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

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

A long overdue visit to Chef Art's little corner of the world tonight! A feast of ribs, fried green tomatoes, Little Marsh Island Casserole, Collards, fried fish, crab cakes, cheese grits, and of course...Hot Shrimp! Chef also trotted out some blackened shrimp too. If you read my previous review of Southern Charm, tonight's visit was much the same-good stuff and a LOT of it! You gotta love when Chef Art rings the dinner bell! It's like a cattle call and we all head towards the feeding trough lol (I grew up on a farm!) The shrimp was SO plump and meaty, and such a gorgeous orange color. Always my favorite! If you've never been to Southern Charm...first of all...you should call ahead and make reservations because it's a small place. Second, cash is King at Southern Charm. Credit cards/checks not accepted. Third...skip a meal before you come! Last, make room in your fridge, cause you will be taking home a doggie bag or two! Tonight was not my birthday, it's a couple of days away. But there was a Birthday Boy at the next table and after we all sang Happy Birthday and he blew out his candle, I mentioned my birthday was coming up on Monday. The next thing I know, Chef Art is at our table with a sweet treat and a candle in it! And everybody sang to me too. That was very special. And that's just how it is as Southern Charm. Homemade made Special! You should go! read more

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The absolute definition of home cookin' served family style, if your looking for down home ambiance this is the place. The food was absolutely amazing.. worth the effort to find parking.. but you know the food is good if the parking is around the street. read more

The food was fabulous and plentiful! Chef Art is amazing. All the reviews about the establishment being dirty is not true. The place is run down and rustic. It's part of the charm. Keep an open mind when going, you won't regret it. read more

I had been going back and forth on whether or not I was going to come here since I was running out of time. My roommate texts me she wants to go SO I took that as a sign. I called around 4:30 to make a reservation for the night, Art picked up the call. He sounded like a mad scientist LOL, sounded exactly the way he looked based on his pic. I knew I was in for a surprise. Don't forget to grab some cash, it come out to be $25/person - cash only, which is collected after the meal. We get there, and there's a table with my name and number in my party. So far so good! Art comes over to check on people, and tells them about what to expect. I felt very safe in his care, I knew he was cooking out of love. He then rings his bell with a meat clever LOL and everyone gets in line. Art says "take two plates", I take two plates. Art adds more food to my already packed plates. Don't forget to pick up the tartar and cocktail sauce, they're very good with the fried seafood items. I sit down, on my plate I have: a cold garlic shrimp, fried shrimp, fried fish, scallop and potatoes, grits, collards, coleslaw, ribs, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes! Everything is wonderful and delicious. Next thing you know, a huge plate of fried shrimp appears at our table - super freshly fried! Then Art makes his rounds and adds more fried fish onto that plate. We eat and eat, then he comes around with his cast iron, holding freshly cooked Blackened Shrimp. It's delicious! Oh so good. Then there's cookies LOL I felt like I was at Grandma's house for sure, which was his goal. He's achieved it. Once all the cooking is done, Art gives out foil to take any uneaten food home. I love this idea! Nothing goes to waste. This was a wonderful experience, we had a blast and met some nice people as well. Art is definitely a hoot! I would definitely put this place in my routine if I lived in JAX. Come hungry, and be prepared to have an amazing meal and lots of laughs. Can't go wrong here. Art can definitely cook some delicious southern food! Check him out. read more

Southern Charm - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Food is the best at a good price. Art is very inviting and a great cook. Location is ok. Limited parking and seating.

I have been to many, many Southern buffets/meat 'n' threes over my decades on earth, but never one as unique and wonderful as Southern Charm. I had the best fried chicken, best fried shrimp, best macaroni and cheese, and best collards I have EVER had. Also, it was an open kitchen -- ever seen that at a meat 'n' three? The best part was the chef -- the very talented and gregarious Art who interacted with the customers as he unveiled the wonders of his craft. Lunch buffet per person was $15.00 -- you can't even get a large sandwich for that in most restaurants. A very attentive young man served drinks and brought extras to the table, making the whole experience warm, friendly, and downright delicious! read more

