The term "meat and three" is a colloquialism used primarily in the Southern United States. It describes a type of restaurant where customers choose one meat from a selection of options and three side dishes from a daily selection of vegetables and other accompaniments. They are amazing – if you know, you know!

Benny Paul’s Soul Food

Benny Paul's Soul Food is more than just a restaurant; it celebrates Southern cuisine and culture. This delightful lunch spot, located at 171 W Washington St, is a haven for lovers of Southern country cooking. The menu is buffet-style, offering a selection of meats and sides. For example, on Mondays, the options for meat include Fried Chicken, Baked Chicken, and Chicken and Stuffing. For somewhere around $16, you get one meat, two sides, and fried cornbread.

From fried chicken and pork chops to pinto beans, macaroni & cheese, stewed cabbage, and Johnny cakes (fried cornbread), every dish is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the South. The food is not just delicious but also deeply comforting.

The staff at Benny Paul's are known for their warm and welcoming nature, adding to the homely feel of the place. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11 am to 3 pm, making it the perfect spot for a midday meal. Benny Paul’s has ridiculously excellent reviews, so we think it is a destination not to miss.

R+B Cafe

A little bit off of downtown is a remarkable treasure. R+B Cafe. Seriously, you cannot miss this! When they have Mac+Cheese at the top of the menu, and a customer favorite…you know that is the beginning of the magic. A different main each day, except when they are closed on Mondays.

Opened in July 2019 by owner Germaine Bly, R+B Café is the newest soul food restaurant on the block, located less than a mile from Madison's Square in the historic Canaan neighborhood. This delightful eatery is part of the ongoing efforts to revive this community.

R+B Café is all about authentic soul food. The menu is a buffet-style spread of Southern classics, from fried chicken and better-than-momma's meatloaf to mac n' cheese, greens, green beans, and cornbread. The food is not just delicious but deeply comforting, reminiscent of meals at grandma's house. The pride of ownership is evident in every aspect of the restaurant. You should spend some time drooling over their website - you will have a road trip planned in no time!

R+B Café is more than just a restaurant; it celebrates Southern cuisine and culture. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a meal at R+B Café is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's a chance to taste authentic Southern soul food, soak in the warm, welcoming atmosphere, and be a part of the rich tapestry of Southern culture and history.

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