During the Civil Rights movement, Paschal's was known as a safe space. Many strategy sessions (that included names like Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, Hosea Williams, Ralph David Abernathy, and Aretha Franklin) were fueled by plates of crispy fried chicken and slices of moist cornbread. And it’s still a major stop for community activists, visiting politicians, and celebrities. But these days, you’re more likely to see tourists popping in for brunch, AUC folks gathering for lunch, or families settling in for a hearty dinner. They're all here because this 1947-established West End legend still serves soul food that hits just right, every time.

photo credit: Mhandy Gerard

video credit: Mhandy Gerard

photo credit: Mhandy Gerard

photo credit: Amy Sinclair

video credit: Mhandy Gerard

There's an extensive menu full of solid staples, like their legendary juicy fried chicken with a crispy batter (it made our best fried chicken guide), and candied yams that could double as dessert. And when you're tired of eating mac and cheese that taste like it came from a drive-thru, Paschal's will give you a taste of Sunday dinner, anytime—with platters of cheesy oven-baked mac, tender catfish, and garlicky greens.

The kitchen isn't with experiments and shortcuts here, so you'll always get the familiar comforts of good, old-school cooking. But it's not a complete time capsule experience. Paschal's relocated to an updated two-story space on Northside, where you'll hear Lil Baby songs mixed with Motown classics on the speakers. And don’t be surprised when a beeping robot zigzags through the massive dining room to drop off your fried shrimp and tooth-achingly sweet tea.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Mhandy Gerard

1947 Fried Chicken

This dish has been a steady comfort for the OGs who have been visiting Paschals for decades. So this plate—three big pieces of crispy battered, well-seasoned chicken, two sides, and a piece of sweet cornbread—should be on your table.

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Ignore the sandwich part, this is really just meat on bread. The bone-in fried chicken breast has salty, snappy skin, but the sandwich itself is dry.

Baked Salmon

This is a decent order if you don't want the fried chicken. The grilled salmon is thick and garlicky with a touch of sweetness.

Greens

Bland greens can take an otherwise good soul food spot from "I want you to meet my family" to "this just isn't going to work out." These greens are marriage material—they're slow-simmered with the right balance of richness and tang.

Voodoo Shrimp

This is a good order if you like spice. You get six big pieces of plump shrimp that are coated in a spicy breading and tossed in a hot buffalo-y sauce. The chili spice is mixed in the breading, so the heat builds up with every bite, in the best way.

photo credit: MhandyGerard

Catfish

The catfish comes grilled or fried. But go for the fried since the fish is tender inside, the coating crunches with every bite, and the breading gives you that enjoyable salty-to-tangy contrast when you spread on a little tartar sauce.