MomSkoop
Nothing beats the heartwarming comfort of soul food, especially when it feels like Sunday dinner any day of the week. Pennsylvania might not be the first place that comes to mind for Southern cooking, but the Keystone State actually hides some incredible soul food treasures. From crispy fried chicken to slow-cooked collard greens swimming in pot likker, these restaurants serve up plates that’ll make you feel right at home.
1. Carmi Family Restaurant: Pittsburgh’s Soul Food Haven
Tucked away in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District, Carmi’s feels like walking into your grandmother’s kitchen on Sunday afternoon. The aroma of fried catfish and candied yams greets you before the door even closes behind you.
Owners Carleen and Michael King pour love into every dish, from their melt-in-your-mouth mac and cheese to perfectly seasoned collard greens. Their sweet potato pie has locals lining up on holidays.
What started as a small family operation has blossomed into a community cornerstone where regulars are treated like relatives and newcomers become family before the check arrives.
2. Soulful D’Lites: Philly’s Spicy Seafood Sensation
Bold flavors explode from this Southwest Philadelphia gem where Chef Marla’s spicy seafood jambalaya has customers fanning their mouths and reaching for sweet tea. The modest storefront belies the culinary magic happening inside.
Lines form early for their Thursday special – crispy fried chicken with a secret spice blend that locals have tried (and failed) to replicate for years. The cornbread arrives warm, slightly sweet, with real corn kernels adding delightful texture.
Chef Marla learned cooking from her Louisiana grandmother, adding her Philadelphia twist to create dishes that bridge Southern traditions with urban innovation.
3. Dixie Picnic: Malvern’s Southern Comfort Corner
“Upcakes” – that’s what regulars call Dixie Picnic’s signature dessert, a cupcake turned upside down and frosted on all sides. This charming Malvern spot transforms Pennsylvania into a Southern picnic every day of the week.
Founded by Tracey Deschaine in honor of her Tennessee roots, Dixie Picnic serves breakfast all day alongside lunchtime favorites. Their chicken salad sandwich on homemade white bread might be the most nostalgic bite in Chester County.
The restaurant’s checkered tablecloths and mason jar glasses transport you straight to a backyard gathering in Memphis, complete with that unmistakable Southern hospitality.
4. Southern Cross Kitchen: Conshohocken’s Upscale Soul
Bourbon bottles line the bar while the scent of fried green tomatoes wafts from the kitchen at Southern Cross Kitchen. This Conshohocken establishment marries upscale dining with down-home cooking in a surprisingly seamless union.
Executive Chef Theo’s shrimp and grits arrive with a modern presentation but taste straight from Charleston. The restaurant’s weekend brunch draws crowds for chicken and waffles drizzled with spiced honey.
A gorgeous renovated bank building houses this soul food haven, where exposed brick walls and leather booths create an atmosphere that’s simultaneously sophisticated and comfortable – much like the elevated comfort food on your plate.
5. Ms. Tootsie’s Soul Food Cafe: Philadelphia’s Legendary Landmark
Purple walls, crystal chandeliers, and plates piled high with crispy fried chicken – Ms. Tootsie’s on South Street isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a Philadelphia institution. Owner KeVen Parker named it after his mother, whose recipes form the backbone of this beloved establishment.
The salmon cakes melt on your tongue while the macaroni and cheese – with its perfect crispy top layer – might ruin all other mac and cheese for you forever. Their sweet tea comes in mason jars so large they require two hands.
Celebrities frequently stop by when in town, attracted by both the famous food and the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere that feels like a celebration every night of the week.
6. Gigi’s Southern Table
Located in State College, Gigi’s Southern Table is where Southern comfort meets modern vibes. This lively spot is popular among locals and students alike, known for its buttery cornbread and rich, savory gumbo.
Gigi’s embraces a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors, offering a menu that respects Southern heritage while embracing culinary innovation. Patrons love the lively energy of the place, complemented by the friendly staff and the aroma of spices wafting through the air.
Fun fact: Gigi’s Southern Table is a favorite during football season, where patrons gather to enjoy great food and celebrate their team spirit.
7. Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro: York’s Community Table
“Eat good, feel good” – the motto painted on Skillet2Plate’s wall captures the essence of this York treasure. Chef James left corporate cooking to open this soul food bistro where every recipe connects to his family’s Alabama heritage.
Smothered pork chops swim in gravy so good people have been known to request extra cups of it on the side. The sweet potato casserole straddles the line between side dish and dessert with its pecan-crusted top.
What makes this place special beyond the food is Chef James himself, who emerges from the kitchen regularly to check on customers, share stories, and occasionally break into impromptu singing when his favorite gospel songs play over the speakers.
8. Sister Muhammad’s Kitchen
At Sister Muhammad’s Kitchen in Pittsburgh, the focus is on community and flavor. This quaint spot is famous for its creamy mac and cheese and mouthwatering sweet potato pie, both served with a side of warmth and hospitality.
The kitchen is known for its inclusive atmosphere, welcoming individuals from all walks of life to enjoy a meal that feels like home. Sister Muhammad herself often engages with patrons, sharing stories and creating a personal connection with every visit.
Interesting tidbit: Sister Muhammad’s Kitchen participates in several community outreach programs, using food as a means to bring people together and support those in need.
9. Feed Your Soul Restaurant: Swatara Township’s Hidden Gem
Blink and you might miss Feed Your Soul’s modest storefront in a Swatara Township strip mall. But locals know – this unassuming spot serves catfish so perfectly fried it maintains a crunchy exterior while remaining moist and flaky inside.
Husband-and-wife team Robert and Sharon Jones opened shop after years of catering church events. Their collard greens cook for six hours with smoked turkey wings instead of traditional ham hocks – a healthier twist that sacrifices none of the flavor.
The restaurant’s banana pudding causes near-daily sellouts, with its layers of fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and homemade custard topped with just-torched meringue rather than whipped cream.
10. Taste of Soul by Ms. Nancy: Erie’s Lakeside Comfort
Lake Erie might be far from the South, but Ms. Nancy’s cooking transports you straight to Alabama with one bite of her legendary fried chicken. After 30 years as a home health aide, Nancy Williams started her restaurant as a retirement project that quickly became Erie’s soul food destination.
The peach cobbler emerges bubbling from the oven, its crust somehow both flaky and tender. Regulars know to order the Thursday special – smothered turkey wings with rice that soaks up every drop of savory gravy.
Ms. Nancy’s small dining room features handwritten notes from satisfied customers taped to the walls, creating a collage of appreciation for the woman who brought proper soul food to Pennsylvania’s northernmost city.
11. Wilson’s Soul Food Kitchen
Nestled in the heart of Lancaster, Wilson’s Soul Food Kitchen is a haven for those seeking the warmth and heartiness of traditional soul food. Known for its perfectly seasoned fried chicken and collard greens, Wilson’s offers a taste that transports you to a Southern grandma’s kitchen.
The restaurant’s charm lies in its commitment to authenticity, where each dish is prepared with love and a deep respect for culinary traditions. The welcoming atmosphere, accentuated by the soulful tunes playing softly in the background, makes every meal here a memorable experience.
Did you know? Wilson’s has been a family-run business for over three decades, with recipes passed down through generations, ensuring every bite is a trip down memory lane.