Looking for good soul food in Springfield? Queen City is a must-try

Yes, it's true, soul food is here in Springfield with a restaurant in the Woodland Heights neighborhood.

Business partners Francine Pratt and Lyle Foster recently opened Queen City Soul Kitchen at 2006 N. Broadway Ave.

Foster, the owner of Big Momma's Coffee & Espresso Bar, has been in the local restaurant game for a while. 

Pratt, on the other hand, is well-known for her work with Prosper Springfield and the local NAACP. But she actually has experience in the food industry, as well. Before moving to Springfield, Pratt worked in the restaurant and catering industry in California. She is responsible for 80 percent of the menu at Queen City Soul Kitchen.

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The idea to open Queen City Soul Kitchen came from Pratt and Foster joking to one another about there not being any soul food options in Springfield, so one day they decided to make their own.

It started as a pop-up at Big Momma's, before Queen City Soul Kitchen moved to its own location on Broadway Avenue.

Business has been slowed by the recent COVID-19 surge in the Springfield area, but Queen City Soul Kitchen is trying to develop a loyal following.

Queen City Soul Kitchen serves fried chicken wings, baked beans and much more. A popular dish at this establishment is the fried fish, which is served on Fridays. Pratt said they modify the menu every month.

"I feel my peach cobbler is a really good dish here," Pratt said. "I learned it back in California."

Queen City Soul Kitchen is open three days out of the week: Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Ralph Green is a business reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Contact him at RAGreen@gannett.com, by phone: (417-536-4061) or on Twitter at RalphGreenNL.