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Philadelphia’s soul food scene is as layered and vibrant as the city itself, stretching from Center City dining rooms with live jazz to tiny Southwest counters serving Styrofoam platters piled high with wings, mac, and yams. Across West, North, South, Northeast, Northwest, and Southwest Philly, these restaurants tell a story of tradition, resilience, and creativity. Some spots lean white‑tablecloth and cocktail‑driven, others are strictly grab‑and‑go with a line out the door, but they’re all connected by slow‑cooked flavors and recipes that feel like they came straight out of a family kitchen.
What makes these places stand out isn’t just what’s on the plate, but the energy around it. In West and Southwest Philly, you get neighborhood fixtures where regulars greet the staff by name and debate whose fried chicken really deserves the crown. In North and Northwest Philly, you’ll find no‑frills counters and vegan soul cafés that prioritize deep seasoning over décor, feeding generations of locals on a budget. Center City and South Philly add another layer, offering polished spins on soul and Southern comfort—think jazz clubs, brunch destinations, and Black‑owned spots where the atmosphere and music are as much a draw as the food.
Together, these restaurants form a citywide map of comfort, culture, and community. They’re the places people recommend in barbershop conversations, Reddit threads, and family group chats when someone asks, “Where can I get some real soul food?” This review series is meant to be a guide you can actually use—organized by neighborhood, grounded in what locals talk about most, and focused on the dishes people order again and again. Whether you live in Philly or you’re just visiting, the goal is simple: help you skip the guesswork and get straight to the plates that feel like home.
Top 10 soul food restaurants – Center City Philadelphia
Center City is where soul food and Southern comfort go a bit more “downtown,” mixing classic flavors with polished dining rooms, cocktail programs, and brunch culture. You’ll see soul‑food staples alongside chef‑driven plates that play with Southern ingredients in creative ways. It’s ideal when you want comfort food but also a night out with atmosphere.
- Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley
- Address: 225 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Phone: (215) 867‑5112
- Website: https://www.kitchenkocktailsusa.com
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, lamb chops, mac & cheese, waffles, and flashy signature cocktails.
- Customer notes: Often described as a “vibe” spot with loud music, party brunch energy, and Instagram‑ready plates and drinks.
- Ma Lessie’s Chicken & Waffles (Reading Terminal Market)
- Address: Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (inside the market)
- Phone: Listed under Reading Terminal Market directory (varies by stall).
- Website: Via Reading Terminal Market vendor listings.
- Food highlights: Chicken & waffles, turkey wings, black‑eyed peas, creamy mac & cheese.
- Customer notes: A go‑to soul food counter in the market; people rave about the tender turkey wings and peppery black‑eyed peas.
- Delilah’s Southern Cuisine
- Area: Center City (noted as a downtown soul food breakfast and lunch favorite).
- Address/phone: Check current listing; details shift with location changes.
- Food highlights: Fluffy biscuits, shrimp & grits, fried chicken, and other breakfast‑leaning Southern plates.
- Customer notes: Guests talk about breakfast “becoming an event” here, with biscuits and shrimp & grits both called menu MVPs.
- Friday Saturday Sunday
- Address: Center City (Rittenhouse area; exact address in current listings).
- Phone: Listed on its reservation pages.
- Website: Linked from OpenTable and its own site.
- Food highlights: Upscale New American tasting‑menu restaurant that OpenTable tags under “soul food” because of its deep‑flavored, comfort‑driven dishes.
- Customer notes: Reviews highlight exceptional service, creative plates, and a special‑occasion atmosphere more than classic soul platters.
- AMINA (Old City but often lumped into Center City lists)
- Address: 108 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Phone: Listed on its website and reservation platforms.
- Website: Linked via OpenTable/restaurant site.
- Food highlights: African‑American and Southern‑inspired menu with soul‑flavored brunch and dinner plates plus cocktails.
- Customer notes: Frequently described as stylish and lively, with guests praising both the flavors and the presentation.
- Bud & Marilyn’s
- Area: Midtown Village / Center City, ranked high in Center City “soul food” searches.
- Address/phone: Current info on their official site and listing pages.
- Food highlights: Retro comfort food (fried chicken, meatloaf, rich sides) with a modern bar program; not pure soul, but heavy on comfort.
- Customer notes: People like the throwback diner‑feel, big portions, and consistent fried chicken.
- Honeysuckle / Green Soul lineage spots
- Area: Center City / North Broad and nearby.
