Comments on: Florence’s: Shady Restaurant of the Month http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/ Helpful and honest reviews about Oklahoma City restaurants, plus comments and ratings from readers. We're a local site, run by Oklahoma City locals. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:13:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Honey http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-4169 Honey Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:38:37 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-4169 Shawna must eat enough for a horse, pig, or maybe a cow! We ARE fighting obesity in this country. I have dined at Florences for over 35 years and have ALWAYS been satisfied with my portions. The food is ALWAYS good! And Angel, I don't know what's her problem! The chicken is cut-up and cooked FRESH everyday! What restaurant do you know of does NOT use microwaves? And Sam, I have NEVER felt afraid to eat there. You could have ordered another side instead or sent the green beans back for something else and just ADD sugar to your tea. Florence is a small woman who is very friendly so I don't understand YOUR characterization of her. I also happen to know that Florence has been there for her community and have fed a MANY in need for FREE! Shawna must eat enough for a horse, pig, or maybe a cow! We ARE fighting obesity in this country. I have dined at Florences for over 35 years and have ALWAYS been satisfied with my portions. The food is ALWAYS good! And Angel, I don’t know what’s her problem! The chicken is cut-up and cooked FRESH everyday! What restaurant do you know of does NOT use microwaves? And Sam, I have NEVER felt afraid to eat there. You could have ordered another side instead or sent the green beans back for something else and just ADD sugar to your tea. Florence is a small woman who is very friendly so I don’t understand YOUR characterization of her. I also happen to know that Florence has been there for her community and have fed a MANY in need for FREE!

]]> By: Mankei Neko http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2844 Mankei Neko Tue, 12 May 2009 22:07:36 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2844 LOVED Florence's! Excellent comfort food, nice staff, and fun atmosphere. I was a little surprised at the interior; it was much prettier than I expected for a "shady" restaurant. And the music was great - it kinda had more of a jazzy/bluesy tone while I was there. I felt like I took a mini vacation to the deep south, and I did not want to leave! The catfish was fried up just perfect. And I too normally don't care for cornbread, but their little mini muffins were quite tasty and different than any I've ever tried before. They have salmon croquettes on Fridays - can't wait to try those. FYI - cash only! :) LOVED Florence’s! Excellent comfort food, nice staff, and fun atmosphere. I was a little surprised at the interior; it was much prettier than I expected for a “shady” restaurant. And the music was great – it kinda had more of a jazzy/bluesy tone while I was there. I felt like I took a mini vacation to the deep south, and I did not want to leave! The catfish was fried up just perfect. And I too normally don’t care for cornbread, but their little mini muffins were quite tasty and different than any I’ve ever tried before. They have salmon croquettes on Fridays – can’t wait to try those. FYI – cash only! :)

]]> By: Maneki Neko http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2734 Maneki Neko Fri, 01 May 2009 04:00:04 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2734 Great review, thanks! I will definitely try Florence's soon and report back. I drove past it today, but I had already picked up dinner to-go at Carican Flavors (MLK and about 25th) so I didn't stop. Carican Flavors is very unique and tasty; Caribbean mixed with soul food. They have jerk chicken, oxtail, catfish, mac & cheese, green beans, cornbread, rice & beans, black-eyed peas, and a variety of other things I can't remember. I forgot to get a to-go menu. Does anyone else in OKC serve jerk anything? If you know then please fill me in, it's sooo good, especially shrimp or fish! I do remember that Carican's menu specifically stated "Vegetarian Welcome" which always impresses me. And they have a cafeteria-style setup (kinda like Mama E's), so I was on my way with a hot meal in less than 5 minutes. Has anyone tried the restaurant Fish & Pies? It's maybe a couple blocks east of Florence's. It caught my attention today and sure did sound good! There were several cars in the parking lot, so it seemed to be popular. Could it be an opportunity for the next Shady Restaurant of the Month? Great review, thanks! I will definitely try Florence’s soon and report back. I drove past it today, but I had already picked up dinner to-go at Carican Flavors (MLK and about 25th) so I didn’t stop. Carican Flavors is very unique and tasty; Caribbean mixed with soul food. They have jerk chicken, oxtail, catfish, mac & cheese, green beans, cornbread, rice & beans, black-eyed peas, and a variety of other things I can’t remember. I forgot to get a to-go menu. Does anyone else in OKC serve jerk anything? If you know then please fill me in, it’s sooo good, especially shrimp or fish! I do remember that Carican’s menu specifically stated “Vegetarian Welcome” which always impresses me. And they have a cafeteria-style setup (kinda like Mama E’s), so I was on my way with a hot meal in less than 5 minutes. Has anyone tried the restaurant Fish & Pies? It’s maybe a couple blocks east of Florence’s. It caught my attention today and sure did sound good! There were several cars in the parking lot, so it seemed to be popular. Could it be an opportunity for the next Shady Restaurant of the Month?

