America’s Top Soul Food Eateries: 20 Must-Try Standouts And 5 You Can’t Miss Before It's Too Late

If you crave crispy fried chicken, buttery cornbread, and sides that taste like Sunday at grandma’s, you’re in the right place. This list serves up 25 essential soul food stops across America, from time honored legends to rising stars.

You’ll find plates piled high with history, flavor, and stories worth traveling for. Bring an appetite and a plan, because some of these spots book up fast and sell out even faster.

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

Some call this the gold standard for fried chicken and it is hard to argue. The crust shatters, the juice runs, and the seasoning sings.

You will add sides just to keep eating between bites of chicken.

Order the chicken and butter beans, then consider green beans or mac and cheese. Get extra napkins and a cold drink because the pace quickens after the first bite.

Prices feel fair for legendary status.

Lines can be long, so arrive early or off peak. Take your time and let the crunch echo.

You will remember this meal every time you hear oil pop.

2. Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Atlanta, GA

Mary Mac’s feels like a family album you can eat. The menu reads like a southern checklist, and you will want to tick every box.

Chicken and dumplings soothe, fried chicken sparkles, and pot likker with cornbread is a small miracle.

Start with vegetable plates to sample sides, then move to chicken or pork chops. Save room for cinnamon rolls and peach cobbler.

The tea is sweet, the rooms are cozy, and the pacing is unhurried.

Bring a group to share more dishes. Write a note on the wall if the spirit moves you.

You will leave feeling restored and a little sentimental.

3. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que – Llano, TX

Texas barbecue leans into soul when smoke and patience do the talking. At Cooper’s, you pick from the pit, nod at the brisket, and add ribs you did not plan for.

The meat drips truth and the sides keep you grounded.

Choose brisket moist, ribs with pepper bark, and sausage for snap. Beans, pickles, and onions stitch the plate together.

Grab bread to soak up juices and do not forget the cobbler.

Line moves fast, so know your order. Sit outside if the weather cooperates.

You will carry the smoke with you and smile later.

4. The Four Way – Memphis, TN

History breathes here and the food listens. Smothered pork chops carry weight, catfish is crisp, and greens have depth from smoked meat.

You taste roots and resilience on every plate.

Go for the meat and three format to sample widely. Add cornbread and ask for extra pot liquor if you love tang.

Desserts like chess pie and banana pudding close the loop.

Take a minute with the photos on the walls. The neighborhood adds context to every bite.

You leave nourished in more ways than one.

5. Sweetie Pie’s Upper Crust – St. Louis, MO

Comfort food comes fast here but never feels rushed. Trays shine with turkey wings, mac and cheese, greens, and yams that barely need a fork.

You will stack your plate higher than intended and love it.

Order turkey wings, fried chicken, and a double side of mac if you dare. Add hot sauce and a roll to catch every last bit.

Portions are generous and satisfying.

Expect a line at lunch and an easy rhythm once seated. Save room for cobbler if it is fresh.

You will walk out smiling and slightly slower.

6. Charleston Grill – Charleston, SC

Southern soul dresses up at Charleston Grill. Shrimp and grits arrive silky, sauces whisper with depth, and cornbread shows finesse.

You feel pampered without losing the warmth of comfort cooking.

Order shrimp and grits, a seasonal fish, and any dish with field peas or benne seeds. The wine program is thoughtful and service is precise yet kind.

Desserts lean classic with graceful twists.

Make a reservation and enjoy a slow dinner. Let the jazz guide your pacing.

You will remember how refinement and soul can share the same plate.

7. Lucille’s – Houston, TX

Lucille’s channels heritage with inventive edges. Chili biscuits set the tone, oxtail tamales surprise, and fried chicken keeps things anchored.

You taste history updated with confidence and care.

Start with the biscuits, then chase flavors across the menu. Seasonal vegetables get love, and sauces carry gentle heat.

Cocktails balance spice and sweetness, keeping the ride smooth.

Service is upbeat and informed. Sit on the patio when the weather cooperates.

You will leave full and curious to return for the next seasonal shift.

