' Sophia’s Soul Food
1243 Harrisburg RD NE
Canton, OH 44705
(330) 452 – 4030
Food: 5
Decor: 2
Service: 4
Cost: 5
Overall: 4.5
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So, we’ve been having trouble deciding on places to go. After almost 5 years of having “Adult night out”, we’ve been to a lot of places. I came across a review in the Canton Rep for this place and suggested it for this month’s ANO. I will say right up front- it’s in a very depreciated part of town, they are not open very late, everything is served in plastic, paper and styro-foam and it’s very very small. Now, on to all the reasons why you need to GO. Now. Seriously.
There were 5 of us attending dinner tonight. Bob, Amy and I ordered the “3 Meat Special.” This includes samples of 3 meats, two sides and a drink all for $10. “Samples” are a large piece of corn meal breaded tilapia, two very large fried chicken wings complete with drummet and two equally large smoked BBQ ribs. Oh yes, let’s not forget the sides. I chose home made mac and cheese and the cornbread dressing. Amy had the same, only candied yams instead of dressing and Bob had the cole slaw. Ralph had a chicken, mushroom, broccoli-rice casserole (he’s on a diet). Mel had chicken tenders and sides and Megan had a catfish sandwich. How many ways can I say “more please?”. The fish was fantastic. The tilapia was not too heavy and Megan’s catfish? The cook knows how to prepare his catfish. That’s all that needs to be said. Crunchy outside, fluffy inside. The fried chicken was equally tasty, the breading was lighter than the cornmeal on the fish but still packed with flavor and juicy. The ribs? Sweet BBQ mixed with tender smokey meat and grilled, not baked. Mac and cheese that my grandmother would be hard pressed to beat and the cornbread dressing? I could have eaten just that and been a happy girl. Oh yeah, I ordered dessert to go – home made peach cobbler. I’ll say, it’s not the prettiest I’ve ever seen. In fact, it’s downright ugly to look at but when the smell hits your nose…it’s pure heaven. Nutmeg and cinnamon and peaches oh.my. And it only cost $3. I did not leave this place hungry and we got a to-go menu. There will be more. Oh yes, there will.
The service was great as well – it’s owned and operated by a husband/wife team who are friendly and welcoming. You’re made to really feel at home. yet they aren’t up your butt the whole time. The whole place has a “good vibe”. I don’t know how else to say it. The owners are not shy about being people of strong faith and yet, it’s not that overpowering in your face preach while you eat variety. It was refreshing to see such a small business doing so well, given the economically hard hit area and even more refreshing to see they are not only doing well but doing well for others. They definitely practice what they preach and Sophia’s gives Soul Food a whole new meaning.
Scoring:
NYR – Not yet Reviewed
1 – poor, 2 – fair, 3 – average, 4 – good, 5 – excellent
