12 North Dakota Soul Food Joints Bringing Down-Home Flavor To The Heart Of The Plains

Soul food has found a surprising new home in North Dakota, where rich Southern flavors meet the wide-open prairies.

From crispy fried chicken to slow-cooked collard greens, these restaurants serve comfort food that warms you from the inside out.

Whether you grew up eating these dishes or you’re trying them for the first time, you’ll discover authentic tastes that bring people together over hearty meals and genuine hospitality.

1. Juicy House Of Ribs And Soulfood

Flavors from two continents meet on every plate here, creating a menu that celebrates both African and Southern traditions.

You’ll find this spot at 1000 45th St S #500, Fargo, ND 58103.

The beef and pork ribs fall off the bone after hours of slow cooking, while the salmon and shrimp dishes offer lighter options without sacrificing taste.

Liberian dry rice brings a unique texture that pairs perfectly with the rich sauces.

Jollof rice adds a West African twist to the classic soul food lineup.

Each dish gets seasoned with care, balancing spices that make your taste buds dance.

Since opening in March 2025, the restaurant has built a loyal following.

2. Daran’s Southern Soul Food And West Indian Cuisine

Authentic recipes passed down through generations come alive in every bite at this family-owned establishment.

Located at 30 N University Dr, Fargo, ND 58102, the restaurant welcomes guests with warm smiles.

Grits get cooked low and slow until they reach that perfect creamy consistency, while collard greens simmer with just the right amount of seasoning.

The uniquely spiced meats showcase cooking techniques from both the American South and the Caribbean islands.

West Indian influences shine through in dishes that bring bold flavors to the table.

Since November 2024, locals have embraced this addition to Fargo’s dining scene.

The combination of two culinary traditions creates something truly special.

3. Big Mike’s Soul Food Kitchen

Comfort food reaches new heights when recipes get made with love and attention to detail.

This kitchen operates at 1425 2nd Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102, serving hungry diners daily.

Fried catfish arrives at your table with a crispy golden crust that gives way to tender, flaky fish inside. Mac and cheese gets baked until the top forms a perfect cheesy crust, while the inside stays creamy and rich.

Cornbread comes out warm from the oven, slightly sweet and crumbly in all the right ways.

The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Every meal feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house, no matter what day you visit.

4. Southern Comfort Cafe

Classic Southern dishes get prepared the old-fashioned way, with no shortcuts taken in the kitchen.

The cafe sits at 3201 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103, welcoming everyone who walks through the door.

Smothered pork chops swim in rich brown gravy that’s been simmered until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Black-eyed peas are seasoned with onions and a touch of smoke, creating a side dish that could be a meal on its own.

Sweet potato pie finishes the meal with its smooth, spiced filling and flaky crust.

Each recipe honors the traditions of Southern cooking while adding a personal touch.

The small dining room creates an intimate atmosphere where strangers often become friends.

5. Auntie J’s American Soul Food LLC

Creative twists on traditional favorites make every meal an adventure for your taste buds.

Though based at 217 S Main St, Lennox, SD 57039, Auntie J’s serves the greater North Dakota region through catering.

Jamaican BBQ fried chicken combines the crispy texture of Southern frying with Caribbean jerk spices that pack some heat.

Honey cornbread strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a moist crumb that melts in your mouth.

Collard greens get cooked until tender but not mushy, maintaining their deep green color.

The homey atmosphere makes you feel like family from the moment you arrive.

Since February 2022, the catering service has brought comfort food to events across the region.

6. Down Home Diner

Breakfast and lunch options showcase soul food’s versatility beyond just dinner plates.

Located at 522 Main Ave, Fargo, ND 58103, this diner opens early for the morning crowd.

Chicken and waffles pair crispy fried chicken with fluffy Belgian waffles drizzled in maple syrup, creating that perfect sweet and savory combination.

Scrambled eggs get cooked to order, soft and creamy without being runny.

Grits come with butter melting into every spoonful, offering comfort in a bowl.

