There’s something magical about Southern soul food that makes you feel like you’re sitting at your grandmother’s kitchen table, even if you’re hundreds of miles from the Mason-Dixon line. Washington DC has become an unexpected haven for authentic Southern cooking, where chefs are serving up recipes passed down through generations.
From crispy fried chicken that shatters at first bite to collard greens simmered low and slow with just the right amount of seasoning, these restaurants prove you don’t have to travel south to experience real soul food. I’ve tracked down eleven spots across the city that are keeping Southern traditions alive, one plate at a time.
1. Oohh’s & Aahh’s
Walking into this U Street corridor gem feels like stepping into someone’s home during Sunday dinner. The aroma of smothered chicken and candied yams hits you before you even reach the counter.
Owner Patty Muhammad opened this spot back in 1995, and it’s been a neighborhood staple ever since…