Good down-home Southern food up in New England?

Question

I live near Boston - technically in the Merrimack Valley/Essex County.

Do you know of places around here (I'll drive a ways if it's worth it) that I can get good, down-home southern food?

I'm not talking about Cajun or Creole or BBQ. I'm talking Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken Fried Chicken, Biscuits and Gravy, Corn Pudding, Hash Brown Casserole, southern-style green beans, etc.

I know about Cracker Barrel, and so far they are my favorite restaurant around here, but still... their chicken isn't actually cooked with their dumplins, and the CBs up here don't make their gravy right - too much flour, not enough sausage... And please don't say my kitchen. I do cook a lot of stuff myself, but there is something extra delicious about not having to cook.

So... where else up here can a southern gal get comfort food?

Answer 1

I can recommend a couple places (I'm not a big Cracker Barrel fan) that are in town:
Not only do they have killer fried chicken and chicken and dumplings, there's usually some great jazz performing as well:
http://www.bobssouthernbistro.com/

Magnolia's in Cambridge is great, too, but has a more cajun slant to it: http://www.magnoliascuisine.com/menu.htm

Answer 2

Bob's Southern Bistro
604 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: [phone]
traditional Southern cuisine. Bob's homemade meatloaf, fried chicken, BBQ Ribs and even the original "Bob's" macaroni and cheese are still featured on the menu


Magnolia's Southern Cuisine
1193 Cambridge St
Cambridge, MA 02139-1317
Phone: [phone]
Tangy fried green tomatoes, rich cheese grits and tender, "glorified" barbecue chicken are just a few of the down-home dishes that feature prominently on Magnolia's menu of comforting favorites. Crisp, sweet potato strings topped with crumbled Maytag blue cheese are a don't-miss appetizer. Slow-roasted, semi-boned duck entree arrives in raisin-pecan rice and a pungent orange-chipotle sauce. Save room for a slice of homemade pie (sticky-sweet pecan or tart Key lime).

Bison County
275 Moody St
Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Texas and Southern style barbecue and grill

Redbones Barbecue
55 Chester St
Somerville, MA 02144-3001
Phone: [phone]
Pork and beef ribs, brisket, chicken, and Texas-style (i.e., sauce on the side) pulled pork share the menu with well-executed sides like hush puppies and cat fingers. Save room for caramel custard. (Cheapest and always gets the highest ratings!!)

Answer 3

There is a new place in the Lower Mills section of Dorchester called Mrs. Jones. They have everything from deep fried turkey to brisket sandwiches to ham hocks to black-eyed peas to collard greens to sweet potato pie. It's mostly takeout, but the people there are really nice, the prices are cheap, and the food is really good.

Answer 4

Wow... well... I love Cracker Barrel - lol

For some specific comfort loves, you could try Stephanie's on Newbury: http://www.stephaniesonnewbury.com/index.html for fried green tomatoes, and either her macaroni and cheese or meat loaf with mashed potatoes... excellent... (skip the proscuitto and truffle oil on the mac and cheese of course... it's optional and I guess they do it for folks who are trying to upscale it - lol)

Maybe Silvertone Bar and Grill: http://www.openlist.com/restaurants-view-silvertone_bar_and_grill.htm for mac and cheese, meat loaf and their awesome steak tips...

Zon's is interesting... they put a little flair to their comfort food but it's really good: http://www.zonsjp.com/ (Think Heirloom Tomatoes as a first... Mac and cheese or meatloaf as a second... strawberry shortcake for dessert) :)

I like Black Sheep at the Kendall Hotel for their fried chicken, pork chops and ribs... and the sirloin steak. The fried chicken comes with mashed potatoes and steamed kale: http://www.kendallhotel.com/dining.html

But again... I'm pretty happy with Cracker Barrel - lol

I don't know anywhere in Boston to get corn pudding or chicken and dumplings. I grew up in Virginia and I just have all that in my own kitchen... happy to send you some recipes :)

Answer 5

yes you can go to a little place in east taunton call longbranch cafe.....they have tha best ****** chicken, dumplings and biscuits on this side of tha missisppi

Answer 6

RedBones or the Cracker barrel

Answer 7

KFC?