“Comfort food” is synonymous with the rich and savory flavors of Southern cuisine. From traditional favorites like fried green tomatoes and tangy bbq to the flavorful spices of hot chicken, the perfect dish is waiting to delight your taste buds. The South is bursting with some of the best Southern food, bbq, and fried chicken you’ve ever tasted. Try some of these delicious options the next time you’re craving a little Southern comfort. 

 

Best Southern Food Spots 

Southern cuisine is known for its flavorful seasonings and farm-fresh fare you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. The unique flavors of these dishes were born from the South’s vibrant culture and rich history, and the recipes are usually passed down through several generations. 

Loveless Café 
Nashville, Tennessee 

The Loveless Café serves up Southern favorites like country ham, red-eye gravy, and barbecue. But this Southern classic restaurant is most well-known for its biscuits, which are still made from the original recipe Lon and Annie Loveless used in 1951. In fact, the biscuits at Loveless Café are so popular, the restaurant reportedly makes up to 10,000 a day! In addition to the main café, the Loveless Barn and Harpeth Room are excellent venues for weddings and other large events, and the restaurant also offers offsite catering and the Loveless Café Food Truck for private events. For a quick meal to go, be sure to stop by the Biscuit Kitchen next door and don’t forget to commemorate your visit with locally made pottery, apparel, and home goods from one of the gift shops on the property. 
lovelesscafe.com/ 

 

Irondale Café 
Irondale, Alabama 

In the heart of original downtown Irondale, Alabama, the Irondale Café has stood for generations as an integral part of the community. The menu includes dishes made from fresh, local produce and meats. Favorites at the Irondale Café include their Fried Green Tomatoes, Country Fried Steak with Brown Gravy, and the Chocolate Chess Pie. The restaurant is known to fry 60 to 70 pounds of fried green tomatoes on weekdays, with even more than that on Sundays. The Irondale Café is closed on Saturdays except for during the annul Whistle Stop Festival held every spring. Come for the delicious food, and stay for the small-town atmosphere. 
irondalecafe.com 

 

The Whistle Stop Café 
Juliette, Georgia 

Known as the “Fried Green Tomatoes Restaurant,” The Whistle Stop Café is the very one that appeared in the famous film, Fried Green Tomatoes. This quaint little restaurant in Georgia is a must-see for fans of the book or film, and it serves up more than 400 of its fried green tomatoes every week. Other popular Whistle Stop menu items include the fried green tomato bacon cheeseburger made with fresh, local ground beef, and the pork BBQ sandwich made with pork fresh out of the smoker behind the café. Although the original Whistle Stop Café in the book by Fannie Flagg was based on the Irondale Café in Alabama, movie producers ultimately decided to film Fried Green Tomatoes at the location in Juliette. After filming, the owners of the building decided to open a real restaurant, and they’ve been busy ever since! 
thewhistlestopcafe.com 

 

Steffens Restaurant 
Kingsland, Georgia 

Steffens Restaurant has been a Southern comfort food staple in Kingsland, Georgia since 1948. While it is well-known for its hand-crafter burgers and all-natural ingredients, the restaurant also serves up menu favorites like fresh, locally-caught fried shrimp, handmade biscuits with creamy peppered sausage gravy, and handspun old-fashioned milkshakes made with real ice cream, milk, and sugar. As a family-owned and operated establishment, Steffens has become a favorite family diner for locals as well as tourists. For delicious Southern comfort food and friendly Southern hospitality, you can’t go wrong with this charming restaurant. 
steffensrestaurant.com 

 

H&H Soul Food Restaurant 
Macon, Georgia 

There’s no shortage of soul food restaurants in Georgia, and H&H is one of the best according to locals. Founded in 1959 by Inez Hill and Louise Hudson, H&H Restaurant has been a Macon staple since opening day. The restaurant is known for its delectable soul food and was named “Georgia’s Most Iconic Restaurant” in 2015. Choose from a selection of delicious menu items for breakfast, lunch, or brunch, including the Brisket Hash Breakfast featuring brisket, potato wedges, and fried green tomatoes, the Midnight Rider biscuit with fried chicken, bacon jam, and pimento cheese, or the Skydog, which is a thick ham steak on a biscuit covered with red-eye gravy infused mayo. You’re sure to leave with a full belly and satisfied taste buds! 
handhsoulfood.com 

