Just a Taste: A first look at Southern Girls restaurant

Fried fish fillets with macaroni and cheese, collard greens and black-eyed peas at Southern Girls, 6060 Montgomery Dr, Fried fish fillets with macaroni and cheese, collard greens and black-eyed peas at Southern Girls, 6060 Montgomery Dr, Photo: Edmund Tijerina / San Antonio Express-News Photo: Edmund Tijerina / San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Just a Taste: A first look at Southern Girls restaurant 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Where: 6060 Montgomery Drive, 210-951-2184, southerngirlsfoodandmusicforyoursoul.com

On the menu: Baskets (includes one side), $7-$13.99; entrees, $9.50-$14.95 (includes 3 sides).

Fast facts: Much of the furniture from the former occupant — the location of Mama Lee’s Soul Food that appeared on the Food Network’s “Restaurant Impossible” — is still here, but this spot celebrates music and Southern classic dishes. During our lunch visit, classic soul music played on the sound system, while a DJ setup stood at the front of the dining area.

Impressions: The crisp, juicy and nicely seasoned fried fish would make for a good choice during Lent, or any time of year. But the sides may have been even better. The collards had a nice herbaceous spiciness, while the mac and cheese was appropriately creamy.

Even the flavorful black-eyed peas were cooked slowly and had an almost creamy sense to them. But among the sides, the beautifully buttery and cheesy broccoli and rice casserole was the clear favorite. We’re looking forward to coming out and trying some oxtails, ham hocks and pigs’ feet.