Mains

Mom’s Meatloaf, $12  

THE PLACE: All American Pub, 200 E. Bland St., 704-370-2000

THE DISH: All American Pub serves a weighty slab of baked meatloaf made with peppers, onions, ground beef, and panko bread crumbs covered in classic beef gravy served with two classic sides: mashed potatoes and greens beans slow-cooked with bacon.

INSIDER TIP: The meatloaf is also used for the meatloaf Parmesan ($8), an open-faced meatloaf sandwich that’s battered, fried, and topped with marinara and melted provolone cheese.

Chicken & Dumplings, $8

THE PLACE: Peculiar Rabbit, 1212 Pecan Ave., 704-333-9197

THE DISH: A warming entrée for a cold day or anytime you’re in need of some home cooking, this classic, served only during lunch, is made with pulled chicken and a couple of moist dumplings submerged in a light herb sauce. The best part? Dipping your flaky biscuit in the sauce.

OR GET THIS: Fish and chips ($12).  At Peculiar Rabbit, an order of this classic dish gets you a huge portion of flaky, fried white fish and a mound of long, salty fries, with a side of tangy-tart house-made tartar sauce.

Terrace Fried Chicken, $16  

THE PLACE: Terrace Café, 14815 Ballantyne Village Way, Ste. 150, 704-369-5190; 4625 Piedmont Row Dr.,, 704-554-6177  

THE DISH: Dark, crispy, and rich, this fried chicken is good on its own or smothered in Terrace’s rich pork crumble gravy. It should be noted that the classic Southern-style white gravy would be good on just about anything, but the combination of mashed red-skinned potatoes, green beans (which have been cooked with bacon, of course), and crunchy chicken puts this dish at the top of the culinary ladder.

OR GET THIS: If you’re looking for lighter fare, the Sweet Georgia salad ($7) is a delicious option. Roasted almonds, fresh goat cheese, and sweet Georgia peaches are the perfect combination over spicy arugula and honey and white balsamic dressing.   

Liver and Onions, $7.95  

THE PLACE: Café South, 7901 Forest Pine Dr., 980-224-7328

THE DISH: Although an acquired taste for some, the liver and onions at Café South is a wonderful interpretation of an American standard. Buttery, sweet sautéed onions and aromatic gravy balance the intense flavor of the liver, which is thin and tender with a slight smoky taste thanks to a quick char on the grill.  

INSIDER TIP: You’ll want to ask for extra cornbread to sop up the creamy brown gravy, which is just as good on the liver as it is on the grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or whichever of several sides you decide to dive into.

Fried Chicken, $10-$11

THE PLACE: Leroy Fox, 705 S. Sharon Amity Rd., 704-366-3232

THE DISH: Arriving on your plate fried to crackling perfection, the chicken at this new favorite in Cotswold is served up “1/4 North” (white meat, $11) or “1/4 South” (dark meat, $10). Dashed with a spice blend, the meat is juicy, with a slight kick, and comes with a choice of sides—the green-bean casserole is comforting and traditional, but a little cheddar jack cheese adds a bit of creaminess—and a cornbread muffin.

INSIDER TIP: All of the chicken is raised in the South, kosher, and marinated for 24 hours in a citrus brine.

Grilled Meatloaf, $10  

THE PLACE: Savor Café, 1404 W. Morehead St., 704-334-0098

THE DISH: There aren’t a lot of things in this world better than a well-executed meatloaf. Savor Café’s light and easy-to-eat meal offers two thick cuts of meatloaf, grilled vegetables, and a heap of horseradish mashed potatoes. If you and your guest aren’t starving, think about sharing this dish—there’s more than enough to go around.

INSIDER TIP: Grilling the meatloaf seals in moisture without letting the dish fall apart, and the sweetness in the glaze melts into the smoky exterior.

Chicken Fantastic, $9.95

THE PLACE: Pike’s Soda Shop, 1930 Camden Rd., 704-372-0092

THE DISH: Four water chestnuts float atop a gooey layer of bubbling cheddar cheese, which forms a canopy over shredded chicken mixed with white rice, French-style green beans, and a few more chopped water chestnuts for a bit of crunch. Served can’t-touch-the-dish hot in an individual-sized stoneware pot, this casserole could be straight out of Donna Reed’s cookbook.

