Went here on a Saturday afternoon. Place was pretty packed with people also picking up orders to-go. Parking wasn't too hard to find. Sat at the counter and was promptly helped. I ordered their Braised Oxtails with a side of mac n cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy and cornbread. The meat of the oxtails fell right off and the gravy used to smother it was delicious. The sides were very delicious. Portion was pretty big and can definitely be shared with 2 people. The only downside was the food wasn't too warm when it came out. Overall a delicious experience. I spoke with the owner, and he's a real nice person. The area is sketchy, and the inside was a tad cold, but the mural on their wall is definitely a highlight. Gives off a Ernie Barnes Sugar Shack vibe. Highly recommend coming here.

I've been hearing about this place for years and I'm so glad I finally made it in. The fried chicken breast and waffle was amazing. Juiciest chicken breast I've ever had. I don't even like meatloaf, but my daughter ordered it, I tried it and now I'll order it next time. I love okra and their okra was outstanding. So glad to have a great southern style restaurant here in Central CA.

Chef Paul Smothered Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese was great at this black owned business! I also bought his hot sauce and it definitely made that chicken pop with every bite! I will be back!

Chef Paul's is absolutely 🔥🔥🔥. Thanks for the hospitality, Liz (waitress)!!! #1 Southern Food restaurant in the valley.

Delicious southern food. Large portions, good prices

Idk where all these good reviews come from because the food is gross the only good thing was the fries. Chicken taste gross.. expensive not worth it.

Food was amazing! Employees were very friendly. Place was clean and restrooms where nice and clean. Kick back kinda atmosphere. We had friend green tomatoes and okra and the gumbo and BBQ plate. Everything had great flavor.

This place was popping! I am so glad I came here on a whim. The food was amazing… I mean my cholesterol level is near death but I knew what I was in for :) #supportlocal

An incredible diamond in the rough. I've lived in Fresno for 40 of my 42 years and enjoyed the best dining experience at Chef Paul's that I've ever had in Fresno. The fried chicken is amazing. The service was friendly despite it having been a very busy time. Highly recommended

I went too so called Chef Paul! They messed up my order twice. The first time I ordered fried chicken with side of catfish with collard greens and cabbage. Well they didn't get my order correct they only gave me all chicken and no catfish so they call themselves fixings and still the my order came wrong for the second time around. The second time they completely screwed up my order the catfish was slimy and gritty without no favor just tasted burnt. This time I didn't get my chicken or my greens I order. I will never go back too so called Nasty Chef Paul. This was my first and last time ever going too the Nasty No Flavor Chef Paul. So I advise everyone don't go and waste time and money. Hell! Stay home or go somewhere else too eat. The worse place too eat at. They were more worried about going home then taking care of their guest..

My son always finds the best places to try, and this was no exception.. food is AMAZING!! We always pick different items so that we can taste all possible flavors. It’s home food away from home. The price was worth every penny. We could not decide which dish was the best… absolute gem to Fresno. Staff is also amazing and always checking on you.. Thanks for the delicious lunch.. the picture speaks for itself

Real southern comfort food in Fresno! I wish I would have found this place sooner. Cheesy grits were straight proper. Cornbread was soft with a smooth texture. And the parmesan toast that came with the grits: brilliant!

Food was excellent and Chef Paul made the most delicious 😋 fried green tomato's...just like my mama... May she RIH. My friend was surprise that kool Aid was on the menu!! We WILL be back.

Showed up here 3:15 p.m. on a Wednesday. Rough looking part of town. Plenty of on street parking. No problem getting a table. Staff was really friendly and helpful. Some of the best fried chicken I'd ever hard; expertly cooked with a nice crunch. Grits are a side, and they'll ask you if you want savory or sweet. Savory is the famous cheesy grits. I don't have a lot of experience with grits, but these were delicious, especially with the spicy honey. Ordered mac n cheese, braised cabbage, greens and peach cobbler. Everything was very tasty. We met Chef Paul; sweet guy. Great stop right off of 99.

The oxtails were decent, especially the gravy!! The rice that was served with the oxtails, aht aht!! I love dry white rice and that wasn't it!! The collard greens were good, cabbage was decent, peach cobbler was alright. The bbq meat/links were good especially the links!!

My mom and I came on Sunday for a late lunch. Chef Paul is not only a delightful man, but he’s made a menu that really honors soul food. We got the fried chicken with a side of greens and potato salad, okra and grits, and fried green tomatoes—the serving sizes were beyond generous, we ended up taking most of our meal home and it was delicious, even warmed up a day later.

