Thelma's Rib Shack (Thelma's Kitchen)

Category: Atlanta institution, worth a drive

Summary: Wonderful home-cooked Southern food

Thelma's Rib Shack (a.k.a. Thelma's Kitchen) is an Atlanta institution, having been here for decades. Their old location was closer to Georgia Tech; they are now located on Auburn Avenue in the Martin Luther King district. They are extremely easy to get to, just around the corner the I-75 off-ramp. Urbanspoon for some reason lists Thelma's as closed, but reports of their death have been greatly exaggerated.

I've been there once before. The atmosphere is classic Southern steam table cafeteria; the staff are very friendly and courteous. This time I decided to try the fried chicken (despite the restaurant's name). As you can see, the food is served with real silverware and china, a sign of they pride they take in their work. The chicken was perfect: crisp crust and tender, juicy flesh. The greens were tender and kissed with pork, with very subtle flavors. The sweet potatoes were flavored with butter and sugar, sweet to the taste but not overpowering. The cornbread was excellent.

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