- Address/phone: Check latest location, as concepts have evolved over time.
- Food highlights: Refined, chef‑driven takes on soul food and Southern flavors, often with healthy or vegetarian leanings.
- Customer notes: Diners praise thoughtful service, creative plates, and a cool, modern space.
- Akwaaba Tea Salon
- Address: Center City (exact address in current listing; appears in OpenTable Center City soul food list).
- Phone: Listed on reservation page.
- Website: Linked via OpenTable.
- Food highlights: Tea salon with a soul‑food‑influenced menu and Southern‑style snacks and small plates.
- Customer notes: Mentioned as elegant and relaxing, with a focus on atmosphere and hospitality.
- AVANA / similar Center City soul‑tagged spots
- Area: Center City; appears on OpenTable’s “soul food – Center City” list.
- Address/phone: Confirm via the latest listing, as names and concepts can shift.
- Food highlights: Soul‑leaning comfort dishes alongside more general American plates at moderate prices.
- Customer notes: Reviews mention good value and approachable menus that work for groups.
- Citywide takeout soul‑food counters near Center City
- Examples: Smaller fried‑chicken, fish, and sides counters around Market, Broad, and Spring Garden that sit high in Yelp searches but change faster than sit‑down restaurants.
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, wings, fish, mac & cheese, yams, greens, and cornbread.
- Customer notes: Customers focus on portion size, seasoning, and speed; these are the spots people hit after work or late at night.
Top 10 soul food restaurants – North Philadelphia (incl. Brewerytown, Temple, Germantown‑adjacent)
North Philly is home to many of the city’s most authentically “everyday” soul food kitchens, from tiny takeout spots to long‑standing neighborhood institutions. Here, big platters, low prices, and deeply seasoned food matter more than décor. A lot of the best meals are eaten from styrofoam containers at home or in the car, and word‑of‑mouth carries more weight than any formal review.
North Philly has more classic, everyday soul‑food takeout spots, with one of the most consistently praised being Butter’s Soul Food To Go.
- Butter’s Soul Food To Go (Brewerytown)
- Address: Brewerytown, North Philadelphia (the site describes it as “located in the heart of North Philadelphia’s Brewery Town section”).
- Phone: Listed on https://butterssoulfood.com
- Website: https://butterssoulfood.com
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, fish, and classic soul sides with big, tightly packed takeout containers.
- Customer notes: Locals talk about “good food, no compromises,” generous portions, and reliable, homestyle cooking that always hits.
- Ms. Molly’s Kitchen
- Area: North Philly neighborhood soul food spot; singled out as a beloved “neighborhood’s kitchen.”
- Address/phone: Check current listing (details change); articles describe it as a local mainstay.
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, fish, mac & cheese, greens, cornbread, and daily specials.
- Customer notes: Described as all about “good food, fair prices, and genuine hospitality,” with many regulars who treat it like their own kitchen.
- Ms. Tootsie’s Restaurant Bar & Lounge (North end of South St corridor – accessible to North/Center)
- Area: South Street, often considered a major soul‑food draw for people coming from North Philly.
- Address/phone: In current listings as a long‑running South Street soul institution.
- Food highlights: Old‑school soul food classics: fried chicken, smothered pork chops, mac & cheese, greens.
- Customer notes: Writers emphasize its status as a long‑time institution feeding generations, with recipes that haven’t been watered down.
- Ms. Tootsie’s‑style corner soul spots in North Philly
- Area: Around Broad & Erie, Allegheny, and Temple corridors.
- Address/phone: Varies by individual restaurant; many are small, family‑run businesses.
- Food highlights: Fried chicken/wing platters, fish, turkey wings, mac & cheese, yams, cabbage.
- Customer notes: Often praised for “real home cooking” and big platters; people trade word‑of‑mouth recommendations in the neighborhood more than online.
- Soul‑food‑focused Chinese/American fusion counter (e.g., “Black Dragon”‑type spots)
- Area: West‑of‑Temple / North Philly edge, combining wings, fried rice, and soul‑style flavors.
- Address/phone: Check current listing; these counters change names more often.
- Food highlights: Chinese‑American and soul food fusion—e.g., General Roscoe’s chicken, crab rangoons plus soul‑style sides.
- Customer notes: People talk about waiting 20–30 minutes for food because the combination of flavors is so addictive.
