18 Beloved Soul Food Restaurants You’ve Got To Try

If you’re craving soul food that warms the heart and feeds the spirit, these 18 beloved restaurants across the U.S. are must-visits. From historic institutions to innovative newcomers, each spot offers a unique take on classic Southern flavors.

1. Burdell – Oakland, CA

Burdell in Oakland, CA, named Food & Wine’s 2024 Restaurant of the Year, stands out with its innovative approach to soul food. Their menu features creative dishes like chicken liver mousse served on cornmeal waffles and head-on barbecue shrimp drizzled with red gravy.

This restaurant’s ambiance blends modern aesthetics with a cozy atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for food enthusiasts seeking something unique. Burdell’s inventive culinary creations have quickly made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Whether you’re a soul food purist or an adventurous eater, Burdell promises a memorable dining experience.

2. Busy Bee Cafe – Atlanta, GA

Since 1947, Busy Bee Cafe in Atlanta, GA, has been an institution for soul food lovers. This beloved spot attracts locals and celebrities alike with its legendary fried chicken, succulent oxtails, and flavorful cornbread dressing.

The cafe’s vintage charm and warm atmosphere make it a cherished gathering place for both longtime patrons and newcomers. Busy Bee’s dedication to quality and tradition keeps customers coming back for more.

With its rich history and unwavering commitment to serving authentic soul food, Busy Bee Cafe remains a must-visit destination in Atlanta.

3. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant – New Orleans, LA

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans, LA, is a celebrated culinary landmark founded by the late Leah Chase. Known for its Creole and soul food fusion, this iconic spot serves up classics like rich gumbo and crispy fried chicken in a historic setting.

The restaurant’s walls are adorned with vibrant artwork, reflecting the cultural richness of New Orleans. It has been a hub for civil rights leaders and artists, adding to its storied legacy.

Dining at Dooky Chase’s offers not just a meal, but a taste of history and community.

4. Alcenia’s – Memphis, TN

Alcenia’s in Memphis, TN, delights visitors with its vibrant decor and welcoming Southern hospitality. Known for its flavorful salmon croquettes, crispy fried green tomatoes, and decadent sweet potato cobbler, this charming eatery offers a taste of home.

Owner Betty Joyce “B.J.” Chester-Tamayo’s warmth and charisma enhance every dining experience, making guests feel like family. Alcenia’s is not just a restaurant; it’s a place where love is served in every bite.

For those seeking comfort food with a personal touch, Alcenia’s is a must-visit destination in Memphis.

5. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner – Marianna, AR

Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna, AR, boasts a rich history dating back to the 1910s. This James Beard Award-winning diner is celebrated for its straightforward yet flavorful chopped pork sandwiches, embodying authentic Southern barbecue.

The unassuming setting belies the culinary excellence found within, drawing barbecue aficionados from near and far. With a focus on tradition and quality, Jones Bar-B-Q Diner remains a cornerstone of Arkansas’s culinary scene.

For a genuine taste of Southern barbecue, this historic diner is an essential stop for any food lover.

6. Lassis Inn – Little Rock, AR

Established in 1905, Lassis Inn in Little Rock, AR, is famed for its delectable fried catfish and mouthwatering buffalo ribs. Beyond its culinary offerings, the inn holds historical significance as a meeting place for civil rights activists.

The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, making it a popular spot for locals seeking comfort food with a side of history. Lassis Inn’s commitment to preserving its legacy is evident in every dish served.

For those interested in both culinary and cultural history, Lassis Inn is an essential dining destination.

7. Willie Mae’s Scotch House – New Orleans, LA

Willie Mae’s Scotch House in New Orleans, LA, is renowned for its perfectly crispy and juicy fried chicken. Since 1957, this beloved eatery has been a staple in the community, earning a James Beard Award in 2005.

The cozy and unpretentious setting invites diners to enjoy soul food in its most comforting form. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and tradition shines through every dish served.

For those seeking the epitome of Southern fried chicken, Willie Mae’s is a must-visit in New Orleans.

8. Bertha’s Kitchen – Charleston, SC

Bertha’s Kitchen in Charleston, SC, has been a family-run establishment since 1981, offering Lowcountry soul food with heartfelt hospitality. The menu boasts flavorful dishes like fried chicken, tender collard greens, and savory lima beans.

The welcoming atmosphere makes guests feel at home, reflecting the love and care put into every meal. Bertha’s commitment to preserving traditional flavors has earned it a cherished place in the community.

For a true taste of Charleston’s culinary heritage, Bertha’s Kitchen is a must-visit destination.

9. Stevie’s Creole Café – Los Angeles, CA

Stevie’s Creole Café in Los Angeles, CA, brings a taste of New Orleans to the West Coast with its hearty gumbo, flavorful jambalaya, and classic red beans and rice. Since 1986, this family legacy has delighted diners with authentic Creole flavors.

