You ever walk into a place and just know the food is going to fix your whole week? That’s basically the vibe at Dulan’s. If you’re hunting for the Dulan's Los Angeles menu, you aren't just looking for a list of prices; you're looking for that specific Sunday-afternoon-at-grandma’s feeling.
Honestly, in a city like LA where food trends die faster than a battery in a cold snap, Dulan’s is a rock. Founded by the late Adolf Dulan—the "King of Soul Food"—it’s been feeding the community for decades. Whether you're at the Manchester Boulevard spot, the Century Boulevard location, or the iconic Dulan’s on Crenshaw, the mission is the same: massive portions and zero shortcuts.
The Heavy Hitters: What’s Actually on the Dulan's Los Angeles Menu?
Most people come here with one thing on their mind: the Ox Tails. They aren't cheap—expect to pay around $35.95 for a dinner plate—but they’re simmered until the meat literally slides off the bone into a pool of rich, dark gravy. It's the kind of meal that requires a nap immediately afterward.
If you aren't feeling the beef, the Fried Chicken is the local legend. It’s marinated in a secret herb blend and fried until the skin is a shatteringly crisp golden brown. For those who want something a bit "wetter," the Smothered Chicken or Smothered Pork Chops are drenched in a light, savory onion gravy that makes the rice underneath taste like gold.
- Fried Chicken Dinner: Usually around $26.95 (includes 3 sides + cornbread).
- Smothered Pork Chops: Roughly $27.95 for the dinner portion.
- Meatloaf: A sleeper hit at $28.95, moist and topped with a seasoned tomato sauce.
The Side Show (Which is Actually the Main Event)
You can't talk about the menu without the sides. At Dulan’s, a "side" isn't a tiny cup of coleslaw. It’s a heaping portion. The Macaroni & Cheese is the undisputed champion—baked, bubbly, and creamy.
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Then there are the Collard Greens. They cook these down with smoked turkey, onions, and garlic. It's smoky, salty, and just right. If you like it sweet, the Candied Yams are legendary, though there’s often a $1 supplemental charge for them (and the greens) because they’re that labor-intensive.
Don't sleep on the Cornbread Muffins. They come with almost every meal. They’re warm, slightly sweet, and perfect for mopping up leftover gravy. You get two with most plates, but you’ll probably want more.
Side Dish Breakdown
Honestly, choosing is the hardest part. You’ve got:
- Black Eyed Peas with Rice: Classic comfort.
- Steamed Cabbage: Simple, but done perfectly.
- Red Beans: Spicy and different, especially good on Crenshaw.
- Corn, Okra & Tomatoes: A southern staple that’s getting harder to find.
How the Pricing Actually Works
It’s kinda simple once you see the pattern. You usually choose between a Lunch Meal and a Dinner Meal. Lunch typically gets you the entree, two sides, and cornbread. Dinner ups it to three sides.
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Price-wise, you’re looking at $20 to $30 for most individual plates. It’s not "fast food" prices, but considering one plate can easily feed two people—or one person for two days—the value is actually wild.
If you’re feeding a crowd, the Family Special is the way to go. For about $46.95 at some locations, you get a whole chicken, three large sides, and four muffins. At Dulan’s on Crenshaw, the "Family Meal" can run closer to $59.99 but includes eight pieces of chicken and five savory sides.
The Weekend Specials You Need to Know
Sundays are different here. If you show up on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, look for the Turkey Wings. These are braised with a "trinity" of vegetables and signature spices. They’re a top seller for a reason.
Also, the Rosemary Glazed Salmon is a solid "healthy" pivot if you’re trying to avoid the fryer, but keep in mind they usually need about 20 minutes to prep that one fresh. It’s a bit more "modern LA" but still fits the soul food vibe perfectly.
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Why the "Crenshaw" Menu is Slightly Different
While they’re all under the Dulan family umbrella, Greg Dulan runs the Crenshaw spot, while Terry Dulan oversees the Kitchen locations. The Dulan's on Crenshaw menu has a few unique flourishes. They’ve recently renovated, added a patio, and even do things like rosemary salmon or BBQ pork ribs that you might not see at the more "cafeteria-style" Kitchen spots.
Crenshaw is also where the history feels the thickest. It’s been a cornerstone of South LA since 1992, surviving the Rodney King uprising and a recent financial scare that saw the community rally to keep the doors open. When you eat there, you’re eating a piece of LA history.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
- Check the Clock: The dining rooms often close earlier than the restaurant itself. For example, some spots close the seating area at 7 PM even if they take to-go orders until 8 PM.
- Order the "Mix": Many regulars ask for a mix of cabbage and collard greens. It’s the best of both worlds.
- Parking Stress: It’s a struggle. On Crenshaw, look for street parking early. At the Manchester spot, the lot is small and fills up fast.
- The "Rebate": Adolf Dulan used to say, "We give our customers a rebate by putting extra food on their plate." Take that seriously. Don't over-order unless you have an empty fridge at home.
- Beverage Move: Get the Sweet Ice Tea or the strawberry lemonade. They’re sweet—very sweet—but they cut through the richness of the fried chicken perfectly.
The best way to experience the menu is to go on a Sunday afternoon. Yes, there will be a line. Yes, you will wait. But when that steam hits your face and you see the size of that oxtail portion, you’ll understand why the Dulan family has been the "Kings of Soul Food" for fifty years.