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.

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.

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 café 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 Smokehouse

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.

Northern Soul

Growing up, Chef Justin Sutherland spent his childhood in the kitchen learning recipes from his mother and grandmother. Now, he’s classically trained in French cuisine but infuses ingredients and techniques from his southern roots. Sutherland’s won multiple awards (2019 Charlie Awards for Outstanding Chef, and a two-time recipient of MSP Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) as well as Iron Chef America. He currently runs several award-winning restaurants, his newest spot – Northern Soul – now open at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. Here, you’ll find southern style food with some classic “northern soul,” of course. The fried chicken sandwich and Tennessee hot chicken sandwich are most popular here.

Lutunji's Palate

Find authentic, Southern-style peach cobbler right in the Elliot Park neighborhood. Lutunji Abram recently opened her bakery built on her signature dessert, the peach cobbler. Her secret? Using canned peaches! They’re juicy and cut easily with a fork while you’re chowing down. Vegans can also savor this delightful dessert, because Abram makes two versions: one with a buttery crust and one with a vegan crust. Even though her family grew up eating cobbler with lots of butter, they approve of the vegan option, too.

2 Dope Chicks

In the lower level of the Hennepin County Government Center downtown Minneapolis, you'll find 2 Dope Chicks. They're known for great soul food and even better customer service. Order the popular "Dope Roast" - pot roast with potatoes, carrots, mac and cheese and collard greens - or the catfish basket with onion rings.