Some restaurants reopen quietly. Others reopen and immediately remind you why people missed them so much.
A Touch of Soul just reopened after being closed for about a year for repairs and building updates, and walking back through the doors felt less like visiting a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone’s home.
This is soul food in its purest form. Not just because of what’s on the plate—but because of the people behind it.
A True Family Operation
The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a whole crew of people working together, and it quickly became clear this isn’t just a business—it’s a family.
Henry, the dad, is the owner. His daughter is the one who reached out and invited me to come by. And some of the recipes? Those belong to their grandmother—who is still right there in the kitchen cooking.
That matters. You can feel it immediately.
The cornbread alone tells you everything you need to know. It looks like something out of a magazine—perfectly golden, beautifully textured—and that’s the grandmother’s doing. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just decades of knowing exactly how something should be made.
The Definition of Comfort Food
I went with the pepper steak, served over rice with chunks of bell peppers, smothered in gravy, and paired with two sides. I chose the mac and cheese and the collard greens, and that plate is about as close as you can get to the definition of comfort food.
The pepper steak was rich and satisfying, the kind of dish that sticks with you in the best way. The mac and cheese was creamy and indulgent, and the collard greens had that slow-cooked depth that tells you time—and care—went into them.
I also tried the breaded wings, and they deserve their own moment. Super crispy, perfectly seasoned, and cooked with the same love and attention you’d expect from great fried chicken—just in wing form. No sauce needed. They stand on their own.
Dessert That Feels Personal
Dessert is where the grandmother’s legacy really shines.
I tried the banana pudding, which was creamy, sweet, and smooth—no banana slices mixed in, just pure comfort in a cup. Then came the pound cake, something she’s especially known for.
The honey bun pound cake was sweet, rich, and exactly the kind of dessert you hope for at a place like this. The kind of cake that feels familiar even if it’s your first time having it.
Why Places Like This Matter
A Touch of Soul isn’t trying to be trendy. It isn’t chasing anything. It’s simply doing what it’s always done—feeding people well, with care, consistency, and heart.
After being closed for a year, it’s clear how much this place was missed. And now that they’re back, it’s the perfect time to stop in and support a local, family-run restaurant that genuinely deserves it.
If you’re looking for food that’s comforting, filling, and made with real love—go check them out.
They’re open again. And Solvay is better for it.
📍2409 Milton Ave., Syracuse, NY 👉 Follow them on Instagram
