Got in sort of late on Wednesday night and wanted to go somewhere that was very "Montgomery." After a little research, Martin's seemed like our best bet. It's been open a crazy long time and offers typical meat and three, home cooking options. It's a fairly spacious restaurant. Decor isn't really my style, but it's simplistic and comfortable and it's fun how they highlighted the restaurant's history. The service was a mixed bag; two ladies waited on us, and one was really frazzled and tired and mixed up all three of our drinks, while the other also seemed a little tired but still on top of it. Overall, they were both pleasant and our food came out quickly. The lady working the cash register was lovely -- she'd been working at Martin's for over 30 years. Wow! We all ordered the fried chicken with two sides. Between us, we got butter peas, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. Hot corn muffins were also brought out to the table; though they weren't super flavorful, I enjoyed their warmth and toastiness, and they were good with a pat of butter on top! I thought the chicken was pretty good -- I enjoyed the breading and the flavor. Not among the best ever, but solid. My mom's was sadly pretty dried out, though. The butter peas were definitely the best side, cooked to the right softness and nice and salty. On the downside, the macaroni and cheese had basically no flavor and was an unpleasant, mushy texture, and the collard greens were also not very good. Also, the sweet tea wasn't CLOSE to sweet enough for me, which is unusual at a meat and three! Also worth noting -- I'm guessing they do a big lunch business, because they were out of a lot of options by the time we got there at 6:30. No steak tips left, and not a single dessert left except for banana pudding. A shame, because I really wanted to try a slice of their chocolate pie. On the whole, not a terrible experience; but if I find myself in Montgomery again, I'll probably be trying something else. read more

Been awhile since the last time I ate at Martins. No much has changed, still the best fried chicken in Montgomery, lot's of food for the price, did not try th pie but based on the other food on the menue I would expect like ratings. Just a great place to eat great food! read more

Essential stop to eat in Montgomery! If you're going to visit one restaurant in town, go here! You'll be surrounded by locals. You'll get a plateful of home-cooked food for $10. Sweet tea for $1. Huge slices of pie for $3 each! Amazing friendly service. Fast service! Plenty of parking. Plenty of seating. Clean bathrooms. Not far from I-85 and I-65. Try the Fried Chicken Pulleys! It will be the most tender, juicy, meaty and crispy fried chicken you've ever tasted in your life!! The side portions are enough to eat half and save half. And you should save half and order a piece of pie! The coconut meringue is a tower of sweet and delightful! Don't miss this spot, foodies!!!! read more

Martin's Restaurant - Chicken Pulleys, Collard Greens, Creamed Corn and Black-eyed Peas!! - Southern Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

See all

Classic southern cooking and service with a smile. Martin's Restaurant is a time tested eatery and a local favorite in Montgomery. Don't miss their fried pulley bone dinner special at this neighborhood gem!!!! read more

OMG!! Coming back from the beach, we decided to check this place out. Really wanted some vegetables and reviews were good. They should have all been 5's. So much good food. Best food we've had on our trip to Pensacola. I can't say enough about this place...Good Food-Great service. If you are hungry, STOP. Will definitely put on our places to stop at on the way going to the beach and back to Nashville read more

A very traditional "meat and three." Locals recommend it, but not necessarily for the food. You can find tastier food at many places around town, but the draw here is the history (not particularly favorable), the warm hearts serving and making the food, and the fried chicken. Also, you'll probably never see the uncommon side "Pineapple and Cheese" offered up at many other restaurants. Try it. The okra and the turnip greens were nothing special, a bit bland, The mini corn bread muffins cried out for something, anything, to make them tastier. The sweet potato casserole is a must order, and closer to to a dessert than anything else. The sweet potato pie was classic and yummy. If you want to eat at place that has been central to the history of Montgomery, with none of the "show" or foodie credentials, this is the place. read more

The best country style home cooking. Just like Grandma use to make. My favorite is the fried chicken, beef tips, and the cucumber salad.

