I’ve always been on the hunt for the kind of soul food that makes you feel instantly at home. When I walked into Simply Southern Soul Food on East 38th Street in Indianapolis, I knew I had found it.
The smells alone; baked chicken, meatloaf, and biscuits smothered in gravy, made my stomach rumble before I even sat down. What really struck me was how fresh everything tasted and how generous the portions were.
I left with enough leftovers for the next day and a full heart from the warm hospitality. The staff greeted me like I was part of the family, and every bite reminded me of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house.
Whether I’m stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner, this little spot never disappoints. It’s a hidden Indiana treasure, the kind of place locals swear by and visitors can’t help but love.
By the time I left, I knew I’d be coming back again and again, craving those flavors and that feeling.
Authentic Southern Comfort Food Made Fresh Daily
Simply Southern Soul Food takes pride in preparing everything from scratch each morning, which means you’re getting food that tastes homemade because it practically is. The kitchen staff arrives early to start cooking chicken, seasoning greens, and making sides that would make any Southern cook proud.
You won’t find anything sitting under heat lamps for hours here.
The restaurant offers classic soul food dishes that have been perfected over time. Their baked chicken is tender and juicy, seasoned just right without being overpowering.
The meatloaf has become one of their signature dishes, with customers specifically requesting it when they call ahead. Turkey and rice is another standout, with the turkey cooked until it falls apart and served over rice with flavorful gravy.
What sets this place apart from chain restaurants is the attention to traditional cooking methods. The greens are cooked low and slow, the mac and cheese is creamy and rich, and the yams have that perfect sweetness.
Everything tastes like it came from someone’s kitchen, not a factory. This commitment to fresh, daily preparation means the menu can vary slightly depending on what’s available, but it also guarantees quality.
For Indianapolis residents tired of processed, mass-produced restaurant food, Simply Southern Soul Food offers a refreshing alternative that honors Southern culinary traditions.
Generous Portions That Keep You Coming Back
One thing customers consistently mention about Simply Southern Soul Food is the portion size. When you order a plate here, you’re getting enough food to satisfy your hunger and then some.
Many reviewers note that they ate from their order for two full days, which makes the prices feel even more reasonable.
The restaurant operates cafeteria-style, allowing you to see the food before you order. You can choose your protein and then select from a variety of sides.
The staff doesn’t skimp when plating your food either. If you order turkey and rice, expect a substantial serving of meat covered in gravy with your sides filling the rest of the container.
This approach to portions reflects traditional Southern hospitality, where feeding people well is a sign of care and respect. You won’t leave Simply Southern feeling hungry or wishing you’d ordered more.
The generous servings also make it a great value, especially compared to other restaurants in the area where portions have shrunk while prices have climbed.
For families looking to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, or individuals who want leftovers for lunch the next day, the portion sizes at Simply Southern Soul Food make it an economical choice that doesn’t sacrifice quality for quantity.
Breakfast That Rivals Any Diner in Town
While many people know Simply Southern Soul Food for their lunch and dinner offerings, their breakfast menu deserves just as much attention. The restaurant opens at 8 AM on Thursday through Saturday and serves breakfast items that have earned devoted fans.
Their biscuits and gravy is mentioned repeatedly in reviews as a must-try dish.
The biscuits are made fresh and come smothered in rich, creamy gravy that has the right balance of flavor and seasoning. It’s the kind of breakfast that sticks with you through the morning and reminds you why Southern breakfast is considered some of the best comfort food around.
They also offer breakfast sandwiches with options like turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, and cheese on your choice of bread.
What makes breakfast at Simply Southern special is that they bring the same soul food sensibility to the morning meal. This isn’t just eggs and toast.
It’s breakfast prepared with the same care and traditional methods they use for everything else. The coffee is hot, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
For Indianapolis residents looking for a breakfast spot that offers something different from the usual chain diners, Simply Southern Soul Food provides a satisfying alternative that will fuel your day the right way.
Convenient Location with Easy Access
Simply Southern Soul Food is located at 2940 E 38th St Suite F, right in the heart of Indianapolis. The location makes it accessible for people coming from different parts of the city, whether you’re heading there for a quick lunch during your work break or making a special trip for dinner.
