A lot of restaurants say they “treat you like family.” Few live up to those words quite like Esther's Soul Food and Cajun Cafe, where many members of Miss Esther's extended family make up the staff.

The dishes are Southern comfort food, pure and simple. The recipes were passed down in Esther's family and today she serves them to her lunch and dinner guests. Staples like seasoned oxtail with special spices, smothered pork chop and Cajun pepper steak are augmented by daily specials such as shrimp and crawfish etouffee and savory turkey wings.

There's one simple truth about Esther's. No one leaves hungry. Whether one of the above dishes are your weakness, or delicious sides like the twice baked potato or candied yams, you're bound to fall in love with something here. The food coupled with the warm, inviting staff have made Esther's a popular neighborhood destination.