Looking for new spots to try? During Dining Month, Lori Fredrich is dishing out must-tries in 20 different dining categories, from brunch to BBQ and everything in between. Here's what she's recommended so far!

Sometimes you need a bit of Southern comfort in your life. But, let’s be clear. Soul food isn’t a term that describes just any Southern fare. It’s an expression that specifically describes and celebrates the culinary traditions of Black Americans in the Deep South. It is immigrant cuisine that reflects the culinary traditions of West Africa, Western Europe, and the Americas. It is the product of ingenuity and culinary expertise that has been passed down through the generations. And it is delicious.

Every year, I make it a point to try out a few new places in the soul food category. This year I tried a few that didn't make the cut but also revisited a number that continue to offer stellar food. 

If you’ve never supported a soul food eatery, consider this your invitation to explore, support and try something new. Here are several solid places to start.

1700 Pull Up

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1848 W. Fond du Lac Ave., (414) 899-0005
1700pullup.com
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If you haven't paid a visit to 1700 Pull Up, this is your official invitation. Not only is there great, comforting food to be had, but a convivial neighborhood vibe to accompany.

1700 Pull UP has a daily chalkboard menu at the restaurant, so you can just pull up and dig in. But you can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with their offerings, which change daily.

Don't sleep on their Turkey Leg Thursdays. You can get tender smoked turkey legs (on or off the bone) "stuffed" with delicious sides like mac & cheese and candied yams. 

You'll also find a smorgasbord of options like fried and smothered pork chops, fried chicken, fried catfish, meatloaf and oxtails, head there on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. for Soul Food Sundays.

Dishes are well-seasoned, portions are hefty and side dishes – including options like braised greens with turkey, Liquid Gold mac & cheese, Sweet Rie Kandy yams, chicken dressing and green beans with a kick – are just as good as the entrees.

Daddy's Soul Food & Grille

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754 N. 27th St., (414) 448-6165
daddysoulfoodgrille.com
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Among the Milwaukee staples for soul food is Daddy’s Soul Food & Grill which serves up a wide-ranging menu of items from fried (or baked) chicken, catfish and barbeque, served up with comforting sides like perfectly stewed and seasoned greens, tasty macaroni and cheese and sweet, warmly spiced yams.

You can also count on Daddy’s for classic chicken and waffles or sandwiches, including meatless options like the Philly cheese portabella sandwich. Even better, the folks at Daddy's are so friendly and welcoming, you'll want to go back.

Jackson's Soul Food Redefined

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4519 W Center St., (414) 231-3008
jacksonssoulfoodmke.com
Carry-out & delivery

Among the newest additions to the Uptown Crossing neighborhood is Jackson's Soul Food Redefined, a soul food restaurant that caters to carry-out and delivery. And just the fact that they're already expanding with a second location on Fond du Lac Avenue is a testament to the demand for their food.

Smothered pork chops are tender and flavorful and they come two per order; and they're some of the best I've had. If you get them smothered, they're served in flavorful gravy over a bit of white rice.  Greens were properly cooked and nicely seasoned with small pieces of turkey strewn throughout. Black-eyed peas were tender and flavorful; and the macaroni and cheese was some of the best I've ever had via carry-out. The pasta was supple, but not mushy and the sauce was ultra creamy with a distinctive cheddar flavor. 

Additional options include catfish, chicken wings and fried ribs. Each meal includes a choice of two side dishes including macaroni and cheese, candied yams, black-eyed peas, yellow rice, green beans, cornbread and mixed greens cooked with turkey. Sandwiches are also on offer, including a Philly cheesesteak, fried catfish and Italian beef. 

Nino's Southern Sides

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4475 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, (414)964-3663
ninos-southernsides.com
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I’ve often said that I would be happy just eating the sides from Nino’s; and that’s true. One could easily make a vegetable-centric meal of their Southern greens, mac and cheese, black-eyed peas and yams.

But if you eat meat, their fried chicken is crisp and tender, with a well-seasoned crispy coating that’s well worth eating. There’s also smothered chicken, pork chops and fried catfish.  (I've not had great luck with their turkey legs; but that's the only item I'd steer you away from).

Place an order on the weekend and you have even more choices, including meatloaf, bbq pigs feet and hashbrown casserole. My one piece of advice:  Be patient. There is always a wait at this little walk-up shop. But if you call ahead, there's a chance your wait time will be shorter.

Plate Pleasures

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2330 N. 124th St., Wauwatosa, (414) 897-7100
facebook.com/choicecuisinebymia
Carry-out only, Thursday through Sunday

This West Side spot is serving up a small but mighty menu of options like smoked turkey legs, fried catfish and smothered pork chops, along with sandwiches including catfish and shrimp po’boys. And it's delicious.

Don’t miss the gumbo served on Thursdays. It's chock full of smoked turkey, sausage and shrimp and served with rice and a generous side of sweet cornbread.