Iconic Soul Food Dishes on Local Menus
A typical meal at soul food restaurants includes an entrée (with or without rice), two sides and cornbread. Most restaurants serve the staples: fried chicken, smothered pork chops, oxtails, meatloaf, fried shrimp, collard greens, field peas, mac and cheese, cornbread, along with a wide variety of desserts. While seating is available at most local establishments, take-out figures prominently as a convenient way to enjoy soul food for lunch and dinner at home or in the office. Here are a few spots around Jacksonville offering flavorful spins on traditional dishes.
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MILLER’S SOULFOOD KITCHEN
7303 Pearl Street, Jacksonville
Turkey necks over rice, sweet potatoes, okra and tomatoes, corn bread
Originally called Miller’s Produce, the business started at the Jacksonville Farmers Market on Beaver Street, selling collard greens and other vegetables. Latunda Miller runs the restaurant, after taking over from her father several years ago.
“When Daddy was over at the farmers’ market, one of his customers was a police officer, who suggested this location for the business. It’s an old Skinner Dairy building,” relates Latunda. In honor of her father, Latunda offered $5 dinners on Father’s Day ten years ago – and still has meals on her menu for that price. You can even pick up a bag of collard greens at Thanksgiving.
Tip: Quench your thirst with Latunda’s specialty drink, mango sunrise punch or grab a honey dripper for a cool frozen treat.
SOUL FOOD EXPRESS
1227 E. 21st Street, Jacksonville
Oxtails over rice, collards, mac and cheese, corn muffin
Housed in a former pool hall, this small but bustling kitchen has been serving traditional soul food dishes for more than 19 years. Owner Al Collins, manager Patricia Singleton (Al’s sister) and their staff handle a steady stream of customers seeking fried chicken, pork chops, bbq ribs, chitterlings, pigs’ feet, seafood, a variety of sides and desserts. A helpful sign is prominently displayed providing instructions to newcomers on how to order a meal.
“We don’t have a lot of space in here – most of our business is to-go,” says Patricia. “Our regulars know what days to come in for specials like pigs’ feet or turkey neck bones, and we usually run out.”
Tip: Since the restaurant is only open Thursday through Sunday, pick up a couple of extra desserts to tide you over, especially the Pineapple Pecan Cake.
SHUT EM DOWN
6315 San Juan Ave, Jacksonville
Fried Chicken, mac and cheese, collards, corn bread
Before he opened Shut Em Down five years ago with his brother Richard and Richard’s wife Kathy, Thomas Jones was known for his barbecue, even though it was just a hobby. These days Thomas helps run the busy restaurant, cheerily greeting new and repeat customers seeking out fried chicken and other traditional soul food dishes.
“We cook with love here,” says Thomas. “My brother talks to the food. He’ll be in the kitchen and say ‘Hey black-eyed peas, how ya doing?’ He’s making food that feeds your soul.”
Tip: If the Kentucky Butter Cake is on the menu, be sure to grab a slice for dessert.
