Cousins the Southern Soul Bistro just leveled up. Chef Bigs and Olivia Soul took what started as a to-go spot and turned it into a full-service restaurant in Buford, Georgia — live music, a bar, and an atmosphere that honestly feels like eating at a family member’s house.
The New Buford Location
The expansion isn’t just more square footage. It’s a completely different experience: sit-down service, weekly events, and a menu with a lot more room to stretch. If you’re looking for authentic soul food in Gwinnett County that’s actually cooked from scratch, this belongs on your list.
What We Tried
- Gotcha Soul Shrimp — the dish people keep coming back for
- Shrimp and grits — savory, rich, and done right
- Fried catfish with scratch-made sides
- Signature fried chicken — crispy the way it should be
- Homemade macaroni casserole — a family recipe, not a side-dish afterthought
- Peach cobbler empanada — the dessert you did not see coming
- Red Kool-Aid — because of course
The Verdict
From the warm welcome to the last bite of cobbler, this bistro is becoming a local favorite fast. Watch the full review above and add it to your Buford dining bucket list.
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