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| - Ate dinner early evening on a Sunday. The place wasn't very busy when we arrived, but by 6:00 it was bustling. We have traveled extensively in the South (and I was born in Oklahoma), so we are accustomed to excellent southern food (even if most southern fare is over salted). Southern Rail did not disappoint. We had fully intended to order main dishes, but after looking at the happy hour menu, decided on our version of southern tapas - lots of starters and sides. The deviled eggs were amazing (but my wife would have preferred less mustard). Not only were the deviled eggs perfect for me, but the piece of fried chicken skin stuck in each egg half really provided the taste and texture that set these off from the fare you would receive at most restaurants. My red beans and rice were absolutely delicious, as was the gumbo. My only criticism was that those dishes were almost all red beans and gumbo and too light on the rice. I ordered a "cup" of each and received a good sized bowl - took much of both home with me. The collard greens were simply to die for. They were tender (not a description most people would expect for collard greens) and the spicing was on the hot side - just perfect as I did not have to add pepper sauce to them. Red beans and rice, as well as the gumbo, had plenty of heat, which I like very much. Speaking of spice, the fried green tomatoes were perfectly cooked - crispy on the outside, firm, yet tender inside. The breading was nicely spicy as well. The tomatoes were accompanied by a pretty good sized portion of their pimiento cheese - also delicious. I truly don't understand some reviews that complain about spice lacking - all our dishes were spiced wonderfully - AND they weren't over salted. Southern Rail, to me, is an excellent restaurant with service that is spot on, food that is amazing, and an atmosphere that is noisy enough you don't have to worry about someone listening to your conversation, but not so noisy that you can't HAVE a conversation. I would definitely recommend Southern Rail to anyone looking for excellent southern fare in the Southwest.
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