This place is a mom and pops spot is so daammm delicious 😋 is like you are eating at your grandmother 👵 house is so great and good food good prices I just have one thing that the service can we way better at the time they were really slow and is not like it was super pack and that's it just better the service a Lil b beside that everything was freaking great definitely a come back 💯. U guys need to try that hot sauce is so good omg.

Absolutely wonderful! We had the rib tips, oxtails, smothered pork chop, shrimp and grits, and hot link sandwich. Everything was great! Service was friendly and efficient. Chef Paul was a delight to visit with. I highly recommend Chef Paul’s!

Best soul food in town. The fried chicken, chili beans and jambalaya were great. The decor inside is a nice southern style. The staff was attentive and friendly. It was a bit expensive but worth it in my opinion. Doesn't look like much from the outside but when you walk in it definitely takes you by surprise.

Main order was chicken and waffles, fried tilapia, veggie cheesesteak, and on the side was French fries, rice, and Mac and cheese. The fried chicken was well done and with an excellent seasoning, so was the tilapia. On the sides rice and Mac and cheese stood out the most favorable for me. Overall the food was amazing! The Kool aid was sweet and worth it. If you’re around this area, you definitely need to check this place out! 👍🏽

Outstanding food and service. Chef Paul is a doll. Their braised cabbage is my favorite side, but they are all delicious. TheMac& cheese was especially good tonight. Creamy and delicious.

I had lunch with a friend they invited me and it was so delicious. I’ve never had soul food. The owner turns out to be one of our customers at Smart And Final. Very nice, friendly, great attitude. I love the vibes. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

The level of richness that this restaurant brings to the dreary surroundings of downtown Fresno is like a shining star in a dark night. The business location and hours are a testament to how much time it takes to prepare to serve such high quality fare. My partner and I were making such vulgar sounds when consuming our food, that someone might think we were doin the do. It’s a whole experience. I’ll be back, and I’m bringing my friends!

I was recommended to this place by coworkers. I had the smothered pork chops, which were really good and had lots of flavor. I wish the Mac-n-cheese was fresh. I was looking forward to it. My sister had the Meatloaf, and she enjoyed her food as well. Unfortunately, my cornbread was cold. My mother ordered the tri-tip, which she didn't eat because of how dry it was. Our server was great, he really interacted with my son. I'll come back but next time order our food to-go. The restaurant isn't in a great area of Fresno.

Ok...if you looking for that home cook meal but want a break from cleaning up and doing dishes....this is definitely what you need in your life!! Service was on point!! I had the chicken and waffles while the missy had the smothered pork chops and cabbage!! Both were game changers!! Try the hot honey...it's magic in a bottle!!

Fried chicken is bomb! The fried catfish was delicious too! Of the sides we tried the mashed potatoes and gravy was the best. The mac and cheese was good just a tad under seasoned. I really want to try the fried okra & fried green tomatoes! Next time for sure!

Meat loaf was raw , not just mines but my wife’s gave us horrible food poisoning, quality has gone down ALOT had ordered oax tails before and they were awful think I’ll take a break from chef Paul’s until the quality improves

First time there on 07/31/22, order by phone was told order would take about 30 min. Or so as they had a full house, which they did. Order the chicken breast and a waffle as well as the shrimp and grits. Food was good especially the chicken. Very good flavor. Not 5 stars as I think their method of taking orders could be improved by having a cashier just take to go orders and another cashier just do the dine-in orders. It was chaos in there, definitely need more people helping the poor lady at the cash register. Expect long lines. Just go for the chicken... won't regret it.

We ate lunch today at Chef Paul’s and it was spectacular! Finally I’ve found my favorite fried chicken (& waffle) spot! Chicken is super moist & delicious. Waffles have a hint of cinnamon making them tastier! The mac & cheese and potato salad sides were flavorful! Top it off… today was Chef Paul’s birthday! O happy day for all of us!

A friend and I visited on Friday afternoon. The food was good. Enjoyed the choice of many southern favorites as sides. We both tried the combo plate and were pleased. More than I could eat but leftovers are great too. Service was excellent - those ladies checked on us many times and were very courteous. Nice job Chef Paul’s.👍

My first time visiting this restaurant. Friendly service and good food. For those that like okra, this is the place!

Chef Paul is one of the most accomplished and talented chef's I have ever met. His team catered our wedding and took the food and the setup so far beyond our expectations that I can't even put it into words. The event was for 100 people, every person was raving about the food. Truly, something for everyone and you can tell that every aspect was home made. Not only is his catering phenomenal but his restaurant is amazing.