There's nothing better than comfort food. And no one does comfort like the South. From deep-frying and country boils to BBQ and slathering everything, and we mean everything, in butter... real down home cooking is tough to top.
After leaving Georgia, and especially upon moving to New York, I came to terms with the fact that while I was resided here, I'd likely never have real southern food.
What could Northeasterners possibly know about it? Do they even know what grits are? Have they seen a fried green tomato that didn't star Kathy Bates?
But never, ever underestimate the culinary skills of New York City, right?
Our burgeoning metropolis has hatched some of the best soul food spots in the country. Not only does NYC know what grits are, it cooks the ever-living crap of them. And it doesn't stop there, y'all.
These 8 spots have mastered the art of how to craft real South of the Mason Dixon Line fixin's. (Not bad for a bunch of Yankees!)
1. root & bone (200 East 3rd Street)
Fun fact: When I lived in Miami, former Top Chef Jeff McInnis' then-restaurant Yardbird was my go-to for quality southern fare and delicious bourbon drinks.
As if he knew I'd be dreaming about his sweet tea-brined and Tabasco honey-doused fried chicken in NYC, enter root & bone: a charming Alphabet City haunt that dishes out well, that, along with arguably some of the best food, not just southern food but in the city.
Along with mainstays like the thyme-crusted macaroni & cheese, drunken deviled eggs, and short rib meatloaf, the brunch is also not to be missed.
I ate every single bite of the pictured waffle Benedict with pork belly. And you should, too.
2. Pies 'n' Thighs (various NYC locations)
Don’t let the strip club-esque name fool you-- or actually do, because everything in here is quite the tasty dish. See what we did there?
Seriously though, this once only Brooklyn locale has opened up a Manhattan joint so more city-dwellers can clog their arteries with insanely awesome burgers, fried chicken and-- duh!-- pies including chocolate peanut butter and bourbon pecan.
3. Bobwhite Lunch & Supper Counter (94 Avenue C)
Now, I know there’s been a lot of fried chicken talk on this list. And it’s with good reason. It’s a delicious Southern staple, and you should eat it. But, especially here. In fact, you absolutely cannot come here and not order the signature fried chicken.
This 20-person max, casual counter spot-- conveniently next door to ABC Beer Co.
So you can cap day drinking off the right way-- also serves up a mean pork chop sandwich and knows how to really cook grits (I can say that, I'm from the South).
Also it’s possible you consider bathing in the pecan pie bread pudding. That's how good it is.
4. Porchlight (271 11th Avenue)
Everything Danny Meyer touches turns to delicious, so it should be no surprise his latest baby, Porchlight, is no exception.
While libations take the front seat here-- and include southern favorites like a Sazerac and the Hurricane-- the menu will still southern draw you in with a collection of "Somethin" or "Somethin' More" plates.
Think everything from fried oysters, boiled peanut hummus, and jalapeno cheddar cornbread to a pimento cheese-smothered bison burger and Daddy Jack's Fried Frog Legs.
You heard us -- it's like backwoods gourmet up in here!
,5. Mable's Smokehouse & Banquet Hall (44 Berry Street - Brooklyn)
Are you ready for this? The owner of this place actually has a grandma named Mable. And, yes, these really are her recipes, all of which pay homage to his home state of Oklahoma.
In other words, the food is authentic enough to make all the Williamsburg hipsters go country, happily staining their plaid shirts with trays of slow-cooked pork, collard greens, sloppy Joes, and BBQ ribs.
6. Birds and Bubbles (100B Forsyth Street)
You know how pizza and beer just go together? That extra carbonation paired with cheese and pepperoni is nothing short of euphoric.
The same can be said of fried chicken and champagne, which is, in case you missed the name, the backbone of this spot. Who knows if it’s bubbles and the way they react with that perfectly crispy skin, and honestly who cares… it’s just a glorious combo.
Plus, to class up those bubbles even more, this one fancies up its southern fare via dishes like crayfish etouffe and kimchi brisket.
7. Sylvia's (328 Malcolm X Boulevard)
Sylvia’s is so famous is could warrant it’s own documentary.
Sylvia herself is an icon, slinging her authentic southern fare in the Harlem staple since the 60s. She's fed celebrities galore-- including a recent stopover from the leader of our country. (Ahem, that would be President Obama.)
Why do they keep coming back? Because the food is unbeatable and as southern as it gets.
Fried okra, corn bread, collards, fried chicken-- even Mrs. Klump would be jealous of this spread. There’s a reason it’s been around for more than 50 years, folks.
8. Mighty Quinn's (103 2nd Avenue)
Taking all their grilling echniques cues straight from Texas and the Carolinas, the BBQ here is so flipping fantastic it simply had to crack this list.
Everything from the brisket hand-sliced right in front of your face to the maple sweet potato casserole will induce drool. And no matter how unappetizing this may sound, order the Burnt Ends.
Better yet, get them in a sandwich. Just do it. You'll thank us later.
Want more food that's Finger Lickin’ Good! 9 Juicy BBQ Joints That’ll Satisfy Your ‘Cue Cravings in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy: BionicBites]