Pop’s Smorgasbord — Restaurant in Centre

Y’all, I don’t know what kind of magic Brad and Borsha Hunter are working over there at Pop’s Smorgasbord in Centre, Alabama, but they’ve clearly made some sort of deal with the comfort food gods.

Let me tell you about their fried catfish – it’s so perfectly crispy and flaky that I’m pretty sure it could bring about world peace if we just served it at the UN. One bite and I was transported to my grandmother’s kitchen, except my grandmother never cooked this well (sorry, Meemaw). The batter had that perfect golden crunch that gives way to the most tender, flaky fish that practically melts in your mouth. I may have made some embarrassing “mmm” noises that had other diners turning around, but I regret nothing.

And don’t even get me started on the sweet potato casserole – actually, do get me started because I could write poetry about this dish. It struck that impossible balance between being a vegetable (technically) and dessert (spiritually). The sweet potatoes were creamy perfection with just the right amount of cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with what I can only describe as a cloud that dreams are made of.

You’re here to eat, they’re here to feed you, and everyone understands the assignment. The staff treats you like family, which in the South means they’ll keep bringing you sweet tea and judging you lovingly.

Fair warning: wear stretchy pants and bring your appetite. Also, maybe don’t make any important decisions for about an hour after eating because the food coma is real and it is glorious.

Will I be back? Faster than you can say “sweet potato casserole.”

Five stars and two loosened...

We were told we could substitute one of our sides for a one trip salad. We were still charged the up-charge of $3.00. If I would had known we were going to still be charged the $3.00 up charge, I would have gotten my two sides. The waitress mentioned an up-charge of $3.00 if we wanted a one trip salad ADDED to a meal, but never said we were STILL going be charged the up-charge for substition. In fact, made it sound as though we would not be charged the up-charge fee. Then when we questioned it, the cashier acted like she was so "put out" that we questioned it. She even apologized to the other guest for us holding up the line! Food is good but the way they charge is way overpriced. In my opinion since the waitress WAS NOT clear on how they charge, we should have been REFUNDED for the $3.00 salad! Not the way to manage a...

Pops was a delicious and memorable stop for lunch on our trip into center. The service was outstanding as well as the food. When we first pulled up to the location it looked closed or under construction, but I think they just moved into this location from an older location 🤔. There weren't any signs up yet showing we were at the right place, but there were papers on the doors with the name and hours. Meatloaf, fried green tomatos, chicken tenders, cheesy hash brown casserole, pork cutlets, and gravy with sauces were exceptional. Things we didn't care for were the mac n cheese, corn bread, and pinto beans. They also have a salad bar and a menu that you can order from that is a separate price from the buffet. This is my favorite Southern homestyle restaurant in center. We...