Mumbo Gumbo Cafe

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Oh man, do yourself a favor and go here on some Thursday and get some ribs. Delicious, slow BBQ soul-​food style ribs slathered in sauce with corn bread or biscuits. Don’t forget to order greens.
Unfortunately, these mouth-​watering ribs are only available on Thursdays, and everyone in the know knows that, so get here early or you may be told (much to your chagrin) that there aren’t any ribs left for you.
But, there’s hope. The gumbo served here is delicious, too. Not in an after-​thought sort of way, either: there’s a reason this place is named the Mumbo Gumbo Café, it’s their speciality. It’s just that the ribs are ribs… I have a weakness for ribs… so tasty. They just fall off the bone, they just melt in your mouth…
The collard greens are so good, too. Maybe your mama said eat your greens and you thought it was a chore. Maybe when you think greens, you think icky-​tasting spinach-​from-​a-​can, popeye style. Well, collard greens aren’t like that — not at all. Your black friends will tell you. Your southern friends will tell you. And if you don’t have black or southern friends, then trust me on this. Collard greens are delicious and you should under no circumstance ever not order them.
The rumor is that the owners of this place may sell it, so if I were you I would go down and experience it before that happens. Anchorage will be a lesser place without this joint.
This place would be a solid five-​star if it weren’t for the ribs-​only-​once-​a-​week thing.

A cute family-​run place with a homey interior, Mumbo Gumbo serves only good food. Try it before the cook moves on – though you may have to try several times. The odd hours are part of its charm! General guidelines:
Sunday NO
Monday NO
Tuesday-​Friday Lunch 12 – 3, Dinner 5 – 8
Saturday Breakfast 8 – 12
Occasionally you will see a sign like «Cook is sick/​Closing one hour early».
Ribs only on Thursday. Catfish fry only on Friday. Collard greens only on Thursday and Friday. Gumbo and chicken every day. Sometimes no cornbread, sometimes no biscuits. Biscuits are most greasiest delicious.

Mumbo Gumbo blows my mind. I’ve missed it profoundly since I moved to Seattle.
The gumbo is the best I’ve ever had — and after living in New Orleans, that’s quite a loaded statement. I don’t get tired of it! I would get it every time and it’s just so good! The biscuits are like crack. Or Krispy Kremes. Even the corn is really tasty!
Breakfast is good too. The French toast is amazing — also the best I’ve ever had — and I think they put magic in the scrambled eggs.
The servers are all great (all three of them?). I wish they offered desserts, like bananas foster or bread pudding or something. Like you need it after all the food they give you.