Boston, MASouthern

Housed in a 1912 Upham's Corner building that once served as a streetcar riders' comfort station, this Black-, immigrant-, and woman-owned kitchen traces the flavors of the African diaspora across the Americas and Asia. It runs as a cafe by day and a full-service restaurant with bar by night, with weekend brunch a neighborhood draw.

A newer entry to Boston's Southern-inspired scene in South Boston, built out like an Appalachian hunting lodge. Apple butter-accented hushpuppies, family-style slabs of brisket, and fried chicken with cheddar waffles and habanero-lavender-honey headline a menu backed by a serious cocktail list.

Chef Jason Santos takes New Orleans-inspired cooking in colorful directions here, with rum-and-fruit Hurricanes on draft and fried chicken served Nashville-hot or with Alabama-style white barbecue sauce. Honey-glazed biscuits with pimento cheese spread are the sleeper hit, at the Back Bay flagship.

A South End spot built around Cajun-style seafood boils, bowls of lobster, shrimp, and spicy sausage slathered in garlic butter and meant to be shared by hand. Southern-leaning brunch dishes, including bananas foster souffle pancakes and crab avocado toast, round out a menu built for groups.

A high-energy Somerville favorite where Southern dishes sit alongside region-agnostic comfort food. Blackened catfish po' boys, spicy jambalaya with duck confit, and pulled pork sandwiches finished with North Carolina-style vinegar sauce are the draw, backed by strong classic cocktails and a late-night crowd that keeps the room humming.