Fried chicken and homemade dressing are worth the drive. Great service and great atmosphere. Will go back next time we are traveling through Montgomery. read more

Good home cooked Southern food: fried chicken, country fried steak plus 3 sides each. Coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans. All of it delicious! read more

Great food and very inexpensive!!fried chicken was on point! Leslie did a great job waiting on us. The Lima beans were great! Husband had meatloaf! So good!! We will be back! read more

I don't understand how they won a prize for best Fried Chicken. The flavors of the meat were nice and complex but the outside only had some crispyness with not much coating. It also was over cooked to my liking. read more

I expected great things from Martin's, given the reviews and it's induction into AL.com's restaurant hall-of-fame. Unfortunately, the experience was hit-or-miss. I'll start with the hits: the fried chicken, corn bread, and the sweet tea. The fried chicken is probably the best bone-in fried chicken I've ever had. The batter is perfect, not too much coating the chicken, good flavor, and keeps the chicken moist and tender. The cornbread is delicious, not too sweet, crunch on the outside and soft on the inside. The same with the sweet tea, not too sweet and well balanced. My wife enjoyed the pickled beets as well. Unfortunately everything else was disappointing, particularly the pie. My wife got a slice of lemon, and I got a slice of butterscotch to take home. We ended up chucking them both. The lemon tasted like the smell of lemon-scented Pine Sol, and the butterscotch didn't have much butterscotch flavor, just sweet. Not worth the calories at all. The black-eyed peas I had as a side were pretty boring, as were my wife's turnip greens. The mashed potatoes and gravy were smooth, but otherwise not special. As others have mentioned, the wait staff seems pretty downtrodden. I get that the place is busy, and it's a no-frills restaurant, but they all just seemed sad. The overall experience? The chicken is worth it, but the sides and service bring everything back to a sad reality and a trip not worth repeating. It's too bad, really. read more

This was my family's first time to Martin's. The food is very good and the service is great! Jennilee is 10/10! read more

Martin's Restaurant - Chicken plate w/ mashed potatoes and mac&cheese - Southern Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

Fantastic home cooking style restaurant! Had the fried chicken. Everything was Fantastic! Service was wonderful. And the PIE!! was probably one of the best pieces of pie I've ever had, period! I will be sure to make it over here whenever I'm in town! read more

See all

I thought it was good. I like meat and three options. It's very busy. The sweet tea was so good I drank like 3 glasses.

This is the kind of place where everyone knows your name and asks how your uncle is these days. Which of course means they also immediately knew I'm not from around here. So the service was good but towards me it wasn't as sugary sweet. The cornbread was good and gritty. The cabbage was also good. Everything else was just okay. I mean the food is good but it's nothing you can't find elsewhere in the south. If you make fried chicken then you had better make it like a boss! My chicken was fine but it was cold. How cold? Like sitting on ice cold. Like 'there's a boat Jack' cold. Like Disney's princess Frozen cold. Obviously it was prepared a day or so ago and then heated up on my plate. My heart sank. I mean... I could walk down the block to my local spot and they'll fry up your favorite part right there on the spot. I'm pulling ranks. Martin's simply can't beat that. read more

See all

We ordered chicken wings and bit into them and they were still frozen near the bone. For entree's we ordere chicken parm, a bbq sandwich and some catfish. I had a pre-breaded chicken patty that must be from Sysco. Obviously they are getting pre-breaded wings and food so it's not fresh. The bbq and catfish were meh. How hard would it be to make fresh chicken wings and bbq pork? I'm going to try their blue plate one day but not impressed with our first experience. read more

The fried chicken was delicious!! The skin was crispy and perfectly seasoned. The chicken was juicy too! The breading on the catfish was delicious. The catfish had a strong fish taste. The sides were meh. The coleslaw was delicious. The candied yams were good. The mac and cheese was not tasty at all. The mashed potatoes and gravy was okay. Overall, the chicken rocked my world! The sides just took up unnecessary room in my belly that I should have saved for the chicken. read more

Martin's Restaurant - Catfish special - Southern Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

See all

Wow, haven't been in awhile and will not be going back. The wait staff seemed lackadaisical about everything and our server must have forgotten about us because when we asked about it, another server said, "I didn't wait on you," and walked away. Not one employee smiled, at all, for the hour we were there. Our food arrived lukewarm and the chicken was dried out like it had been under the heat lamp too long. Sad, because this place used to be great. read more

