6 Places Where You Can Enjoy the Best Soul Food in Jacksonville

Soul food can be extremely comforting and nourishing to the soul. From fried chicken to smothered chopped pork to sweet potatoes, soul food’s roots from the Deep South have satisfied the taste buds of hungry people across the country for decades. In Jacksonville, Florida there is no shortage of exciting and vibrant soul food restaurants to choose from. The next time you eat out for dinner, try one of these 7 popular soul food restaurants in Jacksonville, FL. 

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1. The Potters House Soul Food Bistro

Casual bistro known for its delicious and hearty soul food

thesoulfoodbistro.com

9400 Atlantic Blvd, Greater Arlington

The Potters House Soul Food Bistro successfully maintains a warm and comfortable ambiance. Since 1998, guests have flocked to the Soul Food Bistro for its delicious meals and spacious dining area. 

When you arrive, you can build your own plate from the buffet or order a dinner specialty option. Appetizing options on the buffet include fried drumettes, fried tilapia, honey baked ham and smoked turkey. Their current specials include Oxtail Wontons, Grilled Parmesan Salmon, Chicken Wonton, and Herb Roasted Salmon. 

“This is a great 100% true soul food spot. I love that it is cafeteria style because I got to see the  food and everything looked good. The fried chicken and fried pork chops were delicious and were not over cooked. The sides were flavorful too. My server was very nice and attentive.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Potters House Soul Food Bistro. 

2. Auntie’s Soul Food Kitchen

Popular soul food spot known for its fried chicken and oxtails near the beach

facebook.com/auntiessoulfoodkitchen

829 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach

At Auntie’s Soul Food Kitchen, you can find a fine selection of delicious Southern comfort food. Barbecue ribs, smothered turkey wings, and fried chicken are some of their most popular dishes. Auntie’s lemonade and sweet tea are perfect for enjoying alongside these delicious meals. Fish Fry Fridays, BBQ Saturdays, and Sunday Brunch are also popular events at the restaurant. For dessert, you can select peach cobbler or bread pudding. On Sunday nights, you also have the options of choosing the Cake of the Day. 

“I had the oxtails with rice, collard greens, cornbread and black eyed peas. My wife had the smothered chicken with Mac and cheese Lima beans and cornbread. Absolutely top notch the ox tails were seasoned to perfection collards were extremely tender. The smothered chicken my wife had fell off the bone and the Mac and cheese was first rate comfort food.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Auntie’s Soul Food Kitchen. 

3. Sweet Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin

Casual eatery that serves some of the best soul food in Jacksonville

sweetmamasjacksonville.com

1527 Cesery Blvd, Greater Arlington

Since 2019, Sweet Mamas has served hearty and nourishing soul food to residents around the Greater Arlington area. Fried chicken, ribs, fish, mac and cheese, and so much more can be found inside this casual lunch spot. 

For an appetizer, you can share some corn nuggets and chicken tenders with friends. Up next, you will need to prepare yourself for one of their filling main courses, such as the Smothered Pork Chops and the Fried Chicken Gizzards. Delicious sides like potato salad and yams are perfect for enjoying alongside these popular entrees. If you managed to save enough room for dessert, we recommend trying a slice of their chocolate cake.  

“I came on a week night and the customer service was superb. I've passed the restaurant a few times and we decided to have dinner there. I had the fish, macaroni and cheese, greens, and the butter pecan cake. The food is made to order so there was a little wait since I ordered fish but not too much. Everything was well seasoned and so good.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Sweet Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin. 

4. Southern Charm

Laidback eatery offering mouthwatering barbecue and seafood plates

artscrackercooking.com

3566 St. Augustine R, Mandarin

For a delicious and unforgettable meal, you need to stop by Southern Charm for your next meal out. Savory dishes such as the Slab of Ribs and Turkey Sandwich are sure to fill you up. You can also order specials like the Trailer Trash and the Red Neck Surf & Turf which come with numerous sides such as fried shrimp, french fries, and fresh collard greens. Dinner plates like the Scallop Dinner and Pork Rib dinner are also popular options. 

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights you can stop by Southern Charm for its expansive buffet. Most people select the all you can eat option, which features dishes such as Fried Green Tomatoes and Deep Fried Southern Style Corn Meal Whiting Fish. 

“The food was delicious and plentiful, as usual. If you leave SC hungry, then it's your own fault!

This is the only buffet in Jax, that I know of, that you can take leftovers home. My favorite food today was more than one: sweet potatoes, smoked turkey, and the fried shrimp. But, really-everything was delicious.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Southern Charm. 

5. Uncle Gene’s Soul & Seafood Cafe

Popular soul food joint offering an eclectic selection of authentic dishes

unclegenesoulandseafood.com

5123 Timuquana Rd., Westside

Candied yams, cornbread, cabbage and more await you at this legendary cafe. At Uncle Gene’s Soul & Seafood Cafe, you can walk in knowing you will be treated to a mouthwatering meal. Everything from the Smothered Shrimp & Grits to the Curry Chicken is cooked to perfection and served at a great price! If you came with an empty stomach and are ready to load it up with some comfort food, we recommend getting the Uncle Gene’s Special or the Pick 2 combo. Homemade desserts including pound cake, banana pudding, bread pudding, and peach cobbler are also on the menu. 

If you find yourself obsessed with Uncle Genes and its delectable cuisine, you can hire them to cater for your next party or luncheon. Everyone deserves to enjoy the fresh taste of Uncle Genes’ soul food. 

“This place doesn't look like much, but damn they are freaking good! All food prepared fresh daily and cooked to order! Haven't had soul food this good sense I've left Georgia! Customer service is amazing too!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Uncle Gene’s Soul & Seafood Cafe. 

6. Angels Soul Food & Barbecue

Low-key soul food destination that offers a weekly buffet

facebook.com/soulfoodandbbq

2516 S Sanford Ave, Sanford

Last but not least is Angel’s Soul Food & BBQ. This bustling soul food spot offers all of the classics, such as BBQ chicken, pulled pork, and oxtails. Their savory sandwiches come on either white break or a bun and can be topped with sizzling meats such as chicken, pork ribs, and beef brisket. Make sure you save enough room in your stomach for dessert. Their bread pudding and sour cream pound cake are to die for. Angel’s also offers catering services for different events, making it easy for you to bring your favorite dishes to your special events and family gatherings. 

“This is our first time ordering from Angels, and I promise you it will not be our last. The food was so delicious. I had the pulled pork lunch plate, and my partner had the fried chicken lunch plate. Everything was soooooo very delicious. You will be hearing from us in the future. I promise ! Thank you so very much for the amazing food!!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Angels Soul Food & Barbecue. 

Jacksonville has a wonderful variety of soul food restaurants. Wherever you go, you are sure to have an amazing experience. What are your favorite soul food dishes? Let us know in the comments below!