Krispy Kreme

I know history will not bear this out, but I really like to believe that the doughnut was invented before the wheel.
There's something magical about the contemplative time spent with a pair of hot, yeasty doughnuts and a piping hot cup o' Joe. On particularly stressful days, I allow the mesmerizing pace of the conveyor belt visible in the "doughnut theater" at the Skidaway Road store to lull me into a gourmand-worthy stupor. New Minis offer the same great doughnuts -- but in a smaller size just right for fans who feel too guilty for the regular size.

2749 Skidaway Road

354-5035

Angel's BBQ

Andy and Aileen Trice smoke from scratch every day to serve delicious barbecue from their alley-side joint downtown. I'm partial to the pulled pork -- stacked high on a fresh bun and ready for dressing with any one of Andy's homemade hot sauces. Pair this with a side of baked beans, pictured here, or his West African collard greens, toss in a cold Coke (they even have the old-school cane sugar variety), a comforting chocolate Moon Pie and you've got a meal fit for a king -- or a redneck with a palate.

21 W Oglethorpe Lane

495-0902

The Distillery

I've got plenty to say about the fish and chips, the pretzel bites or the open-faced roast beef sandwich.
But for a hearty order of comfort food, I stopped in last week for a bowl of chili and a grilled cheese on white bread.
The chili offers plenty of ground beef marinated in stout. Spice is just right -- not too hot -- and the fresh cheese and chopped green onion add additionally pleasing textures and flavors. While the grilled cheese is nothing extraordinary, on a damp, cold day, when it's paired with this chili, I guarantee you'll have flashbacks of your mama's kitchen or, forbid, your favorite school lunchroom lady. I had a Coke, but highly recommend Mama's Little Yella Pils from Oskar Blues.

416 West Liberty St.

236-1772