About
Welcome to Soul Food Chess House, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Located at 1539 N 9th St, this warm and inviting eatery specializes in soul food that feels like a hug from mom. With a menu that showcases mouthwatering dishes, Soul Food Chess House is everything you crave when that appetite for comfort hits.
As you step inside, the aroma of freshly cooked food envelops you, creating an immediate sense of home. The minimalistic yet cozy atmosphere invites patrons to enjoy their meals casually, while the friendly staff makes sure you feel welcomed from the moment you place your order.
For seafood lovers, the Catfish Dinner, available at just US$24.00 for two pieces, is a must-try. Each bite reveals tender, flaky fish enveloped in a crispy crust that keeps you wanting more. Customers like Jkay C rave about the whitefish, claiming it to be “tender and flaky” with a crisp crust. Pairing it with their renowned Mac & Cheese, which evokes childhood memories for many, makes for a fulfilling and nostalgic meal.
The menu doesn't stop there. For those craving something with a bit more heat, their Wings come in various flavors, including hot and sweet & spicy, providing a kick without compromising on juiciness. As noted by satisfied diners, this small establishment serves up big flavors that are ideal for sharing—or indulging in solo!
One centerpiece of the menu is the Oxtail Dinner, priced at US$35.00 and served with rice, which has quickly become a fan favorite. Guests have praised its clean, flavorful preparation that is anything but bland. The large portions are perfect for families or those in need of satisfying their hunger after a day of exploring the Poconos.
While the restaurant is located in a bustling area with limited parking, it’s worth the visit. Customers suggest ordering in advance to save time and ensure you get the freshest deliciousness straight off the grill. With a little patience, the rewards are tremendous—heaping plates filled with lovingly prepared food that truly nourish the soul.
In a world where dining often feels rushed, Soul Food Chess House stands out by fostering community, comfort, and a connection to food that tells a story. So, if you find yourself in the Poconos and your stomach starts to rumble for flavorful soul food, remember, this little spot is where you’ll want to stop. Come for the food, stay for the warmth—this is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
“ This picture does no justice, we found this place on google and glad we stopped in, it was amazing and especially that cornbread, the man sitting in the front was nothing but kind and very welcoming, next time we are up in the pocono area we already planned to stop again. ”
“ The food was delicious !!! Very fast and friendly and affordable. ”
“ Everything was delicious!!!! Whitefish tasted so flavorful, it was tender and flakey. The crust was crispy, not soggy and yummy to the last bite! Mac&Cheese made me cry!! It was just like mom’s! Potato salad was soooo good too! ”
“ The location is on a busy street (broad) with no parking but there is a lot on the corner that you can park in. The space is small and you order at the door and they kindly give you recommendations and are very polite. I do recommend ordering the food in advance then picking it up. The quality is amazing. One of the best Mac and cheese dish in the Newark area. The oxtails are clean and flavorful. The chicken wings are juicy in the inside and crispy in the outside. The portions are huge where 2 maybe 3 people can eat. The price is 4-6 dollars higher than the competition but the quality and serving is worth it. We ordered when we got there and then waited 20 minutes in our car for fresh delicious well presented food. I highly recommend. ”
“ When visiting the Poconos, and if you are craving soul food... this is your place. The service and atmosphere were amazing. They make you feel so welcomed. They give you plenty of food, and the food is very delicious. Would definitely recommend and visit again. ”
“ Got lunch from Soul Food Chess House today, my first time eating with them, and it was delicious! Oxtail with mac and cheese and seasoned french fries. Service was quick and super friendly. I will absolutely be back again. ”
“ We happened to see this place because we were across the street getting our vehicle serviced. We live almost an hour away, but we will take the drive! The food was so good. We loved everything we got. It was flavored perfectly. The service was great, and prices were reasonable based on portion size. If you're in the area, go try it. If you're not in the area, do yourself a favor and DRIVE THERE! ”
“ I drove 30 minutes from Easton PA to Stroudsburg PA, looking for a semi decent soulfood place because, unfortunately, there aren't any good places to get that southern home cooking until I found this gem of a place. SOUL FOOD CHESS HOUSE, we tried was good (shrimp , catfish , oxtails candy yams , collards & potato salad) OH that Sweet potato cornbread is Official ”