Oh, Martin's. How dost I love thee?! The hubster and I stopped here in June, on our meander back to Orlando from PA. I know, that's a weird meander, but that's how we do things. I searched online, as I do, for awesome spots to eat along our winding way. Martin's Restaurant popped up for the best fried chicken. So we stopped. We were not disappointed. The chicken is well-seasoned, moist, and yummy. The crispy, crunchy coating was freaking perfect. Not too thick, not too thin. I mean, if Goldilocks were looking for chicken, she'd definitely stop here. The collards and green beans were equally delicious. I can't find anything negative to say about this place, except that it's too far from Orlando. But I suppose my thighs are happy about that. Because that pie, y'all. It's a vision. That butterscotch pie is so divine, it'll take over your every waking thought. I mean, I even put it as my screensaver. Service is provided with a smile and your sweet tea cup will never go dry. Stop by and grab some chicken, but save room for that pie! read more

See all

The food is amazing as always. Service is great. They treat all of their customers like family.

After months of reading their awesome reviews, I finally tried Martin's Restaurant & I was pleased with everything from the service to the food. I ordered the meat & 3 w/ fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, and fried okra (not pictured). My only complaint is that my chicken came out luke warm (which I fault no one for; I didn't expect it to be cooked to order seeing how much chicken they sell) but my server fixed that issue by promptly bringing me two fresh pieces. My little brother had the meat & 3 as well w/ fried chicken, mashed potatoes, & fried okra (2x). His only complaint is that he couldn't get another plate of food. read more

Martin's Restaurant - Meat & 3 with fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, and fried okra (not pictured). - Southern Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

I felt like i was eating at grandmas house again. Delicious fried chicken and sides. Friendly atmosphere. I got full and continued eating because it was actually that good. Then I almost passed out from a food coma. Looking for something healthy? Don't come here. read more

Good old fashioned food and a decent price. Each day has its own meal selections. Food is always reliable.

Great southern meat and 3. Great specialties. Lots of parking and service is great and friendly. Highly recommended

Really delicious crunchy fried chicken. The string beans and black eyed peas were so good! Really friendly staff.

Martin's is full of hype and potential, but unfortunately was a huge dissappointment. We specifically asked for fresh chicken when we ordered. Unfortunately, when it was lukewarm and dry. So we asked for fresh pieces of chicken. They took our chicken back, but then when the "new" chicken arrived it was clear it was older pieces reheated. The "new" chicken was warm, however, it was completely dried out and lacked any juiciness when you poked it with a fork. So major fail.... On top of it, the mashed potatoes were instant. The corn bread muffins have absolutely no flavor. The macaroni and cheese was also sorely dissapointing. I really don't get the hype and is clear restaurant management don't care about the quality of the food. Did they really think we would be that stupid to not realize the "fresh" chicken was simply dried out chicken reheated...... read more

Walked in at 6pm for dinner. The restaurant is the typical "meat and three" where you pick an entree and 3 sides. We got fresh corn muffins, but they were bland in flavor. I came in wanting the country fried steak, but they were sold out, so I got the Chopped steak w/ turnip greens, rice with gravy and mash. The only warm thing on my plate were my sides and my chopped steak was sadly cold. It's like they make a whole batch for the day and they just sit out or something. So 1 star for my meal. My Husband got the fried chicken and it was fresh, hot and crispy. If anything, just come for the chicken because it was the only good thing on his plate. Turnip greens were ok, and the mashed potatoes taste instant. Would we go again? Probably just for the chicken and that's it read more

See all

I came to Martin's because I searched for authentic Southern food. (Note: I'm a Yankee, who was in town for a job interview.) The experience certainly lived up to all of the excellent reviews I found online. The place was kitschy and homey with a welcoming feel. The waitress Charlotte was very friendly and attentive and answered all of my questions about living in Montgomery. (Other people were also friendly, but Charlotte was my main server.) Alas, I decided not to take the job, which is too bad because I would certainly have made Martin's a regular go-to spot. The food was plentiful and delicious! I had the Meat & Three (fried chicken sweet potato casserole, turnip greens, and fried okra). Everything tasted fresh and wasn't greasy. The skin on the chicken was light and flavorful and not greasy at all. The sweet potatoes had this yummy streusel of pecans, cinnamon, and brown sugar that made it more like a dessert than a side, but the sweetness was nice with the savory of the other 2 vegetables. The corn muffins were light and slightly sweet and so delicious! I forced myself to eat only one (took the rest home with me for later) so that I wouldn't fill up on them. I had my first taste of real Southern sweet tea. Not a fan at all but it's what I expected -- so super sweet that I got 3 cavities that day! Ha ha! If you're hungry and you're in Montgomery, do yourself a favor and go to Martin's. Make sure to go hungry or get a takeout box for later. The food is delicious, the service is excellent, and the experience was friendly. read more

