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Detroit has long been a city where soul food isn’t just a meal—it’s a tradition. From slow-smoked barbecue to perfectly fried catfish and rich, comforting sides like mac and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens, the city is home to some of the best soul food restaurants in the country. Whether you’ve spent years living in Detroit or you’re moving to Detroit and eager to explore its culinary scene, you’ll find an array of spots serving up authentic flavors passed down through generations. Some restaurants specialize in classic Southern staples, while others bring a modern twist to traditional dishes or even blend soul food with global influences. No matter what you’re craving, these must-visit restaurants showcase the heart and history of Detroit’s food culture, offering mouthwatering dishes that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
SavannahBlue, Facebook
SavannahBlue
Open: Tue-Thur (5-10pm) | Fri-Sat (4-11pm) | Sun (3-8pm)
1431 Times Square, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 926-0783
Website: SavannahBlue
Nestled on the second floor overlooking Detroit's Times Square, SavannahBlue offers a contemporary twist on Northern soul food. The menu features dishes like shrimp and grits, an Alabama chicken sandwich on brioche, and braised oxtail over risotto. Guests are advised to adhere to the restaurant's dress code to ensure an enjoyable dining experience for all.
Fixins Soul Kitchen
Open: Mon-Thur (11am-10pm) | Fri (11am-11pm) | Sat (10am-11pm) | Sun (10am-10pm)
1435 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 513-7685
Website: Fixins Soul Kitchen
Fixins Soul Kitchen, part of the California-based chain founded by former NBA star and Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, brings a vibrant homage to soul food in Detroit's Paradise Valley. Occupying the space formerly known as Detroit Seafood Market, the restaurant boasts a bright and open ambiance adorned with artwork nodding to the city's rich musical and cultural heritage. The menu, inspired by Johnson and his wife Michelle's culinary journey across the country, features hearty oxtails in sweet brown gravy, smothered chicken drenched in roux brown gravy, warm cornbread squares, and the unique deep-fried deviled eggs—a creation influenced by a similar dish from Atlanta's Old Lady Gang. Weekend offerings include classics like chicken and waffles topped with grape-flavored butter and shrimp and grits, with all fried chicken brined for 24 hours to ensure maximum flavor. Beverage options range from traditional sweet tea and Kool-Aid to cocktails crafted with Uncle Nearest Whiskey, a Black and woman-owned brand hailing from Shelbyville, Tennessee.
They Say Restaurant
Open: Tue-Thur (11am-11pm) | Fri (11am-12am) | Sat (12pm-12am) | Sun (12-10pm)
267 Jos Campau, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 446-4682
Website: They Say Restaurant
Established in 2006, They Say Restaurant has been serving delicious food and drinks in a fun atmosphere in Downtown Detroit. Known for its famous fried wings tossed in signature sauces like They Say BBQ, Flaming Hot, Tangy Zesty, or Sweet Chili, the menu also features dishes such as catfish bites, steak bites, and loaded potato skins. Guests can enjoy live music events and catering services are available for special occasions. Reservations are recommended to ensure a delightful dining experience.
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Open: Mon-Sun (11am-9pm)
4101 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: (313) 656-4010
Website: Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Originating from Mason, Tennessee, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken has brought its renowned spicy fried chicken to Detroit. The menu features hand-battered fried chicken accompanied by Southern-style sides like fried okra, baked beans, and coleslaw. Diners can also indulge in homemade desserts such as pecan, sweet potato, and chess pie. With its commitment to quality and tradition, Gus's offers a casual dining experience that has garnered national acclaim.
Joe Louis Southern Kitchen
Open: Mon-Tue (9am-3pm) | Wed-Sun (8am-4pm)
6549 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 788-8338
Website: Joe Louis Southern Kitchen
Named in honor of Detroit's legendary boxer, Joe Louis Southern Kitchen offers an all-day brunch experience in a charming dining setting. The menu showcases Southern classics such as cinnamon roll flapjacks, bananas foster French toast, bread pudding, shrimp and grits, and Joe Louis's favorite—country-fried steak with cheese grits. The restaurant has become a popular spot among Detroit's political and cultural figures, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for all guests.
