People know that Georgia is the kind of place where you can indulge in some old fashioned soul food and Savannah features a number of restaurants that will give you that homey feeling with every plate.
Simple Soul of Savannah
4.9 ★
Traditional soul food is known for being straightforward without a lot of frills, but still packed with flavor while filling you up. Let’s start off this list with a restaurant that pushes out mac n’ cheese that seems to be the talk of any plate. At Simple Soul of Savannah, the heart of Savannah’s southern roots is easily accessible from atmosphere to flavor and every aspect of your visit. Closed on Wednesdays, you can plan to visit this lively Montgomery St restaurant from 11:30 am – 8 pm (6 pm closing time on Sunday) or order takeout. Regardless of whether you eat in or at home, don’t forget to add a side of mac n cheese to your plate of shrimp n grits, fried chicken, or a number of other soul food options.
Alligator Soul Restaurant
4.6 ★
Some restaurants like to remain consistent, keeping the same menu no matter what time of the year is happening and while we can appreciate consistency, there is something special about a menu that rotates with the weather. Seasonal menus are always a delectable experience because the menu changes to suit what is being grown fresh. At Alligator Soul Restaurant on Barnard St, farm fresh ingredients that are locally sourced make every meal taste delicious in that southern sort of way. Founded in 2003, Alligator Soul officially has over twenty years under their belts and is recognized as one of Savannah’s top restaurants. Upscale digs and organic menu items make Alligator Soul Restaurant an inviting place to have some wine, cocktails, and soul food. Open for dinner only, you can visit Alligator Soul Restaurant from 5-9:45 pm on any day outside of Sunday.
Munchie’s BBQ & Soul Food
4.6 ★
Ribs, greens, mac n cheese, and all the old favorites that you want to fill up a plate are waiting for your family at Munchie’s BBQ & Soul Food. Look no further than Montgomery St when you want southern cooking that makes any plate feel like it weighs ten pounds. Munchie’s BBQ & Soul Food is also one of Savannah’s prime locations for oxtails that are always cooked perfectly, so don’t miss out on that insight. From 11:30 am – 6 pm every day, Munchie’s BBQ & Soul Food is open and ready to have you dive right into a plate of home style cooking. At this quaint restaurant, you feel like you’ve been invited to the best family dinner around. Next time someone in your group in in the mood to satisfy the munchies, you will know exactly where to take them.
Sweet Potatoes Kitchen
4.5 ★
Take a trip out of the Historic District over to Stephenson Ave one of these days and try a meal at Sweet Potatoes Kitchen. Endearing in nature and the quality of food, Sweet Potatoes Kitchen is a southern experience that feels like you’re right at home with loved ones. Serving up soul food style menu options that range from classics like meatloaf to the peach glazed bbq chicken, Sweet Potatoes Kitchen is all about providing a new series of flavors with each plate. Even their side selection seems to sit on a higher level with options like lemon collard greens or hot and sweet garlic pickles. Closed on Sundays like all the best southern restaurants, Sweet Potatoes Kitchen is ready to serve from 11 am – 8 pm any other day. Get ready for lunch and dinner at this charming space where you never know just how tasty your soul food will be until your first bite.
Narobia’s Grits & Gravy
4.6 ★
When you’re on the hunt for straight up soul food without the extra frills, head over to Habersham St to find Narobia’s Grits & Gravy for a modest and filling experience with a staff that is always friendly. Shrimp, grits, gravy, the folks that run Narobia’s Grits & Gravy have all the soul food boxes checked and will fill your plate with as much food as it can handle. They even boast a plate of French toast that is too good to have to top with syrup. Don’t be surprised if you walk into a full house at any time during their open hours. Narobia’s Grits & Gravy is popular and likely to fill up quickly even with all the seating but don’t worry, they can always find room for new guests. Throughout the week, you can have breakfast or early lunch at Narobia’s Grits & Gravy Tuesday-Saturday from 7 am – 1 pm. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled as you’re driving down Habersham, this restaurant is the kind that you might miss if you are not looking for it actively. But we all know that the best food is always served up by the establishments that don’t worry about too much flair. They are busier working towards making their plates taste better every time they serve another one.
