When you grow up, hopefully you kids will remember our quests to find quaint little soul food joints on the weekends and especially on family trips. It all started for your father in Chapel Hill when he discovered Mama Dips in the original building in Carrboro. It was the tiniest restaurant but he felt like he was sitting at their home table, For me, it was Sylvia's in Harlem, NY. After college I spent the summer in New York City with Campus Crusade for Christ and serving a week at a time with different ministries all over the city. In my free time I got to explore the different boroughs and quickly found Sylvia's in Harlem. It is an institution of soul food! Regardless of where your search leads you...always remember that soul food starts at home. A google search will tell you precisely what soul food is technically but to us it is much greater than a type of food. It is an experience that feeds and fuels the soul and brings us closer together as a family.
Here are some local places that are worthy of the search for soul food! (Not in any particular order) And one pointer, don't expect to find a table at any of them!
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| Scott's Pit Cook B.B.Q. |
Whole hog mop vinegar basted bbq as pure as it can be cooked over wood. Whole chickens are incredible and some killer sides. First, don't be fooled when you pull up to the place. It IS a restaurant and once you step out of the car you will smell heaven on earth. This by far is the best bbq we have found thus far in South Carolina. They have been featured in multiple print and television medias.
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| Austin's Soul Food, Jacksonville, FL |
This place took us about 20 minutes off of 95 on our way to visit my dad in Cocoa Beach but it was well worth it! Fried shrimp, candied yams, fried chicken, mac & cheese, collards, pork chops, dressing & gravy, and a list of homemade cakes and pies that is unbelievable. If you are in or driving by Jacksonville it's worth the detour.
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| Big Mike's Soul Food, Myrtle Beach, SC |
We were pleasantly surprised to find some solid soul food in the heart of the Grand Strand! This place has some great meats and sides that were well prepared and delicious! Definitely will return!
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| Martha Lou's Kitchen, Charleston, SC |
This place was recommended to us by a division 1 college football coach that your dad knows and it did not disappoint. All I have to say is order the lima beans! Over 30 years (written in 2017) of soul food cooking in this family owned and run restaurant make it special. It has a Zagat rating and has been featured in numerous well-respected newspapers, magazines, and tv shows. Martha Lou's daughters run the place and they are a hoot!
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| Casey's Buffet, Wilmington, NC |
When we lived in Wilmington they knew us (and you all) by name there. At that time, everything was great. The fried okra was really special and I love some fried okra.
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| Jestin's Kitchen, Charleston, SC |
Oh how many times have we stood outside in the line wrapped around the corner to eat here. Your father loves the grilled meatloaf and I can't ever get beyond the vegetables!
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| Bertha's Kitchen, Charleston, SC |
When you search for soul food in Charleston, Bertha's always comes up. So, we had to visit and we were not disappointed. The okra soup and cornbread are fantastic! A must-stop in Charleston!
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| Seewee, Awendaw, SC |
Good home cooking and seafood and we love that Roy has been here!
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| Aunny's, Georgetown, SC |
Aunny's has solid soul food in downtown Georgetown.
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| T.W. Graham & Co, McClellanville, SC |
T.W. Grahams is not a soul food restaurant but it does have a soulful atmosphere and great fresh seafood. A must-stop when passing through.
