13 New Jersey Soul Food Spots That Locals Refuse To Give Up (No Matter How Crowded They Get)
Soul food is more than a meal; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a comforting embrace served on a plate. I still remember my first bite at Vonda’s Kitchen in Newark—the aroma alone felt like a warm hug from a long-lost friend, gently pulling me in before I even reached the counter.
I wasn’t the only one swept away. Locals filled every corner of the room, clinging to their tables like lifeboats on a sea of rich, soulful flavors.
That kind of devotion speaks volumes. So let’s explore 13 beloved soul food sanctuaries across New Jersey, each offering its own irresistible flavor and flair.
1. Vonda’s Kitchen – Newark
Ever wandered into a place where it feels like the chef knows your soul? That’s Vonda’s Kitchen. Nestled in Newark, this spot is where brunch transforms into a symphony of flavors. Plates of fried chicken, salmon cakes, and grits dance out of the kitchen, each bite a step closer to culinary heaven.
Located on West Kinney Street, the restaurant brings a slice of Southern comfort to New Jersey’s Central Ward. Whether you start your morning with their big breakfasts or slide into a soulful lunch, Vonda’s doesn’t disappoint.
Regulars love the consistency, with recent reviews echoing praises for their ever-strong community presence. It’s not just food; it’s a taste of home, one forkful at a time.
2. Beyond Soul – Newark
Looking for a soulful adventure? Beyond Soul in Newark offers plates that are as bold as they are comforting. From turkey wings to jerk-style pasta, their menu is a flavorful journey that locals can’t resist.
This gem on 7th Avenue offers more than just food; it provides a cultural experience. The halal soul food resonates with the community, making it a beloved spot for those seeking rich, hearty meals.
Recent social media buzz highlights their creative seafood dinners, ensuring that Beyond Soul truly lives up to its name. It’s a place where each dish tells a story, one delicious bite at a time.
3. Cornbread – Maplewood & Newark
Cornbread isn’t just a dish; it’s a destination. In Maplewood and Newark, this “farm to soul” eatery serves Southern staples with a Jersey twist. Think fried chicken, catfish, and yams all piled high on sturdy trays.
Located on Springfield Avenue and Broad Street, these branches offer a modern soul food experience. The vibrant atmosphere invites diners to indulge in comforting classics.
Whether you’re a fan of their black-eyed peas or crispy chicken, Cornbread ensures each visit feels like a celebration. It’s not just a meal; it’s a moment of joy, served daily.
4. Corinne’s Place – Camden
Camden’s Corinne’s Place is where soul food dreams come alive. With a menu that reads like a love letter to Southern cuisine, this spot is a haven for comfort food enthusiasts.
Located on Haddon Avenue, Corinne’s offers dishes like crackling-skin fried chicken and gooey mac and cheese. It’s no wonder the James Beard Foundation took notice.
Whether you’re diving into smothered pork chops or candied yams, Corinne’s ensures every meal feels like Sunday dinner. It’s a soulful experience, served with a side of history and heart.
5. Aunt Berta’s Kitchen – Haddon Township / Camden Area
Aunt Berta’s Kitchen is where tradition meets taste. In the Camden area, this beloved spot serves Southern staples that feel like a hug from auntie herself.
On White Horse Pike, the restaurant offers plates loaded with fried chicken, ribs, and cornbread. It’s a go-to for family gatherings and casual dinners alike.
Whether you’re picking up or dining in, Aunt Berta’s delivers flavors that remind you of home. It’s a cherished part of the community, feeding both the body and soul with every visit.
6. Steven’s Soul Food – Camden
In Camden, Steven’s Soul Food keeps it simple and soulful. Operating out of Spruce Street, this takeout spot delivers classic comfort with every order.
Fried chicken, turkey wings, and fish dinners are the stars here, served up in no-fuss containers that emphasize flavor over frills.
Locals love Steven’s for its hearty portions and homestyle cooking. It’s a family-run haven where Southern staples are always on the menu, and community support is the secret ingredient.
7. Carolyn’s Soul Food – Jersey City
Jersey City’s Carolyn’s Soul Food serves more than meals; it serves memories. In the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood, this spot is a refuge for those craving traditional Southern flavors.
With dishes like meatloaf and mac and cheese, Carolyn’s brings a touch of home to each table. The restaurant at 76 Orient Avenue focuses on familial warmth and delicious fare.
Whether you’re a fan of their cabbage or okra, Carolyn’s ensures each visit feels like a family reunion. It’s where flavor and familiarity meet in perfect harmony.
8. Cherry’s Lounge – Jersey City
Step into Cherry’s Lounge, and you might never want to leave. This Jersey City favorite feels like a neighborhood living room that happens to serve amazing soul food.
On Martin Luther King Drive, Cherry’s offers fried chicken, waffles, and fish that keep diners coming back. It’s a hub for brunches, lunches, and late-night bites.
Locals cherish Cherry’s for its welcoming vibe and flavorful dishes. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a community cornerstone where meals are shared and memories made.
9. Sweet T’s Southern Eatery – Montclair
In Montclair, Sweet T’s Southern Eatery adds a fresh twist to traditional favorites. Located on Bloomfield Avenue, it’s where Southern comfort meets modern flair.
The menu features fried chicken, catfish, and cornbread with strawberry butter, each dish crafted with care and transparency.
Sweet T’s is beloved for its pork-free options and vibrant atmosphere. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience that echoes with the warm tones of Southern hospitality.
10. Sistah Soul Food – Paterson
Sistah Soul Food in Paterson feels like a new classic. Locals praise the turkey chops and beef ribs, each plate a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to flavor.
Situated on 10th Avenue, this spot is the go-to for hearty, Sunday-style meals all week long. It’s a place where food and community blend seamlessly.
Whether you’re there for lunch or a Friday-night feast, Sistah Soul Food delivers satisfaction with every bite. It’s a cornerstone of comfort in the heart of Paterson.
11. The Weekend Spot Restaurant – Newark
In Newark, The Weekend Spot Restaurant is where soul food meets Puerto Rican flair. Located on Springfield Avenue, it’s a fusion feast that locals adore.
With dishes like kettle-fried chicken and soul fries, the menu celebrates both Southern and Puerto Rican traditions. It’s a gathering place for families and friends.
The vibrant atmosphere and lively community vibe make The Weekend Spot a must-visit. It’s where culinary cultures collide in the most delightful way.
12. The Good Eats Experience – Newark
Good Eats in Newark is your comfort-food hub, serving dishes that satisfy and delight. Located on Mulberry Street, it’s where seafood meets soul food.
With offerings like fried crab clusters and soul-food dinners, the menu promises a feast for the senses. Good Eats is a favorite for takeout and delivery.
Whether you’re craving wings or seafood platters, this urban virtual restaurant delivers. It’s a deliciously convenient option in the heart of downtown Newark.
13. Tracey’s Kitchen – Trenton
Tracey’s Kitchen in Trenton is where flavors flow like a poetic rhythm. Operating from a Front Street storefront, it’s a haven for soulful, African-influenced dishes.
With specialties like fried fish and soul-food sides, Tracey’s ensures each bite feels made from the heart. It’s a go-to for takeout, offering convenience and taste.
The welcoming atmosphere and generous portions make Tracey’s a cherished part of the community. It’s not just about food; it’s about feeling at home in every bite.