The Southern Comfort Secret: 5 Reasons Lillie Mae's Southern Buffet Is Detroit's Must-Try Soul Food Spot

Lillie Mae's Southern Buffet has quickly cemented its status as a premier destination for authentic, high-quality Southern and Soul Food in the Metro Detroit area. As of late 2025, this Southfield, Michigan eatery continues to draw crowds with its unique buffet concept, which emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a menu built on time-honored family recipes.

Located at 29221 Northwestern Highway, Lillie Mae's offers patrons an experience that blends the comforting flavors of the South with a modern, convenient dine-in and carry-out model, making it a standout in the local culinary scene. The restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a celebration of Southern cooking, offering an endless feast of homestyle meals that keep customers coming back for more.

The Unexpected Founders: From U-M Basketball Court to Southern Kitchen

The story behind Lillie Mae's Southern Buffet is as unique as its menu, rooted not in a traditional culinary background, but in the world of professional sports. The restaurant concept was developed by two well-known figures in Michigan athletics: former University of Michigan basketball standouts Deshawn Sims and Manny Harris.

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Both Sims and Harris, who played professionally after their time at U-M, brought their entrepreneurial vision to the Southfield community, aiming to create a dining experience that offered genuine, high-quality soul food. While the name "Lillie Mae" pays homage to a cherished family figure—a common tradition in soul food establishments—the founders’ background provides a fresh, modern twist to the business’s foundation.

Their commitment to excellence, a trait honed on the basketball court, is now applied to the kitchen, focusing on fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. This unique ownership story has helped Lillie Mae's stand out, connecting the restaurant to the vibrant culture and history of the Detroit area.

The Legendary Menu: Lillie Mae’s Signature Southern Bowls and Comfort Classics

Lillie Mae's has become famous for its innovative approach to traditional Southern dining, particularly its emphasis on customizable "Southern Bowls" alongside a generous, ever-changing buffet selection. This combination allows for both the classic all-you-can-eat experience and convenient, personalized meals for those on the go.

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The culinary philosophy centers on fresh Southern cuisine, with a stated belief in sourcing ingredients from local farms whenever possible, ensuring a level of quality and flavor that elevates the dining experience.

A Deep Dive into the Must-Try Dishes

The menu is a treasure trove of Southern comfort, featuring dishes that have garnered rave reviews from customers and food critics alike. The "Southern Bowls" are the main attraction, allowing diners to build a hearty, satisfying meal with various protein and side combinations.

• Lillie's Famous Chicken Bowl: A fan favorite, this bowl features a bed of garlic mash, topped with fried chicken, corn, gravy, and fried onion straws, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.
• Shrimp & Grits Bowl: A staple of Southern cuisine, this dish anchors the "Lillie Mae's Southern Grit Bowls" section, offering a rich and savory experience.
• Braised Oxtails Bowl: A premium offering, the tender, slow-cooked braised oxtails are a luxurious indulgence that speaks to the high-quality preparation of the meat dishes.
• Turkey Meatloaf Bowl: Consistently praised in customer reviews, the turkey meatloaf is a highlight, often cited as some of the best soul food available, especially when paired with classic sides.
• Catfish Etouffee: This deep-South classic, featuring tender catfish smothered in a rich, savory sauce, is a popular choice among the "LILLIE'S SOUTHERN FAVORITE BOWLS."
• Smothered Turkey Legs: Known as a house specialty, these massive, tender turkey legs are smothered in gravy, offering a true taste of downhome cooking.

The Essential Soul Food Sides and Desserts

No Southern meal is complete without the perfect accompaniment of sides and a sweet finish. Lillie Mae's excels in delivering the essential comfort classics that define soul food.

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The side dishes are often the true test of a soul food kitchen, and Lillie Mae's passes with flying colors. Customers frequently praise the rich, creamy Mac n Cheese, the savory Dressing (often referred to as stuffing), and the perfectly candied Yams. Even the sometimes-controversial Collard Greens have been noted for their flavor, though packaging for delivery has been a minor point of feedback.

For dessert, the Sweet Potato Pie is a standout, often mentioned in the same breath as the main course favorites, providing the perfect blend of spice and sweetness to conclude the meal.

Topical Authority Entities: The Lillie Mae’s Experience

To truly understand the appeal of Lillie Mae’s Southern Buffet, one must look at the full scope of its culinary and operational entities. The restaurant has successfully created a brand around high-quality, authentic Southern cooking, making it a cornerstone of the Southfield dining scene.

• Location: Southfield, MI (29221 Northwestern Highway)
• Cuisine Style: Southern Food, Soul Food, Homestyle Meals
• Service Model: Dine-In Buffet, Carry-Out, Delivery (Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats)
• Signature Dishes (LSI Keywords): Shrimp Jambalaya, Catfish Etouffee, Turkey Meatloaf, Braised Oxtails, Fried Chicken, Baked Chicken, Collard Greens, Sweet Potato Pie, Mac n Cheese, Southern Grit Bowls, Turkey Chop Bowl.
• Founders/Owners: Deshawn Sims, Manny Harris (former U-M Basketball Players)
• Concept: Fresh Southern Cuisine, Local Sourcing, Customizable Southern Bowls

The consistent 4.2-star rating on major delivery platforms, based on over a thousand reviews, is a testament to the quality and consistency of the food, establishing Lillie Mae's as one of the most reliable and highly-rated soul food options in the region. Whether you are a long-time resident of Metro Detroit or just passing through, Lillie Mae's Southern Buffet offers a delicious, authentic taste of the South that is worth every penny.