Matthews Cafeteria Tucker Georgia
Matthews Cafeteria Tucker Georgia
Matthews Cafeteria on Main Street in Tucker Georgia is an iconic Southern diner. In the 1960s, during my childhood, Matthews Cafeteria was a family favorite for lunch after Church on Sundays. The Matthews Cafeteria of the 1960s looked pretty much the same way it looks now. And the food on the self serve cafeteria line was only slightly different than the Southern staples served today.
When you walk in Matthews cafeteria you immediately sense the place is a little different than most restaurants.
First of all – you will probably wait in line. The line may have 30 or 40 people waiting to pick up a tray and start the walk down the serving line. Don’t panic as the line moves fast and most waits are less than 5 or 10 minutes.
Once you get to the serving line grab a tray and your silverware. I usually grab a couple of extra napkins too. As you round the corner look up on the menu board and see what the specials are today. My favorites are fried chicken, fried fish and country fried steak. (Not all entrees are fried – just the most delicious things). Entrees are rotated throughout the week so check the website menu online to make sure your favorite is being served on the day of the week you plan to visit. Entrees vary in price but no matter what I get my tab usually runs $9 or $10.
Your first decision will be dessert. It is difficult to walk past the pies, cakes and cobblers that Mathews has to choose from. My husband Tim is a sucker for the fruit cobblers. I can’t pass by the strawberry shortcake.
There are some salads to choose from and usually deviled eggs. I skip this section because I am here for the fresh vegetables (more on that later).
Next on the line is the selection of a main course . Fried Chicken is a hands down favorite and it is quite tasty. Other popular entrees are turkey and dressing, meatloaf, liver and onions,chicken and dumplings, fried salmon croquettes, BBQ pork, fried pork chops, chicken fingers, roast beef – and much more. As mentioned these selections rotate throughout the week.
A server behind the counter will ask what you would like – tell her what you want and she will put it on a plate. The plate is then passed down the line to servers in the vegetable section.
Ah the vegetable section. Many diners just go meatless and do a vegetable plate. The selection is quite varied – and changes from day to day. No fancy frills here. All vegetables are cooked in traditional southern ways which may surprise you folks who “aren’t from around here”. You are going to see some unfamiliar presentations.
Fried okra – this is the glory of southern cooking. Fried okra is a joy unto itself. Always my first choice. Give in to southern fried goodness.
Squash casserole – can’t really be compared to any other preparation. This is crook neck yellow squash that has been boiled then mixed with egg, onion and mayo before it is baked casserole style in an oven. It is heavier than a soufflé but has some of those qualities.
Mashed potatoes and gravy – these are not powdered potatoes that are re-hydrated and served as mash potatoes. These are honest to God real potatoes that have been boiled, mashed and whipped into amazing goodness. Gravy is optional but necessary for full enjoyment.
Cream corn – a diva on the vegetable line that reflects a true southern favorite. Corn is cut off the cob and then cooked in a pot. Starches from the corn kernels give it a creamy consistency and the sweetness is from the kernels themselves.
Green beans, pole beans, mac n cheese, turnip greens, sweet potato soufflé – just in case you want to venture outside my favs.
Do get a home made roll or cornbread muffin as you pass by the bread area. Many southerners also like a green onion/scallion and you often see this as an accompaniment on the line.
Beverages are limited to sweet ice tea, un-sweet ice tea, sodas and water. Get a large styrofoam to go cup and folks will think you are a local.
Put some south in your mouth at Matthews Cafeteria on Main Street in Tucker, Georgia.
