11 New Jersey Soul Food Joints Locals Hope Stay Off The Map

You ever notice how Jersey folks get real quiet when you ask about their favorite soul food spots?

That’s because they’d rather keep the cornbread, collard greens, and fried chicken all to themselves.

New Jersey might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Southern comfort cooking, but trust me, this state has some seriously delicious spots that fly under the radar.

From crispy fried chicken that’ll make you forget your name to mac and cheese so creamy it should be illegal, these hidden gems serve up plates that could make your grandmother proud.

The best part? Most tourists have no idea these places exist, which means shorter lines and more food for those in the know.

Ready to eat your way through New Jersey’s most jealously guarded soul food secrets? These eleven restaurants are the real deal, serving up everything from collard greens to candied yams with enough flavor to make you slap your mama.

Will you be the one to spill the beans and blow up their spot on Instagram? Or will you join the locals in keeping these culinary treasures deliciously hush-hush?

1. Vonda’s Kitchen, New Jersey

Walking into Vonda’s Kitchen feels like entering a professional “Healthy Soul” hub where the food is as intentional as it is flavorful. Located at 183 W Kinney St, Newark, NJ 07103, this landmark is owned by culinary entrepreneur Vonda McPherson, who has spent years perfecting a menu that balances Southern comfort with heart-conscious preparation.

While the fried chicken is a classic staple, the kitchen is most famous for its Turkey Meatloaf, Salmon Sliders, and legendary Sweet Potato Pancakes.

What sets Vonda’s apart is the “Couture” consistency across both traditional and lighter options. The cornbread is a sweet, golden masterpiece, and the collard greens are simmered with smoked turkey to create a deep, savory profile.

Portions are famously generous, often requiring a to-go container for even the hungriest diners. The Baked Macaroni and Cheese and smooth Sweet Potato Pie remain essential orders that have earned a dedicated following across Essex County.

Regulars know to arrive early for the high-energy breakfast and brunch service, where the bright, modern aesthetic serves as a vibrant backdrop for community connection. The atmosphere is professional yet warm, with a staff that maintains Vonda’s high standards of “Healthy Soul” hospitality.

This is refined Southern cooking that prioritizes both the spirit and the body, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the Newark dining experience.

2. Corinne’s Place, New Jersey

Tucked into a Camden neighborhood at 1254 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103, Corinne’s Place is a national culinary landmark and recipient of the James Beard “America’s Classics” award. Following the passing of legendary founder Corinne Bradley-Powers, the establishment continues her legacy under the leadership of her longtime friend and successor, June Jenkins.

The restaurant remains a humble but high-volume community staple where the “Soul Food” isn’t just a category of cuisine, but a standard of hospitality that draws locals, politicians, and food tourists alike.

The menu is headlined by their award-winning Fried Chicken and famous Cajun Turkey Wings, which have earned the spot a dedicated following. Their Baked Macaroni and Cheese is widely considered a benchmark for the region, often paired with other staples like Collard Greens and Candied Yams.

Despite the national accolades and constant bustle, the vibe remains authentically unpretentious, prioritizing high-quality home cooking and a warm, welcoming environment. It is a source of immense local pride, proving that legendary food requires no fancy decor when the flavors are this refined.

3. The Weekend Spot, New Jersey

Situated at 683 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, The Weekend Spot is a high-energy soul food destination owned and operated by Chef Kim. True to its name, it is a premier local hub for weekend dining, known for a “Couture Soulfood” approach that blends traditional comfort with a vibrant, modern atmosphere.

The menu is headlined by their famous Fried Chicken, Oxtails, and Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Unlike a standard rotation, the kitchen focuses on perfected, consistent staples that have earned it a massive following in the Newark area.

During the highly popular weekend brunch, the standout items are the Chicken and Red Velvet Waffles and the Fish and Grits, which attract long lines of residents and visitors alike.

Beyond the dining room, The Weekend Spot is widely recognized for its robust catering business and its commitment to the local community. The atmosphere remains lively and professional, making it a staple for those seeking authentic, high-quality soul food served with a “boujee” flair in the heart of Essex County.

4. Shawn’s Table

Perched at 271 Ocean Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305, Shawn’s Table delivers high-end “Couture Soulfood” with a professional edge that has made it a Greenville neighborhood landmark. Owned by Chef Shawn, a self-taught culinary talent who transitioned from a successful food truck to this brick-and-mortar location, the restaurant is known for its “Fine Dining Taste at a Local Price.” The modern, clean storefront operates as a high-efficiency hub, prioritizing quality and speed for a loyal local following.

