Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe image

Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe

Restaurant Cafe American restaurant Southern us restaurant Soul food restaurant Childrens cafe

Modest, family-owned eatery serving homestyle Southern & soul food 7 days a week since the '60s. People often mention chicken, good, fried, order, sides, time, cheese, minutes, cornbread, sweet,


Address

808 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Website

mrswhitescafe.com

Contact

(602) 262-9256

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.10 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 7 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 7 PM
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: chicken (31) good (26) fried (23) order (16) sides (15) time (14) cheese (14) minutes (9) cornbread (9) sweet (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Shawnie N. 1 year ago on Google
    We arrived at 1:31. We immediately were seated and waited about 30 minutes for our order to be taken and another 45 minutes for our food to be brought to us. For a total of one hour and 15 minutes that we waited to eat. We were missing two pieces of chicken, one piece per person. We weren’t brought the cornbread that we ordered, and we didnt even bother asking about the dessert that we ordered. We were told it took so long because they ran out of flour. Yeah, ya know, a place that serves fried chicken...They ran out of flour! We were comped the drinks ($4 each) after my brother-in-law said he'd just pay for the drinks and we'd go. They told him the flour story and said it'd be 4 more mins. We had invested so much time at this point we just stayed. When the food finally did come it was just ok. The fried chicken tasted like fried chicken. Wasn't better or worse than any other fried chicken we'd ever had. The greens tasted like greens, the sweet potato tasted like a sweet potatoes, and the macaroni and cheese tasted like mac & cheese. My recommendation would be to find somewhere else, especially if you're really hungry going in. Also the place has way too many tables for the space so you feel really cramped when seated and are constantly getting bumped into.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Von B. 1 year ago on Google
    We were visiting Phoenix and was informed this establishment was the best. First we arrive and we’re greeted with a smile. We took our seats and waited for approximately 15 minutes until the server asked for our drink order. We informed him 3 lemonades. He then left and returned to the table across from our table and took their drink order. He left and returned with their drink orders. We waited another 10 minutes until I became tired of waiting and asked about our drink order. He stated he hadn’t forgot about them and returned with our drinks that he said were unlimited refills which I must say that didn’t occur. After about 63 minutes I became irritated by everyone else eating and we were still sitting so I went to the front desk to inform our server that I would pay for our drinks and leave. He informed me they had run out of flour and the chicken was currently cooking and it would be 4 minutes and we would have our food. The food came out and the chicken on 2 of the 3 meals was missing a piece of chicken. The server told us he was going to bring the 2 shorted pieces. Now to the food. The chicken had no seasoning, the macaroni and cheese had no flavor and the yams tasted like they came straight from the can. The macaroni and cheese at Chik Fil A tastes much better. Don’t forget we ordered cornbread and peach cobbler that never came. I try to support my black owned businesses but this was a terrible experience. Definitely would not recommend if your hungry and I will not be returning to this business.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Kylee R. 1 year ago on Google
    We chose this restaurant due to its proximity to the Science Center and good reviews. 5 adults and one minor in our party we had high expectations. We all ordered Sweet Tea and one Kool-Aid. The tea genuinely tasted like mold. Like it was brewed with pond water. I asked for water instead and i never received it. Unfortunately the energy given by the employees did not make me feel comfortable to say something about to taste of the tea. We all received our food 2 at a time with a noticeable amount of time between each food drop off. Almost like they were making our food one plate at a time. The easiest order at our table, a side of Mac&Cheese was forgotten and we had to go ask for it. Don’t order the chicken sandwich, it’s just two fried legs on white bread. No condiments, no butter or honey for the corn bread. Or if it was available it was not obvious or offered. No refills were offered (not that we would have accepted) The only upside to this experience was the food received was decent and very hot.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SeaKelp You m. 1 year ago on Google
    The best food and dining experience ever. I took my teenage son. He had golden fried chicken and double mac n cheese. I had smothered pork chops, green beans n taters, and mac n cheese. Corn bread and the best fresh coffee. Super good service and friendly like family. Loved it. Thanks
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Joyce A. 1 year ago on Google
    I went in a good mood for some soul food. I felt liked I was looked down on and didn't belong because I wasn't Black. The waiter was not at all friendly even though I tried to be. I felt unwelcome. The food, for the price was like a meal from a gas station and my friend and I have no reason or desire to go back. Phoenix has many other restaurant choices and extremely friendly folks. I was born in the Midwest. These folks do not have that Midwest friendly feeling. Very disappointed
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John P. 1 year ago on Google
