Our Top 7 Soul Food Restaurants in the U.S

Finding food that nourishes your body and feeds your soul like Madea's Sunday dinner is an accomplishment. Soul food cooking originated in the South where Africans made new recipes to preserve their African traditions with the resources available. These recipes have been passed down through many generations and are rooted in African traditions. There are hundreds of soul food restaurants throughout the United States that are known world wide for offering the all of the favorites - chicken and waffles, greens, corn bread, smothered porkchops and macaroni & cheese. Plus don't forget a tasty dessert of red velvet cake, banana pudding or sweet potato pie. Here are a few of our favorites in the United States that are sure to leave you with a smile and a happy belly ! Warning - you may get the  itus! This is not an exhaustive list - it is a few that we have enjoyed with friends and family and a few that friends and family highly recommend. 

Amy Ruth's (Harlem, New York)  - A must-go for any visitor to Harlem who wants a taste of southern favorites from fried chicken, smothered pork chops to macaroni & cheese. 

Brown Sugar Kitchen (Oakland, California) - Modern flavor to all of your favorite southern comfort foods. 

Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen (Los Angeles, California) - Delicious traditional soul food in a cafeteria-style dining experience. 

Lolo's Chicken and Waffles (Phoenix, Arizona) (pictured)  - Kool-Aid on Tap, Yummy Fried Chicken and Waffles and other southern favorites. 

Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles (Los Angeles, California)  - World famous for their chicken and waffles. 

Sweet Chick (Brooklyn, New York)  - Delicious Chicken and Waffles with a variety of waffle choices. 

The Breakfast Klub (Houston, Texas) - A unique breakfast restaurant serving signature items in a soulful, relaxed community environment.

Enjoying a great soul food meal at home or in a restaurant with friends is a great way to celebrate Africa and the African diaspora. Soul food is influenced by the traditional foods and cooking methods of West Africa. Soul food has a little extra sweetness, spiciness, saltiness and soul to satisfy your taste buds and love and connection to family and culture. 

If you don't see your favorite on the list, connect with us on Facebook to share and recommend your favorite soul food restaurant to the Diaspora Collective Community.