Where to Get Southern Soul Food in Philadelphia

A Taste of Soul: A Guide to Philadelphia's Best Southern & Soul Food Restaurants

Whether you're in the mood for perfectly crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, or slow-cooked collard greens, here is a guide to some of the best spots to find Southern soul food in Philadelphia.

1. South Restaurant & Jazz Club (North Philadelphia)

The Vibe: A premier destination for a complete cultural experience, South offers a sophisticated and lively atmosphere. It masterfully combines an upscale Southern restaurant with a world-class jazz club.

• The Food: The menu features an elevated take on Southern classics. Expect perfectly executed dishes like shrimp and grits, buttermilk fried chicken, and blackened catfish, all made with high-quality ingredients. It's a perfect spot for a special occasion or a dinner-and-a-show date night.
• Location: 600 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

2. Booker's Restaurant & Bar (West Philadelphia)

• The Vibe: A stylish and popular neighborhood restaurant in West Philly, Booker's is known for its welcoming atmosphere and fantastic brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. The Food: The menu is a modern take on Southern American comfort food. Their shrimp and grits and fried chicken and waffles are consistent crowd-pleasers, and they also offer a great selection of creative cocktails.
• Location: 5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

3. Relish (West Oak Lane)

• The Vibe: A large and vibrant restaurant in Northwest Philadelphia, Relish is celebrated for its lively atmosphere, often featuring live jazz and R&B music. It's a major destination, especially for its popular weekend brunch buffets.
• The Food: Relish serves modern Southern cuisine with a sophisticated touch. Their brunch and dinner buffets are legendary, offering a vast array of soul food classics, from fried chicken and fish to a carving station and a huge selection of delicious sides.
• Location: 7152 Ogontz Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138

4. Debreaux's Authentic Soul Food (West Philadelphia)

• The Vibe: For a true, no-frills, homestyle soul food experience, Debreaux's is a local gem. It's a casual, takeout-focused spot where the focus is entirely on the delicious, made-with-love food.
• The Food: This is where you go for the classics, done right. Expect incredible fried chicken, fried whiting, turkey wings, and a full lineup of essential sides like creamy mac and cheese, candied yams, and flavorful collard greens.

5. Rex at The Royal (South Philadelphia)

• The Vibe: Housed in the beautifully restored historic Royal Theater on South Street, Rex at The Royal offers a more upscale and refined Southern dining experience, inspired by the Lowcountry cuisine of Charleston and the surrounding area.
• The Food: The menu is an elevated and thoughtful exploration of Southern history and flavors. Look for expertly prepared dishes like shrimp and grits, pimento cheese, and other coastal Carolina classics.
• Location: 1524 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146

From the upscale jazz clubs on Broad Street to the beloved, family-run takeout spots in West Philly, Philadelphia's Southern and soul food scene is rich with flavor, history, and heart. These top-rated restaurants showcase the delicious and comforting traditions that have been passed down through generations, offering a truly soulful dining experience for everyone.