    I talked several of my co workers into trying Mrs White's today for lunch - they had heard me rave about it for awhile. Every single one of them loved it! The catfish, fried chicken, pork chops, smothered pork chops, ox tails - all exceeding expectations. Sides were all fantastic as usual too! There is a reason this place gets such high praise and notoriety. Much love for them today too especially, as they soldiered forward with only 2 workers and a packed house for lunch. All I can say to those patrons waiting is.....your patience will be well worth it!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Piers W. 2 years ago on Google
    You open the door and immediately know, it's about to go down! The place is small, but the food and service is outstanding. Brian did it all on the front of the house. He was a positive charismatic person. My BFF and I had questions and he answered all of them. He knows people by name! Loved the hospitality! We ended up getting the vegetable plate with a protein. This is the best way to get a sample of allllll their hot sides. Let me tell you... The sides, the sides, the sides. FOR THOSE THAT DON'T EAT PORK OR MEAT-the sides are not cooked with any of that. 😊 The sides are full or flavor and I could've easily been satisfied from it alone. You know how sometimes restaurants use the same seasonings for all their food? 👀 Not here! Each side had its own flavor. Sooooooooooo good!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jelana B. 2 years ago on Google
    If I could give it more stars, I absolutely would! You open the door and immediately know, it's about to go down! The place is small, but the food and service is outstanding. Brian did it all on the front of the house. He was a positive charismatic person. My BFF and I had questions and he answered all of them. He knows people by name! Loved the hospitality! We ended up getting the vegetable plate with a protein. This is the best way to get a sample of allllll their hot sides. Let me tell you... The sides, the sides, the sides. FOR THOSE THAT DON'T EAT PORK OR MEAT-the sides are not cooked with any of that. 😊 The sides are full or flavor and I could've easily been satisfied from it alone. You know how sometimes restaurants use the same seasonings for all their food? 👀 Not here! Each side had its own flavor. Sooooooooooo good! I had the fried chicken and it was so crispy and juicy! I ate allllll that food. And the sweet tea did not disappoint! This restaurant is a must! Professional athletes stop by because they already know the deal... You're the one missing out!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Latifah H. 10 months ago on Google
    If you like southern cooking, then avoid this joint. The fried chicken sandwich was a leg and a wing on a slice of white bread. The chicken was so salty and I expected the food to be hot or at least warm, since I had to wait 15 minutes for my to go order. It didn't appear to be freshly made to order. The macaroni salad tasted like store bought and the cornbread was hard and cold. The place has been around for a long time but it looks like Mrs White doesn't work there anymore. Her granddaughter is the cook. I was so disappointed with this place and don't plan on returning and maybe others have had the same experience because the place was deserted.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Val Z. 1 year ago on Google
    I wanted to love this place. I've heard about it for years. I believe the inflation in cost is hurting them. In two years they raised the prices from $13 to $18 for the entrees, a 25% increase. Also sandwiches increased from $6.85 to $10, a 35% in cost. Sandwich is just 2 pieces of chicken on a piece of white bread with a side. Maybe $8 would be a better deal.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ty A. 1 year ago on Google
    This place lives up to being featured on TV (many definitely don't) Had the chicken fried steak with green beans and coleslaw, drank Kool aid. Was able to try the fried pork chop too (would probably order that next time) Will definitely be back if I can!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 AZSnarkF9 1 year ago on Google
    Mrs white is great place for soul food. Great for fried chicken, cat fish, chicken fried steak and several other item. Side are outstanding. Greens, green bean in brown gravy, mac cheese, sweet potatoes, Don't miss the red kool-aid it great.. All meals are the same fair price. We will be back.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mary W. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was delicious! Two of us had Fried Catfish and two had Fried Chicken with different sides. The green beans were seasoned perfectly! Rice and gravy was delicious as was the sweet potatoes. Food served in styrofoam containers guarantees clean services.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott W. 2 years ago on Google
    Ok, I've read the other reviews and 1 of our 4 skipped because of them. Well he missed out!! All u eastsiders, stay there!! This place has "soul" in there soul food! By far the best catfish, fried chicken, and pork chops. But the chicken fried steak was BOMB!! UNTOUCHABLE! Brian told us a story of Mrs White at 97 yrs old got up recently put her shades on and drive herself to San Diego. I'm a first timer and this will be a regular stop for me! Talk to them ask them for a story or 2. They've been here only 58 years! Brian thank you for a celebratory dinner that we had tonight!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 BBQ B. 8 months ago on Google
    Brian was friendly, sharp, and accurate with my order. The Chicken Fried Steak rates at the top for me. Great crust, delicious brown gravy, and the beef was tender. I had the greens, and they were good, even without added meat. (I like smoked pork or a smoked turkey leg in there) I am not a cornbread fan, so to me, it was okay. Thanks, Brian!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Que The L. 1 year ago on Google
