Lillie Bells: Authentic Soul Food Experience in Southfield, MI

Proud to support this African-American woman owned business. Mrs. Gina served the most delicious plate of sides oh my oh my oh my. I just cannot deny that amazing plate sparkling in my eyes. A smell so pure and a taste so unique. I could not help but yelp shouts of pleasure while tears of joy rolled down my cheeks. This is REAL soul food cooking just like how my momma or grandmama would make for the whole family. Thank you for making my evening so lovely. It was so delicious, mac and cheese tangy, sweet, and salty with a perfect texture. Not watery, not stale and tough but perfectly tender and melts in the mouth. The green beans got powers like Powerade, I just left the gym and my electrolytes have been replenished. Not too salty and not sour but just right for good southern style green beans May Allah (God) most high most exalted bless you and reward you for these amazing dishes

My husband and I might be big backs we shared the meal for 4 and we loved it. We had the fried chicken wings, dressing, sweet potatoes, greens and Koolaid and we loved it all. Sorry no pictures we ate just about all of it already.

Now, I aint gone lie.. this was my first order and I was hesistant. Order came, I received fried chicken instead of the baked chicken I requested and paid additional for which was disappointing. But otherwise than that, food was great! Fried chicken was perfect temp and well seasoned, mac and cheese.. (which is the reason I typically am hesistant to purchase soul food) was nicely seasoned and cheesy like homemade, greens was great!!! Thank you. Oh, and I seen those comments regarding the portions being small… me and my hubby split our meal, serving sizes is still a thang yall! We got a good portion each on our plate, dont be “big backs” all your life

Was at the laundromat and aroma came across my nose it was Lillie bells. I came in and got the Fried chicken lunch with Mac. And I am very pleased Mac has a great cheese pull and the chicken is seasoned even the Kool aid has just the right amount of sugar. If your in the area YOU GOTTA STOP BY

I love it here!! I’ve been here a lot of times and they food is always good!!! If you like seasoned crispy catfish COME HERE! The cheese pull on the loaded potato is insane! Rib tips are mouth watering!!! I can go on but just come here if u want good tasting food!!!

One of the things that I deeply value about working in public libraries is the planning aspect. By the time I started working at Mount Clemens Public Library the calendar for the Winter months was due. I didn’t have much time to really consider what programs I wanted to lead. The Interim Director was very clear though. There had to be a Black History program. Last year, there had not been one. She was adamant that we not repeat that again. Black History programs began to be added to the calendar along with the one I would manage, Taste of Soul‼‼‼ The thought behind the program was that it would allow patrons to taste soul food while being provided with the historical context behind each bite. I could have required people to register, but I wanted to leave it open. I decided to leave it as a drop-in program. The food was catered by Lillie Bell’s of Redford and when I say that they came through. They came through. Chanae and her brother, Davon, delivered tasty dishes and hospitality that made this program a very big hit. I am still processing the success of the event largely because I never saw it as a black program. My vision for the program was an opportunity for the community to come and partake in dishes that span decades. Dishes my great-great grandparents made that were later passed down to the matriarchs in my family. I know the power of a home cooked meal—of soul food. I’ve seen how a meal can bring people together of all age groups for laughter and conversation creating a shared harmony over a good meal. Up until Friday, I mostly witnessed this with my family. Friday, however, I witnessed this at the library. I witnessed young adults sitting amongst the elders, and I witnessed a community of diverse people from different backgrounds sit down and break bread. And it was so beautiful and so humbling. Then if it couldn’t get any better than that, Chanae explained the history of Lillie Bell’s, its namesake, and the dishes that were passed down to her… …and I am still processing it. I’ve done many library programs, but this one—this one. Just hit different. We even had a Taste of Soul playlist which patrons thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks again to Lillie Bell’s for coming through and to the Mount Clemens Public Library for making the event possible. #libraryprograms #blackhistorymonth #soulfood #community #publiclibraries

Okay gotta leave a honest review. Today I stop by Lillie Bell’s, and this is my first time having them. When I first walked in I was greeted with a hello and a warm smile, not every place you go to does that. I order the lunch special for $10 and the food serving for that price is worth it, I got the 3pc Catfish dinner, Mac and Cheese, grape Kool-Aid, and I order a slice of 7 up cheese cake for an additional $5. Now let’s talk about how it tasted? The Catfish was phenomenal I didn’t need any hot sauce for it, the Mac and Cheese is amazing and reminds me of how my mother makes it, the Kool-Aid is top notch not to sweet wasn’t bitter it’s like they added the right amount of sugar, and the 7up cake… THAT CAKE IS FIRE! If you’re ever in the area telegraph between I-96 and Fenkell you have to stop by and try the food I promise you will not be disappointed. My new favorite place for a home cook meal.

Delicious as always. Love the atmosphere, great vibes. Last time I had their fried catfish. This time I tried their fried chop and was not disappointed. So juicy. Looking forward to visit again.