In search of a new favorite soul food restaurant?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top soul food spots around Baltimore, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill.
1. The Land of Kush
Topping the list is The Land of Kush, a vegan soul food restaurant. Located at 840 N. Eutaw St. in Seton Hill, it is the highest-rated soul food restaurant in Baltimore, boasting four stars out of 479 reviews on Yelp.
There's a wide selection of plant-based fare, from sides like collard greens, cornbread and candied yams to macaroni and cheese and the eggplant parmesan — both made with house-made vegan cheese. There are also heartier dishes like vegan barbecue ribs, Chickun Salad and lentil burgers. Fresh juices, smoothies and kombucha from Mobtown Fermentation are among the drink options.
2. The GruB Factory
Next up is another vegan cafe, Midtown's The GruB Factory, situated at 1210 N. Charles St. Opened in 2017, it's part of the Pan-Afrikan Liberation Movement, or PLM, an organization devoted to the "productive transformation of African people," according to afro.com.
Stop by in the morning for breakfast fare like French toast, pancakes, tofu scrambles and faux bacon. Later in the day, you'll find gyros, curry faux chicken, and a "cheezsteak sub." With 4.5 stars out of 116 reviews on Yelp, it has proven to be a local favorite.
3. Breaking Bread
Washington Village's Breaking Bread, located at 771 Washington Blvd., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it 4.5 stars out of 89 reviews.
Most certainly not a vegan spot, the specialty here is chicken wings prepared with sauces such as Sriracha, jerk, hot honey and barbecue. There are also numerous burgers, soups and french fries loaded with pulled-beef barbecue, cheddar cheese, scallions and sour cream. You may BYOB for a small fee.
4. Ida B's Table
Ida B's Table is another go-to, with four stars out of 171 Yelp reviews. Named for Ida B. Wells, the famed African-American writer and civil rights activist, the menu of modern soul food follows a journalistic theme.
"Leads" include deviled eggs and jerk chicken rolls. "Bylines" are burgers, including lamb, beef, chipotle turkey and a vegetarian option made with eggplant. "Features" include short ribs, meatloaf and fried blue catfish. The bar serves up cocktails, wine and beer. Head downtown to 235 Holliday St. to try it for yourself.
5. Soul Kuisine Cafe
Finally, over in Greenmount West, check out Soul Kuisine Cafe, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 36 reviews on Yelp. The casual, intimate spot prepares a full breakfast menu of breakfast sandwiches, plus omelets, pancakes, and shrimp and grits.
Lunchtime sandwiches include the Gladys Knight (chicken breast with ham, Swiss cheese, red onion and honey mustard), the Stevie Wonder (tuna salad) and the Smoky Robinson (pork with coleslaw and mango barbecue sauce). Catfish, tilapia and crab cake platters come with sides like collard greens and sweet potatoes. You can find it at 203 E. North Ave.