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Kim’s Cafe
4.5 ★
Putting the people first is what Kim’s Cafe has been about since long before they even opened the establishment. Centered around morals and values that are rooted in family, God, and general love for anyone who is hungry, Kim’s Cafe is for the people. Along with serving a full menu of soul food from breakfast through lunch and early dinner, Kim’s Cafe is known for their involvement with a number of local charities. Affordable, filling, and yummy, Kim’s Cafe has a little bit of what everyone loves at their location on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Stop by from 8 am – 5 pm and order a fried peanut butter and jelly topped with bacon if you’re looking for something new to make your day at Kim’s Cafe. Along with plates that are served with style, this restaurant has the overall vibe of a jazz club that you might remember from some old movie. Lower lights and gentle ambiance adds to what they are selling, and you will want to buy. Spending an hour at Kim’s Cafe is almost like taking a break from the outside world when you need it.
Loc’s Chicken & Waffles
4.5 ★
Chicken and waffles is one of those tried and true southern favorites that makes you think of sitting in Grandma’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon, iconic to say the least. At Loc’s Chicken & Waffles or Abercorn St or Skidaway Rd, you can get a taste of the best combo since peanut butter and jelly. Make a choice from a chicken & waffles menu that features wings, sandwiches, pork chops and of course, waffles that will make you want to write home. There is even a hefty selection of omelets that you’d never expect to be at a chicken and waffle joint. Though the sign might lead you to assume their menu is restricted to just chicken and waffles, Loc’s is much more than that so visit either location from around 6 am – 3 pm and find out what has folks coming back for more than chicken and waffles at Loc’s Chicken & Waffles. If you are in a shopping mood, the Abercorn location is conveniently only a minute or two away from the mall and makes a great stop before and after an afternoon spent visiting your favorite stores.
Debi’s Restaurant
4.5 ★
Located inside of the East Bay Inn, Debi’s Restaurant is one cozy establishment with southern charm pouring from every wall. Come by any day for breakfast or lunch. Debi’s Restaurant is open from 8 am – 2:30 pm with menu selections like fish & grits or French toast to start your day off right. Don’t worry about overspending at Debi’s either. Along with serving each plate fast and with a smile, Debi’s maintains a reputation for being affordable and tasty every time. Historic Bay St is known for being a hot spot in the district for restaurants, shopping, and general historic charm. Ask about their daily specials to get the best bang for your buck and enjoy your trip to Debi’s Restaurant. You might even run into the owner herself, Debi if you’re lucky. Don’t expect a bunch of thrills and overdone tropes at Debi’s restaurant. Much like the simple, one word name of the restaurant, Debi’s does not need to go over the top with what they serve. This food speaks for itself without having to scream to do it.
Erica Davis Lowcountry
4.7 ★
South Georgia is the inspiration behind the menu served at Erica Davis Lowcountry on Victory Drive and you can taste the soul put into every plate served. Owned by a family who has been involved in the culinary side of things for over 75 years, Erica Davis Lowcountry is not at all new to this game. Lowcountry boils, oyster roasts, and barbecue only vaguely categorize the meals served at this location. Find them on Victory Drive Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm. Lunch or dinner at this restaurant is always more fun when you ask for the soup of the day to start the meal off, but their Brunswick Stew is nothing to ignore either. Erica Davis Lowcountry has been known for not just the restaurant over the years but also their catering services. Next time you are wondering who to hire to feed your next large party, consider Erica Davis Lowcountry to make sure everyone is stuffed for an affordable price.
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on the one part of Savannah that is as classic and traditional as Sunday dinner with the family by trying any of these restaurants out. Soul food is known for filling up large groups of people with flavor that you can’t find without a little extra butter, so bring your sweatpants for this adventure. At Savannah Sip & Cycle, we are a crew of people who are used to riding bikes from place to place so carb heavy food is what keeps us going. When you eat at any of these locations, you get a taste of what makes Savannah (and Georgia in general) a popular place to build your home. Around these parts, we believe that the best way to any person’s heart is through the kitchen. Click through our old articles if you need information on the many different styles of food that Savannah has available. Whether it’s Asian food, Vegan food, barbecue, or any other specific style, we are likely to have already covered the topic at The Savannah Insider.