Southfield's Best Soul Food [Updated 2025]

As I dove into the vibrant culinary scene of Southfield, each bite transported me home, mingling memories of family dinners with the rich aromas of seasoned dishes. I’ve scoured this delightful city, tasting my way through 12 top spots that serve up soul food with heart and authenticity.

You can trust my expertise because I’ve not only indulged in the classics but also discovered hidden gems that deserve a place on your must-try list. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, prepare your taste buds for a flavorful journey that celebrates the essence of soul food right here in Southfield!

Southern Smokehouse

Highlights
Professional and friendly staff
Delicious portion sizes
Great side options
Value for the price
Mixed reviews on oxtail

Upon stepping into Southern Smokehouse, I was greeted by a team of professional and friendly staff that instantly made me feel at home. The ambiance is warm and inviting, setting the stage for an authentic soul food experience. For starters, the portion sizes are nothing short of abundant; it’s like they believe in love at first bite!

I decided to treat myself to their famous fried chicken, which was delightfully crispy on the outside yet succulent and juicy within. Each mouthful was a celebration of flavors that could only be described as truly soul-satisfying. The sides, oh my! The collard greens had just the right seasoning, while the macaroni and cheese practically begged to be savored slowly.

However, I heard mixed reviews about their oxtail, which piqued my curiosity, but I opted to stick with the classics for my first visit. The value for the price is remarkable, a rarity in the foodie world! If you’re looking for a place that combines generous servings with a charming atmosphere, then Southern Smokehouse might just be your next soul food destination in Southfield. Come hungry and prepare for an experience that warms the heart!

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Detroit Soul

Highlights
Amazing smothered pork chops
Delicious ribs and wings
Warm and welcoming service
Cooked to perfection
Consistently great experience

Detroit Soul is a genuine gem nestled in Southfield, where every dish tells a story of culinary passion. As soon as I stepped inside, I was welcomed with a warm ambiance that felt like home. I couldn’t resist starting with their smothered pork chops, which were cooked to perfection. The tender meat, bathed in a luscious gravy, danced on my palate—each bite was pure comfort.

But it didn’t stop there. I ventured to try their ribs and wings, which were equally impressive. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, generously coated in a tangy sauce that had just the right amount of kick. Meanwhile, the wings were crispy outside, showcasing that perfect juicy tenderness inside.

What truly sets Detroit Soul apart is not just the food; it’s the consistently great experience provided by the staff. They exude warmth and hospitality, making every visit feel special. It’s easy to see why this place has quickly become a favorite spot for soul food lovers in the area. If you’re searching for flavors that soothe the soul, then Detroit Soul is definitely where you’ll find happiness on a plate.

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Cornbread Restaurant & Bar

Stepping into Cornbread Restaurant & Bar feels like a warm hug from home. The aroma of slow-cooked collard greens and buttery cornbread wrapped around me as I entered, promising a delightful feast. Their crispy fried chicken, tender and juicy, practically sings with flavor, while the mac ’n’ cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy and dreamy! Don’t skip the signature cornbread; it’s a heavenly blend of sweet and savory. With a vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff, Cornbread is a true gem in Southfield for anyone craving authentic soul food. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience worth savoring!

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Lillie Mae's Southern Buffet

Lillie Mae's Southern Buffet is a soul food haven that whisks you away to the heart of the South! The moment you step inside, the aroma of fried chicken and collard greens envelops you like a warm hug. I savored each bite of their tender, juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned, paired with rich, creamy mac and cheese that danced on my taste buds. The buffet offers an assortment of homestyle dishes, making it hard to choose just one favorite. Warmth and hospitality shine through the staff, contributing to an unforgettable dining experience. If you’re craving comfort food, this is the place to be!

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The Smackin Soul

Stepping into The Smackin Soul feels like a warm embrace from Grandma's kitchen. The fried chicken is golden perfection, boasting a crispy crust that gives way to juicy, flavorful meat. Their collard greens have just the right touch of seasoning, embodying the essence of comfort food. I couldn't resist the mac and cheese, creamy and rich—it's a dish that dances on your palate! The staff exudes warmth and hospitality, making every visit feel like a family gathering. If you're craving authentic soul food, The Smackin Soul is a must-visit in Southfield—it's pure culinary bliss!

