Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop

After marching through the gothic hallows of the University of Chicago, the hodge-podge of rusting gas station signs and oddball Southern memorabilia at this Dixie eatery is an unassuming, homey delight – even if it feels a bit misplaced at the edge of an aging strip mall. Despite the name, there’s no fish food here, but service for humans starts with complimentary biscuits and mini loaves of cornbread. Start things on the right foot with fried green tomatoes, crawfish and cornbread fritters, or a cup of gumbo. For more quality southern fare, try an oyster po’boy or reliable country fried steak.