Whip My Soul

Show up during lunch hours nearly any day of the week and you’ll probably see a short line of people waiting for massive trays of fried chicken and fish at Whip My Soul, a soul food restaurant in a strip mall on the Cedar Park border. Chicken and fish are the specialties here, but you’ll also find waffle plates, pork chops, shrimp and grits, plus staple sides like hush puppies, cheese grits, and glazed yams. Grab a drink cup and fill up at the soda fountain (if you want to be boring) or choose from one of the many Kool-Aids on display. 

When it’s busy, and the food is fryer-to-table fresh, you’ll be met with some of the crispiest and tender chicken strips, wings, and catfish you’ll find in North Austin. But show up during off-hours, and there’s a decent chance your tenders have spent a little bit too much time sitting in a warming pan. If you’re not sure where to start, get a sampler platter with a side of sweet glazed yams and cheezy mac. And prepare to bring a lot of food home, because the portions here are no joke. 

photo credit: Nicolai McCrary