The Most Delicious Soul Food in Jacksonville

The Potter's House Soul Food Bistro

★★★★☆ 4.2 (524) • $$

"Whenever it's a Jags gameday, you can catch me at Soul Food Bistro getting it in. The place is known for it's large portions, long lines, and vibrant atmosphere. My parents and I stopped by after the Jags beat the Colts for a celebratory meal before making the drive back to Gainesville. I think Sunday's specials are typically meatloaf and turkey wings, however - I was not happy to hear around 3:30pm that they were out of some great entree items. The turkey wings were sold out and the herb roasted chicken was also done for the day. I ended up opting in for the fried catfish as it's made to order and took about 10 minutes or so. I always get their mac and cheese and collard greens for my sides, and picked up a piece of the chocolate cake since this was my first time trying it. My catfish was hot and fresh, however the batter was a little salty. Thankfully, the hot sauce helped balance the saltiness a bit. The mac and cheese here is always so creamy and cheesy! It's like eating at your granny's house for a good Sunday meal. The collard greens are not my favorite here since they always have a more tangy vinegar taste, but I do love to mix them into my mac and cheese for the perfect pairing. I also got a peach sweet tea and whew, someone had a real heavy hand on the sugar on that batch. I couldn't even drink it, I had to switch to lemonade. I was disappointed with the chocolate cake. Oh man, the piece of cake was thick and heavy but the frosting was the only saving grace as the cake was so dry, I barely ate it.Soul Food Bistro is a great establishment but they have some kinks they need to work out from professionalism to food consistency. I think next time we will try out their other location."

Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.3 (346) • $$

"Easily one of the best fried chickens in the North Florida area. When you get that perfect crunch on the breading but the meat inside is still glistening inside, you know it's done right. Couple that chicken with some amazing sides and it's a meal made in heaven."

Sweet Mama's Southern Homestyle Cookin

★★★★☆ 4.4 (129)

"In the mood for some good ole' southern, homestyle food? If so you've gotta check out Sweet Mama's I stopped by recently and immediately felt at home when I walked in. The staff were so friendly and the ambiance and decor was welcoming and reminded me of my own grandmother's kitchen! Everything is made to order so our food was piping hot when we received it. My friend ordered the fried pork chop and gravy which came with two sides. She got mac and cheese and greens and she loved how tender and tasty everything was. I ordered the southern style oxtails which were so tender and full of flavor truly reminding me of home. I also got an order of fried chicken wings and they were also packed with flavor! Both of our meals came with a fluffy piece of honey butter cornbread and I loved how generous the portions were! I was able to eat off of my plate a couple times. Overall, I was very pleased with my dine at Sweet Mamas! The only thing I missed out on was a dessert. I didn't even think about it until I was heading out the door. I will be back soon because in addition to dessert, there a several menu items I still have my eyes on! If you enjoy good home cooked cuisine, definitely check out Sweet Mamas!"

Austins Soul Food

★★★★☆ 4.1 (103) • $$

"Omg ! If you are looking for a soul food spot this is it ! I got the oxtails plate and a veggie plate and everything was delicious and It was not overly seasoned. Parking is is tight and limited. Also they do not offer any indoor anymore. It's standing room only to place an order and wait. It would be best to either call in advance or order online."

Sunrise Caribbean Gourmet Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (54) • $$

"Love the food!The place is not the best looking, the staff is a bit abrupt once in a while and the wait time may be a little long sometimes, but I still find myself here once a month, at least.When the food is this good, it's worth the time :)"

Blu Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (40) • $

"Meatballs, collards,yams all good tasting. Great choice of entrees. You name it, they have it.Relaxed atmosphere. Appears that there is a big demand for take-out. Pineapple lemonade terrific. Not too sweet.Quality food.Enjoyed this spot"

Annie Ru's Carryout and Catering

★★★★☆ 4.3 (36)

"I give it a 4 because the banana pudding was terrible and the staff bragged it was the best. There was like mostly wafers and the bananas were not over ripe plus no cool whip on top Plus the pudding never sat up and it tasted like there was a smoky flavor that was not good. The baked chicken was heavy on black pepper which was great, collards great, Mac and cheese a little on the oily side, black eyed peas great. Corn bread divine. Great prices and quick service cafeteria style."

Annie Lee’s Bakery & Diner

★★★★☆ 4.3 (18)

"Today, we had the absolute privilege of visiting Annie Lee's Bakery and Diner as part of the Buy Black Business Bus Tour with the Melanin Market, and let me tell you--it was like being personally escorted into foodie heaven. From start to finish, this place delivered an experience so good it could probably write its own autobiography.Let's talk about my husband's order first: Oxtails. Now, these aren't even on the Saturday menu, but Jacob, our waiter (and now honorary family member), worked his magic and made it happen. If that's not next-level customer service, I don't know what is. He paired those oxtails with collard greens and sweet potatoes, and trust me, they were so good they practically demanded a standing ovation.I went the veggie route with collard greens, rice and gravy, a side salad, and yams--but because I don't play around when it comes to food, I added grilled shrimp. Every single item on our plates was seasoned with so much love and skill that my taste buds were basically doing the electric slide by the end.And the desserts? Oh, we weren't leaving without cake. Key Lime and Yellow Cake joined the party, but then the staff really outdid themselves. Someone casually dropped that it was our 21st wedding anniversary (thanks for snitching, Jacob!), and the staff surprised us with a song, more cake, and ice cream. I almost started bawling right there in the middle of the diner. Like, ugly cry bawling.Long story short, the food is a masterpiece, but the staff? They're what makes Annie Lee's truly special. I'd give them 10 stars if I could. I'll definitely be back for more--and not just for the food, but to hang out with the kind of people who make you feel like family from the moment you walk in. Annie Lee's, you've got my heart (and probably most of my paycheck)."

Chef love Sol Cuisine

★★★★★ 4.7 (11)

"I came by Chef Love's place today. I ordered twenty wings with "Chef Love" famous sauce on the side. I also ordered fries and macaroni and cheese. Everything was so delicious. I shared the meal. We both were in awe. I usually get her shrimp & grits but opted to try the wings this time and I sure am glad I did. Best wings and fries anywhere! Remember, don't block the driveway and you can wait in your car until your beeper calls you-when your meal is ready. Thanks Chef Love for doing a fantastic job and for Representing Arlington like a Champ!"

Island Breeze Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.7 (14)

"My brother and I stopped here for a bite, and we were amazed at what was in store for us:Garfield and his wife, T, deliver made-to-order tastes of ecstasy. The long-stewed softness, the perfectly complimentary heat with a house-blend of Caribbean flavor...wow!This is an absolute must-visit for anyone that thinks themself a lover of food."