Love. If I can use one word to describe my experience at Soul Secret, that's it. Love Amore Besotted Take great people (Melinda was our server and the chef came out to check on us...more about Melinda later)... Combine it with great food and great ambiance, and you get this restaurant! The first thing that you notice when you walk in is that it feels like home. Some restaurants focus heavily on decor and leave a lot to be desired in terms of ambiance, the people, and the food. And in other restaurants, you walk in and feel as if you can stay there forever. This is one of those places. We stayed there for a while. Imagine being in Grandmom's living room with pictures on the wall and positive music playing in the background. That's Soul Secrets. The menu is big enough to make sure that everyone can find something to eat, but not so big that you will struggle to make a decision. From fried catfish and grits to French toast to salmon croquettes and the largest pancake on Earth, there is something for everyone. My niece ordered the French toast, and my sister ordered a special breakfast that came with a pancake, grits, eggs, potatoes, and sausage. I was still hungry from last night's meal, (and you can read about it in another review) so I just nibbled off of my sister's meal. The French toast came out first, and I could tell immediately that the chef knew what she was doing. The rest of the food came out, and again, they brought the largest pancake I've ever seen. My sister was treating us today, and I was glad that the menu prices were very reasonable. My niece said that the French toast was delicious, and she ate as much as she could. She has a dance performance tonight and made sure that she didn't put her show at risk. It was difficult for her because the food was so good, but she managed and took a box home to eat it later. Yes. My sister nibbled on everything else and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the grits and some of the pancake, and I have to say that it was very difficult for me to stop eating because it tasted so good. The pancake was perfectly cooked and fluffy with crispy bits on the edge. The grits were creamy and flavorful, even without cheese. The coffee was great. I had several cups. All in all, it was arguably better than any breakfast I've had at any restaurant that serves it. Now let's get back to Melinda. So often, the dining experience can be directly related to the person that greets you when you take a seat. Thank goodness we were greeted by Melinda. She has one of those energies and personalities that makes you feel as if she has been in your family for years. Funny and friendly, but at the same time, dedicated to making sure that you have a good experience. Again, I felt like I was at someone's home rather than in a restaurant. She called me a "troublemaker," which means that somehow she was seeing the 20-year-old version of me instead of the person that I am today. lol So here's the summary. If you are in Cincinnati and you want a great meal, there are many restaurants to choose from. It appears to be a pretty decent restaurant town. But if you want to FEEL Cincinnati, while feeling right at home and having one of the best meals ever- Soul Secrets is one for the ages. read more

Soul Secrets - America's biggest and tastiest pancake... French toast, grits, eggs, potatoes, and sausage. - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I asked my 15 year old his rating. He said 4 because "they give too much food." He is clearly European . I had the fried fish, he had the fried chicken.. Both plates could feed 2.... read more

Soul Secrets - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Food was great. Service disappointing but not terrible. Would recommend u go at least once. Gratuity is auto added on tip as "food delivery" on receipt. They do not sell liquor. U cannot wait at bar with a soft drink if you are waiting for a table- that's poor customer service in my book. I love the catfish, mac n cheese, greens and yams. This app automatically checks off service as being good based off using Ai, I'm assuming, to read my review as I'm typing it. I disagree. read more

Oh, mama like. This place has the best fried chicken in town (sorry Eagle but it's truth!!) The sides are super yummy, too. Just walking into the restaurant is an olfactory gift. The waitresses were all super kind and helpful and quick to refill our drinks despite being busy. Reservations for parties of 5 or more, but we were able to get seated as a party of 4 on a Saturday night at 7pm , no wait! It's a cute little restaurant next to a jazz bar in the heart of OTR. Extremely reasonable prices for extremely delicious food. Will be back and next time plan on trying the fish! read more

Soul Secrets - Chicken and Chicken & Waffles Dark - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I absolutely loved the catfish. It was fried to perfection. It was light and crispy. My foodie friend recommended it and she was on point. The cornbread came out warm. It was a perfect combo. I enjoyed the sweet potatoes and green beans. I'm particular about my Mac & cheese. This batch didn't do it for me. Our server was attentive. Despite it being packed on a Saturday afternoon, our food came out quickly. I enjoyed the display of art on the walls. I read more

