Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe

Posted By Michael Stern on February 4, 2009 8:09 AM

A destination lunch for citizens from all social strata, Mrs. White's is a concrete bunker that usually gets mobbed shortly after opening at 11am. But don't worry if you have to wait. Just sniffing the food from this kitchen makes the time joyful. This is one of the best-smelling restaurants we know.

The menu is a roster of southern-style soul food, including smothered pork chops, catfish, and crunch-crusted fried chicken, always accompanied by hunks of cornbread. On the side come such vegetables as creamed corn, escalloped cabbage, stewed tomatoes, and salubrious, pork-flavored greens. For dessert, spoon into a bowl of warm peach cobbler or fork up sweet potato pie.

We love the do-it-yourself décor of this ramshackle little eatery, where strangers instantly feel right at home. The menu is written on the wall and no checks are given at the end of a meal. Simply go to the register and tell the cashier what you've eaten. She rings it up and you pay (cash only). It's not dirt-cheap -- full lunch runs about $10 -- but the satisfaction to be found on Mrs. White's plates is priceless.

Fried Chicken

Vegetarian Platter

Peach Cobbler

Fried Pork Chops

Macaroni & Cheese

Mixed Greens

Black Eyed Peas

Yams

Corn Bread

Banana Pudding

Pineapple Cake