This classic spot draws locals and celebrities alike with its scrumptious food. A standout is the Haddock Fish Sandwich. The fish is coated in a buttermilk and cracker meal batter, then fried until it turns golden brown. Homemade tartar sauce and a buttered, toasted bun complete this tasty creation.

Sink your teeth into a Southern favorite with a fried green tomato sandwich from this retro drive-in. Thick slices of fried green tomatoes come blanketed with melted cheese and topped with crispy bacon and lettuce. They’re served in a tasty bun and brought right to your car window.

The enticing smells of barbecue lure passers-by to this joint. Step inside and try the ribs, which deliver big on flavor. They’re prepared with a brown sugar spice rub, then brushed with a mustard mop sauce while being slow-cooked to smoky perfection. A homemade barbecue sauce adds some kick.

Walk through the front door of this family-run joint and you’ll be standing right in the kitchen, where tasty hot tamales have been served up since 1941. Bite into one of these beauties to savor a meaty filling seasoned with garlic, onion and a secret blend of spices for just the right kick.

This stop along the Mississippi Blues Trail is known for authentic blues performances, but some visitors also come away with an amazing culinary experience, thanks to the soul food classics served here on special occasions. Standouts include the creamy sweet potatoes and flavorful collard greens.

Chef Taylor Bowen Rickett draws the crowds with her creative take on Southern cuisine. Indulge in decadent plates like the elk brisket slow-cooked in a pound of melted butter. This lean yet succulent cut is served over smoked paprika mashed potatoes and topped with a bold, rich barbecue sauce.

Flavorful Cajun cuisine draws diners from across the world to this former welding shop turned culinary destination. Louisiana native Alzina Toups cooks up enticing eats using super-fresh ingredients like seafood straight from the bayou. It’s a cozy experience, with one party served per mealtime.

Savor scrumptious regional staples while soaking up views of the Atchafalaya Basin at this spot. For a true Cajun culinary experience, try the marinated alligator meat served with a flavorful sauce and steamed rice. After the meal, hop aboard a sightseeing boat to see live alligators in action.

Stock up on meaty Cajun treats at this family-owned shop that sells regional delicacies like boudin balls. These bite-sized snacks are bursting with porky goodness, thanks to a deliciously seasoned mixture of ground pork meat, veggies and rice that is breaded, then fried to crunchy perfection.

As its name suggests, this spot is all about indulging your sweet tooth. Satisfy your sugar cravings with a traditional Mardi Gras dessert that has been taken to a decadent new level. Indulge’s version of the classic king cake is actually a creamy, colorful cheesecake with a graham cracker crust.

For some sweet treats with a Southern kick, head to this monastery that churns out bourbon fudge in a variety of flavors. Pecans are marinated in bourbon, then added to a mixture of evaporated milk, sugar, chocolate and marshmallows before the decadent concoction is cooked in a copper pot.

Stop in to this charming spot for fresh, homemade eats. Chef-owner Cindy Rubino puts her own spin on the local specialty known as the hot brown. Her gooey take on this sandwich features roasted turkey breast dripping with a rich Mornay sauce. Also try the gourmet pizza smothered with pimento cheese.

At this joint, tantalizing smells of barbecue waft through the air while massive ribs and other delights sizzle on a smoker outside. Try the Flintstones Beef Ribs, named for their enormous size, which are simply seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder, then smoked in a water bath to such tender perfection that the meat pulls right off the bone.

This joint puts healthy spins on Southern fare without sacrificing flavor. Most dishes feature sausage made from fresh chicken thighs that have been punched up with a pepper-and-spice-packed dry seasoning. The resulting links are low in fat, but still full of that classic sausage taste.

Dig into delicious soul food at this classic spot that’s known for its tasty eats and its trademark saying that inspired an R.E.M. album title. For a mouthwatering meal, order the fried chicken topped with a flavorful flour-based gravy, and pair it with a helping of creamy sweet potato souffle.