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I hear the food here is great, but I can't corroborate that. I tried to make a reservation for 5 for a Friday. Initially, the phone wasn't answered even though it was business hours--it rang 3 times and then nothing. Couldn't make a reservation online as that option didn't offer me the time I needed. Called again and was told I had to make the reservation online. when i explained as above, she put me on hold, then came back and said "if the time you wanted isn't available online, there are no tables. you can just walk in. Friday isn't a busy day. you might have to wait and everyone might not be able to sit together...." My group opted to go elsewhere for lunch and won't try again to go to Soul Secrets. How long can a business last with a customer service attitude like this? read more

The service is rather poor. We arrived around 11:30 on a Saturday. The people ahead of us got the last table for 4. There was a woman sitting alone at a table for 4. When the table of 2 next to her cleared, her extra table could have been pushed over to make room. That didn't happen. In addition, there was no rush to clean that table to seat the next party of 2. We chose to leave because no one seemed to be eager to make money. A table of 4 was being cleared as we left and we never got a text to inform us a table was available. We didn't tell her we were leaving, we could have gone to the car or just stepped out. We were in town for the day and hoping to support a black owned business that had good reviews on Yelp. I can say the pancakes are as big as stated in other reviews. I can't tell you how they taste, because we never got a seat. read more

Had heard so many good things about this place and finally got a chance to check it out for lunch on Thursday afternoon. On street parking--the meters still take quarters. I had the 3 piece whiting dinner with collard greens, sweet potatoes and and extra side of potato salad plus a corn muffin. Portions were plentiful and everything tasted wonderful--had to take some fish home. Service was friendly and attentive. OTR sometimes gets a bad rap, but this is one small business that makes me want to come downtown again. Scope it out for some genuine soul food. read more

My visit to Soul Secrets was average. I had the catfish, greens and mac & cheese. The best part of my meal was the catfish. Large serving and flavorful. The Mac and cheese needed a little work. I will try again for different menu items. read more

Soul Secrets - Catfish, greens and mac/cheese - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

First time here and I'm already hooked. I order the cate fish after with Mac and hoppin John. Also tried the yams and greens. Everything I ate was delicious the fish and chicken had great flavor. The yams and Mac go perfectly together. I can't wait to go back and eat! read more

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I had the MOST AMAZING crispy, flaky, tasty fried catfish at Soul Secrets. And my bestie loved the fried chicken! All the sides are incredibly delicious. My mouth is watering thinking about the next time I can visit. Service was great, and the ambiance is lively and fun. Highly, HIGHLY recommend!!! read more

Soul Secrets - Fried Catfish, Fried Chicken Dark Meat - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The wait time I feel was a little excessive. The space is indeed small as mentioned in other reviews. The food is as advertised. The chicken was a little bland. I feel like it was sitting in a warmer for a long period of time. The fish, was the star of the show. Nice, hot and fresh. Well seasoned, with a little hot sauce was the best thing I tried by far. The Mac and cheese was also good. Black eyed peas were just ok, meh. I would come back for more fish. It was worth the drive from Louisville, Kentucky. read more

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VEGAN REVIEW came here for dinner Friday 5pm (don't judge!!! lol) with my Omni daughter IDK if they had a busy lunch or some supplier problems, but they were already out of several items Daughter enjoyed her catfish plate I had the vegan platter. I have to admit I was not super impressed :( The mashed potatoes were gummy, and the green beans seemed canned or frozen. The vegan Salisbury steak was ok, not much gravy. I do really appreciate having vegan options, that earns them an extra star!!! Food itself was probably 3 stars Good service. Nice ambiance. read more

Stopped by Soul Secret on Sunday and good experience overall. The server was friendly and attentive, and our food came out very quickly. We didn't have to wait for a table since we arrived right after they opened, which was a huge plus. That said, I was a little disappointed to find out the bar wasn't open so I couldn't get a mimosa and the breakfast menu isn't available on Sundays. I had my heart set on trying a few of their breakfast favorites (shrimp & grits and pancakes). Still, everything we did order was fresh and flavorful. I'd definitely come back if I can catch them when the bar and breakfast menu are available. read more

I went on Saturday at 11am. Experienced a 20 minute wait but it was sooooooo worth it. I had pancakes, bacon, eggs, potatoes, grits. When I say EVERYTHING was perfect. I mean EVERY. THING. Taste just like grandma made it. & the music was nice, not too loud. 10 out of 10 highly recommend. My platter was just $20. Support local + black business ‍ @lockedinwithlexi read more

Soul Secrets - Breakfast Belle - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Food was delicious!!! Wait was long but I believe because so many people were in town for the CMF festival. Worth the wait an I will be back! read more