8. Gladys Knight’s Signature Chicken & Waffles – Atlanta, GA

Music and comfort converge on one plate. The chicken is crisp, the waffle carries honey butter, and the rhythm tastes familiar.

You drizzle syrup, add hot sauce, and chase bites with sweet tea.

Order the classic combo, plus sides like greens and yams. The menu favors balance, not overload, so savor pacing.

Desserts keep a nostalgic tone you will recognize.

Arrive during off peak hours to relax. Bring friends and compare favorite tracks on the wall.

You will leave humming and satisfied.

9. M&M Soul Food – Los Angeles, CA

This is classic soul food done with steady hands. Smothered pork chops arrive tender, catfish fries up crisp, and greens carry smoke and tang.

You feel looked after from first hello to last refill.

Order a meat and three to survey the landscape. Mac and cheese is gooey, yams are candy sweet, and cornbread holds the plate together.

Portions satisfy without showboating.

Service runs friendly and quick. Parking can be tight, so plan accordingly.

You will consider a nap afterward and call it self care.

10. Brenda’s French Soul Food – San Francisco, CA

Brenda’s brings Creole spark to the Bay. Beignets arrive hot, filled or dusted, and the savory options make breakfast feel like a feast.

Shrimp and grits walk a flavorful line you will want to explore.

Order beignet flights, fried chicken benedict, and a side of collards. Coffee stays strong, and the kitchen keeps pace with the rush.

Everything tastes like someone checked the details twice.

Waits can be long but move quickly. Share plates to sample more without overdoing it.

You will leave plotting another brunch soon.

11. Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles – Phoenix, AZ

Lo-Lo’s keeps the chicken crisp and the waffles fluffy. You get that sweet heat dance with each bite.

Sides stay classic and generous, and the vibe is playful without chaos.

Order the signature combo and consider red velvet cake for dessert. Collards and mac round things out with comfort.

Drinks run bottomless and friendly.

Weekends get busy, so plan timing carefully. Grab a booth and settle in.

You will leave buoyant and ready for a nap.

12. Mickey’s Soul Food Cafe – Orlando, FL

Mickey’s treats comfort like a calling. Oxtails fall apart right on schedule, chicken stays crisp, and the sides feel home cooked.

You will want extra gravy over rice because it just works.

Order oxtails, fried chicken, and cabbage. Add yams if you have a sweet tooth and banana pudding to close.

Prices feel fair and portions hit the mark.

Service is warm and efficient. Takeout moves fast if you are on the go.

You will think about those oxtails tomorrow.

13. Brown Sugar Kitchen – Oakland, CA

Brown Sugar Kitchen brings technique to comfort. The chicken is seasoned with care, waffles come with a signature syrup, and grits shine with cheddar.

You taste craft without losing the hug.

Try chicken and waffles, then add biscuits and seasonal sides. Coffee is strong and service is upbeat.

The menu fits breakfast or lunch cravings easily.

Expect a brunch line on weekends. Sit near the kitchen if you enjoy the show.

You will carry that syrup flavor around all day.

14. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room – Savannah, GA

Communal tables turn strangers into passing friends. Dishes come family style and keep arriving until the table looks like a postcard.

Fried chicken anchors the spread while sides sing harmony.

Expect classics like okra, lima beans, and biscuits with honey. Save room for cobbler because it feels like tradition.

The pacing encourages conversation and second helpings.

Cash only and lines start early. Bring patience and a light breakfast.

You will remember the hospitality as much as the food.

15. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Nashville, TN

Heat levels range from gentle to daredevil, but flavor leads. The crust crackles, the meat stays juicy, and pickles bring relief.

You will find your level and wear it proudly.

Order medium if you like balance, hot if you are feeling bold. Sides like pimento mac and black eyed pea salad keep things interesting.

Banana pudding cools the finish nicely.

Lines move quickly despite crowds. Grab a picnic table and enjoy the buzz.

You will chase that spice high later.

16. Yardbird Table & Bar – Miami, FL

Yardbird polishes comfort until it gleams. Chicken crackles, waffles hold, and watermelon adds cool sweetness.

