So, here is Southend hip and cool and funky and creative! The vibe in this space is worth the trip, not to even mention the food. When you walk in the door, you are struck by the originality and character! I met a friend for lunch. The restaurant was quiet enough to have a great conversation. Chicken and dumplings is what I ordered. The menu had some great bowl options. Being from the south, the chicken and dumplings weren't exactly what I had expected. It was more like a thick chicken noodle soup, but still very tasty. My friend had a turkey wrap and a small bowl of the soup. Very enjoyable, and not too much to feel bloated. One of my pet peeves is when a restaurant does not have sweet and low for unsweetened tea. This restaurant was out of all artificial sweeteners, which was a small disappointment. Had it not been for that, this would have been a five star review. Regardless, this is a Southend treasure and I hope they are here to stay for the long haul. Charlotte needs more funk like this and fewer big chains, IMO.