 

Hot Tails 
New Roads, Louisiana 

Hot Tails serves Southern comfort food with a Cajun and Creole twist. From its humble beginnings in 2010 in an old drive-thru convenience store, Hot Tails has grown into one of the most well-known seafood restaurants that draws in foodies from all across Louisiana. The eclectic menu features old and new favorites like classic Nola-Style PoBoys, an array of fried seafood platters, and specialty sandwiches and burgers such as the Crab Cake Croissant and the Cajun Crawfish Burger all served with a variety of house-made sauces. And don’t forget about dessert! Satisfy your sweet tooth with a traditional Bread Pudding or the popular Pecan Cobbler. 
hottailsrestaurant.com 

 

Olde Tyme Grocery 
Lafayette, Louisiana 

In 1982, Glen Murphree purchased the Olde Tyme Grocery with dreams of making the best Poor Boy sandwiches in Louisiana. While Glen did not know anything about going into business for himself, he stayed true to his vision and made 10-15 Poor Boys a day from the deli counter in the store. After many years of hard work and dedication, Olde Tyme Grocery has grown into a Lafayette staple for both locals and tourists. There are rotating flavors of Poor Boys during the week that include ham, meatball, sausage and turkey, with seasonal flavors added throughout the year. Olde Tyme Grocery also provides Poor Boy Trays, Bag Lunches, and Dinner Catering. From April to September, you can cool down with an ice-cold treat from Murph’s Olde Tyme Snowball Stand located behind the store. 
oldetymegrocery.com 

 

Best BBQ Joints 

Finding the best bbq joints in the South is somewhat of a challenge, but not because they are difficult to find. Every Southern region has their own special take on bbq sauce, and everyone thinks their bbq is the best! Judge for yourself by paying a visit to one of these top-rated Southern bbq joints. 

 

Hoot BBQ 
McGehee, Arkansas 

Hoots BBQ is a beloved institution in McGehee, Arkansas, and beyond. In addition to their savory bbq brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, Hoots has an extensive menu of Southern favorites like fresh pork rinds, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and seafood. The bbq is described as savory with a hint of sweetness, and you have the option of adding a tangy mustard sauce or a tomato-based sauce for an extra kick. Be sure to save some room for homemade carrot cake or old-fashioned banana pudding! 
hoots-bbq.hub.biz 

 

Fox Bros. BBQ 
Atlanta, Georgia 

Texas natives and twin brothers Johnathan and Justin Fox sought to bring Texas-style bbq to Atlanta after becoming homesick for the flavors they grew up with. The brothers and their partner Beau Nolan opened their first restaurant on DeKalb Avenue and started serving their signature style of smoked brisket, pulled pork, wings, and original side dishes. Popular menu items include the Chicken Fried Ribs with a white bbq sauce, Hickory Smoked Wings, Angus Beef Brisket, and Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage. Fox Bros. BBQ has now expanded to three new locations in Atlanta and Brookhaven. 
foxbrosbbq.com 

 

The Pig & Pint 
Jackson, Mississippi 

The Pig & Pint promises a bbq experience like no other with their upscale, eclectic bbq offerings and local craft beer selection. Choose from dishes like the BBQ Chicken Tacos with Mango Jicama Slaw or the Pork Belly Corn Dogs with Colson’s Beer Mustard and Smoked Tomato Ginger Jam. The BBQ Pork Rind Nachos is one of the most popular menu items, and it includes corn tortilla chips, queso, smokehouse beans, pickled onions, pico de gallo, jalapenos, Mississippi “sweet” bbq sauce, and sour cream. Every dish is a culinary delight with a twist on old favorites with new and exciting flavors. The star of the show is the award-winning Pepsi Glazed Baby Back Ribs, which come in half and full rack sizes. Wash it all down with a selection of fine craft beer and spirits from across the United States as well as a few foreign options. 
pigandpint.com 