The diner’s retro decor adds to the nostalgic feeling of eating a meal that connects you to culinary history.

Regulars know to arrive early on weekends when the line stretches out the door.

7. Graceland Soul Kitchen

Patience pays off in dishes that require hours of slow cooking to reach their full potential.

Find this restaurant at 2801 32nd Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201, where time-honored methods rule.

Oxtails braise for hours until the meat becomes so tender it falls off the bone, creating a rich gravy that begs to be soaked up with rice.

Cabbage gets cooked down with onions and a hint of vinegar, offering a tangy contrast to the rich meats.

Peach cobbler arrives warm with a buttery crust that crackles when you dig in your spoon.

The family-style portions encourage sharing and conversation around the table.

Every dish reflects the owner’s commitment to authentic preparation methods.

8. Bessie’s Kitchen

Monday traditions get honored here with a dish that has fed generations of families on a budget.

You’ll discover this spot at 1120 25th St S, Fargo, ND 58103, keeping old customs alive.

Red beans and rice simmer all day with smoked sausage, creating a hearty one-pot meal that fills you up without emptying your wallet.

Cornbread muffins come individually portioned, making them perfect for soaking up the bean liquid.

Banana pudding layers vanilla wafers with creamy custard and fresh banana slices, topped with fluffy meringue.

The recipes come straight from the owner’s family cookbook, unchanged for three generations.

Locals treat this place like their second home, stopping by weekly for their favorites.

9. Sweet Georgia’s

Regional specialties from the Deep South find a welcoming home on the Northern Plains.

The restaurant operates at 4340 13th Ave SW, Fargo, ND 58103, bringing Georgia flavors north.

Fried green tomatoes arrive crispy on the outside with a tangy bite inside, served alongside a zesty remoulade sauce.

Shrimp and grits combine plump seafood with creamy stone-ground grits, finished with a savory gravy that ties everything together.

Sweet tea comes served in mason jars, perfectly sweetened and ice-cold. The decor features photographs and memorabilia from Georgia, creating an authentic Southern atmosphere.

Each dish transports you to a different place while you remain firmly planted in North Dakota.

10. Miss Ruby’s Table

Simple ingredients transform into extraordinary meals when prepared with skill and care.

Visit this establishment at 701 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102, for honest, satisfying food.

Meatloaf gets baked with a tangy tomato glaze on top, staying moist inside while developing a caramelized crust.

Mashed potatoes are whipped smooth with real butter and cream, then smothered in brown gravy made from scratch.

Turnip greens offer a slightly bitter contrast to the rich main dishes, cooked with ham hocks for depth.

Red velvet cake finishes the meal with its distinctive cocoa flavor and cream cheese frosting.

The owner greets guests personally, making recommendations based on what’s freshest that day.

11. Carolina Kitchen

Barbecue traditions from the Carolinas meet Midwestern hospitality in this welcoming space.

Located at 1551 University Dr S, Fargo, ND 58103, the restaurant smokes meats daily on-site.

Pulled pork gets slow-smoked for twelve hours, then piled high on soft buns with tangy vinegar-based sauce.

Coleslaw adds crunch and coolness to balance the smoky meat, dressed with a creamy dressing.

Hush puppies are fried until golden, crispy outside with a soft cornmeal center.

Sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative to regular fries while still satisfying that craving for something crispy.

The smell of hickory smoke greets you in the parking lot, building anticipation before you even enter.

12. Kroll’s Diner

German-American traditions blend with soul food influences, creating a unique fusion menu.

You can visit at 2505 State St, Bismarck, ND 58503, where they’ve been serving since way back.

Schnitzel gets pounded thin and fried to golden perfection, offering a crispy coating that shatters when you cut into it.

German potato salad features tangy vinegar dressing instead of mayo, with bacon pieces adding smoky richness.

Apple strudel provides a sweet finish with thin layers of pastry wrapped around spiced apples and raisins.

The longstanding establishment has become a local institution, serving multiple generations of families.

The retro diner atmosphere takes you back to simpler times when meals brought communities together.