13 Hole-In-The-Wall Minnesota Soul Food Restaurants Locals Say Serve True Home Cooking
Minnesota hides some culinary treasures in unexpected places, and its hole-in-the-wall soul food restaurants are no exception.
Step inside and you’ll find plates overflowing with flavors that taste like home, from crispy fried chicken to savory sides that could steal the spotlight.
The warmth of the staff and the chatter of loyal patrons make each visit feel like a family gathering.
Locals swear these spots capture true comfort food at its finest.
1. Mama Sheila’s House of Soul – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Walking into Mama Sheila’s feels like stepping into your favorite aunt’s kitchen, where the sweet tea flows freely and the hospitality is as warm as the oven.
Located in South Minneapolis along Bloomington Avenue, this gem has been feeding hungry locals since the owner decided to share her family recipes with the world.
Mama Sheila’s oxtails are legendary, slow-cooked until they fall off the bone and swimming in rich, savory gravy that begs to be sopped up with buttery cornbread.
The menu rotates daily, so regulars call ahead to see what’s cooking. Fried catfish on Fridays draws a crowd that spills out the door.
The mac and cheese is baked to perfection with a crispy top layer that crackles when you dig in.
Portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you arrive.
2. Angelea’s Soul Food Kitchen – Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Brooklyn Park’s best-kept secret sits in a strip mall that you’d drive past without a second glance if you didn’t know better.
Angelea’s Soul Food Kitchen proves that magic happens in the most unexpected places.
The smell hits you the moment you open the door; a heavenly mix of fried chicken, sweet cornbread, and something bubbling on the stove that you can’t quite identify but desperately need to taste.
Angelea herself often works the counter, greeting regulars by name and newcomers like old friends.
Her smothered chicken is the stuff of local legend, covered in onion gravy that could make a grown person weep with joy.
The yams are candied just right, sweet without crossing into dessert territory.
Thursday is rib tip day, and folks line up early because once they’re gone, they’re gone. No reservations, no substitutions, just honest food made with love.
3. Wendy’s House of Soul – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nestled in South Minneapolis, Wendy’s House of Soul has been serving up comfort on a plate since before it was trendy to seek out hole-in-the-wall spots.
Wendy learned to cook from her grandmother in Louisiana, and every bite proves she paid attention.
The gumbo here is thick, spicy, and loaded with andouille sausage that snaps when you bite into it.
Locals swear by the Sunday brunch, where chicken and waffles reign supreme.
The chicken is brined overnight, giving it flavor that goes deep into the meat, not just on the crispy skin.
The waffles are fluffy and golden, drizzled with real maple syrup and a pat of butter that melts into every square.
Seating is limited to about a dozen tables, so expect a wait during peak hours.
The jukebox in the corner plays old-school R&B, creating the perfect soundtrack for your meal.
4. RCK Soul Food – New Hope, Minnesota
In New Hope, at 7650 42nd Ave N, RCK Soul Food captures the spirit of Southern cooking with flair and authenticity.
Known for its vibrant fried catfish and perfectly baked cornbread, this beloved spot is where tradition meets bold, satisfying flavor.
Every bite feels like a journey through the rich cultural tapestry of soul food, crafted with care and passion.
The lively dining area buzzes with laughter, conversation, and the comforting aromas of home-cooked meals, reflecting RCK’s welcoming, community-centered vibe.
Generous portions ensure that no guest leaves hungry, and the attentive staff adds a personal touch that keeps diners coming back.
With each visit, RCK Soul Food reaffirms why it has become a cherished local staple, offering not just delicious cuisine but also a sense of warmth and connection.
5. Soul Bowl – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Soul Bowl puts a contemporary spin on traditional soul food without losing the heart of what makes it special.
Located in downtown Minneapolis, this spot caters to the lunch crowd looking for something more satisfying than another sad desk salad.
Everything comes served in; you guessed it; a bowl, making it easy to eat at your desk or on a park bench when the weather cooperates.
Build your own bowl by choosing a base of rice, greens, or mac and cheese, then pile on proteins like jerk chicken, braised short ribs, or blackened catfish.
The toppings bar includes pickled okra, candied pecans, and a hot sauce selection that ranges from mild to call-your-mama.
The vegan options here actually taste good, not like an afterthought. Jackfruit BBQ has converted more than a few meat-eaters.
Prices are reasonable for downtown, and the quick service means you can be in and out in fifteen minutes if you’re rushing.
6. Breakfast Bar of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Breakfast Bar of Minnesota proves that soul food isn’t just for lunch and dinner.
Located in the Uptown area of Minneapolis, this morning spot serves Southern-style breakfast that will fuel you through whatever the day throws at you.
The chicken and waffles here aren’t playing around; the chicken is brined, seasoned, and fried to order, while the waffles are made from scratch with a hint of vanilla.
Shrimp and grits might sound fancy, but this version keeps it real with creamy stone-ground grits, plump Gulf shrimp, and a spicy tomato gravy that ties everything together.
The biscuits are flaky and buttered, perfect for mopping up runny egg yolks or gravy.
Coffee is strong and refills are unlimited, which you’ll appreciate after a late night.
Weekend brunch gets packed, so arrive before ten or be prepared to wait.
The staff hustles hard and the energy is always upbeat, even during the rush.
7. Sota Soul – Saint Paul, Minnesota
Sota Soul brings Minnesota nice and Southern hospitality together in perfect harmony.
Tucked away on University Avenue in Saint Paul, this spot opened just three years ago but has already earned a devoted following.
Chef Terrell grew up in Memphis and moved north for college, bringing his mama’s recipes and his own culinary training to create something special.
The pulled pork sandwich is smoky and tender, piled high on a soft bun with tangy coleslaw that cuts through the richness.
