Featuring rattan woven-back chairs, a bevy of potted plants and shiny pine wood wainscotting, dropping by Wallace's Catfish corner feels like stumbling in to a beachside shack.

That's only appropriate as once you belly up to the counter and pay your respects to the photo of Congressman Danny K Davis, you'll likely be rustling up a marine-friendly pile of crispy golden fried breaded shrimp or cornmeal-dusted planks of juicy catfish nuggets. Don't forget to outfit yourself with a carbtastic conglomerate of soul food jewels like creamy black-eyed peas, roast sweet corn, and luscious mac and cheese.

If land-dwelling eats are your preference, don't miss the juicy rib tips, slow-roasted by the pit-master all day long in a huge aquarium-style smoker, that get mixed with French fries and sweet sauce and swaddled in white bread.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant