Cozy meals to warm you this winter

Jerk chicken and broccoli casserole at Eats

For an inexpensive, satisfying meal, go for the meat-and-veggie plate at Eats. It’s all good, but the broccoli casserole wins extra “comfort food” points; order it with jerk chicken and your choice of other veggies ranging from black-eyed peas to a baked sweet potato. 600 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.eatsonponce.net

Fried chicken or pot roast at the Colonnade

Forget food like your mother used to make; the Colonnade serves up the food your grandmother used to make. Almost everything on the menu at this “gay and gray” staple qualifies as comfort food, but the famous fried chicken tops the list. Pot roast is another homestyle favorite. 1879 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.colonnadeatl.com

Traditional posole soup at Agave

From cayenne fried chicken to veal and chorizo meatloaf, you’ll find plenty of Southwestern-style comfort at Agave. No matter what your entree choice, get your meal off to a warm start with the traditional posole soup, a New Mexico holiday soup featuring pulled pork and hominy, plus red and green chiles. 242 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.agaverestaurant.com

Fried chicken at Watershed on Peachtree

Watershed, owned by Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers, serves the best fried chicken in Atlanta, but only on Wednesday nights, and you have to get there early before they run out. It’s well worth it. If you have room, finish your meal with the Hot Milk Cake, complete with caramel icing and sea salt. 1820 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.watershedrestaurant.com

Black truffle mac at Parker’s on Ponce

This Decatur favorite is known for excellent steaks that rival those with much higher prices; if you’re in the mood for cozy food, pair your favorite with the black truffle macaroni and cheese. 116 East Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, www.parkersonponce.com

Vegetarian biscuits and gravy at Radial

Good food that you can feel good eating: what’s not to love at gay-owned, green-certified Radial Cafe? Biscuits smothered in delicious rosemary-fennel vegetarian gravy come paired with eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage (including vegetarian sausage, of course). 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.radial.us

Lasagna at Campagnolo

Pretty much all pasta qualifies as comfort food, and while all of the rustic Italian dishes at lesbian-owned Campagnolo are delicious, you can’t beat the free form, made to order lasagna. 980 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309. www.peasantatl.com

Kickin’ chili at Joe’s on Juniper

We might not recommend it for date night (“Beans, beans, the musical fruit”), but if you’re out with friends, warm up with a big bowl of kickin’ chili, made with Angus ground beef and served with cheese and green onions. 1049 Juniper St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.metrocafes.com/joes-juniper

Pancakes at Ria’s Bluebird

Lesbian Chef Ria Pell told the judges on “Chopped” that she wanted to be known for more than just pancakes. That’s fine by us, as long as she is still known for these scrumptious pancakes, too. Served all day with hot maple syrup; you can add toasted pecans, caramelized bananas or chocolate chips. 421 Memorial Dr., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.riasbluebird.com

Turkey meatloaf and pudge at Flying Biscuit

Of course, you can’t visit without having one of the eponymous biscuits, but if it is comfort food you crave, order the turkey meatloaf and “pudge” — the cuddly name for a family recipe of mashed potatoes with garlic and basil. You can worry about your own pudge next month with your New Year’s resolutions. Multiple locations: We prefer the Candler Park original (1655 McLendon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307) and Midtown (1001 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309),  www.flyingbiscuit.com

 

Top photo: Hearty meals that soothe and satisfy: Try the traditional posole soup at Agave, filled with pulled pork and hominy, and don’t miss the famous, Wednesday-night-only fried chicken at Watershed. (Publicity photos via Facebook)