Jackson's Cafeteria 1453 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054

"The employees working behind the counter were extremely rude. They would walk away from you while you were in the middle of speaking and then rudely say "what?" when they walked back over. They would be extremely harsh for asking a question about the food, as if they were inconvenienced, even though there were no labels on any of the food counters. After waiting about 45 minutes to get through the line, we finally sat down at a table to begin eating. My girlfriend ordered the chicken and dumplings, and on her second or third bite she almost choked on a chicken bone. We ended up finding another bone in her meal again, and then she just decided to stop eating. I ordered the fried chicken and gravy, and about halfway through my chicken I bit on a large piece of cartilage. The macaroni and cheese was extremely dry, and the desert tasted very low-quality. If you are looking for good southern cooking, go to Cracker Barrel instead."

"The food was very disappointing. I ordered the chicken, and dumplings tasted horrible. No seasoning chicken was old and tough, dumplings thick with no favor. Turnip greens were average. The only item I was very pleased with was the peach cobbler it was delicious. They had great customer service, and the place was clean. If I ever go back there, it will be for the cobbler."

"We were greeted by the woman who was doing salads, and she was great. The meat & side woman were not. The bread woman was nice. Prices were a tad high due to it being a cafeteria type place, most items alacarte. They did have 2 meal specials for a set price. The server we asked for more water made sure she told us she wasn't our server"he's over there sitting where he doesn't do anything"."

"The food is typically always good; however, the dumplings have been super salty with barely any chicken on certain days. The giblet gravy was also very salty this go round. I’m very understanding of staffing issues etc, but when seasoning food I feel that it’s important to be mindful of how much salt and pepper that’s being used. The waitress was very nice and understanding. Please talk with your cooks about over seasoning food. If a customer has to bring food back for a replacement it’s not only wasting but it’s also a hassle an inconvenience for the customer and the restaurant as a whole."

"Recently "re" discovered this wonderful place, after almost a decade of not eating here. I came regularly with my Grandparents as a child, I could almost see them there! The food is full of southern soul & I swear you can taste the "love" that goes into this kind of cooking!!! The staff is always kind, courteous, & if I didn't already mention southern soul, the hospitality matches the food exactly. All are welcome as long as all come hungry! If you crave "real" food & a friendly environment, this is the place!!! My wife & I have become regulars, so we'll see y'all there! (Ask about the specials first)"