14 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Soul Food Spots That Locals Can’t Stop Raving About
Philadelphia has a soul food scene that hits all the right notes, and locals can’t stop talking about it.
These 14 spots serve up dishes that are comforting, flavorful, and full of heart, from crispy fried chicken to buttery greens and creamy mac and cheese.
Each plate tells a story, blending tradition, love, and bold spices in a way that keeps people coming back for more.
In Pennsylvania, soul food isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience that nourishes the body and soul.
These restaurants prove that in Philadelphia, comfort food reaches legendary status when done right.
1. Amina — Philadelphia
Amina feels like a celebration from the moment you walk in.
At 1102 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123, the kitchen turns out fried chicken with a shattering crust, honey‑buttered cornbread, and velvety macaroni and cheese that clings to the fork like a warm memory.
You taste careful seasoning and a chef’s touch in every bite, blending Southern comfort with creative flair.
Portions are generous yet refined, never heavy, with collard greens arriving smoky and tender, brightened by a splash of vinegar that cuts through the richness.
Save room for dessert because the banana pudding is impossibly creamy and nostalgic, the kind that lingers long after your meal.
Service here is attentive without hovering, keeping the vibe relaxed and welcoming.
Bring friends, order family‑style, and let the table fill up with soulful flavors that invite conversation and laughter.
At Amina on Germantown Avenue, the food, atmosphere, and hospitality come together in a way that turns any meal into a memorable occasion.
2. Ol’ Boy’s Soul Food — Philadelphia
At Ol Boys Soul Food; located at 243 S 60th St, Philadelphia, PA 19139; this neighborhood soul food spot feels like the one you keep returning to on rainy days and celebration nights alike.
Turkey wings come smothered and falling off the bone, with rich gravy that practically begs for cornbread to sop up every drop.
Candied yams bring glossy sweetness that balances the savory plates, and the baked macaroni and cheese hits that perfect crispy edge with a gooey center that keeps you coming back.
Expect lines, especially on weekends, but the team moves fast and keeps spirits high as trays of comfort food go out hot and ready.
Fried whiting is served crispy, flaky, and seasoned right down to the bone, while classic sides like collards and candied yams round things out with depth and soul.
Portions are friendly to your appetite and wallet alike, generous enough to share or save for later.
Prices stay fair, the comfort factor stays sky‑high, and it’s the sort of place where grabbing a to‑go tray and trying not to finish it in the car becomes a personal challenge.
At Ol Boys Soul Food, every visit feels like coming home.
3. Booker’s Restaurant & Bar — Philadelphia
Comfort arrives on every plate at this West Philadelphia institution that’s been feeding the neighborhood since 1990.
Located at 5201 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139, the restaurant sits in a charming brick building with large windows that let natural light flood the dining room.
Regulars swear by the smothered turkey wings, which come drowning in rich, savory gravy that begs for extra cornbread.
The fried whiting is another knockout, perfectly seasoned with a golden crust that stays crispy until the last bite.
Owner Booker Harris learned his recipes from his grandmother, and you can taste that family love in every forkful.
The collard greens simmer for hours with smoked turkey, creating a side dish that often steals the show. Weekend brunch gets packed, so arriving early is smart.
The casual atmosphere makes everyone feel like family, whether you’re a first-timer or a regular who knows the menu by heart.
4. Rex at the Royal — Philadelphia
Upscale soul food gets a sophisticated twist at 1524 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, where the interior features exposed brick walls and elegant lighting fixtures.
The dining room strikes a perfect balance between fancy and approachable, with velvet booths and contemporary artwork celebrating Black culture.
Chef Marc Vetri’s protégé brings serious culinary chops to traditional dishes, elevating them without losing their soul.
The oxtails practically melt off the bone after hours of slow braising, served over creamy grits that soak up every drop of sauce.
Fun fact: the restaurant name pays homage to the historic Royal Theater that once stood nearby.
Their shrimp and grits has become so popular that people drive from neighboring states just to taste it.
Sunday supper service feels like a celebration, with live jazz adding to the ambiance. Reservations are essential because word has spread fast about this gem.
5. Black Dragon Takeout — Philadelphia
Asian and African American flavors collide beautifully at 4401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, housed in a compact storefront with bright red accents and modern signage. The fusion concept might sound wild, but one taste proves the genius behind mixing these cuisines.
