Southern Restaurants near Newark

“Kawana and Natorie provided outstanding service and was very welcoming when entering the restaurant. Kawana made sure that my food was fresh. I would come here again.“

“This is a popular name for a BBQ joint, but it doesn't appear to be part of any chain. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Interesting... They share their address and space with Castle Gate Ice Cream, but the BBQ side just opened in May (I believe). When you walk in the door, the BBQ joint is straight ahead and the ice cream parlor is to your left. Both businesses are covered in inch-thick plastic. Signs posted on the plastic barriers of the BBQ side direct you to order and pay on the ice cream side. Very minimal seating, as if to suggest you may sit to wait on your order, but please don't dine in. That's the norm around here though. When my GF first happened upon this place, she was greeted with great enthusiasm by one of the owners. He was friendly and talkative and she returned several times to patron his business and soak in his jolliness. The food was good (she saved a bite or two for me, literally). The personality that came with the orders made it better. When she first brought me here, we were greeted by a less jolly man. He wasn't rude or anything, but she was disappointed since she was hoping to see her guy. We ordered our food and it was prepared as takeout without any instruction from us. I told you they didn't want us to dine in, didn't I? The menu consists of various meats, fish, and southern sides. There are fried options, jerk options, and the star, the BBQ options. I ordered a pound of Jerk Chicken and requested for some of their spicy BBQ sauce on the side. The jerk rub is grilled on thick, saturating the meat with flavor, but the actual jerk sauce that came on the side was a bit bland for me (tangy, but not that spicy or salty). The BBQ sauce was amazing! It was adequately and not excessively sweet, tangy, mustardy, and spiced just right! Prices are a bargain to boot!“

“The food was absolutely delicious, highly recommend“

“The after church crowd was here on Sunday and I completely understand why. The food was every thing it needed to be & then some. I ordered the shrimp & grits with a side of eggs. They serve breakfast all day and have a vegan menu. The restaurant is connected to an apartment building so be careful not to pass when looking for it. It has a black & white striped triangular umbrella hovering over it. The staff were kind and the atmosphere was extremely down to earth, but not ghetto. This is a great mom & pop shop that you should fed check out. Be sure to try a flavored lemonade or iced tea. They are tall and one was more than enough. I didn't notice any ASL speaking staff, it wasn't needed, but there is space for wheelchairs. There is also street parking so be mindful. Only downside, our table wasn't exactly clean when sat down, but it was obvious they were busy. Overall, this is a great place for brunch or Sunday takeout dinner.“

“I love this restaurant! We order delivery every weekend! The workers are so nice. The food is delicious. My family and I love the mac n cheese and collard greens in particular. The beef stew is delicious and the fried chicken wings are so good. I am a big fan.“

“Amazing place, clean, good music and big parking lot.“

“I've been looking forward to trying this restaurants menu items. yesterday was only the 1st, for sure. I had a shrimp po boy, perfect, packed with shrimp, just the right sauces, really good. I took home a container of their vegan lentil soup which is better than my lentil soup. that's not a small thing. beautifully balanced flavor, really delicious. I can't wait to go back and try everything else.“

“Great food! Great service! Great location on Forest Ave! Everything was delish, apps, food, drinks… The kids also loved their food. Atmosphere and decor was so nice too. We will definitely be going back soon!“

“Chicken was delicious and facility clean“

“Enjoyed the Motown brunch experience for Mother's Day. The staff was attentive and professional. The food was amazing and live entertainment was masterful. Everything was top tier without breaking the bank. I'd definitely recommend.“

“I had heard from my son and a friend about this restaurant and decided to check it out, with a friend. I ordered the fried chicken wings, candied yams, collards and Mac & cheese. My friend had the rasta pasta and j*** chicken. everything was delicious. We will be returning to sample more dishes.“

“Great fried chicken. Not greasy, with a nice crunchy batter that was not too thick. Oil used was fresh and chicken seemed also fresh and was good quality. I didn’t give 5 stars only because I would have liked more seasonings but this restaurant will still be my go to when I’m looking for fried chicken. Service was also fast.“

“I absolutely love Lite & Soul. Great quality!Their food is delicious and fresh, and the portions are generous, in my opinion. I've tried a few different entrées. You really can't go wrong with whatever you decide. My husband loves it too! This allows me a night off in my kitchen. lol“

“Had the catfish poboy at uptown night Market! They told me 15 minutes was done in 15 minutes. It was a large fried catfish filet and it was perfectly crispy. I think the tartar sauce may have needed a little more salt but overall great experience. Reminded me of Louisiana“