This Pennsylvania Soul Food Kitchen Serves Comfort Dishes Locals Say They’ll Protect Forever
Tucked away on West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, Butter’s Soul Food To Go has earned a special place in the hearts of locals who crave authentic comfort food.
This modest counter-serve spot dishes out generous portions of traditional soul food that remind people of home-cooked meals from their childhood. I recently visited this cozy takeout joint to discover what makes their comfort dishes so beloved that customers vow to protect them forever.
Collard Greens That Taste Like Grandma’s Recipe
Collard greens at Butter’s consistently earn praise from customers who know their soul food. Multiple visitors mention these greens have that old-school taste you search for when eating out. The chefs season them perfectly, making the leaves tender without turning them mushy.
Each bite reminds you of Sunday dinners at your grandmother’s house. The greens don’t come with unnecessary additions or modern twists. They stick to traditional preparation methods that have been passed down through generations.
Locals call these greens the star of the show, and honestly, they deserve that title. The balance of flavors hits just right without overwhelming your palate.
A Soulful Taste Of North Philadelphia
Butter’s Soul Food To Go is a beloved soul‑food counter tucked into North Philadelphia’s Brewery Town neighborhood, run by Kevin Bell, who’s been in the soul-food business for over two decades. The spot delivers homey, comforting meals that “melt in your mouth like butter,” offering old-school favorites.
Fried wings, baked turkey wings with gravy, fried catfish or whiting, and hearty sides such as greens, macaroni & cheese, black-eyed peas, and okra. The take-out setup is unpretentious but efficient.
You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a warm kitchen rather than a fancy restaurant.
Mac And Cheese With Mixed Reviews
Macaroni and cheese appears frequently on customer orders, though opinions vary wildly about this staple. Some diners enjoy the creamy texture and cheesy flavor that complements their main dishes perfectly. Others feel disappointed, saying it lacks the rich taste they anticipated from authentic soul food.
I ordered the mac and cheese during my visit, curious about the conflicting feedback. The portion size impressed me immediately, offering plenty of value for the price point.
The cheese sauce had decent flavor, though it could benefit from more seasoning depth. This side dish works better when paired with well-seasoned proteins that balance the milder cheese notes.
Fried Whiting Fish With Simple Preparation
Whiting fish comes prepared in strips, offering a lighter protein option compared to heavier meat dishes. Several customers mention the fish lacks heavy seasoning, which creates divided opinions among diners. Some appreciate the mild flavor that lets them add their own spices at home.
Others wish the kitchen would apply more seasoning before frying to create bolder taste. The fish works well when paired with flavorful sides like collard greens that provide the punch missing from the protein. Health-conscious customers who watch sodium intake might actually prefer this lighter preparation style.
The key involves knowing your preferences before ordering and planning your side dishes accordingly.
Barbecue Ribs That Satisfy Meat Lovers
Ribs at Butter’s get covered in barbecue sauce that some customers enjoy while others find unremarkable. The meat comes fall-off-the-bone tender when prepared properly, making each bite satisfying.
Portion sizes give you decent value, especially considering the price range stays between ten and twenty dollars. The ribs pair wonderfully with candy yams, creating that sweet and savory combination soul food does so well.
Some people suggest the sauce carries most of the flavor rather than the meat itself being heavily seasoned. This preparation style remains common in many soul food establishments across the country.
Lima Beans And Rice For Traditional Taste
Lima beans served over rice create a classic soul food combination that appears on many customer orders. Reviews mention this dish with mixed feelings, some calling it delicious while others express disappointment. The preparation stays true to traditional Southern cooking methods that have fed families for generations.
Beans get cooked until tender and served over fluffy white rice that soaks up all the flavorful cooking liquid. One customer noted the blackeye peas and rice version was the only thing hitting during their visit.
The dish provides filling, affordable comfort that vegetarians can enjoy as a main course. Rice and bean combinations remain staples in soul food restaurants for good reason.
Cozy Atmosphere Despite Limited Space
Walking into Butter’s reveals a snug dining area that feels comfortable despite its modest size. The atmosphere strikes visitors as relaxing, welcoming, and nostalgic according to multiple reviews. This counter-serve setup keeps things simple, focusing attention on the food rather than fancy decorations.
Staff members receive praise for being respectful, friendly, and helpful with menu recommendations. The calm environment creates a nice contrast to the bustling Philadelphia streets outside. One reviewer mentioned the restaurant was empty during their visit, though Sundays likely bring the biggest crowds.
Sometimes a small space with genuine hospitality beats a large restaurant with impersonal service any day of the week.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back To Butter’s
For locals, Butter’s Soul Food To Go isn’t just a place to grab a meal. It’s a comforting piece of community. Regulars rave about the consistency and care in every dish, from the perfectly fried chicken to the rich, savory sides that remind them of family Sunday dinners.
Many Philadelphians treat Butter’s as their go-to spot for celebrations, last-minute meals, or just a pick-me-up when they crave that familiar, hearty soul-food flavor. The friendly service, personal touch, and neighborhood roots make it feel less like a restaurant and more like an extension of home.
This is why locals keep coming back again and again.