Magnolia 23

I went here for the Southern food, and they gave me a full serving of Southern hospitality on the side.I went on Sunday around lunch time, which means it was pretty busy, but the turnover was quick and I didn't have to wait as long as I thought I might. The menu was straightforward, but everything on it was really solid. I went with the fried chicken. They have a very wide variety of sides, all southern. I enjoyed every dish. The service was prompt and friendly. I was alone because I came by motorcycle, yet they still gave me a table, even though they could have saved it for a larger group. The menu is seasonal, so the next time I'm in Asheboro, I want to try them again

The food was absolutely amazing and would definitely recommend it to anyone! The ambience and service was incredible and as expected. The owner talked with us while we were eating and was a very kind and sweat hearted gentleman who truly cares about his customers. 10/10 would recommend!!

Today we found ourselves in the Asheboro area and my wife did a quick search of our Yelp bookmarks and remembered she had bookmarked Magnolia 23 at one time. She quickly looked at their hours and saw they open at 11am on Sunday's (closed Saturday's, and Monday-Wednesday). She remembered all the love Magnolia 23 receives so she called even though it was before 11am to see if reservations were required. Lucky for us someone answered and he confirmed they do not take reservations and tables are seated first come, first serve.Our directions told us we would arrive within 5 minutes of opening, so we made our way there. We easily found 2-hour street parking available and later learned there is a parking lot immediately out the back door (which is actually the preferred entrance). Once we parked we headed to the entrance on South Fayetteville St. The building itself is very cozy and charming from the outside and my wife quickly showed me the outdoor area which is equally as charming and feels very southern. We walked in through the door and were immediately greeted by the owner, Don. He was welcoming and gracious even though we later saw a sign on the front door requesting that guests use the back door for entering and exiting. We suspect this allows for people seated at the front of the restaurant not to be crowded or interrupted by guests arriving and exiting. At the rear entrance there are restrooms and a small hallway which is out of the way of the customers seated.Don pointed us to the back of the restaurant and asked us to check in with another gentleman. The restaurant is long and narrow and we could easily make our way to the gentleman. As we walked to the back we could see most of the tables were occupied and they had just opened. We told him we had a party of two and he took us to a small table. We immediately fell in love with the place, it was comfortable, cozy and you could tell that for most people they were very familiar with Don, Doris and their team. We saw chalkboard menus at three locations throughout the restaurant and when our server arrived to take our drink orders we inquired and she told us their full menu was on the chalkboards. Today they offered five entrees, fried chicken with either white or dark meat, baked tenderloin with dressing and gravy, chuck roast, stew beef and Kansas City ribs. All meals are served with your choice of two sides (collards, cabbage, green beans, black eye peas, crowder peas, mashed potatoes, potato salad, mac and cheese, basked apples, rice, slaw, pintos, limas, yams and fatback) and either a roll or corn bread. We intended to take a picture of one of the boards but when we stood up to leave there was a large line of people and we couldn't easily stop and take a picture. We later found a picture of the menu on their Facebook page so we are including that as well. Our server stopped back in with our drink orders and asked us if we were ready to order. My wife decided on the fried chicken with white meat, and chose green beans and yams for her sides with a corn muffin. I decided on the stew beef with green beans, mac n cheese and a roll.We commented to each other that their concept of offering a smaller menu with a handful of entree choices and 10-15 sides along with a handful of desserts is brilliant. Don stopped in at our table and we enjoyed chatting with him. He told us that Magnolia 23 has been in business since 2009. My wife commented she had seen the article in Our State magazine and he was quick to point us to a picture on the wall which showed them featured in Southern Living and other magazines as well. It is clear he is proud of what he and his wife has done and it shows. The interior of the restaurant including the bathrooms is neat and clean and we noticed a sanitation rating of 95.5. Our meals arrived in a timely manner and looked incredible. They were piping hot and we dug in.We enjoyed each and every bite, it was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The town of Asheboro looks to be a special place and Magnolia 23 is a staple within the community. We also decided to order a fried apple pie served warm and our server offered us ice cream with it to which we quickly replied, "yes". It also arrived in a timely manner and tasted delicious. Like we said, when we left there was a large line of people waiting to be seated and we believe we overheard an estimated 30 minute wait. We lucked out today and timed it just right. We will absolutely be back and wish Don and Doris and their team continued success.