    Just don't go. Staff attitude sucks. Just quit or sale. Mac n cheese taste like Stouffer's sprinkled with seasoning. greens taste like salt was just poured on top no flavor. 1 piece of Cat fish in a dinner. But you get 2 pork chops and they were not good. Potato salad tasted store bought. Chicken was dry as ever maybe because I got all white meat. Rice had no flavor. Corn bread was not good. Cabbage was good. Red beans was good. Green beans was good. Sweet potatoes were good. Pear cobbler was amazingly good.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yvette H. 1 year ago on Google
    Let me say 🙌🏻 They did not disappoint. The food was delicious and I’m stuffed at home watching The walking dead. Highly recommend coming here and the customer service that I received was awesome they are really nice.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandy N. 4 months ago on Google
    I discovered Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe while in town for a conference. A coworker spotted it while exploring, and after reading Mrs. White's story on their website, we we're very excited to go for dinner, even after reading the mixed reviews. We had a great experience. The service was terrific and the food was great. The building is old and run down, but isn't that what makes a place qualify as a hole in the wall? It has its charms and what it lacks in atmosphere it far makes up for in people and soul food. Give this place a chance!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria S. 7 months ago on Google
    We will definitely be back again! Went for our first time before a baseball game. Only issue was having to wait for some of our food. But they were busy so we understood. It was worth it! Everything was absolutely delicious and home-cooked for sure!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mz 'Southern Girl' J. 11 months ago on Google
    Pork chops were good - I just wish my cornbread would come out with my meal instead of having to wait almost 10 minutes for it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 James & B. 1 year ago on Google
    Heard a lot about this place via word of mouth. We placed an order for fried chicken, mac n cheese, and potato salad an order for catfish, mac n cheese, and cabbage with two Kool-Aids. We asked about the cornbread and the lady said it came with the meals. Chicken and Catfish had decent seasoning, barely touched the cabbage (hard), mac n cheese and potato salad was similar to store bought quality, Cornbread was hard (push your finger and it never moved kind of hard). I do not know if we had too high of expectations, we came during a slow time, or the fact that I am from the South, all I can say is we ate here. Outside of the landmark factor, some famous people ate at this place, the artwork on the outside of the building and adjacent buildings was the highlight of our experience. One and done.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lynette M. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent as always! Didn't have everything but what they did, was more than enough. Speaking for my party of 4, we were very satisfied and will be back soon.....
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steph C. 11 months ago on Google
    I had the fried chicken, yams and greens. The seasoning of the food was just right especially the yams with its sweetness which hit the spot. Cornbread was a bit dry but overall the food was good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Bea B. 11 months ago on Google
    I will start with the bad, the potato salad is horrible, I've had better from the store. It taste like soupy macaroni salad, don't order it trust me. The peach cobbler didn't have enough cobbler lol just peaches and syrup. Also for this establishment to be around as long as they have you would think they would've made some upgrades or invested into the interior. The seats sit low and are cracked, the whole inside needs a deep cleaning, new coat of paint, tables, and chairs. Please update your establishment there is no reason for it to look like 1976 in a bad way not a good way Now for the good we ordered fried smothered chicken, rice and gravy, yams, black eye peas and green beans they were all good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dani 2 years ago on Google
    this food was soooo 🔥I started eating my catfish before i could even make it home. this the type of food you sit down and eat in that restaurant. you don't let this get cold. the catfish was perfectly seasoned. cornbread nice and sweet. beans were delicious and the sweet potatoes added balance to the saltiness. 😍😍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Yohanan F. 2 years ago on Google
    For an establishment of over 50yrs you would thing that it location would be a bit larger to accommodate 30-50 patrons, and better seating, you have some tall n big people walking in etc,. Otherwise the dish I ordered was very good I must say. I would love to order their food again as a take out, but I have to make sure they have everything I want to order for it pricey dish $$. And the menu & website needs a serious update. But again the food was good. Not sure if I'll make it my go-to spot
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Isaac K. 7 months ago on Google
    Food was on the smaller portions at an average price of $25 per person. There was free refills at $4 per drink but the waiter never came back to ask us for refills.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John W. 3 months ago on Google New
    Customer service is unlike any you’ve ever experienced because the staff is real! Not fake just for tips, Mrs White has imposed her love for people onto her staff and it shows! The food is home cooked, not artificial just home cooked like my mom used to make before she passed away! If you want a home cooked meal please visit Mrs Whites cafe,
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Junior A. 7 months ago on Google
    First time in to this restaurant. It's a little place with outstanding food. Had the best fried chicken in years. Like grandma used to make. The sides are awesome as well. Will definitely be going back to try the fish and pork chops.

