Quick Bite

Southern-Inspired Comfort Food at Southern Comfort Cafe

You’ll taste the South in virtually everything from chicken, meat and seafood to mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas at this down-home eatery.

Photo by Dominique McIndoe

Southern Comfort Cafe
Orange
501 Central Ave
973-672-9100

Open: Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sun

Price: $$

Style: Down-home eatery with chalkboard menus, high-top and dining tables covered in black cloth, Afrocentric art and paintings of black entertainment icons, including Prince, Redd Foxx and Bob Marley.

The Scoop: SoCo, as it’s called, was opened in 2012 by Jersey natives Marcus Johnson and his wife, Rochelle Brown-Johnson, a producer for the Food Network and the series Emeril. They were inspired by family in South Carolina and visits to New Orleans.

The Menu: You’ll taste the South in virtually everything from chicken, meat and seafood to mashed potatoes and black-eyed peas. Every home-style entrée comes with warm cornbread and your choice of two sides from the list of 17. Try the seasoned baked chicken with collard greens and macaroni and cheese (left) or the catfish with spinach and candied yams. There are several salads to choose from. The fresh-baked peach cobbler and assorted cakes beckon from the display case up front.

Heads Up: The cocktail lounge facing the dining area opens at 5 pm, when the bartender arrives, though beer and wine can be purchased before then. SoCo does a healthy takeout business. Live music, a DJ or karaoke every night. Street parking can be scarce, and there are no lots.

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What are Quick Bites? Short takes on casual, affordable dining.

Restaurant Details

  • Cuisine Type:
    Soul Food - Southern
  • Price Range:
    Moderate
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