Southern Style Eatery has been open just over a year at Buffalo and Alta, and it’s a family affair. Owner Fred Howard and his brother P.J. Williams run the shop; the head baker is their mother. And the crew from Plaquemine, Louisiana, is doing its home state proud.
You’ve got to try the fried fish platter. We opted for the six-piece ($11.99), which comes with two sides. Cornmeal, flour and a secret spice blend cover the fish strips, creating a perfect crunch outside the delicate meat. Squeeze a lemon or use tartar sauce if you like, but the spice blend is so flavorful, it’s no wonder they keep it secret.
My group tried a number of sides and there wasn’t a bad one in the bunch. Macaroni is good and cheesy. Coleslaw is cool and crunchy. Yams are soft and sweet. Fried okra is on point.
Daily specials go deep into the Southern bag of tricks. You might find smothered oxtail one day and turkey necks the next. Weekends feature gumbo and crawfish étoufée served every other Sunday. And don’t leave without trying a piece of Mama’s fantastic sweet potato pie.
Southern Style Eatery 450 S. Buffalo Drive, 702-545-0005. Sunday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
