Southern Rail Celebrates Five Years
One of my favorite dishes in the Valley is Southern Rail’s fried chicken. It is crunchy and juicy, and served with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and collard greens. It is just one of many delicious Southern dishes at Chef Justin Beckett’s restaurant located in the Newton on 3rd Avenue and Camelback in Phoenix. Southern Rail celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2019.
Chef Beckett opened Beckett’s Table in Arcadia in 2010 followed by Southern Rail in 2014.
“Opening our second restaurant seemed like a natural evolution in Phoenix’s growing hospitality scene,” said Chef Beckett. “I have always been drawn to Southern food and Arizona did not have a lot of it, so it seemed like a perfect time to open Southern Rail. Southern Rail’s menu is a balanced blend of reinvented Southern classics and American favorites--American classics with a Southern twist.”
Southern Rail’s menu has changed over time, but Southern staples remain. “I love to create and bring new flavors to menus,” said Chef Beckett. “Our fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese are a huge hit, as well as our selection of bourbon and Arizona wine.”
Southern Rail is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner nightly. The restaurant offers social hour daily with special pricing on select beverages and discounts on select menu items from 3-6pm with beverage discounts starting at 11am on weekdays. Weekend brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm featuring bread pudding French toast, fried green tomato benedict and brunch cocktails.
Another draw are Southern Rail’s events, from Jazz and Jambalaya in the spring and fall, to the summer CoLab dining series, bringing diners and local suppliers together with a customized menu created by Chef Beckett.
“This summer we will be hosting our second annual Arizona CoLab, a collaborative dinner series aiming to bring guests together for a meal around our community table,” said Chef Beckett. “For each dinner, I will collaborate with a local artisan to create a special three-course meal. The Arizona CoLab dinners will take place on June 12 with AZ Bitters Lab, July 24 with Pillsbury Wine Company, and August 28 with Four Tails Vineyards.”
There is a festive vibe at Southern Rail and its patio is perfect for parties. “We are constantly developing new events and programs at Southern Rail. Some of our favorites are the Kentucky Derby party, Mardi Gras, holiday brunches, bourbon dinners and patio parties.”
With its Southern hospitality, fresh flavors and events, Southern Rail is set to enjoy many more years on the Phoenix dining scene.