Detroit Soul
Open: Tue-Sat (12-8pm) | Sun (12-6pm)
14300 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215
Phone: (313) 926-6305
Website: Detroit Soul
Detroit Soul, a family-owned establishment on Detroit's east side, is renowned for its warm hospitality and delectable soul food offerings. The menu features standout items like their signature turkey wings and succulent ribs, smoked to perfection. Complementing these mains are traditional sides such as baked beans, collard greens, cabbage, green beans, and potato salad, all thoughtfully seasoned with turkey for a healthier twist. In 2022, Detroit Soul expanded from its original carryout location to a sit-down restaurant, providing a welcoming space for patrons to savor their meals.
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Louisiana Creole Gumbo, Facebook
Louisiana Creole Gumbo
Open: Tue-Sat (12-7pm) | Sun (12-6pm)
2830 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 567-1200
Website: Louisiana Creole Gumbo
Since 1970, Louisiana Creole Gumbo has been a cornerstone of Detroit's culinary scene, offering authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine. Their signature gumbo is a hearty blend of shrimp, sausage, okra, and a proprietary mix of seasonings. The menu also features Bayou favorites like red beans and rice, jambalaya, and shrimp po’ boys served on crisp baguettes. In 2023, they relocated to a spacious new venue near Eastern Market, enhancing the dining experience while maintaining their rich culinary traditions.
Soul 2 Go
Open: Thur-Sat (12-7pm) | Sun (12-5pm)
9900 Whittier Ave, Detroit, MI 48224
Phone: (313) 332-0165
Website: Soul 2 Go
Soul 2 Go, a family-friendly establishment, brings the heart and soul of Southern comfort food to Detroit. Specializing in tender BBQ ribs, juicy chicken, and seasoned collard greens, their menu offers a variety of soulful, made-with-love dishes perfect for family meals or quick, flavorful bites. Diners can choose from full or half slabs of beef or pork ribs, whole or half barbecue chicken, fried chicken, or turkey chops. Sides include candied yams, cornbread dressing, seafood pasta salad, and desserts like peach cobbler. With a focus on takeout, Soul 2 Go ensures that guests can enjoy hearty, comforting meals on the go.
Sweet Potato Sensations
Open: Thur (12-7pm) | Fri-Sat (12-8pm) | Sun (12-6pm)
17337 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219
Phone: (313) 532-7996
Website: Sweet Potato Sensations
A staple in Detroit’s Old Redford neighborhood for decades, Sweet Potato Sensations is a family-run bakery and café celebrating the versatility of the sweet potato. From creamy sweet potato pie with a buttery crust to sweet potato ice cream, cookies, and waffles, every item pays homage to this beloved root vegetable. Savory options include Etta Mae’s salmon croquettes served on a buttery croissant, the hickory-smoked Jive Turkey Sandwich, and black-eyed pea and collard green soup. Guests can enjoy their meals in the cozy, art-lined dining space or opt for takeout to impress at their next gathering.
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Detroit Vegan Soul West, Facebook
Detroit Vegan Soul
Open: Thur-Sat (12-5pm)
19614 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
Phone: (313) 727-1973
Website: Detroit Vegan Soul
Detroit Vegan Soul offers plant-based versions of classic soul food dishes, allowing patrons to enjoy comforting flavors without compromising on dietary choices. The menu features items like hush puppies, "catfish" tofu, and smothered tempeh, all crafted with fresh, mostly organic ingredients. Committed to health and sustainability, the restaurant prepares its dishes without GMOs, additives, preservatives, refined flours, sugars, dairy, eggs, or animal by-products, ensuring a wholesome dining experience.
Chef Greg's Soul-N-The Wall
Open: Tue-Thur (11am-6pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-7pm) | Sun (2-6pm)
10009 Curtis St, Detroit, MI 48221
Phone: (313) 861-0331
Website: Chef Greg's Soul-N-The Wall
Chef Greg's Soul-N-The Wall is a beloved Detroit eatery known for its signature Boogaloo Wonderland sandwich—a hoagie roll filled with seasoned ground beef, melted American cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy red sauce. This iconic sandwich pays homage to the original recipe from the now-closed Brothers Bar-B-Q and the late songwriter Allee Willis, co-writer of "Boogie Wonderland." In addition to the famed sandwich, patrons can enjoy sides like fried okra and creamy mac and cheese. The establishment offers a variety of other sandwiches, including the Detroit Steak and Cheese Sub and the Detroit Chicken and Cheese Sub. With its unassuming exterior and flavorful offerings, Chef Greg's provides a genuine Detroit dining experience
Motor City Soul Food
Open: Tue-Sun (11am-9pm)
12700 W Seven Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48235
Phone: (248) 968-4444
Website: Motor City Soul Food
Since 2001, Motor City Soul Food has been a cornerstone of Detroit's culinary scene, offering authentic soul food that has garnered national acclaim. Their menu features classics such as fried chicken, okra, black-eyed peas, mac and cheese, neck bones, ham hocks, and oxtail, all served in a welcoming dining space. The restaurant has expanded to multiple locations, including Redford Township and Oak Park, ensuring that their delectable dishes are accessible to a broader audience.
