Food - is probably the best home cook meal you will receive in Jax. Art (the chef) cooks right in front of his audience. He's engaging and makes sure to get to know each of his guest. He also does a customary walk around to each table to serve his special of the day. It's family friendly and inviting. Service is excellent. There is a person attending to tables with good old fashion southern hospitality. I truly felt like I was invited to the family cookout of someone else. Ambiance it's a truck stop. I can't say that this place is clean or you should wear your best clothing. I had a moment of should I stay or should I go while I was there. This would be the only reason not to give the 5stars Price $15 for Kids $25 for adults. I only paid $40. read more

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I knew about SC from previous Yelp friends. Although I've never been, the post for Easter brunch grabbed my attention. Art posted on Facebook that the Easter brunch was still open to seats. They only accept cash, but I found it difficult to find the price. Not sure if this is intentional. After I went to the ATM, I panicked because they closed at 2pm. I was greeted by Art, and where to pay. He said "grab your plate, and enjoy yourself first!" After I picked what was left, ham, fish,green beans and greens, max n cheese and chicken, someone asked if I'd like tea or soda with my meal. I was brought a big cup of sweet tea. The new plate of shrimp and fried green tomatoes was brought to my table for myself only! Another worker brought over a brownie and carrot cake. We discussed Art's contribution to the area at 70 years old. He is truely a gem. He said they pride themselves on southern hospitality. At the end, all this great service and food piled high (all you can eat and more) was only $15. I gave $20, which included a tip. I filled my tea at least three times ;) 4/4 read more

Southern Charm - Easter plate - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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This place was quite unique and we will definitely be back. The website has very limited information so we called to clarify and it was a good thing we did so we could make the reservation that is needed. The restaurant is all you can eat cash only and bring your Tupperware to bring leftovers home read more

It's easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for. I passed it but quickly made a u-turn and there it was. It looks like a typical older storefront along Old St. Augustine Rd but it's indeed a restaurant, or more appropriately a hole in the wall that serves delicious homestyle cooking. At exactly eleven thirty, I walked inside and was immediately greeted by Chef Art who knew that it was my first time and invited me to sit next to him while he told me about the history of Southern Charm as well as his upbringing. I immediately felt like I was at my uncle's house. I truly felt welcomed. There's not a single fancy thing about this place, it's not pretty or polished but it instantly warmed my soul being here. Myself and the other patrons talked with each other and Chef Art as if we all knew one another. In addition to the Southern Charm, the food: Fresh catfish, shrimp, collard greens, mac n cheese, coleslaw, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, and fresh baked cookies were all delicious and the sweet tea was just right. This is a cash-only establishment, and they only serve tea and water but you can bring your beverage of choice. This was the best experience I've ever paid $15 for. I'll surely be back! Thanks for blessing my soul Chef Art! read more

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We went there for dinner last night with a party of 8. You do need reservations but this is a very interesting eating experience with fried shrimp, fried whiting, mashed potatoes, cheese grits, fried green tomatoes, ribs, collards, sweet tea, cucumber salad, garlic shrimp, and blackened shrimp. No one eats until Chef Art tells you the rules and explains the love put in his food like the molasses ginger cookies which were very tasty. This place is and older restaurant but not short on service or a good time. Chef Art makes the evening fun with his story telling and bringing refills of food to your table until your belly wants to pop. Everything is great. Highly recommend! Try this place out and call to make reservations as it only holds like 60 people. Prices are reasonable and it's a buffet that you get. read more

Southern Charm - My brother waiting to chow down. - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

We came on Christmas Day, since I celebrated with my family on Christmas Eve. We met Ernie's brother here for a wonderful Christmas dinner. I saw the invite on Facebook and decided we would do this on Christmas Day. There were a lot people there today. All went well, as usual. The food was delicious and plentiful, as usual. If you leave SC hungry, then it's your own fault! This is the only buffet in Jax, that I know of, that you can take leftovers home. My favorite food today was more than one: sweet potatoes, smoked turkey, and the fried shrimp. But, really-everything was delicious. The only thing I did not care for was the corn muffins. The lacked the sweetness I am used to. The sweet tea was great today as well. Thanks Chef Art! Job well done, once again. As always, cash only! Merry Christmas! read more

