Welcome to Sum’na Eat Soul Food Kitchen
Sum’na Eat Soul Food Kitchen brings scratch-made soul food to Joplin. With options like fried catfish, pork chops, and crispy chicken, it is no surprise that diners rave about the flavorful dishes. Daily specials keep the menu exciting while a soon-to-launch Sunday brunch promises even more deliciousness. The casual and cozy atmosphere creates a perfect spot for solo meals, family gatherings, or catching up with friends. Plus, the restaurant is proudly Black-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and women-owned, strengthening the community vibe.
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About
Located at 1218 W 7th St, Joplin, MO, Sum’na Eat Soul Food Kitchen is a homey spot that feels like a warm embrace. The restaurant welcomes all, boasting a lively environment ideal for everyone from families to tourists and LGBTQ+ communities. When visiting, take advantage of the outdoor seating for a charming al fresco dining experience. Retaining the vibe of neighborhood eateries, Sum’na Eat allows patrons to play board games, fostering a sense of community while savoring great food. The charm extends beyond the décor; it’s in the friendly staff and welcoming ambiance, all complemented by live music that enhances the dining experience.
The space is cozy enough for intimate gatherings yet spacious for larger groups. It also prioritizes accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities. Locals and visitors alike cherish the environment and the dedicated service, making every meal memorable. Plus, with hours running throughout the week, there’s always a chance to stop by. It serves various meals—brunch, lunch, and dinner—offering something for everyone. Reservations are accepted, so planning your visit is easy.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
Diners at Sum’na can’t get enough of the hearty portions and homemade soul food, making the average $17.12 for a meal a steal. Highlights include the fried catfish that brings a delightful crunch, mac and cheese that oozes comfort, and collard greens that pair perfectly with any main dish. The friendly staff and quick service further enhance the dining experience. Live music often fills the air, creating a welcoming vibe that invites patrons to linger a little longer. Board games add a playful twist to the meal, so families feel right at home while enjoying their favorites.
Most Disliked
While many enjoy the bustling atmosphere, some diners find it a bit too lively at times, especially during peak hours. Waits can be longer than expected due to the restaurant's popularity. A few patrons have mentioned that while the specials are enticing, they sometimes wish the menu had more permanent options. Additionally, while outdoor seating is available, it can be limited on busier days. Some also find the location a tad tricky to navigate, especially when seeking parking, although free parking options are nearby.
Reviews
Blackhawk J.
We love to try one of a kind restaurants and Sum’na eat is TOP TIER!!! It is obvious the owners/chefs pour their hearts and souls into this amazing soul food. Even our kids would love to make the trip back (we live an hour away) just to come back!
Joe M.
BEST RESTAURANT IN JOPLIN! The owner St Louis and her side kick Lil Bit is awesome! Food is AMAZING, customer service is spot on. This restaurant is a MUST in Joplin. I drive 2 hours to eat here. Do yourself a favor and eat here for some good flavor!
Jose Z.
Sum’na Eat Soul Food Kitchen surprised me and took me back when a neighborhood restaurant was a little spot where everyone can break bread. It felt like how the old days were for me. Just a very beautiful feeling to experience. The one of the best parts was being able to play board games and genuinely enjoy a good meal while listening to soul music. I hope the Joplin enjoys this place as much as I did. The catfish was delicious too.
Erika N.
Took our family of five here on our trip with the Summit Racing Drag'N Drive. SO happy we stopped. Games to play, GREAT fresh food but honestly it was the people that made the experience so great. Thank you all for welcoming some small farm town folks and giving us some home cookin!!
Betty I.
Sorry we didn’t take a photo of our dinner. The food was excellent. My chicken was so crispy’ The greens and okra were the bomb! The gooey cake was delicious too! I’m from south Louisiana and the cook is awesome!! We are just here in town for a few days but have to go back again before we leave. Gotta have some more greens for sure! 😍 son loved his pork chop and sides as well!
Holly
I ordered the 1 Meat 2 Sides meal and OH MY LORD! Everything was so delicious with ample portions.The okra and chicken were hot, fresh, and fried perfectly. The mac and cheese was incredible. The butter cake was out of this world. Customer service was stellar. This restaurant should be packed at all times. I'm telling you, if you haven't tried it yet, get yourself there now!
Cassie W.
We came through joplin on a rt 66 trip and this place popped up for burgers. 100% recommend. The food tastes as good as the pictures look!