The area around the restaurant offers other attractions and amenities that make it easy to combine your meal with other activities. Fall Creek Parkway is nearby, offering green space and trails if you want to walk off your meal.
The restaurant is also not far from the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, located at 4000 Michigan Road, making it a good stop before or after a museum visit.
Parking is available, and the restaurant’s strip mall location means you won’t struggle to find a spot. The setup is casual and straightforward, perfect for grabbing takeout or dining in quickly.
They also offer catering services, which makes them a resource for events, parties, or office lunches.
The operating hours are worth noting. They’re open Thursday through Saturday from 8 AM until 6 or 7 PM, and Sundays from 11 AM to 6 PM.
They’re closed Monday through Wednesday, so plan your visit accordingly.
Family-Owned Hospitality and Personal Service
Simply Southern Soul Food is a family-owned business, and that shows in how they interact with customers. The owners are often present, taking orders, answering questions, and making sure everyone leaves satisfied.
This personal touch creates a different dining experience than you’d get at a corporate chain restaurant.
Reviews mention the Southern hospitality that greets customers when they arrive. The staff takes time to explain menu items, offer recommendations, and accommodate special requests when possible.
For travelers passing through Indianapolis, many have noted that the restaurant gives them a taste of home and the kind of service that makes them feel welcome.
The restaurant has also shown its commitment to the community by providing catering for special events, including weddings. One reviewer specifically praised how the owner and staff dedicated their entire day to making sure a wedding reception was perfect, with professional service and attentive care for all the guests.
That level of dedication speaks to the pride they take in their business.
In a food scene increasingly dominated by impersonal fast-casual chains, Simply Southern Soul Food offers something more meaningful. The connections they build with regular customers and their willingness to go the extra mile make this more than just a place to eat.
Signature Dishes That Define Soul Food Excellence
Certain dishes at Simply Southern Soul Food have earned legendary status among regular customers. The meatloaf is one of those items that people specifically call ahead to make sure is available.
It’s seasoned perfectly, moist, and served with gravy that complements the flavors without overwhelming them. Paired with mashed potatoes and a vegetable side, it’s comfort food at its finest.
The turkey and rice is another customer favorite that deserves special mention. The turkey is cooked until tender, falling apart with just a fork, and served over fluffy rice with savory gravy.
It’s a dish that showcases the restaurant’s ability to take simple ingredients and transform them into something memorable. The portions are generous, and the flavor is consistently good.
Deviled eggs appear as a side option and have their own following. They’re creamy, well-seasoned, and offer a nice contrast to the heavier main dishes.
The restaurant also serves Kool-Aid, which adds to the authentic, homestyle feel of the place. It’s a small detail, but one that resonates with people who grew up with Southern cooking.
For seafood lovers, the restaurant offers salmon with lemon butter sauce that has received high praise, particularly when served at catered events. The variety on the menu ensures there’s something for everyone.
Supporting a Local Black-Owned Business
Simply Southern Soul Food is a Black-owned business that contributes to Indianapolis’s diverse culinary landscape. Supporting restaurants like this helps strengthen the local economy and preserves cultural food traditions that might otherwise disappear.
The restaurant represents entrepreneurship and the American dream, with owners who have built something meaningful from the ground up.
When you dine at Simply Southern, you’re not just getting a meal. You’re supporting a family’s livelihood and helping ensure that authentic soul food remains accessible in Indianapolis.
Black-owned restaurants face unique challenges in the food industry, from accessing capital to competing with larger chains that have bigger marketing budgets. Every customer makes a difference.
The restaurant’s presence in the community goes beyond just serving food. They provide employment, participate in local events through catering, and create a space where people can gather and share meals.
These contributions matter, especially in neighborhoods that benefit from locally-owned businesses rather than national chains that send profits elsewhere.
For Indianapolis residents who believe in supporting local businesses and promoting diversity in the city’s restaurant scene, Simply Southern Soul Food deserves consideration. The food speaks for itself, but knowing that your dining dollars support a local family adds another layer of satisfaction to the experience.
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