Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina holds a special place in the heart of Southern cooking, where soul food traditions run deep and flavor runs even deeper. From Charlotte to Durham, hidden gems and beloved institutions serve up the kind of comfort food that keeps locals coming back week after week. Whether you crave crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, or perfectly seasoned collard greens, these restaurants offer meals that feel like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food (Charlotte / Cary)
Family recipes from the 1940s still guide the kitchen at this beloved spot, where each dish carries decades of tradition. Golden fried chicken emerges from the fryer with a perfectly crispy coating that shatters at first bite. The mac and cheese flows with creaminess, while collard greens simmer slowly until they reach that perfect tender texture.
Walking through the door feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. The ambiance wraps you in warmth and familiarity, making every visit feel like a homecoming. Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, and the flavors justify the trip whether you’re coming from Charlotte or making the drive from Cary.
Locals have turned this into their regular spot, quietly returning week after week for food that never disappoints.
Mert’s Heart & Soul (Charlotte)
Downtown Charlotte houses this soul food landmark where tradition meets creative flair in every dish. Cast-iron skillets deliver cornbread with crispy edges and fluffy centers that locals dream about between visits. The signature soul rolls—spring rolls stuffed with collard greens, black-eyed peas, and fried chicken—prove innovation belongs in soul food too.
Shrimp and grits arrive at the table with perfectly seasoned flavor that balances richness and spice. The setting offers a slightly more polished atmosphere than typical soul food joints, making it perfect for both casual lunches and special dinners. Since opening in 1998, it has earned its place as a Charlotte institution.
Regulars appreciate how the restaurant honors Southern roots while adding unexpected twists that keep the menu exciting and fresh.
Let’s Eat Soul Food (Durham)
Durham locals have discovered this smaller, take-out-friendly treasure that specializes in ultra-comfort classics. Chicken and dumplings arrive in generous portions, with tender dumplings floating in rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. Meatloaf comes smothered in gravy that tastes exactly like the version your family makes for Sunday dinner.
Ribs fall off the bone with minimal effort, delivering smoky, home-cooked flavor in every bite. The restaurant has built a loyal following among people who crave soul food that reminds them of family gatherings. Even on a random Tuesday, the food transports you back to childhood memories of special meals.
The no-frills approach keeps the focus exactly where it belongs—on food that feels like love on a plate.
JJ’s Mama’s Soulfood & More (Lexington)
Hidden away in Lexington, this spot has become legendary for portions that border on outrageous and flavors that justify every calorie. Fried chicken earns consistent praise for its seasoning and crunch, with locals insisting it rivals anything their own grandmothers ever made. Candied yams arrive sweet and buttery, cooked until they practically melt on your tongue.
Banana pudding has achieved near-mythical status among regulars, with creamy layers and vanilla wafers that soften to perfection. Visitors from surrounding towns plan detours specifically to grab a meal here. The atmosphere stays humble and welcoming, never pretending to be anything other than a place serving honest, delicious food.
First-timers quickly become repeat customers, joining the ranks of locals who consider this their secret weapon for curing any bad day.
Soul Central (Charlotte)
Charlotte’s Soul Central brings a modern energy to traditional soul food without losing the essence that makes it special. Slow-cooked oxtails arrive fall-apart tender, braised in rich gravy that begs to be soaked up with cornbread. Collard greens get seasoned with expert care, hitting that perfect balance between traditional flavor and fresh preparation.
Portion sizes remain hearty and satisfying, ensuring nobody walks away feeling shortchanged. The vibe mixes comfortable familiarity with contemporary touches that attract both longtime soul food enthusiasts and newcomers to the cuisine. This flavor laboratory, as some call it, experiments with creative twists while respecting the foundations.
Shrimp and grits with andouille sausage showcase how innovation can enhance rather than overshadow tradition, making each visit an adventure worth taking.
Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish (Charlotte)
Since 1992, Mr. Charles has served Charlotte with unwavering consistency and flavors that never disappoint the faithful. Perfectly fried catfish emerges with a golden crust that crunches audibly, while the tender fish inside stays moist and flaky. Hushpuppies arrive hot and crispy on the outside, soft and slightly sweet inside, disappearing quickly from every basket.
Expertly seasoned wings have their own devoted following, with regulars swearing by the specific spice blend that makes them addictive. The no-frills atmosphere keeps things real and unpretentious, focusing entirely on delivering quality food at reasonable prices. This beloved local institution has earned its staying power through simple dedication to doing soul food right.
Steady, dependable, and full of flavor—three words that perfectly capture why locals keep returning decade after decade.
Angie’s Restaurant (Garner)
With roots stretching back to 1973, Angie’s has spent five decades perfecting the art of soul-warming comfort food. Fried chicken arrives at your table with crackling skin and juicy meat that lives up to half a century of reputation. Mac and cheese flows with creamy, cheesy goodness that tastes like someone’s cherished family recipe.
Collard greens get cooked with the patience and care that only comes from true mastery of Southern cooking. The atmosphere stays friendly and modest, never trying to be fancy or trendy. Every detail invites you to relax and enjoy a genuine meal made with skill and heart.
When locals crave real comfort food that feeds both body and soul, Angie’s remains their first choice for meals that feel like coming home after a long journey.
Prime Tyme Soul Cafe (Winston-Salem area)
Sports memorabilia decorates the walls at this Winston-Salem area favorite where hearty soul food meets community spirit. Smothered pork chops arrive tender and juicy, covered in rich gravy that demands multiple pieces of cornbread for proper soaking. Chopped collard greens come seasoned with tradition, cooked until they reach that perfect tender texture locals expect.
Generous servings ensure athletes and regular folks alike leave satisfied and fueled. The sports theme creates an energetic vibe that makes dining here feel like joining a celebration. Connections to community and tradition run deep, making every meal feel meaningful beyond just the food.
Fans of both sports and soul food have found their perfect spot, where flavor and atmosphere combine to create something special worth experiencing repeatedly.
Taste of the Triad (Winston-Salem area)
Country-style steak smothered in peppery gravy has made this Winston-Salem area spot a favorite for those seeking meals made with genuine care. The gravy delivers just enough kick to keep things interesting without overwhelming the tender steak underneath. Fresh yeast rolls emerge from the oven soft and warm, perfect for mopping up every last drop of that delicious gravy.
Fried chicken draws the Sunday crowd, with families making this their regular after-church destination. The attention to detail shows in every dish, from proper seasoning to careful cooking that brings out the best in simple ingredients. Nothing fancy or complicated—just honest soul food executed with skill and dedication.
When you want a meal that feels like someone truly cared about making it right, this one delivers exactly that feeling.
Sweet Potatoes Restaurant (Winston-Salem)
Nestled in Winston-Salem’s arts district, Sweet Potatoes elevates soul food into something special without losing its essential character. Chicken and waffles arrive drizzled with bourbon-maple syrup that adds sophisticated sweetness to this beloved combination. Sweet potato-centric sides and desserts showcase the restaurant’s signature ingredient in creative, delicious ways.
The setting suits special brunches or occasions when you want soul food with extra flair and attention to presentation. Creative touches enhance traditional dishes rather than masking their roots, making each plate both familiar and exciting. Since its location in the arts district, the restaurant has attracted diners seeking elevated comfort food in a more refined atmosphere.
Perfect for impressing out-of-town visitors or treating yourself to soul food that feels celebratory, Sweet Potatoes proves comfort food can be both soulful and sophisticated.
