From acclaimed pitmaster Greg Gatlin, this diner in Independence Heights satisfies our comfort food cravings with easygoing aplomb. The star is the F&F Fried Chicken, a true best-in-show contender: it’s a generously seasoned half-chicken, perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside, served with your choice of seven Southern sides (we think the slow-braised collard greens with bits of smoked turkey make a brilliant choice). Likewise, the combo of fried catfish and fried shrimp is a plentiful platter of goodness. Both catfish and shrimp are Cajun-spiced and cornmeal-crusted (we recommend the soulful red beans and rice with that one). Starters like gumbo, shrimp-and-crab campechana, and New Orleans–style barbecue shrimp are mighty appealing, but do not miss the char-grilled oysters with herb butter (slurp up every drop from the shells). And the heavenly buttermilk biscuits are flaky, golden, and served with seasonal jam. We’re eager to return for the likes of slow-roasted-duck mole and smoked-chicken enchiladas.