Cocktails lean southern with modern ease and service keeps a steady smile.

Start with skillet cornbread and fried green tomatoes. Then choose chicken for the table and a salad to balance.

Desserts arrive with showmanship but deliver substance.

Reserve ahead on weekends. Sit near the windows for people watching.

You will leave satisfied and a bit smitten.

17. Cafe Reconcile – New Orleans, LA

Food with purpose always tastes better. Cafe Reconcile trains youth while serving plates that feel like home.

You will taste care in every forkful of smothered chicken and jambalaya.

Check the daily specials and trust the staff picks. Greens are tender, rice is fluffy, and cornbread keeps rhythm.

Prices respect budgets without shrinking flavor.

Lunch is the sweet spot. Tip generously to support the mission.

You will leave full and hopeful.

18. Paschal’s – Atlanta, GA

Paschal’s blends elegance with soul. The fried chicken remains a calling card, catfish is flaky, and greens carry depth.

You sit among history and feel the weight gently.

Order chicken, dressing, and a bright vegetable side. Add hot honey if offered and save space for pie.

Service runs polished and kind.

Great for groups before a show. Parking is straightforward and timing flexible.

You will taste Atlanta heritage here.

19. Lucille’s Chicken and Waffles – Las Vegas, NV

Vegas energy meets comfort you can trust. Chicken arrives crisp, waffles hold syrup like a charm, and sides lean sweet and savory.

You will appreciate the steady flavors after a long night.

Order the classic combo, then add mac and yams. A side of gravy turns the dial up.

Portions are generous without feeling heavy handed.

Service stays upbeat late into the night. Take leftovers and thank yourself tomorrow.

You will keep this spot on your Vegas rotation.

20. Screen Door – Portland, OR

Screen Door proves soul food thrives far from its birthplace. The chicken is tall and crisp, the sweet potato waffle brings warmth, and praline bacon is a playful wink.

You will lean into the indulgence happily.

Order chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and a side of greens. Cocktails keep brunch buoyant.

Coffee is strong and service smart.

Lines form early on weekends. Add your name and enjoy the neighborhood while waiting.

You will leave sweet, salty, and satisfied.

21. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar B Que – Multiple Locations, CA

Sometimes you just need ribs and mac without fuss. Lucille’s Smokehouse delivers steady smoke, tender meats, and reliable sides across locations.

You will get comfort on demand and that has its place.

Order ribs, brisket, and a side trio to explore. Sauces cover sweet to tangy ranges smoothly.

Cornbread shows up warm and ready.

Great for groups and family dinners. Service is consistent and quick.

You will leave full and content, no questions asked.

22. Home of Chicken and Waffles – Oakland, CA

Big plates and big moods rule here. Chicken is crisp, waffles are sturdy, and the jazz theme keeps toes tapping.

You will find breakfast and dinner shaking hands on one plate.

Order a combo with grits or eggs if you want extra fuel. Add hot sauce and keep syrup nearby for contrast.

Coffee refills flow freely.

Expect energy and volume on weekends. Bring friends and claim a booth.

You will roll out happy and humming.

23. Momma’s Mustard, Pickles & BBQ – Louisville, KY

Wings steal the show, smoky and sticky with balanced heat. Ribs and pulled pork follow closely, and the pickles freshen every bite.

You will keep sneaking tastes between conversations.

Order smoked wings first, then add ribs and mac. Sauces stay bright without masking the smoke.

Sides are generous and comforting.

Service is upbeat and quick. Perfect for pre game or casual nights.

You will plan a return visit before finishing your plate.

24. Revival – Minneapolis, MN

Revival nails crispy chicken that stays juicy through every bite. Hushpuppies crunch softly, collards whisper smoke, and pimento cheese spreads happiness.

You will feel cared for even on the coldest day.

Order fried chicken, a biscuit, and a trio of sides. Hot honey tilts the flavors in a fine way.

Desserts lean classic and soothing.

Reservations help on weekends. Settle in and let the warmth thaw you.

You will walk out rosy and content.