Ms. Tootsie’s Soul Food Café $

1314 South St., 215/731-9045

HOURS: Mon.–Thurs. 5–10 p.m.,
Fri. noon–1 a.m., Sat. 5 p.m.–1 a.m., Sun. noon–8 p.m.

COST: Most entrées less than $10

Philadelphia [1] is definitely an eating town, but it’s not generally known for its soul food; Ms. Tootsie’s wants to change that.

Combining a cozy yet upscale setting with affordable comfort food, the charming staff dishes out healthy portions of Southern favorites like fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and catfish.

Sides are where the kitchen especially shines, with candied yams, collared greens, and mouth-watering macaroni and cheese that all hit the spot.

The restaurant is BYOB [2], but the adjacent Ms. Tootsie's Lounge, has a full-service bar (open Wed.–Sun. 5 p.m.–2 a.m.). The mood next door is more stylish and modern, and the menu offers small plates in contrast to the heaping portions at the café.