- Tyemeka’s or similar Germantown soul‑food plates (Northwest edge but often grouped with “North Philly”)
- Area: Germantown / upper North corridor.
- Address/phone: Confirm via current online listing.
- Food highlights: Classic soul platters—fried and baked chicken, fish, greens, mac & cheese.
- Customer notes: Mentioned in local roundups as part of the broader North/Northwest soul‑food belt, with steady neighborhood support.
- Tay’s Soul Food (Bridge St – lower Northeast but feeds North‑side crowd)
- Address: 901 Bridge St, Philadelphia, PA.
- Phone: Listed on local search; verify for publication.
- Food highlights: Plated combos with fried chicken, pork chops, sides like yams, greens, mac & cheese.
- Customer notes: Locals plan their week around specials—one article mentions a coworker timing Tuesday dinners around Tay’s deals, showing strong loyalty.
- The Nile Café (Germantown – vegan soul)
- Area: Germantown, often grouped with North/Northwest soul‑food options.
- Address/phone: See current listing for exact details.
- Food highlights: Vegan soul food, including plant‑based “fried chicken,” hearty platters, and richly seasoned vegetables.
- Customer notes: Known for convincing skeptics that vegan soul food can deliver the same comfort and flavor; heavily praised in write‑ups.
- Other Brewerytown soul‑leaning spots near Butter’s
- Temple‑area fried chicken and fish counters with soul‑style sides
- Area: Around Temple University and Broad St in North Philly.
- Address/phone: Individual counter‑service spots listed on maps.
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, fish, wings, fries plus collards, mac, and yams at some locations.
- Customer notes: Popular with students and locals for quick, cheap, filling soul‑style plates and late‑night eats.
Top 10 soul food restaurants – West Philly
West Philly’s soul food scene is a mix of tiny takeout counters, family‑run kitchens, and a few spots that draw people from across the city. You’ll find everything from jerk chicken and fish platters to vegan twists on classic sides, often with lines out the door on weekends. It’s the kind of neighborhood where “who has the best mac & cheese” is a serious debate, and regulars are loyal to their corner spot.
- Sheba’s Soul Plate
- Address: 90 S 44th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone: (484) 781‑9795
- Website: https://www.shebassoulplate.com
- Known for: Jerk chicken, curry chicken, jerk tofu, grilled salmon, mac & cheese, collards, candied yams.
- What people say: Described as “melt‑in‑your‑mouth” soul food with jerk chicken soul plates that locals call a must‑try; loved as a tiny neighborhood staple in West Philly.
- Soul Greedy
- Area: 45th St corridor, West Philadelphia (commonly listed at 225 S 45th St)
- Phone/website: Often shown on local directories; best to confirm via current listing.
- Known for: Catfish nuggets, mac & cheese, potato salad, greens.
- What people say: Food is “perfectly seasoned,” with catfish and sides praised as classic comfort; vibe is laid‑back with R&B and a real neighborhood feel.
- Lavish
- Address: 529 S 60th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
- Phone/website: Check current listing (details can change).
- Known for: Huge soul‑food platters, especially chicken wing platters with their well‑known peppery yellow rice.
- What people say: Locals describe lines of people cycling in and out for takeout, citing big portions and low prices as a major draw.
- 721 By DSC
- Address: 846 N 44th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone: (267) 969‑3786
- Website: https://721bydsc.com
- Known for: Fried fish platters (whiting, catfish), mac & cheese, greens, cabbage, banana pudding; also pancakes and breakfast plates for brunch.
- What people say: Guests rave about “perfectly seasoned” fried fish with mac, collards, and cabbage; people like the friendly, neighborhood feel and generous plates.
- Delaney’s Soul Food
- Area: 19143 West/Southwest edge (Yelp ranks it highly in 19143 searches).
- Address/phone: Pulled from local listing—verify before you publish.
- Known for: Fried chicken, smothered pork chops, classic sides like yams, greens, and cornbread.
- What people say: Mentioned as one of the go‑to takeout soul‑food spots with “stick‑to‑your‑ribs” plates and solid prices.
- Gigi & Big R (University City food truck/stand)
- Area: Near 38th & Spruce in University City
- Phone: Typically order‑at‑window; check maps if you need the number.
- Known for: Jamaican and soul‑influenced plates, oxtails, fried fish, mac & cheese, cabbage.
- What people say: Popular with students and hospital staff; reviewers highlight huge portions and rich, home‑style flavors.
