Quick Bite: Down Home Cookin

Down Home Cookin
Franklin Park
3029 Route 27, Suite #3
732-940-4001

Open: Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sun

Price: $ BYO

Style: Casual eatery in a strip mall, cooking soul food classics with care and conviction. The dining area is simple—six red booths facing a large window with a view of traffic buzzing by on busy Route 27.

The Scoop: After years of working in catering, owner Ariene Wilson and her husband, Arman, opened Down Home Cookin (hold the apostrophe) in late 2016. The couple’s warm welcome can be felt whether they’re behind the counter or in the kitchen.

The Menu: Southern specialties like fried whiting, crispy fried chicken (pictured), barbecued chicken, spicy fried Cajun shrimp and fried catfish nuggets will satisfy your comfort-food cravings. Baskets are served with fries; platters include two sides. Both come with cornbread. Standout sides include macaroni and cheese and collard greens (pictured), string beans, candied yams and dirty rice. The outstanding po’ boy sandwiches—available with shrimp, catfish or fried whiting—are dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and a zesty remoulade. Finish your feast with a decadent banana pudding or classic sweet-potato pie.

Heads Up: A lunch special is offered on weekdays; options range from $7-$9. For speedier pickup, call your order in. Weekend specials such as chicken and waffles are sometimes available. Down Home Cookin also caters.