After a long day at the St Augustine Outlets, we got hungry so we decided to look for a buffet restaurant and hence we found, Southern Charm. It is definitely a hole in the wall spot. I called for a reservation for 4pax for 6:30 pm. We arrived on time but the Chef waited for all the other guests to arrive before he started cooking. Everything was fresh. Everyday they serve different kinds of fresh food, but I would say Saturday is one of their best days because its all seafood and barbecue ribs. Two of my favorites! We loved all the food that was served. This is also the only buffet that I know that lets you take home your left over food without paying anything additional. The place was casual and small. The chef cooks in front of everyone and was super friendly and accommodating. We love this place and will definitely be back with family and friends. read more

Southern Charm - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Another great dinner from Chef Art..what can i say the best fried shrimp,and fish..a young couple came in for the first time,Art took care of them like they were regulars.. read more

Found this on yelp and so glad we came The buffet is full of sides and then they bring the hot fish and shrimp to the table. The fish was whiting and was over the top amazing The shrimp was so amazingly delicious Art, the owner is funny, super friendly and goes out of his way to make you feel comfortable and enjoy! read more

Southern Charm - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

The absolute hands down best food anywhere in North Florida. Chef Art is incomparable in his cooking and also one of the most personable and approachable professionals in the business! Have been there many times and never once had a bad experience. Chef Art specializes in Florida Cracker cooking therefore everything is fresh and made from scratch. If you have the chance to experience this great food and overall experience you will become as many of us a regular and frequent diner at this establishment. read more

My wife and I, really enjoy the food and the service & the only reason, I'm giving them a four star is, because a guy came in, with a tank top on and went to the kitchen area & talked to the chief, which that is a no no in a kitchen and the only reason we stayed is because I've eaten, all over the world, from food trucks to food stands or kiosks, so I over looked it. But a couple of ladies, did leave. I will go back again!!!!!!!! read more

Good food. Lots of it. You will not come away from this place hungry. NO CREDIT CARDS. Bring cash! Most of the diners are returnees. This place is awesome. You must go. read more

Not the cleanest place, however, the food is OFF THE CHARTS! Chef Art is an awesome host and the food is plentiful. Enjoy!

The Friday night buffet is to die for. Art is a charming host and a great cook! If you get the opportunity to eat here, don't miss it!

Scary. I am not sure how it is getting so many positive reviews but I did notice they seem to be 2-3 + years old. It doesn't look like it has been cleaned in 2-3 years. Dingy kitchen, tables and buffet line. Paper plates sitting by buffet had sauce or something spilled down side. People were very nice but after observing their (lack of) hygiene was concerning. Lack of hand washing or gloves, putting cooked chicken to cut on same cutting board raw fish had been sitting on, breading chicken or fish and then touching finished cookies without washing hands in between. Seems like sicknesses waiting to happen. Looked up their restaurant inspections afterwards and they did not look good. Not sure how they have not been shut down. read more

Love Art and his cooking! His shrimp and fried whiting rival my mom's and that is a hard thing to do. I will say it's a bit of a dive so if you're into perfection and well put together places think twice. Think fish camp.Me, I'd gladly hit it any Friday I crave seafood for lunch....delicious!!! read more

Southern Charm - Just look at that plate and drool! - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

This is the best restaurant in Jax or anywhere. If u are judging just the food.and not the decor ..the food is abundant and like my southern granny..fried shrimp and the best fried chicken u have ever tasted..and don't miss the fried green tomatoes and scalloped potatoes with real scallops in them..nothing taste as good as these do..and ART the cook and owner will make u feel like family and will feed u like grandma as he delivers fried shrimp and green tomatoes to your table..u have to finally say...please no more.and then he loads u up with a plate to take home..unheard of at a buffet...this is rustic..but did u come for the ambience or the incredible food..if it is the food you have come for u will not be sorry. My favorite read more

We just had lunch again at Southern Charm. My husband and I just love the food. The fried shrimp and fried fish are wonderful! The sides are delicious too. Chef Artie is the best chef and he's always entertaining. Mr Earl is a gem too. It's not fancy at all but sooooo good. read more

I have multiple sclerosis and one major symptom of mine is heat sensitivity. Art's house, extremely HOT, but I will sit in delightful pain while I wait for DELICIOUS eats. I have come countless of times, never to be disappointed but his crafts. The man is a god in the kitchen and his shrimp is SUPERB. The only buffet I will eat. read more

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By far some of the best food I have ever had! I've enjoying his food since I was a child and the taste still warms my heart!

