[ We're proud to introduce new WacoFork writer Roxanne Portillo, who will be giving us the scoop on some places that Chad doesn't get to all that often, like Real Deal Soul Food. Enjoy. ]
Any place that serves Kool-Aid is definitely on my good side.
If authentic Southern soul food is something your taste buds crave pretty often, then Real Deal Soul Food is probably already one of your favorite spots. But in case you haven’t been there, I’ll spell it our for you.
Real Deal has been around for nine years and is still one of Waco's hidden eateries. Perhaps it’s because they're only open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until they run out of food, which normally happens before 4. It’s tough to get across town for a heavy, hearty lunch.
I went on Wednesday afternoon around 1 and the first thing that struck me was how patrons have to get used to the aesthetic. It’s bare bones, for sure. But the food and the service will give you a different outlook on the place in a hurry.
When you walk in, the daily menu is on a white dry-erase board. It ranges from fried fish to beef tips to baked pork chops, which is what I chose. The menu pretty much stays the same except for two days out of the week when they offer neck bones or ox tail. If those two specialty items sound good, just know the tricky part is figuring out which day they’re offered because there’s no set schedule. Whatever you choose, each entree comes with three sides and, of course, you can't forget the corn bread. You sit down and a friendly staff member comes to take your order.
Everything is made to order so a hot, fresh meal is to be expected. I accented my baked pork chops with creamy mac and cheese, collard greens and candied yams. And then I went back to work and attempted to fight off a food coma.
The pork chops weren't as juicy as I'd hoped for, but everything else made up for it. I had a co-worker tag along with me, so I was able to steal a bit of her baked chicken and it was great! I wish Real Deal had more extensive hours so more people could enjoy it. But first-come-first-served has been working for them this long, so why change it if it isn't broken, right?
In the meantime, just know the name says it all as it’s legit, certainly The Real Deal.
One more bite: In case you have trouble finding it. Real Deal Soul Food is located next to the Old Falcon Club on South Loop Drive. If you want to know what their menu is before heading that way, the staff has assured me that you may call Real Deal and they will be more than happy to spill the beans.
