Upon entering the restaurant for Nana’s Chicken ‘N Waffles there is a genuinely, welcoming chorus and the immediate sense that this will be the “Southern Comfort Experience” that the sign says it will be. The atmosphere of wood with black and red casual decor and the New Orleans jazz playing to a lively tune adds to the easy, laid back setting of down-home cooking done right.

The owners, Kelly and Mark Ferrell, opened Nana’s Chicken ‘N Waffles a few months ago, on the day after Christmas. Mark is from New Orleans and was inspired by his father, who has owned and operated restaurants. Many of the fresh, homemade recipes come from Mark, but the chicken and banana bread are Nana’s recipes.

Nana is Kelly’s grandmother from Maryland and she insists on making the banana bread herself from scratch. The banana bread is a favorite that is always available on the weekend and sometimes on a weekday. It has a brown sugar glaze on the top and is oh, so good.

Nana’s chicken wings are delicious with their light, crispy coating. The chicken wings are brined in a special seasoning 24 hours before being fried to order. The meat is moist and falls off the bone! It is served as a side or in the signature dish. The chicken ‘n waffle comes with three large chicken wings on your choice of waffle. The malted traditional waffle is golden and fluffy with a buttery syrup. The red velvet waffle is not overpowering in sweetness and is awesome. Other waffle choices include corn bread, banana nut, and apple cinnamon.

While chicken ‘n waffles might be in the restaurant’s name, the menu is impressive with its variety. There are Cajun dishes (of course), eggs and biscuits, omelettes. Po-boys, catfish, appetizers, and more. Po-boys include choices like the tasty BBQ beef brisket, shrimp, and Cajun turkey. The shrimp and grits is the bomb! Side dishes like the Cajun signature grits are savory goodness! Another favorite is the appetizer of fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese sauce. Wash it all down with the sweet and smooth taste of Nana’s punch.

There is no doubt that Nana’s Chicken ‘N Waffles has put their best recipes on the menu. They also offer alternatives like chicken sausage with breakfast. And on Sunday they have a brunch menu. In addition, twice per month on a Sunday you can catch live music from local Atlanta area musicians.

Nana’s Chicken ‘N Waffles is open Monday through Friday from 7am-4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm. They are located at 1040 Flat Shoals Road, SE, in Conyers.

According to Kelly, the early weekday hour helps them accommodate the working crowd who can call ahead to pick up orders. And if you plan to dine with 6 or more in your party, she recommends to call ahead for reservations. They can be reached at (770) 285-6591.

Nana’s Chicken ‘N Waffles is very active on social media, where they regularly post video clips. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nanaschickenandwaffles and visit their website for more information at www.nanaschickenandwaffles.com.