining Experience

3.6

$30 and under

Soul food

Richmond

Make a booking

2 people

11 Nov 2026

23:30

Booked 2 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour

At Marylou's, we’re more than just a restaurant—we’re a place where connections are made, stories are shared, and everyone is treated like kin folk. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the warmth of genuine hospitality, the aroma of handcrafted dishes made with care, and the comfort of knowing you’re right where you belong.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Soul food
Hours of Operation
Wed, Thu 16:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–00:00 Sun 13:00–21:00
Phone number
(804) 562-4086
Website
https://maryloussouldiningexperience.toast.site/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress

Location
1323 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220-4826
Area
Richmond
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Marylous Soul Dining Experience.

3.6

(34)

3.9Food
3.6Service
4.0Ambience
3.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

MaryLou's Soul Dining Experience offers an inviting atmosphere with "amazing" service and "delicious" food, highlighted by dishes like the Phantom Pasta and well-seasoned shrimp and crab. The "perfect" drinks and vibrant rooftop ambiance enhance special occasions. However, the restaurant faces challenges with wait times, consistency in service, and menu availability.

34 Reviews

B
Brenna Gold
Virginia9 reviews
1.0
Dined on 11 September 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Our experience at Mary Lou’s in Richmond was completely unacceptable. We made a reservation for 4:00 PM on Friday and arrived on time. There was no one else in the restaurant when we arrived. We ordered our drinks, and as soon as the waitress came back, we ordered an appetizer. We were then informed that they were out of several menu items, including the lamb chops. Unfortunately, the problems continued. Our appetizers never arrived, and the waitress explained that there was a new cook and that she needed to help him. At 4:48 PM — nearly 50 minutes after our reservation — our cornbread appetizer finally arrived. Our food still wasn't ready. We were then told that the crab dip was only halfway finished and that our food was still being prepared. At that point, we decided we no longer wanted the food and told the waitress. At approximately 5:10 PM, the waitress acknowledged that we did not want the food anymore. Then, while checking out at the register, we noticed a man at the bar eating. We asked how he had already received food when he arrived after us. The waitress told us that he had ordered the lamb chops — supposedly the last order they had available. That made absolutely no sense. We were the first customers there when the restaurant opened for our reservation, and we had been told earlier that they were out of lamb chops. So how did someone who arrived after us receive the last order of lamb chops? The entire experience was extremely frustrating and disappointing. We understand that restaurants can have staffing issues, new kitchen staff, or unexpected delays, but the lack of communication, the excessive wait time, and especially the explanation regarding the lamb chops were unacceptable. We came in expecting to enjoy a meal and left without ever receiving the food we ordered. Unfortunately, based on this experience, we will not be returning.
Is this helpful?
K
Karla Gold
Virginia8 reviews
1.0
Dined on 24 July 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
This restaurant has the potential to be successful, but unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired. When we visited, many of the items on the menu were unavailable because they were sold out. My date and I specifically wanted to order the catfish, but we were told that it was completely unavailable. However, when we received our bill, we noticed that two other guests had actually been served catfish. That was particularly disappointing and made us question the consistency of the restaurant’s service and communication. The overall service was poor, and the restaurant could also benefit from some improvements to its atmosphere and presentation. There is definitely potential here, but the execution needs work. I ordered the fried chicken, which was extremely heavily seasoned. If you are watching your sodium intake or have high blood pressure, I would recommend choosing something else. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I would not return. I hope the restaurant takes the feedback seriously because with better service, consistency, and attention to detail, it could become a much better dining experience.
Is this helpful?
C
Chelsie
Unspecified1 review
1.0
Dined on 18 July 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
My experience was not the best i waited at least 20 minutes for a table when I had a reservation the waiter told me to hurry up and place my order because it was a lot of people waited 20 minutes for straws I had to get myself ordered drinks I never got and order food and waited a hour just for the food so I left and never received my food
Is this helpful?
D
Darlene
Virginia4 reviews
1.0
Dined on 11 July 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
While the service was pleasant and our waitress was very polite, the food did not live up to expectations. Since it was our first time, my friends and I decided to split a meal to sample the menu. The crab dip was oversalted, and the accompanying chips tasted doughy and salty. The turkey wings were heavily over-seasoned and masked by an unappealing gravy. Both the mac and cheese—which tasted scorched and far too salty—and the bland greens were disappointing. Even the yams lacked basic seasoning. A soul food establishment should deliver deep, rich flavors, but everything we tried missed the mark. We will not be returning.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
Virginia1 review
3.0
Dined on 2 July 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
The food was good…. They gave you enough to have left overs.
Is this helpful?
J
Jamal
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 June 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
10/10, definitely recommend! I celebrated my birthday at MaryLou’s Soul Dining Experience, and it definitely lived up to the hype. I ordered the Phantom Pasta, and it was absolutely delicious. It was packed with flavor, the chicken was cooked perfectly, the shrimp was seasoned really well, and they topped it with real crab meat, which took it over the top. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meals, and after trying my friend’s mac and cheese and collard greens, I can honestly say those were perfection too. The drinks were also delicious. A special shoutout to our server, Thomas. He was friendly, attentive, and on top of everything from start to finish. Our food and drinks came out quickly, and he made the entire experience even better. The food was so good that we literally came back the next day! After dinner, we headed up to the rooftop. The drinks there were just as good, the music was on point, and the atmosphere was a whole vibe. It was the perfect way to end the evening.
Is this helpful?
J
Jasmine
Unspecified1 review
1.0
Dined on 21 June 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Wait was extremely LONG. After being seated finally the turkey wings were extremely salty. The catfish bites were really good though!
Is this helpful?
W
Wesley
Washington, D.C. Area1 review
1.0
Dined on 21 June 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
They were extremely unstaffed for Father’s Day. It took us 15 minutes just to get water for our table. After this wait we decided to leave.
Is this helpful?
T
Tameka
Virginia2 reviews
1.0
Dined on 23 May 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
We had a 7pm reservation. We ordered our meal and drinks together after being sat. After we placed our order we watched two tables be sat after us around 7:30 and receive their meals (a party of 2 and a party of about 6). Seeing this we asked for the status of our food and was told it would be up in 7 minutes. By 8:30 we had not received our meals. So we paid for the only drinks we were offered & received and left. This was my second time here and the first for the other 3 in my party. It was very disappointing.
2 people found this helpful
s
sandteesha
Virginia1 review
5.0
Dined on 23 May 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
everything from start to finishes, Amazing, the service, the food, the ambience, and can’t wait to go back
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Soul food
Hours of Operation
Wed, Thu 16:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–00:00 Sun 13:00–21:00
Phone number
(804) 562-4086
Website
https://maryloussouldiningexperience.toast.site/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress

