For Craig Melvin, time spent in “God’s country,” as he calls it, revolves around family, but there are a few local haunts he likes to frequent too. “Lizard’s Thicket on Broad River Road is definitely at the top of the list,” he says of the classic meat ’n’ three featuring country cooking. “It’s where, many years ago, I took my now wife (then girlfriend) to first introduce her to my family.” The regional chain has been a community staple since 1977, but the true hidden gem—and his mom Betty Jo’s pick—is at Brookland Baptist Church.
“It sounds strange, perhaps, but there’s a lunch buffet at our church. Everything is phenomenal and tastes like a good home-cooked meal,” says Craig. It’s open five days a week, and the menu rotates but always consists of comforting dishes like collard greens, fried chicken and catfish, candied yams, and cornbread. “After the Sunday service is obviously the busiest time, but if you go on a Wednesday, you’ll see everyone from business leaders to state reps sitting in there,” he says.
“The Chicken Man” is another Soda City secret. Folk artist Ernest Lee, who earned the nickname due to his primary subject, is a local legend you can typically find on the corner of Gervais and Oak Streets. “I often buy a piece to add to my collection or give as a gift,” notes Craig…