CLEVELAND, Ohio -- June is National Soul Food Month, a chance to celebrate the culinary heritage of the African American diaspora and its influence on the American food scene. You can cook components of this comforting food at home or enjoy it at a number of restaurants in Northeast Ohio.
Here is a guide to some of the best soul food restaurants in Greater Cleveland.
Angie’s Soul Café, 16906 Harvard Ave. Lee/Harvard Plaza, Cleveland 216-295-SOUL: 7815 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, 216-426-8890: Influenced by her South Carolina roots, Angie’s kitchen turns out everything you expect from a soul food kitchen from fried chicken and pork to liver & onions and catfish. Side dishes include black-eyed peas, macaroni & cheese, candied yams, green beans and more.
Black Box Fix, 25359 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, 216-675-3129: The menu starts with sandwiches like hot honey catfish and buttermilk fried chicken in agave BBQ sauce. Keep scrolling and you can choose from a variety of “stoner” fries with myriad toppings as well as Rasta Pasta.
Boney Fingers, NEW LOCATION, 1800 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, 216-331-5252: According to the website, the restaurant is slowly transitioning from BBQ to American cuisine.
Carter’s BBQ, food truck, 216-307-6169, Darrent and Theresa Carter offer dry-rubbed BBQ with a Cleveland twist accompanied by soul food sides. Visit the Carter’s Instagram to see where they’ll be every day.
Related: Local BBQ experts/podcaster win Kingsford Fellowship, present Father’s Day BBQ event
CMB Soul Food, 12503 Union Ave., Cleveland, 216-752-5402: While they serve traditional soul food dishes, the kitchen specializes in baked potatoes loaded with steak, chicken and more.
Ella Mae’s Soulfood, 3365 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-713-2022 ...You’ll find soul food options like fried chicken, ox tail, turkey chops as well as mac ‘n’ cheese, greens, yams and more.
Southern Cafe, 11817 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-801-4535: Get soul food favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Zanzibar Soul Fusion, 627 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, 216-862-5772: Walk past Zanzibar downtown during open hours and it’s hopping. The soul fusion menu includes classic southern comfort food including catfish fingers, fried green tomatoes, smothered chops, BBQ salmon and chicken & waffles.
Paris Wolfe is a life and culture reporter for Cleveland.com. She has a special interest in food, dining, cocktails and spirits. You can reach her with news and story ideas at pwolfe@cleveland.com. Here’s a directory of her latest posts. Follow her on Instagram @pariswolfe.
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