The menu is headlined by Chef Shawn’s signature Oxtail and Grits and his crowd-favorite Honey Garlic Chicken, alongside expertly prepared staples like Fried Fish and Turkey Wings. His Macaroni and Cheese and Candied Yams are essential components of the generous platters that define the Shawn’s Table experience.

While the preparation is sophisticated, the vibe remains accessible and community-focused, reflecting Shawn’s commitment to providing upscale dining options and professional opportunities within his home city.

Known for its consistency and massive portions, the restaurant remains a premier destination for those seeking authentic, chef-driven soul food in Jersey City. The peach cobbler and banana pudding provide the perfect traditional finish to a menu that honors the past while maintaining a sharp, contemporary standard of service.

5. Aunt Berta’s Kitchen, New Jersey

Operating out of 639 White Horse Pike, Haddon Township, NJ 08107, Aunt Berta’s Kitchen is a South Jersey institution founded by the legendary Alberta “Berta” Wright. Bringing her North Carolina roots to the table, Berta has spent over 30 years perfecting a menu that defines traditional Southern home cooking.

The restaurant is most famous for its Fried Chicken, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, and Whiting Fish, all served in the massive, heart-healthy portions that have made it a local favorite.

The vegetable sides are prepared with classic techniques, with the Collard Greens and Candied Yams standing out as essential pairings for any platter. For dessert, the Bread Pudding and Sweet Potato Pie remain the most requested items, often selling out early on Sundays.

Known for its genuine “family-first” hospitality and deep community ties, Aunt Berta’s remains a premier destination for those seeking an authentic, unhurried soulful dining experience in Camden County.

6. Eileen’s Soul Food

Stationed at 86 Hillside Ave, Neptune City, NJ 07753, Eileen’s Soul Food is a legendary Jersey Shore landmark owned and operated by Eileen and her husband, Ralph. Deeply rooted in the local community for decades, this “no-frills” establishment has built a massive following not by catering to tourists, but by serving consistent, high-quality comfort food that defines the region’s soul food scene.

While the menu features traditional Southern staples, the absolute stars of the show are the Fried Fish (Whiting and Porgy) and the Fried Chicken, which locals frequently cite as the best in Monmouth County. Their signature sides – particularly the Potato Salad, Candied Yams, and Baked Macaroni and Cheese – are served in generous portions that often provide enough food for two meals.

For those seeking deep-rooted traditions, Eileen’s is one of the few places in the area that expertly prepares Chitterlings and Pig Feet.

Operating primarily as a high-volume takeout hub, the atmosphere is warm, busy, and unpretentious. Every platter typically includes a side of their famous cornbread, perfect for soaking up the juices of their smothered dishes.

Whether it’s a standard weekday or a busy summer weekend, Eileen’s remains a year-round staple for anyone seeking authentic, heart-healthy portions of soul food served with genuine neighborhood hospitality.

7. Taste of Soul by Ms. Nancy, New Jersey

Nestled at 345 High St, Burlington, NJ 08016, Taste of Soul by Ms. Nancy is a beloved community gem operated by Nancy and her husband, Bill. This establishment is defined by its personal touch, with the owners almost always on-site to ensure the food meets Nancy’s exacting standards.

Rather than fusion or experimental dishes, the kitchen focuses on perfected Southern soul food staples cooked with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.

Fried chicken is a major draw here, but the restaurant is equally famous for its Smothered Pork Chops, Fried Whiting, and Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Their cornbread is a local legend in its own right, often described by regulars as having a cake-like sweetness and texture.

For dessert, the show-stoppers are Nancy’s homemade Banana Pudding and Peach Cobbler, which frequently sell out.

Taste of Soul is primarily a high-volume takeout operation with limited seating, and it is a common local practice to call orders in early. The atmosphere is warm and familial, often feeling more like a private kitchen than a commercial restaurant.

Nancy remains a fixture at the front of the house, maintaining the “soul” of the business through consistent quality and a genuine connection to her Burlington neighbors.

8. Delta’s Restaurant

Found at 19 Dennis St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, Delta’s Restaurant is a sophisticated staple of the Central Jersey dining scene, owned by Gwendolyn Adams. Rather than a modest neighborhood storefront, Delta’s is a polished, high-energy “upscale soul” destination.

Its name is a tribute to the musical and culinary heritage of the Mississippi Delta, a theme that resonates through the restaurant’s elegant decor and its reputation as a premier venue for live jazz and R&B.

