The Must-Try Under-The-Radar Spot In Columbus, Ohio That Serves Flavor Bigger Than Its Reputation
Walking down E Lynn Street in Columbus, Ohio, I catch myself slowing near number 72 every single time, knowing what waits inside that unassuming door.
Soul 2 Go Cafe sits at 72 E Lynn St, Columbus, OH 43215, a spot that never shouts for attention but somehow pulls you in with the kind of quiet confidence only real flavor can deliver.
I stumbled across this place during a Tuesday lunch hunt, expecting nothing more than a quick bite, and ended up lingering over every forkful like I had discovered a secret the rest of the city had been keeping from me.
The menu reads like a love letter to soul food traditions, but the execution feels personal, as though someone in that kitchen decided long ago that mediocrity was not an option.
Regulars chat easily with staff while plates arrive loaded with sides that could stand alone as full meals, and I find myself planning return trips before I even finish my first plate.
Each visit reminds me that reputation does not always match reality, and sometimes the best meals happen in places you almost drove past.
Soul 2 Go proves that flavor does not need fanfare, just a hot skillet, honest ingredients, and people who care enough to get it right every single time.
The Fried Chicken That Rewrites Your Standards
Crispy skin crackles under your fork before you even lift the first piece, releasing steam that carries every spice the kitchen decided to pack into that golden crust.
Soul 2 Go’s fried chicken earned its spot on my mental list of meals worth rescheduling plans for, with a breast so moist I questioned whether I had been eating cardboard elsewhere my entire life.
Seasoning runs deep here, not just dusted on the surface but worked into every layer so that each bite tastes intentional rather than accidental.
I watched one regular order a full plate, barely look up from conversation, and clean every bone without breaking stride, which told me everything I needed to know.
The kitchen fries each piece to order, which means you wait a little longer but never regret the patience once that plate lands in front of you.
Pair it with any two sides and you have built yourself a meal that lingers in memory long after the napkins hit the trash.
Mac and Cheese With a Twist You Cannot Quite Name
Creamy, rich, and somehow different from every other mac and cheese I have tried, this version keeps you guessing what makes it taste so distinct.
One reviewer mentioned that unique flavor, and I spent half my meal trying to decode it before giving up and just enjoying the ride.
The cheese sauce clings to every elbow without turning gummy or breaking into that oily mess some places try to pass off as comfort food.
I have ordered this as a side three times and considered ordering it as a main course on my fourth visit, which should tell you how seriously I take my pasta.
It pairs beautifully with anything fried, but honestly, it holds its own even when you eat it straight from the container on your couch at midnight.
Soul 2 Go does not reveal the secret, and I respect that kind of kitchen confidence enough to keep coming back for another taste.
Blackened Chicken Pasta That Demands Your Full Attention
Spice hits your tongue first, followed by cream, then more spice, creating a rhythm that keeps your fork moving without permission from your brain.
I added shrimp to mine on a whim, which turned a great dish into something I now daydream about during boring meetings.
The blackened chicken carries enough kick to wake up your taste buds without requiring a fire extinguisher, and the pasta soaks up every bit of that seasoned cream sauce.
Portions here do not mess around, so arrive hungry or prepare to take home enough for tomorrow’s lunch, which honestly might be the better outcome.
One diner left a review calling it flavor-filled and stuffed, two words I would tattoo on my arm if I were the type to commemorate meals permanently.
Soul 2 Go built this dish for people who want comfort and excitement on the same plate, and somehow, they pulled it off without breaking a sweat.
Catfish Fried to Perfection Without the Grease
Breading shatters at the touch of your fork, revealing flaky white fish that tastes fresh rather than frozen, which already sets Soul 2 Go apart from half the spots in town.
I have eaten catfish that left my fingers slick and my stomach unhappy, but this version stays light, crispy, and completely guilt-free.
One reviewer raved about the perfectly brown, moist result, and I found myself nodding along while reading because those exact words had crossed my mind mid-bite.
The kitchen clearly knows the right oil temperature and the right timing, two details that separate good fried fish from the forgettable stuff.
Pair it with slaw or greens and you have built a plate that feels indulgent without weighing you down for the rest of the afternoon.
I left my first catfish meal here, already planning my next order, which is the highest compliment I can pay any fried seafood.
Candied Yams That Taste Like Childhood Without the Nostalgia Tax
Sweet, soft, and somehow not cloyingly sugary, these yams strike a balance that most places miss by a mile.