Their jerk chicken egg rolls have achieved cult status, stuffing spicy Jamaican flavors into crispy wrappers that disappear fast. The soul food lo mein tosses tender collard greens, smoked turkey, and noodles together in a dish that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.
Owner Chef Raheem brings his grandmother’s Southern recipes and combines them with techniques learned working in Chinese restaurants during college. The tiny kitchen pumps out orders with impressive speed, even during the lunch rush when the line stretches out the door.
Seating is limited to a few counter stools, so most customers grab takeout. The casual vibe and affordable prices make it perfect for students and neighbors alike.
6. Just To Serve You — Philadelphia
Generous portions and even bigger hearts define this North Philadelphia treasure at 2226 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121, operating from a corner building with cheerful yellow trim and hand-painted window signs. The no-frills interior keeps focus where it belongs: on the food.
Their smothered pork chops arrive covered in onion gravy so good you’ll want to drink it with a straw.
The string beans cook low and slow with ham hocks, resulting in tender vegetables packed with smoky flavor.
Owner Ms. Patricia has been cooking these same recipes for over thirty years, refusing to cut corners or use shortcuts.
She personally greets customers most days, remembering regular orders and asking about family members by name.
The cafeteria-style setup means you can see everything before ordering, which helps first-timers navigate the extensive menu.
Prices stay remarkably low despite rising food costs, because Ms. Patricia believes good food should be accessible to everyone in the neighborhood.
7. Victoria’s Kitchen & Catering — Philadelphia
Family recipes passed down through four generations come alive at 5527 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143, where a converted Victorian house maintains its original crown molding and hardwood floors.
The elegant dining spaces spread across multiple rooms, each decorated with vintage china and lace tablecloths.
Sunday dinner here feels like a special occasion, with rotating specials that showcase seasonal ingredients.
The short ribs fall apart at the slightest touch, braised in red wine until the meat reaches butter-soft perfection.
Victoria learned to cook from her great-grandmother, who fed railroad workers in the 1940s.
Her peach cobbler uses fruit from a local orchard, baked with a biscuit topping that achieves the ideal ratio of crisp edges to fluffy center.
The catering side of the business has grown so popular that weddings and corporate events book months in advance.
Dining in lets you experience the full charm of this historic building while enjoying some of Philadelphia’s finest soul food.
8. Thee Pink Plate Cafe — Philadelphia
Everything inside this adorable cafe at 1516 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 lives up to the name, from pink walls to rose-colored plates and flamingo decorations throughout.
The Instagram-worthy decor attracts plenty of photo-takers, but the food keeps them coming back long after posting.
Brunch reigns supreme here, with chicken and waffles that achieve crispy, fluffy, and sticky-sweet perfection all at once.
The waffle batter includes a hint of vanilla that makes each bite extra special.
Owner Simone designed the space herself after deciding corporate life wasn’t fulfilling her creative spirit.
Her shrimp and cheese grits have won multiple local food awards, combining plump Gulf shrimp with stone-ground grits cooked until impossibly creamy.
Weekend waits can stretch past an hour, but the friendly staff brings complimentary biscuits to those in line.
The playful atmosphere and consistently delicious food make the wait worthwhile every single time.
9. Food From The Heart — Philadelphia
Love literally goes into every dish at 1501 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, where a bright red door welcomes guests into a warm space decorated with community artwork and inspirational quotes.
The open kitchen lets diners watch their meals being prepared with obvious care and attention.
Meatloaf Monday has become a weekly tradition, with a recipe that includes a tangy glaze on top and stays moist throughout.
The baked chicken falls off the bone, seasoned simply but perfectly, letting the quality of the ingredients shine through.
Chef Marcus started this restaurant after recovering from a health crisis, determined to prove that soul food could be both delicious and made with better-for-you ingredients.
He uses turkey instead of pork in most dishes and bakes rather than fries when possible. The result is food that tastes indulgent while being slightly lighter than traditional soul food.
Regular customers appreciate being able to enjoy their favorite flavors without the usual food coma afterward.
10. Make Love To Your Tastebuds (Dah’s Kitchen) — Philadelphia
Bold flavors match the bold name at 5301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144, where street art covers the exterior walls and neon signs advertise daily specials.
