1. MAMA'S GOT YOU COVERED
Pop in for lunch and grab yourself a classic veggie plate, with favorites such as collards, butter beans, mac and cheese and fried okra. And despite the calories, you can feel good knowing that this Downtown Mobile institution only uses fresh produce grown by local farmers.
Mama’s on Dauphin • 220 Dauphin St. 432-6262
2. FLASHBACK TIME
We may be starting a new year, but BTD takes you back to a bygone era with classic Old Mobile recipes. Dig into the Blue Plate Special with slow-cooked turnip greens or hand-peeled and mashed potatoes. Wash it all down with a banana split or creamy milkshake for dessert.
Big Time Diner • 4936 Cottage Hill Rd. 666-2141
3. LUCKY TWIST
Established in 1953, this little joint is still run by the same family who opened its doors. Opt for the timeless meat-and-three combo, then go ahead and add a side of the locally famous hush puppies with a jalapeño bite for a zesty twist on the good-luck lunch.
Roshell’s Seafood Cafe and Family Diner • 2904 Springhill Ave. 479-4614
4. MEAL AND THREE
Why choose only a cut of meat with your veggies? Take a bite out of chicken pot pie on Monday or lasagna on Thursday, and still add your three favorite side dishes.
Mary’s Southern Cooking • 3011 Springhill Ave. 476-2232
5. HOP ON OVER
Looking for Lady Luck in a different form? Try some Hoppin’ John soup on Mondays and Saturdays to get your fix. Chow down on field peas with white rice, collard greens and country ham for all the prosperity you’ll need this new year.
Newk’s Eatery • 252 Azalea Rd. 341-3533
Did you know? Originally, 18th-century Southern farmers planted black-eyed peas, or “field peas, ” in their corn and rice fields to add nitrogen to the soil and use as livestock feed. Before that, they grew abundantly in West Africa, Asia and even ancient Egypt. How’s that for culinary heritage?
Text by Chelsea Wallace
