09/25/2025 | 3 Min. Read
Phoenix, I love you… but finding good soul food here has always been a little hit or miss. Last year I made a list, and let’s be real, it did not age well. A few places shut down, others just didn’t hit the way people said they would. So I hit refresh. Brand new year, brand new cravings, and I’ve pulled together a soul food list that actually deserves your appetite.
The Sit-Down Classics
CC’s on Central
2800 N Central Ave, A100, Phoenix, AZ 85004
IG: @eatatccs
Think Cajun-soul fusion with a vibe. CC’s is one of those places where you’ll plan to “just grab a quick bite” and end up staying for hours.
Momma’s Soul Fish & Chicken
4906 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85205
IG: @mommas_soul_lounge
Fish fried golden, chicken that crunches right. Just make sure to check which location’s open before you head out — they’ve shifted around a bit.
Milli’s Joint
3801 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040
IG: @millis.joint
Milli’s is pure neighborhood love. Pull up hungry, leave with leftovers. The kind of spot where the plate looks like your auntie’s Sunday spread.
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe
808 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
IG: @mrswhites
A Phoenix legend. If you haven’t been, you owe yourself at least one plate of their fried chicken and collards. This is history you can taste.
Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
1220 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (original location)
IG: @loloschickenandwaffles
The name says it all — crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and a vibe that made Lo-Lo’s a Phoenix staple long before “chicken and waffles” was trendy. A must-stop for locals and visitors alike.
Well Seasoned
4280 N Drinkwater Blvd, Ste 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
IG: @wellseasonedaz
A little more elevated, a little more “put on something nice and let’s go out.” Perfect for date night soul food.
Busby Soul Bowls
825 W Baseline Rd, Ste 1, Tempe, AZ 85283
IG: @busbyssoulbowls
Soul food with a twist — everything in a bowl. Mac, greens, proteins stacked together. Comfort food made portable.
Big Bacon’s
719 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
IG: @baconsbig
Downtown vibes, creative takes, and serious portions. Big Bacon’s is newer on the scene but already making noise.
Soul Food Trucks
Because sometimes the best plates come from the back of a truck.
Freestyllez
4728 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
IG: @freestyllez
Pull up late night and get blessed with halal-friendly soul flavors.
King’s Plate Arizona
1638 S 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
IG: @kings_plate_arizona
Always on the move, always serving up big flavor. Definitely follow their IG to know where they’ll be parked.
Vegan Soul Food (Yes, It Slaps Too)
Phoenix is keeping up with the times — plant-based doesn’t mean flavor-less. These spots prove it.
Nana’s Kitchen
777 N Arizona Ave, Suite 7, Chandler, AZ 85225
IG: @nanaskitchenc
From vegan mac to jackfruit BBQ, Nana’s got comfort food without the guilt trip.
Natty’s World Plant Based Soul Food
1701 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
IG: @nattyworldpbsf
Plant-based, bold flavors, and a growing following. You won’t miss the meat, promise.
Hot Sauce N Pepper (Food Truck) – locations vary
IG: @hotsaucenpepper
A vegan soul food food truck. I repeat: vegan. soul food. food truck. Keep an eye on their schedule and go chase it down.
So that’s the lineup — the 2025 edition of Phoenix soul food, refreshed, relevant, and full of flavor. Last year’s list might’ve been a little shaky, but this one? Solid. If you’re hungry, trust me — start here and if you see me in line ahead of you, don’t be surprised. I warned you I’d be back with a plate of greens and cornbread! LOL
Black Phoenix Arizona 
Whats the word?