By Nolan Perla-Ward

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Nested close to the East Palo Alto side of the University bridge, Big Ant’s can be hard to find. Unassuming from the outside, you’ll easily glance at it once and never think about it again. But if you’re looking for an authentic Southern food joint to chow down, Big Ant’s is the place.

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Located on University Avenue, it isn’t very hard to get to. It’s only about a block or two into East Palo Alto, after crossing the bridge. The outside doesn’t look like much, a simple sign reading “Fish & Chicken, Big Ant’s” merely alerts any potential restaurant goers.​​​​
 

If you look in from the front, you’ll find that the it’s probably empty, but go around to the ba​ck entrance and you’ll usually find people in line waiting to order. ​
 

Upon entering you’re guaranteed to hear some soft R&B tunes. Occasionally, you may even catch a worker or two singing along.  Big Ant’s doesn’t try to create a unique or compelling atmosphere, but the staff will make it their job to make sure you feel welcome and comfortable. They give nothing but hospitality, and try and make sure that you enjoy your experience.​
 

The food is moderately priced, with the exception of some deals on select days. Some of the more popular dishes are Chicken and Waffles ($7), Chicken and Catfish ($12) and a Cheeseburger($5) sum up their prices pretty well. The dishes that contain seafood tend to be more expensive.​
 

As for the food itself, it’s delicious. The Chicken and Waffles ($7), except on Tuesdays where it’s ($5). The combo comes with a waffle, and 6 pieces of either chicken strips or wings. Strips provide more food, but less flavor. You’ll get a plethora of maple syrup, ranch and hot sauce as well. The chicken is crunchy and savory, perfect when coupled with the deliciousness that is the waffle. Pair the two together, and you’ll have a combo that will make any food lover rejoice.​
 

If you’re concerned with the appearance of your food however, you may be disappointed. Big Ant’s skips the formalities in making food prepare attractive, so don’t be expecting your food to look spectacular. However, the deliciousness of Big Ant’s will override any suspicions you may have had.​
 

Their combos, the Chicken and Catfish ($12) is delicious as well. When you couple this combo with a side of french fries ($1), the combination becomes a powerhouse of fried deliciousness. The chicken is just as great as it is in the Chicken and Waffles: crunchy and savory.​​​​
 

The catfish is prepared well, not too fishy, but not lacking flavor either, the crunchiness texture combined with the chicken makes this combo fun to eat.​​​​
 

Lastly, the Big Ant’s cheeseburger ($5) is a good choice if you’re not in the mood for southern food. I’ve found that pairing it with a side of Mac and Cheese ($2) makes the meal more interesting, as the cheeseburger alone is pretty bland.​​​
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However, if you’re making the trip to Big Ant’s, I recommend sticking to the authentic Southern food, it’s their specialty.​​​​
 

Big Ant’s doesn’t try to be anything special, however that is exactly what makes it a simply delicious Southern food joint. It isn’t concerned about it’s appearance, but it is concerned with serving plentiful amounts of delicious food, so head on over to get your southern grub on and prepare to get messy.​​​​​