We went to Mr. Perkins' in the late afternoon on a Tuesday. We were warmly greeted, and the waitress (Cherry!) was only too happy to talk through the different menu items with us. We settled on two entrees: fried pork chops and meatloaf. Between us, we also ordered a variety of side dishes: mac 'n' cheese, boiled okra, pinto beans, and corn cakes.
My friend decided not to go with the "smothered" pork chops, although the people at the next table had them; they were covered in a wonderfully thick-looking gravy. No worries; the chops were fried perfectly, good-tasting tender. The meatloaf was one thick slice, topped with a delicious gravy. The mac 'n' cheese was thick and pasty, not the gooier variety, and made for a perfect side dish. We also loved the divided plates, but couldn't help ourselves from wanting to combine a bit of the beans, mac 'n' cheese, and meatloaf into one tasty forkful. All washed down with sweet tea, and it was a great meal overall, as other reviewers have attested!
"We love partitioned plates. This one holds a heap of fried perch on the right, fried green tomatoes in front, turnip bottoms at the left rear, and a piece of corn bread on the back. Behind the corn bread is a cup of pear preserves."
Michael Stern
"Mr. Perkins' dining room. That's us, in the mirror, on the far right, Michael holding the camera."
Michael Stern
"Mr. Perkins' has been a neighborhood gathering place since 1969."
Michael Stern
"Milwaukee's sign of comfort food, soul-food style."
Michael Stern
