Pamela M.
Yelp
Thank you for restoring my faith in restaurants! What a gifted chef, Chef Ryan Yokley! Thank you for coming to Athens Alabama and opening this incredible place! Every dish was beyond describable as each was utterly delicious with an incredible depth of flavor! I felt like I was dining at the Chef's Table at Chris Hastings' Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham and Southern Table is just a few minutes from home - Thanks Chef Yokley!
My sister and I celebrated her birthday last Saturday for lunch and despite not being able to reserve a table, we didn't need a reservation, we arrived at 11:30 and I believe we were the first folks to be seated. The restaurant is cute, in likely an historic building, since the mercantile store next door has been open over 100 years! Think exposed brick, long narrow footprint, very rustic feel with stuffed animals (not the children's toys) and deer heads arranged on the walls. Perusing the menu, I was disappointed in the "sandwich-centric" feel of the menu items. We decided to get the fried green tomatoes and discussed maybe eating at Salty Cod. Sister didn't want British food, so we stayed at S.T. and wow, am I every happy we did! The fried green tomatoes were exception due to the pimento cheese remoulade! I couldn't imagine pimento cheese with green tomatoes; however, it was unbelievably good! I would have licked the plate if we weren't in public!
We each had the Wedge Salad and I added grilled shrimp to mine. The shrimp were incredible! Just layer upon layer of flavor and not overcooked! They were delish! I struggled to find the bacon jam and finally found it. My sister remarked even the iceberg lettuce was flavorful. The only drawback to this dish was the crispy onion piled on top were not hot or crispy. Still, this was a nice salad!
The ceviche was impressive! My "go to" ceviche was at Cantina Laredo and it was heavy on the red onions and capers. Southern Table's ceviche was beautiful to look at and incredibly fresh and delicious! The mix of pickled onions, micro cilantro, tomatoes, and serrano was exceptional, and the shrimp were not swimming in the marinade, rather they were elegantly plated in a circular shape reminiscent of Ruth's Chris' chopped salad. Served with a side of old bay crackers with a little heat - YUM! This ceviche was incredibly filling, too!
We shared the following sides: Garlic Cheddar Grits, Collard Greens, and Bacon Mac & Cheese. Of these, I could not get enough collards! They were incredible with just the right amount of acidity/flavor and if there weren't ham/pork in the dish brought to the table, there was at some point. These greens were **killer!** The generous freshly chopped scallions on nearly every dish were a delight! The grits and mac and cheese were fabulous, also!
Sister had a vanilla cheesecake for her birthday dessert and absolutely devoured it. It was presently beautifully, also!
Our server was precious, calling the pudding, "puddin'" and was very attentive and patient, as we were not rushing this birthday lunch! Thank you, Chef Yokley, for making a memorable birthday lunch for my favorite sister and thank you to your staff for being top notch! I can't wait to try your oysters!