The Best Soul Food in Every U.S. State: 2025 Editor's Picks!
Have you been wondering where the best soul food spots are near you? These restaurants, from Honolulu’s Bozie Jones Bar B Q to Boston’s The Coast Cafe, offer a unique blend of history, flavor, and community, making them must-visit havens for soul food lovers nationwide. From Alabama’s Mrs. B’s Home Cooking in Montgomery, dishing smothered chicken with fried corn, to Wyoming’s Southern Smoke delivering smoky catfish in Casper, this curated list highlights the top soul food restaurant in each U.S. state.
The Best Soul Food in Every U.S. State: 2025 Editor's Picks!
1. ALABAMA
Mrs. B's Home Cooking, 805 N Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104
Mrs. B's, a Montgomery staple since 1996, is run by the Burns family with long-honed recipes. Their smothered chicken, served with fried corn and collards, showcases Black Southern soul. The casual, cafeteria-style setting feels like a family reunion, drawing locals for its homey vibe. It's a soul food beacon rooted in Alabama’s civil rights history.
2. ALASKA
Triple A's, 501 W 36th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503
Since 2012, Triple A's has brought Southern flavors to Anchorage, led by Chef Stu's daily specials. Fall-off-the-bone turkey, beignets, and meatloaf offer a Southern taste in Alaska’s chill. The cozy, no-frills spot buzzes like a community potluck, uniting guests over hearty meals. A soulful Alaska standout, it shows heartfelt cooking knows no distance.
3. ARIZONA
CC's on Central, 3831 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012
CC's has soulful nourished Phoenix since 2014, blending Arizona heat with Southern heart in its monthly "Soul Food Sunday." Golden fried chicken pairs with mac 'n' cheese and red beans, evoking church suppers under desert skies. The lively, music-filled space buzzes with community energy and craft drinks. Arizona's top soul spot, it marries regional flair with classic comfort.
4. ARKANSAS
Salleys Soul Food, 3000 W Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704
Family-run since 2018, Salleys serves authentic Fayetteville Delta recipes. Their crispy fried pork chops, candied yams, and greens celebrate Arkansas' agrarian roots. This vibrant cafe buzzes with locals and fast service, offering hearty, soulful meals.
5. CALIFORNIA
Alta Adams, 5357 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Chef Keith Corbin’s 2020 West Adams restaurant reimagines "California soul" by celebrating Black heritage. The miso-braised oxtails served atop black-eyed peas fuse South and West Coast culinary traditions. Set in a vibrant, art-adorned environment, the venue serves creative cocktails ideal for both intimate dates and larger gatherings. It delivers an authentic California soul experience, combining creativity with atmosphere.
6. COLORADO
Heart of the Hood PH, 3524 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
Opened in 2023 by Chef Nico Leyva, this Sunnyside spot celebrates Black and Brown communities with elevated Southern fare. Slow-braised short ribs come with cornbread and collards for Mile High comfort. The muraled, hip interior offers inclusive vibes and craft beers. A Colorado soul innovator blending heritage and urban edge.
7. CONNECTICUT
Sandra's Next Generation, 397 Congress Ave, New Haven, CT 06519
Since 2015, Chef Andre Cuvillier’s New Haven restaurant has perfectly melded cherished family recipes with the vibrant energy of Yale-town. Known for its crispy spicy wings and sweet candied yams that capture the essence of Elm City Sundays, this lively, student-frequented venue has earned high praise from Connecticut Magazine.
8. DELAWARE
Q's Kitchen, 2707 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19802
Wilmington's Q's has dished soul since 2010, topping Yelp for its no-fuss plates in the First State. Smothered turkey wings tenderize in gravy, with rice and cabbage for classic comfort. The casual counter hums with neighborhood chatter. Delaware's reliable soul anchor, hearty and heartfelt.
9. FLORIDA
Sweet Tea's, 7111 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32818
Bertha's, a Charleston staple since 1986, and its Orlando sister, Sweet Tea’s, bring Gullah heritage to Florida. Their fried shrimp po'boys feature authentic Lowcountry spices, paired with hoppin' john and okra. The warm, lively setting offers a comforting, family-style Southern coastal experience.
10. GEORGIA
Oreatha's at The Point, 16 Lolly Ln, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Since 2018, Chef Oreatha’s St. Simons restaurant has fused soulful flavors with global twists, winning LoveFood’s top Georgia award. Dishes like crispy collard green wontons and Sicilian jambalaya offer unique island flair. The elegant waterfront venue features live music, blending Georgia’s soul fusion cuisine with seaside charm.
