Ms Olean is ALWAYS behind the counter. That has to be the secret to the great food at Olean’s. She is absolutely in charge of the place. There are competitors but there is no better soul food in Tallahassee.
The store front is an old fast food restaurant on South Addams just across from FAMU. You will be greeted by gospel or soul music and a friendly hello. Just step up to the counter and look over the offerings.
I always have the same problem when I get there- Everything looks good but I want the chicken. The choices always include Chicken, Collards, Mac and Cheese, and cornbread. Around that core other country staples rotate in and out: Fried fish, meatloaf, smothered pork chops, yellow rice, limas, green beans, Sweet potatoes and okra. If they have the Yellow rice ask for them to top it with pork gravy.
My only criticism is the tea is teeth rotting sweet… I like sweet tea and its too much for me. I’ve never tried it but the signs say they serve a 1.99 breakfast.
Olean’s serves absolutely the best fired chicken in Tallahassee. Nothing compares. The batter has just the right spice. Just inside that crisp, never greasy batter the chicken is moist and tender. If you have to try another meat just ask Ms Olean to add on a wing. That way you can have it all….
Focus on Lunch
Casual Dress
$10 Max
Don’t overlook the desserts- they are great but I seldom have room!
Right across from FAMU 1605 South Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL -(850) 521-0259
Eating Tallahassee 
Babe, if you don’t take me here SOON!!! Well!!!… I’ll!!!… ok, I don’t know what bad thing will happen to you yet but for goodness sake, take me here!
And good things will happen to you!!! (geez, kinda racey;)
This place is as good as Barry said it is. I have busted many a gut here. If you waiver from the chicken, go with the smothered chops with a side of yellow rice covered in the pork gravy. As for the tea, ask for a “faith drink” – half sweet tea, half lemonade. Cuts the sweetness and will set you free!
Your blog has inspired me to take a trip home to Tally. Well done!
From one fried chicken lover to another, the absolute best fried chicken I’ve ever had is at Swanson’s House in Perry, GA (no, not Florida, this one’s in Georgia). Fried Green Tomatoes and homemade honeymustard are amazing also. All the sides are great too. It’s a little more upscale, white table cloths, etc. Price is fair. Well worth the drive, and the ambiance (in an old house) is wonderful.
Not in Tallahassee, but it’s worth doing on your next trip up 75.
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