One desperate Phoodie reader writes:
“So you guys know food, and I love food. Any idea where to get some fried okra in this city?! I’d assume a bbq spot… if you have any idea, I’d LOVE to know. Thanks!”
We feel your pain, lady. But we’ve got good news: Philly is getting a lot better in the soul food and real-deal BBQ departments than it has been in the last few years. For instance, off the top of our heads, we do know that Miss Tootsie’s RBL has an Okra with corn tomatoes side for $4, but that may not be what you are looking for. We’ve also encountered this problem in seeking out good collard greens, but Miss Tootsie’s rocks them as well. But outside of that, who else, we ask you, does soul food sides the right way? Give your faves a shout-out in the comments.
You can get okra as a side at, of all places, Cracker Barrel. It’s not half bad, either. True story.
Geechee Girl Rice Cafe has right-on Southern sides that aren’t soul food slop, but I don’t think they have fried okra.
a full plate (liberties walk) has fried okra
How about a mountain of addictive cornmeal crusted okra with pickled cubanelles and cumin red pepper remoulade ($6) at Memphis Taproom?
I love me some fried okra! The version at Full Plate Cafe is okay, but oddly, they fry the whole pods rather than cut them up into chunks. I will have to try the version at Memphis Taproom. Those sound terrific!
Re: Collard greens
I really enjoy the collards at Sweet Lucy’s. Tender but not mushy, with a nice kick of vinegar.
Menupages.com is one of the best website updates i’ve seen in a while. they let you search by food now!
http://philadelphia.menupages.com/restaurants/food/fried okra/all-areas/all-neighborhoods/all-cuisines/
the two places listing fried okra, however, have already been mentioned. you might want to call Phoebe’s or Ron’s Ribs and see if they ever have fried okra as a special/side.
Deborah’s Kitchen..2608 W. Girard..215-763-3327. Great soul sides and great fried chicken.
I don’t know if they do it all the time, but I’ve definitely seen it on the menu at Honey’s Sit-n-eat.
Now that this entry is on page three don’t know whether this suggestion will be read but…
Cameron Seafood (906 North Broad St./Poplar St.) has fried okra priced at $1.99 for a side.
When is Luby’s Cafeteria coming to Philadelphia?