southern rail

ok . . . went here for dinner based upon positive recommendations. i see from the reviews that it's mixed--some really like southern rail a lot, and some had poor experiences. for me, my partner, and other two friends our experience was fabulous. we all shared the house smoked trout appetizer and cornmeal fried okra with a cajun remoulade--both absolutely delicious! one minor gripe would be both appetizers were a smallish side and could use some delicious crackers or warm bread. wonderful nonetheless. the shrimp & tomato bisque with charred corn salsa was to die for. ordered the southern fried chicken (4 huge pieces), but the roasted potatoes i wanted in place of mashed (6 tiny marble-size buttered potatoes) and a 2-inch long piece of sweet corn on the cob was pretty good yet way over-priced at $20 for the entree. i make a killer southern fried chicken and this was good but nothing to call grandma about in north carolina. the smoked chicken & “biscuit dumplings” with mcclendon farms heirloom carrots, mushrooms, and fresh peas was wonderfully delicious, as was the seared scottish salmon with summer corn risotto and baby spinach. fabulous food, but again my only complaint would be portions are small and over-priced. my friend ordered a plate of powdered sugar, hot beignets for dessert--simply wonderful. these at $8 probably were the best buy, ironically. the wait service was outstanding and friendly. ambiance is wonderful. a veryniceyet simple wine list of delicious local wines. at least for me and my friends and partner, we enjoyed the place. we'll definitely will be back, but maybe be better prepared to spend more than one probably should for what you get here.

warm and inviting. located along the light rail on camelback, a veryniceinterior and patio with warm fireplace. we arrived during social hour, and had wine, cup of gumbo, and the fried green tomatoes. the gumbo had a load of flavor could have been more spicy for my liking though. the fried green tomatoes had that corn meal texture, came with pimento cheese, which had anicekick to them, and greens. instead of a large meal, as we were interested in the beignets. for our entree, we went with the tomato bacon onion tart, the crust was very flaky, and plump cherry tomatoes, along with the broccoli cauliflower leek & rice casserole which had anicetexture all combined together with more veggies than rice, enjoyed them both. dessert, was the beignets, familiar with cafe du monde, which are bite size, these are larger, and one can be shared by two persons. they are very good, and topped with the powdered sugar melted in our mouths. service was a little slow at first, since there was only one server on the patio, but we were in no hurry, and enjoyed the patio atmosphere. the staff took very good care of us, and made the afternoon very enjoyable.

a bit overpriced. just paid $20 for fried chicken that was mainly batter.niceatmosphere though.

smoking. we tried a number of plates and my favorite was the house smoked trout with pea cakes and tomato jam. the trout had anicedelicate smoke and the pea cake was tasty and the tomato jam hadniceflavors in it and went really well with everything. my dinner of chicken and biscuit dumplings was too smokey for my taste but i note i can't handle much smoke. the dark meat chicken in it was good and the dumplings were plentiful and very good. my husband tried the smoked chicken and sausage gumbo. he tolerates smoke way more than i do and thought the gumbo was a little on the thin side and a little smokier than others he tried but still good.