The 50 Best Soul Food Restaurants In The U.S.

Soul food restaurant near me: The term soul food is thrown around quite a bit these days. It’s become somewhat of a buzzword, and many restaurants have taken up the call to arms by branding themselves as the best soul food this or that. However, what exactly is soul food? The concept dates back to the Reconstruction era after the end of slavery when African-Americans who were impoverished began to self-identify as “soul brethren” who were at risk of losing their souls due to hunger and social ostracism.
With this new context in mind, it’s easy to see why there has been such an explosion of Southern-inspired establishments with “soul food” in their name. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t trust any of them. In fact, there are plenty of fantastic spots for authentic soul food that don’t seem gimmicky and actually serve quality dishes inspired by the cuisine from that region. So if you love yams and collard greens – read on for our list of The 50 Best Soul Food Restaurants In The U.S..

The 50 Best Soul Food Restaurants In The U.S.

Soul food restaurant near me: The term soul food is as ubiquitous to the African American community as jazz and blues. In fact, both originated during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. While most associate this type of cuisine with collard greens, black-eyed peas, and fried chicken, there’s so much more to it than that. Soul food speaks to the essence of who we are as African Americans and our history in America. In response to the rise of fast food chains like McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken in the 1970s, home economists, professors and nutritionists began compiling recipes for a new kind of “soul food” that was wholesome, filling and flavorful—and not from a box or a bucket.

What is Soul Food?

Soul food restaurant near me: Soul food is a type of cuisine that developed among African Americans in the Southern United States. It’s characterized by the use of ingredients like ham hocks, greens and grits, as well as a range of techniques like frying and slow-cooking. The term “soul food” was first used to describe Southern cooking in the 1930s, though the term may have originated from African-American culture in the 1920s. SOUL FOOD IS: –

The History of Soul Food

• African slaves in the Southern United States were given a daily allowance of food and the choice of what to eat, as well as their own garden plots where they could grow and harvest vegetables.
• The food they ate was created out of necessity and was a reflection of their culture and their environment.
• The slaves brought their West African eating traditions to the New World and combined them with the foods they were given by their Southern masters.
• As a result, African Americans created a cuisine that was a reflection of their Southern lifestyle and environment.
• The term “soul food” was first used to describe Southern cooking in the 1930s.
• African Americans have been cooking soul food for centuries.
• Most Southern cooking was considered “soul food” before the term was created.

The 30 Best Soul Food Restaurants In America

• With its rich history of Southern cuisine and culture, it’s no surprise that the South has over 30 of the best soul food restaurants in America.
• See below for a list of the best soul food restaurants in America by state.
• While there are many great soul food restaurants in the South, these are the ones that make the top 30 list.

Alabama – The Joint – Birmingham, Alabama

Alaska – Caribbean Breeze – Anchorage, Alaska

Arizona – House of Soul – Phoenix, Arizona

Arkansas – R&B Hot Dogs – Little Rock, Arkansas

California – Henry’s Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken – Los Angeles

Soul food restaurant near me

Colorado – Little Miss Hot Sauce – Denver

Connecticut – The Soul Spot – Hartford

Delaware – Blue Hen Restaurant – Dover

Florida – Aunt Rosie’s Soul Food – Tampa Bay, Florida

• Caribbean Tropical Cafe – Miami

Georgia – Miss Rosie’s Southern Kitchen – Atlanta

Hawaii – Aloha Hawaiian BBQ – Honolulu

Idaho – Annie’s Soul Food – Boise

Soul food restaurant near me

Illinois – Ms. B’s – Chicago

Indiana – Chef Mams – Indianapolis

Iowa – The Big Blue Door – Iowa City

• Blue Nile Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant – Cedar Rapids

Kansas – The Rookery – Topeka

Kentucky – Momma Lewis’ Bluegrass Kitchen – Lexington

• Off the Waffle – Louisville

Louisiana – Ms. Waffles – New Orleans

Soul food restaurant near me

• Henry’s Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken – Baton Rouge

Maine – Jessy’s Blue Seal Seafood Restaurant – Portland

• New York – Blue Collar Restaurant – New York
• Jackson’s Soul Food Kitchen – New York

North Carolina – The Pig – Raleigh

North Dakota – Big Chief Grill – Bismarck

Ohio – House of Soul – Columbus

Oklahoma – Dillard’s Southern Kitchen – Tulsa

Soul food restaurant near me

Oregon – Grit – Portland

Pennsylvania – The Buttered Biscuit – Philadelphia

• The Bad Apple – Pittsburgh

South Carolina – The Pig – Charleston

South Dakota – The Southern Cafe – Sioux Falls

Tennessee – Miss Myra’s Fried Chicken and Biscuits – Memphis

• Jackson’s Soul Food Kitchen – Chattanooga

Texas – The Big Bib BBQ & Soul Food – Houston

Utah – Irene’s Kitchen – Salt Lake City

Vermont – Blue Bamboo – Burlington

Virginia – G-Ma’s Kitchen – Richmond

Soul food restaurant near me

Washington – Brown Sugar Kitchen – Seattle

West Virginia – The Blue Nile – Charleston

Wisconsin – The Bad Waitress – Milwaukee

Wyoming – The Southern Kitchen – Cheyenne

20 Tips For Finding The Best Soul Food

• Always ask for recommendations from locals or people who have lived in the area for a long time.
• Try going to a place that is located in an African American neighborhood or community.
• Alternatively, try going to a place that is located in a neighborhood or community where there are a lot of people from Southern states like Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, etc.
• If possible, try going during the Worship service on a Sunday.
• Always make sure the place is clean. If not, go to the next place.
• Always ask what is in the food. You can ask if they can make it without certain things.
• If you are dining in, always go to the place that has the longest line.
  

  Soul food restaurant near me

• When dining out, always go to the place that has the health rating of an “A” or “B”.
• Always go to the place that doesn’t have people who look like you dining there.
• Be careful of places that have “soul food” in the name or on the menu. It doesn’t mean that it’s authentic.
• Some places may have “soul food” in the name but have Chinese food on the menu.
• If a place is packed with people, there is a good chance that it has good food.
• Always check customer reviews before dining out.
• Always ask if the owner or chef is from the South.
• If the owner or chef is from the South, you will get the best soul food possible.
• Finally, try going to Southern Cooking 101.

Conclusion

Soul food is a type of cuisine that developed among African Americans in the Southern United States. It’s characterized by the use of ingredients like ham hocks, greens and grits, as well as a range of techniques like frying and slow-cooking. The term “soul food” was first used to describe Southern cooking in the 1930s, though the term may have originated from African-American culture in the 1920s. SOUL FOOD IS:

The history of soul food is rooted in Southern cooking, which is a reflection of Southern culture. Soul food is hearty and filling, and it’s designed to sustain the body during long days of manual labor. Soul food is traditionally served as a meal for one person and is often eaten with a side of cornbread.