Philadelphia has countless seafood spots, but the best smoked fish comes from an unexpected place - a BBQ joint in Germantown. Southern Flames BBQ sits at 8221 Germantown Ave and has turned traditional Fish Fridays into something special.
This hidden gem serves much more than standard fish platters. Our menu features a perfectly battered 3-piece fish special for $12 and a generous 5-piece platter for $16. Southern Flames expertly combines Philadelphia's seafood heritage with authentic Southern BBQ techniques. The restaurant welcomes customers Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and continues to surprise locals with its exceptional smoked fish.
Let's discover how Southern Flames BBQ creates our outstanding fish dishes, what sets us apart, and why our Fish Fridays have become a cherished Philly tradition.
Philadelphia and seafood share a rich history. The city might be famous for its steaks and burgers, but fish remains at the heart of Philly's food culture. Fish fasting became one of the most important traditions, as thousands of western Pennsylvanians —Catholic and non-Catholic alike—gathered at Friday fish fries.
Southern Flames BBQ breathes new life into this tradition with expert smoking techniques. This Germantown spot honors Fish Fridays' cultural heritage and lifts it with distinctive Southern BBQ methods. What started as a religious practice has turned into a citywide culinary attraction.
The story of Fish Fridays goes back approximately 1,400 years, when Pope St. Gregory The Great set rules about meat abstinence. Fish consumption on Fridays grew from a religious duty into an economic force that helped expand the global fishing industry.
Philadelphia stands out from other Catholic-heavy cities like Buffalo and Milwaukee because of what many call "a strange absence of Friday fish fry nights". Southern Flames BBQ steps in to fill this gap. Rev. J. Henry Buck Jr.'s restaurant serves various fish options that include 3-piece and 5-piece platters and sandwiches, each prepared with our signature smoking technique.
Southern sides like cornbread, collard greens, and mac & cheese complement the menu perfectly. This mix creates something uniquely Philadelphian with a distinct Southern touch.
The restaurant's impact extends beyond its food. Rev. Buck opened Southern Flames in 2018 to give people who overcame hardship "the taste of a second chance". The business helps formerly incarcerated citizens readjust to life and find healing through employment.
Fish Fridays at Southern Flames represent more than just meals—we showcase a fusion of Philadelphia tradition, Southern technique, and community support. Our dedication to quality ingredients and green practices shows how we've reimagined BBQ by combining great flavor with community values.
Southern Flames' menu showcases exceptional fish dishes that stand out among Philadelphia's seafood spots. Our signature smoking technique has become a hallmark of our cooking style. The restaurant caters to different budgets with fish options that everyone can enjoy.
The best smoked fish in Philly comes with several mouthwatering choices. Our Fish Platter (3) serves three perfectly prepared pieces at $22.00, while the Fish Platter (5) gives you five pieces for $24.00. You can also get just the fish without the platter theres also options for 3 Pieces of Fish cost $12.00 and 5 Pieces of Fish are $16.00.
The menu includes a treat for sandwich fans too. Our Fish Sandwich combines a crispy fried filet with tartar sauce on a soft bun for $13.00. This handheld version captures our signature taste perfectly.
Southern Flames' fish preparation makes us special. Each piece gets a Southern-style coating that blends cornmeal, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This coating creates the perfect base for smoking.
The restaurant's traditional smoking process brings out rich flavors in the fish. Proper seasoning comes first, then the fish meets carefully controlled smoke from selected hardwoods. This creates a beautiful glaze and keeps the fish moist with subtle smoky notes.
Everything at Southern Flames starts from scratch. Our meat gets a southern rub before hitting the smoker, and we give the same attention to our fish. The result gives you a crispy outside and juicy, flavorful inside - a balance that Southern Flames has mastered.
The complete meal should include classic sides like cornbread, mac and cheese, or collard greens. These traditional accompaniments create an authentic Southern feast right here in Philadelphia.
Southern Flames BBQ's amazing experience goes way beyond our exceptional smoked fish. Great sides can turn a delicious dish into an unforgettable meal.
Southern Flames makes everything from scratch. Each side dish naturally enhances our signature smoked offerings. Our creamy mac and cheese has subtle smoky notes that match the main dish. The slow-cooked collard greens follow traditional Southern techniques. Sweet-toothed diners love our homemade apple raisin coleslaw. This family recipe creates the perfect balance with rich smoked flavors.
The restaurant gets fresh seasonal produce from local farmers' markets. This practice helps showcase Philadelphia's agricultural heritage. Our savory string beans pack rich, flavorful profiles that complement any meal. Sweet potatoes come with delicate cinnamon notes that round out the experience.
Southern Flames BBQ skips mass-produced sides. We embrace true Southern hospitality through homemade accompaniments. A customer once shared,
The collard greens could've been cooked a bit longer but still good. The mac and cheese reminded me of the cookouts when I was a child.
The heart of BBQ shines through Southern Flames' community work. Rev. Buck, who leads Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, founded the restaurant. It's part of a bigger plan to reduce recidivism among African-Americans. Our nonprofit "The Taste of a Second Chance" offers detailed 12-week training. Participants learn everything from barbecue preparation to financial planning.
Atiya G another enthusiastic customer raved,
The second time we went we had the fried fish, Mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. The fish is bangin'! By far the best thing I ate there. The fish is delicate, perfectly fried and seasoned so well. It is sooo good! The mac and cheese was a bit dry. I think it may have dried out some from sitting. The sweet potatoes were nice and hot, sweet and tangy. They were quite good.
These perfectly prepared sides paired with exceptional fish create an authentic Southern meal that honors traditions through generations.
Read Atiya G.'s review of Southern Flames BBQ on Yelp
Every element on your plate at Southern Flames works together naturally. We showcase our smoking expertise and our deep connection to Philadelphia's local food community.
Southern Flames BBQ shows how great food brings traditions and communities together. Our unique combination of Philadelphia's seafood heritage and Southern smoking techniques creates fish dishes you won't find anywhere else in the city.
Southern Flames takes ordinary fish and transforms it through expert preparation and genuine Southern hospitality. Every smoked piece reflects tradition, skill, and community service that aligns perfectly with Rev. Buck's mission to provide second chances.
Visit Southern Flames Wednesday through Sunday to try our fish platter with delicious cornbread or collard greens. Share your experience with friends because you'll support both excellent food and meaningful community work. Southern Flames delivers more than just meals - we serve hope with every perfectly smoked fish.
