If your mother could cook, and happened to be Southern, you’d feel right at home at Tha’ Southern Skillet. Serving up true Southern home cooking, this restaurant brings a whole new flavor to Kalispell.

Owner Michael Payne said he’s already getting a big following, despite only being open for the last 15 weeks.

“I’m no master chef, but I can make a mean catfish filet,” he said.

Located in the former Gresko’s building on Idaho Street, Tha’ Southern Skillet is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant offers daily specials, catering and regular favorites.

The owner

Payne, who hails from Atlanta, said he decided on Southern cooking because it was something different for the area.

“Everybody goes out and says, ‘What are we going to eat tonight?’” he said. “This was something different for the area; you don’t see any other real Southern place around here. So we decided for different, but good.”

The vibe and food

A lot of restaurants think “Southern” food means greasy, deep-fried everything with hot sauce on the side. Not so at Tha’ Southern Skillet. Although there are the usual deep-fried specialties, like okra and pickles (yes, deep-fried pickles; sounds strange, but they’re really good), nothing is greasy at all, there’s no hot sauce on the side and everything is made fresh to order.

The food is far from fancy, but it’s filling and big on flavor. Whether you try the red beans, rice and cornbread special; the sweet potato pie; barbecue burgers; or fried catfish, you’re sure to find something to satisfy even picky eaters and big appetites.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try the crawfish special and wash it all down with some sweet tea. This is true Southern home cooking at its best.

The restaurant itself continues that simple, homey feel. Paintings for sale by local artists mix with posters of blues and jazz greats on the walls, and blues music fills the place. It’s a great location to watch the cars go by on a rainy day, meet with friends or grab a bite after work. The place even offers free Wi-Fi for any workaholics who want to grab a quick lunch.

The price

Breaded catfish dinner with two sides  — $8.99

Peach cobbler — $3.99

Sweet potato pie — $2.99

Be sure to visit Tha’ Southern Skillet online at www.thasouthernskillet.com, on Facebook or call them at (406) 640-4328 for daily specials. No reservations required.

Tha’ Southern Skillet is located at 647 E. Idaho St. in Kalispell.