BEST SOUL FOOD

Clay’s Popeye’s Barbecue

1121 East South Grand Avenue, 522-0386 Each morning, the owners and cooks of Clay’s Popeye’s Barbecue start the day with your everyday pots and pans. Then they add a little bit of this, a sprinkle of that, a pinch of this and a dash of that. Soon there is a kitchen full of mouthwatering soul food that will have your palates singing and your taste buds dancing. Being true soul food lovers, we had difficulty pinning down the best dishes. So, we’ll just say that the catfish is scrumptious. The ribs are tantalizing. The beef is tender. The cole slaw is deliciously creamy. And the hot links are the best! During our most recent visit we were curious about Clay’s “Blazin’ Heifer Sauce.” Forgetting that age has weakened our stomach, we ordered a beef sandwich with the special 100-year-old sauce. Though it was just as tasty as the medium sauce we normally order, our stomach was on fire for a couple of days. Aside from the food, what makes Clay’s even better is its daily lunch specials, which allows those with tight budgets to indulge without breaking the bank. There is one drawback. Finding a parking place during the busy lunch rush can be difficult. If you’re crunched for time, we advise you to call ahead and bring a buddy who can run in and pick up the food for you. Runner-up: Boyd’s New Generation