Winner: The Cupboard

Most people think of meat-and-three when they think of The Cupboard, but soul food? Absolutely, says Jereme Cavallo, son of owner Charles Cavallo. “We define Soul Food as Memphis-style Southern cookin’ — great meats, great veggies.” Cavallo says his must-snitch from the kitchen is fried green tomatoes. The Cavallos have owned the venerable restaurant since 1992 (it originally opened in 1943), and boast plenty of long-time employees, , including cook Lily Mae Phillips, known as Mae Mae, who’s been a fixture in the kitchen for over 35 years.

New this year on the menu is breakfast, served daily from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

1400 Union, 276-8015. Open daily 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Finalists: Alcenia’s, Soul Fish