Soul Secrets - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We were there for a private event, so we had the entire place to ourselves. Staff was very friendly. Portion sizes are huge! Food is just a little too salty for me. read more

Will not back go to Soul Secrets again! Try Southern Grace on Montgomery Street instead! My family and friends first visited Soul Secrets during the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival, and the food was great. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to return in 2026. Unfortunately, this experience was completely different. We checked in with the hostess at 11:28 a.m. and were told the wait would be approximately 20-40 minutes. Based on our previous experience, we were willing to wait. At 12:15 p.m., we checked again and were told it would be another 20 minutes. We waited until 12:40 p.m., only to be told once again that it would be another 20 minutes. At that point, we were extremely frustrated. Several tables were open, and multiple parties were waiting outside in the sun. When I asked why we could not be seated, the hostess explained that the owner said the kitchen was extremely backed up. I then asked whether we could at least sit inside while we waited. The hostess checked with the owner and was told that we could be seated, but the restaurant's 90-minute dining policy would begin as soon as we sat down. How is that reasonable when we would not have even been able to order because the kitchen was backed up? I do not blame the hostess. I blame the owner and the way this situation was handled. Customers should never be treated this way, especially when many are traveling from out of town to support your establishment. No water was offered to the guests waiting outside, and no updates or explanations were provided unless someone asked. No restaurant should ever become so successful that it believes good customer service is no longer necessary. The best part of this experience was that every party waiting outside decided to leave and try Southern Grace on Montgomery Rd instead. The food was outstanding, the service was warm and welcoming, and they completely turned our day around. If you're looking for delicious Southern food and exceptional hospitality, skip the frustration and head to Southern Grace instead. We will definitely be going back to Southern Grace for the great food and great customer service. read more

The atmosphere was outstanding. The food was fresh, hot and deeeeeelicious.. I had the catfish and grits. The sauce on the grits was so good and the peppers and onions set it off. My sister ordered a pancake and it was huge a very very good. Parking anywhere downtown is a nightmare. The staff was vey pleasant read more

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Great atmosphere! Nice staff! I'll be back if I'm ever in Cincy again! The coquettes are a first time experience; they are delicious! read more

Soul Secrets - Salmon Coquette, sweet potatoes, collard greens - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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The service is cool. The ambiance is ok. They play good music but yall over hyped this food. The catfish was the only thing I ate in full. The chicken pieces were too big like dinosaurs I picked over it. It was seasoned but I can't eat dinosaur chicken. read more

Soul Secrets - Fried Catfish Fried Chicken Dark Meat - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Amazing food and amazing service! Would recommend if looking for good soul food and parking was easy to find.

A pancake as big as your head. That should be the description because the crispy edge delight is the draw of the new breakfast offering. Hours are limited Tues-Sat, but worth getting up and making it in. Service was really nice as well and we were seated promptly. read more

Soul Secrets - Pancakes - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Clean and friendly check in process, not a large waiting area but there is a small bar that seats 5 when you walk in if it isn't full. The food was pretty good. Our server was friendly, but not present very often. Had to utilize the bartender to get service. The food was pretty decent. I'll try it again to determine if it was worth the price point. read more

Soul Secrets - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

WOULD DEFINITELY recommend (general). Was in town for pharmacy conference and came by for lunch with my acquaintances. They said they don't do reservations but they might do actually, still unsure so I would call them just to make sure. We were sat and they had gave us both the brunch and lunch menu since we came in the afternoon. The menu had a wide selection if soul food options, anything you name it. Our server was really nice and patient with us while we were ordering. I ordered the 3-piece dark Fried Chicken with Collard greens and Mac & cheese. I got my food a little later than everyone else and before I even got it, everyone at the table was raving about good quality the food was (other things that were ordered were Fried Catfish, Yams, Breakfast quesadillas, Catfish & Grits, Potato Salad). When I got my food, it was still steaming hot, freshly made. I first tried the chicken, it was tender and full of joy. I next tried the Mac & cheese, and it was almost perfect (just a slightly bit too salty); that's a compliment coming from me because I don't play about mac & cheese. The collard greens were juicy and had perfect ratio of greens/meet. They topped it off with cornbread that wasn't hard, which you would think wouldn't be the case for most soul food spots. This isn't a flashy restaurant by no means but the quality of the food is what stole the show, it was just AMAZING. Overall, this place was definitely worth the visit, was the best thing we ate during our time in Cincinnati. The inside is real small and intimate, perfect for bringing friends/family from out of town or if you want a lowkey spot for casual date. For the price, you are getting real good quality food, which is all we ask for. I will definitely stop by next time I am in Cincinnati. read more

