They are the reliable restaurants Southerners turn to again and again for everyday meals and special occasions.
Some are new, and some have been around for generations.
Raise a glass to them, and start planning your next meal.
Credit:Ruben Cabrera
Painted murals from 1915 line the wood-trimmed walls, which have been recently restored.
Floor to ceiling glass walls showcase the Arkansas River while other spaces feature Braves impressionist paintings.
A chat with Brave is just as delightfulhe’s the one with the jumpsuit and the smile.
Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
Round out your plate with Caribbean coleslaw and sticky sweet plantains plus Southern-style collards and cornbread.
Its a cross-cultural mash-up, and its all good.
It’s like entering a culinary time machine drifting back to your grandmother’s table.
Credit:Courtesy of Brave New Restaurant
PresidentJimmy Carteralways loved the custard; the Dalai Lama even sampled the potlikker.
There’s no extra charge for the pampering.
The cornbread sticks are properly not-too-sweet.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
The fried chicken is crispy outside, dreamy tender within.
The Hot Brown’s the best in town.
Commander’s, a New Orleans must since 1893, is like your oldest friend with really good secrets.
Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
So there’s no taking away, only adding, at the restaurant Felix Weidmann started in 1870.
In fact, Weidmann’s World Famous Black Bottom Pie has returned.
The popular Trout Almandine remains a traditional menu must.
Credit: Cedric Angeles
And photos down through the years dot the walls.
Todays fried green tomatoes are double-breaded and served with a special Mississippi comeback sauce.
New menu items like boudin-stuffed pork chop with andouille and crawfish are destined to become classics too.
Credit:Weidmann’s
Both claim bragging rightsand there’s a lot to brag about, starting with the house-aged beef itself.
What’s changed over time?
Guests want less fat around the edges but you won’t miss it.
Credit: Photo: Angus Barn Restaurant
Onward to the coconut cream pie.
Ordering seafood here is always a good idea.
From shrimp platters to crab cakes to fried oysters, Pages sources much of its seafood locally.
Credit:Courtesy Cattlemenen’s Steakhouse
Pages Okra Grill prides itself on creating Local Food for Local Folks, and they certainly do.
pagesokragrill.com, 843-881-3333, 302 Coleman Blvd, Mt.
Gumbo is by far the bestselling soup.
Credit:Krysta Chapman
And at the helm after 30 years is a proud University of Tennessee grad who loves his state.
Just like her grandmother’s, she said.
The 10 Babe’s locations occupy older buildingsformer firehouses, warehouses, barn-style structures.
Credit:Aubrey’s
There’s no alcohol at any, just tasty tradition.
Monthly wine dinners encourage themed participationsippers dressed up as French artists for the Springtime in Paris event.
Butler feeds her community in more ways than one; its no wonder she is a local favorite.
Credit:Courtesy Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
The menu is familiar too, especially the decades-old spaghetti sauce.
In 2018, Jim’s earned a James Beard Foundation American Classics Award.
jimsspaghetti.com, 304-696-9788, 920 5th Ave., Huntington, WV 25701
Credit:Jennifer Chase
Credit:Courtesy Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House
