By Lindsey Bever

neighborsgo reporter

Here’s an idea steeped in nostalgia: a family-style fried chicken hangout where the chicken comes on a platter and the veggies are passed around the table just like at home.

It’s Babe’s Chicken Dinner House.

“It breaks down the barriers to conversation,” co-owner Joel Vinyard said. “People tend to let their hair down and have a good time when they’re in that atmosphere.”

The dinner house got its start in an old Roanoke warehouse in 1993.

Paul and Mary Beth Vinyard started the family-style chicken pit, naming it after Mary Beth Vinyard’s nickname – Babe.

Sixteen years later, the family is opening its eighth location, which will be in Cedar Hills.

Visitors can choose from six meat dishes: fried chicken, smoked chicken, chicken tenders, chicken-fried steak, pot roast and fried catfish. The mashed potatoes and gravy, cut corn, green beans, salad and biscuits are all-you-can-eat.

Everything is made in-house daily.

Vinyard said three and four generations come in together, which makes Babe’s a unique dining experience.

“Any time you see a little old lady get up and do the ‘Hokey Pokey’ or do something like that -- which actually happens a lot -- you know they’re having a good time.”

Best restaurant: Babe’s in Carrollton

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where:1006 Main St. The Vinyards also own Bubba’s in ParkCities and Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes in Decatur.

Contact: 972-245-7773 or babeschicken.com