Cleveland, Ohio’s Must-Try Soul Food Spots Everyone’s Raving About
Cleveland’s soul food scene is every bit as rich and soulful as the city that built it. Wander from Shaker Square to Glenville and you’ll find kitchens that offer far more than a good meal, they serve up tradition, tight-knit community, and the kind of comfort that sticks with you long after the last bite.
Think cast-iron fried chicken with that perfect crunch, ribs glazed so beautifully you almost don’t want to touch them (almost), and collard greens that taste like someone’s grandmother checked the pot every ten minutes.
In Cleveland, soul food isn’t just something you eat, it’s a living, breathing culture. And these nine spots? They capture the heartbeat of the city, one unforgettable plate at a time.
1. Zanzibar Soul Fusion
Zanzibar Soul Fusion in Shaker Square has become one of the city’s most talked-about soul food restaurants. The menu blends classic soul flavors with Caribbean and Creole touches, creating dishes that feel both familiar and exciting.
Favorites include shrimp and grits, cornbread served sizzling in cast iron skillets, and hearty pork chops smothered in rich gravy. The dining room also highlights local Black artists, making it more than just a meal—it’s a cultural experience.
2. Angie’s Soul Cafe
For over 25 years, Angie’s Soul Café has been feeding the city with comfort classics. With locations on East 116th and beyond, Angie’s is known for fried chicken that manages to be shatteringly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Candied yams, mac and cheese with a golden crust, and collard greens round out the kind of plate that keeps regulars lining up. The no-frills setting keeps the focus exactly where it should be: on the food.
3. Sauce The City
Inside Ohio City Market Hall, Sauce the City has earned national attention for its Cleveland Hot Chicken sandwich. Chef Victor Searcy Jr. took inspiration from Nashville and gave it a bold Cleveland twist.
The spice crust clings to the chicken while staying crunchy under the sauce. Beyond sandwiches, rotating sides like collard greens or mac and cheese prove soul food can thrive in a fast-casual setting. Expect lines on weekends and plan to order ahead if you’re coming late.
4. Stonetown
On Cleveland’s East Side, Stonetown blends American soul food with African influences. Signature dishes include tender oxtails, jollof rice, and fufu that’s perfect for soaking up flavorful stews. The restaurant balances a modern look with warm, colorful details inspired by African art and textiles.
On weekends, live music adds to the atmosphere, turning dinner into an experience that nourishes both body and spirit.
5. Mabel’s Soul Food
Since the late 1960s, Mabel’s has been a cornerstone of Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood. Founded by Grandma Mabel and still run by her family, the restaurant keeps traditions alive with recipes passed down for decades. Smothered turkey wings are a customer favorite, as is their cornbread that walks the line between sweet and savory. If you’re lucky enough to catch the peach cobbler before it sells out, you’ll understand why locals guard this place like a secret.
6. V’s Gourmet
Tucked away in a strip mall on Cleveland’s West Side, V’s Gourmet is easy to miss but impossible to forget once you try it. Owner Vickie has been cooking soul food for over 30 years, and her catfish is legendary—crispy, seasoned, and served with homemade sides.
The daily menu, handwritten on a whiteboard, changes depending on what’s fresh and what Vickie feels like cooking. The intimate dining room with only a few tables makes every meal feel like home.
7. Rib Cage Soul Food
Located in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, Rib Cage Soul Food has earned its reputation with ribs that fall off the bone and a sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
Beyond barbecue, the sides shine too: black-eyed peas, sweet potato casserole, and mac and cheese that could stand alone as a meal. Decorated with Cleveland Browns memorabilia and neighborhood history, the restaurant has deep roots in the community.
8. Mama Joyce’s Kitchen
Mama Joyce’s Kitchen doesn’t even have a sign outside—just a red door and the smell of home-cooked food wafting through the Collinwood streets. Joyce Washington has been cooking for locals for decades, and her oxtail stew and smothered pork chops are the stuff of legend.
The tiny dining room, mismatched chairs, and cash-only policy all add to the charm. Eating here feels like being welcomed into someone’s home—because that’s exactly the atmosphere Joyce has cultivated.
9. Pearl’s Soul Cafe
In Shaker Heights, Pearl’s Soul Café offers a lighter, modern take on soul food while staying true to its roots. Known for chicken and waffles drizzled with honey-hot sauce and salmon croquettes served at weekend brunch, Pearl’s balances comfort with creativity.
The bright, airy dining room features rotating local art, and there’s even a “lighter side” menu for healthier options. Pearl’s has quickly become a go-to for both weekday lunches and weekend gatherings.