Comfort Classics: Soul Food in Los Angeles

by Mar Yvette - Citysearch Editor - 363 Reviews - 110 Lists

Updated: February 14, 2009

Who says Los Angeles has no soul? From a famed fried-chicken-and-waffles joint to a good-for-your-heart-and-soul destination, we've got you covered with our top Southern-style food finds.

Chicken, Collards and Cobbler, Oh My!

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Memphis Soul Cafe & Bar
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    2920 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (map)

    More Southern-inspired than authentic Southern, this down-home eatery is where Orange County crowds head for drinks and specialties like Zuni frybread--a pizza made of cornmeal and topped with roasted poblanos peppers, corn, jack cheese and pesto sauce.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Big Mama's Rib Shack
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    1453 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104 (map)

    Just like Mama used to make: This family-run location--decked out in cherry wood chairs, white linen tablecloths and splashy walls--has been serving Pasadena locals a bevy of Southern dishes like spicy jambalaya and fried catfish since 2002.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles
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    1514 N Gower St, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

    A trip to this cholesterol-drenched cookery might not make the doctor happy, but there's no denying the miles of smiles from patrons who just can't get enough of the fried chicken and syrup-soaked waffles.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Soul-Food Kitchen
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    202 E Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301 (map)

    With portions that rival the size of the actual kitchen, this simple soul food find is where in-the-know locals go for comfort dishes like chicken with rice, cornbread, meatloaf, baked fish and other Southern classics.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bertha's Soul Food Cafe
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    1714 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (map)

    First opened in 1965, this homey roadside eatery is where folks go for ginormous portions of gumbo and deep fried, smothered-in-sauce, no-calorie-counting comfort favorites. And with a name like Bertha's it's gotta be good.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Serving Spoon
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    1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302 (map)

    Inglewood's family-run restaurant has become known for its served-all-day, soul food style breakfast: Wings 'n' waffles entice while egg combinations feature a mind-boggling selection of meats, from turkey sausage and T-bone steak to catfish and pork chops.

  7. 7 3.5 Star Rating: Average Natural Soul Food Non Profit
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    1444-48 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90062 (map)

    Unlike most soul food joints that push the boundaries of artery-clogging delights, this non-profit cafe in South L.A. is not only good for the heart, it also comes from the heart--the pay-what-you-can system allows folks to eat healthy fare at any price.

  8. 8 3.5 Star Rating: Average Aunt Kizzy's Backporch
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    4325 Glencoe Ave, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

    This celeb favorite in Marina Del Rey is where to go for lemonade served in Mason jars, a Marvin Gaye soundtrack and huge portions of cast-iron skillet dishes like fried chicken, smothered steak, and chicken and dumplings.

  9. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Miss Peaches Southern Cuisine
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    5643 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 (map)

    This coquettishly named NoHo nook is like walking into a cozy, lived-in kitchen. Guests are welcomed by checkered tablecloths and memento-lined shelves while the menu hits all the classic Southern spots.

  10. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended M & M Soul Food
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    2500 Carson St, Lakewood, CA 90712 (map)

    This family-friendly chain serves affordable, home-style soul food like meatloaf, smothered chicken, liver and onions, plus burgers, sandwiches and traditional desserts. There's no wine or beer--and you can't bring your own in--but there are plenty of other beverages. (We told you it was family-friendly.)

  11. 11 3.5 Star Rating: Average Larkin's
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    1496 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041 (map)

    Chef and owner Larkin Mackey has brought the Harlem Renaissance and soul food into the modern era with live jazz and a menu featuring lower-fat classics like pork chops, sauteed collard greens and vegan specialties like "The Color Purple"--roasted beets and purple cabbage.

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