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Big Jones
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Big Jones
8.3
Coastal-Southern cooking with real technique behind the comfort—gumbo, shrimp-and-grits energy, and heritage touches that keep it from feeling like a theme-park menu. It’s best when you anchor with one rich classic and add one bright, snacky side so the meal stays balanced.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp and grits, Gumbo (dark roux style), Mac and cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Southern classics done with depth, not shortcuts, in a lively room.
Who should go: Southern-food fans and celebratory dinner groups
When to visit: Dinner or weekend brunch
What to order: Shrimp and grits, gumbo, mac and cheese
Insider tip: Pair one heavy entrée with one lighter side—over-ordering gets dull fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on Clark Street but tight during weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but the room skews polished enough that dressier casual feels right.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at the table, but it’s not a hushed room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation is common.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several sides and a few mains work, but it’s not a veg-focused menu.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with sides and minor adjustments; best to check with the server.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes and adaptable plates; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want energy without chaos—the room feels lively and warm, and the menu gives you safe classics with enough personality to talk about.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekend dinner is risky—reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids than toddlers—the menu skews rich and the vibe is more celebratory than family-casual.
Best For
Better for: Southern comfort with real technique and balance—richer and more composed than casual BBQ or brunch-only Southern spots.
Skip if: You want quick, inexpensive comfort food or a quiet, low-key dinner—this is more of a sit-down, occasion-ready experience.
Big Jones
8.5
A Southern-leaning Andersonville dining room that treats brunch like a full-service occasion—biscuit-and-gravy comfort, seafood-forward plates, and cocktails with real bar intention. It’s strongest when you commit to one centerpiece entrée and a shared starter so the table feels like a paced meal, not a diner scramble.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried chicken, Skillet cornbread, Shrimp and grits
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Southern brunch with chef-driven sourcing and cocktail-level pacing.
Who should go: Brunch groups who want a real sit-down
When to visit: Early weekend brunch for smoother pacing
What to order: Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, skillet cornbread
Insider tip: Go entrée-first—add one shared side, then stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clark Street and nearby side streets; availability varies and can be tight during weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are common, but the room leans polished rather than ultra-casual.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch; conversation is easy at the table but not hushed.
Weekend wait: Not applicable for brunch; weekend brunch can see 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait on weekdays, especially earlier in the service window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward sides and a few brunch-friendly vegetarian plates.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes and accommodations, but the menu is not primarily gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a relaxed but intentional brunch. The room feels lively without being chaotic, and the food gives you something to talk about without requiring a long, formal commitment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—early weekend brunch or off-peak times work best. Prime late-morning weekend slots are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who can handle a longer, sit-down meal. It’s less ideal for strollers or very quick, kid-focused dining.
Best For
Better for: A true sit-down Southern-style brunch with composed plates, real cocktails, and a paced dining experience rather than fast turnover.
Skip if: You want a quick, inexpensive brunch or a purely kid-centric spot—there are more casual, faster options nearby for that.