"Carson’s Kitchen does fancy Southern-style comfort food in a restored hotel space downtown. When it isn’t 110 degrees outside, ask for a seat on the rooftop patio where you can drink one of their funky cocktails, like the Let’s Hug It Out made with mezcal, house sour mix, amaro, and lavender bitters. Get the crispy chicken skins with smoked honey to share with the table, their molasses-glazed meatloaf sandwich for your main, and the donut bread pudding for a gooey end to the meal. Carson’s is a great spot to grab a chill dinner before heading to a show at the Smith Center a few blocks away." - emmy kasten