Location
1323 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220-4826
Area
Richmond
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wine

FAQs

Casual dress is the guide, comfortable, everyday clothes are entirely appropriate for a visit to Marylous Soul Dining Experience.

One family found Marylous welcoming to children, a reviewer said their kids loved the old‑fashioned diner feel and that the children enjoyed their hotcakes.

Portions at Marylous are generous, several guests say they left with leftovers, calling the servings "huge" and "plentiful."

Expect the busiest visits during holiday crowds and when the rooftop/patio or private parties are active, while very early dinner openings can be quiet (one party found the restaurant empty at their 4:00 PM Friday reservation).

Marylous really shines in the evening, reviewers recommend heading up to the rooftop after dinner for cocktails, music, and a lively vibe, and the restaurant is open for evening service (Wed–Sat evenings and Sunday afternoon/evening).

Yes, Marylous is a great pick for date night: guests praise the music, service and rooftop vibe and explicitly call it perfect for a date night.

Yes, Marylous has outdoor options: guests mention a rooftop/penthouse and a patio that’s been used for dining and hookah, and reviewers describe enjoying the rooftop bar.

Marylous is frequently described as a vibrant, music‑forward spot with colorful decor, guests praise the slow tunes, rooftop vibe and jewel‑colored seating, while some note brighter lighting in the dining rooms.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a booking

Marylous Soul Dining Experience

3.6

$30 and under

Soul food

Richmond

Make a booking

2 people

11 Nov 2026

23:30

Booked 2 times today

Marylous Soul Dining Experience

Make a booking

Marylous Soul Dining Experience

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

Reviews

Review summary

Additional information

FAQs

What is the dress code for Marylous Soul Dining Experience?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

When is this restaurant busiest and quietest?

When is the best time to go to Marylous Soul Dining Experience?

Is this a good pick for date night?

Does this restaurant have outdoor seating?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

Make a booking

Marylous Soul Dining Experience

Make a booking