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Southern Charm was truly an experience. Reservations are highly recommended and the decor is a very eclectic. The waitress and the cook are entertaining with their witty banter between each other. Tea and water are the only drink options but you can bring your alcohol or other drinks. Each table receive fried shrimp as they await the ringing of the dinner bell for the dinner buffet. The dinner buffet consists of southern comfort food such as collard greens, potato au gratin, and your choice of protein, pot roast, fish, or fried chicken. The food was delicious but if you are expecting 5 star accommodations Southern Charm isn't for you. The buffet is $25/person, cash only and you can take whatever is left at the end of dinner. Dessert is also included. read more

Southern Charm - Shrimp for every table - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I was looking for some seafood and I had heard of southern charms Friday buffet. Time to try it. The storefront is quite unassuming. The owner/chef opens doors about 6:30 and plans to ring dinner bell about 7:15 pm. They serve tea (sweet and plain) as well as water, it's BYOB for wine or beer (I brought wine, I saw beer, I didn't see liquor - so I don't know about that) The place is a bit old and a lot of kitsch decorations - the chef gives a running commentary while preparing the buffet. The food is good. Collard greens cooked with pork - tender and delicious. Smoked ribs with a sweet bbq sauce, cheese grits that are really good. Crab cakes - more crab than bread, fried whiting perfectly cooked, a potato seafood casserole that's quite tasty. Once plates are served the chef brings a plate of freshly cooked hot fried shrimp and a serving of zesty blackened shrimp to each table At the end of the meal ranch person got a homemade cookie - a ginger snap with white chocolate Food is good, ambience took my score down just a bit. Cost was $22 pp for a nice delicious seafood meal. It's worth your time. Go hungry, make a reservation. Major Note - Cash or Check only. No credit cards accepted. We found an ATM at the convenience store 1/2 mile away. read more

Southern Charm - Blackened shrimp on delicious cheese grits - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Still wonderful. First time there for Friday lunch and had the fried fish. This is probably the best fried fish I've ever eaten. Perfectly cooked and tender! Art is still charming, Earl is still as nice as he can be. There's also a new assistant. I didn't catch his name, but he couldn't possibly have been more friendly and kind. If I lived in Jacksonville, I'd be here often. Go--you won't regret it. read more

This spot is AMAZING! Make sure to call beforehand to let them know how many you are. Art is the best and has really perfected a home style dinner. Don't fill up on the incredible starters! The shrimp are to die for, his blackened shrimp taste like perfection. If you want to drink, bring your own wine, beer, or soda. They have homemade sweetened and unsweetened tea. Will also note that Larry is a gem - very kind and always makes sure your cups and plates are full. Will definitely be going back!!! read more

Oh.....My .....Stars!!!!!! Do your soul , your tastebuds , and tummy a favor . Go see Art and enjoy the best southern cooking since your granny's and mama's . The dumplings , fried chicken , fried green tomatoes, Mac n cheese collard greens ( better than my granny's.) friend shrimp but yall that cornbread, have mercy !!!!! Me and My husband and sweet Mama in law almost forgot to pray before eating because we were so ready to dive in . Art and our server made us feel like family and the other "family" in the restaurant did too . Everyone knew each other or became friends before leaving. If we lived closer I'd go everyday . You can watch Art cook and fry up his masterpieces while you're eating. read more

Was in Jacksonville killing time before my flight out. Southern Charm is nothing what I expected. It's a charming hole in the wall spot with the nicest staff. Super friendly and with good humor. The food was fantastic!!! I had the Friday seafood buffet. Fried shrimp and fried fish were delicious. I gobbled my plate of friend shrimp and was met with a second plate. If you're looking for a black tie affair, this is not it. If you're looking for a place to eat your fill of deliciousness.... oh heck yes this is the place. read more

Southern Charm - Friday lunch buffet: Fried fish Fried shrimp Collard greens Grits - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

This is one of those places that is a dining experience, you don't just go to eat dinner cause you need to pick something up, no this is way more! First make a reservation cause it's teeny inside and only sits a certain amount of people. Get there on time for the dinner bell, Chef Art welcomes everyone and rings his dinner bell for everyone to come up to the buffet line and get some food. (Families with kids go first!) Next Pig out!!! Lol get all the foods, try everything! All the delicious Southern staples are here! Fried fish, shrimp, green tomatoes, cheesy grits, potato casserole, greens, ribs...and a bunch more...my favorites were the fried fish and fried shrimp...these were large fresh shrimp and he uses a very nice light batter, delicious! As your eating Chef and servers come around offering you more food, blackened shrimp, more fish, and talking to everyone.... Chef told me he wants you to feel like you came to his house and get a home cooked meal and that's exactly what he succeeded in doing. Now after everyone done eating they put out Togo boxes and you can go back thru the line and fill up a to go box, it's very generous of him and his thoughts are the less they have left, the less they have to clean up! They pass out some type of dessert, but by that point your so stuffed you can't do much. Head to the register and pay $25 ( cash only) tip the staff and waddle home pleasantly stuffed. I will say when you leave the smell of fried foods comes home with you on your clothes. They are doing things the old fashioned way and I'm totally cool with it! Big thanks to Goldie for setting it up for a bunch of Yelpers to come experience this place! :) read more

