Who Cooked It?

Estimated meal cost per person:
* $10
** $10-25

Tony's Southern Comfort Restaurant

Home-cooking soul-style, Tony's has rib-sticking Southern meats and chicken (with waffles!), a half-dozen fantastic sides, speedy lunch specials, incredible corn bread, and desserts made with lots of love. Tony's is quickly becoming an Eastside institution. This ain't diet food, but it sure is good. 1201 E. Sixth, 320-8801. *
– Mick Vann

Maxine's Soul Kitchen

Food industry veteran Maxine Carlock cooks up home-style Southern goodness that sticks to the ribs as well as the soul. Look for beef tips, chopped steak, brisket, and other multiple napkin treats. 2931 E. 12th, 220-3650. *
– Barbara Chisholm

Sam's Barbecue

Late night hours make this spot popular with blues musicians, but the great barbecue keeps folks of every occupation coming back any time of the day or night. 2000 E. 12th, 478-0378. *
– Virginia B. Wood

Hoover's Cooking

Hoover's dishes out huge portions of freshly cooked, Southern-style home cooking at fair prices. Among the favorites are the Jerk Pork Ribs, the Bella Muffaletta, the gigantic chicken-fried steak, and the heavenly Southern fried pork chops. Plenty of veggie sides and options. Don't leave without trying their succulent seasonal cobblers. Full bar. 2002 Manor Rd., 479-5006. **
– Claudia Alarcón

Lewis' Bar-BQ

Step up to the window of this unassuming concrete shack for a juicy chopped beef sandwich or a link of smoky sausage, then have a seat at the picnic tables to enjoy yourself. 1814 Harvey at MLK, 473-2225. *
– V.B.W.

Gene's New Orleans Style Poboys & DELI

Gene's is the king of New Orleans–style soul food in Austin. The po'boys are the real deal, and the fantastic daily soul food specials – including the now legendary smothered pork chops – keep the place hopping at lunchtime. The chicken fries are a unique, must-try appetizer. Funky atmosphere, friendly service, BYOB. 1209 E. 11th, 477-6600. *
– C.A.

Nubian Queen Lola's Cajun Kitchen

Lake Charles native Lola Stephens dishes up fantastic fried fish, crawfish étoufée, red beans and rice, and the like. With a proprietress who's as friendly as her food is good, it's got more soul than any marketing wizard could dream up. 1815 Rosewood, 542-9269. *
– B.C.

Ben's Longbranch BBQ

Smokin' good barbecue with deep historical roots. Ben Wash's meats are fork-tender and loaded with smoky flavor (especially the brisket, pork butt, and mutton). Solid sides, killer banana pudding and cobbler, and a great beer selection. Order at the counter from the friendliest of folks. Go there! 900 E. 11th, 477-2516. *
– M.V.