Though soul food has deep roots in the South, there’s a difference between “southern” food and “soul” food. Although these two cuisines utilize similar ingredients, the term soul food emerged in the 1960s and is commonly referred to as African American heritage cooking.

When we get a craving for down-home, comfort meals, we turn to the options below. Here are eight restaurants that deliver big flavor — and even bigger portions.

Drew's Place Restaurant, 5701 Curzon Ave.
Since 1987, Drew's Place has been consistently ranked as one of Fort Worth's best restaurants. The social food critic Keith Lee visited last year to check out their award-winning fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, and broccoli rice cheese casserole.

Mama E's B-B-Q and Home Cooking, 818 E. Rosedale St.
This longtime neighborhood favorite is known for its smoked brisket, tender pork ribs, turkey legs, and hearty sides that taste like Sunday dinner any day of the week. A visit isn't complete here without a slice of homemade pie.

Stormie Mondays, 3509 E. Berry St.
Try everything from perfectly seasoned beef tips and rice to creamy chicken spaghetti, all paired with classic sides like mac and cheese and greens. Don't forget to grab a slice of cornbread.

Nana's Kitchen, 7403 John T. White Rd.
This spot was rated the No. 1 soul food restaurant in the state of Texas by Love Food. Toshia Ramsey — aka "Nana" — will fix you a comfort plate full of rosemary-baked chicken, savory meatloaf, or whole catfish.

Toni's Soul Food, 3329 Altamesa Blvd.
This favorite pours love into every plate — from juicy fried chicken wings and flaky fried catfish to classic smothered pork chops and meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Pair your entree with candied yams, collard greens, or red beans + rice.

DJays Soul Food, 6700 Brentwood Stair Rd., Ste. 128
A solid pick for soul food with a Cajun twist. DJay’s serves crowd-pleasers like smothered pork chop dinners, meatloaf with three sides, and crispy catfish with cornbread dressing. Customers frequently praise the generous portions.

Peachtree Cafe, 8651 John T. White Rd., Ste. 115
The new diner serves fried catfish, fried chicken, smothered pork chops, meatloaf, and salmon croquettes, collard greens, sweet potato muffins, red beans and rice, and tons more Soul favorites.

Madea's Down Home Cooking, 1019 W. Enon Ave., Ste. D, Everman
One guest review states, "Everything in here is delicious." Stepping foot into Madea's is like returning to your beloved family kitchen. Try smothered turkey wings, peach cobbler, and other soul food favorites in this laid-back setting.

Don't see your favorite soul food spot? Tell us about it.