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So there is something to be said about a good ole down home southern dinner. At Southern Charm, Chef Art not only brings the food but also, the entertainment. You just can't help smiling when you're in his presence. His love for cooking, his passion for food, and his enjoyment of the company is palpable. The overall experience here was definitely the best part. A group of us went for his Saturday night dinner buffet with ribs, fried whiting, collard greens, crab cakes, cheese grits, fried green tomatoes, peel and eat garlic shrimp, blackened shrimp, cole slaw, tomato salad, and his special little marsh island casserole with scallops, cheese, and potatoes. Fresh fried shrimp came to the table through the meal. There was more than enough food for the roughly 25 diners. In fact, there were leftovers that we were all encouraged to take. Chef Art's dinner bell starts the meal and his summonings to come and get more food are heard throughout the night. He suggests starting with two plates and he said "the more you eat, the less we have to clean up"! Speaking of cleaning, this is a really run down old restaurant that leaves much to be desired in the way of decor and ambiance. But, for what it lacks, Chef Art makes up for with his hospitality. We were all charmed and full by the end of the night. Service was really good and our cups of tea were filled the entire time. It's $21.99 for the buffet and a flat $25 for the buffet and sweet or unsweetened tea. The place is cash only and you need a reservation. read more

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Nothing fancy but the food, service, and Art's Southern Charm was exceptional. The clientele were some of the best people you could ask to dine with. My sister and I both have MS and everyone including the waiter went overboard to help us. What a pleasure. I am ready to go back. Darlene read more

Don't expect anything fancy. It may have mismatched chairs and and a backyard bbq feel but that everything I love.It's pretty much a whole wall but as we all know they make the best food. Chef art makes everything by hand the old fashioned way in iron skillets.he was so sweet and caring to my 80 ur old mom and even sent her home with a plate of food. We had nowhere to go on Xmas and he made us feel special. My mom is 81 and said his greens were the best she has ever had. The fish was amazing perfecti breaded and seasoned and I just don't eat anyone fried fish..lol..it was a real home cooked meal. If your out and about downtown just roll on in and get u a plate, smile, and and enjoy a hidden gem in jax read more

Found myself not working on a Wednesday, which i recalled was chicken day at Southern Charm. Art's lunch buffet line did not disappoint, with BBQ chicken leg quarters, fried chicken, and chicken & dumplings, along side mac & cheese, cucumber salad, greens (seasoned with pork), and fried green 'maters. I made two trips through the line, and was encouraged to make another, but I was stuffed. But not too stuffed to pick up a couple of the cookie/cake goodies on my way out. Remember, cash only. (They'll take a check.) read more

Ok this is a really tough review to write. The people running this place are really hard working nice people. They put a lot into the food they make and treat their customers like guests of the family. With that being said, do not come here with high expectations for the atmosphere. It is dirty. There is no way around saying it. I walked in and right back out but my friend convinced me to stay. Im glad I did because it was definitely an experience. They bring drinks to your table and set the buffet up. As the food gets laid out, you fill up your plate and can go back as often as you'd like. They even encourage you to take home leftovers. They serve fish, collards, ribs, fried green tomatoes, shrimp, lots of southern fixins. I wanted to like it, I really did, but I just didn't. However there were lots of regulars in there and they were raving so I think it was just my tastebuds. I would still encourage you to go. If you like southern cooking and can overlook the filth, it's worth the experience! Really great people. read more