Me & My Girls Soul Food
Open: Mon-Sun (10am-10pm)
19416 Van Dyke Ave, Detroit, MI 48234
Phone: (313) 372-8820
Website: Me & My Girls Soul Food
Me & My Girls Soul Food is a family-owned establishment in Detroit, renowned for its comforting soul food offerings. Among its standout dishes, the meatloaf garners particular praise from patrons. Complementing the mains are classic sides like red beans and rice and candied yams. For those seeking variety, the restaurant offers lunch specials that, while portioned for midday appetites, do not compromise on flavor.
Uptown BBQ & Soulfood
Open: Mon-Sun (11am-10pm)
15700 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48238
Phone: (313) 861-7590
Website: Uptown BBQ & Soulfood
For over three decades, Uptown BBQ & Soul Food has been a staple in the Metro-Detroit area, renowned for its mouth-watering barbecue and authentic soul food. Their extensive menu caters to diverse palates, featuring signature dishes like the Whole Slab Dinner, Rib Tips, BBQ Chicken, Fried Pork Chops, and seafood options such as shrimp and catfish. Each entrée is accompanied by classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and candied yams, ensuring a hearty and satisfying meal. While currently operating with adjusted hours from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily, Uptown BBQ continues to offer take-out services, allowing patrons to enjoy their flavorful offerings at home. They also provide catering services for various events, requiring orders to be placed 48 hours in advance.
Faustina's Creole & Soulfood
Open: Thur-Sat (11am-9pm)
18414 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, MI 48221
Phone: (313) 397-8010
Website: Faustina's Creole & Soulfood
Chef Anthony Faustina, inspired by his late father, Lenardo Faustina III—an esteemed international chef—brings authentic Creole and soul food to Detroit at Faustina's Creole & Soulfood. The menu features traditional flavors alongside Creole specialties like shrimp and beef jambalaya and Moonie's jerk chicken. Notably, dishes are named after family members, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. Chef Anthony's culinary expertise has attracted numerous celebrities, including Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder.
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Cornbread Restaurant & Bar, Facewbook
Cornbread Restaurant & Bar
Open: Mon-Sat (11:30am-9pm) | Sun (11:30am-7pm)
29852 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: (248) 208-1680
Website: Cornbread Restaurant & Bar
Since 1997, Cornbread Restaurant & Bar has been serving award-winning soul food, now enhanced with a full-service bar in its new location. The menu boasts Southern classics like fried chicken and waffles, smothered pork chops, and down-home catfish, with vegetarian options available. A unique offering is their "History in a Box" shoebox lunches, inspired by the Jim Crow era when African Americans packed meals in shoeboxes during travel due to segregation. These meals provide both a culinary delight and a cultural lesson, featuring items such as fried chicken, coleslaw, and mac & cheese, all packaged in boxes adorned with historical facts. This initiative not only honors the resilience of past generations but also educates diners about this significant aspect of Black history.
The Soulfood Shawarma Bistro
Open: Mon-Sun (11am-2pm)
16353 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48224
Phone: (313) 458-8991
Website: The Soulfood Shawarma Bistro
The Soulfood Shawarma Bistro uniquely blends Detroit's rich culinary traditions by combining classic soul food with Middle Eastern influences. Their signature Soul Food Shawarma features grilled chicken paired with black-eyed peas, collard greens, and rice, wrapped in traditional flatbread. Another standout is the Seafood Shawarma, which includes lobster, crab, tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, celery, scallions, dill, and basil. Beyond these fusion dishes, the bistro offers traditional soul food staples such as fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs, fried fish, collard greens, cornbread, and grits. With extended hours from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM daily, it caters to both lunch and late-night cravings.
