
Carmi Soul Food Express - Southern Take Out
Pittsburgh's beloved soul food destination, serving up authentic homestyle classics with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Carmi Soul Food Express - Southern Take Out

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pittsburgh's beloved soul food destination, serving up authentic homestyle classics with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere.
"Come taste why we've been voted Pittsburgh's best soul food 15 years strong!"
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds by visiting on weekdays or during non-peak hours.
Spice it Up!
If you crave spicy or Cajun flavors, Carmi Soul Food will not disappoint.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Soul Food
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Soul Food
Indulge in hearty soul food classics like pork chops, ribs, shrimp & grits, and chicken & waffles.

Generous Portions
Experience incredibly generous portions that ensure you'll have delicious leftovers.

Cornbread Perfection
Savor the moist and perfectly sweet cornbread, a delightful complement to any meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds by visiting on weekdays or during non-peak hours.
Spice it Up!
If you crave spicy or Cajun flavors, Carmi Soul Food will not disappoint.
Takeout Option Available
Short on time? Order delectable Southern cuisine for takeout from Carmi Express.
Don't Miss Fried Catfish
Highly recommended: the fried catfish served with yams and mac & cheese.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds by visiting on weekdays or during non-peak hours.
Spice it Up!
If you crave spicy or Cajun flavors, Carmi Soul Food will not disappoint.
Takeout Option Available
Short on time? Order delectable Southern cuisine for takeout from Carmi Express.
Don't Miss Fried Catfish
Highly recommended: the fried catfish served with yams and mac & cheese.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carmi Soul Food is celebrated for its authentic, flavorful Southern cuisine and generous portions, with many diners raving about the chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits. While the food is often praised for its homestyle appeal and deliciousness, some reviews mention inconsistencies in seasoning and quality, with a few diners finding certain dishes bland or overpriced. The cornbread and mac and cheese, however, frequently receive high marks.
"Never knew of this place, I was originally gonna go nextdoor to Hook N Fish but saw this place and figured I’d try it. So glad I did! I was warmly greeted and could tell the food was made with love, heart, and soul. I ordered the catfish and grits meal though I’ve never found grits that I liked. These grits however, where on a whole other level, they were seasoned to perfection and to me, tasted like cheesy mashed potatoes, best grits I’ve ever had!
The catfish was seasoned to perfection and was delicious! You could tell they make the food with love. I will be back."
James Hurst
"If I can give 0 stars I would. Lettuce in salad was wilted. The Cook was eating the damn fries in front of me that that goes with my order.. no proper etiquette what so ever, ordered a slice of cake it was hard as hell smh…. Just straight trash throw the whole restaurant away"
S B
"We ordered so much food when we were here and we're obsessed. Every single thing you can get at this restaurant is so good. There is so much flavor in every dish and side. I can not wait to go back again! If you like spicy or cajun food do not sleep on this place it will blow your mind."
Brandee Youngclaus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners highly recommend the chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and the moist cornbread. Many also praise the mac and cheese and yams.
Yes, Carmi Soul Food is known for its generous portions, often ensuring leftovers for another meal.
Yes, Carmi Soul Food Express offers takeout for those short on time, allowing you to enjoy their Southern cuisine on the go.
Absolutely! If you enjoy spicy or Cajun flavors, this restaurant will not disappoint.
For an enjoyable experience without large crowds or long wait times, consider visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays.
The cornbread is frequently highlighted for being moist, slightly sweet, and having a cake-like texture, often described as perfect.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best restaurants Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania
Two Austin, TX, natives combine barbecue skills with Mexican flour-tortilla tech for super-savory food and even good veg options. Once BYOB, they've added…
Best Of PGH 2024: Food + Drink | Food + Drink
A core memory of my yinzer childhood is sitting in Big Jim’s nearly every Friday, eating provolone sticks for dinner and staring at the wall. Well, not the wall, exactly; I was mesmerized by a bizarre, glowing, electronic piece of technicolor landscape artwork that hung in the dining room and scrolled by on a loop. Last I checked, that contraption is gone, but the vibe, stellar food, and low, low prices are as reliable as ever at Big Jim’s in the Run.
The Best Chicken and Waffles in Pittsburgh
South Side staple Carmi Soul Food serves homestyle classics that are made from scratch and served with love, and if you’re looking for something sweet and savory to fill you up, their chicken and sweet potato waffles are what you need. Each waffle is made to order and is served up with your choice of either three whole wings, a chicken breast, or a leg and a thigh. Now that’s a brunch that will keep you satisfied all day!
Best Fried Chicken in Pittsburgh: 5 Must-Try Spots
Located at 1825 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, Carmi Soul Food is known for its homestyle cooking, including its delicious fried chicken that is perfectly cooked. The chicken is seasoned with a unique blend of spices and fried to a crispy perfection that will satisfy your taste buds. The warm and inviting atmosphere of Carmi Soul Food will make you feel right at home as you indulge in their delectable fried chicken.
13 Pittsburgh sandwiches that go beyond french fries and coleslaw
carmirestaurant.comPo’ boys are a Louisiana specialty, but the catfish po’ boy from Carmi’s Soul Food in South Side is something Pittsburghers should call their own. The catfish nuggets are perfectly fried with a spiced, crunchy crust and a deliciously flaky middle. The fish is sustainable farm-raised and doesn’t have that strong lake water taste I usually associate with catfish.
30 Most Famous Restaurants in Pittsburgh
This restaurant offers Southern food that keeps the customers coming back and new customers. There are classic combinations such as chicken, waffles, shrimp, and grits; diners can also get ribs, fish stew, and meatloaf. Carmi Soul food restaurant with exciting experience for lunch and dinner, and if time isn’t on your side, you can order a takeaway.
Black-owned Caribbean restaurants in Pittsburgh
Owned by: Carmi Soul Food restaurant was opened by Carlene and Michael King in 2011 after doing small catering gigs for their church, family and friends. What started out as The Catering Kings on Western Avenue, Carmi relocated to the South Side in 2018 and has been a leader in sit-down soul food restaurants in Pittsburgh.
14 family-friendly restaurants perfect for tiny Yinzers
Sometimes you just need comfort food, and Carmi’s has just that. Family members of all ages can find something on their extensive menu which includes offerings such as catfish nuggets, mac and cheese, shrimp and grits, and burgers. There is also a family-style dinner menu for big parties.
Pittsburgh's Tasty Thanksgiving Takeout Guide
If you’re feeding a crowd, this South Side biz has you covered with a feast that serves 12-15 for $450. Just pop in their oven-ready turkey with sides like baked mac and cheese, southern cornbread stuffing, mixed greens, green beans, and candied yams. Plus, two sweet potato pies!
Where To Find The Absolute Best Fried Chicken in Pittsburgh
#chicinthecity #pittsburgh #soulfood #christmaseve #sunday #sundaybrunch. A post shared by Felicity Ansonia (@chicinthecity_esq) on Dec 24, 2017 at 9:36am PST. Carmi is known around Pittsburgh for their homestyle soul food.
Amazing Pittsburgh Restaurants You Can't Miss
For a surprising bite of southern comfort, head to Carmi Soul Food Restaurant. chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fish stew, and other classics keep this establishment bustling.
Black-Owned Businesses in Pittsburgh
Carmi Soul Food: Named a top soul food restaurant in Pittsburgh, Carmi’s specializes in traditional African American Soul Food, Southern Fare and Cocktails.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit