From nachos to Southern comfort food, Yesterdays has what you’re craving

Hearty, Southern, made-from-scratch comfort food is the star at Yesterdays, to fill and satisfy during the winter months.

Unmistakably American in its culinary focus, Yesterdays offers such menu items as cheddar fries with chopped “real” bacon or Carolina deviled eggs with Duke’s mayonnaise as starters, and London broil and chicken-fried steak for dinner.

Among interesting entrees on this extensive menu, which also includes all-vegetable offerings, are the Arkansas Traveler, which is in-house-roasted Angus beef served on fresh-baked cornbread and topped with black-eyed peas and brown gravy; and Roberto’s Meatloaf, served with either brown gravy or a Chipotle barbecue sauce. There are seafood, pork and chicken dishes, Italian-inspired items, and even a quintessentially Southern menu section: “Grits Entrees.”

Burgers are a half-pound of hand-pressed ground chuck. The “Redneck” Cuban, one of many sandwiches on the menu, has an ample amount of pulled pork. There are close to 20 sides to choose from – among them local collards, cheese grits, and hoppin’ John. There are also late-night menus.

Plus, there is plenty of filling fare to share: El Nacho Man is a choice of chicken and green chilies, beef and bean chili, or vegetarian black bean chili heaped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro and more.

When did Yesterdays get its start?

It opened in 1977 with its motto as a place to “laugh too loud, eat too much, and swap stories.” Yesterdays has become an iconic establishment in Five Points, with generations of families and hordes of college students having graced its doors.

What does Yesterdays look like?

The dated broken brick tile floor, stained glass, old advertisements, neon beer signs, and USC décor convey the casual ambiance of this almost-40-year-old restaurant. There is a wraparound centerpiece bar and plenty of booths and tables for small or large parties.

Who eats here?

If only the walls at Yesterdays could talk. In its long history, every imaginable demographic has undoubtedly been represented inside the Five Points’ space.

It is a family-and-friends hangout as much as it is a college hangout. Regulars have their favorites, and Wednesday lunch specials as well as creative drink specials draw particular crowds. It is also a place where groups gather to celebrate special events such as birthdays or athletic victories, as well as the holidays.