The funky, modern interior features industrial lighting and reclaimed wood tables that appeal to younger crowds while still serving traditional favorites.
Their jerk turkey wings pack serious heat, marinated in a fiery blend that’ll make you reach for your drink repeatedly.
The mac and cheese gets topped with breadcrumbs and hot sauce, adding crunch and spice to the classic comfort food.
Chef Dah earned the nickname in culinary school for his passionate approach to cooking and decided it was perfect for his restaurant concept.
He’s not afraid to experiment, recently adding a curry chicken and rice bowl that’s become surprisingly popular.
The playlist bumps old-school hip-hop and R&B, creating a vibe that’s part restaurant, part hangout spot. Late hours on weekends make it perfect for post-event dining when other spots have closed.
11. BBQ Town — Philadelphia
Smoky goodness fills the air around 1401 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19147, where an actual smoker sits outside the rustic wooden building, working overtime to create fall-off-the-bone ribs.
The interior resembles a Southern roadhouse, complete with checkered tablecloths and license plates covering the walls.
Ribs here get rubbed with a secret spice blend before spending hours in the smoker, emerging tender and flavorful.
The BBQ sauce comes in three varieties from sweet to spicy, each one complementing the meat perfectly without masking the smoke flavor.
Pulled pork sandwiches pile high on soft buns, topped with tangy coleslaw that adds crunch and cuts through the richness.
Sides include baked beans cooked with bits of brisket, collard greens, and cornbread that’s slightly sweet.
The owner spent two years perfecting his smoking technique before opening, traveling through the South to learn from pitmasters.
That dedication shows in every bite, making this spot a must-visit for barbecue lovers.
12. Royal’s Restaurants — Philadelphia
Classic soul food shines at 246 South 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139, where a modest brick building has served the community since 1985.
The simple dining room features booth seating and a long counter where solo diners can enjoy their meals while chatting with staff.
Fried fish platters are the star attraction, offering whiting, catfish, or tilapia fried until golden and served with hot sauce and white bread.
The fish stays incredibly moist inside its crispy coating, a sign of proper frying technique and fresh ingredients.
Breakfast gets equal attention, with scrapple that’s crispy on the outside and creamy inside, served alongside eggs and grits.
Royal himself still works the kitchen most mornings, flipping eggs and calling out orders in his booming voice.
Prices remain stuck somewhere in the 1990s, making this one of the best values in the city.
The loyal customer base includes everyone from construction workers to business professionals who detour for lunch.
13. Julz — Philadelphia
Contemporary soul food meets craft cocktails at 2424 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, where floor-to-ceiling windows and modern artwork create an airy, sophisticated space.
The bar area features marble countertops and leather seating, while the dining room maintains a more casual feel with wooden tables.
Their twist on chicken and waffles uses cornmeal waffles and tops the chicken with hot honey, creating sweet-spicy-savory perfection.
The short rib poutine takes Canadian comfort food and gives it soul food flair with gravy made from pan drippings.
Chef Julian trained in fine dining before deciding to honor his heritage through elevated soul food.
The wine list is surprisingly extensive, with staff happy to suggest pairings for each dish.
Happy hour brings in the after-work crowd with discounted small plates and creative cocktails.
The upscale vibe makes it perfect for date nights or celebrations while still keeping the food approachable and deeply satisfying.
14. Love & Honey Fried Chicken — Philadelphia
Crispy perfection awaits at 1100 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, where a sleek black and gold storefront promises exactly what the name delivers.
The minimalist interior keeps things simple with counter service and a few high-top tables for those eating in.
The chicken here gets brined in sweet tea before frying, resulting in incredibly juicy meat under that crackly crust.
Drizzled with hot honey, each bite hits all the flavor notes at once.
Tenders, wings, and whole pieces are all available, with sides like mac and cheese and collard greens rounding out the menu.
The biscuits come out warm and fluffy, perfect for soaking up any remaining honey on your plate.
Despite opening just recently, lines form regularly during dinner hours as word spreads about the quality.
The focused menu means they do a few things exceptionally well rather than offering endless mediocre options, a strategy that’s clearly working based on the crowds and rave reviews.