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About
Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles
Welcome to the heart of Philadelphia, where the aroma of soul food beckons and memories are woven into every bite. Introducing Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles, a culinary gem located at 51 N 12th St. This eatery specializes in southern-style comfort food that brings a taste of home to every patron, whether you're a local or a visitor.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly service, Ma Lessie's offers an array of hearty entrees that showcase an authentic touch. Sit back and indulge in classic dishes such as:
- Chicken Wings - $13.00
- Fried Catfish - $13.00
- Baked Southern Turkey Wings - $12.00
- BBQ Pork Ribs - $13.00
- Fried Whiting - $12.00
Every dish is crafted to perfection, offering crispy exteriors and juicy interiors that make it hard to resist. As reviewer Bettina Pugh noted, “The flavor is consistent,” highlighting the dependability and quality that Ma Lessie's promises.
No meal is complete without a side of delectable treats. From their Peach Cobbler to the luscious Chocolate Cake, each dessert at Ma Lessie's invites sweetness into your dining experience—all priced at an inviting $5.00.
But let's not overlook the sides, either! Choices like collard greens, macaroni and cheese with a tantalizing crispy top, and candied yams enhance the culinary journey. As Toni Thompson pointed out, selecting sides offers an overwhelming yet delightful challenge, precisely because they all look so good.
With beverages like Ma Lessie's Tea and refreshing Strawberry Lemonade, you’ll find your meal perfectly complemented. The charming lines outside the eatery serve as testaments to its popularity, as many eager diners wait to experience these mouthwatering flavors.
While the wait might seem daunting, as noted by takia barrett, “The wait and price are justified.” This sentiment reflects the spirit of Ma Lessie's; it’s not just a meal—it's an experience steeped in southern hospitality and culinary excellence.
Visit Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles at Reading Terminal, where each meal feels like a warm embrace. Embrace the flavors, share the experience, and plan your next visit—it promises to be worth every moment. I know I will be returning for another round of those enchants called southern comfort food!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I came across this place when visiting Philly a few years ago and today I decided to take the drive down from DE just for some amazing soul food. It taste just as I remembered which says a lot the flavor is consistent which I love. Thats important Im sorry I waited so long to come back but I most definitely will be taking the trip again soon. ”
“ This is a great southern style chicken and fish eatery in Reading Terminal. It was challenging to select 2 sides from the corn, okra, tomato combination, cabbage, collard greens, candied yams, Mac and cheese. The Mac and cheese has a crispy almost burnt top later that is yummy. The crisp fried chicken is delicious with delicious coating and tender inside. I tried thighs and breasts and they are awesome You wait in line, order, pay first and then get your food. They have 3 tables that are tight fit Accessible venue if the place is not busy. accessible restrooms in central area Paid parking in near by venue that is wheel chair accesible ”
“ Sometimes you just need a warm southern meal. When I walked up the line was long but that is just a sign that it you want youre getting something good. Staff were friendly and moved quickly to fill orders. This gave me time to figure out what I was ordering with the guest behind me who was also torn with so many great options. All of the options looked good but I settled on the Chicken wings, Macaroni and cheese, and Sweet Potatoes platter with a side of greens I mean you have to add a vegetable. Once I got back to my office I dined. I was pleased with all options and plan to go again. I can be a stickler for staying with the items Ive tried and liked but Ill for sure share when I try the other options. ”
“ The wait and price are justified. Many patrons have expressed dissatisfaction with the prices and wait times however, such drawbacks are inherent to the terminal market experience. Ultimately, the experience is what matters. I found it utterly delightful. ”
“ While visiting Philadelphia I stopped at the Reading Terminal. I saw folks rave about Ma Lessies on TikTok so I had to try them. I ordered their candid yams, potato salad, fried chicken, greens, smothered turkey wings and baked Mac. I should be ashamed of myself, for ordering all that food but I am not. It was all so good, especially those smothered turkey wings. I must say I will be back on my next visit. ”
“ While visiting the Philadelphia Flower Show, we decided to eat at the Reading Terminal Market. We found Ma Lessies Soul Food. Wow! The best soul food is right here. OMG! The portions are HUGE, and the taste is DELICIOUS!! Our platters were fried chicken, catfish, collard greens, candied yams, macaroni, and cheese. Topped off with a tasty strawberry fruit drink. We had plenty of food left over to take home for dinner. This will definitely be our goto place on our next visit to Philadelphia. Friendly staff. ”
“ Let me start by saying that we chose to eat here because the line was long which indicated the food had to be good, staff interacted with us during our wait in line, I had ribs, Mac and cheese, and potato salad, my husband got fried fish, cabbage, yams and rice with black eyed peas. When I tell you the cabbage is the best cabbage I have ever had in my life, and the yams were perfected, the ribs were so tender, fall of the bone, great bbq sauce. I have no complaints, my husband and I were so pleased that we walked past just to take a picture and I was shocked to hear my name and asked how I enjoyed my food, that type of hospitality melted my heart. Ma Lessies has my heart forever. This family has the secret because their food is incredible! ”
“ I was visiting from Chicago so being from a large foodie city and knowing what good food is, I can say this place was amazing! Best meal I had in Philly. I spent about 25 which is probably on the higher side for me. But I got food from another place in the market a couple days before and it was much more expensive for what I had. I think for the location, it seems to be comparable. But Im not here to argue price. It did come with 3 pieces of chicken but one was under the waffle. I couldnt decide between the sides so I had to get 2. The candied yams were delicious! The skin on the chickenCRISPY! Waffle and potato salad were very good. Overall, everything was perfect together and very well balanced. The line was long but the music they had playing made the wait less boring. Only disappointment was that they only had the classic waffle available and I had my heart set on trying the savory one. But I was still satisfied and if I ever make it back out to Philly, I will definitely have another go at this place. ”