We always give Al Five Stars. He may be one of the nicest people we know. Long-time Jacksonville resident and restaurateur, we don't know too many people who are not familiar with him. Food is still served buffet style and replenish immediately as the patrons gobble it up. You can always count on the fried shrimp, the white fish, tasty collard greens, creamy, cheesy grits, with dessert. Don't be alarmed by the outside and don't be alarmed by the inside it's going to be some of the best food you've had in a long time.

Southern Charm is appropriately named. I was looking for something different, and man, did I ever find it. This place is so far from fancy, it's like eating in Grandma's kitchen. I dropped in on Sunday for lunch. They had a great buffet with Fried Chicken, Ribs, Rice and Beans, Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, Fried Green Tomatoes, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Cobbler. The chef said "take all you want, and please don't be shy, there's plenty." The food was great! After sitting down with an embarrassing large plate of food, the chef brought over a plate of the best fried shrimp that I ever had, and freshly fried green tomatoes. Then while leaving the waiter brought me a "doggie bag" so I wouldn't have do go out for dinner tonight. Wow, check out the picture. Thanks chef Art. See you next Sunday.

GREAT DIVE. The food was amazing.. the food man .. THE FOOOD. it was so good . We ate so much . Fried shrimp catfish bbq ribs collored greens. Cole slaw . Cucumber salad . MASHED POTATOES WITH SHRIMP AND SCALLOPS... AGAIN So much food all served buffett style. Then endless shrimp both fried and cajun . Delivered until you say stop. Then we got a butterscotch cake for dessert We came for the football game jags vs raiders. the owner the busser were great. The service was top notch.

This place is like going to Granpa’s where genuine warm hospitality is in abundance. It is “buffet home cooked meal” but the unique part is having the chef, Art, explaining to you how he cook the food and what’s in them. He fries fresh shrimp, fish and chicken on the spot and serve them. Doesn’t sound like a buffet but it is!! You can eat as much as you like for just about how much you pay for a burger meal. The place itself is very simple and dated. But we came there for the food and we got more than what we hoped for. We even had some to go. The collard greens is awesome! There is meatloaf, mac&cheess, ribs, and more! Shrimp are huge and Chef Art is using his mom’s recipe. No soda but their sweet tea is good. If you are looking for tasty home cooking with simple ambiance (like grandpa’s old kitchen) and warm nice people, try Southern Charm!

My husband and I stumbled across this place because of the reviews. The food was okay. The place was absolutely filthy though. Very hard to get past the conditions. If the place was cleaner it would deserve the reviews if you’re wanting a taste of southern cooking.

This place offers an excellent opportunity to make new friends as you sit and enjoy the “show” as much as the meal itself, and the food is so fresh and tasty!!!! . Art puts a lot of love into his cooking. He turns dinner into a family affair and you are part of the family! Warning: people love this place but it is definitely a laid back white cracker vibe, so if you are picky about a perfectly bleached environment and hate fried food, this is not the place for you! Please don’t show up and let your negativity ruin everyone’s fun or kill Arts spirit because he truly loves what he does! If you do go try everything!!!! Note: make reservations and realize that what ever time your sitting is for, say 6:30 to 8:30 plan to stay foe the whole thing because you eat courses in shifts and there is always plenty of food!

What an amazing experience from beginning to end. I highly recommend Southern Charm Restaurant Art, the chef is simply amazing!! Do yourself a favor and stop by!!

All the food is so delicious! The collard greens were phenomenal. I usually don't enjoy fried food because the batter is usually all you taste. However Chef Art's fried shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and fried chicken were so tasty and light, you could taste the scrumptious food underneath the batter. Chef Art made us feel right at home, as if we were sitting his living room. His helper, Earl, brought us sweet tea that was perfect, not too sweet, just right. Earl checked up on us often to make sure we were getting everything we needed. It was such an enjoyable and delectable experience.

Art and his staff are the kindest people you will ever meet, the food is made and served with love. This place is by far the best place in town to eat bar none. HOME COOKING AT ITS FINEST ❤️

Very different yet welcoming experience. This hole in the wall joint has a very mom and pop feel to the place. Don't get turned away from the looks or feel until you try the food and talk to the very friendly staff! Chef Art will begin cooking his rotational menu around 6:30-7 and will be served buffet style. All food that I tried was great and no complaints. Delicious all around. The batch of food that gets cooked is for that one session and once people are full, the place closes up with the staff giving the rest of any food left over to the customers. The food is absolutely comfort soul food that is full of flavor. Went on a Saturday night so the specials were shrimp and fried fish but still had other items that are usually made. My favorite dish was the mashed potatoes that were made very rustic style - was a blend of mashed and solid chunks of potato with a cheese crust on top. The blackened shrimp was also very good. Towards the end they served cinnamon square cakes that topped the meal off. Chef and staff are humorous and friendly, will make you feel like you've known each other for years. Will return to introduce the place to more friends and family. Few things to note: it is cash only. You are permitted to bring your own drinks, beer, or wine. They serve sweet/unsweet tea and water only for beverages. Parking is a bit tight, there is additional parking on the side of the building.

Saturday night - all you can eat. Known for "hot shrimp" which is plentiful and delicious. The collards, fried green tomatoes, and cheese grits were 100! The restaurant is very casual and rustic, but food is great. BYOB if you want anything other than sweet / unsweet tea or water. You won't leave hungry.

