+1 708-540-1344
Nestled in the heart of Maywood, Illinois, Just Like Mama's Restaurant & Private Dining Experience offers a soul-satisfying journey into authentic American comfort food. This charming eatery invites guests to relive the warmth and nostalgia of home-cooked meals, where every plate feels like it’s been lovingly prepared by a seasoned family matriarch.
The menu is a treasure trove of classic soul food favorites, beautifully crafted to awaken your senses and evoke memories of family gatherings. From the tender, flavorful smothered pork chops served with your choice of two sides to the crispy, well-seasoned deep-fried catfish, each dish bursts with rich, comforting flavors. The delightfully crispy smothered chicken wings and the indulgent 20-piece wing bucket offer a wings experience that’s both succulent and satisfying, while the meatloaf and fish and chips showcase hearty, classic fare done right.
Side dishes here are just as memorable, from creamy macaroni and cheese and velvety collard greens, to tender string beans and potatoes with ham and delightfully sweet yams. The balance of flavors and textures is complemented with lighter options like fresh fruit salad and crisp crudités, making the experience both indulgent and well-rounded. And don’t miss the luscious house-made desserts — the banana pudding and caramel cake are pure, nostalgic bliss, finishing your meal on a perfectly sweet note.
The atmosphere at Just Like Mama’s feels like stepping into a warm embrace. Guests repeatedly mention the exceptional hospitality, with special shout-outs to Veeta, whose friendly and attentive service elevates every visit. This attentive care pairs wonderfully with the cozy, inviting environment that makes you feel less like a customer and more like family.
What makes the experience truly unforgettable is how the food nourishes not only your appetite but also your soul. As one delighted patron expressed, this restaurant “serves up soul food perfection” that mends your spirit with every bite. Whether you're treating yourself to the hearty two meat combo of fish & meatloaf or indulging in the smoky richness of the BBQ pork ribs, each dish resonates with authenticity and passion.
For food lovers seeking more than just a meal — a soulful experience rooted in tradition, flavor, and heartfelt hospitality — Just Like Mama's Restaurant & Private Dining Experience is a must-visit destination in Maywood. Prepare to be enchanted by the deep, comforting tastes and the genuine care that make every visit feel like coming home.
Location: 1200 S 17th Ave, Maywood, IL 60153
Phone: +1 708-540-1344
LOVE the customer service. Veeta has the best customer service I have ever experienced in a long time. I heard really good things about this restaurant and decided to try for myself. My husband and I had the fish dinner and the fried chicken dinner. The food was delicious. I didn't need to use hot sauce for my fish it was seasoned and it was not salty. The mac and cheese and the yams were delicious. The fried green tomatoes was delicious too. Veeta made us feel welcome and greeted us with a smile. I will be recommending this restaurant to all my family and friends and I wish Veeta and her staff nothing but success .
A Taste of Heaven: [Just like Mama's Serves Up Soul Food Perfection Overall Rating: (5/5) If you're on a quest for soul food that doesn't just feed your stomach but also mends your spirit, your search ends at Just like Mama's. Tucked away at 1200 S. 17th Maywood, IL, this unassuming spot is a sanctuary of flavor, where every dish tastes like it was prepared by a wise grandmother with a lifetime of secrets and a whole lot of love. The Vibe: Forget sleek minimalism. Here, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with the comforting hum of conversation and the irresistible, gut-deep aroma of smoked meats and baking cornbread. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel at home.
Wow! All I can say is, what an experience! Our first visit was on Super Bowl Sunday, and the food was absolutely amazing. We drove about 45 minutes one way to get there. We placed a to-go order, and the chef suggested we try the food before heading back home. She wasn't wrong! We pulled out of the lot, tasted the food, and immediately did a U-turn to go back and order another catfish and pork chop dinner, along with the incredible sides. If you haven't visited yet, make sure you do! We'll definitely be back, and we're bringing the rest of the family!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Dining Experience! Just left this amazing restaurant and I’m still thinking about how incredible everything was! The food? Absolutely delicious — every bite was full of flavor and perfectly cooked. The entire experience was top-tier from start to finish. What really stood out was the service: no wait time at all, friendly staff, and an overall welcoming atmosphere. It’s rare to find a place that checks every box, but this one truly did. I’ll definitely be coming back and yall should come to — highly recommend!
Don't sleep on this gem right here!!!! Service was top notch and the food was/is in a league of it's own! I live out of town but I will certainly be back soon! The porkchop was fried to perfection. The rib tip BBQ sauce was delicious with a smoky flavor. Yams were delightfully sweet but not overdone. Mac n cheese and cornbread dressing did NOT disappoint! Run don't walk to get you a taste! Ms. Veda owner and Chef Jackie really make you feel at home! Oh wait, I almost forgot to tell you about my favorite part (and it was super hard to pick), the butter pound cake was out of this world-not too sweet and perfect butter flavor in each bite. It was hard but I decided to save half for later so I could savor it! I definitely had plenty left over for lunch tomorrow!
5 Stars and they definitely earned it. Ms. Vita and family welcomed our football team and parents with open arms. Very very down to earth atmosphere, delicious food, with a great attitude! We love you miss Vita. We'll be back soon! Rockford Renegades team 12U
I went on a Tuesday..on Tuesday theres a limited menu of $1 whole wings ..tacos ..maxwell street style polish sausages .. I got the 5 wings with fries which is a decent deal ..the wings were piping hot and very good.. I will be going going back on another night to check the other soul food items on the regular menu ... they also have a full menu bar for cocktails beer etc .and they have a DJ playing upbeat music .....OQ
First time here and the food was delicious and the cake omg also the owner was very nice and welcoming calm music playing in the background will return again two meals plus desert we spent about $60 which is normal