INSIDER TIP: Though not a family recipe, the Chicken Fantastic is a Pike’s original—it’s been on the menu for 13 years.

Aunt Beaut’s Skillet Fried Chicken, $12 (leg/thigh), $13 (breast/wing)

THE PLACE: The King’s Kitchen, 2121 Shamrock Dr., 704-817-8702

THE DISH: Looking and tasting as if it came straight from your grandmother’s kitchen, this dish is made to order: your choice of white or dark meat, dipped in buttermilk batter, seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper, and pan-fried in a skillet. And because The King’s Kitchen is a classic meat-and-three, you can choose three sides to accompany.

OR GET THIS: Fried flounder ($13). Also pan-fried in a skillet, this lightly battered and seasoned fish tastes fresh—like a hard-earned dinner after a long day of fishing.

Pan-fried Chicken, $12

THE PLACE: New South Kitchen, 8140 Providence Rd., Ste. 300, 704-541-9990

THE DISH: Many restaurants (and home cooks) have a distinctive take on fried chicken, and New South is no different. Although the dish may be named for the chicken, which stays deliciously moist under its light and crispy coating, the mashed potato is the star of this plate. Creamy but still home-style with bits of skin and chunks of potato, it’s a dish you’ll have a hard time refraining from licking clean.

OR GET THIS: New South’s fried okra salad ($14), which features classic fried okra and fresh local ham with diced apples, red onions, buttery corn, tomatoes, and grilled chicken, all tossed with an apple-cider and lemon vinaigrette. The sweet apples and tangy onions complement the rich fried okra to take this salad above and beyond basic.

Meatballs, $9.50

THE PLACE: Fran’s Filling Station, 2410 Park Rd., 704-372-2009

THE DISH: Like any good Italian meal, Fran’s meatballs won’t leave you hungry. The full-sized serving is huge (a half serving is available for $4.25), with two giant meatballs made of beef, bread crumbs, and Italian herbs. For an extra special treat, ask for them served “gooey”—they’ll arrive topped with melted mozzarella cheese and owner Fran Scibelli’s homemade tomato sauce.

INSIDER TIP: Come on Wednesdays for Chicken Pot Pie night; get there early for the made-from-scratch dish that’s available only one night of the week.

Fried Chicken, $7.05 (leg), $7.25 (breast)

THE PLACE: Mert’s Heart And Soul, 214 N. College St., 704-342-4222

THE DISH: Deep-fried and seasoned to perfection with Mert’s house-made adobo spice blend, this dish will leave you scouring the plate for the leftover crispy bits. Each plate comes with two sides and a mini-loaf of cornbread.

OR GET THIS: Meatloaf is another favorite at Mert’s, but it’s no longer on the regular menu. Call ahead and ask about the day’s specials to guarantee your meatloaf fix.

Pot Roast, $12.69

THE PLACE: Dish, 1200 Thomas Ave., 704-344-0343

THE DISH: A generous portion of tender, flavorful pot roast, served with mashed potatoes, a biscuit, deviled egg, and your choice of side, this is American comfort food at its best. And just like your grandma’s pot roast, this dish makes for great leftovers.

INSIDER TIP: Made fresh in-house every day, the deviled eggs at Dish are deliciously simple—order them as a starter, or just munch on the one that comes with your entrée.

Wild Game Meatloaf, $20

THE PLACE: Block & Grinder, 2935 Providence Rd., 704-364-2100

THE DISH: An upscale twist on a homestyle favorite, the meatloaf at Block & Grinder includes three large slices served atop three crunchy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside mashed potato croquettes, and the whole plate is topped with a tangy bourbon barbecue sauce.

INSIDER TIP: Block & Grinder’s meatloaf is made with a blend of bison and other game meats—the exact mixture is a closely guarded secret.

Pot Roast, $12.69

THE PLACE: Dish, 1200 Thomas Ave., 704-344-0343

THE DISH: A generous portion of tender, flavorful pot roast, served with mashed potatoes, a biscuit, deviled egg, and your choice of side, this is American comfort food at its best. And just like your grandma’s pot roast, this dish makes for great leftovers.

INSIDER TIP: Made fresh in-house every day, the deviled eggs at Dish are deliciously simple—order them as a starter, or just munch on the one that comes with your entrée.