Fried green tomatoes make a regular appearance as a side dish, crispy on the outside and tart on the inside, served with remoulade that has just the right amount of kick.
The cornbread is skillet-baked with a golden crust that shatters when you bite into it.
Local artists’ work decorates the walls, and the soundtrack mixes classic soul with contemporary R&B.
Tuesday nights feature live music, turning dinner into an experience worth clearing your calendar for.
8. West Indies Soul Food – Saint Paul, Minnesota
West Indies Soul Food blends Caribbean flavors with Southern soul food traditions, creating something entirely unique in Saint Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood.
Owner Jamaica-born chef Winston combines his island heritage with the soul food he fell in love with after moving to Minnesota.
Jerk chicken here is authentic; spicy, smoky, and rubbed with a blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme before hitting the grill.
The menu bounces between continents: oxtail stew sits next to curry goat, while fried plantains share space with candied yams.
Rice and peas (which are actually beans, but that’s just how it’s called) are cooked in coconut milk until fluffy and fragrant.
The hot sauce selection includes both Caribbean pepper sauces and Southern-style vinegar-based options.
Reggae music plays constantly, and the walls are painted in bright tropical colors that transport you somewhere warmer.
Sunday dinner specials feed families of four for under forty bucks.
9. Big L’s Soul Food Cafe – Saint Paul, Minnesota
Big L’s Soul Food Cafe on Selby Avenue doesn’t mess around when it comes to portion sizes or flavor.
Owner Lawrence; Big L himself, is a former linebacker who knows about feeding hungry people.
His portions could satisfy a small army, and the prices won’t drain your wallet.
The fried catfish comes three pieces to an order, each one hand-breaded and fried golden brown with a cornmeal crust that stays crispy.
Greens are cooked down with ham hocks until tender, with just enough pot liquor left to flavor your cornbread.
Speaking of cornbread, it’s sweet and cake-like, the kind that crumbles perfectly and soaks up gravy like a champ.
The smothered pork chops are thick-cut and tender, covered in gravy studded with caramelized onions.
Big L works the room like a host at a dinner party, checking on tables and cracking jokes.
The atmosphere is loud, friendly, and feels like a neighborhood block party every single day.
10. Howard’s Que – Duluth, Minnesota
Up in Duluth, Howard’s Que brings soul food to the North Shore with a heavy emphasis on smoked meats.
Howard spent years perfecting his craft on the competition BBQ circuit before opening his restaurant on Superior Street.
The brisket is smoked for sixteen hours over hickory wood until it develops a dark bark on the outside and stays pink and juicy inside.
Ribs come in two styles: dry-rubbed or slathered in sauce. Both versions are excellent, with meat that pulls away from the bone with the gentlest tug.
Traditional sides include baked beans with burnt ends mixed in, coleslaw with a vinegar tang, and potato salad made the old-fashioned way with real mayonnaise and mustard.
The cornbread muffins are studded with kernels of sweet corn.
The view of Lake Superior from the dining room windows makes the experience even better.
Locals brave the cold winters specifically for Howard’s pulled pork sandwiches and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
11. Shell’s Kitchen – Rochester, Minnesota
Rochester might be known for the Mayo Clinic, but locals know Shell’s Kitchen is the real healing happening in town.
Located on Broadway, this tiny restaurant seats maybe fifteen people max, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in flavor.
Shell learned to cook from her aunties in Mississippi and moved north to be near family, bringing those recipes with her.
Her fried chicken gizzards are surprisingly delicious; crispy, well-seasoned, and not at all chewy when cooked right.
The red beans and rice simmer all day with andouille sausage, developing layers of flavor that taste even better as leftovers.
Cornbread dressing appears on Sundays, made with celery, onions, and sage, the kind that makes you understand why people get emotional about Thanksgiving.
Shell’s sweet tea is properly Southern; sweet enough to make your teeth hurt but balanced with fresh lemon.
The peach cobbler changes lives. No exaggeration. People have been known to order a whole pan to take home.
12. Smoke in the Pit – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Smoke in the Pit, located at 901 E Lake St, Minneapolis, is a true local treasure, famous for its smoke-kissed ribs that practically melt off the bone.
This cozy, welcoming spot has been serving the community with heart and warmth for years, earning loyal fans who return again and again.
The smoky aroma greets you at the door, drawing you in to a menu full of Southern comfort and hospitality.
Regulars can’t get enough of the perfectly seasoned cornbread, tangy collard greens, and slow-cooked meats that taste like they were made with love.
The staff’s genuine friendliness adds to the inviting, down-home atmosphere, making every visit feel special.
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, the experience leaves a lasting impression.
For anyone craving authentic soul food, Smoke in the Pit at 901 E Lake St is an absolute must-visit that warms both stomach and soul.
13. Milton’s Vittles, Vino, and Beer – Crystal, Minnesota
Tucked away at 1234 Bass Lake Rd, Crystal, Milton’s Vittles, Vino, and Beer welcomes guests with its unassuming charm and cozy atmosphere.
Known for an eclectic menu, this local gem lets its soul food dishes truly steal the show, leaving diners coming back for more.
Regulars rave about the fried chicken, perfectly crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside, always paired with creamy, dreamy mac and cheese.
Each dish feels thoughtfully prepared, capturing the warmth of home cooking, while the welcoming staff ensures every visit feels like dining with family.
Beyond the food, Milton’s creates a relaxed and inviting environment where comfort meets creativity.
Whether you’re sipping on a carefully selected glass of vino, sampling craft beers, or indulging in hearty bites, every visit is a small escape into pure culinary bliss.
For anyone seeking flavorful, soulful dishes in a warm, friendly setting, Milton’s Vittles, Vino, and Beer at 1234 Bass Lake Rd is a must-visit that makes you feel instantly at home.