The menu moves away from basic cafeteria staples toward refined Southern classics. Signature dishes that locals build their nights around include the Pecan-Crusted Catfish, Braised Short Ribs, and their famous Southern Fried Chicken.

Their Baked Macaroni and Cheese is widely considered a benchmark for the region. On weekends, the restaurant transforms into a vibrant supper club, where the “Boujee Brunch” and evening sets attract a dressed-up crowd looking for a complete cultural experience of food and music.

Far from being a simple Rutgers hangout, Delta’s is a celebrated institution where the atmosphere is as much of a draw as the kitchen. It remains the go-to spot in New Brunswick for date nights, anniversaries, and anyone seeking a soulful experience served with professional, high-end hospitality.

9. Sweet T’s Southern Kitchen, New Jersey

Situated at 387 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, Sweet T’s Southern Eatery is a modern soul food landmark owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Tonya (“T”) and Dre. Moving away from the heavy, traditional grease often associated with the genre, Tonya and Dre have built their reputation on “healthy-ish” soul food that prioritizes high-quality ingredients and lighter preparation methods without sacrificing flavor.

The menu is a reflection of Tonya’s lifelong passion for Southern cooking, featuring signature items like their perfectly seasoned Fried Chicken, Smothered Pork Chops, and Fried Whiting. A hallmark of the Sweet T’s experience is their selection of custom Fruit-Infused Sweet Teas, with flavors like Strawberry and Peach that locals consider a mandatory pairing for any meal.

Their sides are equally celebrated, particularly the Yams, Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey, and the fan-favorite Sweet Potato Cheesecake for dessert.

The atmosphere is bright, clean, and contemporary – a far cry from a dark, retro basement. It functions as a vibrant community hub where the owners are frequently seen engaging with guests.

Known for its consistency and “clean-chic” aesthetic, Sweet T’s has become a staple in Montclair for those who want the comfort of Southern home cooking served with a modern, professional touch.

10. Feed Ya Soul, New Jersey

Located at 1076 Saint Georges Ave, Avenel, NJ 07001, Feed Ya Soul is the sister location to Pennsauken’s Hot Butter Soul Supper Club, also owned and operated by Chef Keeya Benson and Kevin Benson. While it shares the same “Couture Soulfood” DNA, this location is primarily known as a high-volume takeout and delivery hub that prioritizes fresh, intentional cooking for the local community.

The menu is built around Chef Keeya’s most requested hits, starting with their legendary Soul Rolls – crispy egg rolls stuffed with a savory mix of chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. Other local favorites include the Sticky Wings, Jerk Salmon, and the flavor-packed Rasta Pasta.

Every dish reflects the restaurant’s mission to nourish both body and spirit, often featuring cleaner, high-quality ingredients that bridge the gap between traditional comfort and modern dining.

In addition to its daily menu, the Avenel location serves as the base for the SoulFresh meal prep service, offering chef-curated, soulful healthy meals for busy professionals. The Bensons use this space to further their community mission, frequently partnering with the Feed the Soul Foundation to support local culinary students and food security programs.

Though the setting is more casual than its supper club counterpart, the hospitality remains top-tier, making it a staple for North and Central Jersey residents who want authentic soul food with a professional, upscale touch.

11. Hot Butter Soul Supper Club, New Jersey

Situated at 9003 North Crescent Blvd, Pennsauken, NJ 08110, Hot Butter Soul Supper Club brings a high-end, “soulful luxury” vibe to the New Jersey dining scene. Executive Chef Keeya Benson and her husband Kevin Benson designed the space to celebrate “Couture Soulfood,” blending upscale Southern flavors with a sophisticated atmosphere that honors Black excellence and community fellowship.

The menu features signature creations that set the restaurant apart, most notably their famous Hot Butter Soul Rolls – a fried egg roll filled with chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. For those seeking comfort with a twist, their Seafood Macaroni and Cheese is loaded with shrimp, lobster, and crab, while the Caribbean Rolls offer a spicy kick with jerk chicken and sweet coconut rice.

Other standout items include Fried Chicken with Red Velvet Waffles topped with a maple cream cheese drizzle, and Smothered Turkey Wings served over hearty sides. The establishment is also known for its SoulFresh high-end meal prep service and “The King’s Breakfast,” a monthly curated power breakfast for local entrepreneurs.

Weekend brunch remains a local favorite, often featuring live music and a “Boujee Brunch” atmosphere that requires reservations. Whether it is for a celebratory night out or a curated community event, locals adore this spot for its commitment to “synergy at the table” and top-tier hospitality.