Tastiest Black-Owned Soul Food Restaurants in the U.S.

You’ll be asking for seconds at these amazing Black-owned soul food restaurants.

Soul food is a culinary tradition distinctive to Black American culture. It dates back to slavery when slaves had to make do with what little slave owners decided to provide. Mixing ingredients present in the Americas with the gastronomy of the west coast of Africa, enslaved people made a cuisine of their own.

This gastronomy has survived until the present day and is now stronger than ever, having become part of mainstream American food. So, are you ready to sink your teeth into some fastback, chitins, fried fish and collard greens? These are the best Black-owned soul food restaurants in the U.S.

10. Old Lady Gang

Dan P. / Yelp

Year opened: 2017

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Bottom line: No one, and we mean no one, in this world is more fun than a group of grandmothers. Case in point: the deliciously delightful Old Lady Gang. The restaurant was inspired by owner Kandi Burrus’ (of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” fame) mom and aunts.

Expect homemade Southern and soul food, multilevel dining and two bars. This isn’t a place where you come to dine and dash. Dedicate a whole afternoon or evening to be here, just as you would if you were visiting your aunts.

What People Say About Old Lady Gang

Richard R. / Yelp

“The food was delicious, and the service was fast and friendly. We had a great time and will definitely recommend this to others. It is a little pricey but not a big deal … you expect it downtown. Also the place was clean and comfortable.” — Kezaira W.

*Reviews may be edited for clarity, brevity and grammar.

9. Souley Vegan

Jon T. / Yelp

Year opened: 2006

Location: Oakland, California

Bottom line: Owner Tamearra Dyson caters to the Bay Area with soul food that vegans can enjoy. A hundred percent of the menu is plant-based without compromising on authentic Creole flavor. You’ll find meatless takes on Southern dishes like seitan steak with gravy and mash or crispy seitan and waffles.

Souley Vegan’s menu also has imaginative fusion dishes like Creole nachos, highlighting California’s fabulous multiculturalism.

What People Say About Souley Vegan

Annie C. / Yelp

“Wow! I’m not vegan and didn’t really know what to expect. I would recommend this place in a heartbeat. We ordered the jambalaya and the gator bites po’boy. Delicious. Everything was so flavorful.” — Tiffany A.

8. Jackson Soul Food

Jackson Soul Food / Facebook

Year opened: 1946

Location: Miami, Florida

Bottom line: Though Miami is now mostly associated with Latino culture, the city also has a sizeable Black American population. The most legendary soul food restaurant in the city is Jackson Soul Food, which has been feeding people for over 75 years!

Historic Overtown boasts of having the original location, but there is also one in Opa-Locka. Whichever you visit will have an absurdly good boiled fish or shrimp with grits.

What People Say About Jackson Soul Food

Shrimp and grits at Jackson Soul Food, Miami

Jackson Soul Food / Facebook

“Glad we found this gem while visiting. Hands down the best breakfast we have had while here. We asked what was good, the waiter said ‘everything,’ and he didn’t lie! All the way down to the sweet tea!! You won’t be disappointed. Good portions and well-seasoned!” — Makeva P.

7. Jake’s Soul Food Cafe

Will B. / Yelp

Year opened: 2014

Location: Hoover, Alabama

Bottom line: Jake’s Soul Food Cafe brings together two of the best culinary traditions in the world: soul food and Caribbean food. Offering dishes like Jamaican paddy’s and Trinidad curry chicken along with Cajun jumbo shrimp and Southern catfish, the menu really is the best of both worlds.

The family-owned restaurant has managed to stand out from the rough competition with its inventive fusion.

What People Say About Jake’s Soul Food Cafe

Jamaican Patties at Jake's Soulfood Cafe

Michael B. / Yelp

“Somewhere between Jamaican and soul food, Jake’s has the best jerk chicken I’ve ever had. Do yourself a favor and try a Caribbean soda to go with your chicken.” — Thomas O.

6. Bully’s Restaurant

Rachel L. / Yelp

Year opened: 1982

Location: Jackson, Mississippi

Bottom line: Few restaurant owners can say that they literally built their restaurant with their own hands. But that’s part of what makes Bully’s so special. Owner Tyrone and his father put up every brick of this cozy joint.

Considered one of Jackson’s best soul food places, Bully’s serves a mean rack of ribs, perfect fried green tomatoes and oxtail good enough to convert the non-believers.

What People Say About Bully’s Restaurant

Fried okra, fried green tomatoes, Mac and cheese, banana pudding

Barbara R. / Yelp

“I’ve eaten a fair amount of soul food in my day, and Bully’s has got to be one of, if not the, best soul food I’ve had. Not fancy or pretentious, just delicious.” — Grant H.

5. Willie Mae’s Scotch House

Willie Mae’s – NOLA / Facebook

Year opened: 1957

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Bottom line: Like the wonderful city it calls home, Willie Mae’s has reinvented itself quite a few times. It was originally a beauty salon, barbershop and bar, but the first two closed in the late 1970s. What remained was a scotch house known for its amazing Southern food.

