Troy Schnack

Y’all, I don’t know what kind of magic Brad and Borsha Hunter are working over there at Pop’s Smorgasbord in Centre, Alabama, but they’ve clearly made some sort of deal with the comfort food gods. Let me tell you about their fried catfish – it’s so perfectly crispy and flaky that I’m pretty sure it could bring about world peace if we just served it at the UN. One bite and I was transported to my grandmother’s kitchen, except my grandmother never cooked this well (sorry, Meemaw). The batter had that perfect golden crunch that gives way to the most tender, flaky fish that practically melts in your mouth. I may have made some embarrassing “mmm” noises that had other diners turning around, but I regret nothing. And don’t even get me started on the sweet potato casserole – actually, do get me started because I could write poetry about this dish. It struck that impossible balance between being a vegetable (technically) and dessert (spiritually). The sweet potatoes were creamy perfection with just the right amount of cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with what I can only describe as a cloud that dreams are made of. You’re here to eat, they’re here to feed you, and everyone understands the assignment. The staff treats you like family, which in the South means they’ll keep bringing you sweet tea and judging you lovingly. Fair warning: wear stretchy pants and bring your appetite. Also, maybe don’t make any important decisions for about an hour after eating because the food coma is real and it is glorious. Will I be back? Faster than you can say “sweet potato casserole.” Five stars and two loosened belt notches!

Shilah Goyette

Chef Brad and his family run an excellent restaurant! The portions are large and the food is exquisite. There is nothing on the menu that wasn't wonderful!

Jillybilly

Pops was a delicious and memorable stop for lunch on our trip into center. The service was outstanding as well as the food. When we first pulled up to the location it looked closed or under construction, but I think they just moved into this location from an older location 🤔. There weren't any signs up yet showing we were at the right place, but there were papers on the doors with the name and hours. Meatloaf, fried green tomatos, chicken tenders, cheesy hash brown casserole, pork cutlets, and gravy with sauces were exceptional. Things we didn't care for were the mac n cheese, corn bread, and pinto beans. They also have a salad bar and a menu that you can order from that is a separate price from the buffet. This is my favorite Southern homestyle restaurant in center. We will be back.

+2

Coty Hall

While on vacation on our first night on Lake Weiss we decided to try a local spot for dinner. It came recommended at our Airbnb so we gave it a shot. We were a little confused at first to find it at the center of an RV Campground but kept an open mind. Glad we did. Food was great, awesome service, and the place was well kept inside. Fed four and tipped for $55. We will be back for another meal before heading home.

+2

Candy White

We had the fried green tomato appetizer, which was amazing. The breading was very tasty and light. The sweet tea was on point. We also had the catfish platter with coleslaw and french fries. It was fried perfectly, the batter was light and not greasy at all. The hush puppies were delicious, loved the corn and jalapeño inside. Everything with melt in your mouth. Can’t say enough about the excellent service as well. Will definitely be back and take friends along next time. A wonderful surprise off the beaten path.

Steve Simmons

Brad and his team work hard at giving you an enjoyable meal. At lunch, we had chicken & dressing, sweet potatoe casserole, and hash brown casserole. Desserts are homemade and excellent!

Jeff Farley

Suce a literal hidden gem. It's quite hidden. But worth the search. The staff has been beyond amazing. The decor is quaint, and the seats are nice. The booths are wonderful. And the food. The food is phenomenal. It's priced really well for the quality and quantity of food you get. We will definitely be back.

+1

Sarah F

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor of food we tried here, given the expansive nature of their menu. We traveled from out of state for a funeral, and the team at Pop’s made space for a large group with no notice the team were helpful and very kind; wish we lived closer so we could come back for more bbq chicken soon!

Deborah Craytor

This was our first meal at Pop's Smorgasbord. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, quickly taking our drink orders and a basket of delicious yeast rolls. As for the food, my husband enjoyed his blackened catfish and shrimp. I ordered the smoked meatloaf with caramelized Brussels sprouts and, for a $3 upcharge, a single visit to the small but well-stocked salad bar. The meatloaf was good, but the Brussels sprouts were unrecognizable mush. I initially gave the atmosphere 4 stars; the restaurant was clean, and the layout was similar to a Sonny's BBQ. However, I ended up deducting a star because, during our 6:00 p.m. dinner, the background music was almost completely drowned out by people singing karaoke in a back room.

Sherry Kerjake

Very disappointed in the lunch buffet, the chicken wasn't even warm, nor were the rosemary potatoes. We told the waitress and she brought us more but they weren't warm either. Lasagna looks good but not much flavor. Very disappointed !

Jerry Wade

Saturday afternoon 3:30pm. 4 customers inside, we ordered fried pickle spears when they finally arrived hardly any batter was on them. 25 minutes later our food arrived. Smoked meat loaf was not good, my wife had the smoked brisket plate, it was good with the exception of way too much sauce. I would not recomend this place

We've been here to eat on a few occasions and the service wasn't pleasant you could hear the chef back there screaming and using profanity towards his other employees and it's a roll of the dice if they have all the food or not. And what's most disturbing was most recently my wife and I witnessed a employee holding a glue trap running out the back door. Someone needs to call the health department before someone gets sick

Matt Wilkerson

Out of filet mignon, out of okra, gnats still flying around inside, so smoky i will need to wash my jacket and hat, brown gravy had clumps of what looked like corn starch and tasted like water, hash brown casserole could use some help from cracker barrel, Ribeye was completely charred on the outside as was my hamburger steak, no real butter for potatoes. This was our second attempt as we came during summer and the flies and gnats on the salad bar were disgusting. First time we had a party of 7 and this time was a party of 3, nobody enjoyed the food either trip. Staff was friendly and service was good but food is very subpar.