Lula Southern Cookhouse - Restaurant in Kansas City - 1617 Main St Suite 100, USA

After hearing wonderful things about this restaurant, I was so eager to try it out. I ordered the Hibiscus drink which was decent. Nothing to ride home about. My significant other ordered a pecan old fashioned and it came out as a regular old fashioned… still tasty, but not what was ordered. For the main course, we both ordered fried chicken. At the VERY least, it was underwhelming. It was soggy, looked like it had been sitting for a while. The Mac and cheese was delicious. The sweet potatoes and dirty rice lacked flavor. The collard greens were okay. The pickles were extremely vinegar-y to the point they were not edible. The biscuit was good, especially with the gravy (which only 1 of us received even though it was supposed to come with the meal). Another guest at our table ordered East coast fried shrimp and was not impressed. Another person ordered pot roast and was not impressed. The mashed potatoes were said to be good, as well as the creole chicken spaghetti. The atmosphere was something noteworthy. It’s a very swanky scene, but it was also very loud. Our service wasn’t the best either. The checks were split incorrectly. Overall, I felt cheated at the end of the night for having to pay such an expensive bill (the fried chicken was $40) for what the entire experience amounted to. If things could be tweaked in the kitchen, I could easily see this place getting 4-5 stars.

From a North Carolina Chef If you're seeking a taste of the South in the heart of downtown Kansas City, look no further than Lula. This charming restaurant offers a delectable blend of Southern and Cajun cuisine that is sure to leave your taste buds dancing. To start the southern culinary journey, I highly recommend trying their Fried Green Tomatoes. The crispy coating giving way to the tangy yet delicate green tomatoes is a treat for the senses. If you're a seafood lover like me, the Peel and Eat Shrimp is a must-try. The shrimp were impeccably cooked, tender and succulent, served with a zesty dipping sauce that accentuated their natural flavors. One highlight of my visit to Lula was their Award-Winning Gumbo. The rich and savory broth was packed with a medley of spices and tender ingredients, creating a bowl of warmth and comfort that screamed authenticity. It was truly a taste of Louisiana right here in Missouri. When it comes to classic southern dishes, Lula's Shrimp and Grits did not disappoint. The plump, juicy shrimp perfectly complemented the creamy and well-seasoned grits, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. And for those craving a taste of the bayou, the Blackened Catfish is a must-order. The fish was perfectly blackened, with a crispy exterior giving way to moist and flavorful center. Aside from the incredible food, Lula's service was exceptional. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. Overall, Lula effortlessly delivers a true taste of the South in downtown Kansas City. From their mouthwatering Fried Green Tomatoes to their authentic Gumbo, every dish reflects their commitment to Southern and Cajun cuisine. Combine that with stellar service, and you have a dining experience that is sure to leave you satisfied. Make sure to add Lula to your list of must-try restaurants in Kansas City. Chef Jerry Hicks

I enjoyed the food services and atmosphere and for that that should get a 5 but I’m not giving them a five because my nephews potatoes were burnt not crispy but black potatoes and pointed out to the server she said they are crispy but no these were burnt. I wasn’t happy about that. Other than that I got the best catfish that I could have asked for. The Mac and cheese was good. My brother got the juicy fried chicken and my sister got the gumbo. Everyone was happy. I’ll go here again.

One of my personal favorites in the city and the best place to go to when seeking upscale comfort food with a little Cajun kick. The staff is always great. The service is always perfect and the food always comes out in a timely fashion and is never disappointing. I have never had a bad dish here. Even better, the menu is seasonal and they do a great job of mixing it up. Fortunately the mac and cheese is always on the menu. I think... (Don't hold me to that) See that soup? That's the Vidalia onion bisque. It's the best soup in the entire world.... or at least KC easily.

Came with a large group for an early lunch on. Saturday. There was a wait (we didn’t have reservations) but they took care of us as we hung out at the bar. The waiter for the table did an excellent job taking care of 11 people! Service was very good. The food was excellent. The grits and biscuits & gravy were our groups favorites. Very flavorful food. Well worth a visit and we would certainly come again.

The atmosphere is cozy and urban. We sat at the bar to order. The food was insanely delicious!! The shrimp was perfectly seasoned. Definitely a must have if you're in KC.

Delicious southern food in a quaint setting. It was extremely busy and we did feel that our waiter was trying to rush us out. We also asked to divide the total 3 ways. One check was 119...one was 130...and the other 175. We were a bit disappointed with this aspect, but getting it corrected was more difficult than not. Needless to say...it is pricey to eat here, but portions are huge!

Let me admit a couple of things at the outset. First, I'm not an expert in southern cuisine. And second, I got the fish fry, which wasn't anywhere near as sauce and nuance intensive as some of the other dishes on the menu. But I was impressed with how good it was. The two types of fish were breaded differently, which added some fun variety. The hushpuppies were flavorful rather than sweet. And everything I had took full advantage of the restaurant's commitment to scratch cooking, with a fair amount of it locally sourced as well. The atmosphere was pleasant and not too noisy early on a Wednesday evening. The waitstaff was friendly and helpful with the menu. I will definitely be back, especially when I find myself in a more adventurous mood.