My extended family has had 2 get-togethers at Art's buffet on Sundays. Each time we were bowled over by the selections. Nothing is disappointing and everything is the best you've had, whether it be fried chicken, fish or shrimp, collards or squash, the best limas you've ever tasted, and the list goes on. His desserts will force you to partake even tho you're stuffed! And the chef brings more to your table and entertains you with his vibrant conversation. He's one of a kind and a treasure. I must also mention the amazing sweet tea!

We drove 90 miles to have lunch...well worth the drive...To be honest we were a bit apprehensive when we finally found it...not a romantic restaurant with great views, probably the exact opposite....As we walked in, Art greeted us and gave us a little history and some advice on what to expect.. they open at 11:30 but allowed us in a bit early to sit and wait until the meal was ready...Earl welcomed us with sweet tea and we knew we were about to be taken care of...the food was as freshly prepared as possible, Southern Homemade...Ribs, meatloaf, fried fish, Mac n cheese, collard greens, cucumber tomato salad and rice & beans...every day is a special entree, Tuesday was meatloaf,..they also served us a plate full of fresh fried shrimp and Art stopped by with his Mom's fried green tomatoes...no freezer, no microwave, no processed food...fresh, freshly breaded and freshly prepared in small batches...Every single item was delicious, Art made it look effortless, Earl was right on top of service even if he wasn't a Bill's fan.. We loved it...$15 per person, we ate at noon and skipped dinner, we were still full...oh...forgot the warm homemade ginger cookies...they allowed me a few bits for our dog and sent my wife home with a few extra cookies!...We've been intimately involved in the restaurant business for 50+ years, Art & Earl could give all of a lesson on hospitality, great food and personal service is why most customers choose to eat out...Great Job!!

Well worth 5 stars! The food was amazing and the service was great. Such a unique experience. So glad my wife and I stumbled onto this place. We will definitely be back. Chef Art is the man! The restaurant doesn’t look like much but don’t let that fool ya.

The most delightfully delicious ensemble I have had since my grandmother made me dinner last. The chef/owner extradonaire has presented an appetizing buffet crafted of family recipes and simple ingredients but delivering more than a taste of home in every bite. This hole in the wall is more than meets the eye as well as the gentleman taking care of it. Do not miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the finest food Jacksonville has to offer along with the most splendid company. It was truly an experience of a lifetime.

Everything was delicious. Our server Jonnie did such a good job as she had all the tables in our room. Biscuits and apple butter were the best. Good mashed potatoes, pork chop was delicious too and smothered chicken…Everyone working there was cheerful friendly and worked together well.They certainly have it all figured out for excellent food and service and southern hospitality and getting folks in and out with a great dining experience.

The most delicious southern fare I have ever experienced!!! Every bite… from the fresh fried shrimp, to the Mac n cheese and all of the flavors in between, everything was incredible and I can’t wait to go back!

Foods always great. It may look like a little hole in the wall run down place but the food is great and so are the cook and employees. Never had a bad experience here. Reminded me of home back in the country.

I've not had a bad or even mediocre meal here. Art knows how to cook very well! I enjoy EVERYTHING here & it's especially nice to be able to take a box of leftovers with you to have at a later time. You are greeted with good service, with a smile. Bring your family, friends or come alone to make friends of others.

Best Southern food in...well the South!! Seriously, everything is fresh and cook to perfection! Oh and Art is the the best chef, host and next to his food the other reason to go!

This is one of those ‘diamond in a rough’ places. My husband was looking for a lunch buffet place on a Friday and this popped up as being very near the area we were in so we decided to try it and are so glad we did. The food is excellent. Today the menu was fried whiting, fried shrimp, cheese grits, fired green tomatoes, collard greens, a tomato cucumber salad and a homemade cinnamon cookie that what more like a blond or brownie in appearance. Everything was fresh, perfectly seasoned (in my opinion) hot and the fired foods were perfectly fried. As soon as the shrimp were done, they would send a plate of them out to our table. The waitress kept my husbands drink filled and was very pleasant and friendly. The only reason I did not give it all 5 stars is that the atmosphere could use a little improvement but that adds to its charm. Will definitely go back when we are in the area again!

OMG you better come here with an appetite because you are going to need one.. Who does an all you can eat homemade cooking.. We had cheese grits, fried fish, coleslaw, fried shrimp, ribs and sweet tea! Wonderful hospitality..

Everything was delicious! Fresh off The grill and out of the fryer! Everyone in the restaurant was talking with each other. Great family atmosphere! Great job Art!!

If you like southern comfort food this place is a 6 star. More food than you can eat. Fantastic food and a local neighborhood atmosphere. You must go once. Call in advance. Only open a few times a week.

Been going for years now. COVID shut them down but happily discovered they'd reopened! Atmosphere not everyone's cup of tea but Art (the owner) more than makes up for it! Reservations only. Limited and tight seating. This is down home cooking! Healthy was never a consideration. Come hungry.

This is one you want to check out for sure. Great restaurant and awesome food! We used to visit his other restaurant for probably 20 years. Art is the man! And a great very popular chef. Loved by all!! You will not be disappointed. Make sure to come hungry because the food is plentiful.