Celebrate Soul Food Month in Montgomery

Montgomery is renowned for several attractions: it's the birthplace of the civil rights movement, boasts the stunning scenery along the Alabama River, offers a variety of activities, and perhaps most notably, it's famous for its cuisine. As a key location in the Black Belt region, Montgomery is celebrated for its classic "meat and three" offerings.

To prove it, we gathered a list of 9 Soul Food restaurants you should dine at in Montgomery. So, let our blog be your ultimate guide to discovering Montgomery's finest soul food gems, guaranteeing a full and rich experience of the city's culinary delights.

Martha's Place Buffet and Catering 

Martha's Place has a rich history dating back to the civil rights movement, serving as a sanctuary for activists. The restaurant is renowned for its delectable fried chicken and a wide variety of mouthwatering side dishes. Despite its single buffet bar, its abundance of hot, flavorful food can be overwhelming due to its ever-changing daily menu. From savory fried fish and rice with gravy to indulgent mac and cheese, collard greens, and black-eyed peas, the options are seemingly limitless. With such an array of irresistible dishes, there are countless reasons to return. Even the banana pudding takes the spotlight, announced with flair as it emerges from the kitchen.

Farmers Market Cafe

Established in 1959, Farmer's Market Cafe offers authentic country-style breakfast and lunch, all made from scratch. For breakfast, you can select from an array of homemade omelets, pancakes, French toast, or biscuits and gravy. The cafe's renowned breakfast specials come highly recommended. For lunch, try the fixings—the turnip greens, squash casserole, black-eyed peas, and fried green tomatoes are exceptionally tasty.

Yellow Hammer Cafe

The menu features the traditional 'meat and three' every day, with a variety of meats and sides to choose from. But for those craving more variety, Soul Food Sunday is for you. Yellowhammer pulls out all the stops on Sundays, presenting a full spread of meats, sides, and desserts. It's the epitome of a Southern Sunday soul food feast.

J.W. Beaverette's 

Another soul food spot offers a traditional menu that changes weekly. Reviews suggest you can't make a wrong choice, but the oxtail served over white rice and drenched in gravy stands out as a favorite. The peach cobbler, with its flaky crust and generous peach slices, all crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is the perfect finish.

Barbara Gail Neighborhood Grille 

Barbara Gail's is the ideal way to start your day for the quintessential Southern-style breakfast. Savor a catfish breakfast or Salmon Croquettes with cheesy grits, eggs, and a biscuit. Barbara Gail Neighborhood Grille is delicious, friendly, and affordable, precisely what one anticipates from a Southern restaurant.

Pannie George's

At the Legacy Museum, Pannie George provides a welcoming space for visitors to relax, contemplate, and replenish their energy. Their soul food menu not only satisfies the taste buds but also serves as a gateway to understanding the rich history of the South, particularly the significance of soul food in that cultural narrative.

Gail's Down The Street Cafe

Southern hospitality comes complimentary with the 'meat and three' you'll find here. The fare is quintessential Southern comfort food, offering a variety of choices and daily specials, all homemade and fresh. Customers often rave about the wide array of options, yet classic Southern desserts, such as banana pudding and bread pudding, are the true crowd favorites.

Martin's Restaurant

Martin's is renowned for its mouthwatering Famous Fried Chicken plate, and it's no wonder why its slogan is "Southern cooking done right." Many patrons swear by it. While Martin's also offers a classic meat and three, it's their Martin's Famous Fried Chicken Plate that steals the show and remains a top favorite among customers.

Double Down Bistro

Double Down Bistro provides a distinctive twist to Southern cuisine. Its daily changing menu includes traditional Southern comfort food such as fried chicken, beef tips, rice and gravy, and yams. The menu also boasts an extensive selection of delectable desserts. In addition, Double Down Bistro serves weekend brunch and offers a special late-night menu.