]]> By: Bill Turner http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2682 Bill Turner Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:20:20 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2682 Florence's was very nice -- not sure how it earned its "Shady" designation. Established in 1952 on 4th Street, so our waiter said. Moved to 23rd, its present location, in 1961. I'm sure Miss Florence would have no truck with any ladies of the evening hanging around her restaurant. The fried chicken was AMAZING -- how does she get the crust so perfect? Mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn all excellent. The pinto beans were too sweet for me, but everything else was very good. I hate to recommend it because we had the whole place to ourselves. Too bad the bar-b-que place across the street appears to be no longer with us. Florence’s was very nice — not sure how it earned its “Shady” designation. Established in 1952 on 4th Street, so our waiter said. Moved to 23rd, its present location, in 1961. I’m sure Miss Florence would have no truck with any ladies of the evening hanging around her restaurant.

The fried chicken was AMAZING — how does she get the crust so perfect? Mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn all excellent. The pinto beans were too sweet for me, but everything else was very good. I hate to recommend it because we had the whole place to ourselves.

Too bad the bar-b-que place across the street appears to be no longer with us.

]]> By: Sam http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2640 Sam Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:03:12 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2640 Just got back from eating here and I think my heart just stopped beating....hold up, ok it's beating again. Had the chicken and waffles wednesday special and decided to add green beans and cabbage to the mix. Total came out to $10 with a "sweet" tea that wasn't sweetened at all. The green beans reminded me of elementary school and is still the reason why I don't like em...but I paid for them today so I tolerated it. Anyway, "Mama" looks like one fierce woman and wouldn't wanna get in a fight with her, but she does cook some soulful food. I think I might have to strap on a piece for protection next time I go visit because that area is VERY ghet-to. Oh and they close at 6pm every day! Just got back from eating here and I think my heart just stopped beating….hold up, ok it’s beating again. Had the chicken and waffles wednesday special and decided to add green beans and cabbage to the mix. Total came out to $10 with a “sweet” tea that wasn’t sweetened at all. The green beans reminded me of elementary school and is still the reason why I don’t like em…but I paid for them today so I tolerated it. Anyway, “Mama” looks like one fierce woman and wouldn’t wanna get in a fight with her, but she does cook some soulful food. I think I might have to strap on a piece for protection next time I go visit because that area is VERY ghet-to.

Oh and they close at 6pm every day!

]]> By: GlennZilla http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2568 GlennZilla Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:54:38 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2568 You REALLY should do a Shady restaurant review of "The Hungry Frog" at NW 10th an Penn. For the optimum Shady People watching, go on a Saturday while the Flea market across the street is in full swing. You REALLY should do a Shady restaurant review of “The Hungry Frog” at NW 10th an Penn. For the optimum Shady People watching, go on a Saturday while the Flea market across the street is in full swing.

]]> By: ANGEL http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2525 ANGEL Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:39:44 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2525 I REALLY HAVE TO BEG TO DIFFER WITH THE RATINGS ON THIS PLACE. WENT THERE TODAY AND THE FOOD WAS OK...ONLY PROBLEM IS I LIKE MY CHICKEN FRIED THE SAME DAY OR EVEN FRESH AND IT WAS ALL REHEATED IN THE MICROWAVE.. YOU CAN HEAR THEM HEATING THE FOOD UP IN THE KITCHEN IN THE MICROWAVE...THE CORNBREAD WASNT MOIST OR EVEN A TAD BIT SWEET...AND I GOT FRIED CHICKEN AND 3 SIDES WHICH SAID IN THE MENU 7.50 BUT WHEN THE CHECK CAME IT SAID 8.50...I WAS HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND MAYBE I JUST WENT AT THE WRONG TIME BUT I DIDNT SMELL A AROMA OF ANYTHING COOKING.. I ARRIVED AT 2:30 ALMOST 3:00... I COULD HAVE BOUT THE INGREDIENTS TO THE MEAL I HAD AND SPENT THE SAME AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AT LEAST THE TAD BIT FRESH!!!! I REALLY HAVE TO BEG TO DIFFER WITH THE RATINGS ON THIS PLACE. WENT THERE TODAY AND THE FOOD WAS OK…ONLY PROBLEM IS I LIKE MY CHICKEN FRIED THE SAME DAY OR EVEN FRESH AND IT WAS ALL REHEATED IN THE MICROWAVE.. YOU CAN HEAR THEM HEATING THE FOOD UP IN THE KITCHEN IN THE MICROWAVE…THE CORNBREAD WASNT MOIST OR EVEN A TAD BIT SWEET…AND I GOT FRIED CHICKEN AND 3 SIDES WHICH SAID IN THE MENU 7.50 BUT WHEN THE CHECK CAME IT SAID 8.50…I WAS HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND MAYBE I JUST WENT AT THE WRONG TIME BUT I DIDNT SMELL A AROMA OF ANYTHING COOKING.. I ARRIVED AT 2:30 ALMOST 3:00… I COULD HAVE BOUT THE INGREDIENTS TO THE MEAL I HAD AND SPENT THE SAME AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AT LEAST THE TAD BIT FRESH!!!!