The café’s lively atmosphere and vibrant decor create a festive dining experience, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Stevie’s dedication to preserving Creole culinary traditions is evident in every bite.

For a true taste of Louisiana in California, Stevie’s is an essential stop.

10. Granny Dee’s Kitchen – Spring, TX

Granny Dee’s Kitchen in Spring, TX, may be tucked inside a gas station, but it serves soul food with a big heart. Known for comforting dishes like tender oxtails over rice and smothered pork chops, this hidden gem reflects chef Delores Hutching’s cherished family recipes.

The unassuming setting belies the rich, home-cooked flavors that define every meal. Granny Dee’s has become a beloved spot for locals seeking a comforting culinary experience.

For those in search of soul food with a personal touch, Granny Dee’s Kitchen is a must-visit.

11. Fat’s Chicken and Waffles – Seattle, WA

Fat’s Chicken and Waffles in Seattle, WA, is a beloved spot in the Central District, offering a taste of the South with dishes like chicken and waffles. The restaurant is known for its community-focused vibe, highlighted by a mural of Martin Luther King Jr.

The welcoming atmosphere and hearty menu make it a favorite among locals seeking comfort food with a touch of Southern flair. Fat’s dedication to community and quality is evident in every dish.

For a taste of the South in Seattle, Fat’s is a must-visit destination.

12. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – Memphis, TN

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken in Memphis, TN, is renowned for its spicy, crispy fried chicken that has captivated taste buds across the country. Originating in Tennessee, Gus’s has expanded to multiple locations while maintaining its signature flavor.

The no-frills setting highlights the star of the show: the mouthwatering chicken that keeps diners coming back for more. Gus’s dedication to quality and tradition is unmatched.

For those seeking the ultimate fried chicken experience, Gus’s is an essential stop in Memphis.

13. The Beautiful Restaurant – Atlanta, GA

The Beautiful Restaurant in Atlanta, GA, has been serving the community since the 1970s with its soul food staples like baked chicken, collard greens, and banana pudding. The cafeteria-style setting provides a casual yet welcoming dining experience.

Known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes, The Beautiful has become a cherished gathering place for locals seeking a taste of home. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every bite.

For authentic soul food in Atlanta, The Beautiful Restaurant is a must-visit.

14. Heard Dat Kitchen – New Orleans, LA

Heard Dat Kitchen in New Orleans, LA, is known for its creative fusion of Cajun, Creole, and soul food flavors. Dishes like the “Superdome” and “Bourbon Street Love” offer hearty portions that delight the senses.

The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and innovative menu make it a standout in the New Orleans culinary scene. Heard Dat Kitchen’s dedication to creativity and quality ensures a memorable dining experience.

For those seeking a unique twist on traditional flavors, Heard Dat Kitchen is a must-visit.

15. Henry’s Soul Café – Washington, D.C.

Henry’s Soul Café in Washington, D.C., is a go-to spot for comfort food lovers in the capital. Known for its legendary sweet potato pie, crispy fried chicken, and creamy mac and cheese, this café offers a taste of home.

The inviting atmosphere and dedication to quality make Henry’s a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Each dish is crafted with care, reflecting the café’s commitment to culinary excellence.

For those in search of soul food in the heart of D.C., Henry’s Soul Café is a must-visit.

16. MacArthur’s Restaurant – Chicago, IL

MacArthur’s Restaurant in Chicago, IL, offers a variety of soul food favorites served cafeteria-style. Guests can enjoy dishes like smothered pork chops, sweet candied yams, and freshly baked cornbread in a relaxed setting.

The generous portions and home-cooked flavors make MacArthur’s a favorite among locals seeking comfort food. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition shines through every meal served.

For a taste of soul food in Chicago, MacArthur’s is a must-visit destination.

17. Luella’s Southern Kitchen – Chicago, IL

Luella’s Southern Kitchen in Chicago, IL, blends traditional Southern recipes with a modern flair, offering dishes like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles. The restaurant’s contemporary setting adds to the unique dining experience.

Each dish is crafted with care, reflecting both tradition and innovation in every bite. Luella’s dedication to quality and creativity makes it a standout in Chicago’s culinary scene.

For those seeking Southern flavors with a twist, Luella’s Southern Kitchen is a must-visit.

18. Pearl’s Place – Chicago, IL

Pearl’s Place in Chicago, IL, is a South Side institution offering hearty breakfasts and soul food dishes in an elegant dining room. Known for its warm hospitality and flavorful menu, Pearl’s Place attracts both locals and visitors.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every dish served, making it a cherished gathering place. Whether enjoying a leisurely breakfast or a soul-satisfying dinner, Pearl’s Place offers a true taste of Southern hospitality.

For an authentic soul food experience in Chicago, Pearl’s Place is a must-visit.