This Down Home Pennsylvania Restaurant Is Hiding Some Of The Best Soul Food Around
Some meals do not need hype, they just need the right aroma drifting out the door.
Soul Food Chess House in Pennsylvania is that down-home kind of spot in Stroudsburg, the one locals talk about with a knowing smile because the food speaks for itself.
Step inside and the vibe feels warm and straightforward, like the kitchen is focused on one mission, feeding people well.
Comfort hits fast here, hearty plates, familiar flavors, and that soothing feeling you get when you know dinner is going to handle your day. Soul food has a special kind of power.
It is filling, satisfying, and built around the kind of seasoning and care that makes every bite feel intentional. Places like this become favorites because they do not overcomplicate things.
They deliver food that feels like it was made to be enjoyed slowly, with real warmth behind it.
Stroudsburg has plenty of charm, but a soul food spot like this adds something deeper, a true neighborhood staple that deserves more attention than it gets.
My favorite “tell” is not even the first bite. It is the moment the plate arrives and the whole table goes quiet for a beat, like everyone silently agreed to take this meal seriously.
Oxtails That’ll Make You Weep Happy Tears
The oxtails at Soul Food Chess House aren’t just popular, they’re practically legendary.
Mentioned in reviews more than any other menu item, these beautifully braised beauties come clean, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender.
The meat practically melts in your mouth while the rich gravy begs to be soaked up with cornbread. What makes them special is the seasoning blend that penetrates every fiber of meat.
You can taste the hours of slow cooking in every bite, and the portion size means you’re getting serious value for your money. Most orders come piled high enough for two or three people to share.
I watched a customer drive an hour from Allentown specifically for these oxtails, and honestly, I get it. The quality stays consistent visit after visit, which explains why people plan road trips around getting their fix.
Pair them with yellow rice and yams for the ultimate comfort food experience that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve finished eating.
The Chess House Legacy Runs Deep
Soul Food Chess House has been feeding hungry folks in the Pocono region for years, building a reputation one perfectly seasoned plate at a time.
The owners have created more than just a restaurant; they’ve built a community gathering spot where jazz paintings adorn the walls and the smell of fresh fried favorites daily greets you at the door.
Their commitment to quality hasn’t wavered over the years. Every dish gets made fresh daily, never reheated leftovers from yesterday’s batch.
The portions are generous enough that regulars know to bring their appetite or plan for tomorrow’s lunch.
Located on North 9th Street in Stroudsburg, this locally owned spot welcomes everyone with warmth that makes you feel like family.
The owners interact with customers, offering recommendations and making sure every order leaves the kitchen exactly right, each day.
Their dedication shows in every review and every customer who becomes a regular after just one visit.
Wings That Bring People Back Weekly
Sixty review mentions don’t lie. The wings here achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior that most places only dream about.
Whether you order them regular or sweet and spicy, these beauties come out piping hot without a hint of old fryer oil taste.
The seasoning penetrates all the way through, not just sitting on the surface like some spots do. Each wing gets cooked fresh to order, which means you might wait fifteen or twenty minutes, but that patience pays off big time.
The size is generous too, with four large wings easily satisfying most appetites.
What impressed me most was the consistency. Visit after visit, the wings maintain that same high quality that keeps regulars coming back.
The sweet and spicy version offers just enough kick without overwhelming the chicken flavor.
People ordering takeout often grab extra orders because they know these wings taste just as good reheated the next day, though they rarely last that long in my experience.
Mac and Cheese Worth the Drive
Some reviewers claim this mac and cheese rivals their mama’s recipe, which is basically the highest compliment you can give soul food.
The southern-style baked version comes out creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned with that slight crust on top that makes it irresistible. One customer literally cried over how good it tasted.
The cheese blend creates a rich, velvety texture that coats every noodle. Unlike some places that serve dry or bland versions, this mac stays moist and flavorful from the first bite to the last.
The portion comes generous enough to work as a meal on its own or share between two people as a side.
I’ve tried it multiple times now, and the quality never dips. Whether you’re dining in or getting takeout, this mac and cheese holds up beautifully.
It pairs perfectly with their fried fish or wings, but honestly, I’ve seen people order it as their main dish with extra cornbread for dipping. That’s how good it is.
Whiting Fish That’s Flaky Perfection
Fresh whiting fish gets hand-battered and fried to absolute perfection at Soul Food Chess House. The crust comes out crispy without being greasy, while the fish inside stays tender, flaky, and perfectly seasoned.
Customers rave about how the breading doesn’t get soggy, staying crunchy right down to the last bite.
The seasoning blend makes this fish stand out from typical fried fish spots. You can taste the care that goes into preparing each order, with the fish arriving hot and fresh every single time.
