The Best Southern Soul Food In New York’s Capital Region

I'm from the south, spending most of my youth in a little town in the sticks of Georgia. Sure, there's not a lot in the area, but one thing that was always in steep supply was southern soul food.

This is, no exaggeration, my favorite type of food, comfort or not, and I'm on a quest to find the best spots for it in New York's Capital region.

What is Soul Food?

For those less acquainted with the ways of the United States' Southeastern region, I'll explain. For the most part, soul food consists of deeply fried foods (typically chicken and fish), beans, mac & cheese, chitlins, collard greens, and a whole lot of pork.

To many, this might just sound like all southern cooking, but there is a specific difference. Soul food originated from southern cooks using only what they had available, leading to unconventional, yet delicious recipes.

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Where are the Capital Region's Best Soul Food Restaurants?

Obviously, I've been on the lookout for the best southern eats in Upstate New York, and after perusing the internet for a bit, I think I've found a consensus. For the most part in the Capital region, there's two stand outs: Ya Ya's House in Schenectady, and Suga Foot's in Albany.

Both of these locations have exactly what you're looking for, mouth-watering menus and home-cooked styles that would make you think it's a hot summer night in the Mississippi Delta. In the coming weeks, I plan on trying both of these restaurants, and letting you know if they truly hold up to that southern charm.