Art of the Plate: Eating Out on the Road in the South

Some travelers know that food at the destination is just as important as the destination itself.

And one thing for certain in the South: when it comes to restaurant choices in the region, you won’t be disappointed.

So the next time you’re on the road to New Orleans, Atlanta or basically anywhere in the South, you’re going to have to eat. And eat well. Here are a few places to consider enjoying lunch or dinner (or both.)

If you find yourself in Tuscaloosa, Ala., either during a football weekend or not, you’ll discover a wide range of restaurants that includes everything from barbecue to tasty hamburger steaks. Craving a little south of the border taste? Consider Iguana Grill (map), located in the Midtown Village. Serving both lunch and dinner, the menu features items like the as chuletas ($12.99), huevos rancheros ($6.99) and bistec a la Mexicana ($12.95).

Of course you can’t go wrong at the locals’ and visitors’ favorite, Cypress Inn Restaurant (map). Overlooking the Black Warrior River, the casual upscale restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. If you can’t decide on what to order from all of their choices and there are some good ones, like the Alabama pond raised catfish ($13) or the Cypress Inn split rolls sandwich ($10 for prime rib with horseradish; $9 for smoked chicken with white barbecue sauce), may I offer a simple, yet tasty suggestion. Order the appetizer sampler platter ($14), offered on both menus, which is a good taste of their five popular appetizers (smoked chicken with white barbecue sauce, Cypress Inn catfish, fried crab claws, boiled shrimp and Cajun popcorn). It’s almost enough food to be a meal for one.

In the mood for something lighter? Grab a sandwich at Momma Goldberg’s Deli (map) in downtown Tuscaloosa. Best known for their  Momma’s Love signature sandwich and Momma’s nachos (Doritos with melted hot pepper cheese), there are a variety of other sandwiches and salads as well.

Going to be in or near the St. Cloud, Fla. area? Why not eat with the locals at Koffee Kup (map). The diner has quite an extensive menu that you wouldn’t expect to find here. There’s the classics like grilled ham and cheese ($4.89), or a hamburger. There’s also beef tips over noodles, as well as daily specials.

If it’s steak that you crave, head to Charley’s Steakhouse (map) in Kissimmee. Personally, I’m not a steak-eater, but I make an exception here. When in doubt, go for the filet mignon. There’s other cuts of meat, including chicken and pork, and seafood options.

You all ready know some of the things do in downtown Lakeland, Fla., but do you know where to eat?   For lunch, why not stop in Antiquarian Restaurant (map). This delightful, small restaurant has crepes ($8-$9), salads ($9-$10) and omelets ($9) that includes a very tasty seafood omelet, as well as other dishes. They also have a very good vegetarian selection as well.

For dinner (or lunch), you can’t go wrong at either Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille (map) or Texas Cattle Company (map). Harry’s brings a little of New Orleans to central Florida. Dishes on the menu include Voo Doo shrimp ($8.99), Harry’s Louisiana gumbo ($4.49/cup; $6.99/bowl), and shrimp Creole ($15.49). Texas Cattle Company offers both seafood and steak, including some really good Lone Star kebobs. The bacon-wrapped scallops are quite tasty as well as the cedar plank crab cakes. If you have the appetite, there’s a 24-ounce porterhouse waiting for you.

photo credit: personal collection