by Emily Kulavich | Dothan Eagle
Published: November 16, 2011
DOTHAN, Ala.

When I am craving Southern food, it doesn’t get any better than Zack’s.

Originally a Slocomb joint, the restaurant expanded to Dothan several years ago, making it that much easier to get a fried-goodness fix.

There’s really nothing bad about Zack’s, except for maybe the calorie count and the line for Sunday lunch. The food is always good and the service is quick. For about $10, you get a meat, three sides, a dessert, bread and a drink.

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Peggy, Whitney and I went for lunch on a Tuesday to confirm what we already knew — that Zack’s is delicious and worth sharing in a restaurant review.

If you’ve never been, the cafeteria-style line can be a bit intimidating. The line moves quickly and you don’t have time to dawdle. Make sure you take a peek at the dry-erase board that has each day’s offerings listed. Grab a tray, some silverware and off you go.

First stop: side salads. I love a good salad, but I am not here for lettuce. It’s all about the fried goodness at this place.

Then grab your dessert. There are usually a variety of cakes and pies, and of course, there is always banana pudding. If you want a hot cobbler, don’t grab a dessert just yet — those are at the end of the line.

Next is the main dish. There’s always fried and baked chicken, and you might see some country-fried steak, pork chops, pot roast, fried catfish, chicken tenders, among other meats.

Moving right along, it’s time to hit the side dishes. There are a lot of sides you’ll see every day, but some change. There are mashed potatoes with brown or white gravy, rice, green beans, lima beans, okra and tomato, mac and cheese, dumplings, casseroles, corn, rutabagas, greens and more. You won’t see the fried green tomatoes or the fried okra — they’re down with the bread baskets — so don’t forget about those two gems while you’re making decisions. Zack’s fried green tomatoes have become a Bama legend, and I make sure to get them every time.

At then end of the line, scoop up your basket with a cheese biscuit and fried cornbread (here’s where you get your cobbler), pay the cashier and grab a table. A waitress will take drink orders and get you anything you need.

Zack’s has country cooking and serving down to a science. A quick zip through the line lets you spend your lunch hour savoring your food, not waiting for it.

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