Where to Find Soul Food in Dallas
The best down-home cooking the city has to offer.
When Dallas is mentioned as a food city, one of the first things that comes to mind for many is BBQ. And while the Big D is known to have its fair share of favorites, the blossoming food scene has so much more to offer than brisket and ribs. Case in point: the Soul Food scene, which has quickly become a conversation starter amongst residents and visitors alike. And whether you like yours fried, smothered or vegan, there's something for everyone!
Sweet Georgia Brown
South Dallas
Ask around and Sweet Georgia Brown is one of the top names affiliated with soul food in Dallas. This restaurant that's been around for decades is a city staple dishing out a plethora of favorites. From meat options like fried chicken, salisbury steak and meatloaf, to sides like cabbage, red beans and black-eyed peas. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to save room. Sweet Georgia Brown's endless options include peach cobbler, pound cake, 7UP cake and sweet potato pie.
Ellen's
West End (Downtown)
With the slogan "Grits Rule," it's safe to assume Ellen's knows what they're doing when it comes to Southern fare. And it's true! From all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner - the West End spot is serving up a taste of soul that'll satisfy the masses. Solid starters include chicken and dumplings and Joe's Gritty Balls - deep fried cheese grits with bacon and jalapenos. Entrees include buttermilk fried chicken and Texas catfish. Don't forget the fried okra!
Kitchen and Kocktails
Downtown
One of the newer kids on the block, Kitchen + Kocktails came on this scene in the thick of the pandemic, and despite opening during troubling times, the restaurant has maintained a strong customer base. The Downtown Dallas eatery is luring in guests with everything from fried pickles to oxtails and chicken and waffles . There's even seafood gumbo!
Kendall Karsen's Upscale Soul Food
Oak Cliff
Named after his two sons Kendall and Karsen, owner Kevin Winston is serving Dallas family recipes that hold a special place in his heart. Kendall Karsen's is dishing out ribs, cornbread dressing, fried fish and chicken tetrazzini. Must have sides include the pinto beans, collard greens, okra gumbo and mac and cheese!
Street's Fine Chicken
Multiple Locations
Whether you're visiting the original Oak Lawn location on Cedar Springs or venturing to Forest Lane, Street's Fine Chicken is offering an array of Southern staples that feed the soul. Choose from starters like the pimento cheese fritters and fried green tomatoes and entrees like chicken fried steak, chicken pot pie and a bone-in slow cooked pork chop topped with apple brandy butter. Yum!
Vegan Food House
Oak Cliff
The love for soul food does not discriminate. Those following a vegan diet are often tempted by a savory taste of home cooking, and Vegan Food House is filling that void. Their plant-based menu is full of tasty options like the Southern Dinner Catch – "fish-fried" oyster mushrooms with mashed potatoes and gravy, mac and cheese and corn – and shrimp (made with konjac root) and grits.
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