Tucked inside a strip mall on Oak Lake Boulevard in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nana Morrison’s Soul Food is the kind of place that stops you in your tracks the moment you smell what’s cooking. With over 5,000 reviews and a loyal local following, this casual cafeteria-style spot has earned its reputation as a true gem of Southern comfort cooking.
From fall-apart smothered pork chops to creamy mac and cheese that rivals grandma’s recipe, every plate feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re a Charlotte local or just passing through, Nana Morrison’s is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves real, soul-satisfying food.
The Smothered Pork Chop That Stops Conversations
Some dishes are so good they make the whole table go quiet. That is exactly what happens when you order the smothered pork chop at Nana Morrison’s Soul Food.
Reviewers consistently describe it as fall-apart tender, drenched in a thick, savory gravy that practically begs you to grab extra bread.
One customer raved about the gravy being the kind that makes you want to soak up every last drop. The pork chop is cooked low and slow until the meat surrenders completely to the fork.
It is not just a menu item — it is the dish people come back for, time and time again.
Pair it with mac and cheese and a cold cup of Kool-Aid, and you have a plate that feels like Sunday dinner at a relative’s house. This is comfort food taken seriously.
Fried Chicken Done the Right Way
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — Nana Morrison’s fried chicken hits every note a great piece of Southern fried chicken should. One reviewer said she could have eaten the bones, which is about the highest compliment you can give a piece of fried chicken.
The breading is seasoned just right, with a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, moist meat underneath. It is not greasy or heavy — just perfectly executed.
Whether you order a thigh, breast, or a full platter, the chicken delivers every single time.
Customers who visited for the first time often mention the fried chicken as the highlight of their meal. It has that nostalgic, homemade quality that is genuinely hard to find at a restaurant.
Nana Morrison’s proves that sometimes the classics, done right, are all you really need.
Mac and Cheese That Sets the Standard
Not all mac and cheese is created equal, and Nana Morrison’s version makes that crystal clear. Described by multiple reviewers as creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned, this is baked mac and cheese that earns its place at the top of the comfort food rankings.
The key is in the texture — not dry, not soupy, just the right consistency that coats every noodle evenly. Several customers called it a step above anything they expected from a cafeteria-style setup.
One guest said it was exactly how mac and cheese should be, full stop.
Fair warning: once you try it, boxed mac and cheese will feel like a letdown by comparison. It is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the spotlight from whatever meat you ordered.
At Nana Morrison’s, the mac and cheese is not an afterthought — it is a main event.
Curry Chicken Over Rice — a Flavor Surprise
Not every soul food spot ventures beyond the traditional Southern menu, but Nana Morrison’s is not afraid to expand the conversation. The curry chicken over rice is proof of that — a dish packed with bold, layered flavor that catches first-timers completely off guard in the best way possible.
Customers describe tasting real care in every bite, with spices that are warm and aromatic without being overwhelming. The chicken is tender, the rice soaks up the sauce beautifully, and the whole dish comes together like something you would find in a home kitchen that knows its way around a spice cabinet.
One reviewer ordered it as a side and ended up wishing they had made it the main. If you are visiting Nana Morrison’s and want something a little unexpected alongside your soul food staples, the curry chicken over rice is absolutely worth adding to your tray.
Banana Pudding Worth Saving Room For
Dessert at Nana Morrison’s is not an afterthought — and the banana pudding proves it. Multiple reviewers went out of their way to specifically call it out as a highlight of the meal, which says a lot when you are competing with smothered pork chops and fried chicken for attention.
The pudding is creamy, smooth, and layered with that classic combination of vanilla wafers and ripe banana that feels instantly familiar. One guest described it as nostalgic perfection, the kind of dessert that brings back warm childhood memories with every spoonful.
It is not too sweet, not too heavy — just a satisfying, well-balanced finish to a hearty meal. A few reviewers said they ordered it on a whim and were genuinely impressed.
Next time you visit Nana Morrison’s, do yourself a favor and save a little room. The banana pudding earns its fan club.
Collard Greens Full of Southern Character
Collard greens are one of those dishes that separate a good soul food spot from a great one. At Nana Morrison’s, the greens have their fans — and they show up in reviews regularly as a pleasant, satisfying side.
Several guests described them as a welcome surprise alongside heavier meat dishes.
The greens are cooked down until tender and carry that deep, slow-cooked flavor that takes time and patience to develop. Some reviewers prefer them with a little less vinegar, while others enjoy the tangy kick.
Like all great soul food sides, the collards here spark real opinions, which means they are doing something right.
Pairing them with fried chicken or a smothered meat dish rounds out a plate that feels complete and deeply Southern. At Nana Morrison’s, the collard greens are more than a side — they are a statement about how seriously this kitchen takes its craft.
Candied Yams That Melt on Your Tongue
Sweet, tender, and slow-cooked until they practically dissolve — the candied yams at Nana Morrison’s have earned a devoted following among regular customers. One reviewer said they looked so good in the serving tray that they could not resist, and the first bite confirmed every expectation.
