Who would’ve thought that here in Indy, you could escape from your everyday realities and settle into a cozy jazz-filled atmosphere at a restaurant powered by a former athlete? I normally do not associate relaxation and sports together but former Colts linebacker Gary Brackett has brought southern hospitality to the city’s North Side at Georgia Reese’s Southern Table & Bar.
After hearing about the opening and reading rave reviews, I thought I’d go check out the place for myself. It’s nestled onto the corner of West 86th Street and Michigan Road, and you can’t miss the large promotional sign from the street.
Once I arrived, I discovered dinner hadn’t begun and brunch was still being served … buffet style. I had no idea the restaurant served a buffet with breakfast delicacies.
Since I was dining alone and knew a buffet wasn’t the route I wanted to head down, I waited until 3 p.m. for dinner. I was placed at a modern but old-fashioned wood table, one you can spot at a mom and pop diner, and was handed a paper menu.
As stated before in my previous restaurant reviews, Indianapolis will serve you well if you’re on the hunt for comfort food. There are vast amount of options when it comes to soul food, however each establishment provides something that makes it unique from the others.
Besides the stage and full live jazz band delivering smooth tunes to customers, the menu brings Georgia Reese’s into the spotlight. Diners have the option of smoked wings, grilled tri tip slices, fried green tomatoes, boneless rib-eye steak and smothered rabbit and that doesn’t include the desserts, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Confession time: I decided to order chicken and waffles because I’d never tried it before. Yes, I know, make fun of me, but I figured this would be the perfect place to be brave and try this authentic Southern meal. Once my plate was sat in front of me, I was graced with two enormous pieces of fried chicken, a cup of syrup, three petite waffles and a side of mac and cheese and collard greens. I knew from the start I would definitely have food to take home.
At this very moment I am still debating on what kind of batter the waffles were made of. They were the most supple waffles I’d ever had in my life and the chicken provided just enough crunch while packing plenty of flavor inside.
I actually devoured my mac and cheese first because I couldn’t stop eating and I saved the greens to take home to serve as a special treat for later in the evening. I’d say my first chicken and waffles dish was a success, but next time I would like to try the Creamy Shrimp Creole & Grits which includes sautéed jumbo shrimp, peppers, onions, garlic and creole spices in a rich cream based sauce over organic yellow stone ground grits.
If you are looking for a place to unwind and enjoy southern cooked food, Georgia Reese’s just may become your new favorite spot.
Georgia Reese’s Southern Table & Bar
3454 W. 86th St.
Hours:
Mon – Thu: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sat: 10:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sun: 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
(317) 876-3454
