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| - A friend at work was having a bad day, and mournfully insisted that the only thing that would help was some soul food. Naturally, I was along for the ride.
Simmons is definitely one of 'those places.' You know, the one that people talk about when they brag that it's where "people who are really from the Carolinas" go, and it's apparent. This place is as holey in the wall as holes in the wall come.
Atmosphere: I think the best way to describe it would be nonchalant. When you walk in, they know you're there. People look up at you if you're not a regular. Yes, they'll clean off a table and seat you, make some chat, get your drinks and take your order at what is the epitome of the southern pace. If you're a foodie who taps their toe if it takes more than 5 minutes to wipe off a table, then this place isn't for you. If you have some time to kill and want to feel like you're eating in someone's kitchen that they extended to include a few other lucky people, then you've hit jackpot.
Service: I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't related to this person. I love it when waitstaff have just the right amount of crabby/fussy/humor, and this was a prime example. The attitude was, "Hangon a dang minute, I'll get there when I get there, you'll eat what we give you, and girl you did NOT finish all of your vegetables."
Food: Mmmmmmm. Ribs are good, and I found out pretty quick that how fast you make nice is directly proportional to how much food you get. Luckily, I got saddled with leftovers. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone good, at a decent price, with that tangy sweet sauce that so many people like. I'm more of a smoky myself, but I can recognize good sauce when it's given to me. Complimentary cornbread at the beginning of the meal was plain and delicious, and the collards weren't that overly cooked mushy that I can't stand. Very good food experience.
Overall, one of those places where you go for the people just as much as the food, and a true southern food experience if there ever was one. If you can make decent convo, sit down and eat something delicious, and if not, gtfo, mon hommes.
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