The portion is substantial, with multiple pieces that satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
One regular told me they make special trips from over an hour away just for this whiting fish, and after trying it myself, I completely understand the dedication.
The fish tastes so fresh you’d think they caught it that morning.
Pair it with their potato salad and yams for a combination that’ll make you rethink every other fish fry you’ve ever had. This is the real deal, cooked by people who know exactly what they’re doing.
Potato Salad That Hits Different
Thirty mentions in reviews tell you everything you need to know about this potato salad.
Made fresh daily with the perfect balance of creaminess and tang, this side dish has converted people who swore they didn’t like potato salad.
The seasoning is spot-on, with just enough kick to make it interesting without overwhelming the potatoes.
The texture is what gets people talking. Not too mushy, not too chunky, just that perfect consistency that lets you know someone’s grandma taught them the recipe.
Fresh herbs and the right amount of mayo create a flavor profile that complements every main dish on the menu.
I’ve watched customers order extra containers of this stuff to take home, and I’ve done it myself more than once.
It pairs beautifully with the fried fish or wings, but honestly works as a standalone snack too.
The portion size is generous, and unlike some places where potato salad tastes like an afterthought, this version gets the respect it deserves as a true soul food staple.
Candy Yams That Taste Like Thanksgiving
The candy yams at Soul Food Chess House taste like someone’s beloved grandmother spent all morning perfecting them.
Sweet without being cloying, these yams come glazed with brown sugar and butter in a way that makes every bite feel like a holiday celebration.
Multiple reviewers specifically call them out as amazing, and that word choice is accurate.
What makes these yams special is the balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of the yams gets enhanced, not buried, by the glaze.
They’re tender enough to cut with a fork but not mushy, maintaining just enough structure to feel substantial. The portion is generous, easily enough for two people to share.
I’ve ordered these yams at least six times now, and they’ve never disappointed.
They pair perfectly with the savory richness of oxtails or the crispy texture of fried fish, providing that sweet contrast that makes soul food so satisfying.
People regularly mention these yams in their reviews, often saying they’re worth the drive alone. Try them once and you’ll understand why they inspire such loyalty.
Sweet Potato Cornbread That’s Official
One reviewer called this cornbread “official,” and that’s the perfect description.
The sweet potato version offers a unique twist on traditional cornbread, adding moisture and natural sweetness that elevates every bite.
It’s not dry like so many cornbreads out there; this version stays moist and flavorful from edge to center.
The sweetness level hits that perfect middle ground. Sweet enough to satisfy your dessert craving but not so sweet that it can’t complement savory dishes.
The texture is tender with a slight crumb that holds together beautifully, making it perfect for soaking up gravy or eating straight.
I always order extra cornbread because it disappears fast at my table. It pairs wonderfully with the collard greens or as a side to the fried fish, but honestly, I’ve eaten it plain as a snack too.
The sweet potato addition makes it unique compared to regular cornbread, and once you try it, you’ll want it with every meal. Customers consistently mention this cornbread in reviews, always with enthusiasm.
The Uptown Drink Experience
Reviews specifically tell people not to skip the Uptown drink, and that advice is solid gold.
This signature beverage perfectly complements the rich, savory soul food with a refreshing sweetness that cleanses your palate between bites.
The exact recipe seems to be a closely guarded secret, but customers rave about it consistently.
What makes this drink special is how well it pairs with everything on the menu. The sweetness balances the salty, savory flavors of fried foods without being overwhelming.
It’s refreshing without being too light, substantial without being heavy. The portion size is generous, easily lasting through your entire meal.
I’ve tried ordering other drinks, but I always come back to the Uptown. It’s become part of my Soul Food Chess House ritual, as essential as the cornbread or mac and cheese.
Multiple reviewers specifically recommend it, which tells you something about how memorable this drink is. Whether you’re dining in or getting takeout, grab an Uptown drink to complete the experience properly.
Location and Atmosphere That Welcomes Everyone
Finding Soul Food Chess House at 1539 N 9th St in Stroudsburg is easy, right along North 9th Street with street parking available nearby most days.
The compact space seats maybe eight tables of four, creating an intimate dining experience where you can watch your food being prepared.
Jazz-style paintings decorating the walls give the place a New Orleans vibe that adds character. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming despite the small size.
The owners greet customers personally, offering recommendations and making sure everyone feels comfortable.
The music selection gets praise in reviews, adding to the overall vibe without overwhelming conversation.
Yes, the kitchen is close to the dining area, so you’ll smell that delicious fried food, but most people consider that part of the charm.
Most customers opt for takeout given the compact space, but dining in offers its own rewards.
You get to experience the full atmosphere and interact with the friendly staff who genuinely care about your experience.
The location has become a destination, with people traveling from Newark, Allentown, and beyond specifically to eat here.