There is a fine line between candied yams that are perfectly sweet and ones that tip over into sugary overload. Nana Morrison’s version lands on the right side of that line for most guests, delivering a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the savory dishes around it beautifully.
The texture is smooth and soft, almost like a dessert masquerading as a side dish. Whether you are a lifelong yam lover or someone who has never really paid attention to them before, these will make you reconsider your side dish priorities.
They are genuinely one of the highlights of the menu.
Smothered Meatballs That Deserve Their Own Fan Club
Here is a menu item that does not always get the spotlight it deserves: the smothered meatballs. One enthusiastic reviewer called them unbelievable, and that is a word people do not throw around lightly when talking about meatballs.
At Nana Morrison’s, they are slow-cooked and smothered in that same deeply flavored gravy that makes the pork chops so legendary.
The meatballs are hearty and satisfying, with a texture that holds together just enough while still being tender all the way through. The gravy soaks in and builds a flavor profile that is warm, savory, and unmistakably Southern in every way.
If you are the kind of person who gravitates toward the less obvious menu choices, this one is calling your name. Order them with mashed potatoes to make the most of that gravy, and prepare to be genuinely impressed by a dish you might not have expected to love this much.
The Famous Kool-Aid That Brings Back Memories
It might seem like a small detail, but the Kool-Aid at Nana Morrison’s has its own fan base — and that tells you everything about the kind of experience this restaurant creates. Multiple reviewers mentioned the drink specifically, calling it ice cold, nostalgic, and perfectly sweet.
One guest said it was too dang good and used three exclamation points to make the point.
There is something deeply intentional about serving Kool-Aid at a soul food restaurant. It is a nod to backyard cookouts, family reunions, and childhood summers when a cold cup of red Kool-Aid was the ultimate treat.
Nana Morrison’s leans into that nostalgia without apology.
At nearly $4 per cup, a couple of reviewers noted the price is a bit steep for the size. But most agreed it was worth every penny for the experience it delivered.
Sometimes the simplest things on the menu say the most about a restaurant’s soul.
Cafeteria-Style Ordering That Feels Like Home
Walking into Nana Morrison’s for the first time can be a little unexpected — you grab a tray and move down the line, pointing at whatever looks good behind the glass. It is a cafeteria-style setup, which means the experience is more relaxed and communal than a traditional sit-down restaurant.
And honestly, that format fits the food perfectly.
The staff are known for being patient and helpful, willingly lifting lids to show customers what is inside each tray. Several reviewers specifically praised how welcoming the team was, especially for first-timers who needed a little guidance navigating the menu options.
The setup also means the food stays hot and fresh throughout service, which is a genuine advantage. Once you get the hang of it, the ordering process becomes part of the charm.
It feels less like a transaction and more like being welcomed into someone’s kitchen and told to help yourself.
Generous Portions Worth Every Dollar
At Nana Morrison’s, nobody leaves the table hungry. Generous portions are one of the most frequently mentioned positives in customer reviews, with guests regularly noting that they had enough food to take home leftovers.
For a restaurant priced at the mid-range level, that kind of value is genuinely hard to beat in Charlotte.
One reviewer visiting from out of town ordered a large plate with multiple sides and said the whole meal felt like an incredible deal for the quality and quantity received. Another guest suggested coming hungry and being ready for serious comfort food — a fair warning by any measure.
The value equation at Nana Morrison’s is straightforward: real ingredients, real portions, real flavor. You are not paying for a trendy atmosphere or a fancy presentation.
You are paying for food that fills you up and makes you feel good. That is a trade most people are happy to make.
A Clean, Welcoming Space for Everyone
First impressions matter, and Nana Morrison’s makes a strong one. Reviewers consistently describe the restaurant as super clean, well-lit, and spacious enough to accommodate families, large groups, and guests with mobility needs.
The location inside a shopping center on Oak Lake Boulevard also means parking is easy and stress-free.
The dining room has both indoor and outdoor seating, which is a nice bonus for days when the Charlotte weather is cooperating. The space feels organized and comfortable without being overly formal — exactly the right vibe for the kind of food being served here.
Cleanliness in a food service environment is non-negotiable, and Nana Morrison’s clearly takes it seriously. Multiple guests mentioned it unprompted in their reviews, which means it genuinely stands out.
When a restaurant makes you feel comfortable the moment you walk in, it sets the tone for the entire meal. Nana Morrison’s gets that right.
Daily Specials That Keep Regulars Coming Back
One of the smartest things Nana Morrison’s does is rotate daily specials that give regulars a reason to keep coming back. On any given day, you might find pulled BBQ chicken, chicken alfredo, or another comfort dish that does not appear on the standard menu.
These specials have developed a loyal following among customers who time their visits around them.
One reviewer who visited on a Thursday night ordered the chicken alfredo special and described it as pure comfort — creamy, cheesy, and packed with chicken. Another guest caught the pulled BBQ chicken on a Sunday and said it ranked among the best things they ate during their entire Charlotte visit.
Checking what is on special before you go is genuinely worth the effort. Follow Nana Morrison’s online or call ahead to find out what the kitchen is featuring that day.
It adds an element of exciting unpredictability to an already excellent dining experience.