11. HAWAII
Bozie Jones Bar B Q, 1040 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Bozie's has brought mainland BBQ soul to Honolulu since 2005, becoming a unique spot for Southern transplants. Their saucy smoked ribs and mac salad blend aloha spirit with Southern comfort. With a relaxed, truck-side vibe, Bozie's is perfect for casual, beach-inspired dining—a tasty fusion linking Hawaii and the South.
12. IDAHO
Louisiana's Soul Bayou, 2409 W Jefferson St, Boise, ID 83702
Since 2018, this Boise bayou brings Louisiana soul to Idaho’s food scene. Praised for hushpuppies, the menu highlights crunchy shrimp po'boys and comforting mac 'n' cheese. A cozy, casual spot that warms up Gem State winters with authentic Louisiana flavors.
13. ILLINOIS
Pearl's Place, 3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
Since opening in 2020, Chef Usie Smith's Bronzeville buffet has become a beloved post-pandemic soul food spot, acclaimed by Eater. Highlights include crispy fried catfish over savory dirty rice and comforting dumplings, evoking Chicago's warmth. The spacious buffet-style dining promotes communal meals, celebrating hearty, historic Illinois soul cuisine.
14. INDIANA
His Place Eatery, 302 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Chef Chris Gephart's downtown Indy spot has elevated soul food since 2015, blending Hoosier heartland with Southern flavors. Known for shrimp and grits with andouille, this chic urban venue pairs modern dishes with craft brews—Indiana's soul food, refined and rooted.
15. IOWA
Joppa Experience, 1300 5th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Des Moines' Joppa, a 2022 Yelp favorite, blends soul with global flavors. Tender oxtails over rice and plantains offer tropical warmth. This cozy café is Iowa’s soulful, diverse gem.
16. KANSAS
Beautiful Soul Bistro, 1930 Vine St, Kansas City, KS 66103
KC's Beautiful Soul blends Cajun flavors since 2019, a Yelp favorite. Rich gumbo with okra over rice offers Jayhawk comfort. The vibrant lounge connects through bold, soulful cuisine.
17. KENTUCKY
Franco's Restaurant, 1315 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
Franco's, a Louisville soul food staple since the 1990s, is famed for veggie excellence. Crispy fried green tomatoes and fried chicken make Derby days special. A warm, lively spot serving classic Kentucky comfort.
18. LOUISIANA
M & J Soulfood Restaurant, 1500 LA-1, Raceland, LA 70373
Bayou-born M & J has served authentic NOLA soul since 2015. Their stuffed shrimp po'boys and red beans deliver true Creole flavor in a casual, lively spot. Louisiana soul food at its best.
19. MAINE
Heritage Soul Food, 77 Free St, Portland, ME 04101
Portland's Heritage, opened in 2024, blends Southern hospitality with Maine’s edge. Their crispy fried chicken and cozy coastal macaroni dishes shine. With a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a top late-night spot, merging Southern and coastal flavors with soulful flair.
20. MARYLAND
Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food, 1919 Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018
Baltimore's Johnny Ray's, a Yelp favorite since 2010, serves tender short ribs and soulful sides. This cozy spot draws DMV crowds with spicy, satisfying Maryland soul food.
21. MASSACHUSETTS
The Coast Cafe, Quincy Market, 2 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109
Since 2019, Coast in South End has combined soulful flavors with fresh seafood, becoming a Yelp favorite in Boston. Their crispy catfish with creamy grits blends Boston and bayou tastes. The trendy space, alive with smooth R&B, offers a vibrant yet comforting coastal dining experience—a true Massachusetts gem.
22. MICHIGAN
SavannahBlue, 22451 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
Since 2015, Ferndale’s SavannahBlue has elevated soul food, becoming a Detroit favorite. Their creamy shrimp and grits pair perfectly with sweet pecan pie. The elegant venue with live music offers a charming evening dining experience, embodying Michigan’s soul food tradition.
23. MINNESOTA
Angelea's Soul Food Kitchen, 1202 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
North Minneapolis' Angelea's, since 2020, serves vegan comfort with fried "chicken" and waffles. A community-focused, inclusive, innovative cafe.
