Columbus knows good cooking. Turkey wings that fall off the bone, oxtails in deep brown gravy, collards cooked low and slow, and a square of cornbread on the side. You don't need a white tablecloth to find it, just the right address.

Here are eight local spots worth the drive, from Whittlesey to Buena Vista Road. Most are small, family-run kitchens that cook in batches, so go early: favorites sell out, and many close by mid-afternoon or early evening.

1. Lily's

📍 6597 Whittlesey Blvd. · 706-221-2125 🕚 Sunday–Friday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Closed Saturday.

Lily's got its start in Lumpkin before bringing its cooking to north Columbus. The menu reads like Sunday dinner: turkey wings, baked or fried chicken, oxtails, whole catfish and a mac and cheese regulars rave about. It's one of the few spots on this list open on Sunday, which makes it an after-church favorite. (Google rating: 4.5 stars)

2. Netta's Southern Flava

📍 2401 Whittlesey Road · 706-221-2464 🕚 Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

A short drive from Lily's, Netta's is a neighborhood favorite with more than 400 Google reviews. Diners point to the fried chicken and the cornbread casserole in particular. (Google rating: 4.4 stars)

3. Ed's Southern Cooking

📍 5435 Woodruff Farm Road (Milgen Plaza) · 762-821-3307

With more than 1,300 Google reviews, Ed's is one of the most-reviewed soul food spots in Columbus. Expect a cafeteria-style lineup of country cooking at fair prices, with meatloaf among the dishes diners order most. Call ahead for the day's hours. (Google rating: 4.2 stars)

4. The Serving Spoon

📍 2109 Buena Vista Road

This is down-home cooking the old-fashioned way. Reviewers praise the chicken and dressing, pig feet dinners and chitterlings, along with homemade coleslaw. Save room: the banana pudding, sweet potato pie and peach cobbler get just as many mentions. One reviewer put it simply: "The collards melt in your mouth!" (Google rating: 4.5 stars)

5. Mary's & Mary's Southern Cooking

📍 1112 18th Ave. · 706-641-2200 🕚 Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon–3 p.m., or until sold out.

A lunch-only spot near the 18th Avenue corridor, with a rotating lineup of meats that can include turkey wings, oxtails, smothered pork chops, beef tips and catfish. When it's gone, it's gone, so get there early.

6. Mercy's Jamaican Kitchen

📍 5753 Milgen Road · 706-992-8886 🕚 Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Mercy's is soul food's Caribbean cousin. If oxtails are your weakness, it's a must: they come stewed Jamaican-style, alongside jerk and curry chicken, curry goat and rice and peas. Add a side of collard greens or plantains. Friday brings cow foot, a Jamaican specialty.

Honorable mentions: Southern comfort in a sit-down setting

Ruth Ann's Restaurant
📍 941 Veterans Parkway · 706-221-2154 🕚 Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.

A Columbus institution for more than 60 years, Ruth Ann's is a classic diner known for country-style breakfasts, Southern dishes and homemade desserts. It's a favorite with the Fort Benning crowd and locals alike. Breakfast and lunch are served all day.

The Black Cow
📍 115 12th St. (Uptown)

For a night out, The Black Cow serves elevated Southern comfort food in the heart of Uptown. With more than 3,600 Google reviews, it's one of the city's most popular restaurants.

Tips before you go

• Go early. Small soul food kitchens cook in batches. The oxtails and turkey wings are usually the first to sell out.
• Call ahead. Hours at family-run restaurants can change, especially around holidays.
• Ask about the daily specials. Many of these spots rotate their meats by the day.

Did we miss your favorite? Tell us where to find the best soul food in Columbus and Phenix City. Email [email protected], and we may feature it in a future story.

Restaurant owners: want to reach 40,000 monthly readers? See our advertising options at columbustimes.com/advertise.