Establishments offering a main course of meat paired with a selection of three side dishes are a regional culinary tradition. These eateries provide a customizable meal experience centered around Southern comfort food. An example is a patron selecting fried chicken with macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and mashed potatoes at a local dining spot.
The significance of these restaurants lies in their accessibility, affordability, and celebration of heritage. They represent a longstanding custom of communal dining and home-style cooking. The appeal is in offering a satisfying and familiar meal at a reasonable price, often serving as a gathering place for local communities and preserving culinary traditions.