- Amari’s Restaurant (Cedar Park)
- Address: 5037 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
- Phone: Listed in local directories; confirm current number.
- Known for: New American soul food and seafood dishes; often mentioned for salmon and shrimp plates.
- What people say: Highlighted by local media as a neighborhood favorite, with praise for both the food and the relaxed Cedar Park vibe.
- JD’s Soul Food (Lancaster Ave corridor)
- Area: Lancaster Ave in West Philly (exact address should be confirmed in maps/Yelp).
- Phone/website: Check current listing.
- Known for: Classic soul plates—fried chicken, fish, rich sides—served takeout‑style.
- What people say: Recommended by locals on community forums as “damn good” soul food, even when people hesitate to rank places formally.
- Keeboom’s Kitchen
- Area: Shows up in West‑side searches around 19143 and W Girard Ave.
- Address/phone: Verify via listing before publication.
- Known for: Comfort‑food platters, wings, and classic sides that straddle soul and Southern styles.
- What people say: Appears consistently near the top of “Best soul food near West Philly” list views, with praise for seasoning and portion size.
- Carletta’s Hideaway
- Area: 19143 / West‑side corridor (listed high in 19143 soul food searches).
- Address/phone: Confirm using the most recent online listing.
- Known for: Intimate, bar‑style hideaway serving fried chicken, fish, and comfort sides late into the evening.
- What people say: People mention it as a low‑key local hangout with strong drinks and satisfying soul‑food‑style plates.
Top 10 soul food restaurants – South Philly
South Philly blends old‑school rowhouse energy with a growing mix of soul, Southern, and comfort‑food restaurants. Here, you can go from a white‑tablecloth jazz dinner to a loud, party‑brunch plate of fried chicken and waffles within a few blocks. Many of these places double as nightlife hubs, with music, cocktails, and hearty plates all rolled into one experience.
For South Philly, the list is based on spots repeatedly showing up in soul‑food‑tagged searches and local coverage, including both straight soul food and very soul‑leaning Southern comfort.
- Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley (Avenue of the Arts edge of South/Center)
- Address: 225 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Phone: (215) 867‑5112
- Website: https://www.kitchenkocktailsusa.com
- Known for: Fried chicken, lamb chops, rich mac & cheese, waffles, and over‑the‑top cocktails in a high‑energy, upscale setting.
- What people say: Described as “great food, great drinks, beautiful atmosphere” with a party‑brunch feel; a lot of guests see it as a special‑occasion spot.
- SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club (North Broad but often lumped with Center/South in “Best of Philly” lists)
- Address: 600 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Phone: (215) 600‑0220
- Website: https://www.southjazzkitchen.com
- Known for: Buttermilk fried chicken, four‑cheese mac, collard greens, shrimp & grits, cornbread, and desserts like sweet potato cheesecake.
- What people say: Frequently called one of the best soul‑food experiences in the city, with the combo of live jazz, cocktails, and comfort classics getting repeated praise.
- The Twisted Tail (Society Hill / South Street head‑house area)
- Address: 509 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Phone: (215) 558‑2471
- Website: https://thetwistedtail.com
- Known for: Southern bar food—shrimp & grits, fried chicken, crawfish mac & cheese—and bourbon‑heavy drinks.
- What people say: People love the live blues, whiskey selection, and say it’s a fun, lively spot where the food is solid and the vibe does a lot of the work.
- Rex at the Royal (South Street West)
- Address: 1524 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Phone: (267) 319‑1366
- Website: http://rexphl.com
- Known for: Lowcountry/Southern‑inspired dishes like shrimp & grits, crawfish pot pie, biscuits, skillet mac & cheese, plus brunch plates.
- What people say: Guests highlight the creative spins on Southern comfort food and the stylish interior, calling it a great brunch and group dinner spot.
- Soul Boat (Point Breeze)
- Address: 1422 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Phone: Usually listed in local directories; verify before publishing.
- Known for: Soul‑food‑meets‑seafood platters—fish, shrimp, fried chicken—and hearty sides.
- What people say: Locals describe it as making a “bangin’ platter,” with online comments calling out the fish and shrimp as standouts in Point Breeze.
- Vegan Commissary (Newbold – vegan soul)
- Address: 1429 Wolf St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
- Phone: Listed in local directories; confirm for your copy.
- Known for: Plant‑based soul food including a big mushroom scrapple sandwich and other hearty vegan comfort dishes.
