8 Florida Family-Run Soul Food Spots That Have Been Around For Generations
Across Florida, generations of cooks have kept the soul food tradition alive, turning humble ingredients into unforgettable feasts. Each dish tells a story, from gumbo simmering with patience to sweet potato pie baked with heart.
These family-run kitchens carry forward a heritage of resilience and togetherness, feeding both nostalgia and hungry bellies with every serving.
1. Jackson Soul Food – Overtown’s Culinary Cornerstone
Since 1946, Jackson Soul Food has been the heartbeat of Miami’s historic Overtown neighborhood. The aroma of fried catfish and buttery grits has welcomed generations through its doors.
Breakfast crowds line up early for their famous salmon croquettes and fluffy biscuits drowning in gravy. Black-owned and family-operated for over 75 years, this institution stands as a testament to perseverance through Miami’s changing landscape.
2. Nikki’s Place Southern Cuisine – Orlando’s Flavor Legacy
The sizzle of turkey wings hitting hot oil announces your arrival at Nikki’s Place. What began as Roser’s Restaurant in 1949 transformed when the Aiken family took the reins in 1999, with daughter Nikki carrying the flavor torch forward.
Their oxtails swim in gravy so rich you’ll want to bottle it. Located in Orlando’s Parramore district, this spot draws hungry fans heading to nearby Camping World Stadium and locals craving authentic Southern plates.
3. Earley’s Kitchen – Tallahassee’s Soul Food Revival
The reopening of Earley’s Kitchen in April 2024 after renovations felt like a family reunion for Tallahassee locals. For over four decades, this South Monroe staple has served breakfast platters that grandparents now introduce to grandchildren.
My own grandfather swore their smothered pork chops could cure any ailment, and after one bite, I became a believer too.
The grits achieve that perfect consistency between creamy and firm, paired with golden-brown biscuits that melt in your mouth.
4. Olean’s Café – FAMU’s Beloved Soul Kitchen
The walls of Olean’s tell stories through faded photographs of Florida A&M University graduates and the McCaskill family, who’ve kept this soul food sanctuary running for over two decades.
Owner Olean McCaskill seasons her collard greens with wisdom passed down through generations.
Students celebrate end-of-semester victories with plates of crispy fried chicken and velvety mac and cheese.
The peach cobbler – sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced – has comforted homesick freshmen since before smartphones existed.
5. Farmer’s Market Restaurant – Fort Myers’ Time Capsule
The oldest restaurant in Lee County wears its 1952 founding year like a badge of honor. When the Barnwell son took over from his father in 2014, he preserved the recipes that made this place legendary.
Wooden booths polished by decades of satisfied diners create an atmosphere of nostalgic comfort. Their meatloaf tastes exactly as it did 70 years ago – hearty, seasoned perfectly, and served with sides that transport you to a Southern grandmother’s Sunday table.
The sweet potato pie provides the perfect finale.
6. Big John’s Alabama Bar-B-Q – Tampa’s Smoke Master
Smoke signals have been rising from this East Tampa landmark since 1968. Three generations of pit masters have tended the fires that transform ordinary pork into extraordinary barbecue.
Back in my college days, we’d pool our last dollars for their rib plates with sides of mac and cheese. The cornbread arrives warm, slightly sweet, with that perfect crumbly edge.
Family recipes for their baked beans remain locked in a vault of secrecy, though rumors suggest molasses and a hint of coffee create their distinctive flavor.
7. Ivory’s Take-Out – Fort Lauderdale’s Morning Ritual
The Sistrunk community has started their days at Ivory’s counter for over three decades. Locals know to arrive early – the line forms before the doors open for those coveted salmon croquettes and buttery grits.
Their smothered turkey wings fall off the bone after simmering for hours in savory gravy. Weekends bring the special chicken and waffle combo that regulars monitor on Facebook for availability.
This takeout spot might be small in size, but its impact on the neighborhood runs deeper than its foundation.
8. Mama’s Soul Food – Tampa Bay’s Expanding Family Table
From one Tampa kitchen to locations across Brandon and Lakeland, the family behind Mama’s has spread their soul food gospel throughout central Florida. Their oxtails fall off the bone after hours of slow cooking in secret-recipe gravy.
Vegetarians find rare satisfaction here through veggie plates featuring perfectly seasoned collards, black-eyed peas, and okra.
The restaurant’s growth hasn’t diminished quality – each location maintains the same careful preparation that built their reputation.
Regulars debate which location makes the best fried chicken, though all agree the family recipes remain consistently delicious.