Recently, my Silver Fox and I decided to try for ourselves a restaurant that had been recommended by several friends.  We found Walton’s Southern Table at the corner of Airport Road and Whitesburg Drive in a former Ruby Tuesday building.  We learned that the property  was originally owned by Walton Fleming and his family, thus the reference to him in the restaurant’s name.  The Whitesburg Drive-In Theater also sat on this spot years ago, so it has a nostalgic connection for many.

We were immediately struck by the attractive, crisp, tasteful interior and the nice, soft, jazzy music playing.  The atmosphere is pleasing and relaxing.  We were greeted by Charles, a very friendly host and manager.  He seated us at a table assigned to Sara, who was very knowledgeable about the menu.

My best overall assessment?  Walton’s is “Cracker Barrel on steroids.”  Their ingredients are fresh with no canned veggies and hand-cut meats.

I tried the vegetable plate with fried green tomatoes, hashbrown casserole, sweet potato casserole (all suggested by Sara) and cranberry congealed salad.  Steve had meat loaf with pinto beans and turnip greens.  He described the meat loaf as “melt in your mouth.”  Charles told us, “I finally had to swear off of the meatloaf because I was having it every day and my waistline was suffering the effects.”

But, oh, let me tell you about those fried green tomatoes — quite possibly the best I’ve ever had.  They were thinly-sliced and lightly battered with a touch of cayenne pepper.  Awesome!

Steve and I didn’t have dessert, but my brother says their pecan pie is probably the best he has tasted.  I’ll have to go back sometime and try it “to be sure.”  Ha!

Walton’s offers a children’s menu and curbside service.  Just call ahead to place your order, and they will bring it right to your car.  Walton’s opened in December of 2014.  I predict they will be successful.