La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant

Ever since the demise of the legendary soul food classic the Coffee Cup some five years ago, we have scoured the Charlotte area for a suitable replacement. It appears that my search has come to a favorable conclusion. La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant is located in an urban strip mall about 15 minutes south of the airport. Entering the restaurant, you will find a basic, no thrills dining room, just the right atmosphere for down home southern fare.

What should I eat at La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant?

Perusing the menu there are several soul food favorites including fried chicken, beef tips, salmon cakes, chicken livers, pork chops and country fried steak. Also, the catfish is top notch. On both of our visits, we ordered the fried chicken and tried both white and dark meat on each occasion. The chicken comes in a light crispy breading with just the right amount of spices.  This allows the chicken to retain it’s juices, and fair warning; it’s loaded with flavor.

For the two sides, we got the mac n cheese which has tons of melted cheese . The collards are perfect- limp and firmly textured, slightly sweet. The small corn muffin, which comes with each meal, is merely an afterthought. Don’t forget dessert. The peach cobbler is clearly homemade with fresh peaches in a glazed crumble.

La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant moved across the street into bigger digs, a great sign that this potential Charlotte soul food landmark will be around for many more years to come. *original by Dale Fine*