Tom's Home Cookin'

Five Points - Clarkson and 26th Ave.

There are some places that make it so inconvenient to get their food that you wonder if it's worth it. Wonder no more about Tom's Home Cookin'. Tom's is open on weekdays only, and even then they only serve lunch. On top of that the line can get a little long, and the dining room is tiny (most people take out). Teri, Isabel and I went when I took a day off recently.

Teri got BBQ pork for her main dish, with broccoli casserole and mac and cheese as her sides. The sides weren't the best, but the pork was incredibly flavorful and tender. Teri would have liked a bun or something to put the meat on, though. I got the fried chicken (Tom's specialty), and was not disappointed. Juicy on the inside, crispy and golden brown on the outside, it was perfect. My mashed potatoes side was okay, but when I got to my second side I almost squealed with delight, embarrassing all around me. The peach cobbler had a flaky, sugar-coated crust that was the perfect compliment to the impossibly sweet peaches. Insane.

Depending on the day, you might also find on the menu pot roast, meat loaf, pork chops, collard greens, creamed corn, and other Southern-style fare.

The standard deal at Tom's is an entree, two sides, choice of bread and a drink for $9.25. Maybe a tad pricey, but when you're in the mood to stuff your face with the creamy, starchy and meaty, this will hit the spot.

Rating: lll