5 places to get soul food in Calgary

Calgary isnt particularly known for its soul food, but there are a few spots where those with southern roots, or anyone with a craving for homestyle southern cuisine, can get their fix.

From creamy grits to red beans and rice, there are some delicious southern eats to be had in Calgary if you know where to look:

Bookers BBQ Grill & Crab Shack

Bookers is known for its classic southern cuisine, offering up buttermilk fried chicken, pulled pork, smoked ribs, crab buckets with accompaniments like jalapeo mac & cheese, skillet corn bread and cajun rice with cobbler for dessert and live music on the side.

Bookers, #10, 316 3rd St. S.E., (403) 264-6419

Model Milk

On the Small Plates section of the menu youll find Calgary-ified versions of classic shrimp & grits, served with pepper vinegar and a fried egg ($16) as well as country fried sweetbreads with hot sauce, roasted buttermilk emulsion and celery salad ($15).

Model Milk, 308 17th Ave. S.W., (403) 265-7343

CharCut

Theyre known more for their charcuterie and urban-rustic cuisine, but if you order the roasted pork belly from Spraggs it comes served with aged cheddar grits, arugula pistou and green beans ($27)

CharCut, 101, 899 Centre St. S.W., (403) 984-2180

The Palomino Smokehouse

One of the most popular fixins at The Palomino is their thick, creamy smoked cheddar grits. It also shows up on their colossal platter, made up of applewood smoked pork, Alberta beef brisket, Kansas City ribs, smoked chicken, Palomino slaw, black eyed peas, fries, smoked cheddar grits, bacon wrapped corn, mash and Jack Daniels apples. Enough for four or more.

The Palomino Smokehouse, #109, 7th Ave. S.W., (403) 532-1911

The Blues Can

The Blues Can is known for its food almost as well as for its live blues. The reasonably-priced menu includes a slew of PoBoys stuffed with seafood from crab cakes to blackened catfish ($13), classic or vegetarian jambalaya ($15/14), Cajun fried pickles and red beans and rice with and sausage ($16).

The Blues Can, 1429 9th Ave. S.E., (403) 262-2666