It's not often that I can't wait to write up a review for a place~ but tonight is one of those nights! I saw Chef Art featured on the local news a while ago- maybe even a year ago and Southern Charm was on my radar! So many of my Yelp friends have been and raved & I was so excited when hubby got off on a buffet night! You have to make reservations for the buffet- keep calling until you get Art~ and skip leaving messages. I was lucky that he used caller id and simply called me back! As everyone says- cash only! Go hungry. This is literally a hole in the wall place that will blow your foodie mind! Oh Chef Art~ how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... 1. Fried shrimp, lightly tempura batter- cooked perfectly and so delicious! A mounded piled plate was dropped at our table as we stood in line for the buffet and refilled throughout the meal... over and over and over 2. Boiled shrimp- peel and eat and cooked with garlic and sooooooo goooooood- guess what I piled on my togo plate for tomorrow? And they're all mine I say! 3. Your momma's fried green tomatoes recipe- OH MY! I "like" fried green tomatoes, but I LOVE Art's fried green tomatoes! 4. Fish fry- cornmeal breading on perfectly fried fish- simple but scrumptious filet 5. THE RIBS~ oh yum, sweet bbq sauce- smokey flavor. My mind is full just recapping this meal 6. Crab cakes- or in this case crab balls- completely different than anything I have ever had & I loved them 7. The general feeling of being at a friends/family house for dinner Everything was so amazing. When we arrived my husband was a little doubtful- and making fun of how excited I was. But after trying a little of everything from our first plate we were both in food heaven. I even tried foods I know I don't like- collard greens and cheese grits and both were tasty, but I literally tried a bite and focused on the foods I know I love. Other than the fried green tomatoes that surprised me- those I went up for 3 helpings. Chef Art humored me for a selfie and confessed he is the most photographed chef in Jax! And I believe it! If you haven't been to Southern Charm- you are missing out on some of the best food in Jacksonville. read more

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Excellent flowers and service. Delivery to a different city was on time. The recipient said the flowers were beautiful!

Good people and friendly customers - Very unique experience and overall food was good but this place is not for everyone. The place is in a commercial area and well used - a little run down and could use a good cleaning - but the owner cares about his cooking and brings a dinner buffet served one time when open - you have to be there by 7 - suggest showing up between 6:30 and 6:45 and dinner bell is rung between 7:10 and 7:20. A plate of shrimp is also brought to your table which was awesome. After dinner chatted with two individuals for over an hour that come a few times a month. It was like having a crazy family reunion with all the southern cousins! read more

Giving it 1 star only because that's the only way to write a review. This place was horrendous to say the least. How they have not been shut down is beyond me. Below is what we witnessed the short time we were there... -filthy kitchen area when you walk in, and the staff look like they are cooking more than chicken in the back -was given tea out of a filthy pitcher with mold on the rim -a styrofoam plate of sauces was thrown on the table, and the 'waitresses' thumb was in the sauce as she carried the plate, to which she then rubbed the sauce off her thumb onto her apron and grabbed the tea pitcher to fill up someone else's cup. At this point we high tailed out out of there and had to bath the minute we got home to wash the ick off of us. read more

If you aren't eating here, YOU SHOULD BE. All You Can Eat at every meal and it is the best cracker cooking you'll eat

LOVED this place...Art,the chef, has a golden personality. Funny,sassy,kind, and can COOK! Cheese grits, collard greens, fried green tomatoes,delicious fried fish (which I am picky about),and fried shrimp...plus so much more. The atmosphere was like being in a family kitchen at a big gathering. The customers were also kind. I left super full and super happy!!! read more

Southern Charm - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I look for non-chain, unique restaurants - they sometimes have the best food. Well I found a great one in Southern Charm! It was really a unique experience. You need a reservation because the chef and his server cater to the 5 or 6 tables, max occupancy. Food is freshly prepared - best fried and blackened shrimp I've ever had! If you want ambience, fancy lighting and exquisite table settings, look elsewhere. But if you want excellent, fresh food with an eclectic feel, this is your place!! read more

Southern Charm - Food - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

JACKSONVILLE'S HIDDEN GEM, AT ITS FINEST. Southern Charm is owned by the world famous chef Art who is known for his southern food. Chef Art enjoys what he does for a living and it shows! Before dinner is served, he personally speaks to all the guests in his restaurant. He will remember your name and face!! He is very personable and his aura is very happy and uplifting, it truly is an enjoyable experience when we go to Southern Charm. Usually, the food on the buffet changes regularly. But, the last time I went - he served ribs, catfish, freed green tomatoes, grits, potato casserole, fried and blackened shrimp, and brownies for dessert. All of the food is cooked fresh exclusively for the allotted dining time each day. Usually, the dinner bell rings at 7:10 PM. When everyone has eaten and there is extra food left, chef art gives everyone take out boxes to take home! It truly is a family feel when you done at Chef Art's establishment. I love this place, and you will too! It is a non-pretentious dining establishment and it simply just food cooked with "southern charm." There is no fancy playing or incessant garnishes, he serves food in a wholesome manner and in a way that should be consumed. Thank you chef art. My girlfriend and parents love this place! - Ansel Ponce Diama read more

