16 North Carolina Soul Food Spots Serving Comfort Like Home
There is something deeply reassuring about walking into a room where the food smells like patience, and the recipes have clearly been trusted for generations.
Across cities and small towns in North Carolina, kitchens turn out fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread that tastes like somebody’s grandmother signed off on every step.
These restaurants stay focused on seasoning cast iron pans, slow-cooking oxtails, and serving plates that feel intentional rather than trendy.
Over the years, my search for proper comfort food has led me to dining rooms where consistency matters more than attention and warmth is treated as part of the menu.
Some lean Caribbean, others stay firmly Southern, and a few prove that plant-based cooking can still deliver the same sense of ease and satisfaction.
What unites them all is a refusal to serve anything that does not taste like it matters, making these soul food spots feel less like restaurants and more like a welcome home.
1. Raleigh Soul Kitchen – Raleigh, North Carolina
I still remember the first time I followed the smell of oxtails into Raleigh Soul Kitchen and realized I would not need dinner later.
You will find Raleigh Soul Kitchen at 511 Bragg Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601.
Plates here are loaded with slow-cooked oxtails, jerk chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and collard greens that refuse to be just a side.
I always start with the honey cinnamon cornbread and immediately question every previous life decision that involved a boxed mix.
The menu switches between Caribbean touches and classic Southern comfort, and my fork never seems able to keep up.
On busy afternoons, I have watched takeout bags disappear in a steady rhythm while the kitchen keeps right on rolling.
The staff treats regulars and newcomers with the same easy warmth that makes solo lunches feel less lonely.
I like to sit by the window, watch Bragg Street go about its business, and take my time with the gravy.
By the last bite, my only real plan is to figure out when I can reasonably come back.
2. Pure Soul – Durham, North Carolina
My first visit to Pure Soul in Durham started as curiosity and turned into me chasing crumbs of vegan fried chicken across the table.
Pure Soul sits at 4125 Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard, Suite 1, Durham, North Carolina 27707.
The kitchen keeps everything plant-based, but the plates are pure comfort, from mac and cheese to burgers and a loaded Soul Bowl that does not hold back.
I love claiming a spot on the patio surrounded by plants while a tray of crispy tofu bites and collards lands in front of me.
The staff explains sauces, spices, and specials with the patience of people who know they are about to convert someone.
I once watched a skeptical carnivore at the next table quietly polish off a plate and then start planning a return visit.
On cool evenings, the covered patio feels calm, and my only real job is to guard my fries carefully.
Pure Soul proves that comfort food can lean green without losing any of the cozy satisfaction I secretly come for.
3. It’s a Southern Thing: Kitchen and Bar – Durham, North Carolina
My relationship with It’s a Southern Thing started with a stray recommendation and ended with me guarding a basket of hot chicken as if it were treasure.
You will find It’s a Southern Thing at 605 West Main Street, Suite A, Durham, North Carolina 27701.
The menu leans into smoked meats, fried chicken, and rich sides that make willpower feel very overrated.
I usually pair juicy chicken with collard greens and a scoop of gooey mac and cheese, and suddenly conversation becomes optional.
The space has that casual energy where families, date nights, and solo diners all blend into one relaxed hum.
I once promised myself I would order a salad here and immediately abandoned that plan when the ribs passed my table.
The kitchen seasons everything generously, so even the fries taste as if someone really cared about them.
By the time I leave, my shirt might hold a tiny stain, but my mood is suspiciously spotless.
4. Moose Cafe – Asheville, North Carolina
I arrived at Moose Cafe after a long morning at the farmers market and promptly realized I should have come on an emptier stomach.
Moose Cafe is at 570 Brevard Road, Asheville, North Carolina 28806, right by the Western North Carolina Farmers Market.
The restaurant leans into Southern country cooking, serving biscuits that barely fit the plate, fried chicken, pot roast, and vegetables that actually taste of the field.
I love sliding into a booth where I can glimpse the market and then breaking open a biscuit that sends crumbs marching across the table.
The kitchen works from scratch, and the comfort level in every spoonful of mashed potatoes feels highly suspicious in the best way.
On chilly days, I order chicken and dumplings and feel my shoulders relax before the bowl even lands.
Families linger over plates, farmers wander in for lunch, and I quietly plot which dessert I can still reasonably justify.
Walking back out past the fresh produce, I always tell myself I will cook something at home, and the leftovers in my bag make that promise delightfully unnecessary.
5. DreadLife Kitchen – Hendersonville, North Carolina
My first drive out to DreadLife Kitchen started as an errand detour and quickly turned into a repeat habit.
DreadLife Kitchen is located at 3591 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792.
The menu blends Caribbean touches with Southern soul, so one plate might hold jerk chicken, cabbage, rice, and cheesy potatoes all getting along perfectly.
I like to stand at the counter, reading the board and pretending I am not already committed to oxtails again.
