13 Ohio Soul Food Restaurants Serving Hearty Sunday-Style Comfort All Week

Nothing hits the spot like a heaping plate of soul food, those comforting dishes that evoke family tables and Sunday traditions.

Throughout Ohio, skilled chefs are serving up this cherished cuisine every day, turning crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and other classics into meals that nourish both body and soul at these 13 standout soul food restaurants.

1. La Glory’s – Columbus

Walking into La Glory’s feels like entering grandma’s kitchen on Sunday afternoon. Locals flock here for the crispy fried chicken and buttery cornbread that practically melts in your mouth.

Family recipes passed down through generations give each dish that authentic touch you just can’t fake. Owner Gloria has been perfecting her craft for over twenty years.

2. Zanzibar Soul Fusion – Cleveland

Creativity meets tradition at this Cleveland hotspot where classic soul food gets an upscale twist. Regulars rave about the catfish fingers and sweet potato cheesecake that will make you close your eyes in bliss.

Jazz music often fills the air, creating the perfect backdrop for savoring shrimp and grits. Zanzibar’s modern take on soul classics attracts both traditionalists and culinary adventurers.

3. Soul 2 Go – Columbus

Quick service doesn’t mean compromising on flavor at Soul 2 Go. Busy professionals line up during lunch breaks for hearty portions of smothered pork chops and candied yams packed with love.

Despite the takeout format, everything tastes homemade. Owner Marcus learned these recipes from his Mississippi-born grandmother and refuses to cut corners, even when serving on the go.

4. Mama Joyce’s Soul Food – Cleveland Heights

Stories and laughter fill the air at Mama Joyce’s, where the turkey wings fall off the bone and the collard greens simmer with smoked turkey.

Generations of families gather around tables that have witnessed countless celebrations. Newcomers quickly become regulars after one bite of the famous peach cobbler. Joyce herself still supervises the kitchen at 72, ensuring every plate meets her exacting standards.

5. Rasheedah’s Cafe – Cincinnati

Morning sunshine streams through the windows at Rasheedah’s, where breakfast soul food reigns supreme. Salmon croquettes and creamy grits start the day right for Cincinnati locals who form lines before opening.

Weekends bring special treats like chicken and waffles drizzled with house-made syrup. Small but mighty, this café seats just 30 people, creating an intimate experience where servers know regulars by name.

6. Red Tyes Kitchen & Catering – Columbus

Juicy oxtails steal the show at Red Tyes, where meat slowly simmers until it reaches fall-off-the-bone perfection. Football Saturdays see this place packed with locals loading up on comfort food before big games.

Sides aren’t an afterthought here, black-eyed peas and okra get the same attention as main dishes. Owner Tyrone started as a caterer before popular demand led him to open this beloved restaurant five years ago.

7. V’s Gourmet Chicken – Cleveland

Crispy perfection defines the fried chicken at V’s, where a secret blend of spices has customers licking their fingers with delight. Lines often stretch out the door during lunch rush, but nobody complains about the wait.

Beyond chicken, the macaroni and cheese deserves its own fan club. Family-owned since 1997, V’s proves that sometimes doing one thing extremely well is the key to longevity in the restaurant business.

8. Peggy’s Soul Food Kitchen – Reynoldsburg

Hidden in a strip mall, Peggy’s serves up surprises like smothered turkey wings that regulars drive miles to enjoy. First-timers often gasp at the generous portions that guarantee tomorrow’s lunch.

Desserts change daily based on Peggy’s mood and seasonal ingredients. What began as a catering business from her home kitchen has blossomed into this community staple where police officers, teachers, and families break bread together.

9. Alabama Fish Bar – Cincinnati

Simplicity shines at Alabama Fish Bar, where fresh fish is fried to golden perfection and served with just the right amount of hot sauce.

Locals know to call ahead as wait times can stretch during dinner rush. Newspaper-wrapped whiting sandwiches have fueled Cincinnati for decades. Standing-room-only by design, this no-frills spot focuses entirely on quality seafood that keeps generations of families coming back for more.

10. Mz Jade’s Soul Food – Sharonville

Smoked turkey legs the size of baseball bats make Mz Jade’s a carnivore’s paradise. Weekday lunch specials draw workers from nearby offices who crave something far better than fast food.

Sweet potato pie here tastes exactly like what your grandmother would make if she were from Mississippi. Jade learned cooking alongside her great-aunt and brings those Bayou influences to every dish, especially her legendary seafood gumbo on Fridays.

11. Angie’s Soul Café – Cleveland

Multiple locations across Cleveland speak to the wild popularity of Angie’s, where the candied yams taste like dessert and the cornbread stuffing converts even the pickiest eaters. Weekends bring special dishes like oxtail stew.

Community involvement sets Angie’s apart, with regular fundraisers for local schools. What started as a single location has grown into a Cleveland institution that remains true to its roots despite its expansion.

12. Soul Secrets – Cincinnati

Grandma’s recipes meet modern presentation at Soul Secrets, where smothered chicken comes garnished with microgreens. Young couples on date nights mix with families celebrating special occasions in this stylish space.

Banana pudding gets reimagined with house-made vanilla wafers and brûléed top. Owner Desiree spent years as a private chef before opening this spot that honors tradition while embracing contemporary culinary techniques.

13. Sweet Pea’s Kitchen – Dayton

Military families from nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base flock to Sweet Pea’s for a taste of home. Meatloaf wrapped in bacon stands as the signature dish that regulars order week after week without tiring.

Blackberry cobbler served warm with vanilla ice cream provides the perfect sweet ending. Owner Penelope (nicknamed Sweet Pea by her grandfather) creates a welcoming atmosphere where newcomers to Dayton can find community around shared meals.