Sacramento is nowhere near what is considered the Southern United States. So when a restaurant is rumored to have delicious Southern food, it is a place that I just had to check out. I guess the secret is out though, South is a restaurant that is getting rave reviews and drawing lots of customers. Even on a slow Tuesday night in Sacramento, South had a long line of folks wanting to satisfy their Southern food cravings!
Food -
You'll find that the menu is broken up into two main sections - an old school side and a new school side. The old school is all about traditional foods you'd find in the South. The new school side has dishes that take from the traditional, but draws from different influences to give customers more delicious choices.
The most popular item on the menu has to be the fried chicken. As I was waiting in line, I saw plates and plates of this dish coming out of the kitchen. And trying it, I know why it is so popular! The fried chicken is perfection. It's exactly what I imagine a great fried chicken to be. The outside is crunchy but not greasy with the inside being very juicy. The chicken was oh-so-amazing. It came with two sides - kale greens and a buttermilk biscuit. If you're a fan of collard greens, the kale greens will be great. I personally am not a fan, but that's my fault. But the buttermilk biscuit... OMG! It was perfectly flaky no the outside with a buttery taste that comes out of nowhere. It was heavenly.
I also ordered a full rack of braised ribs. I went for a full rack because I heard that the portion sizes were smaller here. I don't believe that to be true. I could only eat a half rack and a part of the potato salad that it came with. The portions were definitely a good size. The ribs and the potato salad screamed of quality. It was a joy to eat it. And to top it all off I also shared a mac n' cheese side which was just as good.
Everything we ordered was well-made and excellent tasting. I am extremely enticed to return to order more off the menu. I can see why the lines are getting long for South.
Service/Atmosphere -
South is a pretty small restaurant. It is made up of two small dining areas partitioned by a wall. You can also elect to eat outside in a small patio area. We chose to sit outside because the we brought our baby and thought that the inside noise was a little high for his liking.
The service was excellent. The servers were kind and courteous. I was able to get a refill of my sweet tea easily. Since South seems like it is constantly busy, the servers are constantly running around getting food out and bussing tables. There's a bit of a frenetic energy about the restaurant. Take that as you will.
Price -
South is not a place to eat on the cheap. The fried chicken plate was $15 and my full rack was $25. I'd say that the average dinner plate for a person would be about $15-$18. Adding sides and drinks would just increase the amount. South is a quality restaurant that has a price that matches that quality.
Special Tips and Recommendations -
There is a sign right at the door that states that patrons should not sit and reserve a table before ordering at the register. The policy is put in place so that they can keep the restaurant flowing. It might be a little off putting so some people, but I can see why it's there. I suggest doing as they suggest so that everyone can get their fair chance at seating.
Bottom Line -
I'd happily return to South over and over again. The food at South is top notch. Though it's a small restaurant, it serves up some amazing flavors that will satisfy you. I'd definitely recommend a visit to South if you get the chance. There aren't many places in town like it!
Letter Grade
A
Full rack of ribs with some sweet tea to wash it down.
Rack of ribs is covered with a spicy bbq sauce.
The fried chicken plate is one of the most popular dishes.
The chicken has an amazing crunch to it. Inside: juicy.
I could eat bowls and bowls of this mac n' cheese.
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