Good Southern Cuisine

[TeeWhyKay]

I'm looking for good southern cuisine in an upscale atmospher, and moderately priced. Suggestions?

[mdpilam]

I haven't yet been, but they're on my list, but do Vidalia and Art and Soul fit the bill?

[Snd485]

No, I think they're too pricey.

[monkeyrotica]

If your definition of southern includes gumbos, grillades, and grilled seafood, Acadiana is a more upscale option.

[Bonstempsrouler]

Monkeyerotica and you-all lookin for Southern Food. You gotta be more specific because there's lot of differnt areas each with their own type of food.. But Gumbo, Shirmp Creole and Grillades and Grits are South Louisiana foods and South Louisiana food is not considered part of Southern food.

[monkeyrotica]

I think some residents of Louisiana might be interested to learn they haven't been eating Southern food for all these years.

[xdcx]

not really, the food is distinctive enough that it doesn't really fit into the general southern food category, just like tex mex doesn't either.

[biscuit]

Art & Soul up on the Hill is very good. Shrimp n grits, hoecakes, etc. Prices are mid-to-high, but worth it.

[Snd485]

I recommend Restaurant 3 in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington, VA. The food is really good and moderately priced. An entree and a glass of wine will run about $30. I'm not a fan of Georgia Browns either. I only went once and the food was way to salty.

[kathleen440]

Funny, that's the same complaint I have about Sou'wester. I was so dehydrated after eating there, and I thought the food was just okay.

I haven't found any upscale Southern food in DC that I love, but I've had good luck with individual dishes at non-Southern restaurants. I like the shrimp and grits and fried chicken at Founding Farmers.

[flavrmeistr]

The shrimp and grits at Black Fin (16&Eye NW) are pretty good as well. Around $14 at lunch, IIRC.

[kathleen440]

Oooh, thanks for the tip. I've had bar snacks there that have been good but have never stayed for dinner.

[ktmoomau]

I would suggest Sou'Wester. Vidalia probably isn't in the moderate price range. Southside is good, but not really an upscale atmosphere at all. Georgia Brown's isn't very good. I still haven't been to Creme Cafe but it might fit your requirements too.

[flavrmeistr]

Southside 219 in Alexandria is pretty decent. I like their biscuits.

[agarnett100]

I used to eat at Southside 219 3 times a week while on a project in Alexandria - the food is good and it won't break the bank

[theoneontheleft]

FWIW, it's Southside 815 in south Old Town, and 219 Restaurant on the main drag (King Street). I've never been to 219, Southside has OK southern food but is not particularly upscale

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Southside 815
815 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314

219 Restaurant
219 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

[alkapal]

i will never return to 219 because years ago the chef lied right to my face about ingredients in the alleged "snapper" gumbo, claiming obvious chicken was in fact snapper.. obviously, the chef may be different now, but it was the ethos.

yep, i'm wearing my curmudgeon cap.

[flavrmeistr]

You're right, thanks for clarifying. We usually refer to it as just "Southside" without the address. There's a penchant for restaurants in Alexandria including their addresses in the name. It probably started with 291/2 King Street. I always get 'em mixed up.