16 Minnesota Soul Food Joints That Locals Whisper Might Be Better Than Grandma’s (But They’ll Never Say It Out Loud)
Minnesota might be famous for hot dishes and lutefisk, but tucked between the lakes and cornfields lies a soul food scene that would make the South take notice.
Local folks have discovered spots where the mac and cheese bubbles just right and the fried chicken has that perfect crunch.
Nobody wants to admit these places might outshine family recipes, but the empty plates tell a different story. Let’s dive in!
1. Mama Sheila’s House of Soul
Walking into Mama Sheila’s feels like stepping into your favorite aunt’s kitchen during Sunday dinner. The buffet line stretches with golden fried chicken that crackles when you bite it, and those turkey wings get smothered in gravy so good it should be illegal.
Located on 38th Street in Minneapolis, this family-run gem operates counter-service style with daily specials that keep regulars coming back.
The mac and cheese bubbles with three types of cheese, while the collard greens simmer with just enough smokiness.
Check their website for current buffet hours because they sell out fast.
2. Soul Bowl
Build-your-own soul food bowls sound trendy, but Soul Bowl makes it work without losing the comfort factor. Their jerk chicken packs heat without overwhelming your taste buds, while the candied yams hit that perfect sweet spot.
Now housed inside the V3 Center in Near North Minneapolis, this spot perfected the art of quick counter service. The Cajun corn adds a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with their perfectly seasoned greens.
I tried their signature bowl last month and found myself scraping the bottom for every last grain of rice. Order at the counter for speedy dine-in or takeout service.
3. Handsome Hog
Contemporary Southern cuisine gets elevated treatment at this Cathedral Hill hotspot. Their whole fried catfish arrives crispy outside with flaky, tender meat inside, while the chicken and waffles combination reaches near-perfection status.
Open nightly with happy hour specials, Handsome Hog attracts both date-night couples and families. Those hushpuppies deserve their own fan club, and the late-night hours make it perfect for post-theater dining.
Reservations are recommended because word has spread about their quality. The atmosphere strikes the right balance between upscale and comfortable, making everyone feel welcome.
4. Hickory Hut
Old-school barbecue joints like Hickory Hut prove that sometimes the classics never need updating. Their ribs fall off the bone with a smoky char that takes hours to achieve properly.
Located in the historic Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, this counter-service spot has fed generations of families. The rib tips offer more affordable portions without sacrificing flavor, and their fried chicken rivals any grandma’s recipe.
My first visit here happened on a friend’s recommendation, and I understood immediately why locals guard this secret. Check their website for the full menu and prepare for generous portions that stretch your dollar.
5. Smoke in the Pit
Small spaces sometimes produce the biggest flavors, and this Powderhorn takeout spot proves that theory daily. Their smoked ribs develop a beautiful bark while staying juicy inside, and the wings get that perfect char.
Operating with limited hours from this cozy location, they often sell out before closing time. The catfish arrives perfectly seasoned with a cornmeal coating that stays crispy even during the drive home.
Order online or by phone for pickup because walk-ins might find empty warming trays. Classic sides like mac and cheese complete the experience without any unnecessary fancy touches.
6. Old Southern BBQ Smokehouse
Dave Anderson’s post-Famous Dave’s venture brings fast-casual barbecue to multiple Minnesota locations. Their rib platters come with cornbread that crumbles perfectly and baked beans with just enough sweetness.
With locations in Minneapolis, Arden Hills, Shakopee, and Excelsior, convenience meets quality at every spot. The coleslaw provides the right acidic balance to cut through rich smoked meats.
I appreciate how they streamlined the ordering process without sacrificing portion sizes. Each location maintains consistent quality, making it reliable for both quick lunches and family dinners throughout the Twin Cities area.
7. Brasa Rotisserie
Creole and Caribbean influences blend beautifully at this three-location Minneapolis and St. Paul favorite. Their rotisserie pork develops a crispy skin while staying impossibly tender inside, and the chicken gets seasoned with island spices.
Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, Brasa makes it easy to satisfy cravings any day of the week. The grits arrive creamy and rich, while fried plantains add tropical sweetness to every plate.
Candied yams here taste like dessert, but pair perfectly with savory proteins. Each location maintains the same high standards, whether you visit Northeast Minneapolis, Southwest Minneapolis, or Grand Avenue in St. Paul.
8. Mr. Paul’s Supper Club
Louisiana flavors meet Minnesota hospitality at this Edina supper club that transports diners straight to New Orleans. Their gumbo simmers with proper roux and fresh seafood, while beignets arrive hot and dusted with powdered sugar.
Open for dinner nightly plus weekend brunch, reservations are strongly recommended for good reason. The po’boys get stuffed with generous portions of fried seafood on authentic French bread.