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Nannie B's Soul Food

The moment I stepped into Nannie B's Soul Food, I was greeted by the inviting aroma of simmering collard greens and cornbread. The hospitality here is as warm as the food itself, making you feel right at home. I indulged in the fried chicken, which was perfectly seasoned and crispy, paired with delightfully buttery mashed potatoes that danced on my palate. The star of the show, however, was the sweet potato pie—a slice of pure joy that left me craving more. If you're in Southfield and seeking authentic soul food with a side of love, Nannie B's is an absolute must-visit!

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Lillie Bell’s

Stepping into Lillie Bell’s feels like embracing a warm hug from Grandma. The aroma of collard greens and cornbread greets you like an old friend. I savored their signature fried chicken, perfectly crispy and profoundly flavorful, paired with creamy mac and cheese that feels like a comforting cloud. What truly stole my heart was the sweet potato pie, a delightful end to my meal that danced on my taste buds. It’s a place where each dish tells a story, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic soul food in Southfield. Trust me, you won’t leave hungry!

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Motor City Soul Food

From the moment I stepped into Motor City Soul Food, the warm aroma of fried chicken and collard greens embraced me like a long-lost friend. The menu is a delightful homage to traditional soul food, with mac and cheese that’s a creamy dream and cornbread that’s perfectly sweet and crumbly. I indulged in their signature fried catfish, which was crispy on the outside and oh-so-flaky inside. The hearty portions left me craving more, yet grateful for every bite. If you’re hunting for authentic soul food that feels like home, don’t skip this gem in Southfield—it’s a true culinary blessing!

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Als Soul Food

From the moment I stepped into Al’s Soul Food, the warm, inviting aroma of fried chicken and collard greens enveloped me like a cozy hug. The fried catfish was crispy and seasoned to perfection, while the mac and cheese had that creamy goodness that danced on my taste buds. I savored every bite, but the true star was the sweet potato pie—a delightful, sweet indulgence that left me craving more. The friendly staff added to the experience, making it feel like family. If you’re in Southfield, this gem is a must-try for authentic soul food that warms your heart!

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Mr. B's Soul Food- Detroit

As I took my seat at Mr. B's Soul Food- Detroit, a delightful aroma enveloped me, promising a feast of flavors. Their fried catfish was perfectly crispy, yet tender inside, while the collard greens sang with a joyous harmony of spices. I savored each bite of the smothered pork chops, a true soul food masterpiece. The ambiance buzzed with warmth, reflecting the rich culture. Their sweet potato pie was a heavenly finale, leaving me craving more. If you're in Southfield and hunting for genuine soul food, Mr. B’s is simply a must-visit gem!

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Libby’s Sweet Soul Kitchen

The moment I stepped into Libby’s Sweet Soul Kitchen, the aroma of comfort food enveloped me like a warm hug. Their fried chicken is a crispy masterpiece, perfectly seasoned and juicy underneath. I paired it with the collard greens, which boasted a rich, soulful flavor that danced on my palate. Don’t even get me started on the cornbread—it’s sweet, buttery, and downright addictive! With a cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger, Libby’s serves up a delightful slice of soul that keeps you coming back for more. It’s truly a gem in Southfield’s culinary landscape!

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Mr. B's Soul Food 2

From the moment I stepped into Mr. B's Soul Food 2, I felt an inviting warmth that beckoned me closer to a culinary embrace. The fried chicken was golden perfection, with a crispy exterior that yielded to tender, juicy meat—each bite a delightful revelation! The collard greens were seasoned to perfection, bursting with flavorful goodness that captured the essence of southern tradition. I couldn't resist the cornbread, which was wonderfully moist and sweet, making it the ideal accompaniment. With a charming atmosphere and a menu that feels like home, Mr. B's truly delivers an unforgettable soul food experience in Southfield!

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