Mama Joy’s Kitchen is a soul food restaurant at 24 Palmetto Bay Road, in a low, unfussy building set back from the road. It calls itself the best soul food on Hilton Head Island, and reviewers who came for a first taste of it mostly agree. You can eat in, take your food to go, get it delivered or order catering. The room itself is plain and a little dated, and nobody seems to mind once the plates arrive.

What to Order at Mama Joy’s Kitchen

Oxtails and fried chicken are the two dishes people mention most, followed by the seafood mac and cheese, fried pork chops and shrimp baskets. Plates come with sides, and the collard greens, cornbread and macaroni and cheese get their own praise. The menu also covers deviled eggs, chicken tenders, wings, salads and peach cobbler, and there is a daily special. The menu button above opens the full menu.

Hours and the Mama Joy Welcome

It is open every day, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. On Monday it closes earlier, at 4 p.m. The restaurant does not take reservations, so you seat yourself when you arrive. Visitors often mention meeting Mama Joy herself, who comes out to greet tables, and the servers are described as warm and quick. If you order to go, ask about the day’s menu when you call, since a few reviewers found a side or dish had been dropped since the website menu was made.

Getting There

Mama Joy’s Kitchen is at 24 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island, and it is an easy stop on a shopping day. More places to eat are on the Hilton Head restaurants page, and the Hilton Head dining guide sorts them by meal and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mama Joy’s Kitchen take reservations?

No. It is walk-in only. You seat yourself, or you can call ahead and order food to go.

What is Mama Joy’s Kitchen known for?

Soul food: oxtails, fried chicken, fried pork chops, seafood mac and cheese, collard greens and cornbread.

What are Mama Joy’s Kitchen’s hours?

Tuesday through Sunday it is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Monday it closes at 4 p.m.

Does Mama Joy’s Kitchen do takeout and delivery?

Yes. You can dine in, take out, order delivery through DoorDash or book catering.

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