Mama's Southern Plantation

Can you say sketch? This house converted to a restaurant is across the street from the Salt Lake Bee's Ball Park and next to the Salt Lake City Police Department impound lot. I'm not even joking.

Captain Jack and I showed up on a dead Sunday afternoon. The neon open sign was flashing, but the hours sign said they were closed. As we went to leave, the cook came out back and told us they were open so we should just let ourselves in.

Needless to say, we did.

The decor is totally Southern. If you're not from the south I don't know how to explain it. Something about how everything seems larger than life. A huge mirror with built in cabinets and shelving covers one wall in the building. Eating at Mama's is like stepping into rural Mississippi.

Jack ordered the barbecued pork sandwich. I stuck with hamburger and fries. The barbecued pork was incredible. The pork was cooked so perfectly and the barbecue sauce was spicy, sweet and flavorful.

The hamburger was great. It felt exactly like something I would make at home. The fries were fresh cut and deep-fried perfectly. My only complaint is the complete lack of seasoning on them. But after a shower of salt and pepper they were delicious.

Our server was very kind. We were the only table in the room and with Court TV on in the background. Jack and I had a interesting conversation about the Constitution, juries, lawyers, law and the judicial system. After all, who doesn't go to the south and hang out with a lawyer?

It was fairly cheap. Our total was about $18 after the tip for both of us. Be warned: they take ONLY cash or check. Luckily, a morning at the State Fair meant we had cash on hand.

It may be a sketch neighborhood, but the deep fried, deep south home style feeling makes this place worth a visit any lunch meeting.