The Barbecue Center 
Lexington, North Carolina 

There’s a lot of bbq joints in Lexington, North Carolina to choose from, but The Barbecue Center is the oldest establishment in the downtown area that still cooks on pits. This low and slow approach creates tender, smoky, and flavor-filled pork that you won’t find at any of the other bbq joints in town. The Barbecue Center uses a Lexington-style barbecue sauce, and the tangy, vinegar-based sauce is the perfect complement to the slow-cooked pork because it adds a zesty flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the meat. Aside from their succulent pork bbq, the restaurant offers a wide variety of Southern sides like hush puppies, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. For dessert, The Barbecue Center’s famous Banana Split can’t be beat! 
barbecuecenter.net 

 

Ronnie’s Ribs 
Elgin/Columbia, South Carolina 

Ronnie’s Ribs stands out from other bbq joints in the area because they do not use the typical South Carolina barbecue sauces. Owner Ronnie Timmons’ has developed his own signature sauce that is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. This full-flavored sauce is a hybrid of vinegar, tomato, and mustard blends. Ronnie’s Ribs has a whole menu of bbq items like ribs, pulled pork, chicken wings, Boston Butts, and smoked turkey legs, all of which are slow-cooked in one of five smokers. Each plate comes with two slices of bread and your choice of two sides, which include hash, green beans, pork and beans, and potato salad. This isn’t your typical sit-down restaurant either. Instead, there are picnic tables outside where you can enjoy the delicious bbq, or you can get it to go, but good luck on waiting until you get home to sneak a bite or two. 
facebook.com/p/Ronnies-Ribs 

 

Best Fried Chicken 

You just can’t visit the South without getting some fried chicken! Whether you enjoy your chicken country fried and smothered in gravy, or hot enough to make your eyes water, you can’t go wrong with this classic meal. These fried chicken restaurants have just what you’re looking for. 

 

Prince’s Hot Chicken 
Nashville, Tennessee 

Credited as the restaurant that kicked off the Nashville Hot Chicken craze, Prince’s Hot Chicken has been a Nashville staple for over 100 years. The spicy recipe is said to have been invented by Thornton Prince’s scorned lover, who sought to get her revenge by creating the spiciest chicken ever tasted. The super spicy fried chicken became a big hit, and the rest is history. This family-owned establishment is still going strong with two additional locations in the Nashville area. There are eight flavors of chicken to choose from, ranging from Plain to XXX Hot, and you can add some delicious sides to complement your meal, such as baked beans, cole slaw, seasoned fries, and macaroni and cheese. Wash it all down with a sweet tea or draft beer and commemorate your Nashville Hot Chicken experience by purchasing a t-shirt from the gift shop. 
princeshotchicken.com 

 

Equus Jack’s Bourbon Restaurant and Lounge at The Black Rabbit 
Louisville, Kentucky 

For a more refined fried chicken dining experience, you can’t go wrong with Jack’s Bourbon Restaurant and Lounge at The Black Rabbit. Their signature Deano’s Fried Chicken comes with a large serving of sawmill gravy and is served with bacon-braised kale and whipped potatoes. This mouth-watering meal will satisfy your appetite, but if you save room for dessert, the rich flavors of the Cookie ‘n Cream is highly recommended. The warm atmosphere is the perfect backdrop to relax after your meal by choosing a drink from the extensive wine list. 
blackrabbitlouisville.com/black-rabbit 

 

The Beaver House Restaurant 
Statesboro, Georgia 

For a meal that reminds you of Sunday dinner at grandma’s house, The Beaver House Restaurant is the perfect location. Housed in a 1911 mansion built by the former mayor of Statesboro, the restaurant serves home-style Southern cooking like fried chicken, butter beans, and fresh-made biscuits. The casual atmosphere will make you nostalgic for home as you enjoy lunch and dinner entrees served in bowls and platters at private tables throughout the old family home. The mansion is also on the National Register of Historic Places and a popular tourist attraction in Statesboro. 
facebook.com/BeaverHouseRestaurant 

 

Royals Hot Chicken 
Louisville, Kentucky 

Royals Hot Chicken brings a Nashville favorite to Louisville Kentucky! Their take on this spicy chicken dish involves a full day of brining to bring out the maximum flavor. Royals offers four levels of heat along with six different dipping sauces for an extra punch of flavor. Choose from sides like spicy potato wedges, broccoli and bacon salad, and creamy cole slaw. A variety of drinks like the Strawberry Frose, Frosted Pink Lemonade, and Chocolate Shake can cool you down if the spicy chicken is too hot for your taste buds. 
royalshotchicken.com