The full name of this three-decade-old casual takeout spot near the corner of Adams and Crenshaw is “Chef Marilyn’s, Queen of Down Home Southern Goodies,” which speaks to the royal presence of the restaurant’s namesake/owner. Much like Dulan’s, you order here from a row of steam tables, and while service is quick, there’s usually a line of customers around lunchtime—most show up at opening to get first crack at the daily specials. Few places can top Chef Marilyn’s food in terms of sheer variety, so expect to leave with a styrofoam container groaning with things like succotash, buttered cabbage, gravy and rice, pork neck bones, baked salmon, or their rightly famous fried chicken.

photo credit: Jessie Clapp