Pennsylvania Flavor Shines At Philadelphia’s 16 Best Soul Food Spots
Philadelphia’s soul food scene captures the heart and history of the city through mouthwatering dishes that comfort both body and spirit.
These beloved eateries serve up traditional recipes passed down through generations, each adding their own special Pennsylvania twist.
From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these 16 soul food spots showcase the authentic flavors that make Philly a true culinary destination.
1. South Restaurant & Jazz Club: Soulful Harmony on North Broad
Music and meals merge beautifully at South, where live jazz sets the soundtrack for some seriously good eating.
The kitchen orchestra plays its own sweet tune with dishes like blackened catfish and smoked turkey collards.
Southern hospitality meets Philly attitude in this stylish space that feels both upscale and welcoming.
2. Soul Greedy: West Philly’s Comfort Food Champion
Mama’s cooking comes to West Philadelphia at this neighborhood favorite where portions are generous and flavors are bold.
Soul Greedy earns its name with dishes that satisfy even the deepest hunger for home-style cooking.
Their turkey wings fall off the bone after slow-braising in a savory gravy that begs to be sopped up with cornbread.
3. Sheba’s Soul Plate: Royal Treatment for Hungry Customers
Named after the legendary queen, Sheba’s serves food fit for royalty from its cozy West Philly storefront. Regulars bow down to their oxtails – tender, rich, and swimming in a gravy that should be bottled and sold.
Even their sides command attention, especially the creamy mac and cheese that stretches into perfect cheese pulls with each forkful.
4. Booker’s Restaurant & Bar: Cedar Park’s Southern Sophistication
Upscale vibes meet down-home cooking at Booker’s, where craft cocktails complement soulful plates. The elegant space draws a diverse crowd united by their appreciation for thoughtfully prepared comfort food.
Blackened salmon arrives perfectly cooked, flaking at the touch of a fork. Their black-eyed pea hummus reinvents a southern staple with tahini and garlic.
5. Butter’s Soul Food to Go: Brewerytown’s Takeout Marvel
Don’t let the modest storefront fool you – Butter’s packs massive flavor into every takeout container. This Brewerytown gem operates on a simple principle: food made with love tastes better.
Their smothered chicken stays tender under a blanket of onion-studded gravy. The yams strike that perfect sweet-savory balance that defines great soul food.
6. Country Cookin: North Philly’s No-Frills Flavor Haven
Paper plates and plastic forks don’t diminish the five-star flavors at this cash-only North Philly institution. The no-nonsense approach lets the food speak for itself – and it speaks volumes.
Their turkey chops remain the stuff of local legend, seasoned perfectly and cooked until juicy. Mac and cheese comes bubbling hot with that coveted crispy top layer.
7. Deborah’s Kitchen: Kensington’s Soul Food Sanctuary
Warmth radiates from both the stove and the staff at this Kensington cornerstone. Deborah’s feels like eating in someone’s home – if that someone happened to be an exceptional soul food chef.
The baked chicken falls off the bone after hours of slow cooking with herbs and spices. Greens retain just enough bite while soaking up smoky flavor from turkey necks.
8. GiGi & Big R: Southwest Philly’s Dynamic Duo
Husband-and-wife team GiGi and Big R pour their hearts into every dish at their Southwest Philadelphia storefront. Their playful banter entertains customers waiting for food that’s worth every minute.
The fried pork chops achieve that crispy-juicy balance that’s so hard to master. Their potato salad sparks debates about the perfect ratio of mayo to mustard (they’ve nailed it).
9. Ma Lessie’s Chicken & Waffles: Reading Terminal Market’s Sweet-Savory Star
Market shoppers follow their noses to Ma Lessie’s counter, where the sweet-savory aroma of chicken and waffles creates an irresistible pull.
Their prime location in Reading Terminal Market makes them a must-try for visitors and locals alike.
Crispy chicken sits atop Belgian waffles with deep pockets perfect for catching syrup and hot sauce. The contrast between sweet, spicy, crunchy, and fluffy creates flavor fireworks.
10. The Nile Cafe: Germantown’s Vegan Soul Food Pioneer
Plant-based eating gets the soul food treatment at this Germantown institution that’s been converting carnivores since before vegan was trendy.
Their “chicken” and waffles uses seasoned seitan that could fool even dedicated meat-eaters. Collard greens achieve that slow-cooked flavor without a ham hock in sight.
The mac and “cheese” creates creamy satisfaction from cashews and nutritional yeast – comfort food that’s kinder to your arteries.
11. Aunt Berta’s Kitchen: Camden County’s Pennsylvania Border Treasure
Worth crossing the bridge for, Aunt Berta’s brings Pennsylvania soul food traditions to the Jersey side with dishes that honor family recipes.
Their turkey wings simmer until fork-tender in a gravy rich with onions and herbs. The sweet potatoes balance cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar in perfect harmony.
12. Sooo Delicious Soul Food Cafe: Mt. Airy’s Triple-O Satisfaction
Those three O’s in “Sooo” aren’t an exaggeration – this Mt. Airy cafe delivers flavor that makes customers stretch out their expressions of delight.
The bright, cheerful space matches the mood-lifting properties of their food.
Catfish arrives with cornmeal coating fried to golden perfection, not a bit greasy. Their black-eyed peas simmer with smoked turkey and onions until velvety soft.
13. Debreaux’s: Overbrook’s Louisiana-Pennsylvania Fusion
Cajun meets Pennsylvania Dutch at this unique Overbrook spot where gumbo and shoofly pie happily coexist on the same menu.
Their jambalaya incorporates local sausage alongside traditional andouille. The mac and cheese gets a Pennsylvania twist with three local cheeses in the mix.
14. Ms. Tootsie’s Soul Food Cafe: South Street’s Sophisticated Soul
Glamour meets comfort food at this South Street institution where the decor is as carefully crafted as the menu. Ms. Tootsie’s proves soul food can be elevated without losing its heartfelt roots.
Their fried chicken stays juicy under a perfectly seasoned crust that shatters satisfyingly with each bite. Candied yams come caramelized just right – never too sweet or too firm.
15. Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat: Northern Liberties’ Jewish-Southern Fusion
Jewish deli meets Southern kitchen at this Northern Liberties favorite where matzo ball soup and biscuits with gravy live harmoniously on the same menu.
Their chicken-fried steak comes with a perfectly peppery gravy that would make any Southern grandmother proud. Latkes get a soul food twist with a side of homemade applesauce and sour cream.
16. Stove & Tap: Lansdale’s Farm-to-Table Soul
Just outside the city, this suburban gem brings soul food principles to locally-sourced ingredients. Stove & Tap proves that Pennsylvania farm freshness enhances traditional comfort dishes rather than reinventing them.
Their buttermilk fried chicken starts with birds from nearby farms, resulting in exceptional flavor and texture. Collards come from local growers when in season, simmered with house-smoked bacon.
