Looking for a sublime Southern meal near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Southern restaurants around Garland, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're on the hunt.
1. Babe's Chicken Dinner House
Topping the list is Babe's Chicken Dinner House. Located at 1456 Belt Line Road, Suite 171, the chicken shop is the highest-rated Southern restaurant in Garland, boasting 4.5 stars out of 471 reviews on Yelp.
The family-style restaurant offers unlimited sides for the table, including salad, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and buttermilk biscuits. Each diner then selects a main dish, with options like fried chicken, chicken fried steak, fried catfish and hickory smoked ribs. Finish the meal with some banana pudding or lemon meringue pie. (See the full menu here.)
Yelper Kathy T., who reviewed it on June 29, wrote, "One of my favorite fried chicken spots! Their chicken is always so crisp and delicious and their sides are always on point. The dressing on their salad is a sweet tangy vinaigrette. The corn and mashed potatoes are buttered just right. The green beans are full of flavor."
2. Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery
Next up is Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery, situated at 509 W. State St. With four stars out of 329 reviews on Yelp, it offers barbecue, beer and more and has proven to be a local favorite.
As far as food goes, it has meat by the pound, including Angus brisket, pork, ribs and chicken. You can also opt for a meat plate with two sides, such as bacon pinto beans, corn fritters, fried okra and slow-cooked greens. (Check out the full menu here.) Wash your meal down with one of the brewery's own tap beers.
"Holy smokes," wrote Desirae B. "I just had the best ribs I have had in years —actually, maybe the best ever! These needed no barbecue sauce. The seasoning is delicious and the meat is super tender. The brisket was juicy and delicious too."
3. Meshack's BBQ Shack
Meshack's BBQ Shack is another go-to, with four stars out of 207 Yelp reviews. Head over to 240 E. Ave. B, Suite B, to try it for yourself.
The barbecue joint offers meats like ribs, sliced beef, pulled pork and sausage links. You can grab a plate, which includes your choice of meat, plus bread, baked beans and potato salad. It also has sandwiches. Finish your meal with some peach cobbler or lemon cake.
Chris E., who visited on July 1, said, "No comparison. Best barbecue anywhere. The hole-in-the wall storefront appearance makes it all that much more authentic. The brisket melts in your mouth. It's always a treat when we bring Meshack's anywhere. Get there early. Takeout only. They're open till they run out."
4. Wildwood Smoke Craft Whiskey
Finally, check out Wildwood Smoke Craft Whiskey, which has earned four stars out of 141 reviews on Yelp. You can find the smokehouse, steakhouse and Southern spot at 310 Town Center Blvd.
Southern fare includes the Shiner Bock Fish & Chips with garlic Parmesan fries and spicy tartar; the Pecan Crusted Chicken with Wildwood mash, green beans and peppercorn demi-glace; and the Chicken Fried Hanger Steak with Wildwood mash, green beans and white gravy. (See the full menu here, which also offers burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, steaks and more.)
Debbie I., who reviewed the eatery on Oct. 19, said, "This place is excellent. Love the hot chicken, shrimp and grits and the blackened red fish. Waitstaff is attentive and friendly. They also have a good selection of craft beer and whiskey. Always too full for dessert, but they look great."