Urban Soul Restaurant
Open: Tue-Fri (11am-8pm) | Sat-Sun (12-8pm)
1535 E Lafayette St, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 344-9070
Website: Urban Soul Restaurant
Urban Soul Restaurant is a family-style eatery offering a welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of Southern comfort food classics. Every dish is made using fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring a home-style dining experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of soul food staples, including grilled or fried chicken breast served with mac and cheese and collard greens, slow-cooked short ribs, smothered steak, and crispy fried catfish. Each entrée is made to order, served with two sides and cornbread, allowing diners to create a meal tailored to their tastes. For dessert, options like peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and banana pudding add the perfect finishing touch. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, Urban Soul offers a satisfying taste of Southern tradition in the heart of Detroit.
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Flood's Bar & Grille, Facebook
Flood's Bar & Grille
Open: Mon, Wed-Thur (6pm-12am) | Fri-Sun (6pm-2am)
731 St Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 963-1090
Website: Flood's Bar & Grille
Established in 1987, Flood's Bar & Grille has been a cornerstone of Detroit's nightlife, offering a vibrant atmosphere where patrons can enjoy soulful cuisine, expertly crafted drinks, and live entertainment. The menu features a variety of Southern-inspired dishes, with the fried lobster tail standing out as a crowd favorite, served with a delectable butter sauce. Each entrée comes with a choice of two sides, including classics like mac & cheese, collard greens, and candied yams. Beyond the culinary offerings, Flood's is renowned for its dynamic entertainment schedule, hosting live bands and some of the city's hottest DJs throughout the week. Guests aged 21 and over are invited to partake in drink specials during happy hour or immerse themselves in the lively ambiance that has made Flood's a staple in Detroit's social scene.
Southern Fire Restaurant
Open: Tue-Sun (3-10pm)
575 Bellevue St, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 338-3336
Website: Southern Fire Restaurant
Located in the heart of Detroit's eastside, Southern Fire Bistro & Lounge offers an upscale dining experience combined with vibrant nightlife. The establishment recently underwent a comprehensive renovation, featuring ambient lighting, plush seating, and modern décor, creating an inviting atmosphere for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The menu showcases Southern cuisine with highlights such as smothered steak—a 12oz T-bone charbroiled and topped with sautéed onions and brown gravy—and fried or grilled turkey chops. Patrons can also enjoy a variety of events throughout the week, making it a popular nightspot in the area. The restaurant enforces a "no effort, no entry" dress code, emphasizing a "grown and sexy" attire, with specific restrictions against fitted caps and sports attire. Whether you're seeking a delectable meal or a vibrant evening out, Southern Fire Bistro & Lounge provides a memorable experience in a stylish setting.
Bert's Marketplace
Open: Tue-Thur (11am-12am) | Fri-Sat (11am-1am) | Sun (12pm-12am)
2727 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 567-2030
Website: Bert's Marketplace
For over 30 years, Bert's Marketplace has been a cornerstone of Detroit's Eastern Market, offering a unique blend of dining, live entertainment, and cultural preservation. Upon entering from Russell Street, guests are welcomed into a standard restaurant setting with an adjacent bar. However, the 24,000-square-foot complex unfolds to reveal a spacious venue with a stage, additional bars, murals, plaques, memorabilia, and even a museum dedicated to Black history. Renowned for its live music, Bert's hosts jazz performances every Thursday and Friday, blues on Saturday nights, and an open mic night on Sundays. The menu pays homage to music legends with dishes like the "Aretha Franklin World Famous Fried Chicken," featuring fried breast, wing, leg, and thigh served with two sides and cornbread, and the "John Coltrane Beef," offering braised bone-in short ribs. Beyond its culinary delights, Bert's is a premier spot for live comedy shows and boasts divine BBQ offerings, making it a cultural and entertainment hub in the city.
Detroit’s soul food scene is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage, blending tradition, flavor, and hospitality in every dish. Whether you're a longtime local living in Metro Detroit or someone moving to Metro Detroit and looking to experience its vibrant dining scene, the city offers an incredible selection of restaurants that honor the deep roots of Southern cuisine. From slow-cooked meats and crispy fried chicken to plant-based soul food innovations, these eateries serve up comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. No matter where you choose to dine, each spot delivers a unique take on classic dishes, ensuring that Detroit remains a top destination for those craving authentic, flavorful soul food.
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