24. MISSISSIPPI
Soulful Chick, 7119 Hacks Cross Rd, Olive Branch, MS 38654
Savor the heart and soul of Southern cuisine at Soulful Chick in Olive Branch, Mississippi, where every dish bursts with rich, soulful flavors. Brimming with warmth and hospitality, delight in the crisp blackened fish, wings in a luscious, signature gold sauce, perfectly fried whole okra with a satisfying crunch, and candied yams so sweet and tender they melt in your mouth. Soulful Chick crafts an unforgettable dining experience, deeply rooted in Mississippi’s vibrant culinary traditions.
25. MISSOURI
Backing Blacks St Louis Kitchen, 2600 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103
St. Louis' Backing Blacks, a Yelp rising star since 2022, serves juicy smoked turkey legs and yams for true Gateway comfort. This mission-driven spot fosters community and champions Missouri's soulful, flavorful future.
26. MONTANA
Roost Fried Chicken, 1520 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
Roost Fried Chicken in Bozeman, Montana, is renowned for its crispy, flavorful fried chicken with a unique spice blend. This Southern-inspired eatery has earned a loyal following for its comfort food served in a casual, lively setting, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors.
27. NEBRASKA
SoulFULL Cocina, 5700 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111
Since 2022, SoulFULL in Omaha has fused Latin and soul flavors, gaining Yelp fame for its crispy, spicy fried chicken over rice—a true Cornhusker comfort. Its lively, family-friendly vibe showcases Nebraska’s bold soul fusion.
28. NEVADA
Ms. Bobbie's Kitchen, 725 S Casino Center Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Since 2015, Ms. Bobbie’s in Downtown Vegas has been a soul sanctuary, praised by Eater. Their braised oxtails with cornbread offer a comforting escape from the Strip. The warm, lively atmosphere feels like dining with family—a true soul anchor in Nevada’s neon-lit scene.
29. NEW HAMPSHIRE
Miss Ann Soul Food, 958 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101
Manchester's Miss Ann pioneers soul since 2019, Yelp's Granite State gem. Fried fish plates crisp with hushpuppies, evoking Northeastern rarity. The cozy, friendly cafe warms winters. New Hampshire's soul trailblazer, authentically inviting.
30. NEW JERSEY
Mama J's Cafe, 224 Orange St, Newark, NJ 07107
Newark's Mama J's serves heartfelt soul since 2018, a Yelp top for platters. Turkey wings smother savory, with mac for Garden State soul. The welcoming, flavorful spot feels familial. New Jersey's soul hug, bold and bountiful.
31. NEW MEXICO
Frank's Famous Chicken & Waffle, 6100 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
ABQ's Frank's stacks soul since 2012, a Yelp staple for cinnamon twists. Chicken waffles butter warmly, with Southwest spice. The casual, hoops-inspired room grooves. New Mexico's soul stack, spicy and stacked.
32. NEW YORK
Melba's, 300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026
Since 2005, Harlem’s Melba’s has been known for soulful dishes and top-notch mac and cheese. Their crispy fried chicken waffles with custard and peas capture true New York flavor. Cozy and welcoming, Melba’s is the perfect brunch spot for classic soul food comfort.
33. NORTH CAROLINA
Nana Morrison's, 3901 Yancey St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Since 2019, Charlotte's Nana honors family soul food, winning OpenTable’s rising star. Their tender smoked ribs and sweet yams capture Queen City flavors. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, Nana celebrates North Carolina’s soul food heritage with passion.
34. NORTH DAKOTA
PICKaBOB Grill and BBQ, 611 Main Ave, Fargo, ND 58103
Fargo's PICKaBOB has smoked soul since 2020, famed for brisket crowns. Mac crowns with brisket bring Plains prairie soul. A smoky, welcoming grill uniting North Dakota’s rugged, rich smoke.
35. OHIO
Soul Secrets, 1400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Cincy's Soul Secrets serves rustic soul since 2019, a Yelp favorite for family-style catfish fries amid heritage walls. Ohio’s Queen City’s intimate, delicious secret.
36. OKLAHOMA
Stacey's Slappin' Soul Food, 1201 N Hudson Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
OKC’s Stacey’s serves juicy pork chops and greens since 2022. A Yelp favorite known for great service, flavor, and friendly vibes—true Oklahoma soul food.
37. OREGON
Ja'Das Soulful Eatz, 4200 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211
Since 2021, Portland’s Ja’Das has gained acclaim as Eater’s top baker, serving soulful, buttery yam pies that define Rose City desserts. This community-focused cart captures the heart of Oregon’s soul baking with sweet, soulful flavors.