Supper club atmosphere adds elegance without pretension, making special occasions feel truly special. The weekend brunch menu expands options beyond dinner favorites, giving locals more reasons to return regularly.
9. Krewe
Drive to St. Joseph near St. Cloud for authentic New Orleans heritage cooking that earns national recognition. Their oysters arrive fresh and properly prepared, while étouffée showcases the complex flavors of Louisiana’s bayou country.
Open most evenings with Sunday brunch service, this restaurant stays busy thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations. Red beans and rice are prepared the traditional Monday way, simmering slowly with proper seasonings.
Po’boys here use authentic ingredients imported from New Orleans suppliers. The drive from the Twin Cities takes about an hour, but locals consider it worth every mile for this level of authenticity.
10. Southern Social
Family-friendly atmosphere meets serious comfort food at this suburban chain with locations in Eagan, Woodbury, and Chaska. Their red beans and rice taste like they simmered all day, while shrimp and grits arrive creamy with perfectly cooked seafood.
Group dining gets easier with spacious patios and accommodating staff at all three locations. The fried chicken develops a golden crust that stays crunchy through the entire meal.
A third Twin Cities location opened in 2025 in Chaska, bringing these flavors closer to more diners. My family celebrated a birthday here last summer, and the patio service impressed everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
11. Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar
Reborn in 2025 as a New Orleans-style restaurant, Golden Thyme keeps its community cafe spirit alive on the same Selby Avenue corner. The transformation brings authentic Creole cooking to the historic Rondo neighborhood.
Separate nearby cafe operations continue serving coffee, soups, and sandwiches for casual dining. The main restaurant focuses on dinner service with traditional New Orleans preparations and proper seasoning.
This resurrection story resonates with locals who remember the original cafe fondly. Early reports suggest the kitchen staff understands how to balance authentic flavors with community expectations for generous portions and reasonable prices.
12. King Cajun
Louisiana seafood boils get proper treatment at this University Avenue spot in St. Paul. Their crawfish boils arrive steaming hot with corn, potatoes, and sausage seasoned with authentic spice blends.
Fried catfish develops a perfect cornmeal crust while staying flaky inside, and the gumbo showcases proper roux techniques. Po’boys get stuffed generously with fried seafood on crusty bread.
Dine-in, takeout, and delivery options make it convenient for any craving level. The seafood boil experience works best for groups willing to get messy with communal eating, but individual plates satisfy solo diners perfectly.
13. Cajun Boil
Customizable sauce options set this Nicollet Avenue seafood boil house apart from standard offerings. Their fried baskets combine multiple proteins with perfectly seasoned sides, while po’boys get built with fresh ingredients.
Family dining atmosphere welcomes groups of all sizes, and online ordering streamlines the process. The boil combinations let diners mix shrimp, crawfish, crab, and sausage according to personal preferences.
Spice levels range from mild to mouth-numbing, accommodating both timid taste buds and heat seekers. Each sauce blend gets prepared fresh daily, ensuring consistent flavor profiles that keep regulars coming back for their favorite combinations.
14. Angelea’s Soul Food Kitchen
Pop-up dining meets homestyle cooking at this Brooklyn Park storefront (8069 Brooklyn Blvd) that cooks everything to order. Their fried chicken arrives crispy and hot, while oxtails get braised until they fall apart with fork pressure.
Operating primarily on limited, mostly weekend hours, advance ordering prevents disappointment. The mac and cheese uses real cheese that gets baked until bubbly, and candied yams balance sweetness perfectly.
Check their website weekly for current hours and ordering information because schedules change seasonally.
This setup allows the kitchen to focus entirely on food quality without worrying about dining room service, resulting in consistently excellent takeout meals.
15. The Kitchen by Baked Brand
Late-night soul food cravings get satisfied at this Midtown Global Market spot at 920 E Lake St. Their wings arrive sauced properly with options ranging from mild to scorching hot.
Catfish gets fried to golden perfection with a cornmeal coating that stays crispy, while mac and cheese bubbles with multiple cheese varieties. Typical hours run daytime through early evening (not late-night).
Candied yams provide a sweet balance to spicy proteins, and generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry.
The online menu posts current hours and specials, making it easy to plan visits around their schedule that serves the community when other spots close.
16. Revival Food Truck
The beloved fried chicken brand returned under new ownership in July 2025, operating via food trucks while scouting permanent locations. Their signature fried chicken maintains the quality that made the original restaurant famous.
Following their official calendar ensures you catch appearances at breweries, festivals, and special events throughout the metro area.
The mobile format lets them reach different neighborhoods while building anticipation for their eventual brick-and-mortar return. Limited menu options focus entirely on perfecting their famous fried chicken recipes.
Social media updates announce locations and times, creating excitement among fans who remember the original restaurant and newcomers discovering what the fuss was about.