When it comes to soul-satisfying comfort food, it’s hard to beat a hearty slice of meatloaf. Beloved by Southerners, this dish won hearts during the Great Depression and World War II by lending as much nutrition to the dinner table as possible at a low cost. Whether you like it smothered in sauce, dipped in ketchup, or prepared with an inspired twist, meatloaf is always a winner. When you don’t have time to cook it at home, here are a few of our favorite places to indulge your craving.
ZARZOUR’S CAFE
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
This four generation-strong restaurant has been serving classic Southern dishes since Charles Zarzour first opened the doors in 1918. He eventually handed the reins over to his niece who introduced meatloaf to the menu, making her first batch more than 40 years ago. Topped with a flavorful Creole Sauce, Zarzour’s meatloaf packs a delicious punch.
1627 Rossville Ave. 423.266.0424
MAYFEL’S
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
This restaurant may be located in the Blue Ridge mountains, but owner Loretta Wolley turned to her Louisiana childhood when developing the menu for her restaurant. Mayfel’s Meatloaf, named after Loretta’s grandmother who created the recipe, is a hearty Creole take on the Southern classic. And just to add a little taste of the mountains she now calls home, Loretta drizzles a generous amount of barbecue sauce over the top.
22 College St. 828.252.8840 mayfels.net
THE KING’S KITCHEN AND BAKERY
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
Although chef Jim Noble only opened the doors to The King’s Kitchen and Bakery in 2010, this spot quickly made a name for itself in the Charlotte community. Its meatloaf is baked and then finished off on the grill, which adds a smoky, charred flavor that can’t be beat. Did we mention the always-welcome addition of bacon? Trust us, you’ll be hooked.
129 W Trade St. 704.375.1990 kingskitchen.org
JOHN’S CITY DINER
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
Paying homage to John’s Restaurant, which was housed in the same building for nearly 30 years, this upscale diner blends all the decadent flavors of fine dining with the comfort of your favorite meat-and-three. Owner Shannon Gober spent hours testing different recipes before he landed on his favorite: a mix of ground beef and pork, which ensures a tender, juicy loaf, topped with a flavorful mushroom gravy.
112 Richard Arrington Blvd. N. 205.322.6014 johnscitydiner.com
PRIMOS CAFÉ & BAKE SHOP
RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI
Angelo “Pop” Primos opened the doors to his namesake bakery in the 1920s, but he soon began serving more than just pastries and bread. The restaurant quickly became a go-to lunch and dinner spot for locals. Angelo developed Primos’ meatloaf recipe with the help of his cook, Bobbie Stewart, who still works in the kitchen after 56 years. Now a “Blue Plate” menu staple on Wednesdays, this meatloaf is a don’t-miss-dish that’s full of juicy bell peppers, onions, and celery and topped with tomato gravy.
515 Lake Harbor Dr. | 601.898.3600 | primoscafe.com
BANTAM + BIDDY
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Co-owner Shaun Doty had a goal when he opened Bantam + Biddy in 2012: to infuse fine dining with casual fare and Southern comfort food. Although chicken rules the roost, Bantam + Biddy has a lot more to offer, and its meatloaf is a perfect example. Doty uses what he calls “the best beef in America” from White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia, along with a handful of herbs, potato flakes, and a secret ingredient—turkey—to bake this hearty loaf.
1544 Piedmont Ave., Ste. 301 404.907.3469 bantamandbiddy.com
BISHOP’S MEAT & THREE
FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE
The Bishop family has a knack for the restaurant business—Nick Bishop started out working at Morrison’s Cafeteria, where his father was the CEO. He eventually decided to open his own place, and Bishop’s Meat & Three was born. This cafeteria-style restaurant dishes out delicious Southern fare, and the Creole Meatloaf is a customer favorite. Studded with chunks of celery, onions, and bell pepper, this meatloaf is full of the robust flavor that only the holy trinity of cooking can yield.
3065 Mallory Ln. #115 615.771.9432 bishopsmeat3.com
CELEBRATION RESTAURANT
DALLAS, TEXAS
This Dallas-area staple has been dishing out meatloaf since the day it opened its doors. One of only five meals that have been on the menu since 1971, Celebration’s meatloaf is a legend among its customers. With a choice of a tomato sauce with cheese and scallions or a creamy mushroom sauce, this is a slice of delicious Southern comfort you’re sure to love.
4503 West Lovers Ln. 214.351.5681 celebrationrestaurant.com
DISH
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
Located in Charlotte’s historic Plaza Midwood neighborhood, Dish has a menu that reflects the diversity of the South, with options inspired from Cajun food as well as Southern mainstays. Its tasty meatloaf has a spicy Cajun kick, and while you can get a classic plate with a side of mashed potatoes, it’s hard to pass up the sandwich version, where the meatloaf is grilled, topped with cheese, and served with Duke’s mayonnaise on white bread.
1220 Thomas Ave. 704.344.0343 eatatdish.com
MONELL’S
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Take a step into Monell’s and you’ll immediately be reminded of your grandmother’s house. With simple, Southern food, family-style serving, and communal seating, Monell’s makes dining with strangers feel like you’re home with friends and family. The classic meatloaf is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, but the menu offerings change each day, so be sure to go on a Monday or Thursday, when meatloaf takes its rightful place on the table.
1235 6th Ave. N. 615.248.4747 monellstn.com
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I cannot open the recipes. I read to click on the name of the recipe but all I receive is a photo.
Hi Donna. These recipes are featured from restaurants across the South. We don’t have their recipes online!