Soul food restaurants can be found throughout New Jersey.
The early 20th century saw the migration of over a million African Americans from southern regions in the United States to northern states, such as New Jersey, in what came to be known as the Great Migration. Accordingly, they brought food traditions to their new northern homes, and today, a number of soul food restaurants can be found in New Jersey, a reflection of the southern roots of African Americans in New Jersey.
Soul Flavors
The Soul Flavors restaurant is located in Jersey City, convenient to New York City by way of the regional railroad service, the PATH. Soul Flavors creates soul food cuisine that encompasses multiple southern influences, including the Cajun tastes of Louisiana. Appetizers include garlic and chili broiled shrimp, Aunt Nita's cod fish cakes and mini Cajun salmon cakes with Creole remoulade, in addition to a soup of the day. The restaurant has a menu of "soul" specialties, Soul Flavor's interpretation of soul food classics. Buttermilk-marinated fried chicken, pan-blackened catfish and jerked chicken are just a few of the selections. Soul Flavors also makes a vegetarian option, a meatless vegetarian strudel. Aunt Dot's macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas, and homemade biscuits and cornbread are among the sides, and choose from carrot cake and peach cobbler among the dessert selections.
Soul Flavors
354 Grove Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201-217-3004
soulflavors.com
Delta's Restaurant
Delta's Restaurant, in New Brunswick, has a prolific menu of Southern-inspired, soul food cuisine. Collard green dip, fried gator and catfish fingers are among the appetizers while main dishes include meat, chicken, fish and seafood. Pecan-crusted salmon, smothered pork chops, and fried whiting over shrimp as well as chicken jambalaya grits are a few of the entrées that characterize the taste of the American South. Candied yams, collard greens and fried okra are among Delta's sides. The restaurant also has a lounge hosting live music acts on select evenings.
Delta's Restaurant
19 Dennis Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-249-1551
deltasrestaurant.com
Aunt Berta's Kitchen
Aunt Berta's Kitchen, in Oaklyn, was ranked as the best family-owned business in southern New Jersey at the 13th Annual New Jersey Family Business of the Year Luncheon. Specialties include smothered pork chops and a pig's feet platter, in addition to a host of other entrées, like the rib platter, crab cakes and fried chicken. Aunt Berta's also offers a number of sides, including cabbage, candied yams, mashed potatoes and collard greens. Finish your dining experience by enjoying a selection from the dessert menu, like bread pudding, peach cobbler or sweet potato pie, among others.
Aunt Berta's Kitchen
639 White Horse Pike
Oaklyn, NJ 08107
856-858-7009
auntbertaskitchen.com
Tags: Soul Flavors, Aunt Berta, Aunt Berta Kitchen, Berta Kitchen, Delta Restaurant, soul food, African Americans
