"Swett’s first opened in 1954, serving everyone from civil rights activists and local sports legends to Mary J. Blige and other celebrities (all pictured on the wall as you walk in). And after all these years, this iconic meat and three isn’t resting on its laurels. Make your way through the cafeteria-style set-up, shimmy into a booth, and dive into the huge portions of down-home cooking. The baked barbecue chicken—drizzled in an irresistible tangy, peppery sauce—falls off the bone, and the fried chicken is moist and well-seasoned. Swett’s continues its march of masterpieces with sides like the cheesy potato casserole, the fluffy squash casserole, and peach cobbler or chess pie. Don’t plan anything for after lunch—you’re gonna need to sleep this off. photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin Food Rundown photo credit: Casey Irwin Baked Barbecue Chicken The texture of this melt-off-the-bone chicken is one that you would be hard-pressed to replicate as a mere mortal. And its peppery, slightly sour sauce brings it together in a way that makes you question all the barbecue chicken that you've had before this. This one is often swapped on the menu for a Nashville Hot version, which we haven’t tried yet, but we have a feeling it’ll be just as transcendent. Squash Casserole This is THE elite side on the menu. A Southern classic, this casserole is almost dessert-like in its decadence. The inside texture resembles a souffle—airy and delicate, full of tender squash pieces—while the top layer of cheese acts as a savory crust that pulls it all together. Cobblers Served piping hot from the pan, Swett’s cobblers are summer in a bowl. Whether you choose peach or blackberry, you’ll lose yourself in the flaky, buttery crust with hints of cinnamon and vanilla and the sweet-tart fruit filling." - Bailey Freeman