Amazing southern food! I was in Jacksonville on business and looked for southern food because I'm from California. I love little mom and pop restaurants and this is surely one. I got there when they opened and was greeted by the owner and chef/cook he offer sweet tea as soon as we opened the door. He asked us if we had been there and offer a complimentary shrimp for our first time because it was his mother recipe. He explain everything that he made had no preservatives and was bought locally. The meal was buffet style and you can serve yourself all you can eat! There was Mac and cheese, chicken, pull pork, collard greens, cole slaw, dumplings and for dessert there was cookies. The cookie was the cherry on top of a great meal! The only down side is cash only! If I ever come back to town I will definitely stop by again! read more

Southern Charm - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Went there 8-4 for lunch. Very happily surprised with the quality and quantity of delicious southern food. Very friendly staff and patrons. Art is a master chef. Definitely 5 star food. read more

I went quite a bit out of my path traveling from Pittsburgh to Tampa to check this place out, and it was worth it. Walking into this restaurant feels like walking into your grandma's kitchen when all of her friends are over. Everyone immediately got into conversation with me, and talked to me the whole time I was there... Not just Art and his staff but the other patrons as well. Incredibly nice down home Family kitchen atmosphere. All the food was fantastic. Art takes great pride in telling you about the quality of ingredients he uses and of his family recipes, and of his no shortcut cooking... Which you can watch him do from your seat. Incredibly nice people, incredibly enjoyable experience. Excellent fried chicken, amongst the best collard greens and macaroni &cheese I've ever had, a very unique cornbread that was absolutely delicious, mild fried whitefish was outstanding. It was a really good southern style meal. Cash only! read more

People were nice but the food was just ok. Feels like a bar but has a walk up counter.

I don't know, what exactly to say that would describe how AMAZING my experience was but I'm going to try. I have never, ever, EVER!!! Had collard greens that weren't made by my parents, because they never smelled right so I wouldn't eat them. However last night when I walked into southern charm. They smelled right, and THEY WERE SO INCREDIBLY GOOD!!!!!! Soooooo good, like I would eat them every single day good. Also the cheese grits, the fish, the crab cakes, the ribs, THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHRIMP (literally the blackened shrimp CHANGED my life). Everything. All. Of. It. Was amazing. I am in love with this place. Writing this review makes me want to get changed and go back for the Sunday buffet!!! Thank you Chef Art!!!!! read more

Good southern food, fried shrimp, collards, fried green tomatoes, free coconut macaroons, fried chicken and fried Whiting for cheap. Great owner and staff. Little hole in the wall. read more

