‘Watts for Dinner’: Country comfort food with all the fixins’ from Cracklin’ Jacks

Our next dining destination is legendary – Cracklin’ Jack’s in Golden Gate. It may be the only place in Naples where the term “vittles” comes up on a regular basis.

Things got off to an appetizing start with the “Catfish Nuggets” ($9). Jack’s uses “farm-raised fresh catfish, battered in Weisenberger Mills cornmeal” and served with tartar sauce “made from scratch.”

The breading is amazing! And you get lots of catfish in this basket. It’s perfect for sharing.

For my main entree, I selected the “Country Fried Steak” ($14). It’s chopped steak, lightly breaded, deep-fried and smothered in white gravy. You get two steaks. 

I especially loved the gravy. And the steak was amazing. You get two sides, or vittles. I picked the mashed potatoes, a must with chopped steak, and the collard greens (a personal favorite). It also comes with a cornbread muffin, which pairs perfectly with the greens.

It’s been a long time since I ate like this; I highly recommend this dish. 

My dining companion. Selected the “pick two” from the pit ($20 or pick three for $25). Choose from beef brisket, pulled pork, spareribs, baby back ribs and barbecue chicken. He selected the half chicken and the pulled pork. For his sides, mashed potatoes and slaw.

Both meats were cooked to perfection. There’s self-serve sauce at the table. The pork wins hands down over the chicken, if one must rank. And one must! 

The only not-so-positive was the slaw. We’re more sweet slaw lovers and this was definitely not sweet.

Extra sides are $5 each. We also sampled the white beans with big chunks of pork. It’s been a while since I’ve had this dish. Not my favorite, but definitely worth a try.

The atmosphere matches the menu. Think Everglades chic. The service was top notch. And there’s a cast of characters to keep you entertained. Happy eating! 

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AndHey Marco Island, looking for a place to eat?

Prices indicate time of visit and may vary. This newspaper pays for all meals related to dining reviews. We do not solicit or accept free food.

If you go

Cracklin' Jack’s

• 2560 39th St SW, Naples, FL 34117
• 239-774-6000
• cracklinjacks.com