Tucked inside a strip mall on Oak Lake Boulevard in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nana Morrison’s Soul Food is the kind of place that feels like home the moment you walk through the door. With over 5,000 reviews and a loyal following of locals and visitors alike, this casual cafeteria-style restaurant has built a serious reputation for hearty Southern comfort food.
From smothered pork chops to creamy mac and cheese, every plate tells a story rooted in tradition and love. Whether you’re a Charlotte native or just passing through, this spot is absolutely worth a stop.
The Cafeteria-Style Ordering Experience
Walking up to the counter at Nana Morrison’s feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen — except grandma cooked for a whole neighborhood. The restaurant uses a cafeteria-style setup where you move down the line, peeking at each dish before making your picks.
Staff members are genuinely happy to lift the lids and show you what’s inside. That personal touch makes the whole experience feel less like fast food and more like a family dinner.
First-timers might feel a little overwhelmed by all the options, but the team walks you through it patiently.
One thing to keep in mind: you can’t customize individual orders the way you might at other restaurants. You pick from what’s available that day.
Still, the variety is wide enough that most people find exactly what they’re craving without any trouble at all.
Smothered Pork Chops That Fall Apart on the Fork
Some dishes just stop the table conversation cold — and the smothered pork chops at Nana Morrison’s are exactly that kind of food. Reviewers have called them “fall-apart tender” and smothered in a gravy so rich you’ll want extra bread just to soak up every last drop.
The chops arrive soft and deeply savory, cooked low and slow until the meat practically melts. That glossy brown gravy clings to every bite, layering in warmth and depth that feels genuinely homemade.
Pair them with mac and cheese or mashed potatoes for the full comfort food experience. Multiple customers have ranked this as their single favorite item on the menu.
If you only get one meat on your visit to Nana Morrison’s, the smothered pork chops are a seriously strong contender for the top spot on your tray.
Crispy, Juicy Fried Chicken Done Right
One reviewer put it best: the fried chicken breast was so good, she could have eaten the bones. That kind of enthusiasm tells you everything you need to know.
Nana Morrison’s fried chicken has earned serious praise across hundreds of reviews for its perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crust and juicy interior.
The breading hits that sweet spot — crispy without being greasy, with a crunch that holds up even after a few minutes on the tray. Inside, the meat stays tender and moist, never dry or rubbery.
It’s the kind of fried chicken that reminds you why the South has always been proud of this dish.
Whether you go with a thigh, breast, or the daily plate special, the fried chicken consistently delivers. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for first-timers and regulars alike, and it pairs beautifully with nearly every side on the menu.
Mac and Cheese That Earns Every Compliment
Mac and cheese is one of those dishes that can make or break a soul food restaurant’s reputation. At Nana Morrison’s, most guests agree it’s a winner.
Described as creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned, it’s the kind of mac that stays with you long after the meal is over.
The texture hits the right balance — not too dry, not too soupy. It has that satisfying pull when you scoop it up, and the flavor is deep and cheesy without being one-note.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned it as a standout side that they’d come back for on its own.
A small number of guests have had mixed experiences, noting that consistency can vary. But on most visits, the mac and cheese lives up to its reputation as one of the restaurant’s most beloved sides.
Order it confidently alongside any meat on the menu.
Collard Greens With a Southern Kick
Collard greens are practically a rite of passage at any soul food restaurant, and Nana Morrison’s version sparks real conversation among diners. Many guests have praised the greens as a pleasant surprise — flavorful, tender, and satisfying in that slow-cooked Southern way.
That said, a handful of reviewers have noted that the vinegar seasoning can run a little strong on certain visits. Soul food fans who prefer their greens seasoned with smoked meat and just a hint of acid might find the balance slightly off.
It’s worth mentioning to the staff if you have a preference.
On the visits where the greens land just right, though, they’re a genuine highlight. They carry that earthy, slightly bitter depth that makes collards so comforting, especially alongside a rich meat like smothered pork chops or fried chicken.
A true Southern staple done with heart.
Candied Yams and Sweet Potato Dishes
Sweet, slow-cooked, and deeply comforting — the candied yams at Nana Morrison’s have won over plenty of fans. One reviewer summed it up simply: “Candied yams are delicious.” Another said they looked so good in the tray that resisting them was nearly impossible.
The yams carry that signature Southern sweetness, soft enough to melt on the tongue with a rich, caramel-like glaze coating every piece. They’re the kind of side dish that feels like dessert pretending to be a vegetable, and nobody’s complaining about that.
A few guests have mentioned that on some visits the yams can skew a touch too sweet or turn a little soupy in texture. Consistency is key with dishes like this, and most of the time Nana Morrison’s nails it.
If you have a sweet tooth, the yams are a must-add to your tray without any hesitation.
Curry Chicken Over Rice — A Flavor-Packed Surprise
Not every soul food spot offers curry chicken, which makes Nana Morrison’s menu feel refreshingly adventurous. The curry chicken over rice has quietly become one of the more talked-about dishes on the menu, drawing praise for its bold, layered flavor and generous portions.
