If I had to pick my favorite type of American cuisine, it would have to be Southern style food. I may be a yankee from the North, but I was raised on Italian food, pasta and meat in crazy portions - not the bland and seafood-centric fare of New England - so I don't think of myself as a New Englander, food-wise. And while I enjoy Tex-Mex as much as the next guy... I've always had a soft spot for deep fried everything, flaky fruity pies and biscuits, and that mysterious substance known as grits. I've even been sighted inside Waffle Houses when I'm below the Mason/Dixon. You just can't beat Southern cuisine's comfort food factor.
And now there's good news for people who share my Southern inclination - a tiny little mecca next to the Wiliamsburg bridge known as Pies n Thighs. The picture you see here is basically the entire restaurant; it's just a counter with three people crammed in behind it, and it serves up some of the most delicious food I've had since I moved to New York. And not only is it tasty, it's probably one of the best deals around - I recently had brunch there with three other friends, and we ate a massive amount of food for right around $40 plus tip.
The brunch options are just absolutely incredible. The huevos rancheros (pictured) are practically pornographic, served with fresh salsa and perfectly cooked beans. Now it's unfortunate (though understandable given the size of the kitchen), but Pies n Thighs does NOT serve chicken and waffles. This would be the most perfect of brunch spots if that were the case, but they just don't have a good way to make waffles there. So they are forgiven for this. Especially because their fried chicken is completely perfect in all ways.
I may not have done a comprehensive survey of all fried chicken outlets in all five boroughs, but I feel very confident when I say that Pies n Thighs offers the Real Deal tm. And when you order fried chicken, you get essentially half of a chicken, a biscuit as big as your fist (and I've got big fists, check out that pic with the biscuit in it) and two sides - this "fried chicken box" is a mere and unbelievable $8. And this is the real deal; buttermilk fried chicken covered in crunchy flakes surrounding succulent white and dark meat. The macaroni and cheese is gooey and filling, made with whole cream, and it's served with splashes of tabasco sauce - and I love this, because it is not optional. I didn't ask for hot sauce (I would have, of course) but it was put on the mac and cheese because that's how it's supposed to be served. I'm here to tell you, I am one hundred percent behind this kind of cooking.
Now if good dinner and brunch was all these guys had to offer, it would be enough. But, as their name implies, they are more than just Thighs... they are also Pies. Oh, the luscious, luscious pies. The pie offerings seem to be seasonal, and change regularly - I've seen Key Lime, Pecan, Apple, and Strawberry Rhubarb. But, my friends, they aren't simply bakers of fine pie - they're also doughnut makers of the highest order. In fact, their doughnuts won "best of New York" from New York Magazine this year. You may have noticed donut holes in one of the previous pictures; you should know that those very donut holes are available for FREE at the counter while you await your order. And you will eat them, because it's likely that your order will take a while as PnT offers delivery, and they're cooking nigh constantly. They also have a tendency to run out of food at inopportune times, but they are happily attached to a very large and fun looking bar where you can enjoy a few beverages while the meal is being prepared. And speaking of beverages - do not leave this establishment before trying either the lemonade or sweet tea! They are drinks not to be missed, prepared in true Southern style! And I did get confirmation from the bartender that she would happily spike my lemonade or tea if I brought it over from the kitchen side.
What are you waiting for? Go get you some vittles!
[Where: 351 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211]