I grew up eating yams at family gatherings where aunts competed for the title of best side dish, and Soul 2 Go would have caused some serious drama at those tables.
The kitchen does not drown them in syrup or marshmallows, instead letting the natural sweetness of the yam shine through with just enough glaze to make things interesting.
One reviewer called them fire, which feels like the right level of enthusiasm for a side dish that could easily steal the spotlight from your main course.
I have ordered them three times and they have never once disappointed, which is more than I can say for most relationships in my life.
Pair them with something savory and you create the kind of flavor contrast that makes every bite feel like a small celebration.
Cornbread That Rewrites the Rulebook
Dense, moist, and completely unlike the crumbly, dry squares I have endured at other soul food spots, this cornbread earned a spot in my personal hall of fame.
One reviewer described it as super dense but still moist, which sounds like a contradiction until you actually taste it and realize they nailed the description.
The texture holds together without falling apart, making it perfect for soaking up gravy, sauce, or just eating plain while you wait for your main course.
I have never called cornbread the best I ever tasted before Soul 2 Go, but here we are, and I stand by that statement without shame.
The kitchen clearly treats this as a cornerstone rather than an afterthought, which shows in every warm, golden slice they serve.
Skip the bread basket at other restaurants and save your appetite for this version, which actually deserves the space on your plate.
Collard Greens That Prove Vegetables Can Be Exciting
Tender, well-seasoned, and free of that bitter bite that makes some people swear off greens forever, Soul 2 Go’s collards convert skeptics with every forkful.
I used to think greens were just something you tolerated to balance out the fried stuff, but this version changed my entire perspective on what cooked vegetables could be.
The kitchen seasons them properly, which sounds basic but feels revolutionary when you have spent years choking down bland, watery greens elsewhere.
One reviewer paired them with fried chicken and mac and cheese, calling everything seasoned well and delicious, which is exactly the kind of endorsement greens rarely receive.
They arrive hot, flavorful, and substantial enough to feel like a real part of the meal rather than a token nod to nutrition.
I now order collard greens every single visit, which is a sentence I never imagined typing but here we are, living in a world where vegetables taste this good.
Atmosphere That Celebrates Culture Without Trying Too Hard
Art honoring Black history lines the walls, creating a space that feels intentional and welcoming without turning into a museum exhibit.
I noticed the decor immediately upon walking in, and it set a tone that carried through the entire meal, making the experience about more than just the food on my plate.
Music plays at a volume that encourages conversation rather than drowning it out, and on some nights a DJ spins tunes that add energy without overwhelming the vibe.
Tables and seating might feel a bit basic according to one reviewer, but I found the simplicity refreshing in a world where restaurants often prioritize Instagram-worthy decor over actual comfort.
The space feels lived-in and genuine, like someone’s favorite gathering spot rather than a corporate attempt at authenticity.
I have lingered here longer than planned multiple times, which tells me Soul 2 Go created an environment worth staying in even after your plate is empty.
Service That Feels Personal Rather Than Scripted
Servers here guide you through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, suggesting popular items and answering questions without that robotic recitation you get at chain restaurants.
I have had multiple servers take time to explain dishes and offer recommendations, which made me feel like a regular even on my first visit.
One reviewer mentioned the chef coming out to explain preparation methods, a level of engagement you rarely see outside of fine dining establishments charging three times the price.
Nyles earned a shout-out in one review for being super nice and helpful, and Jerika received similar praise, which suggests the staff consistently brings warmth to the table.
Lay helped one diner decide what to order and left such a positive impression that they mentioned her by name, which speaks volumes about the personal touch Soul 2 Go maintains.
Great food matters, but service makes you want to return, and this crew clearly understands that balance.
The Practical Details That Make Visiting Easy
Soul 2 Go opens at eleven thirty on most days but stays closed on Mondays, which I learned the hard way after showing up hungry on the wrong afternoon.
Parking can require a short walk, but the neighborhood feels safe and the stroll gives you time to build an appetite for what awaits inside.
Prices hover around twenty to thirty dollars per person, which feels fair considering the portion sizes and quality you receive in return.
The restaurant takes reservations for large groups and sometimes hosts karaoke and live music, turning dinner into an event rather than just a meal.
Restrooms stay clean according to multiple reviews, a detail that might seem small but speaks to how the staff maintains the entire operation.
Hours extend until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, making Soul 2 Go a solid option when late-night cravings hit and you want real food instead of fast food regret.