+1 602-262-9256
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe in Phoenix, AZ, is a true gem for anyone craving authentic Southern soul food served with warmth and care. Nestled at 808 E Jefferson St, this charming cafe perfectly captures the heart and soul of Southern cooking, bringing a comforting taste of home to every plate.
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the inviting aroma of golden brown fried chicken and freshly baked cornbread—a scent that instantly stirs nostalgic memories of family dinners and Sunday suppers. Mrs. White’s prides itself on dishes made from scratch using traditional recipes that have been lovingly perfected over time.
The menu is a treasure trove for comfort food lovers. Their Golden Brown Southern Fried Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, served piping hot with sides like smothered chicken and fried okra that are full of rich, soulful flavors. The Catfish Plate is famously fresh, with flaky fish that simply melts in your mouth. For those seeking hearty plates, the Chicken Fried Steak with Brown Gravy or Smothered Pork Chops with Greens and Black-Eyed Peas offer deep, satisfying flavors that remind you of grandmother’s kitchen.
Vegetarian guests are not left out thanks to generous veggie and vegetable plates that include all hot sides like cabbage, green beans with potatoes, and mac & cheese—creamy, cheesy, and decadently comforting. And no visit would be complete without a taste of their iconic Peach Cobbler or Louisiana Crunch Cake, desserts that capture the perfect balance of sweet and homey indulgence.
Rebecca Hartley, a happy customer, shared how dining here felt like a special occasion, despite a busy Sunday. Though the service was a bit slow due to the crowd, the food was “definitely worth the wait.” Jojo Reeve commended the staff’s kindness and helpfulness, especially for guiding new customers through the menu and pricing options. Anndrea Cruz was enamored by the tender fried catfish and perfectly seasoned mac & cheese, sharing her desire to “eat here every day.” Anthony Lewis praised the “flavor-packed” hamburger steak with onions and gravy, a true testament to the kitchen’s skill and passion. Meanwhile, Lasheria Murphy beautifully summed up the whole experience, saying it “made me feel like I was at Grandma's house” with a welcoming atmosphere and food that unlocked nostalgic memories.
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe is more than just a restaurant – it’s a place where every meal is a heartfelt reminder of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re indulging in a fried chicken dinner or savoring a side of black-eyed peas, you’ll leave feeling nourished not just in body, but in spirit. The cozy, self-seating setup invites relaxed, unpretentious dining where you can take your time and soak in the warmth of genuine, home-style cuisine.
For those planning gatherings, their catering menu offers generous portions like a 1/2 pan of black-eyed peas serving up to 25 people, perfect to share the soul food experience with friends and family. Side dishes such as mac & cheese, potato salad, and cornbread complement every order, ensuring that the spirit of comforting Southern cooking can come right to your door.
If you’re in Phoenix and craving soulful, authentic Southern food with a side of heartfelt hospitality, Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe is an unforgettable choice that will leave you eagerly planning your next visit.
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The food was excellent! The service was a little slow, because they were understandably busy, but their food is definitely worth the wait! You seat yourself, and then staff will give you the menu (I was under the impression that you order at the counter when we first walked in). You pay at the register (up front). I had the catfish, macaroni salad, and the mixed greens; the catfish was out of this world, it was the best catfish I ever had! We told our server that, and my husband wasn't offended that Mrs. White's catfish dish was a million times better (my husband doesn't know Soul Food, however, he makes a more Midwestern-style type of Catfish at home, which isn't Soul Food and he knows that his version isn't Soul Food; we both never had Soul Food before until trying Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe). We then started talking to a wonderful man named Roger who was taking his 93 year-old mother for lunch who sat next to us (my husband said Hello to him first as he was sitting almost across or adjacent from him); Roger said he was born and raised in Phoenix, and grew up going to Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe; it was cool experience meeting him and his mother, talking with him. I don't run into Phoenix-natives very often. We were visiting from Tucson. We took a tour of the Rosson House nearby, and walked to Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe. I really wanted to try their peach cobbler, but we ran out of time. I cleaned my plate. That doesn't happen very often when we eat out. I usually have too much food, but this was the perfect portion, and I am tiny. The food was also exceptional! We will hopefully return again soon!
The staff are amazing, sweet, and explained everything to me as a new customer. They told us the prices if we ordered a la carte, and what would be the least expensive way to do so.
The Fried Catfish is so tender it melts in your mouth! The Mac & Cheese is the real deal, made with real sharp cheddar cheese and mildly seasoned. The yams are firm, yet tender and sweetened to perfection. It was SOO could eat here every day. The prices are reasonable too.
I ordered the hamburger steak covered in onions and gravy along with their amazing mac and cheese. Every bite was packed with flavor! The cook truly knows what they’re doing such great food and care in every dish. I’ll definitely be back for more!
Made me feel like I was at Grandma's house sitting at her table. And the servers felt like cousins and family. Very warming and welcoming. Each bite unlocked a nostalgic memory. Walking in and seeing the picture on the wall told me all I needed to know, the food was prepared with love. Can't wait to return
Absolutely outstanding experience. (I actually had a whole review typed up but lost it but trust me. Absolutely worth the time to visit. Bring your appetite and be patient if you visit during a rush hour. Definitely recommend the fried pork chops and cornbread. The fried chicken was amazing. Not greasy and oily like some places do.) Make some time and check this wonderful cafe full of downhome savory cooked meals asap! We plan to be back for more ourselves. Mmmmmm!! So good!
First time here, and it had to be on a game day Saturday, so parking was a little hairy, u have to park in back or they charge you 20 to park in front. From the moment we walked in we were greeted and seated. Took our drink order right away, drinks came out pretty quick but that was the last of it. Never saw them again for a refill. Food service was excellent, didn't have to wait too long, and it was pretty busy in there around 2 in the afternoon. Cornbread came out before our meal. If I had one gripe, it would be, could have used a little more butter or honey, wasn't that moist but was tasty. I had the fried catfish. Now I haven't had catfish this tender and juicy since I lived in the midwest, off the Mississippi River! It was delicious. I took their recommendations for the sides and had the greens and macaroni salad, both excellent. My friend got the fried chicken with mac n cheese and rice with gravy. All and all was a great experience, will definitely be back.