DISCLAIMER: Our family has been on vacation all over Florida for the past two weeks. We've been everywhere from Tampa to Orlando, Orange City to Ormond Beach and now Jacksonville. We've experienced Vietnamese,Thai, Vegan, Mediterranean and theme park cuisine as well as pizza, BBQ, and chains like PDQ, KFC, Chick-Fil-A & Steak n' Shake. We were craving down home southern cooking and may have placed too high an expectation on the food here based on the excellent review ratings. THE EXPERIENCE I've been excited to come to Southern Charm for several weeks after researching places to eat for our vacation on yelp and Trip Advisor. After checking in at our hotel, we immediately called to make sure they would be open for dinner since it was New Years Day and normal hours might not apply. Chef Art himself answered and assured us he would be open for business. Typically reservations are required for the Friday Night buffet, so Chef Art reserved a table and invited us to arrive early as they prepare the food for the evening. We arrived around 6:40pm and found it slightly amusing that we had to make reservations, considering the neighborhood was a tad bit sketchy. Several businesses we passed while in route had bars on the doors & windows along with several stripper clubs scattered about. The exterior and interior are the quintessential definition of "hole in the wall." Outside the lighting was dim, the parking was basically a large sidewalk, while concrete planters and 80's looking wall art added to the exterior décor. ----- Inside we were greeted by a stale, musty smell you might find in a damp abandoned old building. The floors in one section of the dinning area were made of what appeared to be granite from broken countertops. There was a mural on the back wall & eclectic art scattered throughout. Chef Art was as eccentric as the décor, wearing a chefs hat made of the same sheets that graced the windows and area above the buffet bar. He was amazingly friendly, passionate about his food and a real shot of life in conversation. He was truly my favorite part of the experience. Chef Art explained that he'd continue preparing the food for about 1/2 hour more and when ready, he would ring a bell for all to line up and prepare plating their food at the buffet bar. One hour after we arrived the bell rang and all the hungry guests eagerly waiting from both dining rooms flocked to the bar like a heard of wildebeests gathering at a river crossing. It honestly was chaotic and disjointed, but the enthusiasm and energy of the diners made it a fun experience. Almost no one was from the area, but heard about the food through social media. The line up of menu items was fairly impressive for the price. THE FOOD BBQ Pork Ribs (3 stars) - Great sauce, but not very well seasoned & very chewy! Fried Whiting Fish (4 stars) - Our favorite item on the buffet menu Blackened Shrimp (3 stars) - Served tableside as the last dish of the evening. Needed salt. Fried Shrimp (3.5 stars) - Decent flavor, but very greasy. Boiled Shrimp (3 stars) - average Fried Green Tomatoes (3.75 stars) - Our second favorite item of the night Pulled Pork n' Rice (3 stars) - Also has black eyed peas mixed with the rice. Scalloped Potatoes (3 stars) - Very salty and heavy taste of rosemary Collard Green (3.75 stars) - One of the best items on the menu Cole Slaw (3.5 stars) - decent Cheesy Grits (3 stars) - average Seasoned Yeast Rolls (2 stars) - meh Sticky Bun (3.5 stars) - The kids enjoyed them. I though they were ok. Last but not least were the crab cakes (balls). Chef Art specifically pointed out that we might not recognize a key ingredient in his dish, mainly the crab! He jokingly insisted that most restaurants don't add much crab to their cakes, but I must say these cakes were the most disappointing of all the items we tried tonight. They had very little (if any) noticeable crab. Instead they were more like doughy hushpuppies overly seasoned with Old Bay. (1.5 stars) FINAL TOUGHTS Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE dining here this evening thought the food was excellent... except me! In my honest opinion I thought most of the food was decent, but not great and certainly not excellent. It lacked the flavor I was hoping for in a restaurant averaging 4.5 stars after 41 reviews. However, the comradery of the dining experience combined with Chef Arts wildly entertaining personality made for a fun and exciting night out! Our family of four spent a total of $49 because Chef Art generously adjusted his per person price of $21.95 to fit the eating style of our family. I'm the big eater while my two sons eat considerably less and my gluten free vegetarian wife only ate a few of the sides. But what makes me choose to give Southern Charm 4 stars instead of 3 is the value for the money. As an added bonus, you are allowed to take home any unserved leftovers from the buffet bar. We literally left with more food than we ate! 2016/1 read more

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Art Jennette at Southern Charm (formerly Checkers BBQ) is always a hoot! It's like a dinner and a show! We come every year when we're in town around Thanksgiving for the Friday or Saturday night dinner buffet! The food is always delicious! When the dinner bell rings, we all line up at the buffet line and fill our plates with garlic boiled shrimp, cole slaw, fried whiting fish, fried green tomatoes, potato scallop casserole, collard greens, cheese grits, BBQ ribs, crab cakes. Right after we sit down, Art and Larry bring out platters of fried shrimp! But, save room for the blackened shrimp that Art scoops straight out of the cast iron onto your plate. I always have a serving of cheese grits ready to receive the spicy blackened shrimp! Another awesome thing about this place is that it's bring your own booze (and disposable cups for your booze). We usually bring beer and wine, which always makes for a great night. At the end of the meal, the homemade fresh baked and always soft and gooey cookies come out! Art makes different cookies every time. My favorite ones have chocolate chips and cinnamon! Even if you're full, your stomach magically makes room for these. Even though it's a buffet, you pack to-go boxes full of whatever you want to take home--blackened shrimp, fried shrimp, cookies. And then, you roll yourself home, satisfied and full to the brim! I always tell everyone about this place! Took my sister when she visited 3 years ago and she STILL talks about it! See you next time, Art! We love you! read more

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Southern Charm was super amazing and quite affordable. Very cool and different. Southern Charm has an amazing Pulled Pork Sandwich, this dish will blow you away with its amazing taste and flavor. The staff was extremely courteous and service is perfect. It was a wonderful experience. read more

The food was absolutely fantastic! The shrimp was fried perfectly. The chicken was very moist. The Mac and Cheese was just like back home in Chicago. I highly recommend this place. The fried green tomatoes were just my grandpa used to make. read more