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I came here before some years ago and the food is just like I remembered, southern home-cooked goodness. Finding it off of St. Augustine isn't that hard but parking can be a challenge. This time around I got a spot right in front of the business next door when last time I parked across the street. The doors open at 6:30p and the dinner bell for the weekend buffet rings at 7p. The place is kinda small, two separate rooms with maybe 10-15 tables. Chef Art greets everyone who walks in the door while cooking and that comes off as very welcoming. What was really welcoming to me was the Jumbo Shrimp banner hanging on the wall. Glad they visited one of our local joints. I couldn't wait to get to eating and Chef Art always cooks enough food for everyone, so much that he encourages everyone to fix two plates in the buffet line. That's exactly what I did with ribs, potatoes with scallops and cheese, collard greens, fried whiting, fried shrimp, garlic shrimp, blackened shrimp, cheese grits, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes (WITH REAL CRAB!) and cole slaw. Boy oh boy. I hadn't eaten like that in a really long time. Chef and the servers even kept coming around with plates of fried shrimp for the tables. Dessert if you still had room was his delicious banana pudding. You can tell a lot about the character of a person by how they treat people. Chef Art took really good care of his diners in motorized scooters and made French fries just for his younger diners who would be picky eaters. I even watched as a couple came in just as they were about to close. Chef Art explained to them how the whole weekend buffet works by reservation only and what time it starts and ends. Instead of turning them away, he cooked the leftover fried fish and shrimp for them to take to go. Wow. Because of my pics I've gotten a few questions about this place so you know what that means ;). I see more HOT SHRIMP in my future. read more

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Wow! What a find! The food is really Southern Love by Art-the chef. What a deal on the Buffet! Locals make it a regular place. The location is mixed business so don't let the outside deter you. The dining experience is worth your time. Delicious greens, Big fried chicken, juicy ribs.. Come on in. read more

This place is AMAZING!!!!!! Very different from your regular restaurant. I love the fact that the chef/owner had this family oriented style restaurant. First, the food is Delicious! They have different kinds of southern foods from mac n cheese, shrimp, fried chicken , scallops with potatoes and the list just goes on. Its a buffet style so they just kept refilling the foods! You can also bring your own drink and they will not charge you or you can get drinks from them but i can only remember sweet tea I'm not sure what else do they offer. They also only accepts cash so make sure you have enough cash for tip as well! And lastly the people that works here are the nicest people! They are very quick with what you need. This place is a must try when you are here in Jacksonville. read more

