For some no-fuss, high-calorie, down-home cooking, this establishment on West Charleston is a local classic. My favorite: the whole chicken slathered in house sauce with mac and cheese, and collard greens on the side. There’s a location near Downtown for tourists, too. 

And yes, the cornmeal griddlecakes that accompany entreés at M&M Soul Food are complimentary. But these sweet, almost ethereally light cakes glistening with a swipe of butter are such a treat that I’d gladly pay for them.