Martin's Restaurant - Meat & 3: fried chicken, turnip greens, and sweet potato casserole with corn muffins to the side. (Fried okra brought later.) YUMMY! - Southern Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

This spot is most know for chicken! If you order the chicken breast, you get 2, and your veggie options. Chicken had a great flavor and moist. Wasn't very impressed by the other menu items. Wanted lemon meringue and they were out, along with some other items. Prices are good though! read more

Very southern menu and absolutely delicious! The fried chicken is superb and the wait staff is very friendly.

Best fried chicken this side of the Mississippi. Ask for the pulley bone chicken breast. You will not be disappointed.

Excellent soul food! The waitstaff was terrific and very helpful. I was there for lunch and had the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. Both the leg and breast were cooked perfectly - moist and completely cooked. They had a really good crunch and I ate every last piece of skin - perfect! The mashed potatoes were instant, but the gravy was good, and the green beans were overcooked. I'd recommend the cornbread muffins - they came with whipped butter and were quite tasty. But the chicken was the star and for $9 it was a very good deal. read more

Martin's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

Fried chicken... old school. Don't go for the ambiance. Go early for pulleybones. Thank me later.

We visited Montgomery to visit the Peace and Justice Memorial and asked the staff where to eat and all three said Martin's after said fried chicken. WOW! The chicken was amazing, crispy, flavorful, and huge portions! I had the green beans, black eyed peas, rice and gravy. All good except the rice was not hot enough. The cornbread was the best ever, with a nice exterior crunch and soft inside. Finished up with sweet potato pie and it hit the spot. Our server, Kim, was so friendly and helpful too! I wish we had a Martin's in California! If I'm ever in Montgomery again, I'm definitely going back! read more

See all

If you're looking for a true southern food place, Martin's is it. The decor consists of awards touting their food and desserts and the furniture with its checkered tablecloths are reminiscent of gramma's home. Service is quick and über friendly. Meals are heavy and huge, while the prices are light on the wallet. Overall, okay food but worth the experience. The eats: - sweet tea--free with your meal. I highly recommend asking for half unsweetened and half sweetened. - Meat and Three $10: choose a main and three heaping sides. Mine's was dryish turkey plus stuffing with the most delicious string beans cooked in ham hock, the all-right tasting gravy over rice, and the overly sweet salad medley of marshmallows, strawberries, and nuts. - Pecan pie $3 -- all slices are fairly large and pretty good (or so it seems). They have choices ranging from merengue to apple and more. Our slice was "to go". Ain't bad at all. Parking is plenty as it resides in a shopping center. Should you find yourself trotting through Alabama's capital, this might be the place to stop on in and experience the South. read more

Martin's Restaurant - Meat and three with the turkey, green beans, rice+gravy, and paradise salad - Southern Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

So much potential in this meat and three but, alas, I was ultimately disappointed. While their menu is expansive, they do a weird on / off day with certain items, but, at least from the tables, there is no way to tell what they are offering on that particular day until the server comes. When our waitress greeted us very shortly after we sat down, she immediately wanted to know our order - but I felt like I had to navigate a very complicated menu process in order to land on something close to what I wanted. I love a good mom and pop diner, but I feel like Martin's is lacking in cleanliness and streamlining of their menu that would really make it special. read more

Good food !! Best chicken in Alabama ? It is good !! Good portions, for a great price !! If I'm ever in Alabama again ? Yeah !!! I'd definitely go back !!! read more

On the hunt for a good southern meal, we tripped upon Martin's. Excellent service and dynamite food. Fried chicken, greens, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh cornbread and sweet tea. Doesn't get better than that. And very inexpensive. Highly recommend this place. read more

Martin's Restaurant - Southern Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

The food is delicious and the hospitality is welcoming. When I had entered the restaurant the Greeter had met me with a smile and I was seated and served in a timely manner. I had been to Martins once before and the hospitality had never changed. I would definitely recommend this place to all non residents to come and experience Martins read more