  • 4/5 Shanaleigh M. 1 year ago on Google
    We dined in and was pleasantly surprised by the good food and customer service we received. The decor is a bit run down and need some repairs otherwise enjoyed this gem we stumbled upon. It was our first time and we ordered the fried chicken, collard greens and Mac and cheese. My meal was smothered chicken with rice and potatoe salad which both dished was yummy. I didn't enjoy the cornbread tho. Overall I recommend going.

  • 5/5 Lori C. 10 months ago on Google
    Fantastic southern comfort food. We had the fried chicken, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and cabbage. It was all incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked. All service was prompt and the food came out much faster than I expected. The staff were very friendly, my picky eaters ate well, it was a perfect dinner. Would absolutely recommend if you're in the area.

  • 4/5 Wade B. 1 year ago on Google
    2nd time here and the food was great ! Wish they would have had the fish I wanted to try but it’s all good maybe next time , customer service was good also glad we came at a good time wasn’t busy !! Plates where pricy at 18$ a plate but worth it the chicken was good and made fresh to order !! The green beans was cool could use more seasoning the Mac and cheese was iight also !

  • 4/5 Doesnt M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice portion sizes everything was hot when I got it and seasoned very well only complaint is the cornbread was more 'cakey' than what I am accustomed to but I would definitely visit again and desert was also tasty

  • 5/5 Lee P. 2 years ago on Google
    I could of ate just the sides. They were amazing. But then the chicken fried steak was so good. I wished I would of saved room for dessert. We will definitely be back here.

  • 5/5 Steve B. 2 years ago on Google
    This family run restaurant doesn't look like it's changed much since they opened in the 60's. Luckily, the food hasn't either. The southern fried chicken is old school with a delicious but subtle flavor. It is lightly breaded and seasoned and perfectly crispy. It is on multiple best of lists for a reason. The cabbage is slightly sweet, not overcooked. The black eyes peas cooked to perfection and the flavor is allowed to speak for itself. Call ahead if you're in a hurry, it is paced like a southern drawl, but that's ok because perfection takes time.


Call (602) 262-9256 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

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