Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe

Walking up to Mrs. White's Golden Rule Café, you can't, for a second, tell if you're in present-day Phoenix or the first act of a decades-old film. Inside and outside, this place is a throwback, from the painted-on sign to the tight wooden booths and lunch counter. The fantasy extends to the menu; Mrs. White's (named for founder Elizabeth White) serves utterly timeless Southern food. The writing on the wall — literally — informs you this 58-year-old restaurant is where you'll find one of Phoenix's most famous Southern dishes: the golden brown Southern fried chicken (with suggested sides of cabbage and black-eyed peas). You'll find other homestyle staples here that are relatively rare in Arizona, like fried catfish (tartar sauce not needed), red beans, and cobblers. No worries if you live or work nowhere near the little yellow luncheonette. Mrs. White has spinoffs everywhere, including her grandson, Larry "Lo-Lo" White's spot, Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles. Seating is limited inside. Takeout is available, as is delivery via DoorDash.