Do you ever get a hankering for a particular dish? Perhaps you already have your favorites in mind. I’m going to share a few of mine. I also asked, Kat, an old (meaning long-time) friend of mine who lives in the Brandermill area, to lend her thoughts on local favorites.
Barbecue – I’m not going to be seduced into a debate as to who has the best barbecue in the area. That’s too subjective. But when I’m in the mood for an excellent pulled pork sandwich with my choice of delicious sauces or a succulent slice of oak-smoked brisket, I head to Mission BBQ (13439 Hull Street Road). The food is great. But to be totally honest, I primarily go for the corn bread. It may be the best in town.
Comfort Food – For this one, Kat had her favorite and I had mine. She tells me that the Southern Taste Diner (9951 Hull Street Road) serves really large portions. “You would enjoy it,” she says. I guess she knows my love for food. Kat raves about their brunch and recommends the chicken and waffles. She also told me that she’d heard their pork chops are delicious as well.
When I’m in the mood for the comfort that only good food can bring, I head to The Grill at Waterford (13548 Waterford Pl.). This family-run business offers a welcoming, comforting environment. On a cold evening, the roaring fireplace is very comforting. The menu offers a huge variety, but my favorite is the meatloaf. This Angus beef loaf is served over mashed potatoes and smothered with brown gravy.
Pizza – Who has the best pizza in town is another game I’m not gonna play. I love pizza. I love it virtually anywhere. But through the years, especially when my office was nearby, I was too often found at Magglio’s Pizza in Hancock Village (7220 Hancock Village Dr.). They say they serve “A slice of New York.” I believe it. There pizza dough is made in house daily. The toppings are top quality. It’s a perfect slice every time. And when they opened their taproom with the 28-tap beer wall, it made this perfect spot even perfecter.
Ice Cream – With summer coming on, I’m always looking for a great cone, or a sundae, or perhaps a banana split. Kat tells me she’s found just the spot out in Moseley. It’s Jimer’s Frozen Custard (20800 Hull Street Road), which is located at Skinquarter Market. Okay, it’s not ice cream. It’s frozen custard. I don’t discriminate. Kat says that this place is the “absolute best reason to go out after dinner and get some frozen custard, bar none.”
So, these are a few of our favorites. Care to share yours?
Editorial by Steve Cook; May 2026