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

I give it a 4 star on the vibe and friendly atmosphere and delicious food the shrimp was some of the best I've tasted the fish was excellent fried green tomatoes and this like cookies crisp idk if it was made with molasses or what but I didn't want to be a gluten but I was lol, also the sweet tea and this was a lunch done buffet style,I highly recommend southern charm if your in the Jacksonville area I will be back. read more

Art is chef, host, server and entertainer. I wish I could convey how cool this place is, but let mt give you some bullet points: * Art is entertaining, but is also a great cook. * The shrimp are lightly fried and are phenomenal * Take clients here for a business lunch, if they don't like it you should not do business with them. * Off the beaten path, but this is what eating is about, stepping out of your comfort zone and enjoying the experience. Great food, great service, unique venue = fun. Try it. read more

Wow... I left Southern Charm with a new definition of being "fat & happy." Chef Art and his kitchen/wait staff (who have been working together for decades) were absolutely wonderful. They are lively, entertaining and made some dang good southern-style soul food that just simply brought a smile to my face. This "family style buffet" is very family style and they definitely encourage you to eat! You will get in line after the dinner bell rings (around 7:15), fix two plates of food and before you can even sit down they're just filling your table with plates of fresh fried shrimp, green tomatoes, white fish, etc. All you can eat. They will bring around as much as you ask them to, and insist that you take more! Out of everything I had tonight - and I ate a TON of food - the crab cakes and collard greens were among my favorites that Chef Art made. We celebrated a birthday here tonight and at the end of our meal Chef Art appears at the table to bring out a special brownie with a candle and then proceeded to lead the whole restaurant in singing happy birthday to my friends dad! It was so sweet and just unique, I've never experienced anything like it! I left and basically had to be wheeled out of this place. I was so full, happy, fat and just satisfied in every way/shape/form. I recommend 100% but do suggest making a reservation. read more

The food is FRESH! Chef Art makes everyone feel welcome and as if he knows everyone that walks through the door. The place isn't fancy but Art makes it feel like you are coming to his home for dinner. He truly loves what he does. Food is served buffet style and at times fresh items like fish or shrimp are brought directly to your table straight out of the fryer. The menu changes but the food is always fresh and delicious. read more

Southern Charm - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Keep your expectations low for ambiance - Checker B-B-Q is a hole in the wall. The food is greasy and good, and owner/chef Art is a hoot. This place is an experience. A group of 8 of us went one Friday night (call ahead and make a reservation, as it fills up). It's BYOB and cash only. We wheeled in two huge coolers of beer and placed them under our table. Chef Art walks around, decked out in his checkered pants and crazy chef's hat telling some of the funniest stories ever. He'll bring a frying pan of fried shrimp out and flings a bunch on a styrofoam plate to satisfy your appetite. Fried shrimp, fried green tomatoes, corn on the cob, shrimp and grits, collards, peel and eat shrimp, cole slaw, bacon mashed potatoes - and the list goes on. (as the arteries close up) You keep returning to the buffet...until it's gone. Then it's over. Don't forget the "crack cookies" though as they are magical! read more

Southern Charm - Plate one from Checker Friday night buffet - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Art is such a great guy and the food here speaks for itself. We came here during a Friday afternoon and the special was fried fish and shrimp, and let me tell you... It was FRESH! Actually everything here was fresh. I think my wife was expecting this place to be a Barbeque joint but when she found it wasn't and after she started digging into her styrofoam plate she was in for a pleasant surprise. The sides on that day consisted of Cole slaw, collards, and macaroni. The macaroni was good but a bit spicy for my taste. The tea was definitely on point and the refills kept coming. Service was great and we had a ton of leftovers. Art even told us to grab another box and take home some dessert which were the homemade cinnamon rolls and man.. They were awesome, especially after a night of drinking :) No plastic. Cash only. read more

Southern Charm - So much leftovers... - Soul Food Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Gave it a try randomly. Like others have said it is a hole in the wall place. The walls and floors are grungy but the experience was great. The chef and owner, Art, is what makes this place. He is full or personality and hospitality. It was very clear he has a following, he addressed the regulars by name. The food was very good and it was a lot of fun watching them set up, cook and serve. It was theatrical for sure. The Friday night buffet was $22 but he didn't charge for our two kids and they insist that you take a plate or three home with you. The buffet included crab cakes, ribs, shrimp and fish so I would say the price was totally reasonable if not low. I'm looking forward to going back and trying some of the other main courses. read more

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

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Waited until 11:30 for them to open only to be told when we got there that they don't open until noon on Sunday.