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Best Soul Food in Newark

Currently, craving some catfish? Yearning for yams? Or perhaps pining for pork chops? You may be suffering from a severe lack of soul food in your diet!

Lucky for you, just because Newark is a Northeastern city doesn’t mean you can’t sample some serious Southern delicacies while out on the town. Newark is the home to multiple eateries serving up mouth-watering dishes steeped in the style and flavors of traditional African-American cooking in the South. With menu items like fried chicken and waffles, collard greens and cornbread, mac and cheese, and more get ready to experience down-home eats by the forkful. Below is your soul-satisfying list of the Best Soul Food Spots in Newark.

Fried Chicken - Vonda's Kitchen

Pancakes - Vonda's Kitchen

Salmon - Vonda's Kitchen

Vonda’s Kitchen, 183 W. Kinney Street – You’ll feel right at home in Vonda’s Kitchen, a go-to favorite for fresh soul food, healthy options, and amazing Uptowns (sweet tea and lemonade). Clean, bright, and modern with any artsy interior, may we suggest the blackened catfish, barbeque chicken, beef ribs, and candied yams? Don’t forget to grab a delicious slice of red velvet or carrot cake to go. Hometown hero Shaq is a big fan (no pun intended)!

 

King's Family Restaurant w/ Governor Murphy

King's Family Restaurant Plate

King’s Family Restaurant, 327 Lyons Ave. – Looking for a hearty Southern breakfast? Head over to King’s for the tastiest fried whiting, salmon cakes with creamy grits, or a heaping helping of chicken and waffles. This large eatery with friendly service, reasonable prices, and ample portions are sure to please. Perfect for a no-pork diet, they serve beef and turkey bacon as well as chicken, turkey, and beef sausage. Brunch win!

This article was started by the Contributor:

Lauren Craig


 

The Weekend Spot - Chicken and Rice

The Weekend Spot - Shrimp Scampi

The Weekend Spot - Salmon

The Weekend Spot, 683 Springfield Ave – Authentic Ricosoul cuisine made fresh, healthy, and full of flavor -- from their family to yours! To them, "​​There is no love more sincere than the love of the food and the people we serve." Located in the heart of Newark. "Ricosoul" is a concept born out of their family tradition that blends Soul Food and Puerto Rican homestyle cooking.

Bentley's Chicken & Waffles

Bentley's Lamb Chops

Bentley's Soul Food & Sea Food, 71 Clay St – Seated in the heart of downtown Newark, Bentley’s has become an attraction for locals who have embraced the restaurant's appetizing eats, friendly vibe, and lively entertainment options. Popular menu items include takes on classic staples like burgers, wings, and mac & cheese as well as newly forged flavors turned crowd favorites like Rasta Pasta, Bentley’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and their Braised Short Rib Empanadas. Vegan options are also available at Bentley's including a variety of hearty salads, black-eyed pea hummus, cauliflower wings, and rice bowls made with fresh, whole ingredients.