Sumthin’ Good Soul Food: Laughter and Culinary Delight in Our Community

By Leeshia Lee 

Sumthin’ Good Soul (SGS) food provides our area with the perfect combination of laughter and good food. The “sumthin’ to do” we have all been waiting for is here. It’s a relaxing, Black family-owned and operated restaurant in South Charleston, West Virginia. I had the pleasure of attending a comedy show at the restaurant in April with Black by God, one of the event sponsors. 

The SGS hospitality was no joke. I was greeted kindly at the door, and as I stepped inside, I saw a room full of tables filled with couples, siblings, coworkers, and families. Everyone else was probably as grateful as I was to have entertainment locally instead of driving out of town, for the experience was a pleasure. I was immediately impressed with the overall vibe; the food smelled great, the music provided by DJ Big L captivated the crowd as many nodded or snapped their fingers to the beat, and the patrons anticipated something funny.

Sumthin’ Good Soul Food has been in business since 2017. The venue has managed to book some highly talented comedians. As a family business, one of the owners, Jay Harris, says “we all need to laugh — laugh at each other and laugh at ourselves.” Hosting comedy shows at his establishment infuses the community with a much-needed dose of entertainment and joy. Watching people laugh and smile was nostalgic.

The eatery became a vibrant hub of laughter and connection as the audience laughed at relatable jokes from comedians. The crowd was a constant part of the show, as the main headliner frequently used audience members as comedic material. He even turned on the DJ. Comedian Steve Brown delivered quite a show on MacCorkle Avenue that showed exactly why he was able to appear on Bad Boys of Comedy, BET’s Comic View, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, and Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand Up!

By blending delectable soul food with the raw, live energy of stand-up comedy, the restaurant has crafted a one-of-a-kind, inclusive atmosphere that unites people from all walks of life and adds a new layer to our social scene. The audience was a vibrant mix of all demographics, but the common thread of a shared sense of humor prevailed.

The establishment also serves as a platform for local musicians, hosting live shows that further enrich our cultural fabric. Sumthin’ Good is not just great for the soul, it’s a testament to the vibrant local talent and a refreshing and entertaining option for all to enjoy.

Sumthin’ Good Soul Food
4837 MacCorkle Ave SW,
South Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 768-0968
sumthingoodsoulfood.com
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