Another one of my Asheboro go tos! Check the hours before you visit because they do close between lunch and dinner and are only open a few days a week. Very southern charmish. They are always packed but the service is good and they get your food out to you in a reasonable amount of time.I've only dined in once, all my orders have been to go. Today, I had my 5 year old grandson with me. We entered through the front door to order take out but if you want to dine in you need to enter through the back door to be seated. We ordered fried chicken(dark) Mac and cheese, green beans and roll for my grandson and I had the chuck roast, collards, crowder peas, and cornbread. I also took some desserts with me, sweet potato pie, banana pudding, and strawberry nut cake. While we waited for our food, my grandson and I explored the outside area. There is definitely much more space out than in. Needs a little yard maintenance but would be great for a summer or early fall Sunday dinner with the family. Once again, I'm driving food from Asheboro to High Point. When we got home, I made my grandson a plate from the fried chicken plate and it was more than enough for him and for me to get a sample. Good food. Imagine grandma's Sunday dinner after church and this is what you will get from Magnolia.Chicken tastes like it was fried in fresh oil in a cast iron skillet. Green beans are seasoned, and Mac and cheese is baked. Chuck roast was tender and reference that of short ribs, could use a little seasoning but the beefy flavor made it tasteful. Fresh collard, not over cooked or oily. Crowder peas tender. Corn bread was a great combination with this plate. The sweet potato pie will remind you of Thanksgiving. Banana pudding was okay. Strawberry nut cake was good. Overall, if you're looking for a place to have some good southern food, this is it.

We stopped in on a rainy Sunday for some good home cooking and Magnolia 23 certainly delivered on that! While their hood was broken so we didn't get to eat any of their famous fried chicken, what we did get was top notch and felt like it was coming out of your grandmothers kitchen. We got the Kansas City ribs which were fall off the bone perfection and the sauce overtop was amazing. We also got the chicken and dumplings and these were as good as any other chicken and dumplings we have ever had. Tasty, cooked perfectly. Can't complain about a thing! Our sides were also amazing, especially the collard greens and sweet potatoes. Our waitress was over the top friendly which we always enjoy when dining out. She catered to our every need and we are super grateful for her energy. I think the best thing about our visit was that the owner, Don, was visiting every table for a chat. Whether it was asking if it was their first time dining with them or catching up with regular patrons, it was so nice to see an owner taking pride in his business, as he should! These guys won best of Asheboro durinf Eat Drink Restaurant week and we will certainly be back when we are in the area!

Good food with a down home charm. The service was prompt and courteous. This is a high volume restaurant so get there early.

This was the best dinner of our trip and I already plan to visit them again when I am back in Seagrove in March! Downtown Asheboro- we parked on the street and crossed over to Magnolia 23- we got there just after they opened and they were already busy! Our B&B host recommended them for good southern comfort food and they delivered!!! We also overheard other guests brag that the fried chicken was the best they had ever tasted! Sold!!! I gleefully ordered the fried chicken plate with green beans and yams. John got the steak and gravy plate and we ended up also taking chicken and dumplings with us to go! I regret not having enough room for dessert! The iced tea was delicious, the food just deliciously done! The prices- wow, I was thrilled to get a scrumptious meal for a great price! Service was stellar and I loved that the owner comes by and checks on the tables! They thought we had been there before and I teased the owner that it must be me they are mistaking- but who else out there has teal hair!!! Apparently my doppleganger is in that area- the owner insisted there is a woman who looks just like me- short hair, bright colors! Too funny. He had me put a pin in his map to show we were from Jacksonville, FL. Just good food, good people and a wonderful small business! Loved every minute and every bite!

Excellent fried chicken and collards. Tasty persimmon pudding for dessert. Friendly service and comfortable ambiance. Owner came out to our table and welcomed us as first time customers. Will return. Highly recommend. High star rating is well deserved.

Delicious home cooking... this place is a true gem. While it's a small location and parking isn't super convenient it is absolutely worth it. The owner greeted us and was so kind to get us settled in. Everything at the table came out quickly, HOT, and seasoned to perfection.

The food is great and so is the staff very friendly and fast service. Will definitely be going back.