Why don’t we think soul food when we think Minneapolis?

The answers are complicated. Unlike other major cities in America, Minneapolis did not see a large influx of Black people to our city between the first and second world wars. By the 1940 census, there were only 4,646 Black people living here — compare this with almost a half million in the same year in New York City.

And much like many other parts of America, Minneapolis was not historically immune to discriminatory practices, keeping African Americans from business and entrepreneurial pipelines.

When we think “#north” we don’t exactly think soul. But like many things in Minneapolis, you just gotta know where to look. A new generation of culinarians are rejuvenating what it means to be Black, and cooking, and eating in the Twin Cities. Just like the rest of our city, surprises abound.

Take a look at these local restaurants and businesses that are bringing soul food to Minneapolis.

Breaking Bread

Currently Minneapolis’ best-known soul food restaurant, this North Minneapolis gathering place is a bright, sunny space for breakfast or lunch Monday through Friday (typically closed on weekends, but watch for popups where up-and-comers test out their specialties). In addition to classic fried chicken, top-notch macaroni and cheese and vegan greens, check out breakfast all day (blackened shrimp and grits!), an express lunch if you’re on the go and plenty of vegetarian and vegan friendly options. I love their full-service patio and homestyle friendly service. Breaking Bread is a social enterprise restaurant, and is a tool to bring health, wealth, and social change to North Minneapolis, our most populous Black neighborhood.

Wendy’s House of Soul

While I’m typically not the biggest fan of “fusion” cooking, Wendy’s House of Soul has struck culinary gold with their “Soul Rolls,” a traditional egg roll treated with soul: combos of greens, fried chicken, mac ‘n cheese, and more. Wendy is also known for her excellent wings, chicken and waffles, and even cherry kool-aid to wash it all down. Also watch for the upcoming Happy Soul Eggroll Shop, with a similar menu, coming soon to an undisclosed location.

Handsome Hog

Justin Sutherland is our local hometown culinary star of the moment, having recently bagged a win at Iron Chef, and appearing on an upcoming season of Top Chef. His restaurant, Handsome Hog, is not a strictly soul spot, but a flash of elegant southern cooking can be found throughout the menu. At the Hog, urbanized southern is the name of the game, with Pimento cheese dip, bacon fat popcorn, and whole roasted hog jowl. Check it out and say you knew Sutherland way back when. Those in the know project that his impending national celebrity chef status is almost inevitable.

Trio Plant-Based

While Trio Plant-Based is not strictly a soul food restaurant, they are contributing to the vegan soul food movement by including a soul food section on their all-vegan menu at this brand new Uptown spot. Choose from smoked ribs, cornbread with artisan maple butter, macaroni and cheeze, and more, all using zero animal product. Trio is also the only vegetarian restaurant in Minneapolis that is minority owned and operated. “Built upon a foundation of racial justice and love” is in their mission statement, and the All Are Welcome Here vibe is a breath of fresh, diverse air for the neighborhood.

Mama Sheila’s

Fast becoming known as the best soul buffet in the city, the newly opened Mama Sheila’s is a lesson in African American cooking, as well as trip down the history of Black music, with walls lined with images of great musicians. At the pay-by-your-plate-weight buffet, find smothered chicken, candied yams, black eyed peas, rice and beans, and many, many more items that are difficult to find around the Twin Cities. Check their social media often for information on rotating surprises like Sunday jazz brunch.

Sammy’s Avenue Eatery

If you’re looking for a casual place for a sandwich, soup, and hot coffee, look no further than Sammy’s, a bustling West Broadway cafe with sunny window seats, newspapers in the sill, and a stay-all-day vibe. But in addition to scratch soups and salads, Sammy’s is a best kept secret for homestyle hot soul food dishes, like gone-when-they’re gone greens with smoked turkey tails, available hot at the counter, as well as in the cooler case for at home (or hotel) eating.

Soul Bowl

Chef Gerard Klass became famous for his super popular Soul Bowl pop-ups, taking place at different locations throughout the city. Now his fast-casual style of soul food can be found at his permanent location inside of Graze Provisions and Libations Food Hall. Gerard is a classically trained chef, and is taking all of his knowledge and technique to the soul food he grew up on in his family’s native Indiana. At Soul Bowl, you can choose your own adventure with your own base, veggies, meats and sauces. His are not just the usual suspects, either. Cauliflower Mash, Dirty Yellow Rice, Five Spice Candied Yams, and smoked deviled eggs are just a few of the over-the-top creations you’ll find at Soul Bowl.

Smoke in the Pit

Owned by pitmaster Dwight Alexander, Smoke in the Pit, is a no-frills barbecue spot that focuses its efforts on the flavor of their meat. If there's one thing you have to try here it's the smoked wings because they’re smoked, not flame-broiled. Side choice is minimal but complement the rest of the meal well, look for soul food favorites mac & cheese, greens, baked beans, and coleslaw.

Soul to Soul Smoke House

Located in the Midtown Global Market this fast casual spot was an idea brought together by three entrepreneurial friends, Anthony Simmons, Jewuan Marshall, and Charles Robinson. Between the three owners there's nearly 60 years of cooking experience combined with generations of family recipes. The headliners are their high-quality, smoked barbecue of beef ribs, brisket, pork ribs, pork, chicken, and turkey. Pick up a side-dish of classic soul food flavors including cornbread, mac and cheese, collard greens, black-eyed peas, creamy coleslaw, or char-grilled corn on the cob. Don't forget to leave without having dessert; choices include banana pudding, a sweet potato ice cream, pecan bourbon butter cake, and a Kola ice cream.