When planning your visit to Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, you might wonder about the appetizer menu. Unlike traditional restaurants, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen does not serve appetizers – and for good reason. The restaurant’s unique family-style dining concept offers something even better: a complete Southern feast designed for sharing and creating memorable dining experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen offers a unique family-style dining experience instead of traditional appetizers
- Each meal includes multiple Down Home Dishes and Paula’s Famous Sides with unlimited refills
- Three family-style dining options are available: The Georgia, The Savannah, and The Albany
- Every meal concludes with a choice of Southern desserts
- Locations in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Missouri serve the same family-style format
Why No Appetizers? Understanding the Family-Style Dining Experience
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen takes a different approach to dining that reflects true Southern hospitality. Instead of starting with appetizers, guests enjoy a family-style spread that includes multiple “Down Home Dishes” and “Paula’s Famous Sides” served simultaneously. This dining format encourages conversation, sharing, and the kind of togetherness that makes Southern dining traditions so special.
The Family-Style Dining Options
The restaurant offers three distinct family-style dining experiences:
The Georgia ($29.99 per person for dinner, $23.99 for lunch): Choose 4 Down Home Dishes and 4 of Paula’s Famous Sides
The Savannah ($27.99 per person for dinner, $21.99 for lunch): Choose 3 Down Home Dishes and 4 of Paula’s Famous Sides
The Albany ($26.99 per person for dinner, $19.99 for lunch): Choose 2 Down Home Dishes and 4 of Paula’s Famous Sides
Each option includes unlimited refills of your chosen dishes, ensuring no one leaves hungry!
Lunch served Monday thru Friday
A Feast of Down Home Dishes
Instead of appetizers, you’ll start your meal with immediate access to hearty Southern classics like:
- Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken – specially seasoned and hand-breaded
- Beef Pot Roast – slow-roasted until tender and served over buttered white rice
- Chicken-Fried Pork Chop – drizzled with flavorful pan gravy
- Georgia Fried Catfish – lightly fried with a flour and cornmeal coating
- Spare Ribs – fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in tangy barbecue sauce
Paula’s Famous Sides
Your meal includes a variety of sides served alongside your main dishes:
- Creamed Potatoes
- Collard Greens
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Fresh Candied Yams
- Fried Okra
- Green Beans
- Creamed Corn
- Buttered White Rice
The Sweet Finish
Every family-style meal includes dessert! Choose from:
- Ooey Gooey Butter Cake – Paula’s signature melt-in-your-mouth dessert
- Banana Pudding – rich and creamy with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers
- Seasonal Cobbler – a bubbling Southern favorite
Planning Your Visit
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen welcomes you at four convenient locations, each offering the same authentic Southern family-style dining experience:
Tennessee Locations:
- Nashville at Opry Mills: 575 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214 615-492-6500
- Pigeon Forge at The Island: 131 The Island Drive, Suite 8101, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 (865-366-1510)
South Carolina Location:
- Myrtle Beach at Broadway at the Beach: 1202 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-945-1072
Missouri Location:
- Branson at Branson Landing: 545 Branson Landing, Branson, MO 65616 (417-320-5127)
All locations are open daily at various times. Some locations serve breakfast and have different operating hours on the weekends. While you won’t find appetizers on the menu, you’ll discover something even better – a true Southern family-style feast that brings people together over generous portions of comfort food classics.
Remember that to-go boxes are not available, so come hungry and ready to enjoy the full family-style experience. The restaurants welcome both small and large groups, making them perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying a hearty Southern meal with loved ones.
For the most up-to-date information or to plan your visit, call the location nearest you. Y’all come hungry, and get ready to experience Southern hospitality at its finest!
Frequently Asked Question
While Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen specializes in traditional Southern cuisine that often includes ingredients like butter, dairy, and gluten, the restaurant makes efforts to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions when possible. Their family-style dining format allows you to select dishes that work for your dietary needs from their menu of Down Home Dishes and Famous Sides.
For guests with severe allergies or specific dietary requirements, it’s recommended to call the specific location in advance to discuss your needs. The restaurant menu does note that “your well-being is important to us. If you have allergies, please alert us as not all ingredients are listed!”
Keep in mind that the kitchen prepares authentic Southern dishes in a shared environment, so cross-contamination may be possible. The family-style format without to-go boxes also means you’ll want to select dishes that everyone at your table can enjoy, making it ideal to dine with others who share similar dietary preferences.
