14 Wisconsin Hole-In-The-Wall Soul Food Spots Locals Say Are The Real Deal
Wisconsin hides soul food gems that deliver big flavors in unassuming settings.
From small-town diners to tucked-away city spots, these restaurants at addresses across the state serve fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread that taste like home.
The aroma of spices and sizzling dishes fills the air, drawing locals back again and again.
Each visit proves that Wisconsin’s hole-in-the-wall soul food spots aren’t just meals; they’re authentic experiences worth seeking out.
1. Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Comfort food reaches legendary status when you walk through the doors at 754 N 27th Street.
The menu reads like a Southern family reunion, packed with classics that taste exactly like grandma used to make them.
Regulars swear by the oxtails, which fall off the bone after hours of slow cooking.
The mac and cheese gets baked until the top forms a golden crust that cracks when you dig your fork in.
Sweet potato pie disappears from the display case before dinner service even starts most days.
Fun fact: The owner learned to cook soul food from his grandmother in Mississippi before bringing those recipes north.
Portions are generous enough to feed two people, though you probably won’t want to share once you taste the smoky collard greens.
2. Garfield’s 502 — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Walk into 502 W Garfield Avenue and you’ll immediately smell the magic happening in the kitchen.
This spot has been feeding the neighborhood for years, building a reputation one perfectly seasoned dish at a time.
Fried catfish arrives at your table crispy on the outside and flaky within, paired with homemade tartar sauce that locals guard like a secret recipe.
The candied yams hit that sweet spot between dessert and side dish.
Every plate comes with cornbread so moist it barely needs butter.
Owner Ms.
Patricia starts prepping ingredients at dawn each morning to ensure everything tastes fresh.
The red beans and rice simmer for hours with smoked turkey, creating layers of flavor that keep customers returning weekly without fail.
3. Coaches — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sports memorabilia lines the walls at 7817 W Burleigh Street, but the real MVPs are the plates coming out of the kitchen.
This neighborhood favorite combines casual atmosphere with seriously good cooking that’ll make you forget about the game on TV.
Barbecue ribs get slathered in a sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and smoky notes perfectly.
The fried chicken wings are double-battered for extra crunch, then tossed in seasonings that pack a flavorful punch.
Green beans cook low and slow with bits of ham hock until they’re tender and savory.
Locals love the Sunday specials, which rotate weekly and often sell out before closing time.
The peach cobbler comes bubbling hot with a buttery crust that crumbles beautifully over vanilla ice cream.
4. Jackson’s Soul Food Redefined — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Innovation meets tradition at 6137 W Fond du Lac Avenue, where classic recipes get thoughtful updates without losing their soul.
Chef Jackson grew up cooking alongside his mother and now adds his own creative touches to beloved favorites.
Smothered pork chops arrive swimming in rich onion gravy that begs to be soaked up with fluffy biscuits.
The shrimp and grits feature plump Gulf shrimp over creamy stone-ground grits finished with a hint of smoked paprika.
Brussels sprouts get the soul food treatment with bacon and a touch of honey.
The restaurant name isn’t just clever marketing.
Jackson actually reimagines soul food while respecting its roots, creating dishes that feel both familiar and exciting.
Weekend brunch brings out chicken and waffles that regularly earn standing ovations from satisfied diners.
5. Catfish Lounge — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Everything at 3646 N Teutonia Ave revolves around their signature dish, and they’ve perfected it after decades of practice.
The name tells you exactly what to order, though the menu offers plenty of other tempting options worth exploring.
Golden catfish fillets get dusted in seasoned cornmeal before hitting the fryer, creating a coating that stays crispy even after sitting for a few minutes.
Hushpuppies come alongside each order, studded with bits of onion and fried until golden brown.
The coleslaw provides cool, creamy contrast to all that hot, crunchy goodness.
Fun fact: The secret to their perfect catfish is a 24-hour buttermilk soak before breading.
Regulars often call ahead to reserve their orders during Friday fish fry season when lines stretch out the door.
6. Big Daddy’s BBQ and Soulfood — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Smoke billows from the building at 5601 W Vliet Street most mornings, signaling that Big Daddy’s is working its magic on another batch of meat.
This spot takes barbecue seriously, using a custom smoker that runs almost around the clock on busy weekends.
Brisket gets rubbed with secret spices before spending twelve hours in the smoker, emerging tender enough to pull apart with a fork.
The pulled pork sandwich comes piled high on a soft bun with tangy slaw on top.
Baked beans simmer with bits of burnt ends mixed in, adding smoky depth to every spoonful.
The owner spent years perfecting his craft in Tennessee before opening this Milwaukee location.
Potato salad here tastes like it came straight from a family picnic, complete with hard-boiled eggs and plenty of mustard.
7. Terri Lynn’s Soul Food Express — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Speed doesn’t mean sacrificing quality at 10742 W Hampton Avenue, where Terri Lynn has mastered the art of fast soul food that tastes like it took all day.
Perfect for grabbing lunch during a busy workday or picking up dinner on your way home.
Fried chicken gets seasoned generously before frying, creating a crunchy exterior that seals in all the juicy goodness.
Mac and cheese comes creamy and cheesy without being too heavy.
The turnip greens get cooked with just enough vinegar to brighten their earthy flavor.
Terri Lynn started this business from her home kitchen, building a loyal following through word of mouth alone.
Now she serves hundreds of customers weekly, many of whom have been coming since day one.
The banana pudding layers vanilla wafers with fresh bananas and homemade custard.
