13 Ohio Soul Food Joints Serving Sunday-Style Comfort Any Day Of The Week
Sunday comfort saved my week on a random Tuesday, when a plate of crispy chicken and tender greens took me straight back to big family tables and second helpings.
You know that feeling when the first bite tastes like a hug you didn’t even realize you’d been missing all day.
That is the spirit I chased across Ohio, fork-first and smile-ready, following the scent of gravy, warm rolls, and stories shared over dessert.
Come hungry, leave lighter, and let these spots turn any day into a little Sunday, right when you swear you’re too busy to slow down.
1. La Glory’s Soul Food Cafe – Columbus
Forks pause midair when the fried chicken hits the table with that perfect crackle.
You get smothered chops, cabbage that whispers, and yams that sing like a choir warming up. The plates read like a family reunion invite, and you are very welcome.
Weekday blues do not stand a chance against their after church style rhythm.
Sides arrive in generous scoops that feel like a nod from an auntie who insists. Keep room for cornbread, because it plays matchmaker with every bite.
I found myself lingering over the small details, like peppery gravy and slow cooked beans.
The staff keeps the pace kind and steady, even when the line snakes. When comfort calls, this address answers with a steady yes.
2. Soul 2 Go Cafe – Downtown Columbus
One bowl, many blessings, and zero wrong turns. The fried chicken nests over mac, greens, and yams like a parade of favorites in tight formation.
Every forkful mixes Sunday memories with downtown hustle.
Here, dine in or dash out fits your day like a tailored plan.
Pickup stays swift, and delivery lands with heat still intact. The all on one plate layout keeps decisions simple and smiles immediate.
I love how each bite stacks textures that play nice together.
Creamy, crispy, silky, sweet, all chatting in harmony. When time is short, this bowl stretches the moment just enough.
3. Red Tyes Kitchen & Catering – Columbus
Small space, big heart, and plates that carry their own applause.
Fried chicken lands juicy, and pork chops arrive with a confident sizzle. Sides come classic, like green beans and potato salad with quiet swagger.
The kitchen rolls steady through weekdays and gatherings alike.
Catering pans glint like treasure chests, promising seconds for everyone. Regular hours mean you can build it into your comfort routine.
I found the seasoning dialed to that just right zone you chase forever.
Nothing fussy, just honest flavor that shows up on time. If community had a taste, it would taste like this.
4. Peggy’s Soul Food Kitchen – Reynoldsburg (Columbus Metro)
Home shows up here on a tray with a wink.
Meatloaf slices hold together like a good story, and fried chicken crunches with confident cheer.
The counter setup keeps the line moving and the mood easy.
Generous portions prove somebody believes in full plates and fuller hearts.
Slow cooked sides bring that Sunday patience to a Tuesday.
Expect greens with depth and mac that sticks the landing.
I like to grab a seat, breathe in the gravy, and let time slow a notch.
Friendly nods from regulars make new folks feel like neighbors.
Simple, kind, and satisfying, just like the name promises.
5. Zanzibar Soul Fusion – Downtown Cleveland
Classic meets creative and both leave happy.
One path leads to fried chicken with collards, another to playful twists that spark curiosity. The downtown energy adds a little bounce to every bite.
Menus shift between roots and remix with graceful ease.
You can keep it traditional or lean into fusion fun. Either way, flavor stays the headline act.
I like starting with the familiar, then sneaking in a curveball dish.
The room buzzes before games or events, keeping conversation lively. Comfort stretches here, but never snaps.
6. Mama Joyce’s Soul Food – Cleveland Heights
Lines tell the truth, and this line smiles.
Wings come crispy, catfish flakes tender, and mac steps in like a best friend.
Soul bowls stack favorites into one cozy summit.
Recent menu tweaks keep things fresh without losing the heartbeat.
Social posts hint at specials that sell out fast.
The neighborhood vibe wraps around you like a friendly jacket.
I chase the wing and mac combo, then drift toward greens for balance.
Portions lean generous and gratitude follows.
This place works hard, and you taste it.
7. V’s Gourmet Chicken – Cleveland
Crunch is the anthem and the fryer is the choir.
The chicken breaks clean, steaming and seasoned just right. Fries and slaw bring that takeout Sunday vibe any day.
Locals treat it like a quick reset button after long days.
The menu stays focused, which keeps quality tight. Simple choices mean faster reunions with happiness.
I go salt, pepper, hot sauce, then smile. Boxes ride shotgun and somehow arrive lighter.
When you need reliable joy, this is the route.
8. Alabama Fish Bar – Cincinnati (Over-the-Rhine)
Fryers sing and the line answers back. Fresh fish lands golden beside a tumble of fries, sliced bread, and bright slaw.
The aroma floats down the block like a welcome banner.
Busy nights prove the love runs deep and steady.
Service moves quick, keeping pace with the steady stream. Every bag carries that fish fry Friday feeling on any calendar day.
I sprinkle lemon, add hot sauce, and let the crunch do the talking.
The portion size nudges you to share, but you might not. This spot is a happy ritual in motion.
9. Rasheedah’s Café – Cincinnati
Comfort walks out from the kitchen wearing gravy like a crown.
Smothered pork chops relax into tender bliss, while fried chicken keeps things lively. Greens simmer low and patient, telling stories in every spoonful.
The dining room is small, but the welcome feels big.
Regulars nod, seats fill, and plates clear without hesitation. You come for a meal and leave with a mood upgrade.
I lean into the smothered route, then chase bites with cornbread.
Flavor stays steady from first bite to last. This cafe makes ordinary days feel special.
10. Soul Secrets – Cincinnati (Over-the-Rhine)
Secrets out and everyone is invited. Fried chicken and fish headline, with mac, yams, and greens harmonizing underneath.
Vegan soul options step up confidently, proving comfort crosses lanes.
Reservations and online ordering keep things smooth and modern.
Features and buzz suggest steady momentum. The room feels like a destination that still remembers your name.
I mix classic and plant based plates for a fun split screen.
Texture and spice pop without shouting. Every visit adds a new favorite to the list.
11. Mz Jade’s Soul Food – Sharonville (Cincinnati Metro)
Big flavors step out wearing Sunday best.
Ribs shine, smothered chops soothe, and seafood plates keep things lively. The menu reads like family recipes that got a standing ovation.
Multiple mentions around Ohio hint at a growing fan club.
The Sharonville location offers full sit down comfort with easy parking. Service stays warm while portions stay proud.
I pair ribs with greens and mac for a perfect trio.
Sauces lean balanced, letting smoke and spice hold hands. This is where cravings clock in and do good work.
12. Side Piece Soul Cafe – Downtown Dayton
Flavor flirts and then commits.
Caribbean kissed spices drift through jerk inspired plates while mac and cheese keeps watch. The menu balances bright accents with familiar comfort.
Takeout focus makes road trips easier than a well packed cooler.
A central address turns quick stops into happy detours. Orders roll out hot and punctual.
I like the rhythm here, playful and focused at once.
A side of plantains beside greens feels like a tiny vacation. Downtown days taste better with this in the mix.
13. Woods’ Family Restaurant – Cincinnati
Family style feels built into the walls.
Fried chicken arrives golden, fish flakes gently, and sides land like familiar friends. The room keeps things relaxed and easygoing.
Local guides point here for steady comfort and kind service.
Prices stay fair, portions stay honest, and regulars keep the rhythm. It is the sort of place that remembers your order.
I settle in, pass the hot sauce, and watch plates empty with contented speed.
The menu does not chase trends and does not need to. If comfort had a porch, this would be the view.