38. PENNSYLVANIA
South, 1117 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Since 2017, Philly's South has energized the city's soul scene, hailed as a top sit-down soul food spot. Their shrimp deviled eggs and flavorful chicken capture Brotherly Love’s spirit. The elegant, lively atmosphere enchants every guest—a vibrant, soulful beat of Pennsylvania.
39. RHODE ISLAND
JoRo, 172 Union St, Providence, RI 02903
Since 2022, Providence’s JoRo has been a soulful, cozy haven on Yelp. Their rich, flavorful oxtails show joyful craft, making JoRo a standout in Rhode Island.
40. SOUTH CAROLINA
Hannibal's Kitchen, 16 Blake St, Charleston, SC 29403
Since 1997, Charleston's Hannibal’s Gullah-Souls has been a landmark of authentic Lowcountry cuisine. Known for award-winning shrimp and grits with okra, it embodies coastal soul. This historic spot is South Carolina’s unmatched soul food icon—timeless and tender.
41. SOUTH DAKOTA
Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen, 207 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Sioux Falls' Swamp Daddys bayous since 2018, Yelp's family wave. Shrimp blackens rich over grits, Cajun in Midwest. The friendly, flavorful kitchen unites. South Dakota's bayou soul, wavy and warm.
42. TENNESSEE
H&T's Home Cooking, 5218 Linbar Dr, Nashville, TN 37211
Since 2005, Nashville’s H&T has served soulful, home-cooked meals, winning LoveFood’s Volunteer award. Their golden catfish fries and creamy grits capture Music City’s essence. Rooted in family values, H&T delivers heartfelt Tennessee hospitality daily.
43. TEXAS
Mikki's Soulfood Cafe, 4868 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505
Pasadena's Mikki's braises soul since 2000, Yelp's two-decade strong. Oxtails gravy-invite, with chops for Lone Star legacy. The inviting, flavorful cafe anchors. Texas' big soul bite, enduringly excellent.
44. UTAH
Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen, 12274 S Draper Gate Dr, Draper, UT 84020
Draper's Sauce Boss, since 2019, has earned Yelp’s Beehive buzz with its chicken maple-hots—a generational favorite. This modern eatery is Utah’s top spot for soulful, saucy flavors.
45. VERMONT
Big T’z House Of Soul, 118 St Paul St, Burlington, VT 05401
Burlington's Big T’z houses soul since 2021, Yelp's Green Mountain mix. Ribs smoke soulful, with fusion depth. The cozy, cultural spot enriches. Vermont's soul house, warmly welcoming.
46. VIRGINIA
Mama J's Kitchen, 415 N 1st St, Richmond, VA 23219
Richmond's Mama J's, a beloved Jackson Ward spot since 2015, serves soulful Sundays with pork chops smothered in home-style sauce, buffet-style. This relaxed, modern café honors Virginia’s soulful traditions with a familial yet refined atmosphere.
47. WASHINGTON
Doro Soul Food, 2201 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Seattle's Doro Ethiopian-souls since 2023, Yelp's Pacific fusion. Tibs spice boldly over injera, soul-global. The vibrant, inclusive spot bridges. Washington's soul diaspora, boldly blended.
48. WEST VIRGINIA
Soul Food Café, 510 9th St, Huntington, WV 25701
Huntington's Soul Food Café twists soul since 2020, Yelp's mountain mama. Wings hot-butter, with cornbread for Appalachian appetite. The casual, quick spot satisfies. West Virginia's soul twist, ruggedly rewarding.
49. WISCONSIN
Daddy's Soul Food & Grille, 22239 N 13th St, Milwaukee, WI 53205
Since 2010, Daddy's in Milwaukee has grilled soulful flavors, earning LoveFood's top Badger pick. Their flaky catfish with fresh greens shines in a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere, making it Wisconsin’s beloved soul grill.
50. WYOMING
Southern Smoke, 4023 Division Ave S, Wyoming, MI 49548
Casper's Southern Smoke, a local favorite since 2020, serves bold ribs and flaky catfish fries with homemade yams. This delivery spot captures Wyoming’s smoky, hearty prairie soul.
Sourced from diverse reviews like Yelp, Eater, and LoveFood, these Black-owned and culturally significant soul food spots serve authentic dishes—think fried catfish, oxtails, and collard greens—rooted in Southern tradition yet tailored to local vibes.
