Louisville/ Food & Drinks
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Published on November 25, 2019
Louisville's 4 best spots to score soul food on a budgetSouthern Express Soul Food | Photo: Tiffany C./Yelp

Looking to sample the best soul food around town?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable soul food outlets in Louisville, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're on the hunt.

1. Shirley Mae's Café

Photo: Ellyse L./Yelp

Topping the list is Shirley Mae's Café. Located at 802 S. Clay St. in Smoketown Jackson, the beer bar and Southern spot, which offers soul food and more, is the highest-rated inexpensive soul food spot in Louisville, boasting 4.5 stars out of 137 reviews on Yelp. 

This spot, which debuted in 1988, was named of the "best places in Louisville to enjoy seriously good soul food," by the LEO Weekly. Look for its popular baked chicken with cornbread dressing, along with treats like banana pudding and pecan pie. 

2. Cottage Inn

Photo: kelly y./Yelp

Next up is Saint Joseph's Cottage Inn, situated at 570 Eastern Parkway. With four stars out of 85 reviews on Yelp, the traditional American and Southern spot, offering soul food and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for an affordable option. 

This eatery, which opened in 1929, is Louisville's longest operating business in its original location. On the menu, look for fried chicken, green tomatoes and classic grilled cheese sandwiches. 

3. Indi's Fast Food Restaurant

photo: dana l./yelp

Russell's Indi's Fast Food Restaurant, located at 1033 W. Broadway, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the low-priced Southern spot, which offers chicken wings and soul food, four stars out of 53 reviews. 

"[This spot offers] fresh hand-marinaded and breaded fried chicken and wings, potato wedges, barbecue rib tips, fried fish, popcorn shrimp, along with side dishes like fried okra, cauliflower, mushrooms and more," it states on Yelp in the section highlighting specialties.

4. Southern Express Soul Food

photo: james d./yelp

Over in Old Louisville, check out Southern Express Soul Food, which has earned four stars out of 29 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the Southern spot, which offers soul food and seafood, by heading over to 418 W. Oak St. 

This spot, which debuted four years ago, offers build-your-own meals at one dollar apiece, according to Insider Louisville. Look for bites like fried chicken or whiting fish paired with cooked cabbage or rice and gravy. There's also a hand-dipped ice cream cone station. 

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.