Roxbury Is the Spot for West African Food, Fried Chicken, Étouffée, and More

Find Cajun and Creole food on Dudley Street, soul food on Tremont Street, and more

by Jae'da Turner Feb 16, 2021, 12:11pm EST

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A piled-high bowl of vegetable stew, studded with pieces of chicken and fish, plus fufu on the side, at Suya Joint in Roxbury — Suya Joint in Roxbury is the spot for West African cuisine

Part of Eater’s Guide to Dining in Boston

It’s still very cold in Boston, and that good spring weather can’t get here fast enough. While Boston is known for being America’s walking city, walking from restaurant to restaurant on a food crawl isn’t exactly practical at the moment. (The cold weather dictates it, and the pandemic dictates it too.) Not to worry: Every restaurant on this tour of food through Roxbury offers takeout and delivery.

Find excellent West African food in Nubian Square, Cajun and Creole food on Dudley Street, soul food on Tremont Street, and more.

Please note that a number of Boston-area restaurants have resumed dine-in service, and the level of service offered is indicated for each restaurant in this guide. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns: For updated information on coronavirus cases in the area, please visit the Massachusetts coronavirus website.

Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

Maxine’s On Saint James

304 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA 02119

Simply put, the soul food at Maxine’s On Saint James is superb. With Cajun and Creole inspired dishes such as jambalaya, étouffée, and po’ boys, a visit to Maxine’s will transport you to Louisiana, if only for a moment.

Maxine’s On Saint James is open for takeout and delivery via Chow Now, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, Seamless, and Uber Eats.

Ugi’s Subs

68 Warren St., Roxbury, MA 02119

Ugi’s Subs has been a staple in the Roxbury community for decades. Its steak and cheese sub — which comes in one size and one size only — is served on a pillowy soft roll and is essential Roxbury eating. While you’re there, grab a mint lemonade from Smile Drinks — Ugi’s is one of a handful of local shops and restaurants that carries the Boston-based fruit drinks.

Ugi’s Subs is open for pickup and delivery by calling 617-427-7032.

Suya Joint

185 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA 02119

A brick building with large windows in the front, backdropped by a bright blue sky. A car is parked in front.

Suya Joint is the spot for West African cuisine in Nubian Square. Jollof rice — a popular and traditional one-pot rice dish prepared with a savory pepper sauce — is plentiful and a must-try at Suya Joint. Order the mouthwatering beef suya — a spicy beef skewer popular throughout West Africa, and the restaurant’s namesake — as an appetizer, or to pair with the jollof rice. You can’t lose with a bowl of egusi — a stew made with African melon seeds, spinach, chicken, and fish — and a side of fufu, either.

Suya Joint is open for takeout and delivery via DoorDash and Grubhub.

P & R Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor

208 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA 02119

All the food at P&R is great, but locals know that this Jamaican restaurant is the place to get some amazing grapenut ice cream. The Mattapan location is the original, but the Roxbury location is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, and boasts all of the same popular Jamaican dishes, including a vast menu of patties.

P & R is open for takeout and delivery via DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, Seamless, and Uber Eats.

Soleil

2306 Washington St., Roxbury, MA 02119

A stone building, lit brightly by the sun, with bright decorations and big windows at the front.

Nestled in the heart of Nubian Square, the Soleil space is full of warmth and light. From the food to the staff, this restaurant from chef and owner Cheryl Straughter is an absolute gem. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner is a difficult ask for any restaurant, but Soleil excels at all three, offering excellent Southern-influenced food at every meal. For breakfast, go for the Jasmine sandwich (hot beef sausage, eggs, and cheese served on your choice of white, wheat, rye, wrap, or English muffin) with a side of grits. For lunch or dinner, try Soleil’s BBQ beef ribs, which are fall-off-the-bone good.

Soleil is open for indoor dining, takeout, and delivery via Grubhub, Postmates, Seamless, and Uber Eats.

Slade’s Bar & Grill

958 Tremont St., Roxbury, MA 02120

A brick building with a blue awning, blue and yellow sign, and black door, backdropped by a bright blue sky.

Known around the neighborhood and beyond for its perfect fried chicken, Slade’s Bar & Grill has deep roots in Boston — it opened in 1935, and has been a cultural hub ever since. You can’t go wrong with any of the soul food on its menu, but the slow-roasted, oven-baked wings — which are only available on Tuesdays and Fridays — are unmatched.

Slade’s Bar & Grill is open for indoor dining, takeout, and delivery via DoorDash, Grubhub, Seamless, and Uber Eats.

• Food and Drink Crawls Through Boston and Beyond [EBOS]
• 24 Boston-Area Restaurants That Serve Top-Notch Fried Chicken [EBOS]