Southern Charm - Buffet - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

A lot of five star restaurants have great food, but a hum-drum, boring atmosphere. A lot of other five star restaurants have the most fun atmosphere you could possible imagine, but pretty mediocre food. Art's Southern Charm restaurant had both of these positive characteristics. Southern Charm is a normal barbecue place most of the time, but once or twice on the weekends, it turns into a reservation-preferred all you can eat seafood buffet that is more of a Medieval Times show hosted by Art himself. I came here with my girlfriend and her family, because they had been here before and loved it so much that they had to show me. We live in Orlando, so it wasn't an easy or quick drive to get here. We got seated, I got my sweet tea, and waited for the fun to begin. Art came by each table and introduced himself, thanked us for being here, and asked us how we were doing and where we were from. Art then proceeded by naming my girlfriend and me the king and queen of the night! This meant that when the bell rang, we got to be first in line for the dinner buffet. So once he chose a child from the dining room to ring the dinner bell with a giant kitchen knife, we dug in. The buffet line was filled with some of the most impressive food I have encountered. There was cole slaw that I chose not to indulge in. I had to leave more room for the meat. There was a fried white fish (I think it was whiting) that was moist and succulent and so good that I brought a ton home with me. There were deep fried crab cakes that he boasted about, claiming that they had a secret ingredient that not a lot of other crab cakes have, crab meat. To his credit, I usually have to assess a crab cake for the amount of crab in it, and I found myself this time assessing my crab cake for the amount of filler in it, which wasn't much. So good. He had these fried green tomatoes that were sliced almost literally paper thin. Some were crispy and crunchy, some were a little floppier, but they were all delicious. At the end of the line, there were giants racks of what looked like beef ribs. They were individually cut for us and slathered in the barbecue sauce that we saw him preparing earlier in the evening. The ribs were one of the best items. Like, they were so good. There were also some cheese grits that he used an entire Sam's Club sized bag of cheese to make, and wow, they were delicious. Speaking of cheese, he had a giant pot of a casserole-like dish that was cheesy mashed potatoes with bay scallops throughout, and they were plentiful. So good. There were boiled shrimp on the line, too, but they actually were just ok. There wasn't a very strong spice blend in the boil, so they came out kind of bland. Now, that was the stuff on the line. There were fried shrimp that he brought around to each table individually and piled up for us and gave us more and more. Towards the end of the meal, he did the same with some Cajun pan-fried shrimp. He called them blackened shrimp. They weren't blackened, but they were delicious nonetheless. And we ended with dessert, which was banana pudding that was served to us at the tables, too. It was also delicious. A great way to end the meal. The food was all dynamite. I'm not even going to bother with a top list of items and things to avoid, because there is nothing to avoid and you should try everything to see what your favorite it. Spoiler alert, though, your favorite thing will be Art. The head chef spent his entire time cooking and shouting every time something was about to be added to the line. "Hot shrimp!" "Hot fish!" "Fried Green Tomaters!" He would also take note of what you were wanting from the line when it was out and bring it directly to your table when it was ready. On the way back to the kitchen, we will also probably place the new food item on the plate of anyone crossing his path with a wonderful smile on his face. As the feasting had gone on for quite some time, people eventually started grabbing to-go boxes and filling them up from the buffet line, which Art had no problem with and encouraged greatly, so if you want to take home leftovers, I recommend doing so aggressively and early, because towards the end, people will go up and empty the line of all the stuff before you even get the change. Overall, this was one of the most memorable dining experiences I've ever had. My girlfriend's momma says she wants to make this an Easter tradition, but to be honest with you, I don't think I can wait that long. I'm probably going to go back this summer. It's a little pricey, but at the same time, it's not at all pricey. It's a little less that $25 per person, but you get way more food than you can even imagine, and you can take stuff home, and it's a great value that I really want you to experience. Art, if you're reading this, thank you for the experience, and I will see you again real soon. PS. This place is cash only, which is awesome. read more

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This is one of my favorite eateries, I love Art and I love the staff, I have been coming here for years. You Crave it they got it. Ribs, fish, chicken, shrimp, potatoe salad, seafood salad, collard greens, coleslaw, okra, fried green tomatoes, cookies etc. You won't be disappointed, get it to go or stay in. read more

Southern Charm - Fish, collard greens, seafood salad, cheese grits and fried okra - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Rating based on food and service.... This restaurant serves authentic southern food. On Friday night, it was a shrimp, catfish, rib buffet with collard greens, grits, coleslaw, fried green tomatoes and more! This is real food, cooked in a way that allows you to taste what you are eating---no msg, preservatives, bouillon cubes, etc. The chef, Art, clearly takes pride in every dish he delivers to his customers. His generous portions and charming, gregarious personality, made the dining experience feel like you are with family. He tells stories, jokes with his customers and shares his history and love of cooking good food with his customers. The shrimp-- we had three types, breaded fried, naked, pan cooked, and spicy were undeniably the best I have ever had! (Sorry granny). The catfish was lightly breaded and tasty. (No muddy seafood taste here!). The collard greens were fresh cut and delicious. The cheesy grits were cooked to perfection. Fried green tomatoes also yummy! There was much more and all of it cooked with love and delicious. If you are looking for a 5 star FOOD experience, this is your place, if you are looking for a 5 star restaurant experience, with you table set, cloth napkins, impeccably clean with concierge level service, go somewhere else. read more

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Southern Charm Is exactly what I got! When you enter you are greeted by a hearty welcome and the southern charm does not stop, I came to order some blackened shrimp but I let with some real southern-charm down home cooking. The chicken was excellent, had the right amount of crispiness and flavor. 1st time trying fried green tomatoes and they were wonderful along with the young collard greens. Oh I can't forgot the tea, I had a half sweet and unsweet cup and it was perfect. I don't want to spoil it for the rest so just stop by. My 1st time but on my list when I return to JAX. read more

