Detroit Soul — Restaurant in Detroit

Open your eyes as you travel along 8 Mile East. We're not here to talk about Marshall Mathers. That's not the 8 Mile I speak of. This 8 Mile seems to have a history, a story to tell. One of those stories is Detroit Soul. This is a place of comfort, conversation, and confidence that you will absolutely enjoy your meal.

Before we begin, let's address the wait time and explain why your wait may be better fifteen and twenty minutes. You're here for soul food. Your not here for fast food, so expect to get fried chicken that's made to order. Sit back, strike up a conversation, enjoy the wall of African American history. You're home, act like it.

When you walk in, take in the simplicity of the business. It's right to the point. Come in, order, eat in or carry out. The menu is direct and easy to read. No subsections to this menu. What you see is what you get, and there's nothing wrong with that. From fried chicken lunches and dinners, to smothered pork chops and turkey wings. Side items include collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, and cole slaw to name a few.

When it comes to dessert, the pond cake was incredible. I didn't try the German chocolate cake, so I can't say anything for that. With your lunch or dinner you get a side of cornbread. The bread was not as soft as I liked, but that's a personal gripe, do not let that turn you off to trying it. You may have different tastes, so enjoy.

The staff are very welcoming. From the start of our visit, we spent most of our time talking with the staff about the area and what to see. If you need an idea of what to see and where to go in Detroit, make sure to ask. They have some really good ideas.

Parking is very limited. The parking lot is very small and begs to be expanded. That is the only improvement I would suggest.

Prepare for a good, humble and enjoyable experience. Welcome to Detroit Soul....

I saw "Detroit Soul" featured on Channel 4's Dining in the D and Tasty Tuesday segments. All of the Channel 4 staff seemed pleased thus I thought I would give them a try. The day I went they were admittedly "understaffed" and the quality of what I order showed that, in spades. The pork chops were tender and lightly seasoned but the sides were the misstep. The corn muffins were horrible and the leftover ones were obviously used for the dressing. I have never had dressing that lacked the very basic ingredients of onions, celery and green peppers. It was dry and the consistency was gummy. It also had a nauseating aroma of stale cornmeal. Even the bit of gravy provided could not improve it. The cabbage was flavorless, as it was obvious, it was cooked in plain water and nothing else. The mac and cheese was also gummy and tasteless. Has the use of salt and pepper been outlawed? The canned sweet potatoes were tolerable but not anything that warranted the $3.99 extra charge. My review is based on the adage "if you know better, you do better". I want to see them succeed but what I had, has left a bad impression and I will not return nor can I in good conscious, recommend this establishment. In lieu of the other better reviews, it could well be that this was just an "off day" but to spend almost $40 for anything that had to be thrown out, is a sad commentary . I SIMPLY COULD NOT EAT IT!!! I hope you take my comments to heart and strive to make improvements. We are our own worst enemy when we don't listen. This is a "for profit" restaurant and not a "soup kitchen". Please don't assume paying customers have to accept...

Unbelievable. The good folks at Detroit Soul know what they're doing with customer service and their food. I just went there for my second visit, and the staff instantly recognized me, a week after my first visit. They're super friendly and want their customers to have the most satisfying meal possible.

In my two visits, I've ordered the fried chicken dinner with mac n cheese and dressing as my sides, and then the rib dinner with mac n cheese and yams. My first meal, the fried chicken dinner, was nothing short of excellent. The chicken was juicy and crunchy, but the macaroni and the dressing stole my heart. The mac n cheese is some of the best I have ever had, especially when it comes to cheesy flavor. The dressing has a certain spice to it that I cannot get enough of. I want to get that recipe so I can make it every thanksgiving...it's the best dressing ever!

Speaking of best ever, that is what I felt when I had the ribs and yams. The ribs were smokey, full of that hot bbq flavor (and even better with hot sauce), and VERY meaty. I couldn't believe how much meat I was getting on the ribs. As for the yams, these were the best yams I've ever had, and yams are my favorite thanksgiving side. That sweet, brown sugar flavor just melts in your mouth. I honestly hate that I have to choose my sides, because I want them all!

Detroit Soul deserves nothing but positive reviews. I'm so glad I tried this place out, because the 8 and Dequindre area is in need of good food spots. This spot will keep me satisfied for many...