After decades of eating and cooking soul food (from my own kitchen and those of loved ones), I’m admittedly picky about where I eat it when I go out. When my husband—who’s even more particular than I am—said, “Do what you do and start bringing people there. They deserve it,” I knew Nettie’s Restaurant & Bar was something special.
Why Nettie’s Stands Out
Located in Queens Village, Nettie’s isn’t just another restaurant. It’s the kind of homey place where the owner, Danny, stops by your table to chat with genuine warmth. His wife— one of the chefs— also sends out food that reminded me of why I love soul food so much in the first place.
The Food: Southern-Approved
I’ll be honest: I’m a “food snob” about certain Southern classics. Collard greens and mac & cheese can’t just be good—they have to be excellent. Nettie’s passed the test.
What We Ordered:
Beef Bacon – Really good. Crispy, flavorful, and a perfect start to the meal.
Fried Chicken – This is where they shine. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and genuinely crispy—not greasy, not heavy, just exactly what fried chicken should be. As someone who [makes my own fried chicken], I appreciate when it’s done right.
Collard Greens – Southern-approved. The seasoning was on point, with just the right balance of flavor without being oversalted.
Mac & Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and clearly homemade. No shortcuts here.
The Cakes – We ordered slices to take home, and they were so good my husband insisted I write this review. That’s the highest praise he gives. ( I am definitely going back again for the banana pudding cake!)
Generous Portions, Reasonable Prices
In a city where $20 gets you a tiny entrée, Nettie’s portions are really generous. You get a great value here. It’s the kind of meal that might leave you with leftovers (which, honestly, won’t last long).
The prices are reasonable for NYC, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. I wasn’t able to visit when a friend had a birthday party here. (That’s how I heard about the spot.) I’m glad that I was able to go on a date here, though.
The Atmosphere
The vibe at Nettie’s is comfortable and welcoming. Great, soulful music plays in the background. It’s not too loud but just right for conversation. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy your meal, and feel at home.
Whether you’re dining solo, on a date, or with family, or even looking for a place to throw a small party gathering, the atmosphere works. There’s no airs of pretension here, just good food and genuine hospitality.
Hours & Location
Nettie’s Restaurant & Bar
Queens Village, Queens, NY
Website
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Note: Weekend hours make this perfect for brunch or early dinner.
Why You Should Go
In a city full of restaurants, Nettie’s offers something increasingly rare: authentic soul food made with care, served with genuine warmth, at prices that won’t make you wince.
If you’re craving collard greens that taste like they came from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen, fried chicken that’s actually crispy, or a slice of homemade cake that makes you return immediately for another slice —Nettie’s is worth the trip to Queens Village.
My husband doesn’t give compliments lightly. When he tells me a restaurant “deserves” to be promoted, I listen. Nettie’s earned it.
Have you been to Nettie’s? If so, what did you order? Let me know.