"Smoke Soul Kitchen is a Bayview brunch spot filling the Auntie April’s-sized hole in the neighborhood’s heart—it’s in the same space, and, like its predecessor, also serves fried chicken and waffles that should be added to the state flag. The menu also covers other excellent soul food staples, like shrimp and creamy, bacon-dotted grits, dense biscuit sandwiches, and fluffy pancakes with a sheen of powdered sugar. Head here for a relaxed group brunch that doesn’t require making a reservation weeks out, or any time you want to start your morning with sweet tea and something fried." - Julia Chen