The space feels relaxed and friendly, and regulars walk in already knowing which dessert they want boxed first.
On my last visit, the cook slid an extra spoonful of gravy onto my rice, and I accepted that kindness without negotiation.
The portions are serious, which means I usually leave with a heavy bag and even heavier sense of satisfaction.
Back in the car, the smell follows me down Chimney Rock Road, and I never mind that one bit.
6. Casey’s Buffet – Wilmington, North Carolina
I once pulled off Oleander Drive with modest intentions at Casey’s Buffet and walked out later wondering where my afternoon went.
Casey’s Buffet sits at 5559 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403.
The buffet line reads like a greatest hits album of Southern comfort, with fried chicken, chopped pork, chicken and pastry, black-eyed peas, and greens all lined up patiently.
I always try to act reasonably on the first pass and then promptly fail the moment I see the dessert section.
The room fills with families, church groups, and solo diners balancing plates that make the tables look slightly nervous.
Staff keep the trays fresh and the sweet tea glasses happy, so nobody sits staring at empty pans.
I like to end with a quiet bowl of banana pudding and a small internal lecture about portion control.
By the time I reach the parking lot, I move a little slower, but I never regret a single scoop.
7. More Flavors – Fayetteville, North Carolina
My introduction to More Flavors came from a local who told me to bring an appetite and a flexible waistband.
More Flavors is at 2653 Hope Mills Road, Suite 18, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28306.
The kitchen leans into soul food comfort with oxtails, crispy pork chops, and a lineup of sides that fill every corner of the plate.
I tend to combine cabbage, yams, and mac and cheese until my plate looks pleasantly crowded.
There is a steady rhythm of regulars picking up takeout orders and greeting staff by name, and I enjoy eavesdropping on cheerful updates.
On my last visit, karaoke flyers on the wall tried to convince me I could sing, but the oxtails won that argument quickly.
The seasoning runs deep without overwhelming, which means every bite feels measured rather than flashy.
Leftovers travel well, so I usually end the night with a second round at home that tastes just as good.
8. Flavors Soul Food Restaurant and Bar – Fayetteville, North Carolina
The first time I stepped into Flavors Soul Food Restaurant and Bar, my plan for a light lunch vanished on sight.
Flavors Soul Food Restaurant and Bar is located at 500 North Reilly Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28303.
Plates come piled with fried chicken, turkey wings, pork chops, seafood platters, and sides such as greens, yams, and mac and cheese that always threaten to fall off the edge.
I like grabbing a booth where I can watch an endless parade of styrofoam containers leave through the front door.
The atmosphere stays relaxed and lively, with music humming in the background and conversations bouncing gently between tables.
On busy evenings, I have watched the kitchen move in perfect choreography while my plate arrives without a single complaint from my stomach.
The seasoning hits that sweet spot where every bite tastes bold without needing any extra help from the table.
I usually tell myself I will skip dessert and then betray that plan the moment I see peach cobbler passing by.
9. Bread of Heaven Soul Food Restaurant – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
My first plate at Bread of Heaven convinced me that detouring through Old Salem for lunch is never a bad idea.
Bread of Heaven Soul Food Restaurant now serves from 736 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101.
The menu covers fried chicken, turkey wings, pork chops, and generous sides that give the word comfort serious responsibility.
I remember cutting into a piece of chicken and realizing my polite appetite had quietly left the building.
The dining room feels homey, with plates arriving from the kitchen in a constant, steady line.
I like to balance my plate with greens and yams so I can justify a second piece of cornbread.
On Sundays, the mood tilts toward celebration, and conversations about sauces and seasoning drift easily between tables.
By the time I step back onto Main Street, the historic buildings look even more charming with a full stomach.
10. Taste of the Triad – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
I wandered into Taste of the Triad one afternoon and immediately understood why locals talk about it with such affection.
Taste of the Triad is at 4320 Old Walkertown Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105.
The menu focuses on soul food classics, with fried chicken, turkey wings, meatloaf, and a lineup of sides that could easily be full meals on their own.
I like grabbing a Sunday plate and building a combination of greens, cabbage, and macaroni that borders on architectural.
The staff greets people by name, and you can feel how many birthdays, graduations, and ordinary Tuesdays have passed through those doors.
I once watched a whole family negotiate over who got the last turkey wing, and the level of diplomacy involved was impressive.
The food lands hot, seasoned, and clearly cooked with real attention rather than shortcuts.
When I leave, the scent on my clothes feels like a souvenir that my laundry machine will eventually forgive.
11. Prime Tyme Soul Cafe – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
My introduction to Prime Tyme Soul Cafe came through a wing recommendation, and now I pretend I visit for research purposes only.
Prime Tyme Soul Cafe is located at 2730 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105.
The kitchen turns out crisp wings, pork chops, fish plates, and soul food sides that pull in students and longtime residents with equal enthusiasm.
