Hipmunk Hotels: Best Southern Cuisine in Pompano Beach, Treasure Island, Charleston and More

America’s Deep South has a lot to offer those visiting the region. One of the biggest draws here is the Southern cuisine. Foodies flock from almost every corner of the globe to taste examples of Southern cooking, and with Creole, Floribbean, (Spanish with Caribbean influences), and Tex-Mex cuisine, it’s likely that you’ll never want to leave!

The following are some of the best places to eat in the Deep South: Pompano Beach, Treasure Island, Charleston, Gatlingburg and Fredericksburg.

Pompano Beach, FL

South Florida offers all kinds of places to eat, but head to Betty’s Soul Food & Barbeque while in Pompano Beach. A locally owned restaurant, Betty Taylor has been serving home cooked savory meals for 37 years. Her ribs, biscuits, catfish and fried chicken have proven so popular that she is now in two locations (Fort Lauderdale, too).

Hotels in Pompano Beach average around $100 per night, though if you book at Motel 6 you can save a bit more cash to spend on the food experience instead!

Photo CC by The DLC

Treasure Island, FL

The best Southern food close to Treasure Island is at Sylvia’s St. Pete, affectionately known as “Sylvia’s.” The Woods family has served authentic Southern cuisine to soul food enthusiasts for 51 years. It has quite the local reputation, and their food products are now sold nationwide.

Sylvia’s is open six days a week (closed Monday). If you’re looking to test your own Southern cooking skills, Oasis Palm Resort is a great place to stay on Treasure Island with barbecue pits available for guest use.

Charleston, SC

Charleston is a culinary destination of the Deep South if there ever was one. The food scene here is known for fresh produce; perfectly fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and freshly caught fish. For the best Southern eats, head to the critically acclaimed Husk or try Poogan’s Porch, close by on Queens Street.

Most Charleston hotels will offer complimentary continental breakfast (Andrew Pinckney Inn, La Quinta Inn & Suites), though if looking to indulge in a full Southern-style breakfast, head to Hominy Grill for your biscuits and gravy, or try the Early Bird Diner in West Ashley, known for the waffles.

Photo CC by V’ron

Gatlinburg, TN

Foodies visiting Gatlinburg have a huge range of choices with over 100 different places to enjoy a meal. For the best Southern cuisine, head to the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill (don’t miss the Smoky Mountain Trout), the Old Mill Restaurant (make sure you visit for breakfast), and/or the Bullfish Grill (the aged, hand-cut Angus steaks will make your mouth water, and the seafood here is fresh).

A stay at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites at the Convention Center will put you within easy reach of each of these.

Fredericksburg, TX

Fredericksburg has many Southern restaurants that serve excellent food — take a walk down Main Street, and you’ll be met with plenty of choices. Make sure you stop by the Cabernet Grill at least once, though, especially if you have a craving for big Texas-style comfort food. This is where you will find the best Texan cuisine in the State (request the Pecan Crusted Crab Cakes).

For convenient accommodation on Main Street, consider Abby’s Guesthouse + Pool.