Southern Charm - Table looking a buffet with chef and a member of his excellent staff - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Had a craving for some southern cooking without any limits on how many plates I can fix myself. I thought of a southern buffet and looked for options in the city. I came across southern charm and checked it out and read the reviews. We called ahead to reserve a spot. The man who answered was the owner and quickly gave us a small history of his restaurants and some info about his cooking style. We arrived about 7pm for dinner. And here where the night begins... Ok so u have to call ahead to let him know how many people are in ur party. Dinner is served when he is finished cooking which is anywhere between 7pm-740pm. So we arrived around 7 and had a seat. We placed our drink order. They only serve water, sweet tea and unsweetened tea buuuuut I saw other customers with their own sodas from home. So I'm assuming u can bring ur own drink. It's just me and my friend and we are totally open to this experience and we're very aware of what the negative comments were. Now this place is not the most esthetically pleasing place. Probably the least of em all. But I wasn't too turned off. Everything is going smooth. Me and my friend are chatting. We are checked on regularly by our waitress. Art(the chef and owner) was behind the counter preparing the remainder of the meal. Once all the food was completed, he rung a bell and dinner was served. Paper plates, plastic utensils and ur grab and go napkins. Easy peasy!! Now it's time to eat. The line up consisted of Cole slaw, collard greens, cheesy grits, Ribs, garlic peel and eat shrimp, fried fish, garlic cheese potatoes and fried shrimp. Now the food was average as far as flavor. The coleslaw was soo good. Lol. Out of all things I couldn't get enough. The collard greens were really good too. Cleaned well!! No grit!! The cheesy grits went well with the fried fish and shrimp. The flavor is simple. U need to add salt to stuff but most people do when they eat at someone's house which this feels like. I literally felt like I was eating at someone's house and they just cooked me dinner. Here's the crazy thing....u get to take home left overs. Like where do they ever do that??? When dinner is done and everyone is finished, that's it. Dinner was served and he closes. So it's exactly like having someone prepare u dinner. Honestly it's equivalent to a private experience. This is not for the person who is a picky eater, clean freak or closed minded. It is a experience like no other. And I'm glad I found this place. Oh the bathroom was clean and smelled great. I only gave 4 stars bc it could use a good cleaning in the dinning area but that will not stop me from returning. I can overlook it but for review purposes I had too lol. But I recommend for any foodie with a open mind. It's home cooked and not some fancy sophisticated ingredients. It's food cooked by a man who loves to cook for people. Simple!!!! Waitress was extremely vibrant and had a great warm smile. Definitely recommended. I didn't take pictures I was busy eating. read more

I can't wait to rave about this place! Had dinner here last night with my fellow Yelpers as an Unofficial Yelp Event. Yey to Rebecca for arranging this! I kinda know what to expect because my husband is a regular. He and his co-workers go here to take their lunch breaks as it's near their office. Anyways, Chef Art entertained us all night with him bellowing "hot fresh shrimp!" Hahaha he was simply hilarious and very gracious to all his guests! He prepared Collard greens, coleslaw, cheese grits, cheese scallops potato casserole, Sautéed tomatoes, crab cakes, garlic boiled shrimps, fried whiting, pork barbecue ribs, blackened shrimp and my favorite fried shrimps! We ended the night with yummy and chewy brownies. Everything, I mean everything was delicious and flavorful! It was a buffet style but the servers were there to refill not just our drinks but the food as well! They were very fast and efficient! Another awesome thing is they allow you to bring your own drinks! This is a FACT! I saw another table brought their own bottle of wine and beer!!! And another uniquely their own is that you can bring home your leftovers!!! What??? Yes really!!!This is the first time I have encountered a restaurant giving their customers both options! Mind blowing right!!!??? I highly recommend and encourage everyone to check out Southern Charm! The place may not be as charming as the food and the Chef, but it is undoubtedly A MUST try! Once you have been here I am definitely sure you will influence your friends to come back with you! read more

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Very good southern style cuisine. Fried shrimp, fried chicken, collard greens, fried fish, and anything else southern is out of this world tasting good at Southern charm. The hospitality is also wonderful here the owner and head chef is very friendly and loves what he does. Highly recommended. Don't dress up it's very casual. Wear flip flops and a t shirt. read more