I enjoy parking in the lot, taking in the aroma drifting from the vent, and knowing I am about to ignore every snack I packed earlier.
Inside, the vibe is relaxed, with televisions glowing in the background and conversation rolling comfortably between tables.
The wings arrive with crisp skin and tender meat, and any attempt at neatness usually ends at the first bite.
I like to pair them with greens and macaroni, a combination that feels pleasantly unbeatable.
By the time I step back onto University Parkway, I am already plotting which sauce to order next time.
12. Stephanie’s Restaurant II – Greensboro, North Carolina
I drove to Stephanie’s Restaurant II after hearing someone describe it as the place where greens never taste boring.
Stephanie’s Restaurant II sits at 2507 Randleman Road, Greensboro, North Carolina 27406.
The kitchen specializes in Southern and soul food favorites, from fried chicken and pork chops to meatloaf, catfish, and vegetable plates that satisfy serious appetites.
I like to pair chicken with macaroni, collards, and candied yams, which turns one plate into an entire mood.
The interior feels bright and busy, with trays moving steadily out of the kitchen and conversations floating around every corner.
On my last visit I watched a kid carefully protect their cornbread while the adults negotiated bites of everything else.
Service stays friendly even during rushes, and the line moves with admirable speed considering the amount of food involved.
When I leave Stephanie’s, my car smells faintly of fried chicken, and my next snack usually gets postponed indefinitely.
13. Kim’s Kafe – Greensboro, North Carolina
My curiosity about Kim’s Kafe began online and ended with me sitting in a booth guarding a plate of fried chicken.
Kim’s Kafe is located at 435 Dolley Madison Road, Suite B, Greensboro, North Carolina 27410.
The restaurant focuses on hearty Southern plates, with chicken, pork chops, and classic sides that make the phrase comfort food feel very literal.
I like ordering a combination of wings, greens, and macaroni, then realizing I underestimated the size of the portions again.
The dress code once stirred plenty of online conversation, but inside the vibe stays straightforward and friendly.
Regulars slide through the door with confidence, already knowing which dessert they want boxed before their plate arrives.
I enjoy sitting by the window, watching traffic drift past while I work through crispy chicken and fluffy cornbread.
By the time I step outside, the only rule on my mind involves remembering to save room for dessert next time.
14. Soul Central – Charlotte, North Carolina
My first trip to Soul Central started with a simple plan for wings and ended with an overflowing takeout box.
Soul Central runs a location at 8531 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262.
The menu leans into smoked and fried meats, including ribs, chicken, and pork, alongside macaroni, collards, green beans, and cornbread that earns its spot on the plate.
I usually order a two-meat plate and then forget that two meats here means serious commitment.
The line can stretch toward the door during peak hours, but the staff moves with efficient calm and plenty of patience.
I like grabbing a seat and listening to regulars compare notes on which side dishes they consider non-negotiable.
Every bite tastes confidently seasoned, the kind of flavor that suggests recipes have lived many lives in real kitchens.
Leftovers never last long in my fridge, which feels like the highest compliment I can give.
15. Taste of Soul Plant-based & Vegan Cuisine – Charlotte, North Carolina
I stopped by Taste of Soul on a whim and ended up explaining to friends that my ribs were actually vegan.
Taste of Soul Plant-based & Vegan Cuisine is at 2200 Thrift Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208.
The menu turns soul food into plant-based comfort, with dishes such as vegan ribs, burgers, sausage, and rich non-dairy macaroni that still feels indulgent.
I like ordering a plate with greens, yams, and barbecue-style protein and watching skeptics at nearby tables quietly recalibrate.
The space feels cheerful and relaxed, and staff answer ingredient questions with the patience of people used to winning people over.
On busy evenings, the line forms quickly, but the kitchen keeps plates moving without sacrificing freshness.
I once tried to eat slowly here and completely failed as soon as the first forkful of mac reached the table.
Leaving Taste of Soul, I always feel pleasantly full and slightly smug about how many vegetables sneaked into my day.
16. Top Taste Grill – Belmont, North Carolina
My detour to Top Taste Grill began with a simple search for something good near the highway and turned into a happy discovery.
Top Taste Grill is located at 5945 Wilkinson Boulevard, Belmont, North Carolina 28012.
The menu brings together Caribbean and Southern flavors, serving jerk chicken, fish, oxtails, and hearty sides that feel tailor-made for serious appetites.
I like to order jerk chicken with rice, cabbage, and plantains, and then sit quietly while the spices do their calming work.
The dining room stays simple and focused on the food, with a steady stream of takeout bags heading out the door.
Service is friendly and unhurried, and staff explain combinations for anyone feeling indecisive.
I once promised myself I would save half for later and then discovered that future me is not very lucky.
Driving away from Belmont with the scent of spices in the car, I always wonder why I do not take this exit more often.