You know those days when only a heaping plate of fried chicken, collard greens, and buttered cornbread will do? Plainfield’s soul-food spots have been serving up that comfort for decades, family recipes passed down like heirlooms, neighborhoods built around Sunday suppers, and flavors so rich they’ll have you planning your next visit before you even finish dessert.
But why stop there? We’ll also take you on a quick spin to three legendary New Jersey soul-food institutions beyond Plainfield, to sate every craving from North Jersey to the Shore. Ready for a culinary tour that’ll warm your belly and your heart? Let’s dig in.
1. The Family Soul Spot (Plainfield)
Where: 1109 Park Ave, Plainfield, NJ
Why You’ll Love It: This cozy corner eatery lives up to its name. Generous portions, friendly service, and dishes that taste like Grandma’s best Sunday dinner.
- Must-Try: Smothered pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes and collard greens.
- Local Cred: Voted “Best Soul Food in Plainfield” on TripAdvisor
- Insider Tip: Get there before noon, plates sell out fast on Wednesdays (smothered chicken day).
- Website & Menu: Family Soul Spot on TripAdvisor
2. Amazing Taste Restaurant (Plainfield)
Where: 1200 South Ave, Plainfield, NJ
Why You’ll Love It: This spot blends classic Southern staples with Caribbean flair, think jerk-seasoned wings alongside mac ’n’ cheese.
- Must-Try: Curry goat served with rice & peas, plus sweet plantains.
- Cred: Yelp’s Top 10 Soul Food in Plainfield
- Insider Tip: Ask for extra gravy—it’s the secret sauce that ties every dish together.
- Learn More: Amazing Taste on Facebook
3. A Touch of Soul Kitchen (Plainfield)
Where: 524 East Front St, Plainfield, NJ
Why You’ll Love It: True to its name, this kitchen adds a soulful twist to every bite. The menu rotates weekly, keeping you guessing and coming back for more.
- Must-Try: Sweet-heat fried chicken wings with honey-sriracha glaze.
- Cred: Featured on local food blogs and community forums.
- Insider Tip: Follow their Instagram (@ATouchOfSoulKitchen) for pop-up specials.
- Instagram: @ATouchOfSoulKitchen
4. Cave Kitchen (Plainfield)
Where: 614 West 2nd St, Plainfield, NJ
Why You’ll Love It: Named for its intimate, cave-like basement dining room, this spot serves soulful twists on classic soul food, plus vegan options that convert carnivores.
- Must-Try: Smoky barbecue jackfruit sliders (vegan) or slow-cooked oxtails.
- Cred: Praised by Plainfield Local (community newsletter) for inventive flavors.
- Insider Tip: Weekends feature live jazz and open-mic sessions—plan to linger.
- More Info: Cave Kitchen Facebook Page
5. J Secrets the Breakfast Spot (Plainfield)
Where: 635 East Front St, Plainfield, NJ
Why You’ll Love It: OK, it’s called a “breakfast spot”, but their soul-food brunch menu is no morning-after joke.
- Must-Try: Chicken ’n’ waffles with jalapeño honey butter.
- Cred: Black female–owned community favorite
- Insider Tip: Saturday morning lines form early; call ahead for a reservation.
- Learn More: J Secrets on UENI
6. BelleJohns’ Soul Food (Plainfield Delivery)
Where: Delivery Only via Uber Eats
Why You’ll Love It: When you can’t make it out, BelleJohns brings the soul to your door—think fall-off-the-bone ribs and buttery cornbread.
- Must-Try: Smothered turkey wings with yams and kale.
- Cred: Available on Uber Eats; top-rated delivery soul food in Plainfield
- Insider Tip: Order by 2 PM for same-day delivery; weekends book up fast.
- Order Here: BelleJohns’ on Uber Eats
7. Beyond Plainfield: Corinne’s Place (Camden, NJ)
Where: 556 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ
Why It’s Worth the Drive: A Philly Institute of Design grad opened Corinne’s to share her family’s heritage—makes it a must-visit pilgrimage.
- Must-Try: Crispy fish and cheesy cheese grits.
- Cred: Featured on NJ.com’s “Top 10 Best Soul Food” list.
- Insider Tip: Pair your meal with homemade peach sweet tea.
- More Info: Corinne’s Place on Yelp
8. Beyond Plainfield: Wash’s Restaurant (Atlantic City, NJ)
Where: 1339 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ
Why It’s Worth the Road Trip: Wash’s has been family-run since 1973, blending casino-town flair with down-home soul flavors.
- Must-Try: Seafood platter with fried catfish, shrimp, and hushpuppies.
- Cred: Voted “Best Soul Food on the Boardwalk” by AC Press.
- Insider Tip: Free live gospel brunch every Sunday at 11 AM.
- Learn More: Wash’s on Wikipedia
Why These Spots Matter
From Plainfield’s tucked-away gems to Camden’s culinary pioneers and Atlantic City’s legendary boardwalk chow-downs, these eight spots showcase soul food’s power to nourish body, soul, and community. They remind us that New Jersey’s cuisine isn’t just “Jersey Shore pizza”, it’s heritage, hustle, and heart served on a plate.
Your Turn: Share Your Soul-Food Secrets
Have a hidden soul-food oasis we missed? A family recipe you swear by? Join the Here For You Central waitlist, we’ll feature the best reader tips in our launch series.