- What people say: Ranked as one of the highest‑rated soul‑food‑style spots in the city in a CBS/Hoodline ranking, especially among vegan diners.
- Honey’s Sit‑N‑Eat (Graduate Hospital / near South) – soul‑leaning comfort
- Address: Commonly listed near South/Callowhill depending on location; appears near the top of “Top 10 soul food restaurants in Philadelphia” lists.
- Phone/website: Confirm exact branch details for address and phone.
- Known for: Big Southern‑influenced breakfasts and comfort‑style plates (chicken, biscuits, hearty sides).
- What people say: Often cited for generous portions and a homestyle brunch feel, mixing Jewish deli and Southern comfort influences.
- Yall See That?
- Area: Appears in citywide “Top 10 soul food” lists and in South‑adjacent searches.
- Address/phone: Confirm via latest listing (details can change).
- Known for: Fried chicken and fish platters, wings, macaroni, and greens.
- What people say: Customers mention big plates, strong flavors, and it being a reliable takeout choice when craving soul food.
- Amina (Old City / South‑edge modern African & soul‑influenced)
- Area: Shows up in top “soul food restaurant” lists as a modern African‑American/Southern‑inspired spot.
- Address/phone: Verify from most recent listing.
- Known for: African‑American and Southern‑inspired plates, seafood, and creative cocktails.
- What people say: Noted for blending soul and African inspirations in a stylish dining‑room setting, with good date‑night energy.
- Local takeout soul‑food platters (rotating)
- Rationale: South Philly has multiple smaller takeout‑style soul food and fish‑fry spots that rise and fall in Yelp rankings; many sit just outside formal “top 10” cutoffs but draw strong neighborhood love.
- How to pick for your article: Choose 1–2 from current Yelp “Soul Food 19145/19146/19147” with the most reviews, then add their address/phone and a quick summary of standout dishes (usually wings, fish, mac, yams).
Top 10 soul food restaurants – Northeast Philadelphia
In Northeast Philly, soul food often shows up tucked between BBQ joints, diners, and Caribbean spots. Instead of a dense cluster of restaurants, you get a handful of standouts—like Tay’s—plus ghost kitchens and trucks that specialize in big, homestyle plates. It’s a scene where people are willing to drive a little further for a specific fried chicken or turkey‑wing plate.
These are the kinds of places that locals and review sites most often surface when you search specifically in Northeast Philadelphia.
- Tay’s Soul Food
- Address: 901 Bridge St, Philadelphia, PA 19124
- Phone: (215) 709‑0304
- Website: https://www.tayssoulfoodpa.com
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, pork chops, fish, mac & cheese, yams, greens, plus pasta and daily specials.
- Customer notes: Regulars talk about planning their week around Tay’s plates, praising big portions, rich seasoning, and good value.
- Soul Food Artist
- Area: Northeast Philly; appears at or near the top of “Best soul food – Northeast Philadelphia” lists.
- Address/phone: Listed in local review directories for Northeast; confirm details before publishing.
- Food highlights: Classic soul platters with fried chicken, fish, and staple sides; often some chef‑style specials.
- Customer notes: Known as a “hidden‑gem artist” of soul food in the Northeast, with people calling out careful seasoning and fresh‑cooked plates.
- Bob’s Kitchen
- Area: Northeast Philly; consistently listed in “Best 10 soul food restaurants near Northeast Philadelphia.”
- Address/phone: Check latest listing for exact street and number.
- Food highlights: Homestyle plates—fried or baked chicken, fish, mac & cheese, greens, and cornbread.
- Customer notes: Reviews highlight it as a reliable local take‑out option with friendly service and filling portions.
- Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse
- Address: 7500 State Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19136 (Northeast)
- Phone: Commonly listed in local directories; verify for copy.
- Food highlights: Barbecue and smoked meats (ribs, pulled pork, brisket) with soul‑style sides like mac & cheese, baked beans, and cornbread.
- Customer notes: People point to it as the go‑to for smoked meats in the Northeast, with “BBQ plus soul‑food sides” energy.
- Poppin… (wings / comfort‑food shop)
- Area: Northeast Philly; appears in top Northeast soul‑food search results.
- Address/phone: Confirm via current listing (some shops have similar names).
- Food highlights: Wings, fried chicken, fries, and comfort‑food sides.
- Customer notes: Customers mention crispy wings and consistent flavor, describing it as a casual, quick‑bite soul‑style spot.
