14 Must-Try Soul Food Spots Across America
Soul food is about the heart and history behind every bite. It goes beyond what’s on the plate and involves flavors that warm the soul. Across the U.S., restaurants are serving up dishes that feel like a gentle hug, and it’s not tough to find spots that do it right – especially if you know where to look.
If you’re looking for the real deal, these places deserve a spot on your foodie bucket list.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant – New Orleans, Louisiana
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Some restaurants serve food but Dooky Chase’s serves history. Since 1941, this restaurant has been a hub for Creole soul food and civil rights leaders alike. Leah Chase, the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” made it famous with dishes like fried chicken, gumbo, and shrimp Clemenceau. Even Beyoncé has dined here.
Mama J’s Kitchen – Richmond, Virginia
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In a city filled with history, Mama J’s keeps the tradition of soul food alive. Their fried catfish is crispy perfection, while the candied yams add just the right amount of sweetness. Unlike many soul food spots, they serve cocktails, so you can enjoy bourbon with your cornbread.
Niecie’s Restaurant – Kansas City, Missouri
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Kansas City knows BBQ, but Niecie’s proves they know soul food, too. Their smothered pork chops, catfish, and homemade biscuits will remind you of grandma’s cooking. Breakfast is a local favorite—fluffy pancakes, grits, and eggs cooked just right. Pair it with a cup of their rich, Southern-style coffee.
Busy Bee Café – Atlanta, Georgia
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If a restaurant has been open since 1947, you know they’re doing something right. It’s so good that Barack Obama stopped by for a meal. Busy Bee Café serves up crispy fried chicken, tender oxtails, and collard greens that taste like home. Pro tip: Bring an appetite. The portions are generous!
Florida Avenue Grill – Washington, D.C.
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The oldest soul food restaurant in D.C., Florida Avenue Grill, has been dishing out comfort food since 1944. Regulars swear by the salmon cakes, sausage gravy biscuits, and grits. The walls are lined with history—photos of famous visitors who, just like you, couldn’t resist the food.
The Four Way – Memphis, Tennessee
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Few restaurants can say they’ve served both Elvis Presley and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but The Four Way can. Open since 1946, this Memphis classic serves perfectly fried catfish and cornbread so good it should be illegal. In fact, you will find many amazing soul food options that make you feel like you’re home away from home.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen – Nashville, Tennessee
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Nashville might be known for hot chicken, but Arnold’s is where locals go for soul food. This James Beard Award-winning, cafeteria-style restaurant lets you mix and match meats and sides. Their roast beef melts in your mouth, the mac and cheese is legendary, and the banana pudding is worth every calorie.
Sylvia’s – Harlem, New York
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Sylvia’s is a Harlem institution. They’ve been serving golden-fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and cornbread since 1962. Sunday gospel brunch is a must, where you can enjoy live music alongside a plate of buttery grits.
Sister’s Soul Food – Savannah, Georgia
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Sister’s serves comfort on a plate, and in Savannah, that means oxtails, fried pork chops, and rich, buttery cornbread. The cafeteria setup lets you pile your tray high with favorites. Expect to leave full, happy, and maybe with a to-go plate—you’ll want leftovers for later.
Alcenia’s – Memphis, Tennessee
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Owner B.J. Chester-Tamayo serves food with love. She greets customers with a hug before sending them off with a plate of smothered chicken, candied yams, and some of the best cabbage you’ll ever taste. Don’t skip the sweet potato cobbler for dessert.
Estelle’s Southern Cuisine – Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago might be far from the South, but Estelle’s brings the flavors north. Their fried catfish is crispy, their shrimp and grits are pure comfort, and their cornbread is soft with just the right amount of sweetness. They have big portions and even bigger flavors at this Windy City staple.
Eagle’s Restaurant – Birmingham, Alabama
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Since 1951, Eagle’s has been serving soul food to Birmingham locals. Their fried chicken with a side of black-eyed peas tastes like it’s been simmering all day (because it has). It’s no-frills, just good food that reminds you why Southern cooking is legendary.
Sweetie Pie’s – St. Louis, Missouri
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Sweetie Pie’s was already famous for its smothered pork steaks, cornbread dressing, and gooey mac and cheese before it became a reality TV sensation. It was founded by former Ike and Tina Turner backup singer Robbie Montgomery.
Two Sisters Kitchen – Jackson, Mississippi
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If heaven had a buffet, it would look like Two Sisters Kitchen. Apart from the juiciest fried chicken, they have the creamiest butter beans. And the cornbread is stright-up addictive. Locals say the banana pudding alone is worth the trip. You won’t leave hungry—or disappointed.
This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q – Houston, Texas
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Houston’s soul food scene is strong, and This Is It! has been leading the way since 1959. Their oxtails fall off the bone, the turkey wings are full of flavor, and the mac and cheese is the definition of comfort.