Add these Southern-inspired and soul food restaurants to your must-try list!
Restaurants across Ypsilanti are inspired by southern and homestyle cooking. From the favorites that remind us of home, to infused dishes using savory flavors, find it all here.
Cuppy’s Best Soulful Café
Based on a true love for food, Cuppy’s Best represents what authentic soul food is all about: culture, family, and the essential element, love. Owner Andrea Cuppy White believes food should be the soul of every community, and Cuppy’s is just that.
Bellflower
Inspired by Louisiana Cajun and Creole cuisines, Bellflower provides a unique dining experience hosting a locally sourced menu made fresh, with wine and cocktails to pair. Make reservations and see what’s new on the menu.
Bitter Truth
Formerly known as Red Rock BBQ, Bitter Truth has been renovated into a modern, moody cocktail bar with accompanying BBQ favorites. Try the pulled pastrami sandwich or barbecuterie board paired perfectly freshly made cornbread loaves.
Ma Lou’s Fried Chicken
Ma Lou’s serves up flavor in every bite. The full menu includes sandwiches, plates, and chicken by the piece. Marinated tofu options are also available. Don’t forget the extra sauce and beignets for dessert!
A Taste of Soul by Biggie’s
Founder Victor Swanson developed his love of cooking alongside his grandmother, Luella Swanson, who owned Swanson's Cafe on Harriet Street in Ypsilanti's historic South Side. He later opened his own business now known as A Taste of Soul by Biggie’s. As one of the longest-standing soul food diners in Ypsi, the family's love for food has provided great meals and service for over 50 years.
Crawdaddy's Creole
Specializing in seafood boils, Crawdaddy's Creole is a casual dining seafood restaurant brings the flavors of Louisiana to your plate, right here in Ypsilanti! Just pick your protein and flavors and you'll be ready to go!
Thompson & Co.
Drawing inspiration from southern style cooking, find updated country meals and comfort food at Thompson & Co., housed in the historic Thompson Block building in Depot Town. Try the delicious bayou pasta or Nashville hot chicken sandwich to get started.
Mo P’s Chicken & Fish
Enjoy a taste of the south with the flavors of Mo P’s Chicken & Fish, using fresh ingredients and proudly serving what they call the best chicken and fish in town. Try it for yourself!
Sidetrack
Voted to have one of Michigan's best burgers, you can also find southern flare at Sidetrack. Order the Louisiana White Fish sandwich breaded in spicy corn meal on a New Orleans Deli Roll.
Nearby
From Fat Daddy’s Hot Chicken & Waffles in downtown Ann Arbor, to Zingerman’s Roadhouse serving all-out southern classic all-American comfort food (try the 'Crawfish Louis'), you can easily find your flavor nearby.
For barbeque favorites, find authentic southern-inspired cooking at Satchel’s BBQ and Blue Tractor in Ann Arbor. Check out Smokehouse 52 BBQ in Chelsea, serving traditional slow smoked meats, or Boneheads BBQ made from scratch comfort food in Saline.