I have always wanted to try Southern Charm after seeing everyone else's photos of Art's mouthwatering, delicious Southern comfort foods in massive serving proportions. I was so happy when Goldie (Rebecca N. for all the new Yelpers) arranged this UYE (Unofficial Yelp Event). Loved seeing everyone! I will be honest, this was a 4.5 star experience for me. It was basically the little things that threw me off personally, which was the decor/cleanliness of the inside and the fact that the shrimp was not de-veined. But if you are able to get over these like I did then really you need to check Southern Charm out. It is a family style restaurant with all the food served as a buffet. Reservations are STRONGLY recommended. Well I take that back, they are REQUIRED to guarantee the night you want, especially for Fridays and Saturdays. The food is absolutely (insert a word here that means "delicious" but even better than the word "delicious"). LOL. The ribs surprisingly had that smokey taste. The fried green tomatoes and the fried fish and shrimp were perfectly breaded and golden, and they all had a nice crisp. Now, this former Northern girl is not a big fan of grits or collard greens, but I helped myself to a good serving (and seconds) of each. The sweet tea was perfect, not too sweet. The mashed potatoes were good, and even the coleslaw. Heck, EVERYTHING WAS OMG SALIVATINGLY DELICIOUS. I think I also just made up a word LOL. Art Jeanette, the owner, is quite a character. It was nice to hear the story about his smoker/oven and I loved the fact that he invited us to check it out up close and personal. I especially loved how he rang his bell to announce "dinner is served!" And I also loved that we were allowed to take home as much leftovers as we want (after everyone in the restaurant had their fill). I had lunch and dinner covered for the next two days! Parking is a bit awkward if you are not used to backing/pulling out into oncoming traffic, but there is plenty of parking on a side street if you please. It is very easy to miss as the place is small and wedged in between a couple of businesses, but the bright decor and various knickknacks outside the restaurant should be a giveaway. Give Southern Charm a try. Don't let the interior turn you off, and chef Art is quite a delight and made the experience worth while. read more

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WHERE OH WHERE HAS CHEF ART BEEN MY WHOLE LIFE???? Shout out to Goldie for putting this dinner together. It was even more than I'd hoped it'd be. Great Food. Great People. It really doesn't get any better than that. Before Dinner Chef Art gave us a tour of the Pit and I must say I was intrigued. He even allowed for one of us to flip the delicious looking ribs he had cooking. Everything smelled so delicious and I couldn't wait for him to ring the bell. Brandon was our server and he was amazing. Our drinks stayed full as well as our plates. He was quick with removing the plates we were done with and a big overall help to a wonderful night. Everything we had was delicious. The collards were very soulful, the ribs tenderly juicy, even the coleslaw (and I'm here to tell you I'm not usually a fan but Chef Arts was amazing), the cheesy scallop potatoes, the crab cakes (WITH REAL CRAB MEAT), Fish, Garlic butter Shrimp, fried shrimp, fried green tomatoes, just everything!!!! I'm really looking forward to the next visit and plan on coming out for the Thanksgiving Feast! Looking at the menu it appears that different days have a different selections but I'm sure everything he makes is delicious so plan a trip sooner than later. I swear you won't be disappointed and you'll thank me later! read more

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Having read about this place, we were finally able to check it out for Saturday dinner! We arrived around 6:30 and found our table in the back part of the dining room. Drink options we're tea and water and the sweet tea is definitely sweet. As newbies, we asked the waiter how the whole process worked. Chef Art came around, pulled up a chair and chatted with us for a few minutes. He said we were at the slingshot table - as in people who say there were usually able to slingshot past the crowd and get into line! Around 7pm, the bell was rung and we lined up for dinner. We tried a little bit of everything. The coleslaw was crunchy and a little sweet. The cheese grits were great - creamy, plenty of cheese and thick. The ribs were good, not as tender as some, but nice flavor. The fried fish was on point - crispy, flavorful, still juicy and not heavily breaded. I tried some of the scallop potatoes but wasn't really feeling them. Now, I am a weirdo and do not like shrimp. My husband and mom do, and thoroughly enjoyed the fried white shrimp that arrived at our table. The breading was very thin and crispy. Definitely dive in or the batter on the bottom shrimp will get soft from the grease and steam. Chef Art came around with blackened shrimp and my husband said it was the best of all the shrimp offerings. He loved the slight kick of spice. We finished off with a plate of fudgy brownies. Unlike other buffets, this was the only dinner seating so once everyone ate their fill, you could pack up a to go plate. As they said, the more you eat, the less they have to clean! Chef Art was very friendly and enjoyed dining the bell after dinner to announce special occasions. It is definitely a hole in the wall but sometimes you find the best food and experiences there. I'm definitely interested in coming back to try the fried chicken! read more

This little hole in the wall was particularly delicious. The chicken and dumplings has NO bouillon cubes and made with so much love! They are cash only but the owner wanted to make sure I received Southern Hospitality and when I told him I would come back and pay he would hear nothing of it. Everything is fresh and cooked to hot and they have shrimp everyday FREE when it isn't shrimp day. This little place is what home cooking is about I felt like I was sitting with my uncle and he wanted to make sure I was fed before I went back to work. When I'm in JAx I'll be here. read more