Reviewers describe it as packed with taste — warm spice, tender chicken, and a sauce that soaks beautifully into the rice underneath. One guest wrote that “you could taste the love in it,” which might sound like a cliche but feels completely earned after a bite.
It’s a smart order for anyone looking to try something a little different from the classic Southern lineup. The dish holds its own alongside the more traditional plates and offers a satisfying change of pace.
Pair it with a cold red Kool-Aid and you’ve got yourself a genuinely memorable meal at an unbeatable price.
Banana Pudding Worth Saving Room For
Dessert at Nana Morrison’s is a whole conversation on its own, and the banana pudding tends to come out on top. Multiple reviewers have called it “on point” and worth ordering every single time.
It’s creamy, sweet, and layered with that nostalgic flavor that takes you straight back to church potlucks and family reunions.
The pudding has a smooth, rich base with just the right amount of sweetness — though one reviewer noted it could be slightly sweeter depending on personal taste. The texture is soft and luscious, and the vanilla wafers add a nice contrast when they’ve had time to soak in.
Staff at the register will almost always remind you to grab a cup, and honestly, they’re doing you a favor. It’s the kind of simple dessert that doesn’t try too hard but absolutely delivers.
Don’t skip it on your first visit to the restaurant.
The Friendly, Welcoming Staff
Good food gets people through the door, but great service is what makes them come back. At Nana Morrison’s, the staff consistently earns high marks from guests across dozens of reviews.
Words like “kind,” “patient,” “attentive,” and “welcoming” show up again and again in customer feedback.
First-time visitors often mention feeling a little unsure about the cafeteria-style setup, and the team handles that smoothly. They open lids, explain dishes, and walk newcomers through the menu without making anyone feel rushed or out of place.
That kind of hospitality goes a long way in a casual dining setting.
Even during busy hours, the staff keeps things moving efficiently without losing that warm, personal touch. The owner also actively responds to online reviews, which signals a genuine commitment to customer care.
When the food is great and the people are kind, a restaurant becomes something much more than just a lunch spot.
Generous Portions at a Reasonable Price
Value matters, especially when you’re feeding a family or just trying to stretch a lunch budget. Nana Morrison’s plates are known for being genuinely filling, with multiple reviewers noting that leftovers are basically guaranteed if you order the larger options.
The two-meat, two-side plate gives you serious bang for your buck. Between the proteins, the sides, and a piece of cornbread, most guests leave completely satisfied without feeling like they overpaid.
One visitor even called the pricing “great quality food for a good price” after ordering smothered pork chops, mac and cheese, and peach cobbler.
A few guests have noted that smaller plates or single-item orders can feel light on quantity for the price. Going for the larger combo plates tends to offer the best overall value.
Either way, the food quality generally justifies the cost, making this a solid everyday option in Charlotte.
A Clean, Spacious, and Comfortable Dining Space
Strip mall restaurants don’t always get credit for ambiance, but Nana Morrison’s has created a space that feels genuinely comfortable and inviting. Guests frequently describe the interior as clean, well-lit, and spacious enough to handle large groups without feeling cramped.
There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, which is a nice bonus for families with kids or groups that need a little extra room. The cafeteria-style layout keeps traffic moving smoothly, and the organized setup means you’re rarely waiting long to get your food and find a seat.
The atmosphere carries that relaxed, neighborhood-restaurant energy — no pretension, no fuss, just good food and comfortable surroundings. One reviewer described it as feeling “like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house,” which captures the vibe perfectly.
It’s the kind of place where you can settle in, eat slowly, and actually enjoy the experience from start to finish.
Daily Specials That Keep Things Exciting
One of the best-kept secrets at Nana Morrison’s is the rotating daily specials. These aren’t just filler items — they’re full-on comfort food moments that regulars plan their visits around.
Chicken Alfredo, pulled BBQ chicken, and other rotating dishes have all made appearances as crowd favorites.
A Thursday night visitor once discovered the Chicken Alfredo special and described it as “pure comfort” — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken. Another guest stumbled upon the Sunday pulled BBQ chicken and called it world-class alongside smothered pork chops.
The specials change regularly, which gives repeat visitors a reason to keep coming back.
Checking in with the staff about what’s on the board that day is always a smart move. You might find something unexpected that ends up being the highlight of your entire meal.
At Nana Morrison’s, the daily specials are never an afterthought — they’re genuinely exciting.
The Iconic Red Kool-Aid Experience
There’s something about a cold red Kool-Aid that just belongs next to a plate of fried chicken and mac and cheese. At Nana Morrison’s, the Kool-Aid has taken on an almost legendary status among regulars and first-timers alike.
Reviewers mention it with genuine excitement, calling it “nostalgic perfection” and “too dang good.”
It’s ice cold, deeply sweet, and transports you straight back to childhood summers and backyard cookouts. One guest paired it with smothered pork chop and curry chicken and described the whole meal as feeling like a family reunion.
That’s the power of a well-placed classic drink alongside serious comfort food.
The bottled drinks do run a little pricey at around four dollars, which a few guests have pointed out. But for the full Nana Morrison’s experience, it’s worth every cent.
Some meals just aren’t complete without the right drink in hand.