These Soul Food Restaurants Will Make You Feel at Home in Los Angeles
After sharing spots for a Southern Sunday brunch in Los Angeles, someone asked me about soul food places in general. All of the restaurants on that list classify themselves in the category of “southern cuisine,” and majority of them also serve lunch and dinner, so a part of me wanted to copy/paste that link and resend her that same list. But, the other side of me thought this is a great reason to do another one! Yaay! Let’s talk lunch!
Laid back environment, and good food with all the fixings
“African Americans chefs have an enduring legacy of serving amazingly-delicious food in friendly and welcoming atmospheres.” I can’t think of a Black owned and/or operated restaurant in which this statement doesn’t ring true. I’ve always enjoyed the food. (Possibly because I’m Black.. and was raised in the South.. by my grandmother.. on food that Southern grandmothers cook. Though it could be my bias, I’m pretty sure it’s not; even people on the opposite side of the world enjoy America's southern food when they try it). More importantly, I’ve always felt welcomed.
If you want larger helpings, and less pretentiousness, these are some soul food restaurants in Los Angeles that come to mind:
Dulan’s
4859 Crenshaw Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90043
photo: Dulan’s Instagram
Talk about larger helpings, whew! Dulan’s was one of the very first places I ate when I hopped off the 10 freeway and made my way into Los Angeles. I’m pretty sure I still couldn’t use my rearview mirror, as all my belongings were piled to the roof of my little Chevy Cruze. Relocating across the country put me on a tight budget, so Dulan’s quickly became one of my favorite places to eat because you could eat one of their meals as 3!
They plop that food onto your plate as if you’re skinnier than usual and they’re one of your aunties saying, “baby, you needta put some meat on ya bones.” Their generous servings and reasonable pricing will have you going back for more.
Comfort L.A.
1110 E 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90021
photo: Comfort LA’s Instagram
This place is a whole entire vibe when they’re open for dine in — R&B and hip-hop classics blasting for the speakers (sometimes a live DJ), Black art on the walls, and decks of cards on the tables.. I mean, come on. It doesn’t get much more chill than that.
This is a great option for those that don’t want overindulge in the heaviness that soul food typically is. Though they have your fried chicken, and cornbread and collard greens, it’s all prepared and served a little lighter.
photo: Ms. B’s Instagram
Ms. B’s
4549 W Imperial Hwy
Inglewood, CA 90304
Years ago, I sat in Ms. B’s for the first time and had to ask myself, “wait.. have I been here before? I could’ve sworn I chose one off my ‘Black owned restaurants’ Internet search results that I hadn’t visited yet.” In addition to the diner space giving me nostalgia, when I walked in, a lady greeted me like I was a regular. It was something along the lines of a “oh hey thea, baby,” in a familiar tone. Turns out, that lady was the owner and she didn’t think she knew me at all; she simply makes everyone feel comfortable, whether it’s a long-time returning customer or an out-of-town visitor she’ll never see again.
Black Bottom Southern Kitchen
4806 Vineland Ave
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Once upon a time, I was obsessed with the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, so when I found out the actor that plays Dr. Richard Webber owns a soul food restaurant in Los Angeles, I had to go! The inside of the facility looked new, but the atmosphere still possessed that relaxed, Southern charm. The food itself is definitely soul-food-meets-California.
He co-owns this restaurant with his beautiful Black wife of nearly 40 years. We love to see it!
“There is so much that people don’t know about the African American experience. There is such a wealth of history in the South, and food is an important part of it. Anything can happen over a plate of food. We are all much more closely intertwined than we think.”
owners of Black Bottom Southern Kitchen: James Pickens, Grey’s Anatomy star, and wife, Gina Taylor-Pickens
In the words of the sign that towers over the parking lot of Black Bottom Southern Kitchen,
J’eet yet?
You’re not too bold. You’re not too much. Your kinky ‘fro is not unkempt. At these Black-owned soul food restaurants in Los Angeles, you’re perfect.. you’re right at home. ❤
