Fried chicken and sides at a Black-owned soul food restaurant in Detroit
  1. City guides
  2. Detroit
  3. Soul food

Best Soul Food in Detroit: 7 Black-Owned Restaurants (2026)

By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026

Looking for the best soul food in Detroit? These 7 Black-owned restaurants cover everything from fried chicken, catfish and smothered chops to barbecue, brunch and modern Southern kitchens. You'll find them in Northwest Detroit, Livernois near Eight Mile, New Center and Greektown. Our top picks are Motor City Soul Food, Southern Smokehouse and Baker's Keyboard Lounge.

Every business here was named as Black-owned by a trusted local source (listed at the bottom). Hours and locations change, so call or check the website before you go.

← Back to the full Detroit guide

Black-owned soul food restaurants in Detroit

6 places
  • Soul food Top pick

    Northwest Detroit (McNichols corridor)

    1.Southern Smokehouse

    Must tryBrisket, fried chicken and banana pudding

    Carry-out-only soul food and barbecue kitchen run by brothers Kevin and Dwayne Hayes; Dwayne trained under chef Milos Cihelka at The Golden Mushroom. Hot food is...

    14340 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48235

    View details Directions Call
  • Soul food Top pick

    Livernois near Eight Mile

    2.Baker's Keyboard Lounge

    Must tryLamb chops with collard greens

    Historic jazz club serving soul food, owned since 2011 by Eric Whitaker and Hugh Smith. It reopened in June 2026 after renovations with a refreshed menu;...

    20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221

    View details Directions Call
  • Soul food

    Northwest Detroit (McNichols corridor)

    3.Sweet Soul Bistro

    Must tryAretha Franklin Catfish Bites

    Toya Green's soul food bistro puts a Motown twist on the menu, naming dishes after Detroit music legends. Also known for honey-glazed salmon, greens and mac...

    13741 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48235

    View details Directions
  • Soul food

    New Center

    4.Joe Louis Southern Kitchen

    Must tryChicken and waffles

    Southern breakfast and brunch spot named for the boxing champion, also known for shrimp and grits and Cajun-fried turkey legs. Daytime only; closed New Year's Day,...

    6549 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

    View details Directions Call Website
  • Soul food

    Greektown / Downtown

    5.Flood's Bar & Grille

    Must trySuper Smash Burger

    Family-run downtown bar and grille serving soul food with a late-night kitchen. Opens daily at 5pm, with DJs, bingo and karaoke nights during the week.

    731 St. Antoine St, Detroit, MI 48226

    View details Directions Call Website
  • Soul food

    Southfield (suburb)

    6.Cornbread Restaurant and Bar

    Must tryFried catfish and salmon croquettes, with sweet potato pie

    Soul food and Lowcountry restaurant just outside Detroit that celebrates African American history with photos on its walls and themed shoebox lunches. The Kitchen Sink platter...

    29852 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48034

    View details Directions
All of Detroit Other cities

FAQ

What is the best soul food restaurant in Detroit?

Motor City Soul Food on West Seven Mile is a local favorite for cafeteria-style plates. Southern Smokehouse on McNichols is the pick for barbecue and soul food, and Baker's Keyboard Lounge on Livernois pairs Southern food with live jazz.

Which Detroit neighborhoods have the most spots on this list?

Northwest Detroit, Livernois near Eight Mile, New Center and Greektown each have places on this list.

How was this list made?

We only include businesses named as Black-owned by trusted local sources, such as city tourism boards, local news and food writers. The sources are listed below. We check the list regularly, but always confirm hours before you go.

Can I suggest a business?

Yes. Email youronlineafricanshop@gmail.com with the business name, address and a link.

Keep exploring

Detroit guide
All Black-owned categories in Detroit Beauty & spas in Detroit
Browse the full list Bakeries, books & shops in Detroit
Browse the full list All city guides
Black-owned businesses in more US cities African black soap & shea butter
Skin care staples from our shop

Sources

Back to blog