If you’ve ever driven through Hazel Green and missed Everlina’s Southern Cooking, well, bless your heart—you’ve been missing out on some of the best soul food this side of Alabama. This cozy little spot isn’t trying to be fancy. It’s not serving up kale salads or truffle anything. Nope. Everlina’s is all about fried catfish so golden it could win a beauty pageant, collard greens simmered until they practically sing gospel, and sweet tea that could put Coca-Cola out of business.
Walking in feels like stepping into a family reunion you didn’t know you were invited to. The owner often greets guests at the door, and within seconds you feel less like a customer and more like a cousin who just came home from out of town. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and just the right amount of “come sit down and eat, sugar.”
And oh, the food. Let’s start with that catfish—crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and seasoned with just enough love to make you want to write home about it. The beef tips come smothered in gravy so rich you’ll want to invest in it, and the ribs? Let’s just say napkins are not optional. Sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and mashed potatoes with gravy are hearty enough to stand on their own. And did we mention the cobbler? If you leave without trying it, we don’t know if we can be friends…