Ms. Willie Mae, the owner, is the recipient of the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award. Her fried chicken has also been called the “best in America.” The restaurant’s menu is simple. Try the fried chicken (of course) accompanied by your side of butter beans, fried okra or candied yams. Bread pudding is the only dessert available, but let’s be honest, that’s the dessert you’d want to pick anyway.

What People Say About Willie Mae’s Scotch House

Willie Mae’s – NOLA / Facebook

“First off, BEST mac and cheese I have EVER HAD IN MY LIFE (Screaming). Worth the wait, and it lives up to the hype. Definitely a MUST do when in NOLA. Food is AWESOME, and customer service is great. I ordered baked chicken with mac and cheese and cornbread. The baked chicken was nice and juicy, very flavorful.

“Come early and be prepared to wait a little. No alcohol served, but their ice tea is very refreshing.” — Ultima M.

4. Florida Avenue Grill

Fried catfish, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes from Florida Avenue Grill

Terri C. / Yelp

Year opened: 1944

Location: Washington, D.C.

Bottom line: For over 70 years, Florida Avenue Grill has been serving soul food good enough for grandmas to approve of it. And despite its fame, its prices have stayed low and accessible to all. The restaurant’s story is inspiring: The original owners, Lacey C. Wilson Sr. and his wife, Bertha, opened it by saving Wilson’s shoe-shining tips.

And while its current owner, Imar Hutchins, isn’t part of the family, he has kept true to the Grill’s soul by maintaining its welcoming interior and its ever-popular menu. Enjoy the all-day breakfast or one of the “soulfully cooked home-style dinners.”

What People Say About Florida Avenue Grill

Annie C. / Yelp

“This place is a no frills and no fuss good food time! The service leaves a little to be desired, but if you are able to make it to eat during their very weird hours, you will not be disappointed! Their breakfast is delicious, and their dinner is divine! Definitely get their lemonade.” — Jared T.

3. Charlene’s Home Cooking

Charlene’s Home Cooking / Facebook

Year opened: 2010

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Bottom line: Charlene and Mike Davis opened up this soul food restaurant in the middle of the economic recession. Though times were tough, they knew Ms. Charlene’s family recipes were too good not to succeed, and they were right.

Charlene’s Home Cooking feels like eating in someone’s kitchen. There’s no fanfare or social-media-ready backdrops, but you’ll be greeted like family and served a real homecooked meal. A seasonal menu is written in chalk on a board, but rest assured, there’s nothing on it that’s not mouthwatering.

What People Say About Charlene’s Home Cooking

Charlene’s Home Cooking / Facebook

“This is a family-owned and -operated restaurant. The food reminds you of Sunday dinner at Grandma’s, and the owner is so down-to-earth and friendly. She introduced me to her entire family. She runs the establishment with her husband, daughters and a host of extended family — even the great-grandkids were there.

“The food was hot and tasty. The cabbage and yams were some of the best I have had. The decor is not five-star, but the love she puts into the food definitely is. She has some beautiful flowers and even gave me some tips about caring for mine. Definitely recommend this place!” — Dorothy H.

2. Sylvia’s Restaurant

Sylvia’s Restaurant, the Queen of Soul Food / Facebook

Year opened: 1962

Location: New York, New York

Bottom line: Another historic restaurant that has never let fame go to its head, Sylvia’s is a Harlem institution. The owner, Ms. Sylvia Woods, was called the “Queen of Soul Food,” a crown she wore until her death in 2012.

But the business she’d built was so strong that it continues to get crowds looking for a taste of its world-famous barbecue ribs and peach cobbler. If you come later in the day, try one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails. We especially recommend the Harlem blues.

What People Say About Sylvia’s Restaurant

Sylvia’s Restaurant, the Queen of Soul Food / Facebook

“Amazing haven’t even finished my food, and I can already tell it’s the best food I’ve had in a long time. I downloaded Yelp just to say how good it is; this will definitely be my first stop in New York for future visits — just AMAZING, way better than I expected.” — Kianna L.

1. The Four Way Restaurant

The Four Way / Facebook

Year opened: 1946

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Bottom line: Originally called The Four Way Grill, this soul food place is a historic treasure of Memphis. When it opened, the city didn’t have many places where Black diners could enjoy a meal in peace. During the Civil Rights Movement, leaders like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson (as well as the one and only Aretha Franklin) met up here.

As one of the oldest Black-owned businesses in the U.S., The Four Way continues to be a haven for the city’s Black population, serving up food so good that it definitely nourishes the soul.

What People Say About the Four Way Restaurant

The Four Way / Facebook

“Little history about The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant: It has been in Memphis for over 75 years and was often the restaurant of choice for activists, leaders and Black musicians! Making them not only a prime example of how good the food is here but a testament to the rich history that lives all over this city!

“When I visited recently, I was greeted by smiling faces and great customer service. I got the catfish with two sides, and when I tell y’all that the fish was good, I mean it! That catfish was the Beyoncé of the meal and made me wish I lived closer so that I could stop by weekly! It didn’t take me long to get my to-go order either, but I do suggest getting there early if you have a set time for lunch because after I ordered the crowd came!” — Trenika M.