Newark, New Jersey, is the largest city in New Jersey, with over 250,000 people living within its city limits. The first inhabitants were originally Lenni Lenape Native Americans and then the Dutch, who settled in Newark in 1664 and named it New Ark after their previous home in Holland, Netherlands (Wikipedia). Nowadays, Newark’s demographics are very diverse, with half the population being African American and 27% being Caucasian (source). When it comes to food, there’s something for everyone in this city.
Since there are a good number of options for soul food eateries in Newark, NJ, you may be wondering how to narrow your search. We’ve researched and put together a list of our top favorite soul food eateries in Newark. The eateries are all worth visiting if you want to try great examples of soul food. The list is in no particular order; they’re all delicious!
Soul Food Chess House
If you want soul food as grandma made it, then The Soul Food Chess House is for you. It’s a restaurant specializing in making tasty home-cooked meals served with southern hospitality. They are known for their crispy fried chicken and delicious grits (my favorite). If all of that wasn’t enough to convince you to try it out, they also have generous portions; one serving is sure to be enough for two people, or you can always bring leftovers home with you if there are three or more of you eating.
King’s Family Restaurant
King’s Family Restaurant is a great place to go if you need some soul food. Located on Lombardy Street in downtown Newark, King’s serves up soul food for years. The restaurant has loyal customers who keep coming back for more with each passing year and claim that there is simply no other place like it in town. For those who aren’t already familiar with King’s Family Restaurant or have yet to try it out for themselves, King’s Family Restaurant offers an array of soul-food delicacies that includes red beans and rice, fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. It also features a full liquor bar with stiff drinks that perfectly wash down their tasty meals.
True Food of Edgewater
True Food is quickly becoming a staple in Northern New Jersey using only organically-grown ingredients and sustainably sourced meats and seafood. Open for lunch on weekdays, dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and brunch on Sundays (as well as Saturdays during warmer months), True Foods’ chef Charlie Peña has helped put New Jersey on the map as a quality food state. Their fish tacos are a must-try (the Atlantic salmon are flown in daily), as is their tuna tartare dish served over sweet potato chips. Classic soul food favorites include collard greens with smoked turkey and cornbread dressing.
The Weekend Spot Restaurant
If you’re looking for soul food with a side of live music, stop by The Weekend Spot Restaurant. Weekend-only eatery is only open on Friday and Saturday nights; however, they are also home to one of Newark’s most famous musicians. They even have their sound system so you can listen to your favorite artists while enjoying a delicious meal if you’re in Newark on a Friday or Saturday night, head over and enjoy some fantastic food and music.
Soul Food Factory
Soul Food Factory is one of Newark’s go-to spots for classic soul food, featuring plenty of southern fried chicken dishes. As if that wasn’t enough to make it a favorite with locals and visitors alike, Soul Food Factory also features some delicious seafood options. All that plus friendly service to boot? It’s not hard to see why so many people choose to come back time and again. Every culture has its staples, foods that define it. Soul food is no different. While not a specific cuisine in and of itself, soul food is an expression of Southern American cooking, a variety of dishes made from affordable and readily available ingredients—and each one delicious in its own right. If you’re looking for some soul in your bite, try out one of the above fine eateries. If you’re moving to Newark for work or for school, it’s always good to know about local businesses. If you’re interested in buying or selling property in Newark, talk to an expert property agent. A good property agent will make your experience more efficient and enjoyable.