]]> By: Kevin http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2434 Kevin Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:47:40 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2434 Thanks Andrew (and Shawna too. Now I have two more places on the "Grub I really really enjoy!" list Thanks Andrew (and Shawna too.

Now I have two more places on the “Grub I really really enjoy!” list

]]> By: Andrew http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2409 Andrew Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:48:45 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2409 I tried A Family Affair on Friday. I agree, it's pretty tasty sould food, all you can eat. I think it is completely different than Florence's. Different menu, different style, and the ability to gorge yourself until you are sick. I stand by my opinion that Florences gives reasonable portions for a good value. I'm not into gorging myself so I don't get my moneys worth when I have a $10 buffet (this was with drink included). That may just be me. I tried A Family Affair on Friday. I agree, it’s pretty tasty sould food, all you can eat. I think it is completely different than Florence’s. Different menu, different style, and the ability to gorge yourself until you are sick. I stand by my opinion that Florences gives reasonable portions for a good value. I’m not into gorging myself so I don’t get my moneys worth when I have a $10 buffet (this was with drink included). That may just be me.

]]> By: Beverly http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2372 Beverly Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:16:56 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2372 I went to Florence's, and everything was great! My plate had enough to take some home for a second meal. I see the commenter above had a different view. I ordered the smothered chicken, with banana pudding for dessert. ALL good! I went to Florence’s, and everything was great! My plate had enough to take some home for a second meal. I see the commenter above had a different view. I ordered the smothered chicken, with banana pudding for dessert. ALL good!

]]> By: shawna http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2367 shawna Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:46:42 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2367 The food was just average and the portion size was a joke. There was barely enough food to satisfy a child let alone an adult who paid close to $8.00 per plate. I would not recommend FLORENCE'S RESTURANT at all. If you are in the mood for a home cooked meal or some good soulfood you should try A FAMILY AFFAIR RESTURANT right up the street. They have really great tasting food, decent customer service, better value and portion size for the money spent and a family oreinted atmosphere. The food was just average and the portion size was a joke. There was barely enough food to satisfy a child let alone an adult who paid close to $8.00 per plate. I would not recommend FLORENCE’S RESTURANT at all. If you are in the mood for a home cooked meal or some good soulfood you should try A FAMILY AFFAIR RESTURANT right up the street. They have really great tasting food, decent customer service, better value and portion size for the money spent and a family oreinted atmosphere.

]]> By: ......... http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2351 ......... Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:49:13 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2351 Florence was honored last year for over 50 years of service to the African American Community in Oklahoma City. She has owned a few different businesses over the years but this is where her heart is at. You don't often find someone cooking for you with 50 plus years of experience under their belt. A true gem! Oh yeah, try the Boley Beans, named after the town! Florence was honored last year for over 50 years of service to the African American Community in Oklahoma City. She has owned a few different businesses over the years but this is where her heart is at. You don’t often find someone cooking for you with 50 plus years of experience under their belt. A true gem! Oh yeah, try the Boley Beans, named after the town!

]]> By: Charlene http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2338 Charlene Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:29:18 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2338 The best article written yet...OR I may have been influenced by my subconscience devouring the fried chicken as I read. :-) The best article written yet…OR
I may have been influenced by my subconscience devouring the fried chicken as I read. :-)

]]> By: Spooniest http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2328 Spooniest Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:40:24 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2328 I have gone to this place a few times and I love it. The banana pudding is to die for! It puts my Mom’s to shame…but I would never tell her that! I have never had a bad meal here and everytime I go I feel like family. I have gone to this place a few times and I love it. The banana pudding is to die for! It puts my Mom’s to shame…but I would never tell her that! I have never had a bad meal here and everytime I go I feel like family.

]]> By: Bizzle http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2325 Bizzle Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:51:56 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2325 I can't wait to try this place! Will report back! I can’t wait to try this place! Will report back!

]]> By: R. D. Hale, M.D. http://www.eataroundokc.com/2009/florences-shady-restaurant-of-the-month/comment-page-1/#comment-2321 R. D. Hale, M.D. Sun, 08 Feb 2009 01:08:40 +0000 http://www.eataroundokc.com/?p=781#comment-2321 I appreciated your Florence's Restaurant article/e-mail very much. And, I'm sure that most of us out here want, not only to hear about the exotic and predictibly expensive eateries, but at least as much about food very similar to that, which we grew up eating. 'Truth is we're both yearning for that wonderful taste, but also feeling giant-size and undoubtedly chauvenistic pride in the memories assosiated with those old family meals. A lot of us eat "out" nearly every meal, and we should let you know how much we appreciate your efforts and the restaurant articles...I'll pass it on. Thanks. I appreciated your Florence’s Restaurant article/e-mail very much. And, I’m sure that most of us out here want, not only to hear about the exotic and predictibly expensive eateries, but at least as much about food very similar to that, which we grew up eating. ‘Truth is we’re both yearning for that wonderful taste, but also feeling giant-size and undoubtedly chauvenistic pride in the memories assosiated with those old family meals. A lot of us eat “out” nearly every meal, and we should let you know how much we appreciate your efforts and the restaurant articles…I’ll pass it on. Thanks.

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