9 Hole-In-The-Wall Ohio Soul Food Spots Locals Say Taste Just Like Home
Ohio might be famous for its buckeyes and roller coasters, but locals know the real treasure lies in the hidden soul food joints scattered across the state.
These unassuming spots serve up comfort food so authentic, it’ll transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen table.
From crispy fried chicken to mac and cheese that melts in your mouth, these hole-in-the-wall restaurants are where Ohioans go when they need a taste of home cooking that warms the soul.
1. Angie’s Soul Cafe – Cleveland, OH
Tucked away on Cedar Avenue, this beloved neighborhood gem has been filling bellies and warming hearts for years with recipes passed down through generations.
The fried catfish here comes out golden and crispy, seasoned to perfection with just the right amount of kick. Every bite reminds you why soul food earned its name in the first place.
Collard greens simmer low and slow, soaking up flavors that make even picky eaters come back for seconds.
Address: 7815 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103
2. Sweet Magnolia’s Soul Food – Cleveland, OH
Nestled on East 185th Street, this charming spot proves that the best meals come from kitchens where love is the secret ingredient.
Their oxtails are so tender they practically dissolve on your tongue, braised until the meat surrenders completely to fork pressure.
Black-eyed peas get cooked down with ham hocks and spices that create layers of flavor most restaurants only dream about achieving.
The cornbread comes out steaming hot, slightly sweet, and dangerously addictive.
Address: 32600 Vine St, Willowick, OH 44095
3. Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen – Columbus, OH
Right on East Long Street, this kitchen lives up to its name by serving food that tastes exactly like your nana made it, assuming your nana was a culinary wizard.
Smothered chicken arrives drowning in onion gravy so good you’ll want to drink it straight from the plate.
The lima beans cook down until they’re butter-soft, seasoned with just enough bacon to make vegetables feel like a treat.
Banana pudding for dessert seals the deal with homemade vanilla wafers layered throughout.
Address: 5466 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43232
4. Richie’s Fast Food – Cincinnati, OH
Don’t let the name fool you—while service is speedy on Hamilton Avenue, the food tastes like it’s been simmering with care for hours, because it has.
Their barbecue ribs fall right off the bone, slathered in a sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and smoky notes into one magnificent flavor symphony.
Potato salad comes loaded with eggs, pickles, and mustard in ratios that somehow achieve absolute perfection in every single bite.
The red velvet cake is moist enough to make wedding cakes jealous.
Address: 110 Woolper Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220
5. C&M Bar-B-Que Grille – Cincinnati, OH
Just down the street from Addis on Reading Road, this spot specializes in smoked meats that could make vegetarians question their life choices temporarily.
Pulled pork here gets smoked low and slow until it’s tender enough to shred with a stern look, piled high on plates or sandwiches with tangy sauce.
The baked beans swim with chunks of meat and molasses, creating a side dish substantial enough to be a meal itself.
Cornbread muffins arrive warm and crumbly, perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Address: 6457 Kennedy Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45213
6. Classic Soul Food Carryout – Dayton, OH
Salem Avenue’s best-kept secret serves up plates so packed with flavor and food, you’ll wonder how they fit it all in one container without violating physics.
The turkey wings here get baked until they’re falling-apart tender, seasoned with a blend of spices that creates a savory crust on the outside.
Cabbage cooks down with smoked meat until it’s sweet and savory simultaneously, making kids actually ask for vegetables willingly.
Their pound cake is dense, buttery, and exactly what dessert should taste like every single time.
Address: 3907 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45417
7. Soul 2 Go – Columbus, OH
This popular Columbus spot blends classic soul food staples with a modern, takeout-friendly approach that keeps locals coming back.
The focus stays on hearty portions and familiar flavors that feel comforting from the first bite.
Fried catfish, smothered pork chops, mac and cheese, and collard greens anchor the menu, often served as generous combo plates or bowls.
Seasoning leans bold without overpowering, and sides arrive rich and satisfying.
It is the kind of place locals rely on when they want filling, home-style food without fuss.
Address: 72 E Lynn St, Columbus, OH 43215
8. Madison Soul Food Kitchen – Columbus, OH
Madison Soul Food Kitchen delivers classic comfort dishes in a low-key setting where the food does all the talking.
Regulars praise the consistency and the feeling of eating a home-cooked meal made with care.
Menu favorites include baked chicken, meatloaf, fried fish, candied yams, and cabbage cooked until tender and deeply flavored.
Portions are generous, and plates come loaded the way soul food should.
This is a neighborhood stop where familiarity and flavor matter more than presentation.
Address: 1731 Greenway Ave, Columbus, OH 43203
9. Fork In Nigeria – Columbus, OH
While not traditional Southern soul food, Fork in Nigeria earns its place on this list for delivering deeply comforting, home-style meals that locals crave for the same reasons.
The food is bold, hearty, and rooted in cultural tradition.
Jollof rice, fried plantains, stewed meats, and richly spiced sauces create plates that feel filling and soulful in spirit.
Portions are generous, and flavors linger long after the meal ends.
Locals often describe it as comfort food that feeds both appetite and memory.
Address: 3696 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43213