Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Best Soul Food Spots Everyone Is Talking About

Milwaukee may be famous for its cheese curds, but step off the beaten path and you’ll discover a soul food scene that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Here, family-owned kitchens and neighborhood favorites dish out crispy fried chicken, buttery cornbread, and creamy mac and cheese that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s stove.

These restaurants aren’t just places to eat — they’re gathering spots filled with history, hospitality, and flavors that keep locals coming back and visitors planning their next trip before they’ve even finished their first plate.

Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille

Holy smokes, the collard greens at Daddy’s changed my life! Last summer, I dragged my skeptical New York friend here, and now she plans trips to Milwaukee just for their food.

The fried chicken arrives with a golden crust that crackles with each bite, revealing juicy meat underneath. Their mac and cheese isn’t just a side dish—it’s practically the main event with its gooey perfection.

Owner Bennie Smith often walks around greeting customers like family. The walls showcase local artwork, creating a vibe that’s both homey and hip. Don’t you dare leave without trying their peach cobbler—crispy on top, bubbling with fruit below, and guaranteed to make you close your eyes in pure bliss.

Terri Lynn’s Soul Food Express

Grandma’s kitchen has nothing on Terri Lynn’s! My first bite of their smothered pork chops transported me straight to Sunday dinners at my auntie’s house in Alabama.

Located in a modest storefront, this takeout gem serves up massive portions that could feed you twice over. The catfish arrives piping hot with a cornmeal crust that’s seasoned to perfection—crunchy outside, flaky inside.

What really knocks my socks off are their yams, candied with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. A neighborhood staple for over 15 years, Terri Lynn herself might take your order, always remembering regulars by name and order. Fair warning: their banana pudding sells out daily, so get there early!

Nino’s Southern Sides

Butter beans that’ll make you slap the table! That’s what happened when I first visited Nino’s with my vegetarian roommate who—plot twist—ended up ordering seconds.

This hole-in-the-wall joint might be easy to miss, but your taste buds will never forget it. Their okra and tomatoes have converted even the most stubborn okra-haters I know. The cornbread arrives in cast iron skillets, crackling around the edges with honey butter melting into every nook.

Family-owned for three generations, the recipes haven’t changed since grandma Nino started cooking in 1962. Photos of Milwaukee’s Black history line the walls, turning a simple meal into a cultural experience. Pro tip: their Thursday special of black-eyed peas with ham hocks sells out by 2 PM!

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Biscuits so fluffy they could float away! My birthday dinner at Tupelo Honey left me unbuttoning my jeans but absolutely zero regrets.

This upscale take on southern comfort brings a polished vibe to traditional soul cooking. Their chicken and waffles arrive with lavender honey and hot sauce on the side—a combination that sounds weird but tastes like heaven. The bartenders mix bourbon cocktails that complement the rich food perfectly.

Unlike most soul food joints, Tupelo Honey takes reservations and has a gorgeous patio overlooking the river. The sweet potato casserole topped with candied pecans tastes like Thanksgiving made a baby with dessert. They source ingredients locally when possible, including Wisconsin cheese for their pimento cheese appetizer that disappeared from our table in approximately 47 seconds.

Big Daddy’s BBQ & Soul Food

Ribs that made me cry real tears! No joke—I actually got emotional eating at Big Daddy’s during my first Milwaukee winter when I was homesick for southern cooking.

Half restaurant, half smoke shack, the place smells like heaven and looks like a BBQ joint from a movie. Their smoked turkey wings fall off the bone with just a gentle tug. The greens have that perfect pot liquor that I secretly drink when nobody’s looking.

Owner Darnell “Big Daddy” Johnson used to cook for his church before opening up shop fifteen years ago. On Sundays after service, the line stretches around the block. Their sweet tea comes in mason jars so large you need two hands to lift them. Don’t miss the peach cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into all the nooks and crannies—worth every single calorie.