When I think of the South, the three things that are generally at the top of my list are humidity, guns, and gloriously unhealthy food. With the opening of the new bar SOUTH in Santa Monica, the latter of those three is making a daring appearance in one of the most body-obsessed cities in the country.
Started by two Georgian transplants and a Tulane grad, SOUTH boasts an extensive selection of well-known Southern dishes and drinks. The interior is open, casual and inviting, although the army of sleek flatscreens plastered all over the walls doesn’t really do much for authenticity. There isn’t much seating, so if you’re going during peak hours, plan on standing.
The first thing I was tried was their “mint julep.” It came in an adorable homestyle glass jar, which gave it some points for presentation, but unfortunately it was not a real mint julep (bourbon and simple mint syrup over crushed ice). It had been mainstreamed into what was essentially a mojito made with bourbon instead of rum - a mint julep with fizz and limes. It was still good, a tad sweet, but it wasn’t authentic.
I also had the fried chicken and waffle sliders. These were DELICIOUS. They were like a mini trip to Roscoe’s without the cardiovascular near-death experience. I also tried their sweet potato fries, which were impossible to stop eating.
The menu is very extensive for a bar, and they probably have most everything you’ve ever associated with Southern cuisine - fried green tomatoes, cornmeal shrimp po’ boys, fried chicken, cheesy grits, catfish, collard greens, jambalaya…I could go on and on.
Despite its authentically rebel founders, SOUTH comes across as a somewhat gimmicky sports bar masquerading as a soulful Southern establishment.
If you’re really from the actual South, don’t go to SOUTH expecting a meal just like Grandma Mae used to make. SOUTH puts forward an admirable, unabashedly-fried effort, but it doesn’t come close to the real thing. That being said, it’s still a fun place to go, especially if your starving body needs a one-night break from sushi and Diet Coke.
SOUTH
3001 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica CA 90403
(310) 428-4667
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