Wright Kind of Soul (A Soul Food Cafe)

- 1588 Maple Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205

For New Jersey residents seeking a dining experience that offers both deep comfort and vibrant flavor, look no further than **Wright Kind of Soul (A Soul Food Cafe)** in Hillside. More than just a restaurant, this establishment, located at 1588 Maple Ave, is a genuine culinary gem in the local community, proudly identifying as both a Black-owned and LGBTQ+ owned business. It has successfully created a welcoming space that is recognized as a transgender safespace and is highly popular among families and locals alike, earning a reputation for warm, "family comfort" service.

Wright Kind of Soul is a unique concept, flawlessly blending the rich, comforting traditions of Southern Soul Food with the spicy, aromatic excitement of Caribbean cuisine. Operating as a fine dining restaurant and cafe, it elevates classic comfort dishes while offering a casual, friendly atmosphere. Patrons rave about the high quality of the food, from savory, juicy meatloaf with perfectly balanced gravy to incredible, moist cornbread drizzled with honey and butter. The menu’s depth means there is something for everyone, whether you are in the mood for traditional Oxtail or innovative Vegan dishes.

Wright Kind of Soul is conveniently situated at **1588 Maple Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205**. This Union County location makes it easily accessible for customers throughout the central New Jersey region, including those coming from Newark, Elizabeth, and other nearby towns.

Accessibility is a key feature of the location. The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests, offering numerous accessibility amenities:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Parking is also made easier with **Free street parking** available to diners. The interior maintains a casual atmosphere that is both family-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly, embodying a welcoming spirit for everyone in the community, including solo diners and tourists. For added convenience, the establishment also provides Wi-Fi for guests.

The range of services provided by Wright Kind of Soul caters to various dining preferences, ensuring a fine yet accessible experience.

• Dine-in: Available for both Lunch and Dinner, offering comfortable seating. The experience is designed to be highly welcoming, giving instant vibes of "family comfort" as noted by customers.
• Reservations Required: Please note that this fine dining element means Reservations are required and accepted for seating, making it essential to plan your visit ahead of time to secure a table.
• Takeout: Meals are available for pickup, providing a convenient option for those on the go.
• Delivery: Customers can enjoy the restaurant's offerings from the comfort of their home through delivery services.
• Catering: Comprehensive catering services are offered for events and gatherings, extending the restaurant’s soulful cooking to large parties.
• Private Dining Room: The availability of a private dining room makes this an excellent choice for special occasions, meetings, or intimate group celebrations.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts a variety of payment types including Checks, Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Family Amenities: The restaurant is Good for kids and offers High chairs.
• Inclusive Amenities: Provides a Gender-neutral restroom, reinforcing its commitment to being an inclusive space.

The menu at Wright Kind of Soul is a testament to culinary fusion, with several dishes and features that consistently stand out to the New Jersey dining community.

• Southern and Caribbean Fusion: The menu masterfully blends styles, offering classic Southern dishes like Smothered Chicken and Pork Chops W/Two Sides alongside authentic Caribbean fare such as Oxtail W/ Rice & Peas (available with one or two sides from $$30.99$) and Jerk Shrimp W/ Peas Rice & Cabbage.
• Signature Appetizers and Wings: The wings are a highlight, available in unique flavors including Flava Wings, Buffalo Wings, Lemon Pepper Wings, and the highly-praised Soul Sweet Chili Wings ($17.54). The Crab Fries W/ Shrimp ($23.39) are also a favorite, noted for their tasty and creative preparation.
• Seafood Excellence: The restaurant excels in seafood and fish, offering traditional Southern plates like Blackened Shrimp & Grits ($24.56) and classic Fried Whiting W/Two Sides ($23.39), along with Caribbean-inspired items.
• Vegan Options: The dedicated Vegan section is a significant feature, with creative and satisfying dishes such as the Vegan Chicken & Waffles ($28.07) and Curry Chickpeas W/ White Rice & Plantain ($23.39), ensuring a diverse menu for various dietary needs.
• Exceptional Sides and Dessert: The menu emphasizes high-quality sides, including classic Baked Mac & Cheese, Sauteed Green Beans, Peas And Rice, and Sweet Plantains. Customers specifically highlight the Great dessert offerings and the addictive, moist cornbread.
• Homemade Drinks: The selection of homemade, refreshing drinks like Tropical Margarita ($6.00), Sunset Splash ($6.00), and Strawberry Lemonade ($3.25) adds a special touch to the meal.
• Small Plates and Quick Bites: The menu includes options suitable for quick bites and sharing, such as Fried Okra ($12.86) and various wings, catering to both full-meal diners and those seeking smaller, flavorful snacks.

For customers in New Jersey looking to experience the unique flavors of Wright Kind of Soul, the key contact details for the Hillside location are provided below. Remember that for dine-in, reservations are required to ensure the best experience.

• Address: 1588 Maple Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205
• Phone: (973) 982-6161
• Mobile Phone: +1 973-982-6161

The restaurant's hours typically accommodate lunch and dinner service throughout the week, with a slightly adjusted schedule on weekends. They are generally closed on Mondays. It is highly recommended to call ahead or check their online reservation platform to confirm current operating hours and book your seating.

Wright Kind of Soul (A Soul Food Cafe) offers New Jersey diners a truly unique and worthwhile choice that extends far beyond the plate. The restaurant is worth choosing for three primary reasons: its incredible culinary fusion, its commitment to inclusivity, and its elevated dining experience.

First, the **fusion of Caribbean and Southern Soul Food** is expertly executed. Diners do not have to choose between savory Southern comfort dishes like turkey wings and the vibrant, spicy heat of Caribbean specialties like jerk chicken and oxtail—they can find it all under one roof, prepared with incredible flavor and passion. The fact that all main dishes come with a choice of two sides is a generous and highly appreciated feature, allowing customers to sample the beloved Mac & Cheese and Cabbage simultaneously.

Second, the restaurant's identity as a **Black-owned and LGBTQ+ owned establishment** that actively fosters a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere makes it a socially valuable choice. Customers often describe the service as kind, attentive, and instantly comforting, adding a genuine layer of warmth to the fine dining experience.

Finally, the combination of **high-quality offerings**—including dedicated vegan options, innovative appetizers, and renowned desserts—coupled with essential accessibility features makes this a standout venue in Hillside. The policy of accepting reservations, rather than walk-ins, suggests a commitment to a controlled, quality service environment, ensuring that once you are seated, you receive the full, attentive experience that this “Soul Food Cafe” is known for. It is the perfect destination for a flavorful, hearty meal with great value, prepared and served with genuine soul.

Wright Kind of Soul (A Soul Food Cafe)

1588 Maple Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205, USA