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Everytime I go the service and quality are the same. I have not been let down yet. I hope they prosper and flourish. read more

Soul Secrets - Chicken and waffles. - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Good food.........I suggest this to all if you want so home cooking!!!! yummy

Clean - warm and welcoming! Really like this place and the food! Family owned - they care

The food tasted amazing, the service was great and the ambiance was relaxing. However they did not have any liquor at all. They said that someone broke into the Bar and stole all of the liquor. Hummmmm lol read more

By far one of the BEST places I've ever had chicken from. Simply jaw dropping. It was during a work trip, that I came here with a co-worker. I am forever grateful that my co-worker found Soul Secrets from TikTok. Not sure when I'm coming back to Cincinnati, but I certainly know I'll be coming back here if ever given the chance to! read more

Soul Secrets - Fried Chicken Dark Meat - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Food came out really fast! I ordered the chicken and waffles. Service was great, not intrusive at all. The dark meat chicken was juicy and huge. My friend described them as large dinosaur sized parts. The breading was thin and the meat deep. Well worth it as I could only finish one leg with the waffles. I ordered a jambalaya side too. It was good but I felt it needed more spice. All in all a pleasant experience. Will probably go back to try something else. read more

First time but not my last time. The food was amazing, staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the atmosphere was great! I ordered cat fish, jambalaya and potato salad. Thank you! read more

Decent food but the service could have been better. Our server was not friendly. The greens did not have any flavor. I wanted dessert but they didn't have anymore they just sold the last piece. read more

Soul Secrets - Three piece dark, Mac n cheese, and greens. - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Absolutely delicious food and the customer service team is Awesome. I highly suggest going here every time someone visits Cincinnati.

Great place for good southern home cooking. Ordered the whiting, collard greens and d mac n cheese. Also added the 3 piece chicken. Side of chicken included a breast and 2 wings. Taste was true to southern cooking. Tasted good and fed both my craving for good home cooking and an good vibe. I had to get box for the food. I finished with peach cobbler. I had to save a little bit to take home and add some vanilla ice cream to make it truly perfect but really good by itself. Will be back. 4 stars means really good food and worth the price. read more

Soul Secrets - Good cooking from the roots. - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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If you know... you KNOW. Natasha was so good to us! Maybe the best soul food in Cincinnati! We're not saying it's official... but brunch today at Soul Secrets Cincy as AMAZINGLY good. Comfort food done right. Flavor on another level. Zero leftovers. #CincinnatiEats #CINCINNATI WhoDey from Bengal Jim! read more

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I enjoyed my meal the environment is different but because it's downtown but this place deserves a bigger more upscale place. read more

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I was visiting for my family reunion and decided to check out this place. Everything went well...food was hot and delicious. Large portions. Service was excellent. Good ambiance. They do need a bigger spot with better parking but for now if you can get there you'll be happy you went, We had catfish, chicken, greens, jambalaya, yams, collard green gumbo. read more

Came in town for a football game and was looking for soul food restaurant and this place came up the food and the service was great. We did have to wait long. I had the 3 piece fried chicken with collard greens and hoppin John. That food was so good my girl friend had the catfish with canned yams and mac & cheese and it was amazing af read more

Soul Secrets - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I'd been looking for a great chicken and waffles destination here in Cincinnati for a while. At last, I believe I've found my spot, and it's Soul Secrets. This place definitely has soul! I talked my boss into checking it out for lunch on a Thursday. We were both born and raised in the south and know a thing or two about southern food. The place itself isn't huge but has lots of great seating. The menu isn't huge either but has a nice variety of southern goodness. They also have a good libations menu with beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. The staff are all very friendly and welcoming too. After checking out the menu for a bit, I of course opted for the chicken and waffles with a side of collard greens. My boss went with the fried catfish with collard greens and hoppin' john (black-eyed peas and rice) as his sides. We didn't wait long at all before everything was ready. This fried chicken was some of the best I've had in a while. Super juicy and very flavorful. The collards tasted very fresh and the waffle was made just right. My boss really enjoyed his food too, especially the catfish. And they do NOT skimp on the portions. I ended up getting half of mine boxed to go. We also got to meet the owner, Candice, and she was very appreciative of our compliments on our experience. I suppose it's no secret that I'll definitely be coming back here again, and yes, I'll be bringing my lady too. We'll have to try one of their desserts too. Maybe the peach cobbler or the banana pudding... Or both if we have room. read more