When comparing a steakhouse in the heart of Dallas’s premiere Uptown area, to a Southern comfort food eatery in south Oak Cliff, you might find yourself wondering what, if any, similarities there are. The unifying factor at Perry’s at 2000 McKinney Ave. Ste 100 Dallas, Texas 75201 and Sweet Georgia Browns at 2840 East Ledbetter Dr. Dallas Texas 75241, is the simplest and most important; good food. Although the atmosphere and presentation at Perry’s and Sweet Georgia Brown’s are very different, both eateries have great food!

I’ve heard a lot of chatter regarding Perry’s pork chop but until recently I wasn’t able to put it to the test. Last week I was fortunate enough to compare the two, and here is the verdict. While Sweet Georgia Browns is simple, some might even argue that it is too simple, the skillet that it is cooked in probably hasn’t been washed since the turn of the century. It is so good and flavorful that you may find yourself eating long after you know you should stop. On the other end of the spectrum, the over-the-top piece of meat at Perry’s has one of the most unique and delicious flavors I’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing. The marbling on the top is just fantastic, and given its three yards of thickness, is incredibly tender. A sweet and Smokey flavor from start to finish. It should go without saying, but they are both amazing.

The $18 dollar price tag at Perry’s, closer to $30 when you factor in any additional sides and beverages might be a little steep for some; however if you’re smart you will get the “lunch cut” for $12 on Fridays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. That will get you a piece of meat that weighs one metric ton and is marbled, juicy and has a surprising amount of flavor for such a thick portion of meat. Perry’s also offers the convenience of being in the Mecca of activity as far as the cosmopolitan Dallas area is concerned. You are a stone’s throw away from fun places like, Saint Anne’s, the Stoneleigh P, Sfuzzi and even the Trophy Room where you can ride a mechanical bull on their patio.

While one restaurant is “upscale” and the other is “down home,” both are an experience not to be missed. Perry’s has all the things the typical socialite is looking for; location, atmosphere, presentation, drink menu, well thought out menu and dedicated service. It’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion. Sweet Georgia Brown’s has nostalgia, a surprising sense of appreciation and delicious food and portions that will have you wondering how you mistakenly bought the wrong size of trousers. Even though you aren’t in the nicest part of town, you won’t find a friendlier atmosphere anywhere in town. The three or four times I have been there I was greeted by everyone, including a unique gospel music that is radiating through the speakers in the entire restaurant. This is what dinning is all about: a truly unique and rewarding experience.

In closing I will say this: is this comparison a bit bold? Sure. Regardless, you can’t go wrong with the amazing Pork Chop at Perry’s, and you also can’t go wrong with the pork chop sandwich at Sweet Georgia Browns. I hope you get a chance to experience both. After I indulged in both “worlds” of cuisine I can honestly say that to me, it’s a tie. While they both bring unique things to the table, one thing can be guaranteed, I will be back.