The Best Soul Food Restaurants Tampa, FL
Soul food is delicious cuisine that boasts a rich history and flavors that are inspired by various parts of the world. “Soul food” is the term used the describe the food that enslaved people in the U.S. prepared from the scraps left to them. The enslaved people used spices and cooking methods from their native African and Caribbean countries to make the discarded parts of food into delicious entrees and side dishes. These foods are a source of cultural pride for African-Americans, and each dish is slightly different based on a family’s country or region of origin. If you’re in the Tampa area and want to sample some delicious soul food, here are some of the best soul food restaurants in Tampa to try.
Al’s Finger Licking Good Soul Food
2302 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 515-5036
If you’re looking for some truly authentic soul food, make sure you check out Al’s Finger Licking Good Soul Food. This spot serves up Tennessee-style BBQ and it is nothing less than delicious. Try their fried chicken dinner with mac and cheese and collards. The chicken is incredible, it’s moist yet crunchy on the outside, and the mac and cheese is so creamy. Top your meal off with some banana pudding for dessert, and you’ll be in for a good time.
Auntie’s Soul Food and More
1006 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
(813) 280-9957
When you’re looking for food that will feed your soul and stick to your ribs during your stay in Tampa, make sure you visit Auntie’s Soul Food and More. Try the fried chicken or fried turkey wings meal with sides like collard greens, green beans and potatoes, or potato salad. Choose from desserts like pound cake, red velvet cake, or banana pudding to make your meal complete.
Big Daddy’s Soul Food Truck
3910 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 313-8026
Fish cooked with West Indian spices, delicious burgers and fries, and marinated seafood are some of the most popular dishes at Big Daddy’s Soul Food. You can also try the ribs with tasty side dishes like baked beans and mac and cheese. You can also stop by the restaurant for breakfast and enjoy a meal like grits and eggs with fried sausage and a side of toast.
Burnin’ Barber-Que and More
7917 Flower Ave, Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 515-5164
If you’ve been craving barbecue, check out Burnin’ Barber-Que and More. Try the chicken platter with mac and cheese and smoked greens, or loaded fries topped with brisket and cheese. If you love seafood, the crab boil is also a popular item that won’t disappoint.
Ladies of the Sea & Soulfood
2705 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 247-2722
If you’re in the mood for some out-of-this-world soul food, this is the spot! We recommend their turkey wings, they melt off the bone and are juicy and full of flavor. For seafood lovers, you can’t go wrong with the southern fried tilapia. Make sure you grab their signature strawberry lemonade with your meal!
Lillie Mae’s Southern Cafe
3745 N 50th St, Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 544-4188
Lillie Mae’s has a wealth of savory dishes for you to choose from. If you’re in the mood for comfort food, try the meatloaf served with two sides like sauteed cabbage, Spanish-style black beans, mac and cheese, or candied yams. Or, you can choose the smothered turkey wings or picadillo with your choice of sides. No matter what savory entree you choose, you can’t go wrong with a meal from Lillie Mae’s Southern Cafe.
Mama’s Soul Food Restaurant
3701 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 769-9552
Mama’s Soul Food Restaurant is one of the best soul food restaurants in Tampa and is known for its tasty baby back ribs, fried fish, and barbecue chicken. You can also enjoy side dishes like rice and gravy, mashed potatoes, greens, and sweet potatoes. The food tastes like soul food your mother or grandmother would make, and the nostalgic feel keeps Tampa natives and vacationers coming back.
Mr. B’s Cafe
3401 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
(813) 333-5338
Check out Mr. B’s Cafe if you’re in the mood for casual soul food you can enjoy on the go. The catfish po’boy and fries is a favorite among diners, or you can try the turkey wings with gravy for a more filling meal. However, the entree people request the most is the honey hot fried chicken, which is the restaurant’s signature dish. Customize your meal with sides like okra and tomatoes or candied yam, and finish the meal off with your choice of homemade cake or peach cobbler.
Yuppi
2134 S 78th St, Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 530-5363
For some of Tampa’s juiciest wings, stop by Yuppi. Try their delicious mac and cheese, and it’ll definitely win over your taste buds. Besides wings, the fried shrimp and catfish are also popular among seafood lovers. Choose some sides like their potato salad and southern cornbread, and don’t forget to grab some of their famous Yuppi sauce. Whatever you choose to try, the food here will surely have you coming back for more.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Tampa, check out our Tampa city page.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on February 25, 2021 and last updated on July 6, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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