Honestly, if you're driving through Montgomery and looking for a "vibe" that involves white tablecloths and tiny portions, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want to understand why locals obsess over Ms. B's restaurant Montgomery AL, you have to look past the humble exterior of the building on Air Base Boulevard.
It's a house. Literally.
Mrs. Margaret Boyd—the "Ms. B" in question—didn't start this in a corporate kitchen. She started it in her carport. She was a mother of nine who spent years cooking for her family before her husband and kids basically staged an intervention and told her she needed to start charging for it. She’s originally from Selma, where she learned the "no measuring cups" style of cooking from her grandmother on an old wood-burning stove. You can't replicate that kind of soul in a franchise.
The Real Deal on the Menu
People get confused because there are a few "B's" in town, but the soul food heavy-hitter is Mrs. B’s Home Cooking.
The menu is a moving target. If you show up on a Tuesday expecting the Monday special, you're going to be disappointed. Soul food is often a schedule-based sport. For instance, the oxtails are legendary, but they aren't a daily guarantee. When they have them, they’re tender enough to make you forget your own name, smothered in a dark, rich gravy that demands a side of white rice.
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The fried chicken is the baseline for everything here. It's crispy, sure, but it’s the seasoning that gets you. It tastes like someone actually cares. You can get it as a dark meat special or white meat, usually paired with two or three sides.
What to Actually Order
- The Morning Sunshine: This is the breakfast MVP. You get your choice of meat (think thick-cut bacon or sausage), grits or rice, eggs, and either toast or a biscuit. It’s under $6, which is kind of wild in 2026.
- The Sunday Special: This is a whole event. You’re looking at fried or baked chicken, dressing (which is top-tier here), two sides, and a cornbread muffin.
- Sides: Don't sleep on the yams. They’re sweet, cinnamon-heavy, and basically a dessert masquerading as a vegetable. The mac and cheese is the "baked" kind—not that runny neon stuff from a box.
- Beverages: Order the "Beverly’s Delight." It’s a mix of lemonade and Kool-Aid. It's incredibly sweet. It’s perfect.
Why Some People Struggle With the Experience
If you read the reviews, you’ll see some 1-star rants mixed in with the 5-star raves. Here’s the nuance: this isn't fast food.
It’s a small operation. Sometimes they run out of things. Sometimes the wait in the drive-thru is long because someone ahead of you ordered five plates of meatloaf and three orders of catfish. Ms. B's is a "slow down and wait for the good stuff" kind of place.
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Another thing people miss? The difference between Mrs. B's Home Cooking (the Air Base Blvd spot) and the newer Mr. B’s Southern Kitchen. While they share a lineage, Mr. B’s is a bit more "refined" with things like "Chicken Mac and Peas" or "Honey Hot Fried Chicken." If you want the old-school, porch-rocking, grandma-style experience, you stay on Air Base Blvd.
The Logistics of Eating at Mrs. B's
You need to know the hours. They are weird.
They usually open early for the breakfast crowd—around 6:00 AM—and they often close by mid-afternoon or early evening. If you try to go for a late dinner at 8:00 PM on a Friday, you’re likely staring at a dark building. Also, they are famously closed on Saturdays. Sunday is their big day, opening around 11:00 AM for the post-church crowd.
Location Check
The main spot is at 415 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108. There was an older location on Cullman Street, but the Air Base Boulevard location is where most of the action happens now.
The "Secret" to the Food
Margaret Boyd has been quoted saying she doesn't use measuring cups. It’s all "look and feel." That’s why the food has a character you won't find at a chain. One day the greens might have a bit more kick; the next, the cornbread might be a little sweeter. That’s the beauty of home cooking.
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It’s also worth noting that they use a lot of pork for seasoning. If you’re vegetarian, your options are a bit limited. You can get a veggie plate, but keep in mind that many traditional soul food sides—like collard greens or green beans—are often seasoned with smoked meat. If you're strict about it, always ask first.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Call Ahead: If you’re coming for something specific like oxtails or the meatloaf (usually a Tuesday thing), call (334) 676-2225 to make sure they haven't sold out.
- Bring Cash (Just in Case): They do take cards, but sometimes systems go down in small shops. Better safe than hungry.
- The "Roll or Muffin" Dilemma: Always choose the cornbread muffin. It’s a local law (not really, but it should be).
- Check the Daily Special: Don't just look at the board; ask what's fresh. The "dressing" is usually a Sunday/Monday thing and it is non-negotiable if it's available.
- Parking: It can get cramped. If the lot is full, be respectful of the neighbors. It’s a residential-feeling area.
Skip the downtown tourist traps once in a while. Go where the city actually eats. Just don't be in a rush, and don't expect a salad menu.