- Tay’s‑style neighborhood counters (Northeast corridor)
- Area: Around Oxford Circle, Frankford, and Tacony.
- Address/phone: Individual shops in delivery apps and review sites.
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, fish, turkey wings, mac, yams, greens, and cornbread sold in large platters.
- Customer notes: Loved for affordability and the ability to feed a family with one or two platters.
- Local Jamaican & Caribbean soul‑leaning spots (Northeast)
- Area: Bustleton, Castor, and Cottman corridors.
- Food highlights: Jerk chicken, oxtails, curry goat, rice and peas alongside mac & cheese or cabbage, blending Caribbean with soul comfort.
- Customer notes: These places get praise for bold flavors and tender meats, often recommended as “real comfort” in the Northeast.
- Diner‑style comfort restaurants with soul‑leaning plates
- BBQ trucks and pop‑ups (seasonal)
- Delivery‑only soul food kitchens (ghost kitchens)
Top 10 soul food restaurants – Northwest Philadelphia
Northwest Philly (Germantown, Mt. Airy, West Oak Lane) has a deep tradition of comfort cooking, from classic fried‑chicken platters to vegan soul cafés. Many of the spots feel like extensions of the neighborhood itself—small dining rooms, familiar faces, and recipes that taste like they’ve been passed down for generations. It’s a great area to explore if you want soul food with a strong community feel.
Northwest covers Germantown, Mt. Airy, West Oak Lane, and nearby; this area has a strong reputation for everyday soul food and vegan‑soul options.
- Butter’s Soul Food To Go (Brewerytown / upper North edge, easy reach from Northwest)
- Address: Brewerytown, North Philadelphia (described as “in the heart of North Philadelphia’s Brewery Town section”).
- Phone: Listed on the website.
- Website: https://butterssoulfood.com
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, fish, turkey wings, mac & cheese, yams, greens, and other classic soul plates in packed take‑out boxes.
- Customer notes: Known for “good food, no compromises,” generous portions, and efficient service; often named in “best soul food in Philly” roundups.
- Germantown soul‑food platters on Germantown Ave (e.g., Black‑owned neighborhood spots)
- Area: Germantown Ave, 19144.
- Food highlights: Fried and baked chicken, catfish, pork chops, mac & cheese, cabbage, and yams.
- Customer notes: Write‑ups talk about sitting in burgundy dining rooms lined with neighborhood photos or taking platters to nearby parks after eating until “you can barely stand.”
- Nile Café (vegan soul in Germantown)
- Area: Germantown, 19144.
- Address/phone: Listed in local directories; confirm for your article.
- Food highlights: Vegan “fried chicken,” BBQ tofu, hearty greens, yams, and other plant‑based soul plates.
- Customer notes: Praised in guides for convincing even non‑vegans that vegan soul food can be just as comforting and satisfying.
- Tyemeka’s‑type neighborhood soul food (Germantown / West Oak Lane)
- West Oak Lane/Olney soul‑food counters
- Down North Pizza (technically North, popular with Northwest diners)
- Area: North Philly not far from Northwest neighborhoods.
- Food highlights: Detroit‑style pies, but with a soul‑influenced vibe and social‑justice mission, often mentioned in the same breath as soul‑food spots.
- Customer notes: People love the thick‑crust pies and the mission of employing formerly incarcerated individuals.
- Neighborhood fish‑fry and chicken shops (Germantown / Mt. Airy)
- Vegan and vegetarian soul‑inspired cafés
- Corner bar‑and‑kitchen spots with soul‑leaning menus
- Church and community‑based soul‑food events (occasional)
- Area: Northwest churches and community centers.
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, fish, baked macaroni, greens, and desserts like peach cobbler at fundraisers and pop‑ups.
- Customer notes: Locals often say some of the best soul food never hits Yelp—these community dinners are where recipes really live.
Top 10 soul food restaurants – Southwest Philadelphia
Southwest Philly’s soul food is all about generous platters, neighborhood spots, and a lot of history. Takeout counters, small cafés, and legacy trucks have fed families here for decades, and newer spots and pop‑ups are adding their own spin. If you’re craving wings, fish, mac, and yams that can easily turn into two meals, this side of the city has you covered.
- Delaney’s Soul Food
- Address: Southwest Philly (regularly appears at the top of “Southwest Philadelphia soul food” searches; verify exact street and ZIP before publishing).
- Phone/website: Check current listing; often available on major review and map sites.
