Welcome to Soul Food Express
At Soul Food Express, we embrace the rich tradition of soul food, offering a heartfelt culinary experience inspired by the flavors of home. Located in Jacksonville, FL, our menu features soul-satisfying classics like fried pork chops, tender oxtails, and creamy mac and cheese. Each dish is crafted with care, blending vibrant seasonings that evoke cherished memories of family gatherings. Our customers rave about the fried chicken—juicy on the inside with a perfectly crispy outer layer—as well as our unique cornbread “bread pudding,” a delightful twist on a beloved staple. At Soul Food Express, we don’t just serve food; we serve community, love, and warmth.
- 1227 E 21st St, Jacksonville, FL 32206, United States Hotline: +1 904-634-0018
Welcome to the vibrant world of Soul Food Express, a culinary gem nestled at 1227 E 21st St in Jacksonville, FL. With a reputation that's growing louder by the day, this restaurant stands as a testament to the beauty of soul food—a cuisine that transcends mere meals, inviting diners to savor love, culture, and community with every bite.
Soul Food Express specializes in hearty, flavorful dishes that bring joy reminiscent of family gatherings and cherished recipes passed down through generations. The menu is a delightful nod to traditional soul food, featuring a variety of dishes that cater to all appetites. Highlights include:
- Baked and Fried Chicken - a classic favorite cooked to perfection, promising that melty-mouth experience that diners rave about.
- Chitterlings - a comforting dish that transports you to grandma's kitchen.
- Turkey Wings - tender and full of flavor, perfect for those seeking a heartwarming meal.
- Barbeque Ribs - expertly seasoned and cooked, embodying the true spirit of Southern cuisine.
Beyond entrées, Soul Food Express offers a selection of sandwiches, including mouthwatering meatloaf and pork chops, each priced affordably at around $7.00. Beyond the savory dishes, the restaurant also excels in its sides. Diners can indulge in perfectly seasoned green beans, macaroni and cheese that could very well be your new comfort food, as well as an array of bread options, including their signature cornbread that many patrons describe as out of this world.
But it's not just the food that makes Soul Food Express special; it's the community atmosphere that envelops you from the moment you step inside. Reviewers have highlighted the warmth and patience of the staff, who take pride in explaining each dish and ensuring an impeccable dining experience. Dawn, a seasoned food reviewer, even described this as "the true surprise of her year", praising the restaurant as a place where "you can taste the love, the community."
For those considering a visit, it’s worth noting that Soul Food Express operates only three days a week, which adds to its allure and exclusivity. Patrons like Spencer Gibson and Keni Jackson have echoed sentiments about the generous portions and the distinct flavors and personalities behind every dish, making each visit an anticipated event.
In a city rich with culinary diversity, Soul Food Express stands out for its commitment to delivering authentic soul food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you're a lifelong lover of soul food or a curious newcomer, make your way to this charming establishment—where every bite tells a story and every meal is a celebration. Come hungry, and be prepared to leave with your heart full and your taste buds singing.

It was great food for a fair price..will continue to visit there every time in Jacksonville, fl.

Dont let the 2 fool you. The food here is Really good. I don't eat meat, and for sure NO pork; so my options come down to veggie plates. Well, the majority of their vegetables contain meat, and for whatever reason, it's always Pork.. If it's turkey, I can do that, just please try to avoid giving me any turkey. I don't want Pork to ever touch my food. No thanks

Hey friends, Believe it or not, Ive been reviewing for 20 years and this is review # 1 million!! I review Urban delicates to Fine Dining. I drove from Fleming Island to West Jacksonville to review. Soul Food Express. In 20 years, I've only given 10 five stars. Let's make it 11. My first five-star in 2024. Let's get into it. Fried chicken that melts in your mouth with a firm hard crunch on the exterior that has a juicy interior that melts, actually melts in your mouth. I got a ton of food so I called over back up. My 3 best friends have joined me in this review. Next up, Fried pork chop, Wow! It was fried perfectly. Just the right amount of seasoning and the perfect temperature. Bravo! Next up, we feasted on a plate of Chitterlings, mac and cheese, and green beans. Taste like Grandma is locked in the back kitchen and won't leave. It was incredibly good. You are also given a choice of three breads, an awesome corn muffin, which I honestly don't know how it's prepared. It tastes like a baked muffin yet somehow deep-fried. So good! You can go for the cornbread or the bread pudding bread. The cornbread “bread pudding” bread is not anything I ever tried and it's phenomenal. From the photos, you also see a drink. It is their signature drink, its a glass of sunshine and a rainbow of fruit flavors. The large cup filled four of those glasses. This place was the true surprise of my year. Thank you to my fans who told me to try it. I'm also humbled by the loving people who had fabulous patience with me explaining every item. I felt a sort of community, hard to explain. It's the same with the food, what makes soul food different from southern food. You can taste the love, the community.

My friend went up there today and got us some food and when I say everything was delicious. Omg!!! So good. (I already started eating my food but here goes a picture.)

If you like soul food or are curious about soul food this is the place. Unfortunately you will have to take everything togo but there is a lot to choose from. BBQ ribs baked and fried chicken BBQ chicken pig feet smother pork smothered turkey College greens string bean okra and tomatoes potato salad macaroni and cheese cornbread dressing. Also various desserts even whole pies.

If you need to be reminded of how 'good' Soul Food taste, you need to take the trip to Soul Food Express. We ordered 3 platters for the family and had enough for lunch the next day. The food was seasoned just right and everything had it's own distinct flavor profile (the green beans tasted like green beans and not like the collard greens, for example). Next time in Jacksonville, we will make the trip. Beware though, they are only open 3 days a week.

Food is always great when you give you a good amount all the time. And I love the atmosphere and the people.

It was my first time coming there so I employed you told me about it and the chili was delicious.I will be back there again