If you want to feel like you are in a Southern woman’s kitchen, visit 3J’s Soul Food in Warner Robins.

At the recommendation of a co-worker, I was told I would like it. That was a bit of an understatement.

The restaurant was not busy at all when we arrived -- with four adults and four kids in tow. But since the fried chicken was made fresh, it took us a little while to get our food.

What we had was well worth the wait. One of my dining partners said the fried chicken was some of the best he’s ever had. A picky teenager said the collard greens were “amazing.”

The food is very much Southern-style cooking and all cooked fresh daily. Choices of meat included, of course, the fried chicken, and also pork chops, meatloaf and chicken ’n’ dumplings.

The chicken was moist, crispy and delicious. If I would’ve had room for more in my stomach, I would’ve had more. But there were sides to be had. For the sides that day there were green beans, which were about the best I’ve ever tasted, along with corn, collard greens, lima beans, macaroni and cheese, roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes.

If you want a sweet treat for dessert, get the sweet potatoes. There were none left on any of our plates. With a candied taste and marshmallows on top, the side was to die for. Instead of other sides, I could’ve been happy with just three helpings of just those sweet potatoes.

The macaroni and cheese also was scrumptious and definitely not out of a box.

My only complaint was that the sweet tea had a funny bitterness to it. I am not sure if it was the container or if the tea had been brewed too long, but I couldn’t finish mine.

Aside from that, the home-cooked meal offered at 3J’s is a great treat for those tired of regular chain restaurants.

To complete the homey atmosphere, the staff treats you as if you are part of the family. Hugs were included in saying goodbye and to visit again.

3J’s Soul Food

Address: 1281 S. Houston Lake Road, Warner Robins

Phone: (478) 218-9333

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays

Payment: Cash, credit, debit

Smoking: No

Alcohol: No

Kids Menu: No

Noise Level: Low

Health Rating: 97

Price range: $5.99 for a meat and two sides; children’s plates are $5.50

Rating: 3.5 stars