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, smothered pork chops, fish, mac & cheese, yams, greens, cornbread.
- Customer notes: Often described as a go‑to Southwest spot with “bangin’ platters,” large portions, and straight‑up home‑style flavors.
- Carletta’s Hideaway
- Address: Southwest/West‑side corridor, frequently listed with other Southwest soul food stops.
- Phone/website: Confirm via current online listing.
- Food highlights: Fried chicken and fish dinners, wings, mac & cheese, cabbage, and fries, often served late with a bar‑style vibe.
- Customer notes: Talked about as a low‑key neighborhood hideaway with strong drinks and reliably satisfying soul‑food plates.
- Keeboom’s Kitchen
- Address: West/Southwest border (commonly described as West Philly but shows up in Southwest searches too).
- Phone/website: Check current details; they’ve been noted as having multiple locations.
- Food highlights: Wings, fried chicken, seafood platters, mac & cheese, greens, yams, plus specialty sauces.
- Customer notes: Content creators and reviewers praise the seasoning, consistency, and big portions; often called out as “one of the best” in the city.
- Sheba’s Soul Plate (for Southwest access)
- Address: 90 S 44th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (technically West, but close for Southwest residents).
- Phone: (484) 781‑9795
- Website: https://www.shebassoulplate.com
- Food highlights: Jerk chicken, curry chicken, jerk tofu, grilled salmon, mac & cheese, collard greens, candied yams.
- Customer notes: Described as “melt‑in‑your‑mouth” soul and Caribbean plates; people travel from Southwest and beyond for the jerk chicken platters.
- D’Cafe
- Address: Listed in Southwest soul‑food searches as a sit‑down comfort‑food spot (verify exact street and ZIP).
- Phone/website: Confirm via maps/reviews.
- Food highlights: Southern‑leaning comfort dishes—fried chicken, waffles, shrimp & grits, hearty breakfast and brunch plates.
- Customer notes: Loved for a relaxed café atmosphere and plates that feel like weekend‑brunch soul food.
- Booker’s Restaurant & Bar
- Address: 5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143 (on Baltimore Ave, accessible to Southwest).
- Phone: Check current listing.
- Website: Typically available via search and social pages.
- Food highlights: Upscale comfort and Southern‑inspired dishes (fried chicken, shrimp & grits, biscuits) with a full bar and brunch focus.
- Customer notes: Guests highlight the cocktails, brunch, and patio space; often recommended as a date‑night or brunch‑with‑friends soul‑leaning spot.
- Satisfied by Shawnie
- Address: Southwest corridor (exact address should be confirmed; appears in Southwest soul‑food roundups).
- Phone/website: Verify through recent listings.
- Food highlights: Soul‑style plates, desserts, and comfort‑food specials, often promoted heavily on social media.
- Customer notes: Followers praise the “home‑kitchen” feel, presentation, and the way desserts and mains both deliver.
- Sooo Delicious Soul Food Café (truck origin in Southwest)
- Address: Brick‑and‑mortar is now in Center City (1112 Locust St), but the concept started from a popular Southwest Philly truck.
- Phone/website: Listed on their official site and local media write‑ups.
- Food highlights: Fried chicken, standout yellow rice with peppers, mac & cheese, greens, and other sides that get a lot of attention.
- Customer notes: Award‑winning; people talk about sides being the stars and the fried chicken as a must‑order.
- Local fish‑and‑chicken soul‑food counters (Southwest ZIPs 19142 / 19143 / 19153)
- Address: Multiple small counters along Woodland Ave, Island Ave, and surrounding blocks.
- Phone/website: Each has its own listing in maps/delivery apps.
- Food highlights: Fried whiting, catfish, wings, fries, mac & cheese, greens, yams, and cornbread.
- Customer notes: Regulars use them as everyday dinner spots; reviews mention “big platters,” “plenty of food for the price,” and “perfect late‑night fix.”
- Delivery‑only soul kitchens serving Southwest
- Address: Ghost‑kitchen concepts operating out of shared commercial spaces, serving Southwest ZIP codes via delivery apps.
- Phone/website: Typically app‑only; some list social media pages.
- Food highlights: Chicken & waffles, wings, shrimp & grits, mac bowls, and dessert add‑ons (banana pudding, peach cobbler).
- Customer notes: Popular for late‑night orders and Sunday‑dinner‑style plates when dine‑in options are limited; reviews tend to focus on portion size and speed.
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