|
Robert and Sharon Carver come in at 4.00 AM every day to start cooking one spectacular lunch, so if you haven't tried Carver's lunch you need to make a special trip. Be sure to bring your cash, as it's our preferred form of payment. See you soon! REVIEWS Quirky mom-and-pop lunch rooms may seem antiquated, but Atlanta could use more independent-minded operations like this meat-and-three (well, meat-and-two, technically) run by Sharon and Robert Carver. Call to hear a recording of the day's menu (most plates $7.99 to $9.99), but expect the likes of baked ham, fried chicken, fried catfish, and turkey with dressing. All-time favorite side? The sticky-salty hash brown casserole. 1118 West Marietta Street, 404-794-4410
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution There’s no doubt that the mix of business and trades people who flock to Carvers every weekday for lunch come for the homey food. But the kitschy atmosphere and sassy Southern hospitality are also a big part of the attraction. Inside, the swirl of humanity seated at communal tables and the fragrant aromas wafting from the fryers and steam tables evoke a community picnic or potluck. Amid knick-knacks, posters of Marilyn Monroe, and hokey signs, Sharon Carver keeps the orders rolling from behind the counter, and her husband Robert mans the cash register in front. There are eight or more main offerings every day, plus at least a dozen sides. Deep-fried catfish has a thin, crispy coating, and hot and flakey innards. Ample fried chicken breasts, pot roast with carrots and potatoes, and baked turkey and dressing are among the other favorites. On the side, don’t miss the mashed rutabagas, seasonal beans, and collards. For dessert, look for Southern treats such as the famously moist and sugary chocolate Coca-Cola cake or gooey pineapple casserole. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Good, plain country cookin’ is what Sharon Carver fixes at this grocery store-cum-meat-and-whatever. Look for her and husband Robert to be sitting behind the cash register when you stop by for lunch, next to the sign that says “All Men are Idiots and I Married Their King.” And expect ample helpings of home-seasoned mashed rutabagas, brown butter beans, green beans and some darned good collards, as well as fried catfish and pot roast. Carver’s signatures are pineapple casserole, a gooey crusty mix of sugar, fruit and cheese, and her moist Coca-Cola cake. Fried catfish, meatloaf, and pot roast are out of this world. Banana creme pie on chocolate chip cookie crust is the best dessert in the city. The servings are of Biblical proportions. Sharon and Robert Carver know all the secrets of serving up fine Southern cooking. If you really care about ambience, don't go here, because we don't need you making the line any longer. Today was my first time at Carver's when we pulled up it looked like a little country store. Once inside we were greeted kindly and given huge portions of food. I had the meatloaf, turnip greens and baby lima beans. The food was very good. Forget ambience! These folks have it right! While everyone else is just finishing off their breakfast, we are headed to Carver's for our lunch cause you gotta get there early if you want to eat and eat the best. Truly Atlanta's best kept secret! Carvers may not have the ambiance you are looking for in a restaurant but is by far the best country cooking in town. I suggest the fried chicken. It is hard to find but a gem to eat at. I can't suggest any better place in three states to eat lunch. Great food, but get there early at lunchtime for the best selection, cause when it's gone it's gone. Enjoy the sit-where-you-can atmosphere, and they'll bring you the refills on your tea. Take a fine banana pudding or Coca Cola cake back to the office for later.
|
ABOUT US