8. Marie’s Soul Food — Madison, Wisconsin
Madison’s soul food scene centers around 2001 Atwood Avenue, where Marie has been serving authentic Southern cooking for over fifteen years.
Her restaurant feels like visiting a friend’s house, complete with warm hospitality and plates that overflow with deliciousness.
Black-eyed peas simmer with ham hocks until they’re creamy and flavorful, served over rice for a satisfying meal.
The fried chicken recipe came from Marie’s great-grandmother and hasn’t changed in four generations.
Cornbread gets baked in cast iron skillets, creating crispy edges that contrast with the tender center.
Locals know to arrive early on Sundays when Marie prepares her famous pot roast that sells out by mid-afternoon.
The sweet tea is brewed fresh daily and sweetened just right, not too sugary but definitely not bland either.
9. Sista’s Chicken and Fish — Madison, Wisconsin
Can’t decide between chicken or fish?
At 1902 South Park Street, you don’t have to choose just one option.
Sista’s specializes in doing both proteins exceptionally well, using techniques passed down through generations of Southern cooks.
Wings get marinated overnight before hitting the fryer, resulting in meat that’s flavorful all the way to the bone.
The fish is fresh, never frozen, and arrives with a light, crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor.
Fries come hot and salty, perfect for dipping in the homemade ranch dressing.
Fun fact: The nickname Sista came from the owner’s childhood when her younger siblings couldn’t pronounce her full name.
The collard greens cook for hours with smoked turkey, creating a pot liquor so good that regulars request extra cornbread for soaking it up.
10. McGee’s Chicken — Madison, Wisconsin
Chicken takes center stage at 1901 Winnebago Street, where McGee’s has built a devoted following by mastering one dish and doing it better than anyone else.
The focus on quality over quantity shows in every crispy, juicy piece they serve.
Each chicken order gets hand-breaded to order, ensuring maximum freshness and crunch.
The seasoning blend remains a closely guarded secret, though customers swear they detect hints of garlic, paprika, and something mysteriously addictive.
Biscuits come out of the oven throughout the day, served warm with honey butter on the side.
McGee opened this spot after retiring from his factory job, finally pursuing his dream of sharing his cooking with the community.
The coleslaw provides cool, tangy relief between bites of hot chicken, dressed in a vinegar-based sauce that cuts through the richness perfectly.
11. Mrs. Betty’s Kitchen — Racine, Wisconsin
Racine residents flock to 327 Main Street whenever they’re craving the kind of cooking that reminds them of childhood dinners.
Mrs. Betty runs her kitchen like she’s feeding family, which explains why regulars greet her by name and she remembers their usual orders.
Meatloaf gets baked with a sweet tomato glaze on top, staying moist and flavorful throughout.
Mashed potatoes come whipped smooth with plenty of butter and cream, perfect for making a well to hold the rich brown gravy.
Green beans cook until tender with bacon bits mixed in for extra flavor.
Betty learned to cook from her grandmother in Alabama before moving north as a young woman.
Her pecan pie has won multiple local competitions, featuring a filling that’s sweet but not cloying with a perfectly flaky crust underneath.
12. The Cozzy Corner Southern Food — Appleton, Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin doesn’t have many soul food options, which makes 111 N Walnut Street even more special for locals craving authentic Southern flavors.
The cozy atmosphere matches the name perfectly, with comfortable booths and friendly service that makes everyone feel welcome.
Fried catfish arrives hot and crispy, seasoned with a spice blend that adds warmth without overwhelming heat.
Hushpuppies get fried fresh throughout the day, served piping hot with honey butter for dipping.
The coleslaw recipe balances creamy and tangy elements, providing cool contrast to the fried offerings.
Fun fact: The owner moved from Louisiana to Wisconsin for work and couldn’t find decent soul food anywhere nearby, so she decided to open her own place.
Gumbo appears as a weekly special, thick with okra, shrimp, and andouille sausage served over fluffy white rice that soaks up every drop.
13. Taste Of Soul 262 — Racine, Wisconsin
In the heart of Racine, at 1520 Main St, Racine, Wisconsin, Taste Of Soul 262 offers more than just a meal; it delivers an unforgettable experience.
Patrons often describe it as a warm embrace from the South, with every dish telling a story steeped in tradition, care, and love.
Their fried chicken, perfectly crispy on the outside yet succulent inside, is a crowd favorite, while the collard greens are infused with rich, comforting flavors that speak to true soul food craftsmanship.
Each dish is prepared with attention to detail, ensuring a taste that lingers long after the last bite.
The restaurant’s inviting ambiance encourages diners to relax, linger, and savor each moment.
Warm lighting, friendly service, and the gentle hum of conversation create a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.
Taste Of Soul 262 is more than just a dining spot; it’s a local treasure where soul food and heartfelt hospitality come together seamlessly.
14. Nino’s Southern Sides — Shorewood, Wisconsin
Nestled at 2412 E Shorewood Blvd, Shorewood, Wisconsin, Nino’s Southern Sides is a haven for anyone craving genuine Southern comfort.
From the moment you step inside, the enticing aroma of home-cooked goodness greets you, promising a meal that will linger in both memory and taste.
Their creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a standout, perfectly complemented by golden, tender cornbread; a true Southern staple that keeps diners coming back for more.
Each dish is prepared with care, reflecting the heart and tradition of Southern cooking.
The welcoming atmosphere, paired with attentive and friendly service, makes every visit feel personal and inviting.
Nino’s Southern Sides has become a cherished destination in Shorewood, bringing the rich flavors and warmth of the South to Wisconsin.